bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) across its North American range: evidence for a contact zone in southcentral Alaska
Authors: Taylor Eric B. , May-McNally Shannan L.
Published: March 2015

Contact zones between divergent lineages of aquatic taxa have been described from the northeastern Pacific Ocean. We surveyed samples of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) from their North American range for variation at 14 microsatellite DNA loci. After accounting for hybridization between Dolly Varden and co-occurring bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), we found evidence for two genetic lineages of Dolly Varden consistent with the previously recognized subspecies, northern Dolly Varden (S. m. malma) and southern Dolly Varden (S. m. lordii). We documented a contact zone between the two subspecies from the eastern Alaska Peninsula to Cook Inlet, Alaska, where admixture values (i.e., the proportion of the genome estimated to be composed of northern Dolly Varden, QNDV) ranged between QNDV= 0.245 and 0.754 across about 700 ocean kilometres. Populations of Dolly Varden showing low admixture (i.e., less than 5%) were located a minimum of 346 km to the west to 1200 km to the southeast, respectively, from the contact zone. The two lineages of Dolly Varden probably stem from isolation and subsequent divergence in, and dispersal from, distinct northern and southern Pleistocene glacial refugia and substantiate the treatment of S. malma as two subspecies and as at least two designatable units under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
A simple system for classifying sugar maple vigour and quality
Authors: Cecil-Cockwell Malcolm J.L. , Caspersen John P.
Published: March 2015

In northern hardwood forests, treemarkers are responsible for selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations. They often select trees based on the presence and severity of defects, information that is used to assign trees to two or more vigour classes (reflecting the risk of dying or declining in growth) and two or more quality classes (reflecting the potential for recovering valuable sawlogs). Using these classes can simplify the tree selection process, but some classification systems may include superfluous classes beyond what is required to explain the variation in tree value. In this paper, we present a parsimonious classification system for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) trees using formal classification analyses of empirical product recovery data. We also calculated the net value of trees in each class and assessed which defects affect tree value. Our results show that relatively few defects affect tree value, indicating that treemarkers should use a simpler classification system to describe the vigour and quality of trees. Specifically, we found that the best system contains just three classes: high vigour-high quality, low vigour-high quality, and low vigour-low quality. The use of this simple, easily implemented system would improve the ability of treemarkers to recognize the value of sugar maple trees when selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations.
High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Diverse Sets of Conserved, Nonconserved, and Species-Specific miRNAs in Jute
Authors: Islam Md. Tariqul , Ferdous Ahlan Sabah , Najnin Rifat Ara , Sarker Suprovath Kumar , Khan Haseena
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating a broad range of biological processes, acting by cleaving mRNAs or by translational repression. A group of plant microRNAs are evolutionarily conserved; however, others are expressed in a species-specific manner. Jute is an agroeconomically important fibre crop; nonetheless, no practical information is available for microRNAs in jute to date. In this study, Illumina sequencing revealed a total of 227 known microRNAs and 17 potential novel microRNA candidates in jute, of which 164 belong to 23 conserved families and the remaining 63 belong to 58 nonconserved families. Among a total of 81 identified microRNA families, 116 potential target genes were predicted for 39 families and 11 targets were predicted for 4 among the 17 identified novel microRNAs. For understanding better the functions of microRNAs, target genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology and their pathways illustrated by KEGG pathway analyses. The presence of microRNAs identified in jute was validated by stem-loop RT-PCR followed by end point PCR and qPCR for randomly selected 20 known and novel microRNAs. This study exhaustively identifies microRNAs and their target genes in jute which will ultimately pave the way for understanding their role in this crop and other crops.
Photodegradation of Polyphenols and Aromatic Amines in Olive Mill Effluents with Ni Doped C/TiO2
Authors: Sponza Delia Teresa , Oztekin Rukiye
Published: March 2015

Magnetic nickel coated carbon based titanium dioxide [C/TiO2/Ni] nanocomposites were used for photodegradation of polyphenols and total aromatic amines (TAAs) metabolites from olive mill wastewaters (OMW) at different operational conditions such as different mass ratios of C, TiO2, and Ni (1%/2%/5%; 5%/1%/2%; and 2%/5%/1%), being at increasing photodegradation times (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 120, and 180 min), photocatalyst concentrations (100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1), pH values (3.5, 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0) and temperatures (15°C, 25°C, 50°C, and 80°C), and being under 300 W ultraviolet (UV) and 30 W sunlight irradiation. Under the optimized conditions, atpH=7.0, at 500 mg L−1C/TiO2/Ni nanocomposite, under 300 W UV light, after 60 min, at 25°C, the maximum CODdissolved, total phenol, and TAAs removals were 99%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. Photodegradation removals in the OMW under sunlight and being lower than those under UV light.
The Impact of Parents’ Categorization of Their Own Weight and Their Child’s Weight on Healthy Lifestyle Promoting Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Sylvetsky-Meni Allison C. , Gillepsie Scott E. , Hardy Trisha , Welsh Jean A.
Published: March 2015

Objective. To evaluate parents’ beliefs and practices related to childhood obesity and determine if these are influenced by parent’s perception of their own weight or their child’s weight.Methods. Parents of obese (n=689) or normal weight (n=1122) children 4–15 years in Georgia, USA, were randomly selected to complete a telephone survey. Frequency of child obesity-related perceptions, beliefs, and practices were assessed, stratified by parent-perceived self-weight and child weight status, and compared using Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression.Results. Most parents, regardless of perceived child weight, agreed that child overweight/obesity can cause serious illness (95%) but only one-half believed it was a problem in Georgia. Many (42.4%) failed to recognize obesity in their own children. More parents who perceived their child as overweight versus normal weight reported concern about their child’s diet and activity and indicated readiness for lifestyle change. Parents’ perception of their own weight had little additional impact.Conclusions. While awareness of child overweight as a modifiable health risk is high, many parents fail to recognize it in their own families and communities, reducing the likelihood of positive lifestyle change. Additional efforts to help parents understand their role in facilitating behavior change and to assist them in identifying at-risk children are required.
A Prediction Algorithm for Coexistence Problem in Multiple-WBAN Environment
Authors: Jin Zilong , Han Yoonjeong , Cho Jinsung , Lee Ben
Published: March 2015

The coexistence problem occurs when a single wireless body area network (WBAN) is located within a multiple-WBAN environment. This causes WBANs to suffer from severe channel interference that degrades the communication performance of each WBAN. Since a WBAN handles vital signs that affect human life, the detection or prediction of coexistence condition is needed to guarantee reliable communication for each sensor node of a WBAN. Therefore, this paper presents a learning-based algorithm to efficiently predict the coexistence condition in a multiple-WBAN environment. The proposed algorithm jointly applies PRR and SINR, which are commonly used in wireless communication as a way to measure the quality of wireless connections. Our extensive simulation study using Castalia 3.2 simulator based on the OMNet++ platform shows that the proposed algorithm provides more reliable and accurate prediction than existing methods for detecting the coexistence problem in a multiple-WBAN environment.
Association betweenHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Chronic Urticaria: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gu Huiyuan , Li Lin , Gu Min , Zhang Guoxin
Published: March 2015

Background. Some studies have shown the possible involvement ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in chronic urticaria, but the relationship remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively assess the association betweenH. pyloriinfection and chronic urticaria.Methods. Observational studies comparing the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in patients with chronic urticaria and control subjects were identified through a systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to July 2014.H. pyloriinfection was confirmed by serological or nonserological tests. For subgroup analyses, studies were separated by region, publication year, andH. pyloridetection method to screen the potential factors resulting in heterogeneity.Results. 16 studies involving 965 CU cases and 1235 controls were included. Overall, the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was higher in urticarial patients than in controls (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.12–2.45;P=0.01). This result persisted in subanalysis of nine high-quality studies (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.03–1.80;P=0.03). Subgroup analysis showed that detection method ofH. pyloriis also a potential influential factor for the overall results.Conclusions. Our present meta-analysis suggests thatH. pyloriinfection is significantly, though weakly, associated with an increased risk of chronic urticaria.
On the Rate of Convergence by Generalized Baskakov Operators
Authors: Gao Yi , Wang Wenshuai , Yue Shigang
Published: March 2015

We firstly construct generalized Baskakov operatorsVn,α,q(f;x)and their truncated sumBn,α,q(f;γn,x). Secondly, we study the pointwise convergence and the uniform convergence of the operatorsVn,α,q(f;x), respectively, and estimate that the rate of convergence by the operatorsVn,α,q(f;x)is1/nq/2. Finally, we study the convergence by the truncated operatorsBn,α,q(f;γn,x)and state that the finite truncated sumBn,α,q(f;γn,x)can replace the operatorsVn,α,q(f;x)in the computational point of view provided thatlimn→∞nγn=∞.
On the Null Space Property oflq-Minimization for0<q≤1in Compressed Sensing
Authors: Gao Yi , Peng Jigen , Yue Shigang , Zhao Yuan
Published: March 2015

The paper discusses the relationship between the null space property (NSP) and thelq-minimization in compressed sensing. Several versions of the null space property, that is, thelqstable NSP, thelqrobust NSP, and thelq,probust NSP for0<p≤q<1based on the standardlqNSP, are proposed, and their equivalent forms are derived. Consequently, reconstruction results for thelq-minimization can be derived easily under the NSP condition and its equivalent form. Finally, thelqNSP is extended to thelq-synthesis modeling and the mixedl2/lq-minimization, which deals with the dictionary-based sparse signals and the block sparse signals, respectively.
The Chondrogenic Induction Potential for Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells between Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Common Chondrogenic Induction Agents: A Preliminary Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Shan-zheng , Chang Qing , Kong Xiang-fei , Wang Chen
Published: March 2015

The interests in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and their application in stem cell therapy have contributed to a better understanding of the basic biology of the prochondrogenesis effect on bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs). We aimed at comparing the effect of autologous PRP with common chondrogenic induction agents (CCIAs) on the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Rabbit BMSCs were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry and differentiated towards adipocytes and osteoblasts. The chondrogenic response of BMSCs to autologous PRP and CCIAs which included transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), dexamethasone (DEX), and vitamin C (Vc) was examined by cell pellet culture. The isolated BMSCs after two passages highly expressed CD29 and CD44 but minimally expressed CD45. The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials of the isolated BMSCs were also confirmed. Compared with common CCIAs, autologous PRP significantly upregulated the chondrogenic related gene expression, including Col-2, AGC, and Sox-9. Osteogenic related gene expression, including Col-1 and OCN, was not of statistical significance between these two groups. Thus, our data shows that, compared with common chondrogenic induction agents, autologous PRP can be more effective in promoting the chondrogenesis of BMSCs.
Phosphorus Status, Inorganic Phosphorus Forms, and Other Physicochemical Properties of Acid Soils of Farta District, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Melese Asmare , Gebrekidan Heluf , Yli-Halla Markku , Yitaferu Birru
Published: March 2015

Soil acidity and low availability of P limit crop production in the highlands of Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the P status, distribution and forms of inorganic P and relate them to selected chemical properties of eight representative acidic surface soil samples from Farta District. Soil pH (H2O) varied between 4.74 and 5.50. The moderate to high CEC suggests that besides kaolinite, the soils also contain expandable 2 : 1 clay minerals. Though the total P content was high, the available Olsen P content was very low or low in all soils except one. In most soils, the abundance of inorganic P fractions was as follows: P bound by oxalate extractable iron (Feox-P)>reductant soluble Fe-P>occluded Al-Fe-P>P bound by oxalate extractable aluminum (Alox-P)>calcium bound P (Ca-P). Olsen P had a very strong positive correlation (P≤0.01) withAlox-P (r=0.98),Feox-P (r=0.96), and oxalate extractable P (r=0.94). Though Fe bound P reserves were quite abundant and the degree of P saturation ofAlox+Feox(median 3.3%) was moderate, the extremely low P saturation ofAlox(median 0.5%) explains the P deficiency of the soils.
Identification of the Bony Canal of the Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve and Artery in the Maxillary Sinus: Tomographic, Radiographic, and Macroscopic Analyses
Authors: German Iris Jasmin Santos , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Andreo Jesus Carlos , Shinohara Elio Hitoshi , Capelozza Ana Lúcia Alvares , Shinohara Andre Luis , Rosa Junior Geraldo Marco , Pereira Mizael , Buchaim Rogerio Leone
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to identify the shape and route of the bony canal of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSAN) using different identification methods, including computed tomography (CT), panoramic radiograph, and macroscopic evaluation (corpse and dry skull). Twenty‐four patients were analyzed by CT and panoramic and posterior anterior (PA) radiographs; additionally, 90 dry skulls and 21 dissected anatomical specimens were examined. Three‐dimensional‐CT revealed that the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus resembled a tunnel format in 60% of the treated patients. Out of all 24 patients, the panoramic radiograph identified the bony canal in only one patient; whereas the PA radiograph identified it in 80% of the patients. The dry skulls showed tunnellike routes of the PSAA and PSAN in 65% of the cases. Moreover, the pathway was also visibly observed in the dissected anatomical specimens as a straight shape in 85% of the cases. Thus, our results demonstrated that the most common shape of the bony canal of the PSAA and PSAN is the tunnel format with a straight route by 3D‐CT, posterior anterior radiography, and macroscopic evaluation. However, in the panoramic radiographs, it was difficult to identify this canal.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Undiagnosed Small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient without a History of Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Koizumi Noriaki , Kobayashi Hiroki , Takagi Tsuyoshi , Fukumoto Kanehisa
Published: March 2015

We herein report a 66-year-old female patient who developed an undiagnosed small bowel obstruction without a history of prior abdominal surgery and was successfully treated by single-incision laparoscopic surgery. A small bowel obstruction with unknown cause typically requires some sort of surgical treatment in parallel with a definitive diagnosis. Although open abdominal surgery has been generally performed for the treatment of small bowel obstructions, laparoscopic surgery for small bowel obstructions has been increasing in popularity due to its less invasiveness, including fewer postoperative complications and a shorter hospital stay. As a much less invasive therapeutic strategy, we have performed single-incision laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of an undiagnosed small bowel obstruction. We were able to make a definitive diagnosis after sufficient intra-abdominal inspection and to perform enterotomy through a small umbilical incision. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery appears to be comparable to conventional laparoscopic surgery and provides improved cosmesis, although it is an optional strategy only applicable to selected patients.
Radical Scavenging, Proteases Activities, and Phenolics Composition of Bark Extracts from 21 Medicinal Plants
Authors: Asam Raza Muhammad , Shahwar Durre , Khan Tania
Published: March 2015

Stem barks derived from twenty-one medicinal plants were extracted in methanol (100%) and acetone-water (70 : 30 v/v) and at room as well as at reflux temperature conditions. Total phenolic contents, determined using FC (Folin Ciocalteu) reagent, ranged from 528 to 715 mg GAE/g of crude extract. 15 out of 21 plants showed DPPH activity more than 90% and the rest of plants exhibited the activity in the range of 87–89%. The methanolic extract ofP. granatumobtained at room temperature showed the highest antiradical activity (96%). The extracts with similar % radical scavenging of DPPH∙showed significant variation in EC50value. Radical scavenging activity ofE. rostrata, M. champaca, A. modesta, P. roxburghii, P. longifolia, E. suberosa,andF. infectoriawas evaluated for the first time. A strong correlation between total phenols and antiradical activity was exhibited withRvalues ranging from 0.7580 to 0.8874 indicating a linear relationship The extracts phenolic composition was studied by HPLC. All extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activity (87 to 96%) while moderate activity was exhibited against protease (22 to 56%). Gallic acid, tannic acid, quercetin, rutin, catechin, hesperidin, and cinnamic acid were identified as the major phenolic acids in the extracts of selected medicinal plants.
Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: Current Status, Concerns, and Future Prospects
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Liang Min
Published: March 2015

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which reside in the perivascular space of the periodontium, possess characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are a promising tool for periodontal regeneration. Recently, great progress has been made in PDLSC transplantation. Investigators are attempting to maximize the proliferation and differentiation potential of PDLSCs by modifying culture conditions and applying growth factors. Nevertheless, problems remain. First, incomparability among different studies must be minimized by establishing standard guidelines for culture and identification of PDLSCs. Notably, attention should be paid to the biological safety of PDLSC transplantation. The present review updates the latest findings regarding PDLSCs and discusses standard criteria for culture and identification of PDLSCs. Finally, the review calls for careful consideration of PDLSC transplantation safety.
Intraocular Lens Opacification following Intracameral Injection of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator to Treat Inflammatory Membranes after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Fung Simon S. M. , Sykakis Evripidis , Islam Niaz M. , Zambarakji Hadi J. , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd U. , Parmar Dipak N.
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To report 7 cases of intraocular lens (IOL) opacification following treatment of postoperative anterior chamber fibrin with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) after cataract surgery. Methods. Retrospective case series of 7 eyes in 7 patients who developed IOL opacification after receiving rtPA for anterior chamber inflammatory membrane formation resulting from phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Three explanted IOLs were investigated with light microscopy, histochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray spectrometry. Results. All patients underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery and posterior chamber hydrophilic IOL implantation. Anterior chamber inflammatory membranes developed between 1 and 4 weeks of surgery and were treated with intracameral rtPA. IOL opacification was noted between 4 weeks and 6 years after rtPA treatment with reduced visual acuity, and IOL exchange was carried out in 3 patients. Light microscopy evaluation revealed diffuse fine granular deposits on the anterior surface/subsurface of IOL optic that stained positive for calcium salts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) confirmed the presence of calcium and phosphate on the IOL. Conclusions. Intracameral rtPA, though rapidly effective in the treatment of anterior chamber inflammatory membranes following cataract surgery, may be associated with IOL opacification.
Early Decline in Six-Minute Walk Distance from the Time of Diagnosis Predicts Clinical Worsening in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Huang Julie , Mehta Sanjay , Mura Marco
Published: March 2015

Background: The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is commonly used to assess pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the role of 6MWD in predicting outcomes in PAH is controversial. Clinical worsening is being increasingly considered as a clinically meaningful end point in PAH. Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether early longitudinal changes in 6MWD (Δ6MWD) in meters and percent predicted (%pred) from the time of diagnosis predict clinical worsening of PAH. Methods: One hundred patients with group I PAH were retrospectively assessed. 6MWD was calculated using American (%pred US) or Canadian (%pred CAN) reference equations. Δ6MWD at 6 months were recorded. Clinical worsening was defined as either: development of right heart failure, hospital admission for PAH, referral for lung transplantation or initiation of prostanoids after oral therapy failed. Optimal 6-month differences in 6MWD to detect worsening were defined with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Results: Progressors, i.e. patients with clinical worsening, and nonprogressors showed significant differences in Δ6MWD. The most clinically significant declines in 6MWD at 6 months were ≥35 m, ≥8%pred US and ≥6%pred CAN. ROC and Cox proportional hazard analyses showed equivalent results for 6MWD %pred and meters. Six-month declines in 6MWD predicted worsening with a high specificity (94%) but a low sensitivity (33%). Conclusions: Early declines in 6MWD (within the first 6 months) predict future clinical worsening of PAH with high specificity. Δ6MWD may still be part of a comprehensive assessment of a patient's clinical status. However, given the poor sensitivity, a decline in 6MWD should be used with other clinical tools to make an appropriate assessment of the progression of PAH.
Vitamin D Supplementation Modulates the Immune System and Improves Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Authors: Di Filippo Paola , Scaparrotta Alessandra , Rapino Daniele , Cingolani Anna , Attanasi Marina , Petrosino Marianna Immacolata , Chuang Kelly , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: March 2015

Background: Vitamin D seems to influence the evolution of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Methods: We tested the vitamin D serum levels of 39 children with AD (AD group t₀) and of 20 nonallergic healthy controls (C group). AD severity was evaluated using the AD scoring system (SCORAD index). Cytokine serum levels (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and atopy biomarkers were also measured. The patients were then treated with vitamin D oral supplementation of 1,000 IU/day (25 mg/day) for 3 months. We then reevaluated the vitamin D serum levels, AD severity and cytokine serum levels in all of the treated children (AD group t1). Results: The cross-sectional analysis on patients affected by AD (AD group t₀) showed that the initial levels of all the tested cytokines except for TNF-α were higher than those of the healthy control group (C group), falling outside the normal range. After 3 months of supplementation the patients had significantly increased vitamin D levels (from 22.97 ± 8.03 to 29.41 ± 10.73 ng/ml; p = 0.01). A concomitant significant reduction of both the SCORAD index (46.13 ± 15.68 at the first visit vs. 22.57 ± 15.28 at the second visit; p < 0.001) and of all the altered cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ) was also found. Conclusions: This study showed vitamin D supplementation to be an effective treatment in reducing AD severity in children through normalization of the Th1 and Th2 interleukin serum pattern.
Inhibition of MMP-2-Mediated Mast Cell Invasion by NF-κB Inhibitor DHMEQ in Mast Cells
Authors: Noma Naruto , Asagiri Masataka , Takeiri Masatoshi , Ohmae Saori , Takemoto Kenji , Iwaisako Keiko , Minato Nagahiro , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Simizu Siro , Umezawa Kazuo
Published: March 2015

Background: Stimulation with antigen and IgE is known to activate NF-κB in mast cells. In the present research, we studied the role of NF-κB on cellular migration in mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) using the NF-κB inhibitor (-)-DHMEQ. Methods: A Matrigel invasion chamber was used to evaluate cell migration. A PCR array was used to screen the expression of 84 key genes involved in cell migration. Results: (-)-DHMEQ inhibited antigen/IgE-induced NF-κB activation and expressions of its target genes such as IL-6 and TNF-α. (-)-DHMEQ was found to inhibit in vitro invasion toward the antigen without any toxicity. We then looked for NF-κB-dependent genes that would be important for mast cell invasion using the PCR array. (-)-DHMEQ was found to lower the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 also inhibited cellular invasion toward the antigen. These effects of (-)-DHMEQ were obtained in both RBL-2H3 cells and BMMCs. Conclusions: These findings indicate that (-)-DHMEQ suppressed mast cell migration via the inhibition of NF-κB-regulated MMP-2 expression.
Severe Sweet's Syndrome with Elevated Cutaneous Interleukin-1β after Azathioprine Exposure: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Imhof Laurence , Meier Barbara , Frei Pascal , Kamarachev Jivko , Rogler Gerhard , Kolios Antonios , Navarini Alexander A. , Contassot Emmanuel , French Lars E.
Published: March 2015

Sweet's syndrome (SS) is a dermatosis with systemic symptoms characterized by tender, red nodules or papules, occasionally covered with vesicles, pustules or bullae, usually affecting the upper limbs, face and neck. SS is frequently observed in patients with leukemia or connective tissue diseases, while it is rather seldom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The exact pathogenesis of SS is only partially understood. We report the case of a 50-year-old patient with indeterminate colitis, presenting with a febrile diffuse papulopustular and necrotizing skin eruption that healed with significant scarring and appeared 14 days after onset of treatment with azathioprine. Histological examination revealed the presence of features typical of SS, gene expression analysis very high levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA in lesional skin, and immunohistochemistry high levels of IL-1β at the protein level. SS associated with azathioprine is being increasingly reported and is reviewed herein.
Defining Minor Symptoms in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Strambo Davide , Zambon Alberto A. , Roveri Luisa , Giacalone Giacomo , Di Maggio Giovanni , Peruzzotti-Jametti Luca , La Gioia Sara , Galantucci Sebastiano , Comi Giancarlo , Sessa Maria
Published: March 2015

Background: Thrombolysis is often withheld from acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with mild symptoms; however, up to 40% of these patients end up with a poor outcome when left untreated. Since there is lack of consensus on the definition of minor symptoms, we aimed at addressing this issue by looking for features that would better predict functional outcomes at 3 months. Methods: Among all acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to our Stroke Unit (n = 1,229), we selected a cohort of patients who arrived within 24 hours from symptoms onset, with baseline NIHSS ≤6, not treated with thrombolysis (n = 304). Epidemiological data, comorbidities, radiological features and clinical presentation (NIHSS items) were collected to identify predictors of outcome. Our cohort was tested against minor stroke definitions selected from the literature and a newly proposed one. Results: Three months after stroke onset, 97 patients (31.9%) had mRS ≥2. Independent predictors of poor outcome were age (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95-9.99]) and baseline NIHSS score (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.67-0.94]), while cardioembolic aetiology was negatively associated (OR 3.29 [95% CI 1.51-7.14]). Items of NIHSS associated with poor outcome were impairment of right motor arm (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.27-0.91]) or the involvement of any of the motor items (OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.48-0.99]). The definition of minor stroke as NIHSS ≤3 and the new proposed definition had the highest sensitivity and accuracy and were independent predictors of outcome. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that in spite of a low NIHSS score, one third of patients had poor outcome. As already described, age and NIHSS score remained independent predictors of poor outcome even in mild stroke. Also, motor impairment appeared a major determinant of poor outcome. The new proposed definition of minor stroke featured the NIHSS score and the NIHSS items that better predicted functional outcome. Awareness that even minor stroke can yield to poor outcome should sensitize patients to arrive early to the ED and neurologists to administer rt-PA.
Microbiological Analysis of Fluids in Postsurgical Gastroesophageal Intrathoracic Leaks Obtained by Endoscopy: A New Way to Optimize Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Erichsen Thomas J. , Vonberg Ralf-Peter , Lenzen Henrike , Negm Ahmed A. , Helfritz Fabian A. , Emmanouilidis Nikos , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer J. , Suerbaum Sebastian , Lankisch Tim O.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Postsurgical gastroesophageal intrathoracic leakage is a potentially life-threatening condition that is frequently accompanied by mediastinitis and subsequent sepsis. Aspiration of fluids from intrathoracic leaks during endoscopy for microbiological analysis is rarely performed in clinical routine. The aim was to evaluate the role of routine microbiological analysis of intrathoracic leaks via endoscopy and its impact on antibiotic therapy. Methods: This is a prospective, observational single-center study. Seventeen consecutive patients who presented for endoscopic treatment of intrathoracic leaks were included. Concomitantly, fluids from intrathoracic leaks during endoscopic intervention and blood cultures were obtained and a microbiological analysis was performed. Results: Bacteria and/or fungi were detected by culture of fluid aspirated from intrathoracic leaks in 88% cases, but in none of the blood cultures. In 15 patients, microbial colonization of the leakage was detected despite previous empiric antibiotic therapy; treatment had to be adjusted in all patients according to the observed antibiotic susceptibility profile. Conclusions: The microbiological colonization of postsurgical gastroesophageal intrathoracic leaks in patients is frequent. Only the direct microbiological analysis of fluids from intrathoracic leaks, but not of blood cultures, is effective for optimizing an antibiotic therapy in such patients.
How Effective Are Antioxidant Supplements in Obesity and Diabetes?
Authors: Abdali Daniyal , Samson Sue E. , Grover Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2015

Obesity is a central health issue due to its epidemic prevalence and its association with type 2 diabetes and other comorbidities. Obesity is not just being overweight. It is a metabolic disorder due to the accumulation of excess dietary calories into visceral fat and the release of high concentrations of free fatty acids into various organs. It represents a state of chronic oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation whose intermediary molecules may include leptin, adiponectin and cytokines. It may progress to hyperglycemia, leading to type 2 diabetes. Whether or not dietary antioxidant supplements are useful in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes is discussed in this review. Only the benefits for obesity and diabetes are examined here. Other health benefits of antioxidants are not considered. There are difficulties in comparing studies in this field because they differ in the time frame, participants' ethnicity, administration of antioxidant supplements, and even in how obesity was measured. However, the literature presents reasonable evidence for marginal benefits of supplementation with zinc, lipoic acid, carnitine, cinnamon, green tea, and possibly vitamin C plus E, although the evidence is much weaker for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, green coffee, resveratrol, or lycopene. Overall, antioxidant supplements are not a panacea to compensate for a fast-food and video-game way of living, but antioxidant-rich foods are recommended as part of the lifestyle. Such antioxidant foods are commonly available.
Differential T-Helper Cell Polarization after Allergen-Specific Stimulation of Autologous Dendritic Cells in Polysensitized Allergic Patients
Authors: Ashjaei Kazem , Bublin Merima , Smole Ursula , Lengger Nina , Hafner Christine , Breiteneder Heimo , Wagner Stefan , Hoffmann-Sommergruber Karin
Published: March 2015

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the induction and regulation of adaptive immune responses by polarizing T-helper (Th) cells. In allergic disease this response is dominated by Th2 cells. It is still unclear whether the activation of Th cells by DCs in atopic individuals is allergen specific. Methods: Monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) obtained from polysensitized patients were stimulated with purified Bet v 1, Phl p 5 and Act d 10, and the surface marker expression was analysed. Proliferation and cytokine profiles of autologous naïve CD4+ T cells co-cultured with allergen-pulsed MoDCs were assessed. Results: The addition of either Bet v 1 or Phl p 5 did not further increase the expression of surface markers from matured MoDCs in all study groups. In co-cultures, autologous naïve CD4+ T cells proliferated when DCs obtained from individuals allergic to birch and grass pollen were stimulated with Bet v 1 and Phl p 5, respectively. In the co-culture supernatants, significantly increased levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were detected. This effect correlated with the sensitization background and was absent when applying an unspecific allergen, Act d 10. The levels of IL-10 in supernatants of MoDCs and the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in supernatants of T cells remained unchanged upon stimulation with allergens. Conclusions: In this study we observed that allergen-specific stimulation of MoDCs induces T-cell proliferation and upregulation of Th2-type cytokines. Interestingly, this Th2 polarization was only observed in cells stimulated with the allergen to which the patients were sensitized.
Inclusion of Attentional Networks in the Pre-Surgical Neuroimaging Assessment of a Large Deep Hemispheric Cavernous Malformation: An fMRI Case Report
Authors: Mickleborough Marla J.S. , Kelly Michael E. , Gould Layla , Ekstrand Chelsea , Lorentz Eric , Ellchuk Tasha , Babyn Paul , Borowsky Ron
Published: March 2015

Background and Importance: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a noninvasive and reliable tool for mapping eloquent cortex in patients prior to brain surgery. Ensuring intact perceptual and cognitive processing is a key goal for neurosurgeons, and recent research has indicated the value of including attentional network processing in pre-surgical fMRI in order to help preserve such abilities, including reading, after surgery. Clinical Presentation: We report a 42-year-old patient with a large cavernous malformation, near the left basal ganglia. The lesion measured 3.8 × 1.7 × 1.8 cm. In consultation with the patient and the multidisciplinary cerebrovascular team, the decision was made to offer the patient surgical resection. The surgical resection involved planned access via the left superior parietal lobule using stereotactic location. The patient declined an awake craniotomy; therefore, direct electrocortical stimulation (ECS) could not be used for intraoperative language localization in this case. Pre-surgical planning included fMRI localization of language, motor, sensory, and attentional processing. The key finding was that both reading and attention-processing tasks revealed consistent activation of the left superior parietal lobule, part of the attentional control network, and the site of the planned surgical access. Given this information, surgical access was adjusted to avoid interference with the attentional control network. The lesion was removed via the left inferior parietal lobule. The patient had no new neurologic deficits postoperatively but did develop mild neuropathic pain in the left hand. Conclusion: This case report supports recent research that indicates the value of including fMRI maps of attentional tasks along with traditional language-processing tasks in preoperative planning in patients undergoing neurosurgery procedures.
Prevalence of Pelvic Vein Pathology in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale Undergoing MRV Pelvis
Authors: Osgood Marcey , Budman Elizabeth , Carandang Raphael , Goddeau, Jr. Richard P. , Henninger Nils
Published: March 2015

Background: A substantial proportion of ischemic strokes has no any identified underlying cause. Notably, the prevalence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increased in cryptogenic stroke (CS) populations, which may serve as a conduit for paradoxical emboli originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) including the pelvic veins. Yet, there are no published guidelines for the assessment of pelvic veins as part of the stroke workup and few studies have systematically investigated pelvic veins as a potential source for paradoxical emboli in CS patients. Further, there is a relative paucity of data regarding pelvic DVT in CS and results have been conflicting. Hence, we sought to determine the prevalence of pelvic DVT in select CS patients with PFO who underwent magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Methods: We retrospectively identified patients (n = 50) who underwent contrast-enhanced pelvic MRV at the discretion of the treating physician for the evaluation of CS in the presence of a PFO during hospitalization at a single academic stroke center between January 2011 through December 2013. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess for factors independently associated with the presence of an abnormal MRV pelvis. Results: Patients (47 ± 13 years of age) had MRV performed 4 ± 3 days after their incident stroke. Nine patients had an abnormal MRV (18%). Of these, four (8%) had pelvic vein thrombosis and 5 (10%) a May-Thurner anatomic variant. All patients with pelvic DVT were subsequently anticoagulated with warfarin (none had abnormal hypercoagulability testing). Clinical clues suggesting paradoxical embolism were present in as many as 40% of patients. On multivariable logistic regression, a history of any risk factors predisposing to DVT (OR 6.7; coefficient 1.9; BCa 95% CI 0.08-20.2; p = 0.014) as well as the number of predisposing risk factors (OR 3.9; coefficient 1.4; BCa 95% CI 0.25-4.2; p = 0.005) predicted the presence of pelvic vein pathology on MRV. Conclusion: We demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of pelvic DVT among select CS patients emphasizing the importance of considering the pelvic veins as a potential source for emboli particularly in the presence of risk factors known to predispose DVT. Because patients were included at the treating physician's discretion, our results reflect ‘real-life' practice. Our results may be of clinical importance as inclusion of pelvic vein imaging in CS patients with PFO had impactful therapeutic and nosologic implications. Further study is needed to define patients most likely to benefit from pelvic vein imaging.
National Vitality, Migrant Abjection, and Coercive Mobility: The Biopolitical History of American Deportation
Authors: Blue Ethan
Published: March 2015

The United States has one of the world’s most extensive systems of mass removal. Its historical roots draw on 19th century biopolitical traditions of border control and internal anti-immigrant policing. In the early 20th century, rail technologies enabled an economical assemblage of steel and law, of racism and politics, attempting national purification by expelling ‘undesirable aliens.’ The process differentiated between the categories of privileged citizenship and abject alienage. The possibilities of national cleansing through deportation allowed new modes of sovereign governance, defined territories, and controlled populations—foundational aspects of modern nationhood.
FastMMD: Ensemble of Circular Discrepancy for Efficient Two-Sample Test
Authors: Zhao Ji , Meng Deyu
Published: March 2015

The maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) is a recently proposed test statistic for the two-sample test. Its quadratic time complexity, however, greatly hampers its availability to large-scale applications. To accelerate the MMD calculation, in this study we propose an efficient method called FastMMD. The core idea of FastMMD is to equivalently transform the MMD with shift-invariant kernels into the amplitude expectation of a linear combination of sinusoid components based on Bochner’s theorem and Fourier transform (Rahimi & Recht, 2007 ). Taking advantage of sampling the Fourier transform, FastMMD decreases the time complexity for MMD calculation from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], where N and d are the size and dimension of the sample set, respectively. Here, L is the number of basis functions for approximating kernels that determines the approximation accuracy. For kernels that are spherically invariant, the computation can be further accelerated to [Formula: see text] by using the Fastfood technique (Le, Sarlós, & Smola, 2013 ). The uniform convergence of our method has also been theoretically proved in both unbiased and biased estimates. We also provide a geometric explanation for our method, ensemble of circular discrepancy, which helps us understand the insight of MMD and we hope will lead to more extensive metrics for assessing the two-sample test task. Experimental results substantiate that the accuracy of FastMMD is similar to that of MMD and with faster computation and lower variance than existing MMD approximation methods.
Regulation of Local Ambient GABA Levels via Transporter-Mediated GABA Import and Export for Subliminal Learning
Authors: Hoshino Osamu
Published: March 2015

Perception of supraliminal stimuli might in general be reflected in bursts of action potentials (spikes), and their memory traces could be formed through spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). Memory traces for subliminal stimuli might be formed in a different manner, because subliminal stimulation evokes a fraction (but not a burst) of spikes. Simulations of a cortical neural network model showed that a subliminal stimulus that was too brief (10 msec) to perceive transiently (more than about 500 msec) depolarized stimulus-relevant principal cells and hyperpolarized stimulus-irrelevant principal cells in a subthreshold manner. This led to a small increase or decrease in ongoing-spontaneous spiking activity frequency (less than 1 Hz). Synaptic modification based on STDP during this period effectively enhanced relevant synaptic weights, by which subliminal learning was improved. GABA transporters on GABAergic interneurons modulated local levels of ambient GABA. Ambient GABA molecules acted on extrasynaptic receptors, provided principal cells with tonic inhibitory currents, and contributed to achieving the subthreshold neuronal state. We suggest that ongoing-spontaneous synaptic alteration through STDP following subliminal stimulation may be a possible neuronal mechanism for leaving its memory trace in cortical circuitry. Regulation of local ambient GABA levels by transporter-mediated GABA import and export may be crucial for subliminal learning.
Resolution Dependence of European Precipitation in a State-of-the-Art Atmospheric General Circulation Model
Authors: van Haren Ronald , Haarsma Reindert J. , Van Oldenborgh Geert Jan , Hazeleger Wilco
Published: March 2015

In this study, the authors investigate the effect of GCM spatial resolution on modeled precipitation over Europe. The objectives of the analysis are to determine whether climate models have sufficient spatial resolution to have an accurate representation of the storm tracks that affect precipitation. They investigate if there is a significant statistical difference in modeled precipitation between a medium-resolution (~112-km horizontal resolution) and a high-resolution (~25-km horizontal resolution) version of a state-of-the-art AGCM (EC-EARTH), if either model resolution gives a better representation of precipitation in the current climate, and what processes are responsible for the differences in modeled precipitation. The authors find that the high-resolution model gives a more accurate representation of northern and central European winter precipitation. The medium-resolution model has a larger positive bias in precipitation in most of the northern half of Europe. Storm tracks are better simulated in the high-resolution model, providing for a more accurate horizontal moisture transport and moisture convergence. Using a decomposition of the precipitation difference between the medium- and high-resolution model in a part related and a part unrelated to a difference in the distribution of vertical atmospheric velocity, the authors find that the smaller precipitation bias in central and northern Europe is largely unrelated to a difference in vertical velocity distribution. The smaller precipitation amount in these areas is in agreement with less moisture transport over this area in the high-resolution model. In areas with orography the change in vertical velocity distribution is found to be more important.
Quiet is the New Loud: Pausing and Focus in Child and Adult Dutch
Authors: Romøren Anna Sara H , Chen Aoju
Published: March 2015

In a number of languages, prosody is used to highlight new information (or focus). In Dutch, focus is marked by accentuation, whereby focal constituents are accented and post-focal constituents are de-accented. Even if pausing is not traditionally seen as a cue to focus in Dutch, several previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between pausing and information structure. Considering that Dutch-speaking 4 to 5 year olds are not yet completely proficient in using accentuation for focus and that children generally pause more than adults, we asked whether pausing might be an available parameter for children to manipulate for focus. Sentences with varying focus structure were elicited from 10 Dutch-speaking 4 to 5 year olds and 9 Dutch-speaking adults by means of a picture-matching game. Comparing pause durations before focal and non-focal targets showed pre-target pauses to be significantly longer when the targets were focal than when they were not. Notably, the use of pausing was more robust in the children than in the adults, suggesting that children exploit pausing to mark focus more generally than adults do, at a stage where their mastery of the canonical cues to focus is still developing.