bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alu retrotransposon quantification in the retina and plasma: Mechanism‐based risk assessment in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: FOWLER B , KERUR N , GELFAND B , BASTOS‐CARVALHO A , AMBATI J
Published: November 2013

Purpose Alu RNAs are endogenous pathogens in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently, efforts to develop diagnostic and prognostic tools are limited. Yet, because AMD is a chronic disease, tools to detect pre‐clinical disease and monitor progression are an essential part of an effective and comprehensive therapeutic strategy. We tested plasma Alu RNA as a potential biomarker for AMD. Also, cells can convert Alu RNA into DNA, and as such, we determined Alu DNA content of RPE cells. We also genotyped RPE cells for a panel of known AMD risk single nucleotide polymorphisms, and developed an AMD risk stratification system based on age, genotype, and Alu DNA content.

Methods RPE cells were isolated from human donor eyes were harvested within 5‐10 hours after death. RPE cells were grown in cell culture for four passages. DNA was extracted and subjected to genotyping for AMD‐associated SNPs using TaqMan probes. Plasma sample RNA was extracted with Trizol LS and reverse transcribed. qPCR for DNA performed with standard curves of Alu‐specific primers and housekeeping single copy genes; for cDNA, Alu quantified per mL plasma.

Results The RPE of AMD donors contain increased quantities of Alu DNA. Our results suggest that Alu DNA content increases as a function of age and disease status, and that genotype also modulates disease risk. Finally, Alu RNA content in plasma was significantly increased in AMD versus age‐matched healthy controls.

Conclusion These efforts set the stage for the utilization of plasma Alu RNA quantity as a novel mechanism‐based biomarker in AMD, and also implicate increased Alu DNA burden as a potential mediator of Alu RNA‐induced RPE cell death in AMD.
Choroidal thickness in retinitis pigmentosa using EDI OCT
Authors: AKNIN I , MELKI L
Published: November 2013

Purpose To describe the choroidal thickness of patients with RP using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT), comparing with impaired non affected subjects.

Methods Prospective, case‐control study of 20 patients with RP imaged using the Spectralis EDI protocol. 40 healthy age‐matched subjects participated in the study as control. RP patients had mild to severe disease, with a visual acuity range of ETDRS 20/20 to light perception. Choroidal thickness measures were determined via manual segmentation of the OCT image. Submacular choroidal thickness measurements were obtained beneath the fovea and at 500 µm intervals for 2.0 mm nasal and temporal to the centre of the fovea. These measurements on RP patients were compared to choroidal thickness measurements from 40 controls with similar refraction and no clinical evidence of retinal or glaucomatous disease. Statistical analysis was performed to compare choroidal thickness at each location between the two groups and to correlate choroidal thickness with best‐corrected visual acuity.

Results Mean ages were 47.025 years for control patients and 49.3 years for RP patients (p>0.05). Mean choroidal thickness measurements were 211.9 ± 80 µm in RP patients and 305.6 ± 89 µm in controls (p<0.0001). The thickness gradually decreased toward the peripheral retina in the RP and control patients. It was greater in the temporal field than the nasal one in both groups. All values were highly significantly lower in RP group than those of the controls (p≤0.001). Patients with poorer visual acuity or older (longer duration of disease) tended to have thinner choroids

Conclusion Submacular choroidal thickness, as measured by SD–OCT EDI, is significantly reduced in patients comparing with age matched cIontrol
Illness experiences in middle‐aged adults with early‐stage knee osteoarthritis: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Kao Mei‐Hua , Tsai Yun‐Fang
Published: November 2013

Aim

To understand the illness experiences of middle‐aged adults with early knee osteoarthritis.

Background

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of lower limb disability in middle‐aged adults and older people. Nurses lack understanding of the illness experiences of middle‐aged patients who were confirmed to have early knee osteoarthritis and of how they manage the disease in Taiwan.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was applied.

Methods

Participants with knee osteoarthritis, aged 40–55 years, were recruited by purposive sampling (n = 17). The data were collected through semi‐structured interviews from July–December 2010. All interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis to identify key themes.

Findings

Illness experiences of the seventeen participants were classified into three major themes: (i) unfamiliarity with osteoarthritis; (ii) effects on daily life; and (iii) protection and alleviation. The three main themes occurred repeatedly and affected the life experiences of the patients.

Conclusions

This study indicates that patients with osteoarthritis have insufficient knowledge related to disease process and they do not know how to cope effectively. They need healthcare providers to supply them with adequate osteoarthritis disease information. Nurses should also develop interventions in their practices and guide patients to use suitable techniques to improve the functional status of their knee joint(s).
Proton pump inhibitors as a possible cause of vitiligo: an in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Shin J.M. , Lee J.Y. , Lee D.Y. , Yoon T.Y. , Lee J.C. , Lim E.H. , Sohn K.C. , Lee Y.H. , Im M. , Seo Y.J. , Kim C.D. , Lee J.H. , Lee Y.
Published: November 2013

Background

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder of melanocytes. Recently, some clinical reports have suggested that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may worsen vitiligo, but their effects on melanocytes have yet to be elucidated.

Objective

We investigated the effect of PPIs on melanogenesis in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

We examined the effect of PPIs on melanogenesis in B16 murine melanoma cells by measuring melanin content and tyrosinase (TYR) activity. TYR and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1) were monitored by western blotting. Finally, a PPI was applied to zebrafish embryos to investigate its in vivo effect on pigmentation.

Results

In agreement with our clinical experience of worsened vitiligo after PPI treatment, PPIs decreased both melanin content and TYR activity. Western blotting showed that PPIs decreased TYR and TRP‐1 protein levels. In the zebrafish test, PPIs inhibited body pigmentation in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the functional inhibition of melanization by PPIs may induce or aggravate vitiligo lesions in genetically predisposed patients.
Healthcare cost impact of biological drugs compared with traditional systemic treatments in psoriasis: a cohort analysis in the French insurance database
Authors: Le Moigne M. , Sommet A. , Lapeyre‐Mestre M. , Bourrel R. , Molinier L. , Paul C. , Montastruc J‐.L.
Published: November 2013

Background

Biological drugs have dramatically improved the management of moderate to severe psoriasis. Little is known about their economic impact in daily clinical practice.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the costs of biological drugs, in term of health resources consumption, and to compare it with costs induced by traditional systemic treatments.

Methods

This cohort study was built from the French health insurance database in the Midi Pyrénées area (2.8 million inhabitants, South West of France). We compared health care costs between ‘exposed’ patients treated with biological drugs (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab or ustekinumab) and ‘unexposed’ patients defined as patients who received traditional systemic treatments (phototherapy, acitretin, methotrexate or cyclosporin) during a 6‐month period.

Results

A total of 1924 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty‐nine patients were ‘exposed’, whereas 1855 patients were ‘unexposed’. ‘Exposed’ patients had a mean total healthcare cost of 8107€ vs. 1678€ (P < 0.001) for ‘unexposed’ patients. They had higher costs concerning inpatient admission, medication and consultations including dermatology consultations, laboratory, non‐medical care and transportation. Biological drug prescription was associated with an increase in the use of anti‐infective drugs and with a reduction in the use of psychoactive drugs.

Conclusion

The mean total health care expenditure in patients treated with biological drugs was five times higher as compared with patients treated with traditional systemic treatments. The limitation of the study is the short duration of follow‐up comprising a loading dose period for some biological drugs. This may have contributed to an overestimation of drug‐related costs.
Ratios of regulatory T cells/T‐helper 17 cells and transforming growth factor‐β1/interleukin‐17 to be associated with the development of hepatitis B virus‐associated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yu Xueping , Guo Ruyi , Ming Desong , Su Milong , Lin Chengzu , Deng Yong , Lin Zhenzhong , Su Zhijun
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of the regulatory T cells (Treg)/T‐helper (Th) 17 cells and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) ratios with the survival and disease progression in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods

The frequencies of Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed in 28 patients with HBV‐LC, 70 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 20 normal controls (NC) by flow cytometry. The levels of cytokines related to Treg/Th17 differentiation, including IL‐10, TGF‐β1, IL‐17, and IL‐23, were measured by ELISA.

Results

Compared with NC, Treg cells were significantly increased in CHB patients and slightly increased in HBV‐LC patients, whereas Th17 cells were markedly increased both in patients with CHB and HBV‐LC. HBV‐LC patients, especially the nonsurvival ones, manifested a profound decrease in the Treg/Th17 ratio, which was negatively correlated with Child‐Pugh and model of end‐stage liver disease scores. Serum IL‐10, TGF‐β1, IL‐17, and IL‐23 levels were all significantly higher in HBV‐LC patients than in NC. In addition, the TGF‐β1/IL‐17 ratio was also markedly increased in patients with HBV‐LC, especially in nonsurvival and decompensated liver cirrhosis patients, and positively correlated with total bilirubin, Child‐Pugh, and model of end‐stage liver disease scores.

Conclusions

The decreased Treg/Th17 ratio and increased TGF‐β1/IL‐17 ratio may be associated with the survival and disease progression in HBV‐LC patients, and both of the two ratios can be used independently to predict the prognosis and disease progression of HBV‐LC patients.
Predictors of quality of life in patients with heart failure
Authors: Hwang Shiow‐Li , Liao Wen‐Chun , Huang Tsuey‐Yuan
Published: November 2013

Aim

To understand quality of life (QOL) and the effects of sociodemographics, disease severity, physical symptoms (dyspnea and fatigue), and depression on QOL of heart failure (HF) patients in Taiwan.

Methods

Adult HF patients with history of cerebral vascular accident, myocardial infarction within the previous 6 months, major diseases, concurrent cancers, and coexisting terminal diseases, cognitive impairments, or residence in institutions, were excluded in this study. Quality of life, physical symptoms, and depression were measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory depression subscale, respectively. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the correlations of demographics, disease severity, physical symptoms, and depression with QOL in HF patients.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐three HF patients (64.2 ± 12.7 years, 78.2% male, 36.1% NYHA III/IV) were recruited in the study. In the final regression model, age, duration of HF, physical symptoms, and depression had a significant impact on global QOL, ultimately accounting for 37.6% of the variance of QOL.

Conclusion

Age, duration of HF, physical symptoms, and depression are important predictors of QOL in HF patients. Interventions targeting physical symptoms and depression are expected to improve QOL of HF patients.
Mesenchymal progenitor cells in mouse foetal liver regulate differentiation and proliferation of hepatoblasts
Authors: Ito Keiichi , Yanagida Ayaka , Okada Ken , Yamazaki Yuji , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Kamiya Akihide
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Hepatoblasts are somatic progenitor cells of the foetal liver that possess high proliferative capacity and bi‐potency for differentiation into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Although mesenchymal cells are known to be important for liver ontogeny, current understanding of their interaction with hepatoblasts remains obscure. Mesenchymal cell populations in the developing liver were purified and their potential to support proliferation and differentiation of hepatoblasts was examined.

Methods

Foetal liver cells were fractionated with a flow cytometer using antibodies against cell surface markers. Gene expression of mesenchymal‐specific transcripts and morphological characteristics were analysed. The ability of the mesenchymal cells to support hepatoblast function was analysed using a transwell and direct coculture system.

Results

CD45−Ter119−CD71−Dlk1midPDGFRα+ cells from the mid‐foetal stage liver expressed the mesenchymal cell‐specific transcription factors H2.0‐like homeobox 1 and LIM homeobox 2 at high levels. Foetal mesenchymal cells make contact with hepatoblasts in vivo and possess the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes under appropriate cell culture conditions, indicating that these cells are possible candidates for mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Foetal mesenchymal cells expressed pleiotrophin, hepatocyte growth factor and midkine 1, which are involved in the growth of hepatoblasts. Using the coculture system with hepatoblasts and foetal mesenchymal cells, these cells were shown to support proliferation and maturation of hepatoblasts through indirect and direct interactions respectively.

Conclusions

Dlk1midPDGFRα+ cells in non‐haematopoetic fraction derived from the foetal liver exhibit mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and have abilities to support proliferation and differentiation of hepatoblasts.
Acquisition and diversification of tendrilled leaves in Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae) involved changes in expression patterns of SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM), LEAFY/FLORICAULA (LFY/FLO), and PHANTASTICA (PHAN)
Authors: Sousa‐Baena Mariane Silveira , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Rossi Magdalena , Sinha Neelima R.
Published: November 2013

Leaves have undergone structural modifications over evolutionary time, and presently exist in many forms. For instance, in Fabaceae and Bignoniaceae, leaf parts can be modified into tendrils. Currently, no data are available on genic control of tendrilled leaf development outside Fabaceae.

Here, we conducted a detailed study of three representatives of Bignonieae: Amphilophium buccinatorium, Dolichandra unguis‐cati, and Bignonia callistegioides, bearing multifid, trifid, and simple‐tendrilled leaves, respectively. We investigated the structure of their petioles, petiolules, leaflets, and tendrils through histological analyses. Additionally, the expression of SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM), PHANTASTICA (PHAN), and LEAFY/FLORICAULA (LFY/FLO) during leaf development was analyzed by in situ hybridizations.

Tendrils share some anatomical similarities with leaflets, but not with other leaf parts. Transcripts of both STM and LFY/FLO were detected in leaf primordia, associated with regions from which leaflets and tendril branches originate. PHAN expression was found to be polarized in branched tendrils, but not in simple tendrils.

In Bignonieae, tendrils are modified leaflets that, as a result of premature completion of development, become bladeless organs. Bignonieae leaves develop differently from those of peas, as both LFY/FLO and STM are expressed in developing leaves of Bignonieae. Moreover, PHAN is probably involved in tendril diversification in Bignonieae, as it has distinct expression patterns in different leaf types.
Anesthetic considerations in Sheldon–Hall syndrome
Authors: Anthony Anderson Thomas , Kasser James R. , Holzman Robert S.
Published: November 2013

Arthrogryposis is characterized by multiple, nonprogressive joint contractures which may be caused by maternal disorders such as oligohydramnios as well as fetal akinesia resulting from primary disorders of muscle, connective tissue, or neurologic tissue. Its prevalence is about 1 : 3000. Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a heterogenous group of genetic disorders with a characteristic flexion of the joints of the hands and feet divided into different types with additional features. Sheldon–Hall Syndrome (SHS), also known as distal arthrogryposis type 2A (DA2A), has some nonorthopedic features of specific importance to anesthetic care.
High‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of carbon dynamics in mycorrhizas formed by an obligately myco‐heterotrophic orchid
Authors: BOUGOURE JEREMY , LUDWIG MARTHA , BRUNDRETT MARK , CLIFF JOHN , CLODE PETA , KILBURN MATT , GRIERSON PAULINE
Published: November 2013

Mycorrhiza formation represents a significant carbon (C) acquisition alternative for orchid species, particularly those that remain achlorophyllous through all life stages. As it is known that orchid mycorrhizas facilitate nutrient transfer (most notably of C), it has not been resolved if C transfer occurs only after lysis of mycorrhizal structures (fungal pelotons) or also across the mycorrhizal interface of pre‐lysed pelotons. We used high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) and labelling with enriched 13CO2 to trace C transfers, at subcellular scale, across mycorrhizal interfaces formed by Rhizanthella gardneri, an achlorphyllous orchid. Carbon was successfully traced in to the fungal portion of orchid mycorrhizas. However, we did not detect C movement across intact mycorrhizal interfaces up to 216 h post 13CO2 labelling. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that C transfer from the mycorrhizal fungus to orchid, at least for R. gardneri, likely occurs after lysis of the fungal peloton.
Observations of families in structured interactions: Parenting therapists provide reliable ratings of mothers' parenting
Authors: Storå Bent , Hagtvet Knut A. , Heyerdahl Sonja
Published: November 2013

The reliability of observations of parenting by parenting therapists was assessed. An important predictor of externalizing behavior in children is quality of parenting. Data were videotapes of structured interactions in families with a child age 8–12 years referred to the evidence based Parent Management Training Oregon (PMTO) treatment program for child behavior problems. The therapists had clinical PMTO training but no training in systematic observation. PMTO observational coders with specific coder training were included as a reference for the therapists. Five therapists and two coders observed videotapes of 10 families and performed global evaluations of mothers' parenting skills. They used the coder's impression measure used in PMTO research. Scores were analyzed in a generalizability theory framework for the two groups of observers separately. Both observer types reliably rank‐ordered the mothers and assessed the level of parenting skills. PMTO therapists without coder training provided reliable ratings of parenting constructs relevant to the clinical PMTO program in a manner comparable to that of the trained reference coders.
The Limitations of Pulsed‐Field Gel Electrophoresis for Analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica Isolates
Authors: Gilpin B. J. , Robson B , Lin S. , Hudson J. A. , Weaver L. , Dufour M. , Strydom H.
Published: November 2013

This study describes the analysis of 432 isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE had a high level of discrimination with biotype 1A isolates (Simpson's Diversity Index 0.997), but with the clinically important biotypes 2, 3 and 4, the discriminatory ability of PFGE was so low as to severely limit its usefulness (DI <0.6). For biotypes 2, 3 and 4, 79% or more of isolates of each biotype were of just three different PFGE profiles. Because of this, four known outbreaks of yersiniosis would not have been identified by PFGE analysis. However, a previously unrecognized potential outbreak of yersiniosis caused by biotype 4 isolates was identified on the basis of a rare PFGE genotype with spatial and temporal clustering. We conclude that PFGE has a very limited application to the genotyping of Y. enterocolitica biotypes 2, 3 and 4, and inferences based on finding indistinguishable PFGE profiles among cases or between cases and sources need to be substantiated using alternative typing tools, or strong epidemiological evidence.
Magnetohydrodynamics and Soret Effects on Bioconvection in a Porous Medium Saturated With a Nanofluid Containing Gyrotactic Microorganisms
Authors: Shaw S. , Sibanda P. , Sutradhar A. , Murthy P. V. S. N.
Published: November 2013

We investigate the bioconvection of gyrotactic microorganism near the boundary layer region of an inclined semi infinite permeable plate embedded in a porous medium filled with a water-based nanofluid containing motile microorganisms. The model for the nanofluid incorporates Brownian motion, thermophoresis, also Soret effect and magnetic field effect are considered in the study. The governing partial differential equations for momentum, heat, solute concentration, nanoparticle volume fraction, and microorganism conservation are reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and solved numerically. The effects of the bioconvection parameters on the thermal, solutal, nanoparticle concentration, and the density of the micro-organisms are analyzed. A comparative analysis of our results with previously reported results in the literature is given. Some interesting phenomena are observed for the local Nusselt and Sherwood number. It is shown that the Péclet number and the bioconvection Rayleigh number highly influence the local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. For Péclet numbers less than 1, the local Nusselt and Sherwood number increase with the bioconvection Lewis number. However, both the heat and mass transfer rates decrease with bioconvection Lewis number for higher values of the Péclet number.
Repopulation of interacting tumor cells during fractionated radiotherapy: Stochastic modeling of the tumor control probability
Authors: Fakir Hatim , Hlatky Lynn , Li Huamin , Sachs Rainer
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

Optimal treatment planning for fractionated external beam radiation therapy requires inputs from radiobiology based on recent thinking about the “five Rs” (repopulation, radiosensitivity, reoxygenation, redistribution, and repair). The need is especially acute for the newer, often individualized, protocols made feasible by progress in image guided radiation therapy and dose conformity. Current stochastic tumor control probability (TCP) models incorporating tumor repopulation effects consider “stem‐like cancer cells” (SLCC) to be independent, but the authors here propose that SLCC‐SLCC interactions may be significant. The authors present a new stochastic TCP model for repopulating SLCC interacting within microenvironmental niches. Our approach is meant mainly for comparing similar protocols. It aims at practical generalizations of previous mathematical models.

Methods:

The authors consider protocols with complete sublethal damage repair between fractions. The authors use customized open‐source software and recent mathematical approaches from stochastic process theory for calculating the time‐dependent SLCC number and thereby estimating SLCC eradication probabilities. As specific numerical examples, the authors consider predicted TCP results for a 2 Gy per fraction, 60 Gy protocol compared to 64 Gy protocols involving early or late boosts in a limited volume to some fractions.

Results:

In sample calculations with linear quadratic parameters α = 0.3 per Gy, α/β = 10 Gy, boosting is predicted to raise TCP from a dismal 14.5% observed in some older protocols for advanced NSCLC to above 70%. This prediction is robust as regards: (a) the assumed values of parameters other than α and (b) the choice of models for intraniche SLCC‐SLCC interactions. However, α = 0.03 per Gy leads to a prediction of almost no improvement when boosting.

Conclusions:

The predicted efficacy of moderate boosts depends sensitively on α. Presumably, the larger values of α are the ones appropriate for individualized treatment protocols, with the smaller values relevant only to protocols for a heterogeneous patient population. On that assumption, boosting is predicted to be highly effective. Front boosting, apart from practical advantages and a possible advantage as regards iatrogenic second cancers, also probably gives a slightly higher TCP than back boosting. If the total number of SLCC at the start of treatment can be measured even roughly, it will provide a highly sensitive way of discriminating between various models and parameter choices. Updated mathematical methods for calculating repopulation allow credible generalizations of earlier results.
An RF dosimeter for independent SAR measurement in MRI scanners
Authors: Qian Di , El‐Sharkawy AbdEl‐Monem M. , Bottomley Paul A. , Edelstein William A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

The monitoring and management of radio frequency (RF) exposure is critical for ensuring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety. Commercial MRI scanners can overestimate specific absorption rates (SAR) and improperly restrict clinical MRI scans or the application of new MRI sequences, while underestimation of SAR can lead to tissue heating and thermal injury. Accurate scanner‐independent RF dosimetry is essential for measuring actual exposure when SAR is critical for ensuring regulatory compliance and MRI safety, for establishing RF exposure while evaluating interventional leads and devices, and for routine MRI quality assessment by medical physicists. However, at present there are no scanner‐independent SAR dosimeters.

Methods:

An SAR dosimeter with an RF transducer comprises two orthogonal, rectangular copper loops and a spherical MRI phantom. The transducer is placed in the magnet bore and calibrated to approximate the resistive loading of the scannerˈs whole‐body birdcage RF coil for human subjects in Philips, GE and Siemens 3 tesla (3T) MRI scanners. The transducer loop reactances are adjusted to minimize interference with the transmit RF field (B1) at the MRI frequency. Power from the RF transducer is sampled with a high dynamic range power monitor and recorded on a computer. The deposited power is calibrated and tested on eight different MRI scanners. Whole‐body absorbed power vs weight and body mass index (BMI) is measured directly on 26 subjects.

Results:

A single linear calibration curve sufficed for RF dosimetry at 127.8 MHz on three different Philips and three GE 3T MRI scanners. An RF dosimeter operating at 123.2 MHz on two Siemens 3T scanners required a separate transducer and a slightly different calibration curve. Measurement accuracy was ∼3%. With the torso landmarked at the xiphoid, human adult whole‑body absorbed power varied approximately linearly with patient weight and BMI. This indicates that whole‐body torso SAR is on average independent of the imaging subject, albeit with fluctuations.

Conclusions:

Our 3T RF dosimeter and transducers accurately measure RF exposure in body‐equivalent loads and provide scanner‐independent assessments of whole‐body RF power deposition for establishing safety compliance useful for MRI sequence and device testing.
EMRE Is an Essential Component of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Complex
Authors: Sancak Yasemin , Markhard Andrew L. , Kitami Toshimori , Kovács-Bogdán Erika , Kamer Kimberli J. , Udeshi Namrata D. , Carr Steven A. , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Clapham David E. , Li Andrew A. , Calvo Sarah E. , Goldberger Olga , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: November 2013

EMRE Emerges

Concentrations of calcium within mitochondria are tightly regulated and modulate physiological mitochondrial functions, including control of metabolism and cell death.

Sancak
et al.

(p.
1379
, published online 14 November) complete the molecular characterization of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), the multicomponent channel that allows concentration of calcium within the organelle. They identified a small protein termed “essential MCU regulator”—or EMRE—which was required for calcium transport activity of the fully assembled uniporter.
Crosstalk Between Microtubule Attachment Complexes Ensures Accurate Chromosome Segregation
Authors: Cheerambathur Dhanya K. , Gassmann Reto , Cook Brian , Oegema Karen , Desai Arshad
Published: November 2013

Dissecting Chromosome Segregation

During cell division, the centromere regions of chromosomes assemble multiprotein organelles called kinetochores that form attachments to spindle microtubules. Working in
Caenorhabditis elegans
,

Cheerambathur
et al.

(p.
1239
, published online 14 November) describe a mechanism controlling the formation of kinetochore-spindle microtubule attachments that is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. The findings suggest the existence of crosstalk between the two major protein complexes involved in forming spindle microtubule attachments: the kinetochore dynein module, which initially captures spindle microtubules, and the Ndc80 complex, which ultimately forms the dynamic end-coupled attachments that segregate chromosomes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Thompson Strain RM6836
Authors: Parker Craig T. , Gorski Lisa , Huynh Steven
Published: November 2013

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Thompson strain RM6836 was isolated from lettuce in 2002. We report here the complete sequence and annotation of the genome of
S.
Thompson RM6836. This is the first reported complete genome sequence for
S.
Thompson and it will enhance our understanding of this serovar and provide another point for comparative studies between
Salmonella enterica
strains.
Genome Sequence of a Circulating Human-Like Swine-Origin Influenza A Virus H3N2 Strain
Authors: Li Xinsheng , Wang Junya , Chen Hong-Ying , Yan Ruoqian , Du Xiangdang
Published: November 2013

The full-genome sequence of A/swine/Henan/1/2010, a strain of influenza A virus isolated in central China, was determined. Phylogenetic analyses show that its eight genomic segments are human-like, and some of its segments have appeared in swine H1N2, swine H1N1, and human H1N2 influenza viruses.
A fresh approach to equine thoracic radiography
Authors: Dunkel Bettina , Gibbs Christine , Weller Renate
Published: November 2013

Equine thoracic radiography is an important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of intrathoracic disease processes. Traditionally, the description of equine pulmonary radiographs has been based on the presence or absence of certain pulmonary patterns, namely bronchial, interstitial, alveolar and vascular patterns that are commonly used in other species. However, the use of these patterns is not always intuitive or suitable in horses and rarely helps in establishing a differential diagnosis for an individual case. This article sets out a simple, step‐by‐step approach for the evaluation of equine thoracic radiographs, which can be used to establish likely differential diagnoses. The assessment is based on the presence or absence and localisation of radiographic opacities that are easily recognised even by minimally trained observers. The article also describes radiographic technique in adult horses and foals, as well as discussing advantages and shortcomings of thoracic radiography.
Ten questions to ask your independent financial adviser
Authors: Pyke Matthew
Published: November 2013

Choosing the right independent financial adviser (IFA) for your business can be a difficult, and potentially costly, if you aren't sure what to look out for. Matthew Pyke suggests 10 questions to ask a potential IFA to help ensure that the one you pick is right for your practice and that the advice they provide is in your best interests.
Evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformation using ‘dual vessel fusion’ technology
Authors: Sheng Liuqing , Li Jun , Li Huanhuan , Li Guodong , Chen Gang , Xiang Weichu , Wang Qiang , Gan Zhiqiang , Sun Qi , Yan Bing , Beilner Janina , Ma Lian-Ting
Published: November 2013

Aim

This study explored the value of using a vessel fusion technique for visualizing and evaluating the vessel structure of patients diagnosed with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Materials and

methods 10 patients with AVMs supplied by multiple cerebral arteries were investigated. The three-dimensional structure of the AVM nidus, feeding arteries, and draining veins were reconstructed from rotational angiographic images and then displayed on a single image in a fused manner.

Results

In the vessel fusion image, the tangled cluster of vessels surrounding the AVMs could be clearly visualized in three-dimensional space from a selected optimal viewing angle. Each AVM nidus component with its specific feeding arteries and venous drainage could be accurately identified.

Conclusions

The vessel fusion technique offered detailed anatomical information that enabled clinicians to better understand the AVM structure, which helped with treatment planning.
Republished: Immune deficiencies in children: an overview
Authors: Jyothi S , Lissauer S , Welch S , Hackett S
Published: November 2013

Primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) are disorders of the immune system that result in increased susceptibility to infectious disease, autoimmunity and malignancy. They are challenging to paediatricians as they can present anytime from birth to adolescence with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. It is important to diagnose PIDs promptly, especially more severe forms to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. However, significant challenges exist in deciding which children to investigate and when. We aim to give a basic understanding of the human immune system, the different presentations in a child that should alert a paediatrician about the possibility of PID and the possible underlying diagnosis. Additionally, we have developed a framework for a stepwise approach to investigating these children.
Two decades of the gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance program in South America and the Caribbean: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Dillon Jo-Anne R , Trecker Molly A , Thakur Sidharath Dev ,   on behalf of the Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program Network in Latin America and the Caribbean 1990–2011
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The WHO has called for a global action plan to control the spread and impact of antibiotic resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae. We report on key antimicrobial susceptibility (AMS) trends in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean from 1990 to 2011.

Methods

Data collected between 1990 and 2011 by up to 23 countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region were aggregated and analysed for overall trends inN gonorrhoeaeAMS to six antibiotics. Methods for gonococcal identification, susceptibility testing and interpretation were standardised.

Results

More than 21 500N gonorrhoeaeisolates were tested for AMS between 1990 and 2011. The number of countries reporting yearly declined from 17 in the 1990s to 7 in 2011. The first isolates (0.4%, 20/5171) with reduced susceptibility (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥0.125 mg/L) to ceftriaxone were reported between 2007 and 2011. Ciprofloxacin resistance, first noted in the mid-1990s, ranged from 1.6% of isolates tested in 1997 rising to 42.1% in 2010. Overall, azithromycin resistance reached a high of 25.8% of isolates tested in 2008 falling to 1.0% in 2010. Resistance to penicillin ranged between 24.2% in 2003 to a high of 48.5% in 1993. Tetracycline resistance ranged between a high of 61.1% of isolates tested in 2001 to 21.8% in 2010. Plasmid mediated penicillin and tetracycline resistance declined over the period.

Conclusions

Gonococcal AMS surveillance initiatives are urgently needed in every country in the region to ensure that effective treatments for gonococcal infections are in place and to better understand emerging trends in gonococcal antimicrobial resistance.
Gonococcal antimicrobial resistance in the Western Pacific Region
Authors: Lahra Monica M , Lo Ying-Ru , Whiley David M
Published: November 2013

Objective

To outline the current situation of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Western Pacific region and factors that impact on this.

Background

The Western Pacific region is densely populated with many living in poverty. There are high rates of infectious diseases, and a disproportionate burden of gonococcal disease. In many countries there is uncontrolled antimicrobial use: these are ideal conditions for the emergence of AMR.

Methods

Gonococcal AMR in this region has been monitored for more than 20 years. Clinical isolates, predominantly from unselected patients attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics, are tested against a panel of antibiotics. Quality assurance and control strategies are in place.

Results

There is widespread, high level resistance to penicillin and ciprofloxacin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (MIC≥0.06 mg/L) is reported in high levels from some countries in the region. Low numbers of isolates tested in some countries reflect capacity for testing, and are suboptimal for surveillance.

Conclusion

The raised MIC values to ceftriaxone, and the emergence and spread of ceftriaxone resistant strains regionally is alarming. Sustaining and enhancing surveillance is critical; however obtaining an adequate sample size is a long-standing issue. The implementation of molecular surveillance strategies could provide broader information on the spread and threat of AMR.
Gonorrhoea and gonococcal antimicrobial resistance surveillance networks in the WHO European Region, including the independent countries of the former Soviet Union
Authors: Unemo Magnus , Ison Catherine A , Cole Michelle , Spiteri Gianfranco , van de Laar Marita , Khotenashvili Lali
Published: November 2013

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) inNeisseria gonorrhoeaehas emerged for essentially all antimicrobials following their introduction into clinical practice. During the latest decade, susceptibility to the last remaining options for antimicrobial monotherapy, the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC), has markedly decreased internationally and treatment failures with these ESCs have been verified. In response to this developing situation, WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published global and region-specific response plans, respectively. One main component of these action/response plans is to enhance the surveillance of AMR and treatment failures. This paper describes the perspectives from the diverse WHO European Region (53 countries), including the independent countries of the former Soviet Union, regarding gonococcal AMR surveillance networks. The WHO European Region has a high prevalence of resistance to all previously recommended antimicrobials, and most of the first strictly verified treatment failures with cefixime and ceftriaxone were also reported from Europe. In the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), the European gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme (Euro-GASP) funded by the ECDC is running. In 2011, the Euro-GASP included 21/31 (68%) EU/EEA countries, and the programme is further strengthened annually. However, in the non-EU/EEA countries, internationally reported and quality assured gonococcal AMR data are lacking in 87% of the countries and, worryingly, appropriate support for establishment of a GASP is still lacking. Accordingly, national and international support, including political and financial commitment, for gonococcal AMR surveillance in the non-EU/EEA countries of the WHO European Region is essential.
Differential effects of low-fat and high-fat diets on fed-state hepatic triacylglycerol secretion, hepatic fatty acid profiles, and DGAT-1 protein expression in obese-prone Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Heden Timothy D. , Morris E. Matthew , Kearney Monica L. , Liu Tzu-Wen , Park Young-min , Kanaley Jill A. , Thyfault John P.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of short-term low-fat (LF) and high-fat (HF) diets on fed-state hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) secretion, the content of proteins involved in TAG assembly and secretion, fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and the fatty acid profile of stored TAG. Using selectively bred obese-prone Sprague–Dawley rats, we directly measured fed-state hepatic TAG secretion, using Tyloxapol (a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor) and a standardized oral mixed meal (45% carbohydrate, 40% fat, 15% protein) bolus in animals fed a HF or LF diet for 2 weeks, after which the rats were maintained on their respective diet for 1 week (washout) prior to the liver being excised to measure protein content, FAO, and TAG fatty acid profiles. Hepatic DGAT-1 protein expression was ∼27% lower in HF- than in LF-fed animals (p < 0.05); the protein expression of all other molecules was similar in the 2 diets. The fed-state hepatic TAG secretion rate was ∼39% lower (p < 0.05) in HF- (4.62 ± 0.18 mmol·h−1) than in LF- (7.60 ± 0.57 mmol·h−1) fed animals. Hepatic TAG content was ∼2-fold higher (p < 0.05) in HF- (1.07 ± 0.15 nmol·g−1tissue) than in LF- (0.50 ± 0.16 nmol·g−1tissue) fed animals. In addition, the fatty acid profile of liver TAG in HF-fed animals closely resembled the diet, whereas in LF-fed animals, the fatty acid profile consisted of mostly de novo synthesized fatty acids. FAO was not altered by diet. LF and HF diets differentially alter fed-state hepatic TAG secretion, hepatic fatty acid profiles, and DGAT-1 protein expression.
Mechanical performance in field conditions of treated and stabilized granular materials used in unpaved roads: a longitudinal study
Authors: Beaulieu L. , Pleau R. , Pierre P. , Poulin P. , Juneau S.
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this article is to propose a methodology to evaluate and to study the mechanical performance of various hygroscopic, organic and synthetic dust suppressants and stabilization agents through field tests. Different road sections were treated for several years and many tests have been conducted. The impact on the mechanical performance of the treated granular material has been studied under field conditions by evaluating the deterioration of the road following the spreading of the product on the road. Field tests were conducted over three years in summers 2007, 2008, and 2009. The deterioration of the road is evaluated in terms of improper cross section, inadequate roadside drainage, corrugations, dust, potholes, ruts, and loose aggregates. To evaluate the influence of stabilization agents on the bearing capacity of the granular material on the road, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests have also been performed.
Interspecific relationships and environmentally driven catchabilities estimated from fisheries data
Authors: Hosack Geoffrey R. , Peters Gareth W. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: November 2013

A modelling framework is proposed to investigate possible interactions among fisheries, species, and shared environmental drivers. Two hypotheses that introduce temporal dependence among commercial and recreational catch and effort data from Lake Erie’s walleye (Sander vitreus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) stocks are evaluated using state space models. First, alternative forms of association between the mortality, recruitment, or migration of the two species are explored by modelling dependence in the interspecific process noise. Second, annual phosphorus inputs into Lake Erie, which are linked to the development of hypoxia, are tested for associations with the catchabilities of the fisheries. Interspecific process noise was positively associated, which suggests that mortality, recruitment, or migration is linked between walleye and yellow perch. Only for yellow perch, however, was annual phosphorus loading associated with catchability. The estimated probability that either stock fell below a common management benchmark was affected by the form of temporal dependence, which exemplifies the need to consider how interspecific interactions, shared environmental factors, and uncertainty in the process dynamics and observations affect stocks and their fisheries.
c-Jun N-terminal kinase – c-Jun pathway transactivates Bim to promote osteoarthritis
Authors: Ye Zhiqiang , Chen Yuxian , Zhang Rongkai , Dai Haitao , Zeng Chun , Zeng Hua , Feng Hui , Du Gengheng , Fang Hang , Cai Daozhang
Published: November 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder. Previous studies have shown abnormally increased apoptosis of chondrocytes in patients and animal models of OA. TNF-α and nitric oxide have been reported to induce chondrocyte ageing; however, the mechanism of chondrocyte apoptosis induced by IL-1β has remained unclear. The aim of this study is to identify the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) – c-Jun pathway in regulating induction of Bim, and its implication in chondrocyte apoptosis. This study showed that Bim is upregulated in chondrocytes obtained from the articular cartilage of OA patients and in cultured mouse chondrocytes treated with IL-1β. Upregulation of Bim was found to be critical for chondrocyte apoptosis induced by IL-1β, as revealed by the genetic knockdown of Bim, wherein apoptosis was greatly reduced in the chondrocytes. Moreover, activation of the JNK–c-Jun pathway was observed under IL-1β treatment, as indicated by the increased expression levels of c-Jun protein. Suppression of the JNK–c-Jun pathway, using chemical inhibitors and RNA interference, inhibited the Bim upregulation induced by IL-1β. These findings suggest that the JNK–c-Jun pathway is involved in the upregulation of Bim during OA and that the JNK–c-Jun–Bim pathway is vital for chondrocyte apoptosis.
The Principle of Symmetry in Acupuncture and its Clinical Applications
Authors: Lee Tsun-Nin
Published: November 2013

The clinical practice of acupuncture and study of the traditional Chinese medicine literature has led to the observation that if the diaphragm is used as an axis of symmetry, there are many symmetrical points on the upper and lower halves of the body. The symmetrical points share several common properties, including physiological functions, mechanisms of pathogenesis and therapeutic effects. Employing these corresponding points on the upper and lower parts of the body simultaneously can frequently enhance the therapeutic outcome rather substantially. This phenomenon may be called the Principle of Symmetry. Traditional and modern scientific literature already provides evidence that verifies the reliability of this principle. Furthermore, this principle may be viewed as the derivative of the Thalamic Neuron Theory.