bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes impairs the ability of skeletal muscle pericytes to augment postischemic neovascularization in db/db mice
Authors: Hayes Katherine L. , Messina Louis M. , Schwartz Lawrence M. , Yan Jinglian , Burnside Amy S. , Witkowski Sarah
Published: January 2018

Peripheral artery disease is an atherosclerotic occlusive disease that causes limb ischemia and has few effective noninterventional treatments. Stem cell therapy is promising, but concomitant diabetes may limit its effectiveness. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of skeletal muscle pericytes to augment postischemic neovascularization in wild-type and type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mice. Wild-type C57BL/6J and leptin receptor spontaneous mutation db/db T2DM mice underwent unilateral femoral artery excision to induce limb ischemia. Twenty-four hours after ischemia induction, CD45−CD34−CD146+ skeletal muscle pericytes or vehicle controls were transplanted into ischemic hindlimb muscles. At postoperative day 28, pericyte transplantation augmented blood flow recovery in wild-type mice (79.3 ± 5% vs. 61.9 ± 5%; P = 0.04), but not in T2DM mice (48.6% vs. 46.3 ± 5%; P = 0.51). Pericyte transplantation augmented collateral artery enlargement in wild-type (26.7 ± 2 μm vs. 22.3 ± 1 μm, P = 0.03), but not T2DM mice (20.4 ± 1.4 μm vs. 18.5 ± 1.2 μm, P = 0.14). Pericyte incorporation into collateral arteries was higher in wild-type than in T2DM mice ( P = 0.002). Unexpectedly, pericytes differentiated into Schwann cells in vivo. In vitro, Insulin increased Nox2 expression and decreased tubular formation capacity in human pericytes. These insulin-induced effects were reversed by N-acetylcysteine antioxidant treatment. In conclusion, T2DM impairs the ability of pericytes to augment neovascularization via decreased collateral artery enlargement and impaired engraftment into collateral arteries, potentially via hyperinsulinemia-induced oxidant stress. While pericytes show promise as a unique form of stem cell therapy to increase postischemic neovascularization, characterizing the molecular mechanisms by which T2DM impairs their function is essential to achieve their therapeutic potential.
Red blood cell antibody-induced anemia causes differential degrees of tissue hypoxia in kidney and brain
Authors: Mistry Nikhil , Mazer C. David , Sled John G. , Lazarus Alan H. , Cahill Lindsay S. , Solish Max , Zhou Yu-Qing , Romanova Nadya , Hare Alexander G. M. , Doctor Allan , Fisher Joseph A. , Brunt Keith R. , Simpson Jeremy A. , Hare Gregory M. T.
Published: January 2018

Moderate anemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including acute kidney injury (AKI), in surgical patients. A red blood cell (RBC)-specific antibody model was utilized to determine whether moderate subacute anemia could result in tissue hypoxia as a potential mechanism of injury. Cardiovascular and hypoxic cellular responses were measured in transgenic mice capable of expressing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/luciferase activity in vivo. Antibody-mediated anemia was associated with mild intravascular hemolysis (6 h) and splenic RBC sequestration ( day 4), resulting in a nadir hemoglobin concentration of 89 ± 13 g/l on day 4. At this time point, renal tissue oxygen tension (PtO2) was decreased in anemic mice relative to controls (13.1 ± 4.3 vs. 20.8 ± 3.7 mmHg, P < 0.001). Renal tissue hypoxia was associated with an increase in HIF/luciferase expression in vivo ( P = 0.04) and a 20-fold relative increase in renal erythropoietin mRNA transcription ( P < 0.001) but no increase in renal blood flow ( P = 0.67). By contrast, brain PtO2 was maintained in anemic mice relative to controls (22.7 ± 5.2 vs. 23.4 ± 9.8 mmHg, P = 0.59) in part because of an increase in internal carotid artery blood flow (80%, P < 0.001) and preserved cerebrovascular reactivity. Despite these adaptive changes, an increase in brain HIF-dependent mRNA levels was observed (erythropoietin: P < 0.001; heme oxygenase-1: P = 0.01), providing evidence for subtle cerebral tissue hypoxia in anemic mice. These data demonstrate that moderate subacute anemia causes significant renal tissue hypoxia, whereas adaptive cerebrovascular responses limit the degree of cerebral tissue hypoxia. Further studies are required to assess whether hypoxia is a mechanism for acute kidney injury associated with anemia.
Maternal nutrient restriction in guinea pigs as an animal model for studying growth-restricted offspring with postnatal catch-up growth
Authors: Nevin Catherine L. , Formosa Evan , Maki Yohei , Matushewski Brad , Regnault Timothy R. H. , Richardson Bryan S.
Published: January 2018

We determined the impact of moderate maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) in guinea pigs with fetal growth restriction (FGR) on offspring body and organ weights, hypothesizing that FGR-MNR animals will show catch-up growth but with organ-specific differences. Guinea pig sows were fed ad libitum (Control) or 70% of the control diet from 4 weeks preconception, switching to 90% at midpregnancy (MNR). Control newborns >95 g [appropriate for gestational age (AGA); n = 37] and MNR newborns <85 g (FGR; n = 37) were monitored until neonatal (~25 days) or adult (~110 days) necropsy. Birth weights and body/organ weights at necropsy were used to calculate absolute and fractional growth rates (FRs). FGR-MNR birth weights were decreased ~32% compared with the AGA-Controls. FGR-MNR neonatal whole body FRs were increased ~36% compared with Controls indicating catch-up growth, with values negatively correlated to birth weights indicating the degree of FGR leads to greater catch-up growth. However, the increase in organ FRs in the FGR-MNR neonates compared with Controls was variable, being similar for the brain and kidneys indicating comparable catch-up growth to that of the whole body and twofold increased for the liver but negligible for the heart indicating markedly increased and absent catch-up growth, respectively. While FGR-MNR body and organ weights were unchanged from the AGA-Controls by adulthood, whole body growth rates were increased. These findings confirm early catch-up growth in FGR-MNR guinea pigs but with organ-specific differences and enhanced growth rates by adulthood, which are likely to have implications for structural alterations and disease risk in later life.
Endogenous H2S sensitizes PAR4-induced bladder pain
Authors: Wang Wenfu , Bo Qiyu , Du Jian , Yu Xin , Zhu Kejia , Cui Jianfeng , Zhao Hongda , Wang Yong , Shi Benkang , Zhu Yaofeng
Published: January 2018

Bladder pain is a prominent symptom of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generated by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) facilitates bladder hypersensitivity. We assessed involvement of the H2S pathway in protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4)-induced bladder pain. A bladder pain model was induced by intravesical instillation of PAR4-activating peptide in mice. The role of H2S in this model was evaluated by intraperitoneal preadministration of d,l-propargylglycine (PAG), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), or S-adenosylmethionine or the preintravesical administration of NaHS. SV-HUC-1 cells were treated in similar manners. Assessments of CBS, CSE, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression, bladder voiding function, bladder inflammation, H2S production, and referred bladder pain were performed. The CSE and CBS pathways existed in both mouse bladders and SV-HUC-1 cells. H2S signaling was upregulated in PAR4-induced bladder pain models, and H2S-generating enzyme activity was upregulated in human bladders, mouse bladders, and SV-HUC-1 cells. Pretreatment with AOAA or NaHS inhibited or promoted PAR4-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively; however, PAG only partially inhibited PAR4-induced bladder pain. Treatment with PAG or AOAA decreased H2S production in both mouse bladders and SV-HUC-1 cells. Pretreatment with AOAA increased MIF protein levels in bladder tissues and cells, whereas pretreatment with NaHS lowered MIF protein levels. Bladder pain triggered by the H2S pathway was not accompanied by inflammation or altered micturition behavior. Thus endogenous H2S generated by CBS or CSE caused referred hyperalgesia mediated through MIF in mice with PAR4-induced bladder pain, without causing bladder injury or altering micturition behavior.
Global Distribution Adjustment and Nonlinear Feature Transformation for Automatic Colorization
Authors: Aoki Terumasa , Nguyen Van
Published: January 2018

Automatic colorization is generally classified into two groups: propagation-based methods and reference-based methods. In reference-based automatic colorization methods, color image(s) are used as reference(s) to reconstruct original color of a gray target image. The most important task here is to find the best matching pairs for all pixels between reference and target images in order to transfer color information from reference to target pixels. A lot of attractive local feature-based image matching methods have already been developed for the last two decades. Unfortunately, as far as we know, there are no optimal matching methods for automatic colorization because the requirements for pixel matching in automatic colorization are wholly different from those for traditional image matching. To design an efficient matching algorithm for automatic colorization, clustering pixel with low computational cost and generating descriptive feature vector are the most important challenges to be solved. In this paper, we present a novel method to address these two problems. In particular, our work concentrates on solving the second problem (designing a descriptive feature vector); namely, we will discuss how to learn a descriptive texture feature using scaled sparse texture feature combining with a nonlinear transformation to construct an optimal feature descriptor. Our experimental results show our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of robustness for color reconstruction for automatic colorization applications.
A Novel Sleep Respiratory Rate Detection Method for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Based on Characteristic Moment Waveform
Authors: Fang Yu , Jiang Zhongwei , Wang Haibin
Published: January 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affecting human’s health is a kind of major breathing-related sleep disorders and sometimes leads to nocturnal death. Respiratory rate (RR) of a sleep breathing sound signal is an important human vital sign for OSA monitoring during whole-night sleeping. A novel sleep respiratory rate detection with high computational speed based on characteristic moment waveform (CMW) method is proposed in this paper. A portable and wearable sound device is used to acquire the breathing sound signal. And the amplitude contrast decreasing has been done first. Then, the CMW is extracted with suitable time scale parameters, and the sleep RR value is calculated by the extreme points of CMW. Experiments of one OSA case and five healthy cases are tested to validate the efficiency of the proposed sleep RR detection method. According to manual counting, sleep RR can be detected accurately by the proposed method. In addition, the apnea sections can be detected by the sleep RR values with a given threshold, and the time duration of the segmentation of the breath can be calculated for detailed evaluation of the state of OSA. The proposed method is meaningful for continued research on the sleep breathing sound signal.
Serum Trace Elements Profile in Graves’ Disease Patients with or without Orbitopathy in Northeast China
Authors: Liu Yongping , Liu Shanshan , Mao Jinyuan , Piao Sichen , Qin Jing , Peng Shiqiao , Xie Xiaochen , Guan Haixia , Li Yushu , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping
Published: January 2018

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to investigate serum trace elements in Graves’ disease (GD) patients with or without orbitopathy in Northeast China. Methods. Patients with newly diagnosed Graves’ disease (HyGD) (n=66), GD patients with euthyroid status or subclinical thyroidism after treatment (EUGD) (n=55), GO patients with euthyroid status or subclinical thyroidism after treatment (GO) (n=57), and normal controls (NC) (n=66) were enrolled in this study. Serum trace elements were measured with ICP-MS. Results. Serum selenium (Se) levels in EUGD group (median: 7.53 µg/dL), HyGD group (median: 6.76 µg/dL), and GO group (median: 7.40 µg/dL) were significantly lower than those in NC group (median: 9.20 µg/dL, all P<0.01). Serum copper (Cu) levels in GO group (median: 95.93 µg/dL) were significantly lower than those in the NC group (median: 113.59 µg/dL, P=0.015). After being adjusted for multivariables, thyroid-specific antibodies grade was associated with low Se levels. Hyperthyroidism and thyroid-specific antibodies grade were associated with high Cu levels. In addition, orbitopathy was associated with low Cu levels. Conclusions. Thyroid autoimmunity was associated with low Se levels. Hyperthyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity may be associated with relatively high serum Cu levels. Alternatively, ophthalmopathy may be related to low serum Cu levels.
The Relation of Meteorological Elements with AOD for Building Energy Consumption
Authors: Lim Hong Soo , Kim Gon
Published: January 2018

This study presents statistical relationships between various meteorological elements in Seoul city. It also discusses the vitality of the obtained relationship on the modelling of building energy consumption. The data utilized in statistical evaluations was obtained from the archives of the Korean Meteorological Agency (KMA) for a period of four years. Another set of data was derived from state-of-the-art equations. The used elements aside from aerosols are used for analysis in building energy simulations. For each weather element in the study, frequency and a monthly average are presented. Furthermore, statistical correlations are presented: solar radiation and temperature, solar radiation and sky cover, and solar radiation and aerosol optical depth (AOD). The results indicate that the common assumption of a direct relationship between temperature and solar radiation is rather incorrect. In addition, whereas high solar altitudes are usually associated with high levels of solar radiation, the obtained results indicate a relatively weak relationship between the two variables (R2 = 0.463). The obtained results are proof that the effect of meteorological elements on, say, a building is not a single direct effect from a single variable but rather a combination of relationships between variables, which then produce a single effect.
Analysis of Patient-Dependent and Trauma-Dependent Risk Factors for Persistent Brachial Plexus Injury after Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Gutkowska Olga , Martynkiewicz Jacek , Stępniewski Marek , Gosk Jerzy
Published: January 2018

Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) caused by shoulder dislocation usually have a transient character and tend to resolve spontaneously. However, in some patients the symptoms can persist and require operative intervention. This work aims to determine the risk factors for persistent BPIs resulting from shoulder dislocation. The study comprised 73 patients (58 men, 15 women; mean age: 50 years) treated operatively between the years 2000 and 2016 for persistent BPIs resulting from shoulder dislocation. Patient age, gender, type of initial trauma, number of affected nerves, presence of accompanying injuries, and time interval from dislocation to its reduction were analysed. Elderly patients more often sustained multiple-nerve injuries, while single nerve injuries were more often observed in younger patients. Injury to a single nerve was diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Axillary nerve was most commonly affected. Fracture of the greater tuberosity of humerus coincided with total BPI in 50% of the cases. Longer unreduced period caused injury to multiple nerves. Analysis of our patient group against relevant literature revealed that persistent BPI after shoulder dislocation is more common in older patients. Injuries to ulnar and median nerves more often require operative intervention due to low potential for spontaneous recovery of these nerves.
H∞ Tracking Control of Fuzzy Dynamic Output for Nonlinear Networked System with Packet Dropouts
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Jinna , Ji Xiaolei
Published: January 2018

The tracking control of H∞ dynamic output feedback is proposed for the fuzzy networked systems of the same category, in which each system is discrete-time nonlinear and is missing measurable data. In other words, the loss of data packet occurs randomly in both the uplink and the downlink. The independent variables that are called the Bernoulli random variables are considered to design the loss of data packets. The method of parallel distributed compensation (PDC) in terms of the T-S fuzzy model is applied to investigate the dynamic controller of tracking control on the systems. Then, it is presented that the analytical H∞ performance of the output error between the reference model and the fuzzy model for the closed-loop system containing dynamic output feedback controller is proven. Furthermore, the achieved sufficient conditions in terms of LMIs ensure that the closed-loop system is stochastically stable in the H∞ sense. Finally, a numerical system is offered to show the effectiveness of the established technique.
The Fluid Dynamical Performance of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease Prosthesis
Authors: Marx Philipp , Kowalczyk Wojciech , Demircioglu Aydin , Brault Gary Neil , Wendt Hermann , Shehada Sharaf-Eldin , Tsagakis Konstantinos , El Gabry Mohamed , Jakob Heinz , Wendt Daniel
Published: January 2018

The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of the fluid dynamical performance of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease depending on the prosthetic size (21, 23, and 25 mm) and the cardiac output (3.6–6.4 L/min). A self-constructed flow channel in combination with particle image velocimetry (PIV) enabled precise results with high reproducibility, focus on maximal and local peek velocities, strain, and velocity gradients. These flow parameters allow insights into the generation of forces that act on blood cells and the aortic wall. The results showed that the 21 and 23 mm valves have a quite similar performance. Maximal velocities were 3.03±0.1 and 2.87±0.13 m/s; maximal strain Exx, 913.81±173.25 and 896.15±88.16 1/s; maximal velocity gradient Eyx, 1203.14±221.84 1/s and 1200.81±61.83 1/s. The 25 mm size revealed significantly lower values: maximal velocity, 2.47±0.15 m/s; maximal strain Exx, 592.98±155.80 1/s; maximal velocity gradient Eyx, 823.71±38.64 1/s. In summary, the 25 mm Magna Ease was able to create a wider, more homogenous flow with lower peak velocities especially for higher flow rates. Despite the wider flow, the velocity values close to the aortic walls did not exceed the level of the smaller valves.
Patient Access, Unmet Medical Need, Expected Benefits, and Concerns Related to the Utilisation of Biosimilars in Eastern European Countries: A Survey of Experts
Authors: Inotai Andras , Csanadi Marcell , Petrova Guenka , Dimitrova Maria , Bochenek Tomasz , Tesar Tomas , York Kristina , Fuksa Leos , Kostyuk Alexander , Lorenzovici Laszlo , Omelyanovskiy Vitaly , Egyed Katalin , Kalo Zoltan
Published: January 2018

This policy research aims to map patient access barriers to biologic treatments, to explore how increased uptake of biosimilars may lower these hurdles and to identify factors limiting the increased utilisation of biosimilars. A policy survey was developed to review these questions in 10 Central and Eastern European (CEE) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Two experts (one public and one private sector representative) from each country completed the survey. Questions were related to patient access, purchasing, clinical practice, and real-world data collection on both original biologics and biosimilars. Restrictions on the number of patients that can be treated and related waiting lists were reported as key patient access barriers. According to respondents, for both clinicians and payers the primary benefit of switching patients to biosimilars would be to treat more patients. However, concerns with therapeutic equivalence and fear of immunogenicity may reduce utilisation of biosimilars. Similar limitations in patient access to both original biologics and biosimilars raise concerns about the appropriateness and success of current biosimilar policies in CEE and CIS countries. The conceptual framework for additional real-world data collection exists in all countries which may provide a basis for future risk-management activities including vigorous pharmacovigilance data collection.
KRAS Oncoprotein Expression Is Regulated by a Self-Governing eIF5A-PEAK1 Feed-Forward Regulatory Loop
Authors: Fujimura Ken , Wang Huawei , Watson Felicia , Klemke Richard L.
Published: January 2018

There remains intense interest in tractable approaches to target or silence the KRAS oncoprotein as a rational therapeutic strategy to attack pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other cancers that overexpress it. Here we provide evidence that accumulation of the KRAS oncoprotein is controlled by a self-regulating feed-forward regulatory loop that utilizes a unique hypusinated isoform of the translation elongation factor eIF5A and the tyrosine kinase PEAK1. Oncogenic activation of KRAS increased eIF5A–PEAK1 translational signaling, which in turn facilitated increased KRAS protein synthesis. Mechanistic investigations show that this feed-forward positive regulatory pathway was controlled by oncogenic KRAS-driven metabolic demands, operated independently of canonical mTOR signaling, and did not involve new KRAS gene transcription. Perturbing eIF5A–PEAK1 signaling, by genetic or pharmacologic strategies or by blocking glutamine synthesis, was sufficient to inhibit expression of KRAS, eIF5A, and PEAK1, to attenuate cancer cell growth and migration, and to block tumor formation in established preclinical mouse models of PDAC. Levels of KRAS, eIF5A, and PEAK1 protein increased during cancer progression with the highest levels of expression observed in metastatic cell populations. Combinatorial targeting of eIF5A hypusination and the RAS–ERK signaling pathway cooperated to attenuate KRAS expression and its downstream signaling along with cell growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Collectively, our findings highlight a new mechanistic strategy to attenuate KRAS expression as a therapeutic strategy to target PDAC and other human cancers driven by KRAS activation.

Significance: These findings highlight a new mechanistic strategy to attenuate KRAS expression as a therapeutic strategy to target human cancers driven by KRAS activation. Cancer Res; 78(6); 1444–56. ©2018 AACR.
Correlation between Serum Calcineurin Activity and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Cao Jia-Li , Yang Yu-Qing , Nabeel Dookhun Muhammad , Sun Ya-Li , Zou Hua-Yi-Yang , Kong Xiang-Qing , Lu Xin-Zheng
Published: January 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between calcineurin (CaN) and hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH) and to evaluate its potential clinical significance. Design: The study involved 160 patients diagnosed with hypertension and 42 controls. Based on the exclusion criteria, 42 were not eligible for this study. The remaining 118 hypertensive patients were categorized into 2 subgroups based on left ventricular mass index and relative ventricular wall thickness: a normal model subgroup with hypertension (HNM) and an HLVH subgroup. Serum CaN levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while serum CaN activity was determined by malachite green colorimetric assay. Results: Among the HNM and HLVH subgroups, a positive correlation was demonstrated between serum CaN activity, but not serum CaN level, and HLVH. Moreover, the HLVH subgroup displayed a remarkable increase in the levels of brain natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and left atrium diameter compared to the HNM subgroup and controls. Conclusion: There was a positive correlation between serum CaN activity and LVH in hypertensive patients. Activated CaN could play an important role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of HLVH. Serum CaN activity could be a clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LVH.
Is the Atopy Patch Test Reliable in the Evaluation of Food Allergy-Related Atopic Dermatitis?
Authors: Mansouri Mahboubeh , Rafiee Elham , Darougar Sepideh , Mesdaghi Mehrnaz , Chavoshzadeh Zahra
Published: January 2018

Background: Aeroallergens and food allergens are found to be relevant in atopic dermatitis. The atopy patch test (APT) can help to detect food allergies in children with atopic dermatitis. This study evaluates if the APT is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of children with food allergy-related atopic dermatitis. Methods: 42 children between 6 months and 12 years of age were selected at the Mofid Children Hospital. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed, and the severity of the disease was determined. At the test visit, the patients underwent a skin prick test (SPT), APT, and serum IgE level measurement for cow's milk, egg yolk, egg white, wheat, and soy. Results: We found a sensitivity of 91.7%, a specificity of 72.7%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%, and an accuracy of 85.7% for APT performed for cow's milk. APT performed for egg yolk had a sensitivity and a NPV of 100%, while the same parameters obtained with egg white were 84.2 and 75%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and NPV of the APT for wheat were 100, 75, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of the APT for soy were 87.5, 70, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the APT is a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate suspected food allergy-related skin symptoms in childhood and infancy.
TREM-1 Contributes to Inflammation in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Yan-Feng , Zhu Li , Liu Li-Jun , Shi Su-Fang , Lv Ji-Cheng , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2018

Background: Circulating IgA1-containing immune complexes (cIgA1) were shown to play important roles in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). They could induce the release of multiple inflammatory factors, including MCP-1 and IL-6, and elevated urinary inflammatory factors were also reported in patients with IgAN, which suggested that inflammation is a major contributor to kidney injury in IgAN. After the previous identification of the upregulated release of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) by mesangial cells under cIgA1 challenge using cytokine array, in the present study, we further explored the role of TREM-1, an amplifier of inflammation, in cIgA1-induced kidney injury. Methods: In total, 35 patients with IgAN and 17 healthy controls were enrolled. The cIgA1 was isolated from plasma and used to treat cultured mesangial cells. The mRNA expression of TREM-1 as well as levels of sTREM-1, MCP-1, and IL-6 in the mesangial cell supernatant and urine samples were detected. Results: We found that cIgA1 from patients with IgAN could significantly upregulate the expression of TREM-1 in mesangial cells compared to healthy controls. The levels of ΔsTREM-1 were positively correlated with MCP-1 levels in the mesangial supernatant. Similarly, higher urinary levels of sTREM-1 were also observed in patients with IgAN compared to healthy controls. Moreover, IgAN patients with detectable urinary sTREM-1 presented with severe clinical and pathological manifestations, including higher IgA and lower eGFR levels, compared to patients whose urinary sTREM-1 levels were below the limit of quantification. Conclusion: Our present study suggested that TREM-1 in cIgA1 induced inflammatory kidney injury in IgAN.
Onychogryphosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ko Dayoung , Lipner Shari R.
Published: January 2018

Onychogryphosis is a disorder of nail plate growth that is clinically characterized by an opaque, yellow-brown thickening of the nail plate with associated gross hyperkeratosis, elongation, and increased curvature. It is most common in older adults and patients with poor personal care. It is a relatively common and important condition because patients may suffer from pain, secondary complications, and cosmetic concerns. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a 30-year history of severe thickening, abnormal growth, and yellow discoloration of his left great toenail, clinically consistent with onychogryphosis. This review highlights the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for onychogryphosis.
The Evolution of Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment Reflected by ENETS Guidelines
Authors: Zandee Wouter T. , de Herder Wouter W.
Published: January 2018

In 2016, the third version of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been published by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS). These guidelines reflect the progress in treatment of NETs, and by comparing the newest guidelines with the first guidelines of 2001, this progress can be clearly recognized. Diagnostic accuracy has been increased by the introduction of PET-CT with Ga-labelled somatostatin analogs, and multiple new treatments and treatment schedules have been developed, like peptide receptor radiotherapy with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, or targeted therapies. Evidence and indications for these therapies are discussed in the ENETS guidelines. In this review, we aim to show the progress in NET diagnosis and treatment on the basis of the advances in the guidelines, but also to discuss the unsolved questions and unmet needs which still remain.
Decision Analytic Markov Model Weighting Expected Benefits and Current Limitations of First-Generation Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds
Authors: Capodanno Davide , Buccheri Sergio , Romano Sara , Capranzano Piera , Francaviglia Bruno , Tamburino Corrado
Published: January 2018

Background—

Relative benefits of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) compared with everolimus-eluting stents (EES) are expected to accrue after complete bioresorption.

Methods and Results—

We built a decision analytic Markov model comparing BVS and EES for a contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention population. Procedure-related morbidity and outcome data from the available literature were used to derive model probabilities. The net benefit of BVS and EES was estimated in terms of quality-adjusted life expectancy. Under the assumption of no risk for device thrombosis and target lesion revascularization with BVS beyond 3 years, the equipoise in quality-adjusted life expectancy (12.86) between BVS and EES was achieved 19 years after implantation. The maximum tolerable excess risk of 3-year BVS thrombosis equalizing the model-predicted quality-adjusted life expectancy of BVS and EES at 10 years was 1.40, corresponding to an absolute tolerable rate of 1.45%.

Conclusions—

At the currently observed relative increase in device thrombosis and under the extreme hypothesis of no scaffold thrombosis and target lesion revascularization beyond 3 years, the incremental benefit of BVS over EES becomes apparent only after 19 years. This simulation suggests that there is a small degree of benefit that clinicians and decision-makers may expect from the first-generation BVS at the current risk of device thrombosis. Manufacturers should target scaffold thrombosis rates <1.45% at 3 years to make their technologies attractive during a 10-year horizon.
Massonia visseriae (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae): rediscovery of a neglected species of Neobakeria and its transfer to Massonia
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , PINTER MICHAEL , CRESPO MANUEL B. , ALONSO-VARGAS MARÍA ÁNGELES , WETSCHNIG WOLFGANG
Published: January 2018

Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloideae, tribe Hyacintheae is alternatively regarded as Hyacinthaceae subfam. Hyacinthoideae. Additional information on generic circumscriptions in Hyacinthoideae can be found in Martínez-Azorín et al. (2013, 2014a, 2014b), Pinter et al. (2013) and Wetschnig et al. (2014).
Dendrobium libingtaoi (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxideae) a new species from China: evidence from morphology and DNA
Authors: XU QING , WU XIN-YI , ZHANG GUO-QIANG , CHEN LI-JUN , LIU ZHONG-JIAN , LAN SI-REN
Published: January 2018

Dendrobium libingtaoi is described from southeastern Yunnan, China, based on morphological and DNA evidence. In the morphological analysis, D. libingtaoi is similar to D. draconis but differs in having ovate-elliptical petals, a lip with a light red blotch in the middle, oblong-lanceolate lateral sepals, and a nearly round midlobe. Nuclear and plastid DNA analyses indicate that D. libingtaoi is a member of D. section Formosae.
Taxonomy of the Oriental leafhopper genus Favintiga Webb (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Drabescini) with description of a new species from China
Authors: LU LIN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: January 2018

The Oriental leafhopper genus Favintiga Webb is reviewed. A checklist to the species is provided together with a key for their separation. The genus contains three species: F. camphorae (Matsumura), F. gracilipenis Shang & Zhang and F. paragracilipenis sp. nov., the latter described here from the Jianfengling Mountains, Hainan, China.
Two new species of Guyruita Guadanucci et al., 2007 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Brazil
Authors: FUKUSHIMA CAROLINE SAYURI , BERTANI ROGÉRIO
Published: January 2018

Guyruita Guadanucci et al., 2007 is an ischnocoline genus with three described species from Brazil and Venezuela. Two new Brazilian species from the states of Rio Grande do Norte (Guyruita isae n. sp.) and Espírito Santo (Guyruita giupponii n. sp.) are described. A key is provided for identification of Guyruita species. Map with records and information on species habitat are also given.
Phylloicus mirabilis (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae), a new species from Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil
Authors: CAVALCANTE BRUNA MARIA SILVA , DUMAS LEANDRO LOURENÇO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: January 2018

Phylloicus Müller 1880 is an endemic Neotropical genus of Calamoceratidae characterized by adults that have diurnal to crepuscular habits. Currently, the genus contains 57 species, with 23 of these species recorded from Brazil. Herein, a new species of Phylloicus is described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Malaise traps from Southeast Region, Brazil. The new species can be characterized by the unusual lateral membranous lobes of abdominal segments IV–VII, metathoracic tibiae with brushes of setae and distal emargination, and the wide and long coremata on abdominal pleura VII. Otherwise, the genital structure is similar to that of Phylloicus monneorum Dumas & Nessimian 2010, being distinguished by the subtrapezoidal tergum X, the globose harpago of the inferior appendages, and the moustache-shaped phallotremal sclerite.
Busulfan and Chlorambucil
Authors: Solimando Dominic A.
Published: January 2018

The increasing complexity of cancer chemotherapy makes it mandatory that pharmacists be familiar with these highly toxic agents. This column reviews various issues related to the preparation, dispensing, and administration of cancer chemotherapy, both commercially available and investigational.
Improving the Timing of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis through a Total Quality Management Approach
Authors: Beardsley James R. , Johnson Joseph L. , Absher Randall K.
Published: January 2018

Studies have shown that the optimal time to give preoperative prophylactic antibiotics is within 2 hours prior to the incision. An initial study of perioperative antibiotic use at our institution revealed significant deficiencies both in the timing and the charting of preoperative antibiotics. In response to these findings, a multidisciplinary total quality management team was formed. This team identified several key problems related to the timing and documentation of preoperative antibiotics. Accordingly, our institution's method of prophylactic antibiotic delivery and administration was revised, and a program to educate appropriate staff was formulated. Following these interventions, a second study found that the number of preoperative antibiotic doses given at the proper time improved from 86% in the previous study to 98%, and that the number of doses properly charted improved from 84% to 94%.
The Clinical Presentation of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Authors: Quarles Emily , Norton John W.
Published: January 2018

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon but potentially fatal syndrome occurring in patients receiving dopamine-receptor-blocking agents, including metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, and the antipsychotics. Symptoms include lead-pipe rigidity, fever, encephalopathy, autonomic dysfunction, tremor, and renal failure. Laboratory test results typically include elevated white blood cell counts, creatine phosphokinase levels, and liver enzyme levels. Patients taking high-potency, high-dose, or parenteral forms of antipsychotics, as well as those with concurrent medical conditions or a previous history of the syndrome, are at increased risk for NMS. Well-considered differential diagnosis and early recognition of NMS are critical. Treatment involves discontinuation of the inciting agent, supportive care, and possible administration of bromocriptine or dantrolene.
Immunization and Organ Transplantation
Authors: Grabenstein John D. , Baker Jennifer R.
Published: January 2018

With the rapid pace of immunologic research, it is more important than ever for readers to understand rational immunodiagnosis, immunopro-phylaxis, and immunotherapy. This column is intended to help you ensure proper immunologic drug use in your practice.
Olanzapine: Psychopharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Adverse Effects
Authors: Falsetti Andrew E.
Published: January 2018

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that has a pharmacological profile similar that of clozapine. It is biotransformed by hepatic enzymes and can be dosed on a once-daily basis. In large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, olanzapine was shown to be efficacious in the treatment of schizophrenia relative to placebo. Many trials showed superior efficacy to haloperidol, especially against negative symptoms. Olanzapine is FDA-approved for the treatment of psychotic disorders, though data suggest possible use in depression, bipolar disorder, psychogenic polydipsia, and developmental disabilities. Olanzap-ine appears to be well-tolerated. Commonly reported adverse effects include orthostatic hypotension, sedation, hepatic transaminase elevations, weight gain, headache, agitation, dizziness, and constipation. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia is low. Few drug interactions have been reported. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily. One trial indicated that the higher cost of this agent might be offset by a reduction in overall hospitalization costs.
Etanercept
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2018

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary® Monograph Service receive five to six researched monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late Phase III trials. The monographs are targeted to your Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Subscribers also receive monthly one-page summary monographs on the agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation (DUE) is also provided each month. The monographs are published in printed form and on diskettes that allow customization. Subscribers to the The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board called The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X). All topics pertinent to clinical pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. If you would like information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The April 1999 Formulary monographs include cilostazol, altretinoin, rosiglitazone, oxcarbazepine, and rabeprazole. The DUE is on cilostazol.
Medicare Reimbursement: Entering the Era of Prospective Payment for Geriatric Care (Part 2)
Authors: Vogenberg F.Randy , Crutchfield Diane
Published: January 2018

Managed health care has changed the way health services are provided and paid for. It is still evolving. Many pharmacists have already felt the impact of these changes. This continuing feature illuminates the many facets of managed care with special emphasis on how these changes may affect pharmacists working in health systems. The expertise provided by pharmacists will be needed to fulfill the potential of affordable, comprehensive, and quality health care as promised by managed care. Pharmacists must understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen in the future. To be an active and effective player, you must understand what is happening on the field.
Serum Sickness Caused by Lymphocyte Immune Globulin; More Problems with OTC Medications
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), to discuss methods of prevention, and to promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's medWatch program (1-800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to medWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
The Importance of Up-to-Date Vaccine Information Statements
Authors: Grabenstein John D.
Published: January 2018

With the rapid pace of immunologic research, it is more important than ever for readers to understand rational immunodiagnosis, immunopro-phylaxis, and immunotherapy. This column is intended to help you ensure proper immunologic drug use in your practice.
New Drugs Approved by the FDA New Dosage Forms and Indications Agents Pending FDA Approval Major Labeling Changes
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2018

This monthly feature is designed to help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications and dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Each month, new information will be added to the table (shown in bold type) and older information will be removed. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information; however, if there are any questions, please let us know at hospitalpharmacy@drugfacts.com .
Deux Cas Particuliers De Phrase Coupée Sans L'Opérateur Énonciatif 'IN
Authors: Kruchten J.-M.
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have shown that cleft sentences sometimes lack the introductory particle in when their first member is a personal name. Thus, the difficulties arising from the translation of the dedication formula ‘(king) NN ir.n.f m mnw.f’ may be easily resolved if we consider this very ancient pattern, first found on the Palermo Stone, as such an example of cleft sentence without in, built on the nominal śdm.n.f in the second member (Pattern in NN /śdm.n.f). Another very common stereotyped pattern beginning with a personal name may also be recognized as such a participial statement without in: the formula engraved on many bronze statuettes of the Late Period, ‘(god/goddess) NN di 'nḫ’. Suggested translations of these formulae are ‘it is (the king) NN who did (this) as his monument (to)’ and ‘it is (the god) NN who gave life (to)’.
Some more ‘Fierce Lions’, and a ‘Marriage’ Scarab: The Large Commemorative Scarabs of Amenophis III
Authors: Clayton Peter A.
Published: January 2018

Four newly-recorded examples which entail alterations or additions to the published corpus of known commemorative scarabs of Amenophis III.
Tutankhamun's Carnelian Swallow with Sun Disc: Part of a Garment
Authors: Hellinckx Bart R.
Published: January 2018

One of the objects found on the mummy of Tutankhamun is a small gold bracelet with a carnelian swallow supporting the sun's disc. Archival documents prove unequivocally that the two pieces were not discovered together. No parallels are known for the motif of the solar swallow in combination with a bracelet, although the motif is fairly frequently attested in connection with a special type of royal garment. As the find-spot of the swallow corresponds very well with the position of the accessories of such a garment on Tutankhamun's mummy, the correctness of Carter's reconstruction is questioned. It is suggested that the swallow formed an ensemble with the other accessories of the garment, i.e. a sheet-gold belt, a beadwork apron and a beaded tail. A gold dagger in its sheath probably also belongs to this group.
Urbanism and the Urban Community in Roman Egypt
Authors: Richard  , Alston Robert D.
Published: January 2018

Urbanism in the ancient world has been of abiding interest to ancient social and economic historians, but very little is known about the populations of cities. The nature of the papyrological material is such that certain features of communities can be assessed and quantified. We concentrate on the issue of population, considering both the number of people living in the various types of settlements and occupational structures. The results demonstrate essential differences between urban and rural settlements. The final section considers segmentation of the urban community itself. Through analysis of the residence patterns of members of particular social groups, we show that the city displayed a certain amount of social zoning and suggest that the fundamental social division in the city was between the elite and the rest of the population.
A Shield Bearer and Warrior of Ramesside Times
Authors: Thomson James K.
Published: January 2018

A Ramesside stela fragment featuring a shield bearer and a warrior prompts consideration of these positions in military contexts of the period. It is suggested that at best the shield bearer played only a semi-military role, his court duties being more in evidence, while ‘warrior’ ('ḥȝ), in spite of the implications of the title, remained a nonspecific term.
Basic Statistics on the Success Rate and Profits for Independent Inventors
Authors: Åstebro Thomas
Published: January 2018

1,095 responses were received from a telephone survey of independent inventors. The majority of inventors surveyed (89%) are male, and a plurality of their inventions are designed for consumer products (47%). Conditional on commercializing their invention, and at development costs about 1/8 of those in established firms, inventive efforts by independent inventors lead to gains virtually comparable to those of established firms. Their innovations survive for about as long as the average start-up. Gross profit margins are comparable to the pharmaceutical industry (29%). However, only a small fraction of inventions developed by independent inventors reach the market (6.5%). The probability of reaching the market is four to eight times less than for inventions developed by established firms. Why do only a fraction of inventions developed by independent inventors become commercialized when those that do commercialize are quite profitable and survive for as long as other start-ups?
Toward a Reconciliation of the Definitional Issues in the Field of Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Sharma Pramodita , Chrisman James J.
Published: January 2018

Although authors generally agree on the nature of entrepreneurial activities within existing firms, differences in the terminology used to describe those activities have created confusion. This article discusses existing definitions in the field of corporate entrepreneurship, reconciles these definitions, and provides criteria for classifying and understanding the activities associated with corporate venturing.