bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of image segmentation methodology, used in the additive manufacture of patient-specific 3D printed models of the cardiovascular system
Authors: Byrne N , Velasco Forte M , Tandon A , Valverde I , Hussain T
Published: April 2016

Background

Shortcomings in existing methods of image segmentation preclude the widespread adoption of patient-specific 3D printing as a routine decision-making tool in the care of those with congenital heart disease. We sought to determine the range of cardiovascular segmentation methods and how long each of these methods takes.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was undertaken. Medical imaging modality, segmentation methods, segmentation time, segmentation descriptive quality (SDQ) and segmentation software were recorded.

Results

Totally 136 studies met the inclusion criteria (1 clinical trial; 80 journal articles; 55 conference, technical and case reports). The most frequently used image segmentation methods were brightness thresholding, region growing and manual editing, as supported by the most popular piece of proprietary software: Mimics (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium, 1992–2015). The use of bespoke software developed by individual authors was not uncommon. SDQ indicated that reporting of image segmentation methods was generally poor with only one in three accounts providing sufficient detail for their procedure to be reproduced.

Conclusions and implication of key findings

Predominantly anecdotal and case reporting precluded rigorous assessment of risk of bias and strength of evidence. This review finds a reliance on manual and semi-automated segmentation methods which demand a high level of expertise and a significant time commitment on the part of the operator. In light of the findings, we have made recommendations regarding reporting of 3D printing studies. We anticipate that these findings will encourage the development of advanced image segmentation methods.
Virtual rehabilitation: What are the practical barriers for home-based research?
Authors: Threapleton Kate , Drummond Avril , Standen Penny
Published: April 2016

Virtual reality technologies are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable to deliver, and consequently the interest in applying virtual reality within rehabilitation is growing. This has resulted in the emergence of research exploring the utility of virtual reality and interactive video gaming interventions for home use by patients. The aim of this paper is to highlight the practical factors and difficulties that may be encountered in research in this area, and to make recommendations for addressing these. Whilst this paper focuses on examples drawn mainly from stroke rehabilitation research, many of the issues raised are relevant to other conditions where virtual reality approaches have the potential to be applied to home-based rehabilitation.
Update on the safety and efficacy of retroviral gene therapy for immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Cicalese Maria Pia , Ferrua Francesca , Castagnaro Laura , Pajno Roberta , Barzaghi Federica , Giannelli Stefania , Dionisio Francesca , Brigida Immacolata , Bonopane Marco , Casiraghi Miriam , Tabucchi Antonella , Carlucci Filippo , Grunebaum Eyal , Adeli Mehdi , Bredius Robbert G. , Puck Jennifer M. , Stepensky Polina , Tezcan Ilhan , Rolfe Katie , De Boever Erika , Reinhardt Rickey R. , Appleby Jonathan , Ciceri Fabio , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Aiuti Alessandro
Published: April 2016

Key Points

Survival was 100% for 18 patients with ADA-SCID treated with genetically modified CD34+ cells (2.3-13.4 years follow up; median, 6.9 years). Long-term engraftment, immune reconstitution, and fewer severe infections were observed in 15 out of 18 patients without leukemic transformation.
G-DOC Plus – an integrative bioinformatics platform for precision medicine
Authors: Bhuvaneshwar Krithika , Belouali Anas , Singh Varun , Johnson Robert M. , Song Lei , Alaoui Adil , Harris Michael A. , Clarke Robert , Weiner Louis M. , Gusev Yuriy , Madhavan Subha
Published: April 2016

Background

G-DOC Plus is a data integration and bioinformatics platform that uses cloud computing and other advanced computational tools to handle a variety of biomedical BIG DATA including gene expression arrays, NGS and medical images so that they can be analyzed in the full context of other omics and clinical information.

Results

G-DOC Plus currently holds data from over 10,000 patients selected from private and public resources including Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the recently added datasets from REpository for Molecular BRAin Neoplasia DaTa (REMBRANDT), caArray studies of lung and colon cancer, ImmPort and the 1000 genomes data sets. The system allows researchers to explore clinical-omic data one sample at a time, as a cohort of samples; or at the level of population, providing the user with a comprehensive view of the data.

G-DOC Plus tools have been leveraged in cancer and non-cancer studies for hypothesis generation and validation; biomarker discovery and multi-omics analysis, to explore somatic mutations and cancer MRI images; as well as for training and graduate education in bioinformatics, data and computational sciences. Several of these use cases are described in this paper to demonstrate its multifaceted usability.

Conclusion

G-DOC Plus can be used to support a variety of user groups in multiple domains to enable hypothesis generation for precision medicine research. The long-term vision of G-DOC Plus is to extend this translational bioinformatics platform to stay current with emerging omics technologies and analysis methods to continue supporting novel hypothesis generation, analysis and validation for integrative biomedical research. By integrating several aspects of the disease and exposing various data elements, such as outpatient lab workup, pathology, radiology, current treatments, molecular signatures and expected outcomes over a web interface, G-DOC Plus will continue to strengthen precision medicine research. G-DOC Plus is available at: https://gdoc.georgetown.edu.
The role of long-term label-retaining cells in the regeneration of adult mouse kidney after ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu Xiangchun , Liu Haiying , Sun Lina , Chen Zhixin , Nie Huibin , Sun Aili , Liu Gang , Guan Guangju
Published: April 2016

Background

Label-retaining cells (LRCs) have been recognized as rare stem and progenitor-like cells, but their complex biological features in renal repair at the cellular level have never been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate whether LRCs in kidney are indeed renal stem/progenitor cells and to delineate their potential role in kidney regeneration.

Methods

We utilized a long-term pulse chase of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells in C57BL/6J mice to identify renal LRCs. We tracked the precise morphological characteristics and locations of BrdU+LRCs by both immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. To examine whether these BrdU+LRCs contribute to the repair of acute kidney injury, we analyzed biological characteristics of BrdU+LRCs in mice after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Results

The findings revealed that the nuclei of BrdU+ LRCs exhibited different morphological characteristics in normal adult kidneys, including nuclei in pairs or scattered, fragmented or intact, strongly or weakly positive. Only 24.3 ± 1.5 % of BrdU+ LRCs co-expressed with Ki67 and 9.1 ± 1.4 % of BrdU+ LRCs were positive for TUNEL following renal I/R injury. Interestingly, we found that newly regenerated cells formed a niche-like structure and LRCs in pairs tended to locate in this structure, but the number of those LRCs was very low. We found a few scattered LRCs co-expressed Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA) in the early phase of injury, suggesting differentiation of those LRCs in mouse kidney.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that LRCs are not a simple type of slow-cycling cells in adult kidneys, indicating a limited role of these cells in the regeneration of I/R injured kidney. Thus, LRCs cannot reliably be considered stem/progenitor cells in the regeneration of adult mouse kidney. When researchers use this technique to study the cellular basis of renal repair, these complex features of renal LRCs and the purity of real stem cells among renal LRCs should be considered.
Relevance of HCN2-expressing human mesenchymal stem cells for the generation of biological pacemakers
Authors: Bruzauskaite Ieva , Bironaite Daiva , Bagdonas Edvardas , Skeberdis Vytenis Arvydas , Denkovskij Jaroslav , Tamulevicius Tomas , Uvarovas Valentinas , Bernotiene Eiva
Published: April 2016

Background

The transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 (HCN2) gene has been demonstrated to provide biological pacing in dogs with complete heart block. The mechanism appears to be the generation of the ion current (If) by the HCN2-expressing hMSCs. However, it is not clear how the transfection process and/or the HCN2 gene affect the growth functions of the hMSCs. Therefore, we investigated survival, proliferation, cell cycle, and growth on a Kapton® scaffold of HCN2-expressing hMSCs.

Methods

hMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of healthy volunteers applying a selective cell adhesion procedure and were identified by their expression of specific surface markers. Cells from passages 2–3 were transfected by electroporation using commercial transfection kits and a pIRES2-EGFP vector carrying the pacemaker gene, mouse HCN2 (mHCN2). Transfection efficiency was confirmed by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After hMSCs were transfected, their viability, proliferation, If generation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and expression of transcription factors were measured and compared with non-transfected cells and cells transfected with pIRES2-EGFP vector alone.

Results

Intracellular mHCN2 expression after transfection increased from 22.14 to 62.66 ng/mg protein (p < 0.05). Transfection efficiency was 45 ± 5 %. The viability of mHCN2-transfected cells was 82 ± 5 %; they grew stably for more than 3 weeks and induced If current. mHCN2-transfected cells had low mitotic activity (10.4 ± 1.24 % in G2/M and 83.6 ± 2.5 % in G1 phases) as compared with non-transfected cells (52–53 % in G2/M and 31–35 % in G1 phases). Transfected cells showed increased activation of nine cell cycle-regulating transcription factors: the most prominent upregulation was of AMP-dependent transcription factor ATF3 (7.11-fold, p = 0.00056) which regulates the G1 phase. mHCN2-expressing hMSCs were attached and made anchorage-dependent connection with other cells without transmigration through a 12.7-μm thick Kapton® HN film with micromachined 1–3 μm diameter pores.

Conclusions

mHCN2-expressing hMSCs preserved the major cell functions required for the generation of biological pacemakers: high viability, functional activity, but low proliferation rate through the arrest of cell cycle in the G1 phase. mHCN2-expressing hMSCs attached and grew on a Kapton® scaffold without transmigration, confirming the relevance of these cells for the generation of biological pacemakers.
Ribosome Biogenesis is Necessary for Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy
Authors: Wen Yuan , Alimov Alexander P. , McCarthy John J.
Published: April 2016

Muscle hypertrophy occurs when the rate of protein synthesis exceeds the rate of degradation. A main factor determining the rate of protein synthesis is ribosome abundance or translational capacity. The production of ribosomes is a primary determinant of translational capacity. Based on studies from our laboratory, we propose the novel hypothesis that ribosome biogenesis is necessary for skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Othello syndrome after STN DBS – psychiatric side-effects of DBS and methods of dealing with them
Authors: Antosik-Wójcińska Anna , Święcicki Łukasz , Bieńkowski Przemysław , Mandat Tomasz , Sołtan Emilia
Published: April 2016

Cel

Głęboka stymulacja mózgu jest metodą terapeutyczną stosowaną od dziesięcioleci w chorobach neurologicznych, takich jak choroba Parkinsona czy dystonia. Pomimo wielu publikacji dotyczących DBS, wciąż niewiele jest publikacji dotyczących objawów psychotycznych jako powikłania stymulacji, wciąż brak jest także standardów postępowania w przypadku ich wystąpienia.

Metoda

W artykule prezentujemy przypadek pacjenta z chorobą Parkinsona, u którego po rozpoczęciu stymulacji pojawiły się objawy psychotyczne przypominające zespół Otella oraz przedstawiamy podjętą strategię terapeutyczną (kontynuowanie stymulacji, dołączenie leczenia kwetiapiną).

Wyniki

W omówionym przypadku obserwowano ustąpienie objawów psychotycznych,bez pogorszenia w zakresie objawów neurologicznych. Objawy psychotyczne nie nawróciły w ciągu 1 roku obserwacji.

Wnioski

Z uwagi na fakt, że obecnie prowadzone są zaawansowane prace nad wykorzystaniem DBS w psychiatrii, zwłaszcza w grupie pacjentów z depresją oporną na leczenie, konieczne jest opracowanie jasnej strategii postępowania w przypadku pojawienia się działań niepożądanych po rozpoczęciu stymulacji. Obecnie większość autorów opowiada się za czasowym lub stałym wyłączeniem stymulatora. W opinii autorów w niektórych przypadkach możliwe jest skuteczne leczenie objawów psychotycznych bez konieczności rezygnacji z korzyści związanych z dalszym prowadzeniem stymulacji. Do tej pory postępowanie takie było jednak podejmowane i opisywane na tyle rzadko, że trudno na podstawie pojedynczych przypadków formułować wnioski, które można odnieść do całej populacji pacjentów poddawanych DBS. Dopiero systematyczne badania uwzględniające ocenę objawów psychotycznych z wykorzystaniem skal oraz analizujące otrzymywane leczenie oraz parametry stymulacji mogłyby dać pogląd jaka strategia postępowania byłaby najwłaściwsza w przypadku wystąpienia psychozy w następstwie DBS.
Psychiatric disturbances as a first clinical symptom of Wilson’s disease – case report.
Authors: Litwin Tomasz , Dzieżyc Karolina , Karliński Michał , Szafrański Tomasz , Członkowska Anna
Published: April 2016

Cel

Wstęp: Choroba Wilsona (chW) jest dziedzicznym zaburzeniem metabolizmu miedzi z szerokim spektrum objawów klinicznych, przede wszystkim wątrobowych i neurologicznych. Zaburzenia psychiatryczne chW występują rzadziej i nie są patognomoniczne. Tym niemniej, w prawie 20% przypadków mogą być pierwszymi objawami chW. Celem niniejszej pracy jest zwrócenie uwagi na konieczność włączenia chW do diagnostyki różnicowej objawów psychiatrycznych u młodych pacjentów oraz zachowania daleko posuniętej ostrożności przy włączaniu leków psychiatrycznych w chW.

Metoda

Metody: Opis przypadku pacjenta z chW o pierwotnej manifestacji psychiatrycznej.

Wyniki

Wyniki: W pracy przedstawiono opis przypadku 26-letniego pacjenta, u którego po 3 latach od rozpoczęcia farmakoterapii zespołu depresyjnego wystąpiły objawy pozapiramidowe prowadzące do rozpoznania chW. W ciągu kolejnych miesięcy wystąpił epizod maniakalny, którego początkowe leczenie atypowymi neuroleptykami i anksjolitykami przyniosło dobry efekt psychiatryczny, jednak równolegle doszło do ciężkiego zaostrzenia objawów neurologicznych. Długoterminowe leczenie kwasem walproinowym i olanzapiną, w połączeniu z rehabilitacją doprowadziło do wyrównania stanu psychicznego oraz znacznej poprawy stanu neurologicznego.

Wnioski

Wnioski: ChW powinna być zawsze brana pod uwagę w diagnostyce różnicowej zaburzeń psychiatrycznych, szczególnie u młodych pacjentów ze współistniejącymi objawami pozapiramidowymi lub/i wątrobowymi. W przypadku konieczności leczenia psychiatrycznego pacjentów z rozpoznaną chW należy zachować szczególną ostrożność podczas włączania leków o dużym powinowactwie do receptorów dopaminergicznych D2 ze względu na realne ryzyko wywołania ciężkich, często nieodwracalnych powikłań neurologicznych.
Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia with dominant gait disturbances - case report.
Authors: Guenter Wojciech , Betscher Ewa , Bochniak Paweł , Bonek Robert
Published: April 2016

Cel

Wariant behawioralny otępienia czołowo-skroniowego to heterogenne pod względem klinicznym i neuropatologicznym schorzenie neurozwyrodnieniowe charakteryzujące się postępującymi zaburzeniami zachowania i funkcji wykonawczych. Stanowi drugą co do częstości, po otępieniu typu alzheimerowskiego, przyczynę demencji o podłożu neurozwyrodnieniowym. Nietypowy przebieg choroby, w tym przypadki pacjentów z innymi objawami nakładającymi się na obraz kliniczny, niesie za sobą wyzwanie w procesie diagnostycznym. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie przypadku pacjentki z wariantem behawioralnym otępienia czołowo-skroniowego, u której zaburzenia chodu stanowiły zasadniczą dolegliwość maskując zaburzenia zachowania i funkcji poznawczych.

Metoda

Opis przypadku

Wyniki

W poniższym artykule prezentujemy przypadek pacjentki z wariantem behawioralnym otępienia czołowo-skroniowego, która przedstawiała zaburzenia chodu jako zasadniczy objaw schorzenia. Ten nietypowy objaw maskował obecność zaburzeń zachowania oraz funkcji poznawczych. Zaburzenia chodu występują często w późnych stadiach zespołów otępiennych. Wynikają wówczas z apraksji chodu, zespołu pozapiramidowego lub uszkodzenia neuronu ruchowego. Nie stanowią jednak zasadniczego objawu w przebiegu wariantu behawioralnego otępienia czołowo-skroniowego z wyjątkiem terminalnego stadium.

Wnioski

Przedstawiony przypadek podkreśla znaczenie dokładnie zebranego i odpowiednio ukierunkowanego wywiadu z pacjentem i jego rodziną. Wariant behawioralny otępienia czołowo-skroniowego powinien być uwzględniany w przypadkach zaburzeń chodu o niejasnej etiologii.
Glycemic Index of Two Different Fried Potato Varieties Cultivated Under Organic Fertilization Conditions
Authors: Chryssanthopoulos Costas , Varzakas Theodoros , Tampaki Maria , Maridaki Maria
Published: April 2016

This study identified the glycemic index (GI) of two different commercially available varieties of potatoes, Lady Rosetta (LR) and Spunta (S), cultivated under organic fertilization conditions and fried in extra virgin olive oil. Eight healthy males 26 ± 1.5 years of age, 84.7 ± 3.2 Kg body mass and 19.2 ± 1.5% of body fat participated (mean ± SE). Volunteers consumed in a random order 50 g of anhydrous glucose in 300 ml of water (G), or 50 g of available carbohydrate of sliced and fried LR or S twice. Blood glucose was measured enzymatically from capillary blood samples before food consumption and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min postprandially. Each meal was prepared and consumed in the morning after a 12-hour overnight fast, whereas diet and physical activity were controlled. For the calculation of GI the mean blood glucose values of the two trials (i.e. 1st and 2nd time) in each potato variety (i.e. LR or S) were considered. The incremental area under the blood glucose-time curve (IAUC) was used according to trapezoidal rule for the determination of GI. The IAUC was 5504 ± 1173 mg.min/dl and 4012 ± 911 mg.min/dl whereas the GI was 114 ± 15 and 83 ± 12 in LR and S respectively. However, these differences were not significant (IAUC: p= 0.21 and GI: p=0.20). Fried potato slices in extra virgin olive oil derived from LR and S potato varieties cultivated under organic fertilization conditions possess similar GI in healthy male volunteers.
Mikromani's Artichoke (Cynara Cardunculus Var. Scolymus) - A Mediterranean Nutraceutical
Authors: Zakynthinos Georgios , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: April 2016

Globe artichoke is considered one of the most important vegetable crops in the European and no-European countries of the Mediterranean basin. The Mediterranean region is well known for the 'Mediterranean diet', with attributed health benefits based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, etc. The artichoke has been recognized for the treatment of several ailments and their edible parts reveal therapeutic activity. In our case we have investigated the Micromani’s artichoke, which is a local variety of the Micromani area in the South region of Peloponnese. In the present work nutritional determination of vitamins such as “vitamin C “and folic acid, minerals, fibers and total phenolics was carried out.
Reviewing Classical and Molecular Techniques Regarding Profiling of Probiotic Character of Microorganisms
Authors: Stefanis Christos , Mantzourani Ioanna , Plessas Stavros , Alexopoulos Athanasios , Galanis Alexis , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Kandylis Panagiotis , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: April 2016

In recent years the roles of probiotics as functional ingredients in food has been highly adopted by the consumers and are under constant investigation by the scientific community. As a result, several probiotic-containing foods have been introduced in the market with an annual share of several billion dollars. Of particular interest in the probiotics research is the profiling of probiotic character of the microbes involving both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Initially traditional microbiological techniques were used; however they suffer by many limitations and therefore the development of new techniques, which are primarily based on the analysis of nucleic acids have been introduced. The scope of this review is to present current knowledge about the methodological approaches that are used to quantify and characterize the potential probiotic character of microorganisms. Moreover, it will focus on molecular and non-molecular tools and finally will report some new perspectives in the study of probiotics using omics techniques.
Lipid Profile And Antioxidant Properties of Selected Pear Cactus (Opuntia Ficus- Indica) Ecotypes From Southern Greece
Authors: Zakynthinos Georgios , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: April 2016

The lipid profile was determined in selected ecotypes of Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica), and this research focused on the antioxidant properties of seeds from Cactus pear fruits. Using the methodology of methyl esters the composition of fatty acids of seeds was determined and in the case of antioxidant properties the known technique of Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was used. The trolox evaluation assay was applied in aqueous - organic extracts and their residues. The seed oil composition of cactus pear fruits was studied at harvest time. Linoleic acid (70.03%) was the dominant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid (20.11%) and palmitic acid (11.86%), respectively. Among cactus pear seeds, polyphenols contribution to antioxidant properties ranged from 37.9% to 42% for TEAC values. According to the results, the seeds of Cactus pear are a good source of useful lipids and antioxidants.
Effect of Coating of Aloe Vera Gelon Shelf Life of Grapes
Authors: Ali Javed , Pandey Suyash , Singh Vaishali , Joshi Prerna
Published: April 2016

The present study had been conducted to study the shelf life of grapes with coatings of Aloe Vera suspended in water with concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 30 per cent Aloe veraand was stored in poly packaging and open plates under different temperatures of 0⁰C and 30⁰C in refrigerator and incubator. The data was compared with the original shelf life of grapes to determine the efficiency of the Aloe Vera coating. Aloe Vera based coatings provided good gloss and 20 per cent coating concentration gave the best visual and physicochemical results. It was found that 20 per cent coating concentration of Aloe Vera is the most effective and appropriate for the extension of shelf life of grapes.It was also found that the use of low temperature storage in combination with edible coating and packaging extends marketability by reducing moisture loss.In short, the shelf life of grapes can be increased by using Aloe Vera gel coating and the spoilage due to fungal infection of grapes can be reduced.
Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Fruits of Zanthoxylum Alatum Roxb. (Tooth Ache Tree) and its Acceptability Assessment in Food Products
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Raghuvanshi Rita , Sankhala Arti , Sharma Vimal
Published: April 2016

Proximate composition of whole dried fruits of Zanthoxylum alatum, its seed and seed coat were analyzed and essential oil of seed coat was extracted and evaluated for total phenolic and antioxidant content. To assess acceptability of seed coat powder as a flavouring agent, different concentration of roasted seed coat powder were incorporated in selected Indian foods. Organoleptic evaluation of products was done by panel members. Results revealed that crude protein of whole dried fruits, seed and seed coat were 2.9%, 2.1% and 2.6% respectively. Essential oil extracted from seed coat exhibited good antioxidant activity. Food products prepared with roasted seed coat powder were highly acceptable as compare to control and scores were significantly higher at (p>0.01) paired t- test.
Increased Expression of Lamin A/C Correlate with Regions of High Wall Stress in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Malkawi Amir , Pirianov Grisha , Torsney Evelyn , Chetter Ian , Sakalihasan Natzi , Loftus Ian M. , Nordon Ian , Huggins Christopher , Charolidi Nicoletta , Thompson Matt , Xu Xie Yun , Cockerill Gillian W.
Published: April 2016

Background:
Since aortic diameter is the most ­significant risk factor for rupture, we sought to identify stress-dependent changes in gene expression to illuminate novel molecular processes in aneurysm rupture.

Materials and Methods:
We constructed finite element maps of abdominal computerized tomography scans (CTs) of seven abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients to map wall stress. Paired biopsies from high- and low-stress areas were collected at surgery using vascular landmarks as coordinates. Differential gene expression was evaluated by Illumina Array analysis, using the whole genome DNA-mediated, annealing, selection, extension, and ligation (DASL) gene chip (n = 3 paired samples).

Results:
The sole significant candidate from this analysis, Lamin A/C, was validated at the protein level, using western blotting. Lamin A/C expression in the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) of AAA patients was compared to a control group and in aortic smooth muscle cells in culture in response to physiological pulsatile stretch. ­Areas of high wall stress (n = 7) correlate to those ­regions which have the thinnest walls [778 µm (585–1120 µm)] in comparison to areas of lowest wall stress [1620 µm (962–2919 µm)]. Induced expression of Lamin A/C ­correlated with areas of high wall stress from AAAs but was not significantly induced in the IMV from AAA patients compared to controls (n = 16). Stress-induced expression of Lamin A/C was mimicked by exposing aortic smooth muscle cells to prolonged pulsatile stretch.

Conclusion:
Lamin A/C protein is specifically increased in areas of high wall stress in AAA from patients, but is not increased on other vascular beds of aneurysm patients, suggesting that its elevation may be a compensatory response to the pathobiology leading to aneurysms.
Botulinum toxin for chronic migraine: techniques and procedure protocols
Authors: Baker Anna
Published: April 2016

Onabotulinum toxin A is licensed for the treatment of chronic migraine. While a plethora of oral prescription therapies are available for migraine and its associated symptoms, non-compliance and adverse events associated with these remain challenges in effective management and symptom control. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines on the diagnosis and management of headache endorse onabotulinum toxin A for use in chronic migraine prophylaxis, but maintain that this treatment should be undertaken in a specialist setting.
Vulvar rejuvenation: exploring common presentations and treatment options
Authors: Lakhani Shirin
Published: April 2016

Vulvar and vaginal rejuvenation have now become popular aesthetic procedures. Although advances in non-surgical techniques may have helped to increase demand, it is worth noting that the number of surgical procedures undertaken is also on the rise. Many conditions experienced by women, often as a result of childbirth or the menopause, are amenable to treatment, and there is a growing number of non-surgical options available. It is important for aesthetic practitioners to have a good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the female genitalia to ensure safety and best practice.
Tridimensional mid-face rejuvenation using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers
Authors: Molina Beatriz
Published: April 2016

Advancements in the manufacturing of dermal fillers, the development of improved injection techniques, and the adoption of a global approach to facial rejuvenation have all contributed to enhanced patient outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Achieving optimal volume restoration and facial contouring to restore patients' features and create a more youthful appearance depends on the correction of deficiencies in various anatomical regions of the face. Aesthetic practitioners must use a three-dimensional approach to produce natural results for their patients. In this article, the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation and volume restoration is discussed in depth. Key considerations for patient assessment and treatment planning are explored. Three case studies of mid-facial volume loss corrected with HA dermal fillers are described, with images to illustrate treatment outcomes.
Patient expectations of surgery outcomes for appearance-altering eye conditions
Authors: Jenkinson Elizabeth , Wickwar Sadie
Published: April 2016

Conditions affecting the eyes can be associated with impaired vision, social functioning and reduced quality of life. Unsurprisingly, patients with these problems often seek surgery to improve their vision and change their appearance. Elizabeth Jenkinson and Sadie Wickwar consider research suggesting that patients may have differing expectations of outcomes that can be achieved with surgical interventions
The Portuguese melting pot of aesthetics: a growing specialty and public health issue
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: April 2016

With both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures on the rise worldwide, aesthetic nursing is becoming an increasingly popular profession. In this series, Aysha Mendes examines aesthetic nursing practices and cultural perceptions of beauty across the globe by focusing on a different country every month. In this issue, she explores the role of multiculturalism and medical tourism in Portugal
Polydioxanone thread lifting: reducing the risks involved with a relatively new procedure
Authors: Di-Scala Naomi
Published: April 2016

Over the past 2 years, polydioxanone thread lifting has become an increasingly popular treatment for indications related to the face and body. Naomi Di-Scala explores the reasons for the demand associated with this procedure and gives a brief description of how it is carried out. As claims have begun to arise from this treatment, she also discusses the types of complications that can occur and how to avoid them
Empowering your team to encourage them to deliver better customer service
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: April 2016

By providing outstanding customer service, clinic staff can create a memorable experience for their clients and increase the likelihood of securing repeat business. Giving employees the opportunity to use their initiative and respond to enquiries can motivate them to do a better job, and feel satisfied with their work. Jason Ratcliffe uses some case studies to demonstrate this strategy in practice
How do you reward your long-standing aesthetic clients?
Authors: Rankin Angela , Vine Deborah , Birch Jan , Schulz Marcelle , Scott Samantha
Published: April 2016

Every sector caters to people with different needs, requiring business owners to know as much as possible about their target audience and make a concerted effort to not only meet, but also exceed their expectations. In the third instalment of this practice management series, five leading clinic managers from around the UK offer aesthetic practitioners their top tips on how to reward loyal clients
Soil and leaf nutrient status on growth of Macaranga gigantea in secondary forest after shifting cultivation in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: SUSANTO DWI , RUCHIYAT DADDY , SUTISNA MAMAN , AMIRTA RUDIANTO
Published: April 2016

Susanto D, Ruchiyat D, Sutisna M, Amirta R. 2016. Soil and leaf nutrient status on growth of Macaranga gigantea in secondary forest after shifting cultivation in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 409-416. Macaranga gigantea is an important pioneer plant species in the tropical secondary forest of Kalimantan and as far the attractive wood species was not commercially cultivated. This study aims to determine the soil and nutrient status on growth of M. gigantea in the secondary forest particularly after shifting cultivation activity. For this purposes, the observation plots with 50m x 50m sizes were made and measured to collect the data of diameter, height, soil conditions and leaf nutrient concentrations -1 and 2.96 year -1 and it was gradually decreased until the 10 years old of plant. The negative correlations was observed from the soil nutrient K and growth of diameter and high of M. gigantea and this nutrient factor should be considered well when this species will be cultivated for the commercial purposes in the future.
A Red Handkerchief made with Soviet threads: Kazantzakis’s (and Istrati’s) screenplay on the Greek Revolution of 1821
Authors: Mini Panayiota
Published: April 2016

This article undertakes a close examination of Nikos Kazantzakis’s first screenplay, Kokino Mandili/‘Red Handkerchief’ (1928), more than three-quarters of which is preserved in a typed manuscript at the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum Foundation in Iraklion, Crete. Kazantzakis wrote Kokino Mandili in French in Russia for the national film organization VUFKU, with the collaboration of Panait Istrati. The screenplay, which was never shot, is a Marxist narrative of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The examination of the story, plot and imagery of Kokino Mandili shows that Kazantzakis borrowed freely from major Soviet avant-garde films, primarily Eisenstein’s The Battleship Potemkin and October and Pudovkin’s Mother and The End of St. Petersburg. He altered facts and traditional beliefs about the 1821 revolution for ideological purposes, constructed scenes through a few characteristic details, and employed montage techniques to suggest rhythm and juxtapositions and to translate ideas into images. At the same time, Kazantzakis combined the borrowings from Soviet cinema with some idealistic conceptions, thus producing a mixed artwork that alluded to both Marxist and anti-rationalist theories. In addition to contributing to our appreciation of Kazantzakis’s debts to Soviet cinema and fusion of different traditions in expressing his world-view, Kokino Mandili helps us to identify some key sources of the imagery and rhythm of his subsequent, non-filmic works and reflect on the broader issue of cinema’s impact on his literary creations.
From Utopia to Uchronia: After-images of revolutionary history in contemporary Mexican film
Authors: Schaefer Claudia , Rodríguez-Hernández Raúl
Published: April 2016

Both still and moving images in recent Mexican films have been characterized by the displacement of the established post-Revolutionary cinematic utopian space to timeimages (uchronia). Cinematic techniques at the disposal of contemporary directors have contributed to the portrayal and experience of temporal expectation relocated in much darker, stormier and perplexing visual sequences, with elliptical looping taking the place of narrative chronology. In contrast to Golden Age Mexican cinema of the 1930s and 1940s, and to the muralist aesthetic of photographers and directors alike, the films of Carlos Reygadas and Rodrigo García embed inherited collective social dreams in inner worlds filled with battles, darkness and strife. Revolutionary utopian expectations for the sites of future political models are now made thick with temporal dislocation and a shift from movement-image to time-image.
The re-construal of ‘La Costurera’: A feminist re-interpretation of the role of the seamstress in El tiempo entre costuras/The Time Between the Seams (2013)
Authors: Kemp Laura Lee
Published: April 2016

Prominent within an emerging trend of ‘quality’ narrative fiction productions in Spanish television, the recent Antena 3 adaptation of the bestselling novel El tiempo entre costuras/The Time Between the Seams offers a stylish feminist reclamation of 1940s fashion and a re-inscription of the culturally derided figure of the seamstress. The series was critically acclaimed, publically celebrated and commercially lucrative, creating a popular mainstream reinterpretation of the role of women during the Civil War and early Francoism. This article will demonstrate how both compositional and narrative interpretations of Joan Riviere’s masquerade are intrinsic within the series, and also fundamental in allowing the production to build a rich viewing experience. If the motif of costume is considered within a performative space, it can be interpreted as a denial of the persistent androcentric reading of fashion and of those women who worked in the industry under Franco. This article argues, therefore, that the protagonist of El tiempo entre costuras has emerged as an unlikely feminist icon within popular narrative screen fiction.
Visualizing trauma – Marc Recha’s Dies D’agost
Authors: Pujol Anton
Published: April 2016

Catalan director Marc Recha’s Days of August (Dies d’agost, Recha, 2006) is true to his usual aesthetic and themes. Minimal plots walk a problematic line between narrative and documentary; fiction and reality; past and present. In the rechian universe, cinema’s classical concepts and expectations are challenged and obliterated in an unresolvable chaos of sophisticated styles, media and references. Plots change, but what holds is the succession of dissociated and tenuous scenarios in haunted spaces where messages fail to be transmitted yet human enquiries persist. In Agost, the rechian style turns into a precise idiom to embody what has been forgotten and to communicate what has been left unsaid. Specific challenges stem from Recha’s desire to film our inability to grasp our past. Briefly, tentatively, spectators might understand that unless we tend to our wounds, no one will understand our personal and collective traumas.
Trends in Laboratory Diagnostic Methods in Periodontology
Authors: Bolerázska Beáta , Mareková Mária , Markovská Neda
Published: April 2016

This work presents a summary of current knowledge on the laboratory diagnosis of periodontitis. It focuses on the theoretical foundations and is supplemented with new knowledge. It subsequently describes specifically the laboratory diagnosis methods of periodontitis: the protein expression of inflammation, oral microbiology and molecular diagnostics. Periodontitis is a serious disease worldwide and its confirmed association with systemic diseases means its severity is increasing. Its laboratory diagnosis has the potential to rise to the level of clinical and diagnostic imaging. The transfer of diagnostic methods from laboratory to clinical use is increasingly used in the prevention and monitoring of the exacerbation and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as of its impact on systemic disease.
Is Allergic Rhinitis a Factor That Affects Success of Tympanoplasty?
Authors: Callioglu Elif Ersoy , Bercin A. Sami , Kale Hayati , Muderris Togay , Demirci Sule , Tuzuner Arzu , Korkmaz M. Hakan
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of allergic rhinitis on the success of the operation in chronic otitis surgery by using score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR). Materials and Methods: In the present study; 121 patients, who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty were examined retrospectively. SFAR of all patients were recorded. The graft success rates of 26 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 95 patients with no allergic rhinitis group (NAR) were compared. Results: While the graft success rate in NAR group was 89.5%, this rate was 80.8% in the AR group. However, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.311). Conclusion: These findings suggest that allergic rhinitis decreases the graft success rate of the pathologies occurring in eustachian tube, middle ear and mastoid although statistically significant difference wasn’t found. Prospective studies with larger patient groups are required in order to evaluate this pathology.
Gastric and Colorectal Metastases of Lobular Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Buka David , Dvořák Josef , Richter Igor , Hadzi Nikolov Dimitar , Cyrany Jiří
Published: April 2016

Background: Occurrence of gastric metastasis as the first symptom of breast carcinoma with a long period of latency before presentation of the primary breast carcinoma is rare. Case Report: A patient with gastric metastasis as the first symptom of lobular breast carcinoma, treated by neoadjuvant preoperative chemoradiotherapy and total gastrectomy, with complete local control. Fourteen months after presentation of the gastric metastasis a primary lobular breast carcinoma was discovered, treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment with complete local response. Twenty-three months after diagnosis of breast cancer multiple colorectal metastases from the breast cancer occurred, which were treated by chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. Eighty-six months after diagnosis of gastric metastasis the patient died due to progression of cancer. Conclusions: Metastases to gastrointestinal or gynaecological tracts are more likely in invasive lobular carcinoma than invasive ductal cancer. The pathologist should determine whether or not they check estrogen and progesterone receptor status not simply by signet ring cell morphology but also by consideration of clinic-pathological correlation of the patient, such as the presence of a past history of breast cancer, or the colorectal localization of poorly differentiated carcinoma, which may occur less frequently than in the stomach.
Laryngeal Electromyography is Helpful for Cardiovocal Syndrome
Authors: Akbulut Sevtap , Inan Rahsan , Demir Mehmet Gökhan , Cakan Dogan
Published: April 2016

Laryngeal electromyography is used in the evaluation of vocal cord paralysis to confirm the diagnosis, to guide the diagnostic work-up for etiology, to provide prognostic information and to help choose the correct treatment for the patient. Cardiovocal syndrome is characterised by vocal cord paralysis due to a cardiovascular disease. A wide spectrum of conditions can result in this syndrome. Here we present a case of cardiovocal syndrome in association with primary pulmonary hypertension. Laryngeal electromyography was used to guide the work-up of differential diagnosis and also for further intervention with respect to vocal cord paralysis in this patient.
Normative Reference Values for Handgrip Strength in Colombian Schoolchildren: The FUPRECOL Study
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Morales Olimpo , Peña-Ibagon Jhonatan C. , Palacios-López Adalberto , Prieto-Benavides Daniel H. , Vivas Andrés , Correa-Bautista Jorge E. , Lobelo Felipe , Alonso-Martínez Alicia M. , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: April 2016

Ramírez-Vélez, R, Morales, O, Peña-Ibagon, JC, Palacios-López, A, Prieto-Benavides, DH, Vivas, A, Correa-Bautista, JE, Lobelo, F, Alonso-Martínez, AM, and Izquierdo, M. Normative reference values for handgrip strength in Colombian schoolchildren: the FUPRECOL study. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 217–226, 2017—The primary aim of this study was to generate normative handgrip (HG) strength data for 10 to 17.9 year olds. The secondary aim was to determine the relative proportion of Colombian children and adolescents that fall into established Health Benefit Zones (HBZ). This cross-sectional study enrolled 7,268 schoolchildren (boys n = 3,129 and girls n = 4,139, age 12.7 [2.4] years). Handgrip was measured using a hand dynamometer with an adjustable grip. Five HBZs (Needs Improvement, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent) have been established that correspond to combined HG. Centile smoothed curves, percentile, and tables for the third, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentile were calculated using Cole's LMS method. Handgrip peaked in the sample at 22.2 (8.9) kg in boys and 18.5 (5.5) kg in girls. The increase in HG was greater for boys than for girls, but the peak HG was lower in girls than in boys. The HBZ data indicated that a higher overall percentage of boys than girls at each age group fell into the “Needs Improvement” zone, with differences particularly pronounced during adolescence. Our results provide, for the first time, sex- and age-specific HG reference standards for Colombian schoolchildren aged 9–17.9 years.
Running Performance While Wearing a Heat Dissipating Compression Garment in Male Recreational Runners
Authors: Leoz-Abaurrea Iker , Santos-Concejero Jordan , Grobler Lara , Engelbrecht Louise , Aguado-Jiménez Roberto
Published: April 2016

Leoz-Abaurrea, I, Santos-Concejero, J, Grobler, L, Engelbrecht, L, and Aguado-Jiménez, R. Running performance while wearing a heat dissipating compression garment in male recreational runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3367–3372, 2016—The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a heat dissipating compression garment (CG) during a running performance test. Ten male recreational runners (mean ± SD: age 23 ± 3 years; V̇o
2max 55.8 ± 4.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed 2 identical sessions wearing either CG or conventional t-shirt (CON). Each trial included a 45-minute run at 60% of the peak treadmill speed (PTS) followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) run at 80% of the PTS and a 10-minute recovery period. During the tests, thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses were monitored. Participants wearing the CG displayed an impaired running performance (508 ± 281 vs. 580 ± 314 seconds, p = 0.046; effect size [ES] = 0.24). In addition, a higher respiratory exchange ratio (1.06 ± 0.04 vs. 1.02 ± 0.07, p = 0.01; ES = 0.70) was observed at TTE when wearing the CG in comparison to CON. Changes in core temperature did not differ between garments after the 45-minute run (p = 0.96; ES = 0.03) or TTE (1.97 ± 0.32 vs. 1.98 ± 0.38° C; p = 0.93; ES = 0.02) for CG and CON, respectively. During recovery, significantly higher heart rate and blood lactate values were observed when wearing CG (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that the use of a heat dissipating CG may not improve running performance in male recreational runners during a running performance test to exhaustion.