bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third‐ or Fourth‐Degree Intrapartum Anal Sphincter Tears Are Associated With Levator Ani Avulsion in Primiparas
Authors: Valsky Dan V. , Cohen Sarah M. , Lipschuetz Michal , Hochner-Celnikier Drorith , Daum Hagit , Yagel Itai , Yagel Simcha
Published: March 2016

Objectives

We evaluated primiparous women with clinically diagnosed third‐ and fourth‐degree and anal sphincter tears, to evaluate the rate of levator ani muscle injury compared to primiparous women without sphincter tears.

Methods

Primiparous women delivering in our maternity ward with intrapartum diagnoses of third‐ or fourth‐degree anal sphincter tears, repaired by the overlapping technique, were recruited to undergo 3‐dimensional transperineal sonography of the pelvic floor anatomy, including the anterior and posterior compartments. Primiparas with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries were recruited as a comparison group. Patient files were examined, and maternal backgrounds and delivery and neonatal details were extracted for all patients.

Results

Ninety‐four women with tears were recruited to the study group, and 464 women with normal vaginal deliveries constituted the comparison group. The groups differed significantly in the rates of levator ani defects: 38 of 94 women (40.4%) in the study group versus 75 of 464 (16.2%) in the comparison group (P < .001; odds ratio, 3.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.18–5.7). Neonatal head circumference differed significantly between the study and comparison groups: (mean ± SD, 34.5 ± 1.3 cm in the study group versus 33.9 ± 1.3 cm in the comparison group; P= .005), as did birth weight (3322 ± 430 g in the study group versus 3169 ± 458 g in the comparison group; P = .007). The groups did not differ in maternal age, gestational age at delivery, length of second stage of labor, and rates of epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, and vacuum extraction.

Conclusions

Third‐ and fourth‐degree intrapartum sphincter tears are associated with levator ani avulsion. Knowledge of complex pelvic floor damage may allow for prompt referral to secondary preventive measures for pelvic floor disorders.
Versatile, Reusable, and Inexpensive Ultrasound Phantom Procedural Trainers
Authors: Morrow Dustin S. , Cupp Julia A. , Broder Joshua S.
Published: March 2016

We have constructed simple and inexpensive models for ultrasound‐guided procedural training using synthetic ballistic gelatin. These models are durable, leak resistant, and able to be shaped to fit a variety of simulation scenarios to teach procedures. They provide realistic tactile and sonographic training for our learners in a safe, idealized setting.
Clinical Importance of Echogenic Swirling Pleural Effusions
Authors: Lane Alison B. , Petteys Sarah , Ginn Meghan , Nations Joel A.
Published: March 2016

Thoracic sonography is an important tool in diagnosis and assessment of pleural effusions and can provide valuable information about the characteristics of accumulated pleural fluid, in addition to improving the safety of thoracentesis. In addition to the 4 classic sonographic pleural effusion patterns (anechoic, complex nonseptate, complex septate, and homogeneously echogenic), an echogenic swirling pattern has been previously described, which was originally thought to be associated with malignant effusion. Two cases of pleural effusion with an echogenic swirling pattern are described below, illustrating that this sonographic finding can be seen in both exudative and transudative effusions.
Predictors of Malignancy in Hyperechoic Breast Lesions
Authors: Nassar Lara , Issa Ghada , Farah Zeina , El Zein Youssef , Berjawi Ghina
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Hyperechogenicity has been strongly associated with benign breast lesions. Although it is correct in most cases, hyperechogenicity must not always be considered synonymous with benignancy, as hyperechoic breast cancers do occur. The purpose of this study was to review clinical and imaging characteristics of hyperechoic breast lesions, looking for features associated with malignancy.

Methods

Institutional Review Board approval was granted for this research. A total of 19,417 sonographic examinations were performed between January 2009 and June 2013. Among these, hyperechoic lesions with histologic diagnoses, stability on long‐term followup, or characteristic imaging appearances were included in the study. The patients' clinical charts, mammograms, and sonograms were reviewed. The clinical and imaging features were recorded, and the data was analyzed by the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and independent‐samples t test, looking for statistically significant predictors of malignancy.

Results

Among the 19,417 scans, 42 patients (0.2%) with 44 hyperechoic lesions were identified. Twenty‐six lesions fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study: 5 malignancies (3 invasive ductal carcinomas, 1 invasive lobular carcinoma, and 1 invasive mucinous cancer) and 21 benign lesions. An irregular shape, a nonparallel orientation, and noncircumscribed margins were significantly associated with the risk of malignancy (P = .002, .02, and .01, respectively).

Conclusions

A hyperechoic breast lesion must not always be assumed to be benign. Instead, a full sonographic assessment according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System descriptors is needed for correct characterization and avoidance of misdiagnosis.
Sonography of Common Peripheral Nerve Disorders With Clinical Correlation
Authors: Jacobson Jon A. , Wilson Thomas J. , Yang Lynda J.‐S.
Published: March 2016

Sonography is now considered an effective method to evaluate peripheral nerves. Low cost, high resolution, the ability to image an entire limb in a short time, and dynamic assessment are several of the positive attributes of sonography. This article will review the normal appearance of peripheral nerves as shown with sonography. In addition, the most common applications for sonography of the peripheral nerves will be reviewed, which include entrapment neuropathies, intraneural ganglion cyst, nerve trauma, and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Clinical information related to nerve disorders is also included, as it provides valuable information that can be obtained during sonographic examinations, increasing diagnostic accuracy.
Routine Screening for Callosal Dysgenesis in the Second Trimester Is Achievable With Intensive Training
Authors: Lavender Ilona , Coombs Peter R. , Van Haltren Keith , Robinson Alice J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether routine direct visualization of the corpus callosum is achievable during second‐trimester sonography when performed by a large group of sonographers in a general second‐trimester sonographic screening program. The secondary aim was to determine the time taken to obtain a sagittal corpus callosum image.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of visualization of the corpus callosum before and after intensive training. Images from 150 consecutive second‐trimester scans were reviewed before and after training to evaluate the image quality of the corpus callosum.

Results

A total of 300 cases were evaluated before and after training. There was a significant increase in the rate of complete visualization of the corpus callosum after intensive training (P < .0001). Before training 35 of 150 cases (23%) had complete visualization of the corpus callosum versus 107 of 150 (71%) after training. The mean time to perform the corpus callosum views was 53.4 seconds before training compared to 56.2 seconds after training.

Conclusions

Assessing the corpus callosum in the sagittal view is difficult and requires appropriate training and patience; however, this view is feasible without adding substantial time to the examination and provides additional information during a routine second‐trimester morphologic scan.
Ultrasound‐Guided Nerve Blocks in Emergency Medicine Practice
Authors: Amini Richard , Kartchner Jeffrey Z. , Nagdev Arun , Adhikari Srikar
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current practice of ultrasound (US)‐guided regional anesthesia at academic emergency departments, including education, protocols, policies, and quality assessment.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study. A questionnaire on US‐guided nerve blocks was electronically sent to all emergency US directors and emergency US fellowship directors.

Results

A total of 121 of 171 academic institutions with an emergency medicine residency program participated in this study, representing a 71% response rate. Eighty‐four percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 77%–91%) of programs perform US‐guided nerve blocks at their institutions. The most common type of nerve block performed is a forearm nerve block (ulnar, median, or radial). The most common indication for US‐guided nerve blocks is fracture pain management. Only 7% (95% CI, 2%–12%) of programs have a separate credentialing pathway for US‐guided nerve blocks. Regarding quality assessment review of US‐guided nerve blocks, none of the programs have a separate program in place. In 57% (95% CI, 48%–66%) of programs, it is a component of the emergency US quality assessment program. Eighty‐four percent (95% CI, 77%–90%) of programs do not have specific agreements with other specialty services with regard to performing US‐guided nerve blocks in the emergency department. The most common educational methods used to teach US‐guided nerve blocks are didactic sessions, at 67% (95% CI, 59%–75%); online resources, at 54% (95% CI, 45%–63%); and supervised training with real patients, at 48% (95% CI, 39%–57%).

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks are performed at most academic emergency departments. However, there is a substantial variation in the practices and policies within these institutions.
Studying the time histogram of a terrestrial electron beam detected from the opposite hemisphere of its associated TGF
Authors: Sarria D. , Blelly P.‐L. , Briggs M. S. , Forme F.
Published: March 2016

Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes are bursts of X/gamma photons, correlated to thunderstorms. By interacting with the atmosphere, the photons produce a substantial number of electrons and positrons. Some of these reach a sufficiently high altitude that their interactions with the atmosphere become negligible, and they are then guided by geomagnetic field lines, forming a Terrestrial Electron Beam. On 9 December 2009, the Gamma‐Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) instrument on board the Fermi Space Telescope made a particularly interesting measurement of such an event. To study this type of event in detail, we perform Monte‐Carlo simulations and focus on the resulting time histograms. In agreement with previous work, we show that the histogram measured by Fermi GBM is reproducible from a simulation. We then show that the time histogram resulting from this simulation is only weakly dependent on the production altitude, duration, beaming angle, and spectral shape of the associated terrestrial gamma‐ray flash. Finally, we show that the time histogram can be decomposed into three populations of leptons, coming from the opposite hemisphere, and mirroring back to the satellite with or without interacting with the atmosphere, and that these populations can be clearly distinguished by their pitch angles.
Sources and characteristics of medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances observed by high‐frequency radars in the North American sector
Authors: Frissell N. A. , Baker J. B. H. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Greenwald R. A. , Gerrard A. J. , Miller E. S. , West M. L.
Published: March 2016

Medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) are wave‐like ionospheric perturbations routinely observed by high‐frequency radars. We focus on a class of MSTIDs observed during the winter daytime at high latitudes and midlatitudes. The source of these MSTIDs remains uncertain, with the two primary candidates being space weather and lower atmospheric processes. We surveyed observations from four high‐latitude and six midlatitude Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radars in the North American sector from November to May 2012 to 2015. The MSTIDs observed have horizontal wavelengths between ∼150 and 650 km and horizontal velocities between ∼75 and 325 m s−1. In local fall and winter seasons the majority of MSTIDs propagated equatorward, with bearings ranging from ∼125° to 225° geographic azimuth. No clear correlation with space weather activity as parameterized by AE and SYM‐H could be identified. Rather, MSTID observations were found to have a strong correlation with polar vortex dynamics on two timescales. First, a seasonal timescale follows the annual development and decay of the polar vortex. Second, a shorter 2–4 week timescale again corresponds to synoptic polar vortex variability, including stratospheric warmings. Additionally, statistical analysis shows that MSTIDs are more likely during periods of strong polar vortex. Direct comparison of the MSTID observations with stratospheric zonal winds suggests that a wind filtering mechanism may be responsible for the strong correlation. Collectively, these observations suggest that polar atmospheric processes, rather than space weather activity, are primarily responsible for controlling the occurrence of high‐latitude and midlatitude winter daytime MSTIDs.
Representing effects of aqueous phase reactions in shallow cumuli in global models
Authors: Nie Ji , Kuang Zhiming , Jacob Daniel J. , Guo Jiahua
Published: March 2016

Aqueous phase reactions are important, sometimes dominant (e.g., for SO2), pathways for the oxidation of air pollutants at the local and/or global scale. In many current chemical transport models (CTMs), the transport and aqueous reactions of chemical species are treated as split processes, and the subgrid‐scale heterogeneity between cloudy and environmental air is not considered. Here using large eddy simulation (LES) with idealized aqueous reactions mimicking the oxidation of surface‐originated SO2 by H2O2 in shallow cumuli, we show that the eddy diffusivity mass flux (EDMF) approach with a bulk plume can represent those processes quite well when entrainment/detrainment rates and eddy diffusivity are diagnosed using a conservative thermodynamic variable such as total water content. The reason is that a typical aqueous reaction such as SO2 aqueous oxidation is relatively slow compared to the in‐cloud residence time of air parcels in shallow cumuli. As a result, the surface‐originated SO2 is well correlated with and behaves like conservative thermodynamic variables that also have sources at the surface. Experiments with various reaction rate constants and relative abundances of SO2 and H2O2 indicate that when the reaction timescale approaches the in‐cloud residence time of air parcels, the errors of the bulk plume approach start to increase. Treating chemical tracer transport and aqueous reaction as split processes leads to significant errors, especially when the reaction is fast compared to the in‐cloud residence time. Overall, the EDMF approach shows large improvement over the CTM‐like treatments in matching the LES results.
Coupled ice shelf‐ocean modeling and complex grounding line retreat from a seabed ridge
Authors: De Rydt J. , Gudmundsson G. H.
Published: March 2016

Recent observations and modeling work have shown a complex mechanical coupling between Antarctica's floating ice shelves and the adjacent grounded ice sheet. A prime example is Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, which has a strong negative mass balance caused by a recent increase in ocean‐induced melting of its ice shelf. The mass loss coincides with the retreat of the grounding line from a seabed ridge, on which it was at least partly grounded until the 1970s. At present, it is unclear what has caused the onset of this retreat and how feedback mechanisms between the ocean and ice shelf geometry have influenced the ice dynamics. To address these questions, we present the first results from an offline coupling between a state‐of‐the‐art shallow‐ice flow model with grounding line resolving capabilities and a three‐dimensional ocean general circulation model with a static implementation of the ice shelf. A series of idealized experiments simulate the retreat from a seabed ridge in response to changes in the ocean forcing, and we show that the retreat becomes irreversible after 20 years of warm ocean conditions. A comparison to experiments with a simple depth‐dependent melt rate parameterization demonstrates that such parameterizations are unable to capture the details of the retreat process, and they overestimate mass loss by more than 40% over a 50 year timescale.
Estimating and assessing Galileo navigation system satellite and receiver differential code biases using the ionospheric parameter and differential code bias joint estimation approach with multi‐GNSS observations
Authors: Xue Junchen , Song Shuli , Liao Xinhao , Zhu Wenyao
Published: March 2016

With the increased number of Galileo navigation satellites joining the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) service, there is a strong need for estimating their differential code biases (DCBs) for high‐precision GNSS applications. There have been studies for estimating DCBs based on an external global ionospheric model (GIM) proposed by Montenbruck et al. (2014). In this study, we take a different approach by joining the construction of a GIM and estimating DCB together with multi‐GNSS observations, including GPS, the BeiDou navigation system, and the Galileo navigation system (GAL). This approach takes full advantage of the collective strength of the individual systems while maintaining high solution consistency. Daily GAL DCBs were estimated simultaneously with ionospheric model parameters from 3 months' multi‐GNSS observations. The stability of the resulting GAL DCB estimates was analyzed in detail. It was found that the standard deviations (STDs) of all satellite DCBs were less than 0.17 ns. For GAL receivers, the STDs were greater than for the satellites, with most values <2 ns. Comparison of the statistics of time‐ranged stability of satellite DCBs over different time intervals revealed that the difference in STD between 28 and 7 day intervals was small, with the maximum not exceeding 0.01 ns. In almost all cases, the difference in GAL satellite DCBs between two consecutive days was <0.8 ns. The main conclusion is that based on the stability of the GAL DCBs, only occasional calibration is required. Furthermore, the 30 day‐averaged satellite DCBs may satisfy the requirement of high‐precision applications depending on the GAL satellite DCBs.
Complete cervical tracheal transection due to blunt trauma
Authors: Nitta Kenichi , Hamano Yujiro , Kamijo Hiroshi , Oishi So , Ichikawa Michitaro , Takayama Hiroshi , Mochizuki Katsunori , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Imamura Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

Case

A 31‐year‐old man was caught up in the rotor of a snow‐removing truck. He was diagnosed with tension pneumothorax and managed with tube thoracostomy in the ambulance. But he was left with respiratory discomfort. Computed tomography scan suggested the diagnosis of complete cervical tracheal transection.

Outcome

The endotracheal tube was advanced distal to the transection site under bronchoscopic guidance, which stabilized the patient's cardiopulmonary condition. The tracheal injury healed well after emergent surgical repair.

Conclusion

Complete cervical tracheal transection is rare and requires a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis. It is important to secure the airway, which can be done by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
Rupture of gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting with sudden onset chest and back pain and accompanied by gastric dilatation
Authors: Nitta Kenichi , Imamura Hiroshi , Yashio Akihiro , Takeshige Kanako , Tsukada Megumi , Ippongi Kuniharu , Mochizuki Katsunori , Kashima Yuichiro , Sugiyama Satoshi , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: March 2016

Case

A 72‐year‐old man with hypertension was admitted with acute‐onset chest and back pain followed by epigastralgia. He was transported by helicopter due to suspected acute aortic dissection. Systolic blood pressures were equal in both arms. Physical examination showed epigastric tenderness without rebound. Blood tests showed leukocytosis. Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram were normal. Abdominal radiography showed acute gastric dilatation with an air‐outlined large mass‐like shadow. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 6‐cm exophytic mass and large intramural hematoma in the lesser curvature of the gastric body.

Outcome

The patient underwent urgent laparotomy with total gastrectomy. The resected tumor showed positivity for CD117 and CD34 but negativity for S100, indicating a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Fourteen days after the surgery, the patient was uneventfully discharged.

Conclusion

Intramural bleeding of submucosal tumors including gastrointestinal stromal tumor should be considered in cases of acute gastric dilatation. Abdominal radiography may be a clue regarding the presence of this condition.
Prolonged hypotension induced by ingesting a topical minoxidil solution: analysis of minoxidil and its metabolites
Authors: Kikuchi Satoshi , Fujita Yuji , Onodera Makoto , Fujino Yasuhisa , Inoue Yoshihiro
Published: March 2016

Case

A 47‐year‐old man ingested 60 mL of a topical solution (3,000 mg minoxidil) and presented with prolonged hypotension. Treatment with dopamine hydrochloride and noradrenaline provided blood pressure control. Serum unchanged minoxidil concentrations at 4 and 16 h after ingestion were 4,994 and 33.9 ng/mL, respectively. Urine concentrations of unchanged minoxidil, minoxidil‐O‐glucuronide, and minoxidil‐N‐O‐sulfate at 16 h after ingestion were 360.4, 1,953, and 104.5 ng/mL, respectively.

Outcome

The serum unchanged minoxidil concentration rapidly decreased over a short interval. However, the patient needed to receive vasopressor support for the first 4 days after being admitted to the hospital. The urine minoxidil‐O‐glucuronide concentration was higher than the concentrations of unchanged minoxidil and minoxidil‐N‐O‐sulfate.

Conclusion

Although the serum concentration of unchanged minoxidil rapidly decreased, ingesting large amounts of a topical minoxidil solution can have serious and prolonged cardiovascular effects. Analyzing the minoxidil‐O‐glucuronide concentration in urine is useful for diagnosing minoxidil poisoning.
Excellent Suzuki–Miyauracatalytic activity of a new Pd(II) complex with sulfonamide–Schiff base ligand
Authors: Banik Biplab , Tairai Archana , Bhattacharyya Pradip K. , Das Pankaj
Published: March 2016

A new air‐stable Pd(II) complex containing a sulfonamide–Schiff base ligand has been synthesized, characterized and investigated as a catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of aryl halides with arylboronic acids. Theoretical calculations (B3LYP) and spectroscopic evidence suggest that the sulfonamide–Schiff base coordinates to the Pd centre through sulfonamide nitrogen (SO2NH2) rather than imine (CHN). The complex shows excellent cross‐coupling activity with aryl bromides in water at room temperature and aryl chlorides in isopropanol at 60°C. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Next‐day residual effects of gabapentin, diphenhydramine, and triazolam on simulated driving performance in healthy volunteers: a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Kay Gary G. , Schwartz Howard I. , Wingertzahn Mark A. , Jayawardena Shyamalie , Rosenberg Russell P.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Next‐day residual effects of a nighttime dose of gabapentin 250 mg were evaluated on simulated driving performance in healthy participants in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter, four‐period crossover study that included diphenhydramine citrate 76 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg.

Methods

At treatment visits, participants (n = 59) were dosed at ~23:30, went to bed immediately, and awakened 6.5 h postdose for evaluation. The primary endpoint was the standard deviation of lateral position for the 100‐km driving scenario. Additional measures of driving, sleepiness, and cognition were included.

Results

Study sensitivity was established with triazolam, which demonstrated significant next‐day impairment on all driving endpoints, relative to placebo (p < 0.001). Gabapentin demonstrated noninferiority to placebo on standard deviation of lateral position and speed deviation but not for lane excursions. Diphenhydramine citrate demonstrated significant impairment relative to gabapentin and placebo on speed deviation (p < 0.05). Other comparisons were either nonsignificant or statistically ineligible per planned, sequential comparisons. Secondary endpoints for sleepiness and cognitive performance were supportive of these conclusions.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that low‐dose gabapentin had no appreciable next‐day effects on simulated driving performance or cognitive functioning. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hesperidin Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Upregulates the Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 in Isoniazid and Rifampicin‐Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Zhu Junfang , Zhou Yan , Wei Yuhui , Xi Lili , Qin Hongyan , Rao Zhi , Han Miao , Ma Yanrong , Wu Xin'an
Published: March 2016

Isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RFP), two front‐line drugs used in tuberculosis therapy, may lead to seriously hepatotoxicity. The current study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of hesperidin against INH‐ and RFP‐induced oxidative damage. The liver injury animal model of rats was induced by INH (75 mg/kg) and RFP (150 mg/kg) coadministration for 7 days, and hesperidin, at the dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, was orally administered to rats 2 h before INH and RFP administration. The biochemical and pathologic examinations were performed after rats were sacrificed. Moreover, the serum and liver glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH peroxidase, and GSSG reductase were determined by test kits, and the expression of multidrug resistance proteins 2 (Mrp2) was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that hesperidin significantly alleviated liver injury as indicated by the decreased levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin, total bile acid, and glutathione peroxidase and the increased levels of the GSH/GSSG ratio and the expression of Mrp2. Moreover, hesperidin could effectively reduce the pathological tissue damage. These results indicate that hesperidin can attenuate INH‐ and RFP‐induced oxidative damage, and the underlying mechanism may have correlation with its effect on the upregulation of Mrp2.
Omega‐3 Fatty Acids Do Not Protect Against Arrhythmias in Acute Nonreperfused Myocardial Infarction Despite Some Antiarrhythmic Effects
Authors: Mączewski Michał , Duda Monika , Marciszek Mariusz , Kołodziejczyk Joanna , Dobrzyń Paweł , Dobrzyń Agnieszka , Mackiewicz Urszula
Published: March 2016

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of mortality in the acute myocardial infarction (MI). To elucidate the effect of the omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on ventricular arrhythmias in acute nonreperfused MI, rats were fed with normal or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐enriched diet for 3 weeks. Subsequently the rats were subjected to either MI induction or sham operation. ECG was recorded for 6 h after the operation and episodes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) were identified. Six hours after MI epicardial monophasic action potentials (MAPs) were recorded, cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling was assessed and expression of proteins involved in Ca2+ turnover was studied separately in non‐infarcted left ventricle wall and infarct borderzone. EPA and DHA had no effect on occurrence of post‐MI ventricular arrhythmias or mortality. Nevertheless, DHA but not EPA prevented Ca2+ overload in LV cardiomiocytes and improved rate of Ca2+ transient decay, protecting PMCA and SERCA function. Moreover, both EPA and DHA prevented MI‐induced hyperphosphorylation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as well as dispersion of action potential duration (APD) in the left ventricular wall. In conclusion, EPA and DHA have no antiarrhythmic effect in the non‐reperfused myocardial infarction in the rat, although these omega‐3 PUFAs and DHA in particular exhibit several potential antiarrhythmic effects at the subcellular and tissue level, that is, prevent MI‐induced abnormalities in Ca2+ handling and APD dispersion. In this context further studies are needed to see if these potential antiarrhythmic effects could be utilized in the clinical setting. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2570–2582, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycogen Synthase in Sertoli Cells: More Than Glycogenesis?
Authors: Maldonado Rodrigo , Mancilla Héctor , Villarroel‐Espíndola Franz , Slebe Felipe , Slebe Juan Carlos , Méndez Raúl , Guinovart Joan J. , Concha Ilona I.
Published: March 2016

Sertoli cell metabolism actively maintains the nutritional needs of germ cells. It has been described that after glucose incorporation in Sertoli cells, less than 1% is converted to glycogen suggesting low levels of glycogen synthase activity. Phosphorylation of muscle glycogen synthase (MGS) at serine 640 (pS640MGS) decreases its activity, and this form of the enzyme was discovered as a non‐ribosomal protein that modulates the translation of a subset of transcripts in HeLa cells. The aim of our study was to functionally characterize MGS in cultured Sertoli cells, as well as to explore this new feature related to RNA molecules. We detected MGS in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells as well as in the nuclei. The activity rates of the enzyme were extremely low indicating that MGS is expressed but almost inactive. Protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) overexpression was performed to activate MGS by dephosphorylation. PTG induced glycogen synthesis massively, confirming that this enzyme is present but inactive. This finding correlates with high levels of pS640MGS, which were assayed by phosphatase treatment. To explore a putative new function for MGS in Sertoli cells, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation coupled to microarray studies. The results revealed that MGS co‐immunoprecipitated with the several mRNAs and also rRNAs. These findings indicate that MGS is expressed Sertoli cells but in an inactive form, and also support a possibly novel feature of this metabolic enzyme associated with RNA‐related molecules. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2597–2607, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biotechnological Chondroitin a Novel Glycosamminoglycan With Remarkable Biological Function on Human Primary Chondrocytes
Authors: Stellavato Antonietta , Tirino Virginia , de Novellis Francesca , Della Vecchia Antonella , Cinquegrani Fabio , De Rosa Mario , Papaccio Gianpaolo , Schiraldi Chiara
Published: March 2016

Cartilage tissue engineering, with in vitro expansion of autologus chondrocytes, is a promising technique for tissue regeneration and is a new potential strategy to prevent and/or treat cartilage damage (e.g., osteoarthritis). The aim of this study was (i) to investigate and compare the effects of new biotechnological chondroitin (BC) and a commercial extractive chondroitin sulfate (CS) on human chondrocytes in vitro culture; (ii) to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of the innovative BC compared to extractive CS. A chondrogenic cell population was isolated from human nasoseptal cartilage and in vitro cultures were studied through time‐lapse video microscopy (TLVM), immunohistochemical staining and cytometry. In order to investigate the effect of BC and CS on phenotype maintainance, chondrogenic gene expression of aggrecan (AGN), of the transcriptor factor SOX9, of the types I and II collagen (COL1A1 and COL1A2), were quantified through transcriptional and protein evaluation at increasing cultivation time and passages. In addition to resemble the osteoarthritis‐like in vitro model, chondrocytes were treated with IL‐1β and the anti‐inflammatory activity of BC and CS was assessed using cytokines quantification by multiplex array. BC significantly enhances cell proliferation also preserving chondrocyte phenotype increasing type II collagen expression up to 10 days of treatment and reduces inflammatory response in IL‐1β treated chondrocytes respect to CS treated cells. Our results, taken together, suggest that this new BC is of foremost importance in translational medicine because it can be applied in novel scaffolds and pharmaceutical preparations aiming at cartilage pathology treatments such as the osteoarthritis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2158–2169, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeting the mTOR Pathway in Leukemia
Authors: Dinner Shira , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: March 2016

Optimal function of multiple intracellular signaling pathways is essential for normal regulation of cellular transcription, translation, growth, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation or aberrant activation of such cascades can lead to inappropriate cell survival and abnormal cell proliferation in leukemia. Successful treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the BCR‐ABL fusion gene is a prime example of effectively inhibiting intracellular signaling cascades. However, even in these patients resistance can develop via emergence of mutations or feedback activation of other pathways that cause refractory disease. Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been observed in different types of leukemia, including CML, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Abnormal mTOR activity may contribute to chemotherapy resistance, while it may also be effectively targeted via molecular means and/or development of specific pharmacological inhibitors. This review discusses the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR dysre‐gulation in leukemia and summarizes the emergence of preliminary data for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1745–1752, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Tyrosine Kinome Dictates Breast Cancer Heterogeneity and Therapeutic Responsiveness
Authors: Ha Jacqueline R. , Siegel Peter M. , Ursini‐Siegel Josie
Published: March 2016

Phospho‐tyrosine signaling networks control numerous biological processes including cellular differentiation, cell growth and survival, motility, and invasion. Aberrant regulation of the tyrosine kinome is a hallmark of malignancy and influences all stages of breast cancer progression, from initiation to the development of metastatic disease. The success of specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors strongly validates the clinical relevance of tyrosine phosphorylation networks in breast cancer pathology. However, a significant degree of redundancy exists within the tyrosine kinome. Numerous receptor and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases converge on a core set of signaling regulators, including adaptor proteins and tyrosine phosphatases, to amplify pro‐tumorigenic signal transduction pathways. Mutational activation, amplification, or overexpression of one or more components of the tyrosine kinome represents key contributing events responsible for the tumor heterogeneity that is observed in breast cancers. It is this molecular heterogeneity that has become the most significant barrier to durable clinical responses due to the development of therapeutic resistance. This review focuses on recent literature that supports a prominent role for specific components of the tyrosine kinome in the emergence of unique breast cancer subtypes and in shaping breast cancer plasticity, sensitivity to targeted therapies, and the eventual emergence of acquired resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1971–1990, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atp2c2 Is Transcribed From a Unique Transcriptional Start Site in Mouse Pancreatic Acinar Cells
Authors: Fenech Melissa A. , Sullivan Caitlin M. , Ferreira Lucimar T. , Mehmood Rashid , MacDonald William A. , Stathopulos Peter B. , Pin Christopher L.
Published: March 2016

Proper regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ is critical for pancreatic acinar cell function. Disruptions in normal Ca2+ concentrations affect numerous cellular functions and are associated with pancreatitis. Membrane pumps and channels regulate cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis by promoting rapid Ca2+ movement. Determining how expression of Ca2+ modulators is regulated and the cellular alterations that occur upon changes in expression can provide insight into initiating events of pancreatitis. The goal of this study was to delineate the gene structure and regulation of a novel pancreas‐specific isoform for Secretory Pathway Ca2+ ATPase 2 (termed SPCA2C), which is encoded from the Atp2c2 gene. Using Next Generation Sequencing of RNA (RNA‐seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation for epigenetic modifications and promoter‐reporter assays, a novel transcriptional start site was identified that promotes expression of a transcript containing the last four exons of the Atp2c2 gene (Atp2c2c). This region was enriched for epigenetic marks and pancreatic transcription factors that promote gene activation. Promoter activity for regions upstream of the ATG codon in Atp2c2’s 24th exon was observed in vitro but not in in vivo. Translation from this ATG encodes a protein aligned with the carboxy terminal of SPCA2. Functional analysis in HEK 293A cells indicates a unique role for SPCA2C in increasing cytosolic Ca2+. RNA analysis indicates that the decreased Atp2c2c expression observed early in experimental pancreatitis reflects a global molecular response of acinar cells to reduce cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Combined, these results suggest SPCA2C affects Ca2+ homeostasis in pancreatic acinar cells in a unique fashion relative to other Ca2+ ATPases. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2768–2778, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Saturation Numbers in Tripartite Graphs
Authors: Sullivan Eric , Wenger Paul S.
Published: March 2016

Given graphs H and F, a subgraph is an F‐saturated subgraph of H if , but for all . The saturation number of F in H, denoted , is the minimum number of edges in an F‐saturated subgraph of H. In this article, we study saturation numbers of tripartite graphs in tripartite graphs. For and n1, n2, and n3 sufficiently large, we determine and exactly and within an additive constant. We also include general constructions of ‐saturated subgraphs of with few edges for .
Linear Clique‐Width for Hereditary Classes of Cographs
Authors: Brignall Robert , Korpelainen Nicholas , Vatter Vincent
Published: March 2016

The class of cographs is known to have unbounded linear clique‐width. We prove that a hereditary class of cographs has bounded linear clique‐width if and only if it does not contain all quasi‐threshold graphs or their complements. The proof borrows ideas from the enumeration of permutation classes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxy Substituted Pyridinium Type of Ionic Liquids via Conventional/ Silica Supported Approaches and Their Applications
Authors: Manikandan Chitrarasu , Ganesan Kilivelu
Published: March 2016

Synthesis of 2‐hydroxy pyridinium type of ionic liquids is obtained via conventional as well as silica‐supported approaches. We found that solid‐supported reaction under muffle furnace condition has reduced the reaction nearly 20 times shorter than the conventional method. We have studied the catalytic activities of our synthesized pyridinium salts for one‐pot preparation of substituted quinolone derivatives and radical bromination of toluidine with optimized reaction conditions.
Detailed Studies of the Alkylation Sides of Pyridin‐2‐yl and 4,6‐Dimethylpyrimidin‐2‐yl‐cyanamides
Authors: Shestakov Alexander S. , Moustafa Amr H. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Shapovalov Alexey V. , Shikhaliev Khidmet S. , Prezent Mikhail A. , Sidorenko Oleg E.
Published: March 2016

Pyridin‐2‐yl‐ and 4,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐2‐yl‐cyanamides entered into an alkylation reaction in the form of sodium salts. Pyridin‐2‐yl cyanamide 2 was alkylated at endo‐nitrogen atom of pyridine ring, while 4,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐2‐yl cyanamide 1 was effectively alkylated at exo‐nitrogen atom of amino cyanamide group. The alkylation of cyanamides 1 and 2 with phenacylbromide gave the corresponding acetophenone derivatives. As a result of their intramolecular cyclization reactions 3‐(4,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐5‐phenyloxazol‐2(3H)‐imine in the case of cyanamide 1 and 2‐amino‐3‐benzoylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine in the case of cyanamide 2 were formed. The alkylated derivatives of pyridin‐2‐ylcyanamide 2 possess visible blue fluorescence with the main peak at 421 – 427 nm.
Occlusal pattern of cheek teeth in extant Spermophilus: A new approach to the identification of species
Authors: Popova Lilia
Published: March 2016

Discrete characters of the occlusal surface (additional cusps) have been studied to elaborate a new approach to the identification of the Ground Squirrel species Spermophilus odessanus, S. suslicus, S. pygmaeus, S. citellus, and S. xanthoprymnus. Data on the presence/absence of the additional cusps have been represented as star plots and, in addition, have been studied using discriminant function analysis. The species‐specific sets of the characters (patterns of bunodonty) have been revealed and are of high diagnostic value. The Citellus‐set is defined by the presence of mesostyles and the rareness of the metastylids, paraconules and metaconules, hypostyles and protostyles. The Pygmaeus‐set is characterized by the presence of additional cusps in the lower cheek teeth. The Odessanus‐oriented set is found in the Spermophilus pygmaeus, S. odessanus, and S. suslicus. The relatively high frequency of additional cusps of the metaloph and the paraloph is characteristic for this set. The Plesiomorphic‐set (characters shared by all the studied species and for this reason regarded herein as ancestral) is found in S. xanthoprymnus. The patterns of bunodonty serve as diagnostic criteria only as a whole: the shape of a star plot (relations among the character frequencies), rather than certain character values, is indicative. An optimal level of identification of species is possible based on the combination of the discrete characters mentioned and on the size parameters of the third upper molar. The occlusal sets are intended to remain stable during the time of species existence and seem to correspond to trends in specialization. The functional meaning of the sets can be explained by the dependence between the presence/absence of the discrete characters and the shape of the crown and its main lophs. Each pattern is likely to correspond to a trophic niche, and this niche corresponds to the species. J. Morphol. 277:814–825, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of partial NS5B region among hepatitis C virus genotype 6 subtypes isolated from Thai blood donors
Authors: Chaiwong Suriya , Sistayanarain Anchalee
Published: March 2016

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of liver dysfunction which continues to spread in Thailand, particularly as genotype 6. The NS5B gene fragment is particularly variable and thus provides a valuable tracker for its spread. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the HCV genotype 6 based on partial NS5B region using Thai blood donor samples. Twenty‐nine samples were genotyped as HCV 6 by nested PCR, nucleotide sequencing and amino acid sequence analysis. Amplified products were identified as HCV genotypes 6f, 6c, 6n, and 6i. There were amino acid variations of 4–18 residues in subtypes 6f, 6c, and 6n whereas subtype 6i was conserved when compared with their referent strains. In subtypes 6f, 6c, 6n, and 6i, the amino acid mutations at positions 244, 309, and 310 which are associated with HCV resistance were present. In summary, the sequences and phylogenetic analysis of NS5B of HCV used in our study yielded the genotypes 6f, 6c, 6n, and 6i. This finding indicates diversity of amino acids in NS5B of HCV. Characterizing the partial NS5B region among hepatitis C virus genotype 6 subtypes may predict efficacious anti‐HCV therapy. J. Med. Virol. 88:1785–1790, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Negative ion cleavages of (M–H)− anions of peptides. Part 3. Post‐translational modifications
Authors: Wang Tianfang , Nha Tran T.T. , Andreazza Hayley J. , Bilusich Daniel , Brinkworth Craig S. , Bowie John H.
Published: March 2016

It is now 25 years since we commenced the study of the negative‐ion fragmentations of peptides and we have recently concluded this research with investigations of the negative‐ion chemistry of most post‐translational functional groups. Our first negative‐ion peptide review (Bowie, Brinkworth, & Dua, 2002) dealt with the characteristic backbone fragmentations and side‐chain cleavages from (M–H)− ions of underivatized peptides, while the second (Bilusich & Bowie, 2009) included negative‐ion backbone cleavages for Ser and Cys and some initial data on some post‐translational groups including disulfides. This third and final review provides a brief summary of the major backbone and side chain cleavages outlined before (Bowie, Brinkworth, & Dua, 2002) and describes the quantum mechanical hydrogen tunneling associated with some proton transfers in enolate anion/enolate systems. The review then describes, in more depth, the negative‐ion cleavages of the post‐translational groups Kyn, isoAsp, pyroglu, disulfides, phosphates, and sulfates. Particular emphasis is devoted to disulfides (both intra‐ and intermolecular) and phosphates because of the extensive and spectacular anion chemistry shown by these groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev
Inclusion of Global Navigation Satellite System radio occultation data into Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) using the Radio Occultation Processing Package as an observation operator
Authors: Sapucci Luiz F. , Diniz Fábio L. R. , Bastarz Carlos F. , Avanço Lucas A.
Published: March 2016

The Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) is a system for data assimilation in the testing phase at the Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies of the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (CPTEC/INPE). This system introduces significant advantages over the traditional variational methodology in the inclusion of new observation systems because determining the observation operator does not involve inverse problems. The refractivity profile from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) technique is an example of an additional source of unconventional observation with promising results over regions with low data coverage. To assimilate RO profiles using the LETKF system at CPTEC/INPE, the Radio Occultation Processing Package (ROPP) from Radio Occultation Meteorology Satellite Applications Facilities/European Organization for the Exploration of Meteorological Satellites (ROM SAF/EUMETSAT) was used as an observation operator. The goal of this work was to investigate the impact on the Atmospheric General Circulation Model of the CPTEC using ROPP as an operator of the assimilation of RO data into the LETKF system. The results showed that positive impacts were obtained in several evaluated variables, including humidity, particularly over South America, where the model used by the CPTEC produces better results.