bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operative treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Stockton D. J. , Pelletier M.-E. , Pike J. M.
Published: July 2014

This article critically and systematically reviews the surgical treatments for ulnar impaction syndrome. Three types of treatments currently exist: arthroscopic wafer procedure, open wafer procedure, and ulna shortening osteotomy. A total of 36 articles were included from searching the electronic databases PubMed MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE. Studies were evaluated for quality using the Modified Detsky Score. Of these, 14 articles had a Modified Detsky Score of 6/10 or higher. Satisfaction rates were 100% for arthroscopic wafer procedure, 89% for open wafer procedure, and 84% for ulna shortening osteotomy. The percentage of participants reporting an excellent or good outcome was 82% for arthroscopic wafer procedure, 87% for open wafer procedure, and 76% for ulna shortening osteotomy. In conclusion, available evidence shows that arthroscopic wafer procedure and open wafer procedure may be viable alternatives to the more popular ulna shortening osteotomy, but clinical superiority is yet to be established. Future research should focus on prospective cohort methods and should report participant outcomes using validated scoring methods.
Aerodynamics of a golf ball with grooves
Authors: Kim Jooha , Choi Haecheon
Published: July 2014

In this study, we investigate the aerodynamics of our newly designed golf ball that does not have dimples but grooves on its surface. The smooth part of its surface is approximately 1.7 times that of a golf ball with dimples. We directly measure the drag and lift forces on two versions of this golf ball in the ranges of real golf-ball velocity and rotational speed, and compare them with those of smooth and dimpled balls. At zero spin, the drag coefficient of our balls shows a rapid fall-off at a Reynolds number similar to that of a dimpled ball and maintains nearly a constant value (lower by 50% than that of smooth ball) at higher Reynolds numbers. At non-zero spin, the lift-to-drag ratio of one version of our ball is higher by 5%–20% in the supercritical Reynolds number regime than that of a dimpled ball, but it is lower otherwise. With the measured drag and lift forces, we predict the trajectories of our balls and compare them to those of smooth and dimpled balls for the same initial conditions. The flight distances of our balls are larger by 148%–202% than that of smooth ball and shorter by 6%–10% than that of a dimpled ball.
Viral Causes of Hearing Loss: A Review for Hearing Health Professionals
Authors: Cohen Brandon E. , Durstenfeld Anne , Roehm Pamela C.
Published: July 2014

A number of viral infections can cause hearing loss. Hearing loss induced by these viruses can be congenital or acquired, unilateral or bilateral. Certain viral infections can directly damage inner ear structures, others can induce inflammatory responses which then cause this damage, and still others can increase susceptibility or bacterial or fungal infection, leading to hearing loss. Typically, virus-induced hearing loss is sensorineural, although conductive and mixed hearing losses can be seen following infection with certain viruses. Occasionally, recovery of hearing after these infections can occur spontaneously. Most importantly, some of these viral infections can be prevented or treated. For many of these viruses, guidelines for their treatment or prevention have recently been revised. In this review, we outline many of the viruses that cause hearing loss, their epidemiology, course, prevention, and treatment.
Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics Associated With Splenogonadal Fusion
Authors: Foellings Kaitlyn , Baker Sara , Walker Dana
Published: July 2014

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare malformation that involves immature splenic tissue connecting and adhering to gonadal tissue during embryologic development. SGF is typically diagnosed during surgery or autopsy. This case study reports a case of discontinuous SGF found on sonography with correlative magnetic resonance imaging.
A lineage of diploid platelet-forming cells precedes polyploid megakaryocyte formation in the mouse embryo
Authors: Potts Kathryn S. , Sargeant Tobias J. , Markham John F. , Shi Wei , Biben Christine , Josefsson Emma C. , Whitehead Lachlan W. , Rogers Kelly L. , Liakhovitskaia Anna , Smyth Gordon K. , Kile Benjamin T. , Medvinsky Alexander , Alexander Warren S. , Hilton Douglas J. , Taoudi Samir
Published: July 2014

Key Points

The first embryonic platelets are produced by a unique lineage of diploid cells not polyploid MKs. Diploid platelet-forming cells are produced in the early mouse embryo via a progenitor cell–independent pathway.
p53 at the crossroads of MPN treatment
Authors: Plo Isabelle
Published: July 2014

In this issue of Blood, Lu et al describe the cooperation between an orally bioavailable mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) antagonist (RG7112) and the pegylated interferon α (Peg-IFNα 2a) to target JAK2V617F hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells. Their work provides a rationale for the treatment of patients suffering from myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).1
Haplo is the new black
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A.
Published: July 2014

In this edition of Blood, Bertaina et al report 3-year survival exceeding 90% by using haploidentical αβ+CD3+/CD19+-depleted allogeneic transplantation for children with nonmalignant disorders.1
Immunogenicity of a monovalent 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in infants: randomized, observer-masked, single-center clinical study
Authors: Wang Shilei , Dong Jinrong , Chai Wenqing , Li Fangjun , Wang Shuqiao , Sun Bing , Chen Ze
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study is to further investigate the immune response of the inactivated split-virion vaccine for infants. We tested the immunogenicity and safety of the inactivated split-virion vaccine in infants, aged 6–35 months, for a randomized, observer-masked, age-stratified clinical study. We randomly divided subjects into three groups: 7.5 μg, 15 μg of hemagglutinin antigen dosage groups and seasonal influenza vaccine for children dosage group in a 2 dose regimen. A serologic analysis was performed at baseline and on day 21 and 42. 312 infants received a single dose injection of vaccine and 265 (84.94%) infants received two doses injection of vaccine. Adverse reactions were mostly mild or moderate. Among the subjects who received 7.5 μg and 15 μg of vaccine for a single dose injection, the rate of hemagglutinin inhibition titer of 1:40 or greater were 52.48% (95% confidence interval (CI) 42.83 ~ 61.95) and 61.11% (95% CI 50.78 ~ 70.53), respectively. Among the subjects receiving 7.5 μg and 15 μg of vaccine for two doses injection, the rate of hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titer of 1:40 or greater were 90.10% (95% CI 82.73 ~ 94.53) and 94.44% (95% CI 87.64 ~ 97.60), respectively. These data suggests that 15 μg or 7.5 μg dose of hemagglutinin antigen of the inactivated split-virion vaccine was safe and two doses of injection could induce a sufficient protective immune response in infants.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registration:NCT01494740.
Selective cytotoxicity of indirect nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma against ovarian clear-cell carcinoma
Authors: Utsumi Fumi , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Nakamura Kae , Tanaka Hiromasa , Hori Masaru , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: July 2014

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is a histological type of epithelial ovarian cancer that is less responsive to chemotherapy and associated with a poorer prognosis than serous and endometrioid carcinoma. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma which produces reactive species has recently led to an explosion of research in plasma medicine. Plasma treatment can be applied to cancer treatment to induce apoptosis and tumor growth arrest. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that a medium exposed to plasma also has an anti-proliferative effect against cancer in the absence of direct exposure to plasma. In this study, we confirmed whether this indirect plasma has an anti-tumor effect against CCC, and investigated whether this efficacy is selective for cancer cells. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma induced apoptosis in CCC cells, while human peritoneal mesothelial cells remained viable. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma exhibits selective cytotoxicity against CCC cells which are resistant to chemotherapy.
Human capital quality and the immigrant wage gap
Authors: Coulombe Serge , Grenier Gilles , Nadeau Serge
Published: July 2014

We propose a new methodology for analyzing determinants of the wage gap between immigrants and natives. A Mincerian regression framework is extended to include GDP per capita in an immigrant’s country of birth as a proxy for the quality of schooling and work experience acquired in that country. We find that Canadian immigrants’ returns to schooling and work experience significantly increase with the GDP per capita of their country of birth. The contribution of quality of schooling and work experience to the immigrant wage gap is also examined. Lower human capital quality completely negates the endowment advantage that immigrants have in the areas of schooling and work experience. Since data on GDP per capita are available for most countries over long periods, the proposed methodology can be applied to analyze immigrant wage gaps for a large set of countries for which common statistics on natives and immigrants are available.

JEL codes

J20, J24, J15, J61
Dual HER2 blockade: preclinical and clinical data
Authors: Patel Tejal A , Dave Bhuvanesh , Rodriguez Angel A , Chang Jenny C , Perez Edith A , Colon-Otero Gerardo
Published: July 2014

The estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) signaling pathways are the dominant drivers of cell proliferation and survival in the majority of human breast cancers. Not surprisingly, targeting these pathways provides the most effective therapies in appropriately selected patients. However, de novo and acquired resistance remain major obstacles to successful treatment. By increasing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of combined HER2-targeted therapies, we aim to be better able to select patients who would respond to these treatments and understand some of the mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated an increased effectiveness of dual targeted HER2 therapies against HER2-amplified breast cancer as compared with single blockade. These studies have resulted in the recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of the combination of taxane chemotherapy with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in the first-line metastatic setting as well as an accelerated approval in the neoadjuvant setting. Another mechanism for overcoming resistance to HER2 targeted therapies is the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab-emtansine, which targets the HER2 receptor conjugated to the potent antimicrotubule agent mertansine, allowing for intracellular release of the cytotoxic drug. Studies evaluating the efficacy of dual blockade with antibody-drug conjugate are currently ongoing. This article reviews recent data on different combinations of anti-HER2 treatments as well as ongoing and future research in this area.
Biased estimates of clonal evolution and subclonal heterogeneity can arise from PCR duplicates in deep sequencing experiments
Authors: Smith Erin N , Jepsen Kristen , Khosroheidari Mahdieh , Rassenti Laura Z , D’Antonio Matteo , Ghia Emanuela M , Carson Dennis A , Jamieson Catriona HM , Kipps Thomas J , Frazer Kelly A
Published: July 2014

Accurate allele frequencies are important for measuring subclonal heterogeneity and clonal evolution. Deep-targeted sequencing data can contain PCR duplicates, inflating perceived read depth. Here we adapted the Illumina TruSeq Custom Amplicon kit to include single molecule tagging (SMT) and show that SMT-identified duplicates arise from PCR. We demonstrate that retention of PCR duplicate reads can imply clonal evolution when none exists, while their removal effectively controls the false positive rate. Additionally, PCR duplicates alter estimates of subclonal heterogeneity in tumor samples. Our method simplifies PCR duplicate identification and emphasizes their removal in studies of tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution.
Treatment effects of a fixed intermaxillary device to correct class II malocclusions in growing patients
Authors: Heinrichs Dean A , Shammaa Imad , Martin Chris , Razmus Thomas , Gunel Erdogan , Ngan Peter
Published: July 2014

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment effects of Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) in growing patients with Class II non-extraction malocclusions.

Methods

A retrospective sample of 24 class II patients treated consecutively with the FRD followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment was compared to a sample of untreated control subjects from the Bolton Brush Study who was matched in age, sex, and craniofacial morphology. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before treatment (T1) and after removal of fixed appliances (T2). Growth changes were subtracted from the treatment changes to obtain the treatment effects of the appliance. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a match paired t test.

Results

Significant differences were found between the treated and control groups for 12 of the 29 measured variables (Co-Gn minus Co-Apt, Wits, Is-OLp, Ii-OLp, overjet, Mi-OLp, molar relationship, overbite, Mic-ML, SNA, ANB, and Ii-ML). With 27.8 months of treatment, all patients were corrected to a class I dental arch relationship. Overjet and molar relationships were improved by an average of 4.7 and 3.1 mm, respectively. This was contributed by a 1.2 mm of restraint in forward maxillary growth, 0.7 mm of forward movement of the mandible, 1.5 mm of backward movement of the maxillary incisors, 1.3 mm forward movement of the mandibular incisors, 0.5 mm backward movement of the maxillary molars, and 1.3 mm of forward movement of the mandibular molars. The overbite was decreased by 2 mm with no significant change in the occlusal, palatal, or mandibular plane. Individual variations in response to the FRD treatment were large for most of the parameters tested. Significant differences in treatment changes between male and female subjects were found only in a few parameters measured.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that significant overjet and overbite corrections can be obtained with the Forsus FRD in conjunction with comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
A survey on motion prediction and risk assessment for intelligent vehicles
Authors: Lefèvre Stéphanie , Vasquez Dizan , Laugier Christian
Published: July 2014

With the objective to improve road safety, the automotive industry is moving toward more “intelligent” vehicles. One of the major challenges is to detect dangerous situations and react accordingly in order to avoid or mitigate accidents. This requires predicting the likely evolution of the current traffic situation, and assessing how dangerous that future situation might be. This paper is a survey of existing methods for motion prediction and risk assessment for intelligent vehicles. The proposed classification is based on the semantics used to define motion and risk. We point out the tradeoff between model completeness and real-time constraints, and the fact that the choice of a risk assessment method is influenced by the selected motion model.
Geophysical characterization of karst landscapes in Kentucky as modern analogs for paleokarst reservoirs
Authors: May Michael T. , Brackman Thomas B.
Published: July 2014

Subsurface interpretation of paleokarst reservoirs is greatly aided by 3D seismic and other modern modeling tools and the inherent complexity of productive reservoirs requires an understanding of reservoir heterogeneities and compartmentalization. Such complexity also requires a review of karst processes and development, which can be beneficially captured via geophysical characterization of near-surface karst landscape features that certainly equate to our better understanding of high-side oil productive areas. Both electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and refraction microtremor (ReMi) geophysical surveys at the Green River Preserve adjacent to Mammoth Cave National Park in the Mississippian Ste. Genevieve and Girkin Limestones are providing details of karst features, including horizontal passages, uvulas or karst valleys, sinkholes (dolines), vertical pits or dome caves, and associated karst system infill. Geophysical anomalies include reversals of shear-wave velocities in a domal (pit) cave, and an inferred bedding-plane controlled conduit system associated with a drained sinkhole basin. Other anomalies detected in the shallow subsurface include large contrasts in geoelectrical measurements near the sinkhole basin interpreted also as a cave or conduit system. In contrast to anomalies, a mappable continuity of ERT and ReMi transects along the Green River suggests bedrock joints controlling the linear nature of bedrock highs and lows, similar to a series of grikes and clints that typify the south-central Kentucky karst.
Ciudadanos En La Calle. Violencia, Virilidad Y Civilidad Política En La Campaña Presidencial Porteña de 1928
Authors: Alemán Marianne González
Published: July 2014

La campaña presidencial de 1928 constituyó un momento de particular intensidad, marcado por la figura central de Hipólito Yrigoyen. En un contexto de polarización alrededor de las dos facciones radicales, su candidatura se instaló en el centro de la competencia política. Más allá del mero antagonismo electoral, su figura sintetizó un conflicto fundamental del escenario político argentino en torno a los sentidos y modalidades adscriptos a la definición de la ciudadanía.

En Buenos Aires la campaña se caracterizó por un nivel de movilización hasta entonces inédito. Puso en juego una lucha simbólica que cada bando presentó como absoluta frente a un adversario construido como una amenaza a los valores y a las libertades republicanas. A su vez, esta intensa competencia se expresó a través de una serie de enfrentamientos violentos orientados hacia la anulación simbólica del rival en las calles de la ciudad.

Este artículo analiza los discursos y las prácticas que los dos radicalismos desplegaron en el espacio urbano de Buenos Aires. Por un lado, cada bando reactivó en sus discursos motivos caros a las tradiciones políticas decimonónicas, pero en una nueva configuración que modificaba sus sentidos. Por otro lado, las acciones violentas que enfrentaron a los radicales en las calles pusieron en evidencia la permanencia de una faceta de la ciudadanía asociada al modelo ofensivo heredado del siglo XIX. El ideal dominante de ciudadanía “civilizada” promovido desde la reforma electoral de 1912 pareció coexistir con otras formas de acción cívica asociadas con el derecho de expresar “virilmente” las convicciones políticas en el espacio público.
Editor’s Note
Authors: Bové Paul A.
Published: July 2014

Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013. Tony Bogues, a member of the boundary 2 Collective, was in South Africa, watching the endless coverage of the news and of Mandela’s life. Bogues had met Mandela during his time with the Jamaican government of Michael Manley, and he has spent considerable time working in South Africa, especially in Cape Town, on questions of freedom, archives, African and African Diaspora intellectual history, and political thought.

At least one generation of intellectuals had stood against apartheid and reflected on Mandela as a political figure of freedom and liberation. Mandela never produced anything equivalent to the political writings of a Gramsci, Fanon, or Césaire. Because of the media and the global support for the struggles he led, Mandela acquired a resonance with effects across the globe. His career, with all its changes, posed challenges for thinking about politics.

It seemed right that boundary 2 should take notice of Mandela and his influence. We decided to gather responses to Mandela as a political figure. b2 issued a call for very brief papers from several spots on the globe and from different generations. Our contributors have given us reason to feel this attempt was a success.
It’s Only the End of the World
Authors: Baer Ben Conisbee
Published: July 2014

Elaborating Barbara Cassin’s category of the Untranslatable, Emily Apter’s Against World Literature demonstrates the Untranslatable’s performative capability to question and displace the voracity of the World Literature industry. Neither a primer nor a how-to, Apter’s new book ranges across a wide assortment of texts to disclose the Untranslatable as a political and textual event indigestible by and unprofitable to the prevailing practices of World Literature. The unpredictable tracks of Untranslatables necessitate a rethought Comparative Literature newly attentive to the textuality of its languages and open to a rapidly transforming world. Apter gives a vivid sense of the scale of the task ahead if anything resembling change in practices of pedagogy and research programs is to emerge from her foray into the nebula of the Untranslatable.
Passive Aggressive: Scalia and Garner on Interpretation
Authors: Koppelman Andrew
Published: July 2014

Antonin Scalia’s coauthored treatise on legal interpretation is also a melodrama, with sharply drawn good guys and bad guys. The hero is the Faithful and Impartial Judge, the servant of Democracy. The argument is weak and inconsistent with Scalia’s actual practice as a judge. The book nonetheless nicely accomplishes what it is trying to do. Scalia is one of the authors, to be sure, but he is also the protagonist of a narrative. The author’s preeminent concern is seeing to it that you perceive the protagonist as the author intends: as the champion of judicial restraint, against all those liberal oligarchs. If you buy the story of Virtuous Scalia, that empowers Judicial Activist Scalia.
Analysis of a novel gene, Sdgc, reveals sex chromosome-dependent differences of medaka germ cells prior to gonad formation
Authors: Nishimura Toshiya , Herpin Amaury , Kimura Tetsuaki , Hara Ikuyo , Kawasaki Toshihiro , Nakamura Shuhei , Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Saito Taro L. , Yoshimura Jun , Morishita Shinichi , Tsukahara Tatsuya , Kobayashi Satoru , Naruse Kiyoshi , Shigenobu Shuji , Sakai Noriyoshi , Schartl Manfred , Tanaka Minoru
Published: July 2014

In vertebrates that have been examined to date, the sexual identity of germ cells is determined by the sex of gonadal somatic cells. In the teleost fish medaka, a sex-determination gene on the Y chromosome, DMY/dmrt1bY, is expressed in gonadal somatic cells and regulates the sexual identity of germ cells. Here, we report a novel mechanism by which sex chromosomes cell-autonomously confer sexually different characters upon germ cells prior to gonad formation in a genetically sex-determined species. We have identified a novel gene, Sdgc (sex chromosome-dependent differential expression in germ cells), whose transcripts are highly enriched in early XY germ cells. Chimeric analysis revealed that sexually different expression of Sdgc is controlled in a germ cell-autonomous manner by the number of Y chromosomes. Unexpectedly, DMY/dmrt1bY was expressed in germ cells prior to gonad formation, but knockdown and overexpression of DMY/dmrt1bY did not affect Sdgc expression. We also found that XX and XY germ cells isolated before the onset of DMY/dmrt1bY expression in gonadal somatic cells behaved differently in vitro and were affected by Sdgc. Sdgc maps close to the sex-determination locus, and recombination around the two loci appears to be repressed. Our results provide important insights into the acquisition and plasticity of sexual differences at the cellular level even prior to the developmental stage of sex determination.
A Silicon(IV) Phthalocyanine–Folate Conjugate as an Efficient Photosensitizer
Authors: Zheng Yi-Wen , Chen Shao-Fang , Zheng Bi-Yuan , Ke Mei-Rong , Huang Jian-Dong
Published: July 2014

The novel silicon(IV) phthalocyanine axially conjugated with two molecules of folic acid has been prepared and characterized. Its photophysical and photochemical properties and photodynamic activities have also been evaluated. This conjugate shows high photodynamic activities toward HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells (IC50 = 0.071 µM); this activity is slightly higher than that of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC50 = 0.118 µM).
Synthesis of Glycidamide from Acrylonitrile Using Basic Hydrotalcite Catalyst in the Presence of Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide and Unsaturated Amide
Authors: Fujiwara Shinpei , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: July 2014

Glycidamide (GA) can be synthesized from acrylonitrile (AN) by using hydrotalcite as a solid base catalyst and 25% aqueous H2O2 as an oxidant, in the presence of acrylamide (AA) as a cocatalyst in methanol solvent at 313 K for 18 h. The GA yield and H2O2 utilization efficiency reached 74% and 60%, respectively. The hydrotalcite catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused at least once.
Synthesis of 5,6,11-Trideoxytetrodotoxin
Authors: Adachi Masaatsu , Sakakibara Ryo , Satake Yoshiki , Isobe Minoru , Nishikawa Toshio
Published: July 2014

5,6,11-Trideoxytetrodotoxin, a naturally occurring analog of tetrodotoxin, was synthesized from a synthetic intermediate of 5-deoxytetrodotoxin by continuous radical deoxygenation of two hydroxy groups at the C-6 and C-11 positions.
La música como lenguaje de las emociones. Un análisis empírico de su capacidad performativa
Authors: Alaminos Fernández Antonio Francisco
Published: July 2014

Esta investigación estudia la relación entre las emociones y la música. Se efectúa un diseño de test-retest donde los individuos expresan qué música escucharían según estados de ánimo, para posteriormente pedir a una segunda muestra, distinta a la anterior, que valore en qué grado considera que dichas canciones expresan esos mismos estados de ánimo. Se ha efectuado un análisis de los rasgos musicales de dichas canciones. Se concluye que tanto en las emociones como en los rasgos musicales existe una dimensionalidad subyacente. En el caso de las emociones corresponde con las propuestas del diferencial semántico. En los rasgos musicales, se determinan dos dimensiones aún sin etiquetar teóricamente. Finalmente, se muestra la relación empírica entre rasgos musicales y emociones mediante un modelo estructural de medición.
Left-Atrial-Appendage Occluder Migrates in an Asymptomatic Patient
Authors: Pisani Paolo , Sandrelli Luca , Fabbrocini Mario , Tesler Ugo Filippo , Medici Dante
Published: July 2014

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a new approach to the prevention of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. We implanted an LAA occlusion device (Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug) in a 70-year-old woman via a transseptal approach. Upon her discharge from the hospital, a transthoracic echocardiogram showed stable anchoring of the device; 6 months after implantation, a routine transthoracic echocardiogram revealed migration of the occluder into the left ventricular outflow tract, in the absence of symptoms. We surgically removed the device from the mitral subvalvular apparatus and closed the LAA with sutures. This case shows that percutaneous LAA occlusion can result in serious adverse events, including device migration in the absence of signs or symptoms; therefore, careful follow-up monitoring is mandatory.
Septic Coronary Artery Embolism Treated with Aspiration Thrombectomy: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Maqsood Khawar , Sarwar Nosheen , Eftekhari Hossein , Lotfi Amir
Published: July 2014

Coronary embolization is a potentially fatal sequela of endocarditis. We report a case of Candida endocarditis with septic embolism to the left anterior descending coronary artery. This embolism was successfully treated with aspiration thrombectomy followed by balloon angioplasty. The treatment of acute coronary syndrome in the presence of septic embolism is controversial. Aspiration thrombectomy has been performed in this situation before, and it appears to be safer and more feasible than is thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Penetrating Nail-Gun Injury of the Heart Managed by Adenosine-Induced Asystole in the Absence of a Heart-Lung Machine
Authors: Rupprecht Holger , Ghidau Marius
Published: July 2014

During his work, an 18-year-old carpenter-in-training overbalanced and shot himself in the left median thorax with a nail gun. The patient was delivered to our thoracic surgery unit with a tentative diagnosis of penetrating lung trauma. An emergent computed tomogram showed a heart-penetrating nail injury. The patient was taken to the operating room, where he underwent emergency surgery that included sternotomy, pericardiotomy, extraction of the nail, and trauma treatment of the heart injury. The surgery was performed in a unit without a heart-lung machine. For that reason, asystole was chemically induced by the intravenous administration of adenosine. The surgery was successful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 10th postoperative day.

In cases of penetrating injuries of the heart, especially those with a foreign body retained in situ, we believe that the intravenous administration of adenosine is an elegant solution for the rapid provocation of asystole. In contrast to other methods, adenosine-induced asystole enables relatively safe myocardial manipulation in the absence of a cardiac surgical unit and a heart-lung machine.
Left Ventricular Remodeling after Late Revascularization Correlates with Baseline Viability
Authors: Goel Pravin K. , Bhatia Tanuj , Kapoor Aditya , Gambhir Sanjay , Pradhan Prasanta K. , Barai Sukanta , Tewari Satyendra , Garg Naveen , Kumar Sudeep , Jain Suruchi , Madhusudan Ponnusamy , Murthy Siddegowda
Published: July 2014

The ideal management of stable patients who present late after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still a matter of conjecture. We hypothesized that the extent of improvement in left ventricular function after successful revascularization in this subset was related to the magnitude of viability in the infarct-related artery territory. However, few studies correlate the improvement of left ventricular function with the magnitude of residual viability in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention in this setting.

In 68 patients who presented later than 24 hours after a confirmed first STEMI, we performed resting, nitroglycerin-enhanced, technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography–myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT–MPI) before percutaneous coronary intervention, and again 6 months afterwards. Patients whose baseline viable myocardium in the infarct-related artery territory was more than 50%, 20% to 50%, and less than 20% were divided into Groups 1, 2, and 3 (mildly, moderately, and severely reduced viability, respectively). At follow-up, there was significant improvement in end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction in Groups 1 and 2, but not in Group 3.

We conclude that even late revascularization of the infarct-related artery yields significant improvement in left ventricular remodeling. In patients with more than 20% viable myocardium in the infarct-related artery territory, the extent of improvement in left ventricular function depends upon the amount of viable myocardium present. The SPECT–MPI can be used as a guide for choosing patients for revascularization.
Abdominal Fat Suspension Device for Maintaining Normal Cardiorespiratory Function in Patients Undergoing Conscious Sedation during Surgery: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Truong Norman F. , Nathan Joanna C. , Yoon Daeun , Ochoa Gabriel , Prevost Marisa , Yun Sehyun , Oden Z. Maria , Razavi Mehdi
Published: July 2014

Obese patients undergoing conscious-sedation surgery have increased perioperative morbidity because their excess abdominal tissue limits diaphragmatic excursion. We describe a simple device that might help attenuate this risk. We created a noninvasive suction device for abdominal suspension. By lifting the burden of excess weight, this device should decrease respiratory effort. To test the feasibility of excess weight removal in relieving cardiac stress, we tested 22 supine, healthy, normal-weight subjects by measuring their heart rates with and without a 13-kg tissue model on their abdomen to simulate excess weight. There was no significant difference in blood oxygen saturation before and after weight removal (P=0.318). However, the decrease in heart rate was significant (P <0.0001; paired 2-sample, one-tailed t test), which implies decreased respiratory effort. This result suggests the possibility that abdominal mass suspension in obese patients is associated with decreased respiratory effort.
Percutaneous Closure versus Medical Therapy Alone for Cryptogenic Stroke Patients with a Patent Foramen Ovale: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pickett Christopher A. , Villines Todd C. , Ferguson Michael A. , Hulten Edward A.
Published: July 2014

Of cryptogenic stroke patients younger than 55 years of age, up to 61% have had a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Observational studies have revealed reductions in recurrent neurologic events through PFO closure versus medical therapy, and randomized controlled trials have shown nonsignificant trends toward benefit. We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials of percutaneous PFO closure with medical therapy versus medical therapy alone in patients with cryptogenic stroke and performed a meta-analysis of treatment outcomes. The primary endpoint was combined death, stroke, and transient ischemic attack.

We included 3 trials. Of 2,303 total patients, 1,150 underwent PFO closure and 1,153 received medical therapy (median follow-up period, 2.6 yr). The pooled incidence of the primary endpoint was 1.2 events per 100 patient-years in the closure group (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2–2.3) and 1.8 in the therapy group (95% CI, 0.7–2.9) (P=0.32); the number needed to treat was 167 (range, 100–500). The corresponding pooled hazard ratio was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.44–1.01; P=0.054) in favor of closure. Closure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation: relative risk=3.51 (95% CI, 1.44–8.55; P=0.006). When stratified by device, use of the Amplatzer™ PFO Occluder resulted in significant stroke-prevention benefit over medical therapy alone: hazard ratio=0.44 (95% CI, 0.21–0.95; P=0.037).

When compared with medical therapy alone, PFO closure with medical therapy showed a trend toward a decreased hazard of combined events, although the absolute event reduction was small and the number needed to treat was high.
A ‘resource allocator’ for transcription based on a highly fragmented T7 RNA polymerase
Authors: Segall‐Shapiro Thomas H , Meyer Adam J , Ellington Andrew D , Sontag Eduardo D , Voigt Christopher A
Published: July 2014

Synthetic genetic systems share resources with the host, including machinery for transcription and translation. Phage RNA polymerases (RNAPs) decouple transcription from the host and generate high expression. However, they can exhibit toxicity and lack accessory proteins (σ factors and activators) that enable switching between different promoters and modulation of activity. Here, we show that T7 RNAP (883 amino acids) can be divided into four fragments that have to be co‐expressed to function. The DNA‐binding loop is encoded in a C‐terminal 285‐aa ‘σ fragment’, and fragments with different specificity can direct the remaining 601‐aa ‘core fragment’ to different promoters. Using these parts, we have built a resource allocator that sets the core fragment concentration, which is then shared by multiple σ fragments. Adjusting the concentration of the core fragment sets the maximum transcriptional capacity available to a synthetic system. Further, positive and negative regulation is implemented using a 67‐aa N‐terminal ‘α fragment’ and a null (inactivated) σ fragment, respectively. The α fragment can be fused to recombinant proteins to make promoters responsive to their levels. These parts provide a toolbox to allocate transcriptional resources via different schemes, which we demonstrate by building a system which adjusts promoter activity to compensate for the difference in copy number of two plasmids.
Common dysregulation network in the human prefrontal cortex underlies two neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Narayanan Manikandan , Huynh Jimmy L , Wang Kai , Yang Xia , Yoo Seungyeul , McElwee Joshua , Zhang Bin , Zhang Chunsheng , Lamb John R , Xie Tao , Suver Christine , Molony Cliona , Melquist Stacey , Johnson Andrew D , Fan Guoping , Stone David J , Schadt Eric E , Casaccia Patrizia , Emilsson Valur , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2014

Using expression profiles from postmortem prefrontal cortex samples of 624 dementia patients and non‐demented controls, we investigated global disruptions in the co‐regulation of genes in two neurodegenerative diseases, late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD). We identified networks of differentially co‐expressed (DC) gene pairs that either gained or lost correlation in disease cases relative to the control group, with the former dominant for both AD and HD and both patterns replicating in independent human cohorts of AD and aging. When aligning networks of DC patterns and physical interactions, we identified a 242‐gene subnetwork enriched for independent AD/HD signatures. This subnetwork revealed a surprising dichotomy of gained/lost correlations among two inter‐connected processes, chromatin organization and neural differentiation, and included DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1 and DNMT3A, of which we predicted the former but not latter as a key regulator. To validate the inter‐connection of these two processes and our key regulator prediction, we generated two brain‐specific knockout (KO) mice and show that Dnmt1 KO signature significantly overlaps with the subnetwork (P = 3.1 × 10−12), while Dnmt3a KO signature does not (P = 0.017).
A randomised controlled trial evaluating IGF1 titration in contrast to current GH dosing strategies in children born small for gestational age: the North European Small-for-Gestational-Age Study
Authors: Jensen Rikke Beck , Thankamony Ajay , O'Connell Susan M , Kirk Jeremy , Donaldson Malcolm , Ivarsson Sten-A , Söder Olle , Roche Edna , Hoey Hilary , Dunger David B , Juul Anders
Published: July 2014

Background

Short children born small for gestational age (SGA) are treated with a GH dose based on body size, but treatment may lead to high levels of IGF1. The objective was to evaluate IGF1 titration of GH dose in contrast to current dosing strategies.

Methods

In the North European Small-for-Gestational-Age Study (NESGAS), 92 short pre-pubertal children born SGA were randomised after 1 year of high-dose GH treatment (67 μg/kg per day) to three different regimens: high dose (67 μg/kg per day), low dose (35 μg/kg per day) or IGF1 titration.

Results

The average dose during the second year of the randomised trial did not differ between the IGF1 titration group (38 μg/kg per day,s.d.0.019) and the low-dose group (35 μg/kg per day,s.d.0.002;P=0.46), but there was a wide variation in the IGF1 titration group (range 10–80 μg/kg per day). The IGF1 titration group had significantly lower height gain (0.17 SDS,s.d.0.18) during the second year of the randomised trial compared with the high-dose group (0.46 SDS,s.d.0.25), but not significantly lower than the low-dose group (0.23 SDS,s.d.0.15;P=0.17). The IGF1 titration group had lower IGF1 levels after 2 years of the trial (mean 1.16,s.d.1.24) compared with both the low-dose (mean 1.76,s.d.1.48) and the high-dose (mean 2.97,s.d.1.63) groups.

Conclusion

IGF1 titration of GH dose in SGA children proved less effective than current dosing strategies. IGF1 titration resulted in physiological IGF1 levels with a wide range of GH dose and a poorer growth response, which indicates the role of IGF1 resistance and highlights the heterogeneity of short SGA children.
Indirect Land Use Change – Science or Mission?
Authors: Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: July 2014

The current discussions of indirect land use change (iLUC) and the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of bioresources have turned into a rather controversial debate. The scientific robustness and consistency of current iLUC models and data are at least unclear. However, representatives of the scientific community still dare to provide straightforward political advice in their papers – way beyond the fact-based ‘proof’ of their data and on a level that is usually not accepted by scientific journals. But the actual task and challenge for the scientific community is to determine the environmental performance of bioresources as objectively and fact-based as possible – with a clear and sober focus on integrity and soundness, not sense of mission.
Production of 2,5-Diformylfuran from Biomass-derived Glucose via One-Pot Two-Step Process
Authors: Zhang Shengqiang , Li Weifeng , Zeng Xianhai , Sun Yong , Lin Lu
Published: July 2014

As a furan derivative from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) or other biomass-based carbohydrates, 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) is one of the most important platform molecules in the organic chemicals industry. Although it has many potential applications in the future, the production of DFF on a large scale is currently a challenge. As an alternative to the production of DFF from HMF, the target product DFF could be obtained from biomass-derived glucose with a complex catalytic system (AlCl3·6H2O/NaBr and a vanadium compound assisted with molecular oxygen) carried out in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). In this research, reactions were conducted in reactors with different capacities. The results showed that DFF yields based on glucose could reach 35 to 48% with almost complete transformation of glucose. This one-pot two-step reaction is characterized by the abundance and low cost of the starting materials and by the elimination of the separation and purification of HMF. This has great potential for applications in the future production of DFF on a large scale after further advancements and optimizations.
Use of whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis and therapeutic response of multiple myeloma
Authors: Puskás Tamás , Henits Imre
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is an incurable neoplastic disorder of B cells characterized by diffuse bone marrow infiltration, circumscribed bone lesions, and soft-tissue spreading. The role of novel functional imaging techniques in multiple myeloma includes initial staging of the disease, detection and characterization of complications, and evaluation of the response to treatment. Aim: The authors present their 2 and a half-year experience with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in staging and follow up of patients with multiple myeloma. Method: Conventional T1 weighted, T2 weighted fat suppressed and 2 b-values diffusion-weighted sequences were performed from skull base to symphysis in 27 patients suspected to have multiple myeloma. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculation was carried out in 3 cases. The final diagnosis of multiple myeloma was verified by bone-marrow biopsy. Results: In 13 cases magnetic resonance imaging revealed the suspected disease. In one patient magnetic resonance imaging failed to detect the disease because of metallic artifacts. In 6 cases diffusion-weighted sequences showed additional information about bone-marrow infiltration. Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with conventional sequences is a useful and promising functional imaging modality in the early diagnosis of myeloma multiple. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(31), 1241–1245.
Achieving Improved Solar Absorbance of Small Organic Dyes Featuring Quinoidized Five-Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Tu Wei Han , Tan Yi Yin , Manzhos Sergei
Published: July 2014

We present rational computational design of phenothiazine dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells containing different five-membered rings (thiophene, furan, and selenophene) by a combined strategy of modified conjugation order and functionalization leading to the quinoidization of the ring. We predict that it is possible to lower the excitation energy by 20% vs. the parent dye by the combination of: change in the conjugation order of the methine unit, its functionalization by the CN group, and replacement of the thiophene ring by furan.
Morphology and microstructure of core-shell GaAs/GaxAl1-xAs nanowires investigated by He-ion microscopy and X-ray reciprocal space mapping
Authors: Re Marilena , Di Benedetto Francesca , Pesce Emanuela , Miccoli Ilio , Prete Paola , Lovergine Nicola , Tapfer Leander
Published: July 2014

In this work we present new results on the morphological and microstructural properties of GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs (x≈0.24) core-shell nanowires (NWs) epitaxially grown on (111)B-GaAs substrates by Au-catalyst assisted metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Optimized growth conditions allowed us to fabricate highly-dense arrays of vertically-aligned (i.e., along the <111> crystallographic orientation) NWs. The NW arrays were investigated by Helium Ion microscopy (HeIM) and X-ray double- and triple-axis measurements and reciprocal space mapping (RSM). We demonstrate that these techniques can be employed in order to correlate some intrinsically local morphological information with statistically relevant (i.e. averaged over millions-to-billions of NWs) data on the NW structural properties.
Barriers in health care to breast cancer: perception of women
Authors: Gonçalves Leila Luiza Conceição , Travassos Gabriela Lima , Almeida Ana Maria de , Guimarães Alzira Maria D’Ávila Nery , Gois Cristiane Franca Lisboa
Published: July 2014

Identifying the barriers in the access to health care to breast cancer perceived by women undergoing chemotherapy.Method: An exploratory descriptive study. The sample consisted of 58 women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy and registered in the public oncology ambulatory of Aracaju-Sergipe. Data collection was carried out between October 2011 and March 2012 by semistructured interviews, and data were processed using the SPSS, version 17.Results: Among the interviewed women, 37 (63.8%) reported at least a barrier in the trajectory of care for breast cancer. The organizational and health services barriers were the most reported in the periods of investigation and treatment of breast cancer.Conclusion: In face of these findings, the barriers should be considered in public health policies and programs for the control of breast cancer in Sergipe.