bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells Promote Alternative Activation Macrophages to Repair Tissue Damage
Authors: Bowles Annie C. , Wise Rachel M. , Gerstein Brittany Y. , Thomas Robert C. , Ogelman Roberto , Febbo Isabella , Bunnell Bruce A.
Published: August 2017

The pathogenesis of many diseases is driven by the interactions between helper T (TH) cells and macrophages. The phenotypes of these cells are functional dichotomies that are persuaded according to the surrounding milieu. In both multiple sclerosis and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, TH1 and TH17 cells propagate autoimmune signaling and inflammation in the peripheral lymphoid tissues. In turn, this proinflammatory repertoire promotes the classical activation, formerly the M1-type, macrophages. Together, these cells infiltrate into the central nervous system (CNS) tissues and generate inflammatory and demyelinating lesions. Our most recent report demonstrated the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) that led to functional, immunological, and pathological improvements in the EAE model. Here, a deeper investigation revealed the induction of regulatory T cells and alternative activation, or M2-type, macrophages in the periphery followed by the presence of alternative activation macrophages, reduced cellular infiltrates, and attenuation of neuroinflammation in CNS tissues following intraperitoneal administration of these treatments. Spleens from treated EAE mice revealed diminished TH1 and TH17 cell activities and were markedly higher in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10. Interestingly, SVF cells were more effective than ASCs at mediating these beneficial changes, which were attributed to their localization to the spleens after administration. Together, SVF cells rapidly and robustly attenuated the propagation of autoimmune signaling in the periphery that provided a permissive milieu in the CNS for repair and possibly regeneration.
Psychosocial Needs and Facilitators of Mothers Caring for Children with Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Peay Holly L. , Meiser Bettina , Kinnett Kathleen , Tibben Aad
Published: August 2017

Care guidelines for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) include recommendations for assessment of caregivers of patients with DBMD followed by proactive psychosocial interventions. To inform clinical assessment, this study described appraisals of psychosocial needs and caregiving facilitators of mothers of individuals with DBMD. Two hundred and five mothers completed an online survey. More than 50% endorsed unmet needs for managing uncertainty about the future and managing DBMD fears. Higher levels of unmet need were associated with less disease progression/earlier stage of DBMD (rho = −0.166 p = 0.02). Twenty‐one percent regularly used respite care and 57% worried about allowing others to care for their child. Highly‐endorsed care facilitators included partner relationships (63%), child's approach to life (59%), and family relationships (49%). Our findings highlight the importance of psychological and social support for caregivers. Starting when children are young, clinicians should assess caregivers’ unmet psychological needs, particularly uncertainty and fear. Exploring needs and facilitators may allow clinics to target and customize interventions that build upon existing strengths and supports. Our findings have implications for efforts to promote early diagnosis and newborn screening, in that increased needs in mothers of younger children should be anticipated and built into counseling. Further research can assess whether and how unmet needs change as new therapies become available.
Application of Micellar Extraction for Isolation of Famotidine from Aqueous Samples Prior to its Chromatographic Determination
Authors: Kiszkiel‐Taudul Ilona , Starczewska Barbara , Karpińska Joanna , Kasabuła Monika
Published: August 2017

Micellar extraction was applied to isolate famotidine from aqueous samples. This drug is an H2 receptor antagonist used for the treatment of stomach diseases. The process was performed with a mixture of anionic sodium dodecylsulfate and nonionic Triton X‐114 surfactants. The effect of different parameters on the efficiency of the micellar extraction such as electrolyte and surfactant concentration, pH of sample, temperature, shaking and centrifugation time was investigated. The influence of foreign substances on a studied process was tested. The elaborated procedure was applied for HPLC–UV determination of famotidine in natural water samples. The calibration graph was recorded in the range 1.35–37.12 μg mL−1 of the studied compound. The repeatability of the method was equal to 7.4%. The limit of detection and quantification values for the determination of famotidine by using the proposed method amounted to 0.40 and 1.25 μg mL−1, respectively.
Consumer Connectivity in a Complex, Technology-enabled, and Mobile-oriented World with Smart Products
Authors: Verhoef Peter C. , Stephen Andrew T. , Kannan P.K. , Luo Xueming , Abhishek Vibhanshu , Andrews Michelle , Bart Yakov , Datta Hannes , Fong Nathan , Hoffman Donna L. , Hu Mandy Mantian , Novak Tom , Rand William , Zhang Yuchi
Published: August 2017

Today's consumers are immersed in a vast and complex array of networks. Each network features an interconnected mesh of people and firms, and now, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), also objects. Technology (particularly mobile devices) enables such connections, and facilitates many kinds of interactions in these networks—from transactions, to social information sharing, to people interfacing with connected devices (e.g., wearable technology).

We introduce the POP-framework, discuss how People, Objects and the Physical world inter-connect with each other and how it results in an increasing amount of connected data, and briefly summarize existing knowledge on these inter-connections. We also provide an agenda for future research focused on examining potential impact of IoT and smart products on consumer behavior and firm strategies.
Laser radiation pressure proton acceleration in gaseous target
Authors: Tripathi V.K. , Liu Tung-Chang , Shao Xi
Published: August 2017

An analytical model for hole boring proton acceleration by a circularly-polarized CO2 laser pulse in a gas jet is developed. The plasma density profile near the density peak is taken to be rectangular, with inner region thickness l around a laser wavelength and density 10% above the critical, while the outside density is 10% below the critical. On the rear side, plasma density falls off rapidly to a small value. The laser suffers strong reflection from the central region and, at normalized amplitude a0≥1, creates a double layer. The space charge field of the double layer, moving with velocity vfz^, reflects up-stream protons to 2vf velocity, incurring momentum loss at a rate comparable to radiation pressure. Reflection occurs for vf≤ωpzflm/mp, where m and mp are the electron and proton masses, zf is the distance traveled by the compressed electron layer and ωp is the plasma frequency. For Gaussian temporal profile of the laser and parabolic density profile of the upstream plasma, the proton energy distribution is narrowly peaked.
Effects of validating communication on recall during a pain-task in healthy participants
Authors: Carstens Johan K.P. , Boersma Katja , Schrooten Martien G.S. , Linton Steven J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Increasing recall of instructions and advice in a pain consultation is important, since it is a prerequisite for adherence to treatment recommendations. However, interference due to pain-related distress may result in poor recall. Whereas there are some indications that recall can be increased by empathic communication that reduces interference, this interesting possibility remains largely untested experimentally.

The current experiment aimed at studying effects of empathic communication, and more specifically validation, on recall during a pain test and possible mediators and moderators of this effect.

Method

Participants received either validating (N = 25) or invalidating responses (N = 25) from the experimenter during a pain provoking task, followed by self-report measures of interference (affect, situational pain catastrophizing) and recall (accurate and false memories of words).

Results

As expected, the validated group exhibited higher accurate recall and less false memories following the pain test as compared to the invalidated group. This was partly due to the effect of interference being counteracted by moderating the relationship between pain catastrophizing and recall.

Conclusion

These novel results suggest that validating communication can counteract interference due to pain catastrophizing on recall, at least in a controlled experimental setting.

Implications

Good communication by health professionals is of utmost importance for adherence to pain management. The current results expand our knowledge on the effects of pain communication by establishing and explaining a clear link between empathic communication and recall, highlighting the role of pain catastrophizing.
New Baseline for Understanding Arctic Oxygen and Nutrient Fluxes
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: August 2017

Significant spatial and temporal patterns emerge from the first pan-Arctic comparison of oxygen demand in marine sediments.
Powerful Pacific Forces Disrupt the California Current
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: August 2017

Scientists create a 66-year data record to shed light on the role of El Niño in the California Current System’s shifting temperatures.
An asymmetric supercapacitor with excellent cycling performance realized by hierarchical porous NiGa2O4 nanosheets
Authors: Liu Shude , Hui Kwan San , Hui Kwun Nam , Li Hai-Feng , Ng Kar Wei , Xu Jincheng , Tang Zikang , Jun Seong Chan
Published: August 2017

Cycling stability of an asymmetric supercapacitor is enhanced using hierarchical porous NiGa2O4 nanosheets as cathode electrode.
Morphochemical imprinting of melamine cyanurate mesocrystals in glucose-derived carbon for high performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Kim J. H. , Byeon M. , Jeong Y. C. , Oh J. Y. , Jung Y. , Fechler N. , Yang S. J. , Park C. R.
Published: August 2017

A novel dual-imprinting method is suggested to provide a straightforward strategy to synthesize highly pyridinic N-enriched hierarchically nanostructured carbon for energy applications.
Molecular design of thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters for blue-shifted emission by methoxy substitution
Authors: Oh Chan Seok , Han Si Hyun , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: August 2017

The molecular design method of thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters for blue-shifted emission was developed by modifying a phenyl linker using a methoxy substituent.
Phosphatases and solid tumors: focus on glioblastoma initiation, progression and recurrences
Authors: Dedobbeleer Matthias , Willems Estelle , Freeman Stephen , Lombard Arnaud , Goffart Nicolas , Rogister Bernard
Published: August 2017

Phosphatases and cancer have been related for many years now, as these enzymes regulate key cellular functions, including cell survival, migration, differentiation and proliferation. Dysfunctions or mutations affecting these enzymes have been demonstrated to be key factors for oncogenesis. The aim of this review is to shed light on the role of four different phosphatases (PTEN, PP2A, CDC25 and DUSP1) in five different solid tumors (breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer), in order to better understand the most frequent and aggressive primary cancer of the central nervous system, glioblastoma.
Secure resource allocation for the SISO‐OFDM wiretap channel
Authors: MirhoseiniNejad SeyedMohamad , Tabataba Vakili Vahid , Abbasi‐Moghadam Dariush
Published: August 2017

The broadcast nature of communication systems opens the possibility for attackers to eavesdrop the data and compromise data confidentiality. This study takes the information theoretic security at the physical layer of single‐input single‐output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SISO‐OFDM) wiretap system into account, in which, different signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) values on the legitimate and eavesdropper's receivers are assumed. The optimisation problem for secure resource allocation is formulated. Then, the secrecy rate of the system is used as the objective function for resource allocation. Finally, a power allocation strategy is obtained. The upper bound of the secrecy capacity of the single‐user system is proposed as a linear function of legitimate receiver's SNR (dB), based on the mentioned strategy. In addition, an iterative power allocation algorithm is proposed for two‐user SISO‐OFDM wiretap channel. Results showed that the proposed algorithm is fast and converges to the optimal value in the second iteration. The upper bound linear model is valid in a two‐user case when there is a relatively large difference between Bob and Eve SNRs.
Primary behaviour‐based energy harvesting multihop cognitive radio network
Authors: Mondal Soumen , Dhar Roy Sanjay , Kundu Sumit
Published: August 2017

In this study, a multihop transmission scheme in cognitive environment is investigated. Several number of decode and forward relays are deployed between the secondary source and the secondary destination. All the nodes harvest energy using a time splitting‐based relaying scheme from radio‐frequency signal of a primary beacon (PB). All the nodes use harvested energy to transmit data from a node to its next node. The maximum transmit power of any secondary node is limited by interference constraint at a primary receiver. The presence of PB is considered in the form of a regular periodic pattern. An expression for signal‐to‐noise ratio and ergodic capacity at each secondary node in the multihop network are derived. A closed form expression for the outage probability (OP) of the secondary network is derived for transient and steady‐state condition in two different scenarios of arrival time period of PB (). The closed‐form expression for the OP of the secondary network is validated with the simulation results for different system parameters such as harvesting efficiency, harvesting time, the number of SRs, the transmission power of PB. An optimum value of the presence duration of PB within the time period is also estimated. Further, impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI) of interfering links between secondary transmitting nodes and primary receiver is investigated on secondary OP and compared with the case of perfect CSI.
Short‐circuit‐constrained transmission expansion planning with bus splitting flexibility
Authors: Gharibpour Hassan , Aminifar Farrokh , Haji Bashi Mazaher
Published: August 2017

Incorporation of the short‐circuit level constraints in the transmission expansion planning (TEP) has a direct impact on the final solution. Conventionally, in TEP models, a substation is tackled as a single node where are all transmission lines, power transformers, and generating units are connected to each other. However, bus splitting is a common option in most substations that divides the connected elements into two groups. Doing so, bus splitting can alter the flow path impedances and accordingly manage the short‐circuit levels. Here, the short‐circuit level constraints are modelled in terms of conventional TEP and bus splitting decision variables. The modelling process is very complex and some non‐linear terms appear in the models. To have a tractable model in real‐world problems, the non‐linearities are converted to linear equivalents making the final TEP model conforming the mixed‐integer linear programming format. The performance of the proposed model is examined on the 24‐bus reliability test system. The results show that incorporation of the bus splitting option in the TEP problem decreases the total cost of the optimal expansion plan.
Wideband power dividers with improved upper stopband using coupled lines
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Zhao Chaoying , Ma Xueke , Che Wenquan
Published: August 2017

Three novel wideband microstrip power dividers with improved upper stopband using coupled lines are proposed in this study. Wide upper stopband can be obtained by the multiple transmission zeros realised by the stepped coupled lines. Isolation resistors are proposed to achieve wideband power division isolation for the power dividers. Three wideband microstrip power dividers with division bandwidths of 47% (1.76–2.84 GHz), 47% (1.75–2.83 GHz), and 47.8% (1.75–2.85 GHz) are designed and fabricated. The upper stopband for the last two power dividers can be extended up to five and six octaves.
Dual‐band re‐configurable graphene‐based patch antenna in terahertz band for wireless network‐on‐chip applications
Authors: Mrunalini Sirisha , Manoharan Arun
Published: August 2017

Wireless network‐on‐chip (WNoC), with associated on‐chip antennas, has been recognised as an alternative solution to overcome the performance limitations of wired networks on chip (NoC). Recently, graphene‐based WNoC (GWNoC) architecture with graphene patch antennas in terahertz band was proposed as a viable alternative which can outperform traditional WNoC in terms of bandwidth, energy consumption and a number of cores per system. In this study, a novel design of dual‐band re‐configurable graphene‐based square patch antenna is proposed with orthogonal microstrip line structure for WNoC applications. The proposed antenna can act as wireless transceiver at dual bands of 2.15–2.2 and 2.56–2.6 THz. Its performance in terms of directivity, return loss, fractional bandwidth and beam reconfiguration at different chemical potentials has been analysed.
Stochastic feeding dynamics arise from the need for information and energy
Authors: Scholz Monika , Dinner Aaron R. , Levine Erel , Biron David
Published: August 2017

Significance

Animals have evolved mechanisms for gathering information from the environment to make apt decisions. An important example is the regulation of feeding, where animals weigh nutritional value with the associated energetic costs. Many species feed in short bursts interspersed with pauses, yet the function and advantages of this strategy are unknown. We suggest that these bursts are used both to collect food and to gather information. Using quantifiable feeding behavior from
Caenorhabditis elegans
, we define a model that formalizes this decision process. The model shows that burst feeding is advantageous when information about the expected food is noisy. This conceptualization of feeding behavior suggests optimal feeding strategies in response to conflicting inputs and to fluctuating environments.
Oxidation of alkyl benzenes by a flavin photooxidation catalyst on nanostructured metal-oxide films
Authors: Dongare Prateek , MacKenzie Ian , Wang Degao , Nicewicz David A. , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: August 2017

Significance

There are significant advantages in organic, interfacial photooxidation catalysis. Surface-bound catalysts on oxide interfaces offer highly reactive assemblies that minimize both catalyst and solution volume. We demonstrate here the oxygenation of alkyl benzenes by a flavin mononucleotide on nanoporous ZrO
2
or TiO
2
surfaces.
Country-Wide Distance Training for Delivery of Screening and Brief Intervention for Problematic Substance Use: A Pilot Evaluation of Participant Experiences and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Carneiro Ana Paula Leal , Souza-Formigoni Maria Lucia Oliveira
Published: August 2017

Background

In this study, the authors evaluated if the 120-hour distance learning (DL) course SUPERA (an acronym in Portuguese meaning “System for detection of excessive use or dependence on psychoactive substances: brief Intervention, social reinsertion and follow-up”) was an effective way to train health professionals and social workers to apply screening and brief intervention (SBI) for patients with substance use disorders.

Methods

In the first phase, 2420 health professionals or social workers, who had completed the course, answered an online survey about their use of the SBI. In the second phase, 25 of those professionals applied the ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) followed by a brief intervention (BI) to patients with substance use disorders. Three months after the SBI delivery, independent researchers followed up 79 patients who had received SBI, reapplying the ASSIST and a questionnaire to evaluate the patients'/clients’ satisfaction with the intervention they received.

Results

In the first phase, it was found that most health professionals and social workers who completed the course applied the SBI in their work and felt very motivated to do it. In the second phase of the study, at a 3-month follow-up, most patients had significantly reduced their ASSIST scores in respect of alcohol and cocaine/crack in relation to their baseline levels. Those patients classified by their ASSIST score as “suggestive of dependence” presented a significant reduction in their scores regarding alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine/crack, whereas those classified as “at risk” presented a reduction in respect of alcohol problems only. Patients associated changes in their substance use with the SBI received.

Conclusions

A reduction in substance use–related problems was associated with the SBI applied by the health professionals or social workers trained by the DL course SUPERA. Two significant limitations of this study were the small number of participants (professionals and patients in the follow-up) and the absence of a control group in the second phase of the study.
Stereotactic Drainage of Brainstem Abscess With the BrainLab Varioguide™ System and the Airo™ Intraoperative CT Scanner: Technical Case Report
Authors: Almeida Cesar C , Uzuner Ayse , Alterman Ron L
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Stereotactic biopsies or needle aspirations of posterior fossa lesions are technically challenging. Here we report a novel technique for performing these procedures employing the Airo™ intraoperative computed tomographic (CT) scanner and the VarioGuide™ articulated arm (BrainLab, Munich, Germany).

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 62-yr-old woman presented with an irregularly shaped, enhancing lesion of the left pons/middle cerebellar peduncle. Slowed diffusion on magnetic resonance imaging suggested an abscess, but no definitive infectious agent/source could be identified. When the patient deteriorated despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, she was taken to the operating room for stereotactic drainage of the abscess employing the described technique. A specific infectious agent (Eikenella corrodens) was identified from the aspirate, allowing for tailored antibiotic therapy. The procedure was well tolerated and the patient made a full recovery with minimal neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the Airo™ intraoperative CT and the Varioguide™ articulated arm allows for safe, accurate, and efficient targeting of posterior fossa lesions.
Synergistic Effect of Different Plant Cell Wall–Degrading Enzymes Is Important for Virulence of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Paccanaro Maria Chiara , Sella Luca , Castiglioni Carla , Giacomello Francesca , Martínez-Rocha Ana Lilia , D’Ovidio Renato , Schäfer Wilhelm , Favaron Francesco
Published: August 2017

Endo-polygalacturonases (PGs) and xylanases have been shown to play an important role during pathogenesis of some fungal pathogens of dicot plants, while their role in monocot pathogens is less defined. Pg1 and xyr1 genes of the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum encode the main PG and the major regulator of xylanase production, respectively. Single- and double-disrupted mutants for these genes were obtained to assess their contribution to fungal infection. Compared with wild-type strain, the ∆pg mutant showed a nearly abolished PG activity, slight reduced virulence on soybean seedlings, but no significant difference in disease symptoms on wheat spikes; the ∆xyr mutant was strongly reduced in xylanase activity and moderately reduced in cellulase activity but was as virulent as wild type on both soybean and wheat plants. Consequently, the ΔpgΔxyr double mutant was impaired in xylanase, PG, and cellulase activities but, differently from single mutants, was significantly reduced in virulence on both plants. These findings demonstrate that the concurrent presence of PG, xylanase, and cellulase activities is necessary for full virulence. The observation that the uronides released from wheat cell wall after a F. graminearum PG treatment were largely increased by the fungal xylanases suggests that these enzymes act synergistically in deconstructing the plant cell wall.
Detection of Pathogens Associated with Psyllids and Leafhoppers in Capsicum annuum L. in the Mexican States of Durango, Zacatecas, and Michoacán
Authors: Swisher K. D. , Munyaneza J. E. , Velásquez-Valle R. , Mena-Covarrubias J.
Published: August 2017

In fall 2014, 5 to 75% percent of chili and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in commercial fields located in the Mexican states of Durango, Zacatecas, and Michoacán had symptoms of deformed, small, mosaic, curled, and chlorotic leaves; shortened internodes; plant dwarfing; or phyllody and rosetting leaf tips. At the same time, leafhoppers and psyllids were observed in the fields, and more than 50 beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus) and nearly 300 potato psyllids (Bactericera cockerelli) were collected from the pepper plants and adjacent weeds. Based on the insect pressure and observed symptoms, nearly 400 pepper samples were collected across this region of Mexico and tested for the presence of leafhopper- and psyllid-associated pathogens. In all, 76% of the pepper samples were found to be infected with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’, beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent (BLTVA) phytoplasma, a strain of a curtovirus, or a combination of any two or three of these pathogens. Additionally, 77% of the collected leafhoppers and 40% of the psyllids were infected with one or more of these pathogens, in addition to Spiroplasma citri. Specifically, the leafhoppers were infected with BLTVA phytoplasma, S. citri, or a strain of curtovirus. Of particular interest, potato psyllids were not only infected with ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ but also with phytoplasmas that belong to the groups 16SrVI subgroup A and 16SrI subgroup A. The presence of mixed infections in pepper plants and the insect vectors highlights the need for growers to effectively control both leafhoppers and potato psyllids from solanaceous crops in this region of Mexico in order to prevent the spread of these bacterial and viral pathogens.
Preventing Retained Central Venous Catheter Guidewires
Authors: Mariyaselvam Maryanne Z. A. , Catchpole Ken R. , Menon David K. , Gupta Arun K. , Young Peter J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Retained central venous catheter guidewires are never events. Currently, preventative techniques rely on clinicians remembering to remove the guidewire. However, solutions solely relying upon humans to prevent error inevitably fail. A novel locked procedure pack was designed to contain the equipment required for completing the procedure after the guidewire should have been removed: suture, suture holder, and antimicrobial dressings. The guidewire is used as a key to unlock the pack and to access the contents; thereby, the clinician must remove the guidewire from the patient to complete the procedure.

Methods

A randomized controlled forced-error simulation study replicated catheter insertion. We created a retained guidewire event and then determined whether clinicians would discover it, comparing standard practice against the locked pack.

Results

Guidewires were retrieved from 2/10 (20%) standard versus 10/10 (100%) locked pack, n = 20, P < 0.001. In the locked pack group, participants attempted to complete the procedure; however, when unable to access the contents, this prompted a search for the key (guidewire). Participants discovered the guidewire within the catheter lumen, recovered it, utilized it to unlock the pack, and finish the procedure. A structured questionnaire reported that the locked pack also improved subjective safety of central venous catheter insertion and allowed easy disposal of the sharps and guidewire (10/10).

Conclusions

The locked pack is an engineered solution designed to prevent retained guidewires. Utilizing forced-error simulation testing, we have determined that the locked pack is an effective preventative device and is acceptable to clinicians for improving patient safety.
Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 Activates Voltage-gated Sodium Channel 1.7 Transcription in Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons to Mediate Thermal Hyperalgesia in Rats
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Chun , Ho Yu-Cheng , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Wang Hsueh-Hsiao , Lee An-Sheng , Cheng Jen-Kun , Chau Yat-Pang , Peng Hsien-Yu
Published: August 2017

Background

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 binds acetylated promoter histones and promotes transcription; however, the role of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in inflammatory hyperalgesia remains unclear.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats received hind paw injections of complete Freund’s adjuvant to induce hyperalgesia. The dorsal root ganglia were examined to detect changes in bromodomain-containing protein 4 expression and the activation of genes involved in the expression of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7, which is a key pain-related ion channel.

Results

The intraplantar complete Freund’s adjuvant injections resulted in thermal hyperalgesia (4.0 ± 1.5 s; n = 7). The immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting results demonstrated an increase in the bromodomain-containing protein 4–expressing dorsal root ganglia neurons (3.78 ± 0.38 fold; n = 7) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 protein levels (2.62 ± 0.39 fold; n = 6). After the complete Freund’s adjuvant injection, histone H3 protein acetylation was enhanced in the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 promoter, and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 and phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II were recruited to this area. Furthermore, the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7–mediated currents were enhanced in neurons of the complete Freund’s adjuvant rats (55 ± 11 vs. 19 ± 9 pA/pF; n = 4 to 6 neurons). Using bromodomain-containing protein 4–targeted antisense small interfering RNA to the complete Freund’s adjuvant–treated rats, the authors demonstrated a reduction in the expression of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (0.68 ± 0.16 fold; n = 7), a reduction in thermal hyperalgesia (7.5 ± 1.5 s; n = 7), and a reduction in the increased voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 currents (21 ± 4 pA/pF; n = 4 to 6 neurons).

Conclusions

Complete Freund’s adjuvant triggers enhanced bromodomain-containing protein 4 expression, ultimately leading to the enhanced excitability of nociceptive neurons and thermal hyperalgesia. This effect is likely mediated by the enhanced expression of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7.
Association of Gender With Outcome and Host Response in Critically Ill Sepsis Patients*
Authors: van Vught Lonneke A. , Scicluna Brendon P. , Wiewel Maryse A. , Hoogendijk Arie J. , Klein Klouwenberg Peter M. C. , Ong David S. Y. , Cremer Olaf L. , Horn Janneke , Franitza Marek , Toliat Mohammad R. , Nürnberg Peter , Bonten Marc M. J. , Schultz Marcus J. , van der Poll Tom
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To determine the association of gender with the presentation, outcome, and host response in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Design and Setting:

A prospective observational cohort study in the ICU of two tertiary hospitals between January 2011 and January 2014.

Patients:

All consecutive critically ill patients admitted with sepsis, involving 1,815 admissions (1,533 patients).

Interventions:

The host response was evaluated on ICU admission by measuring 19 plasma biomarkers reflecting organ systems implicated in sepsis pathogenesis (1,205 admissions) and by applying genome-wide blood gene expression profiling (582 admissions).

Measurements and Main Results:

Sepsis patients admitted to the ICU were more frequently males (61.0%; p < 0.0001 vs females). Baseline characteristics were not different between genders. Urosepsis was more common in females; endocarditis and mediastinitis in men. Disease severity was similar throughout ICU stay. Mortality was similar up to 1 year after ICU admission, and gender was not associated with 90-day mortality in multivariate analyses in a variety of subgroups. Although plasma proteome analyses (including systemic inflammatory and cytokine responses, and activation of coagulation) were largely similar between genders, females showed enhanced endothelial cell activation; this difference was virtually absent in patients more than 55 years old. More than 80% of the leukocyte blood gene expression response was similar in male and female patients.

Conclusions:

The host response and outcome in male and female sepsis patients requiring ICU admission are largely similar.
Aesthetic Female-to-Male Chest Transformation: Power of Combining Modified Mastectomy with a Pectoral Implant
Authors: Abbed Turkia , Shifrin David A.
Published: August 2017

Gender reassignment surgery has gained in popularity with increased media exposure and society’s recognition of gender dysphoria. Female-to-male gender reassignment often begins with the “top” or chest surgery. Mastectomy with free nipple grafting is the most frequently described technique in the literature. This technique is reliable yet lacks the ability to provide a true male chest shape. We discuss our technique for female-to-male “top” surgery combining traditional mastectomy techniques with a lower pole pedicle vascularized areola and a pectoral implant. A 32-year-old African American female with bilateral C cup breast with grade 2/3 ptosis presented for “top” surgery. Intraoperatively, the nipple areola complex was maintained on a lower pole pedicle at a thickness of 1.5 cm to maintain neurovascularity. A superior mastectomy flap was raised at the level of the breast capsule and remaining breast tissue excised. A lateral subpectoral pocket was created for insertion of a silicone pectoral implant. The new nipple position matured in the infero-lateral quadrant of greatest projecting portion of the chest. Lower pole pedicle provided vascularity to the areola, which avoids the need for a free nipple graft and potential hypopigmentation. Pectoral silicone implant provided upper pole fullness to mimic the male chest muscular distribution. Modification of mastectomy-based female-to-male gender reassignment surgery with a lower pole pedicle–based areola and pectoral implant provides an aesthetic improvement over the classic mastectomy with free nipple graft technique.
CHOROIDAL NEVI WITH FOCAL CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION AND POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Simhaee Daniel , Dolz-Marco Rosa , Freund K. Bailey
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To report two cases of choroidal nevi associated with focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and polypoidal choroidal neovascularization (PCN).

Methods:

Report of two patients with choroidal nevi showing FCE and PCN who underwent multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, swept-source optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results:

Two patients presented with choroidal nevi associated with FCE and PCN. In the first case, a 74-year-old woman, the nevus had sharp margins, a deep FCE, surrounding drusen, and subretinal exudation at its inferior edge due to PCN that responded well to intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. In the second case, a 64-year-old woman, the nevus had ill-defined margins, a shallow FCE, and angiographic evidence of PCN without associated exudation.

Conclusion:

There have been several reports showing an association of either choroidal nevi or FCE with PCN. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of FCE identified within choroidal nevi, with or without associated PCN. Since, in one of our cases, the FCE was not apparent on clinical examination, the prevalence of FCE within nevi may be underdiagnosed.
MAINTENANCE OF GOOD VISUAL ACUITY IN BEST DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC BILATERAL SEROUS MACULAR DETACHMENT
Authors: Gattoussi Sarra , Boon Camiel J. F. , Freund K. Bailey
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

We describe the long-term follow-up of a patient with multifocal Best disease with chronic bilateral serous macular detachment and unusual peripheral findings associated with a novel mutation in the BEST1 gene.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 59-year-old white woman was referred for an evaluation of her macular findings in 1992. There was a family history of Best disease in the patient's mother and a male sibling. Her medical history was unremarkable. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in her right eye and 20/25 in her left eye. The anterior segment examination was normal in both eyes. Funduscopic examination showed multifocal hyperautofluorescent vitelliform deposits with areas of subretinal fibrosis in both eyes. An electrooculogram showed Arden ratios of 1.32 in the right eye and 1.97 in the left eye. Ultra-widefield color and fundus autofluorescence imaging showed degenerative retinal changes in areas throughout the entire fundus in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography, including annual eye-tracked scans from 2005 to 2016, showed persistent bilateral serous macular detachments. Despite chronic foveal detachment, visual acuity was 20/25 in her right eye and 20/40 in her left eye, 24 years after initial presentation. Genetic testing showed a novel c.238T>A (p.Phe80Ile) missense mutation in the BEST1 gene.

Conclusion:

Some patients with Best disease associated with chronic serous macular detachment can maintain good visual acuity over an extended follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Best disease associated with this mutation in the BEST1 gene.
Comparison of the Quality of Informal Care of Community-Dwelling Taiwanese Older People
Authors: Chiao Chia-Yi , Lin Yen-Ju , Hsiao Chiu-Yueh
Published: August 2017

Background:

With social structures changing and the average life-span of individuals increasing, Taiwan is experiencing a steady rise in its elderly population. Thus, caring for older parentsis an urgent problem. Many foreign caregivers have been hired tocare for older parents.However, measuring the quality ofinformal care has not yet been fully explored in Taiwan, particularly among older people who are cared for by foreign caregivers in home settings.

Purpose:

The purposes of this study were to understand the differences in quality of care for older Taiwanese and to explore the predictors of quality of care in two types of caregiving.

Methods:

A comparative descriptive study design was conducted. The study was held in several community healthcare centers in the middle and southern regions of Taiwan. Study data were collected over an 18-month period between 2012 and 2014. t Tests were used to compare continuous variables according to the types of caregiving. Multiple linear regressions with group analyses were performed to evaluate the underlying statistical assumptions.

Results:

One hundred fifty-nine participants were included. The study results showed that age, activities of daily living level, and quality of care were significantly different between the two types of caregiving. Relationships with caregivers, social support, and depressive symptoms contributed to the quality of care in family caregiving, explaining 50.2% of the variance. Social support and depressive symptoms contributed to the quality of care in foreign caregiving, explaining 36.6% of the variance.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

The study results support that the types of primary caregiving affect the quality of care that is received by elderly Taiwanese. This study may be used as a reference for families whose family members need long-term care when considering hiring foreign caregivers as an alternative option to Taiwanese caregivers.
Parents’ Reactions to the Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Associations Between Resolution, Family Functioning, and Child Behavior Problems
Authors: Baiocco Roberto , Castelli Gattinara Paola , Cioccetti Giorgia , Ioverno Salvatore
Published: August 2017

Background:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent inherited form of muscular dystrophy during childhood. DMD is a severe and progressive disease. Children initially have no symptoms, but the diagnosis is often delayed until the child is about 5 years old.

Purpose:

Although few studies have addressed parent reactions to DMD, parental reactions to other serious childhood conditions have been documented. This study aims to understand the resolution styles that parents use in the context of their children with DMD.

Methods:

Data were collected on 39 parents residing in central Italy, comprising 23 mothers and 16 fathers of children with DMD of a mean age of 12 years. The participants attended a single assessment session lasting 60–80 minutes in which they were interviewed and completed the questionnaire. The participants completed the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview, which is composed of five open-ended questions about parents’ memories, thoughts, and feelings about their child’s diagnosis. The interviews were videotaped, transcribed, and coded. The Reaction to Diagnosis Interview classifies parents into two main classifications: “resolved” and “unresolved.” In addition, the participants responded to questions about their perceptions of family functioning and about the behavioral problems of their children. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the role of child characteristics, disease severity, resolution classification (yes/no), and family variables as predictors of child behavior problems.

Results:

The proportion of the resolved cases found in this study (41%) was lower than the mean proportion of resolved cases (60%) found in previous studies. Within the resolved category, “thinking oriented” was the most prevalent subcategory. Resolved participants reported significantly higher scores for family functioning and family satisfaction than unresolved participants. No differences were found between the groups in terms of perceptions of family communication. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that a lower level of family functioning was the strongest predictor of child behavior problems. Having a higher level of disease severity and being unresolved were also identified as predictors of child behavior problems.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Results highlight the relevance of parent resolution in the adjustment process of children. The findings of this study may assist professionals in the medical field to focus on family variables and the parent process of diagnosis resolution as the primary goals in the prevention of child behavior problems.
Cochlear Implantation in Postlingual Adult Patients With Long-Term Auditory Deprivation
Authors: Medina Maria del Mar , Polo Ruben , Gutierrez Auxiliadora , Muriel Alfonso , Vaca Miguel , Perez Cecilia , Cordero Adela , Cobeta Ignacio
Published: August 2017

Objective:

The role of long-term hearing deprivation in cochlear implant performance is not well established, and the limits for implanting an auditory deprived ear are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term auditory deprivation time on cochlear implant results.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review study.

Setting:

Cochlear implantation tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Adult patients with postlingual deafness.

Intervention:

Unilateral cochlear implantation between 2001 and January 2015.

Main Outcome Measures:

Age at implantation, sex, etiology of hearing loss, and duration of auditory deprivation in the implanted ear were collected. Cochlear implants results were expressed in terms of vowel identification, disyllabic word recognition, and sentence recognition.

Spearman's correlation test was applied to determine the relationship between auditory deprivation time and speech recognition scores. Additionally, patients were divided according to their auditory deprivation time before implantation in group A (less than 10 yr) and group B (more than 10 yr).

Results:

One hundred three patients met inclusion criteria for this study. There were 61 patients in group A, with a mean deprivation time of 2.52 years. There were 42 patients in group B, with a mean deprivation time of 19.67 years.

There were no statistically significant differences between both groups regarding speech recognition scores.

Deprivation time in the implanted ear was not statistically correlated with cochlear implantation performance.

Conclusions:

Long-term auditory deprivation in the ear to be implanted does not negatively influence cochlear implantation results and should not be considered criterion to reject cochlear implantation.
NANOCI—Nanotechnology Based Cochlear Implant With Gapless Interface to Auditory Neurons
Authors: Senn Pascal , Roccio Marta , Hahnewald Stefan , Frick Claudia , Kwiatkowska Monika , Ishikawa Masaaki , Bako Peter , Li Hao , Edin Fredrik , Liu Wei , Rask-Andersen Helge , Pyykkö Ilmari , Zou Jing , Mannerström Marika , Keppner Herbert , Homsy Alexandra , Laux Edith , Llera Miguel , Lellouche Jean-Paul , Ostrovsky Stella , Banin Ehud , Gedanken Aharon , Perkas Nina , Wank Ute , Wiesmüller Karl-Heinz , Mistrík Pavel , Benav Heval , Garnham Carolyn , Jolly Claude , Gander Filippo , Ulrich Peter , Müller Marcus , Löwenheim Hubert
Published: August 2017

Cochlear implants (CI) restore functional hearing in the majority of deaf patients. Despite the tremendous success of these devices, some limitations remain. The bottleneck for optimal electrical stimulation with CI is caused by the anatomical gap between the electrode array and the auditory neurons in the inner ear. As a consequence, current devices are limited through 1) low frequency resolution, hence sub-optimal sound quality and 2), large stimulation currents, hence high energy consumption (responsible for significant battery costs and for impeding the development of fully implantable systems). A recently completed, multinational and interdisciplinary project called NANOCI aimed at overcoming current limitations by creating a gapless interface between auditory nerve fibers and the cochlear implant electrode array. This ambitious goal was achieved in vivo by neurotrophin-induced attraction of neurites through an intracochlear gel-nanomatrix onto a modified nanoCI electrode array located in the scala tympani of deafened guinea pigs. Functionally, the gapless interface led to lower stimulation thresholds and a larger dynamic range in vivo, and to reduced stimulation energy requirement (up to fivefold) in an in vitro model using auditory neurons cultured on multi-electrode arrays. In conclusion, the NANOCI project yielded proof of concept that a gapless interface between auditory neurons and cochlear implant electrode arrays is feasible. These findings may be of relevance for the development of future CI systems with better sound quality and performance and lower energy consumption. The present overview/review paper summarizes the NANOCI project history and highlights achievements of the individual work packages.