bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide as a marker of fibrotic changes in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
Authors: Barisione Giovanni , Brusasco Claudia , Garlaschi Alessandro , Baroffio Michele , Brusasco Vito
Published: February 2016

Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is decreased in both usual interstitial pneumonia-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (UIP-IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), but is moderately related to computed tomography (CT)-determined fibrotic changes. This may be due to the relative insensitivity of DLCOto changes in alveolar membrane diffusive conductance (DMCO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether measurement of lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) better reflects fibrotic changes than DLCO. DLNO-DLCOwere measured simultaneously in 30 patients with UIP-IPF and 30 with NSIP. Eighty-one matched healthy subjects served as a control group. The amount of pulmonary fibrosis was estimated by CT volumetric analysis of visually bounded areas showing reticular opacities and honeycombing. DMCOand pulmonary capillary volume (VC) were calculated. DLNOwas below the lower limit of normal in all patients irrespective of extent and nature of disease, whereas DLCOwas within the normal range in a nonnegligible number of patients. Both DLNOand DLCOwere significantly correlated with visual assessment of fibrosis but DLNOmore closely than DLCO. DMCOwas also below the lower limit of normal in all UIP-IPF and NSIP patients and significantly correlated with fibrosis extent in both diseases, whereas VCwas weakly correlated with fibrosis in UIP-IPF and uncorrelated in NSIP, with normal values in half of patients. In conclusion, measurement of DLNOmay provide a more sensitive evaluation of fibrotic changes than DLCOin either UIP-IPF or NSIP, because it better reflects DMCO.
Inflammation-Dependent IL18 Signaling Restricts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Enhancing the Accumulation and Activity of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Markowitz Geoffrey J. , Yang Pengyuan , Fu Jing , Michelotti Gregory A. , Chen Rui , Sui Jianhua , Yang Bin , Qin Wen-Hao , Zhang Zheng , Wang Fu-Sheng , Diehl Anna Mae , Li Qi-Jing , Wang Hongyang , Wang Xiao-Fan
Published: February 2016

Chronic inflammation in liver tissue is an underlying cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. High levels of inflammatory cytokine IL18 in the circulation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with poor prognosis. However, conflicting results have been reported for IL18 in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression. In this study, we used tissue specimens from hepatocellular carcinoma patients and clinically relevant mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma to evaluate IL18 expression and function. In a mouse model of liver fibrosis that recapitulates a tumor-promoting microenvironment, global deletion of the IL18 receptor IL18R1 enhanced tumor growth and burden. Similarly, in a carcinogen-induced model of liver tumorigenesis, IL18R1 deletion increased tumor burden. Mechanistically, we found that IL18 exerted inflammation-dependent tumor-suppressive effects largely by promoting the differentiation, activity, and survival of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Finally, differences in the expression of IL18 in tumor tissue versus nontumor tissue were more predictive of patient outcome than overall tissue expression. Taken together, our findings resolve a long-standing contradiction regarding a tumor-suppressive role for IL18 in established hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a mechanistic explanation for the complex relationship between its expression pattern and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2394–405. ©2016 AACR.
In VivoVisualization and Characterization of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Tumors
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Zhu Xiaoping , Cui Kemi , Mancuso James , Federley Richard , Fischer Kari , Teng Gao-jun , Mittal Vivek , Gao Dingcheng , Zhao Hong , Wong Stephen T.C.
Published: February 2016

The activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is a critical step in cancer progression and metastasis, but visualization of this process at the single-cell level, especially in vivo, remains challenging. We established an in vivo approach to track the fate of tumor cells based on a novel EMT-driven fluorescent color switching breast cancer mouse model and intravital two-photon laser scanning microscopy. Specifically, the MMTV-PyMT, Rosa26-RFP-GFP, and Fsp1-Cre triple transgenic mouse model was used to monitor the conversion of RFP-positive epithelial cells to GFP-positive mesenchymal cells in mammary tumors under the control of the Fsp1 (ATL1) promoter, a gate-keeper of EMT initiation. RFP-positive cells were isolated from the tumors, sorted, and transplanted into mammary fat pads of SCID mice to monitor EMT during breast tumor formation. We found that the conversion from RFP- to GFP-positive and spindle-shaped cells was a gradual process, and that GFP-positive cells preferentially localized close to blood vessels, independent of tumor size. Furthermore, cells undergoing EMT expressed high levels of the HGF receptor, c-Met, and treatment of RFP-positive cells with the c-Met inhibitor, cabozantinib, suppressed the RFP-to-GFP conversion in vitro. Moreover, administration of cabozantinib to mice with palpable RFP-positive tumors resulted in a silent EMT phenotype whereby GFP-positive cells exhibited reduced motility, leading to suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, our imaging technique provides a novel opportunity for visualizing tumor EMT at the single-cell level and may help to reveal the intricacies underlying tumor dynamics and treatment responses. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2094–104. ©2016 AACR.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis Contributing to High Glucose-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Guo Runmin , Liu Chang , Fu Duguan , Liu Fuyuan , Hu Jiefen , Jiang Hong
Published: February 2016

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common feature in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) in the context of insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin. Recently, a few studies have indicated that a high concentration of glucose amplifies the osteogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Some previous reports state that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis was activated in and contributed to VC. However, whether or not high glucose could induce ER stress-mediated apoptosis and then involve the pathogenesis of VC remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether high blood glucose-induced VC in diabetes mellitus is caused by the ER response and subsequent apoptosis. We examined the effects of high glucose on the ER stress response of VSMCs. High glucose treatment drastically increased the ER stress response in VSMCs. The high glucose-induced osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with 500 μM of 4-PBA (an ER stress inhibitor) prior to the exposure to high glucose, as evidenced by decreases in the expression of Runx2 and activity of alkaline phosphatase, as well as calcium nodules. These results suggest that high glucose induces the ER stress response and apoptosis, leading to high glucose-elicited VC.
Intrathoracic Hernia after Total Gastrectomy
Authors: Tashiro Yoshihiko , Murakami Masahiko , Otsuka Koji , Saito Kazuhiko , Saito Akira , Motegi Kentaro , Date Hiromi , Yamashita Takeshi , Ariyoshi Tomotake , Goto Satoru , Yamazaki Kimiyasu , Fujimori Akira , Watanabe Makoto , Aoki Takeshi
Published: February 2016

Intrathoracic hernias after total gastrectomy are rare. We report the case of a 78-year-old man who underwent total gastrectomy with antecolic Roux-Y reconstruction for residual gastric cancer. He had alcoholic liver cirrhosis and received radical laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer 3 years ago. Early gastric cancer in the remnant stomach was found by routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. We initially performed endoscopic submucosal dissection, but the vertical margin was positive in a pathological result. We performed total gastrectomy with antecolic Roux-Y reconstruction by laparotomy. For adhesion of the esophageal hiatus, the left chest was connected with the abdominal cavity. A pleural defect was not repaired. Two days after the operation, the patient was suspected of having intrathoracic hernia by chest X-rays. Computed tomography showed that the transverse colon and Roux limb were incarcerated in the left thoracic cavity. He was diagnosed with intrathoracic hernia, and emergency reduction and repair were performed. Operative findings showed that the Roux limb and transverse colon were incarcerated in the thoracic cavity. After reduction, the orifice of the hernia was closed by suturing the crus of the diaphragm with the ligament of the jejunum and omentum. After the second operation, he experienced anastomotic leakage and left pyothorax. Anastomotic leakage was improved with conservative therapy and he was discharged 76 days after the second operation.
PKCα Deficiency in Mice Is Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Hyperresponsiveness to Thromboxane A2 and Increased Thromboxane Receptor Expression
Authors: Tabeling Christoph , Noe Elena , Naujoks Jan , Doehn Jan-Moritz , Hippenstiel Stefan , Opitz Bastian , Suttorp Norbert , Klopfleisch Robert , Witzenrath Martin
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary vascular hyperresponsiveness is a main characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In PAH patients, elevated levels of the vasoconstrictors thromboxane A2 (TXA2), endothelin (ET)-1 and serotonin further contribute to pulmonary hypertension. Protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme alpha (PKCα) is a known modulator of smooth muscle cell contraction. However, the effects of PKCα deficiency on pulmonary vasoconstriction have not yet been investigated. Thus, the role of PKCα in pulmonary vascular responsiveness to the TXA2 analog U46619, ET-1, serotonin and acute hypoxia was investigated in isolated lungs of PKCα-/- mice and corresponding wild-type mice, with or without prior administration of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I or Gö6976. mRNA was quantified from microdissected intrapulmonary arteries. We found that broad-spectrum PKC inhibition reduced pulmonary vascular responsiveness to ET-1 and acute hypoxia and, by trend, to U46619. Analogously, selective inhibition of conventional PKC isozymes or PKCα deficiency reduced ET-1-evoked pulmonary vasoconstriction. The pulmonary vasopressor response to serotonin was unaffected by either broad PKC inhibition or PKCα deficiency. Surprisingly, PKCα-/- mice showed pulmonary vascular hyperresponsiveness to U46619 and increased TXA2 receptor (TP receptor) expression in the intrapulmonary arteries. To conclude, PKCα regulates ET-1-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, PKCα deficiency leads to pulmonary vascular hyperresponsiveness to TXA2, possibly via increased pulmonary arterial TP receptor expression.
Fibrous Dysplasia with Massive Cartilaginous Differentiation (Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia) in the Proximal Femur: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Morioka Hideo , Kamata Yasuhiro , Nishimoto Kazumasa , Susa Michiro , Kikuta Kazutaka , Horiuchi Keisuke , Sasaki Aya , Kameyama Kaori , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: February 2016

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a monostotic or polyostotic benign bone lesion with spindle-cell proliferation in woven bone and stroma. Rarely, cartilaginous differentiation can be seen in the lesions of FD. FD with massive cartilaginous differentiation is called fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FCD) and is considered a rare variant of FD. Although pathological findings of FD show irregular immature bone formation without osteoblastic rimming in fibrous tissue, and rarely show very small amounts of cartilage, histological images of FCD are said to show that cartilage with a relatively high cell density is present in the majority and that FD-like findings are seen in parts of it. The most characteristic feature of FCD on images is calcification in the lesions reflecting cartilaginous tissue. On the other hand, typical radiographic findings of FD include shadows with a ground-glass appearance and thinning and bulging of the cortical bone, the observation if calcification is not usual. Therefore, in the diagnosis of FCD, differentiation from multiple enchondromatosis, Ollier disease, chondrosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma secondary to FD is necessary, and it seems important to make a careful diagnosis based not only on the pathological findings but also on imaging and clinical findings. Herein, we report on a case of FD of the proximal femur associated with intralesional extensive cartilaginous differentiation in which a pathological fracture occurred during follow-up, with a review of the literature.
Mini Review of the Cost-Effectiveness of Unilateral Osseointegrated Implants in Adults: Possibly Cost-Effective for the Correct Indication
Authors: Crowson Matthew G. , Tucci Debara L.
Published: February 2016

An osseointegrated implant (e.g. bone-anchored hearing aid, BAHA) is a surgically implantable device for unilateral sensorineural and unilateral or bilateral conductive hearing loss in patients who otherwise cannot use or do not prefer a conventional air conduction hearing aid (ACHA). The specific indications for an osseointegrated implant are evolving and dependent upon the country or regulatory body overseeing the provision of these devices. However, there are general groups of patients who would be likely to benefit, one such group being patients with congenital aural atresia. Given the anatomical aberrancies with aural atresia, these subjects cannot wear ACHAs. Another group of patients who may benefit from an osseointegrated implant over an ACHA are patients with chronically draining otological infections. As the provision of an osseointegrated implant requires a surgical procedure, there are inherent direct and indirect costs associated with its use beyond those required for an ACHA. Consideration of outcomes and cost-effectiveness for the osseointegrated implant versus the ACHA is prudent prior to making policy decisions in a setting of limited health care resources. We performed a mini review on all available cost-effectiveness analyses of osseointegrated implants published in Medline. There are only 2 contemporary cost-effectiveness analyses published to date. There is limited quality of life data available for patients living with an osseointegrated implant. As a result, the cost-effectiveness of the osseointegrated implant, specifically the BAHA, compared to conventional hearing aid devices remains unclear. However, there are clear indications for the BAHA when a standard hearing aid cannot be used (e.g. chronic draining ear) or in single-sided severe-to-profound hearing loss with reasonable hearing in the contralateral ear. The BAHA should not be considered interchangeable with the ACHA with regard to cost-effectiveness, but rather considered as an effective option for the patient for the correct indication.
Stage IV Wilms Tumor Treated by Korean Medicine, Hyperthermia and Thymosin-α1: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Kim Sung Su , Seong Shin , Cho Wonjun , Yu Hyejin
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Wilms tumor is one of general solid cancers that occur in children, which carries a death rate of 7-8 in a million. The cure rate of Wilms tumor in the recent 30 years has dramatically been improved, but a proper remedy is still not prepared enough in terms of application in tumor therapy upon recurrence after radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy. We present an integrative medical remedy - hyperthermia and thymosin-α1 treatment focused on herbal remedy - since there have been cases in which this remedy contributed to remission in the liver-transferred part in the 4th phase of Wilms tumor and stable maintenance of metastatic lung lesion. Case Presentation: Our patient, a female Korean mongoloid outpatient, was treated from October 25, 2014, to July 22, 2015. The herbal remedy consisted of 8 ml inhalation of Soram nebulizer solution q.d., Soramdan S 8 g p.o., Hangamdan S 1 g p.o., t.i.d., Cheongjangtang 10-30 ml, and Spiam HC 8 g p.o. The integrative medical therapy was done with hyperthermia therapy (oncothermia) and 1.6 mg of thymosin-α1 treatment (Zadaxin) i.m. According to the CT result on July 15th, 2015, the liver metastasis was not seen anymore, while the lung metastasis was maintained stably without tumor progress. Conclusions: Accompanying integrative medical therapy with herbal remedy in the treatment of Wilms tumor showing progress patterns after surgery and chemotherapy can be meaningful as a new remedy.
Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer
Authors: Uzunlulu Mehmet , Telci Caklili Ozge , Oguz Aytekin
Published: February 2016

Growing data show the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) or its components with cancer development and cancer-related mortality. It is suggested that in MetS and cancer association, insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor 1 system play a key role, especially adipokines secreted from visceral adipocytes, free fatty acids and aromatase activity contribute to this process. It is also reported that MetS has a link with colorectal, breast, endometrial, pancreas, primary liver and, although controversial, prostate cancer. Although every component of MetS is known to have an association with cancer development, it is still debated whether the effects of these components are additive or synergistic. On the other hand, in the association between MetS and cancer, the role of antidiabetic and antihypertensive treatments including thiazolidinedione, insulin, angiotensin receptor blockers is also suggested. The primary approach in MetS-cancer relation is to prevent risk factors. Life style changes including weight loss and a healthy diet are known to decrease cancer risk in normal population. It is postulated that an insulin-sensitizing agent, metformin, has cancer-preventing effects on diabetic patients. This review discusses the relationship between MetS and cancer from different aspects and examines this relationship in some of the cancers suggested to be linked with MetS.
High Serum Sclerostin Levels Are Associated with a Better Outcome in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Jean Guillaume , Chazot Charles , Bresson Eric , Zaoui Eric , Cavalier Etienne
Published: February 2016

Background: Sclerostin is an osteocyte hormone that decreases osteoblastogenesis. Sclerostin may play a key role in osteoporosis and also in vascular calcification (VC). In chronic kidney disease and haemodialysis (HD) patients, serum sclerostin levels are high. Aim: To assess the correlation of serum sclerostin levels with VC, bone mineral density (BMD), and survival rate in HD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in prevalent HD patients to correlate serum sclerostin tertiles with the Kauppila aortic calcification score, BMD scores and survival rate. Results: We studied 207 patients who had a mean serum sclerostin level of 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml. Compared to patients in the 1st tertile of serum sclerostin levels (0.6-1.53 ng/ml), patients in the 3rd tertile (2.2-4.6 ng/ml) were significantly older (73.7 ± 12 vs. 64.7 ± 18 years), more frequently of the male gender (74 vs. 48%), had lower serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatases values (14 ± 9 vs. 20.4 ± 13 µg/l), were less frequently treated with alfacalcidol, displayed lower aortic calcification scores (9.5 ± 5 vs. 12.5 ± 7/24) and had higher BMD scores. Furthermore, patients of the 3rd tertile displayed a lower mortality rate compared to tertile 1 using multivariable adjusted Cox model (hazard ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.25-0.93, p = 0.03). The main factors associated with VC score were age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, CRP level and Warfarin use. Conclusion: Our study of HD patients shows that higher serum sclerostin levels are associated with higher BMD, lower aortic calcification scores, and a better survival rate.
Comparative Cytogenetics of the Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Authors: Seibold-Torres Cassandra , Owens Elaine , Chowdhary Renuka , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Tizard Ian , Raudsepp Terje
Published: February 2016

The Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus, PER) is an endemic species of Central Africa, valued for its intelligence and listed as vulnerable due to poaching and habitat destruction. Improved knowledge about the P. erithacus genome is needed to address key biological questions and conservation of this species. The P. erithacus genome was studied using conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches including Zoo-FISH. P. erithacus has a ‘typical' parrot karyotype with 2n = 62-64 and 8 pairs of macrochromosomes. A distinct feature was a sharp macro-microchromosome boundary. Telomeric sequences were present at all chromosome ends and interstitially in PER2q, the latter coinciding with a C-band. NORs mapped to 4 pairs of microchromosomes which is in contrast to a single NOR in ancestral type avian karyotypes. Zoo-FISH with chicken macrochromosomes GGA1-9 and Z revealed patterns of conserved synteny similar to many other avian groups, though neighboring synteny combinations of GGA6/7, 8/9, and 1/4 were distinctive only to parrots. Overall, P. erithacus shared more Zoo-FISH patterns with neotropical macaws than Australian species such as cockatiel and budgerigar. The observations suggest that Psittaciformes karyotypes have undergone more extensive evolutionary rearrangements compared to the majority of other avian genomes.
Acute Painful Ptosis Secondary to IgG4 Dacryoadenitis
Authors: Hussain Rumana , El-Khyat Abdul , Berry-Brincat Antonella
Published: February 2016

A 48-year-old lorry driver presented with 3 weeks of blurred vision, pain and diplopia. There was a right upper lid ptosis with some restriction of eye movements. A CT revealed an enlarged lacrimal gland and lacrimal gland biopsy showed IgG4-positive plasma cells. The patient responded to oral prednisolone and fully recovered. As a condition which mimics a number of diseases, an IgG4-related disease presents a diagnostic challenge and ought to be considered in both acute and chronic presentations.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Hemostatic Effect of FloSeal in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Martorana Eugenio , Ghaith Ahmed , Micali Salvatore , Pirola Giacomo Maria , De Carne Cosimo , Fidanza Francesco , Bianchi Giampaolo
Published: February 2016

Background: Perioperative bleeding is a potential complication of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) that may worsen outcomes. The role of local hemostatic materials in RALP has not been adequately assessed. We evaluated the hemostatic impact of FloSeal (Baxter International Inc., Fremont, Calif., USA) in RALP. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 392 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent RALP at our institution between February 2008 and July 2014. The patients were divided into 2 consecutive homogenous groups based on the use of FloSeal. Group A included 200 patients who underwent RALP between February 2008 and May 2011, with hemostasis performed using only traditional techniques. Group B included the remaining 192 patients, who underwent RALP between June 2011 and July 2014 and received FloSeal 5 ml after traditional hemostatic methods. We compared the blood transfusion rate, the differences between immediate postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) and mean postoperative day 1 (POD1) Hb levels, difference between POD1 and least Hb levels and difference between immediate postoperative Hb and least Hb levels. Results: The intraoperative use of FloSeal significantly decreased the blood transfusions rate, from 8.5 to 2.1% (p = 0.004). FloSeal was also associated with significant improvements in the difference between the immediate postoperative Hb and POD1 Hb levels (p = 0.03), mean POD1 Hb and least Hb (p = 0.01) and mean immediate postoperative Hb and least Hb levels (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In this study, the use of FloSeal improves hemostatic outcomes in patients undergoing RALP compared with traditional hemostatic techniques, without increase of cost.
Clinical Characteristics and Renal Histology in Pediatric Patients with Hypertension and Prehypertension Secondary to IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Fu Qing-Ying , Ma Lu , Li Chang-Chun , He Fa-Gui , He Zhi-Jun , Zhang Wen-Sheng , Zhang Zhi-Hao
Published: February 2016

Background/Aim: It has been shown that hypertension (HT) and prehypertension (Pre-HT) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. However, the significance of secondary HT/Pre-HT in children with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is uncertain. This study aimed to examine the clinical and histopathological features of pediatric patients with HT/Pre-HT. Methods: Data on children with IgAN from a single Chinese nephrology center were retrospectively reviewed. Morphological changes were evaluated using the Oxford classification, parameters including crescents, glomerular activity index, glomerular chronicity index (GCI), arterial lesions and Lee's grading. The clinical and pathological features were compared according to the occurrence of HT/Pre-HT. Results: One hundred and eight previously untreated children with IgAN were included. HT/Pre-HT was present in 19.44% of children. Children with HT/Pre-HT were older (14.67 ± 2.37 vs. 12.07 ± 2.94 years, p < 0.01) and had higher uric acid (380.62 vs. 301.68 μmol/l, p < 0.01) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 89.95 vs. 111.84 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.01). These children also had a higher proportion of segmental glomerulosclerosis or adhesion, GCI, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and arteriole wall thickening (all p < 0.05). Blood pressure (BP) values were significantly correlated with eGFR, uric acid, segmental glomerulosclerosis or adhesion, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and arteriole wall thickening (all p < 0.05). In particular, serum uric acid levels had a stronger association with systolic BP (r = 0.434, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our results show that elevated serum uric acid level might be a marker of HT/Pre-HT. In renal histology, chronic lesions were more severe and prevalent in patients with HT/Pre-HT than in those without HT/Pre-HT.
A Valuable Option in the Management of Female Recurrent Stress Urinary Incontinence: Re-Adjustable Sling (Remeex Sling System)
Authors: Yasa Cenk , Gungor Ugurlucan Funda , Dural Ozlem , Celik Serdal , Yalcın Onay
Published: February 2016

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adjustable slings in the treatment of recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after mid-urethral sling (MUS) failure. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed among women with recurrent SUI at the Urogynecology Division of Istanbul School of Medicine between February 2010 and March 2015. All women were preoperatively evaluated with detailed urogynecologic evaluations, which included pelvic examination, Q-tip test, pad test, urodynamic studies and a compilation of the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Postoperative follow-up was performed at 1, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. Our primary outcome was objective cure and patient's satisfaction with treatment. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications and adverse events. Results: Nineteen women were included in the study. The patients' mean age was 55.3 ± 6.9 years (range 43-66 years). The median follow-up time was 20.7 ± 14.0 months (range 6-55 months). The overall cure and improvement rates were 84.2 and 10.5%, respectively. In the satisfaction questionnaire, 15 (79%) patients responded that they were very satisfied and 3 (15.7%) were moderately satisfied. Sling tension re-adjustment was needed during follow-up in 1 patient (5.3%), 13 months after the initial surgery. The preoperative mean KHQ score was 545.9 ± 243.0 and changed to 237.0 ± 217.5 (p < 0.05). Postoperative complications were slight and easily manageable. Conclusions: Recurrent SUI is a challenging condition in urogynecology. The Regulation Mechanical External (Remeex) system has been found to be effective in the treatment of recurrent SUI after MUS failure with acceptable adverse effects. The Remeex system has the advantage of re-adjustment as a valuable option in the long-term management of patients.
Mortality Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Navaneethan Sankar D. , Schold Jesse D. , Huang Haiquan , Nakhoul Georges , Jolly Stacey E. , Arrigain Susana , Dweik Raed A. , Nally Jr Joseph V.
Published: February 2016

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with higher mortality in the general population. We studied the associations between COPD and death among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients along with reporting cause-specific death data. Methods: We included 56,960 patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD who were followed in a large health care system. Associations between COPD and all-cause mortality and various causes of death (respiratory deaths, cardiovascular deaths, malignancy-related deaths and deaths due to other reasons) were studied using the Cox proportional hazards and competing risk models. Results: Out of 56,960 CKD patients, 4.7% (n = 2,667) had underlying COPD. Old age, presence of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and smoking were associated with higher risk for COPD. During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 15,969 patients died. After covariate adjustment, COPD was associated with a 41% increased risk (95% CI 1.31-1.52) for all-cause mortality, and fourfold increased risk (sub-hazard ratio 4.36, 95% CI 3.54-5.37) for respiratory-related deaths. In a sensitivity analysis that was performed by defining COPD as the use of relevant International Classification of Diseases-9 codes and medications used to treat COPD, similar results were noted. Conclusions: COPD is associated with higher risk for death among those with CKD, and an underlying lung disease accounts for significant proportion of deaths. These data highlight the need for further prospective studies to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions to improve outcomes in this population.
Loss of Thrombomodulin in Placental Dysfunction in Preeclampsia
Authors: Turner Rosanne J. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W.M. , Bruijn Jan A. , Baelde Hans J.
Published: February 2016

Objective—

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by placental dysfunction and an angiogenic imbalance. Systemically, levels of thrombomodulin, an endothelium- and syncytiotrophoblast-bound protein that regulates coagulation, inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling, are increased. We aimed to investigate placental thrombomodulin dysregulation and consequent downstream effects in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Approach and Results—

Placentas from 28 preeclampsia pregnancies, 30 uncomplicated pregnancies, and 21 pregnancies complicated by growth restriction as extra controls were included. Immunohistochemical staining of thrombomodulin, caspase-3, and fibrin was performed. Placental mRNA expression of thrombomodulin, inflammatory markers, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and soluble Flt-1 were measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Thrombomodulin mRNA expression was determined in vascular endothelial growth factor–transfected trophoblast cell lines. Thrombomodulin protein and mRNA expression were decreased in preeclampsia as compared with both control groups (
P
=0.001). Thrombomodulin mRNA expression correlated with maternal body mass index (
P
<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (
P
<0.05) in preeclampsia. An increase in placental apoptotic cells was associated with preeclampsia (
P
<0.001). Thrombomodulin expression correlated positively with matrix metalloproteinase expression (
P
<0.01) in preeclampsia, but not with fibrin deposits or inflammatory markers. Placental soluble Flt-1 expression correlated with decreased thrombomodulin expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor induced upregulation of thrombomodulin expression in trophoblast cells.

Conclusions—

Decreased thrombomodulin expression in preeclampsia may play a role in placental dysfunction in preeclampsia and is possibly caused by an angiogenic imbalance. Hypertension and obesity are associated with thrombomodulin downregulation. These results set the stage for further basic and clinical research on thrombomodulin in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and other syndromes characterized by endothelial dysfunction.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme 3 (ACE3) Protects Against Pressure Overload‐Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Yu Chang‐Jiang , Tang Liang‐Liang , Liang Chen , Chen Xiao , Song Shu‐Ying , Ding Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Kun‐Yu , Song Bin‐Lin , Zhao Dan , Zhu Xue‐Yong , Li Hong‐Liang , Zhang Zhi‐Ren
Published: February 2016

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 3 (
ACE
3) is a recently defined homolog of
ACE
. However, the pathophysiological function of
ACE
3 is largely unknown. Here, we aim to explore the role of
ACE
3 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods and Results

Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (
NRCM
s) with gain and loss of function of
ACE
3 and mice with global knockout or cardiac‐specific overexpression of
ACE
3 were used in this study. In cultured cardiomyocytes,
ACE
3 conferred protection against angiotensin
II
(Ang
II
)‐induced hypertrophic growth. Cardiac hypertrophy in mice was induced by aortic banding (
AB
) and the extent of hypertrophy was analyzed through echocardiographic, pathological, and molecular analyses. Our data demonstrated that
ACE
3‐deficient mice exhibited more pronounced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and a strong decrease in cardiac contractile function, conversely, cardiac‐specific
ACE
3‐overexpressing mice displayed an attenuated hypertrophic phenotype, compared with control mice, respectively. Analyses of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that
ACE
3‐mediated protection against cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (
MEK
)‐regulated extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (
ERK
1/2) signaling, which was further evidenced by the observation that inhibition of the
MEK
‐
ERK
1/2 signaling by U0126 rescued the exacerbated hypertrophic phenotype in
ACE
3‐deficient mice.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive analyses suggest that
ACE
3 inhibits pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy by blocking the
MEK
‐
ERK
1/2 signaling pathway.
Magnitude of Hematoma Volume Measurement Error in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Rodriguez-Luna David , Boyko Matthew , Subramaniam Suresh , Klourfeld Evgenia , Jo Patricia , Diederichs Brendan J. , Kosior Jayme C. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Aviv Richard I. , Molina Carlos A. , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. ,   for the PREDICT/Sunnybrook ICH CTA study group
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose—

Limiting intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) expansion is a common target for acute ICH studies and, therefore, accurate measurement of hematoma volumes is required. We investigated the amount of hematoma volume difference between computed tomography scans that can be considered as measurement error.

Methods—

Five raters performed baseline (<6 hours) and 24-hour total hematoma (ICH+IVH) computer-assisted volumetric analysis from 40 selected ICH patients from the Predicting Hematoma Growth and Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Contrast Bolus CT (PREDICT) study cohort twice. Estimates of intrarater and interrater reliability are expressed as intraclass correlation coefficients and minimum detectable difference (MDD).

Results—

Total hematoma volumetric analyses had excellent intra- and interrater agreements (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.994 and 0.992, respectively). MDD for intra- and interrater volumes was 6.68 and 7.72 mL, respectively, and were higher the larger total hematoma volume was and in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage or IVH. MDD for total hematoma volume measurement of 10.4 mL was found in patients with largest hematoma volumes. In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage or IVH, MDD for total hematoma volume was 10.3 and 10.4 mL, respectively. In patients without IVH, MDD for intra- and interrater pure ICH volumes were 3.82 and 5.83 mL, respectively.

Conclusions—

A threshold higher than 10.4 mL seems to be reliable to avoid error of total hematoma volume measurement in a broad range of patients. An absolute ICH volume increase of >6 mL, commonly used as outcome in ICH studies, seems well above MDD and, therefore, could be used to reliably detect ICH expansion.
Performing and Conforming: Iran’s Fadjr International Theatre Festival
Authors: Moosavi Marjan
Published: February 2016

Iran’s Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF) is the largest and oldest theatre festival in the Middle East, yet remains among the least studied. Conversations with FITF’s officials and the festival’s international guests reveal the politics and complexities of Iran’s efforts to maintain control of artistic expression while promoting the country’s global autonomy.
Theoretical and Experimental Analyses of Tensor-Based Regression and Classification
Authors: Wimalawarne Kishan , Tomioka Ryota , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: February 2016

We theoretically and experimentally investigate tensor-based regression and classification. Our focus is regularization with various tensor norms, including the overlapped trace norm, the latent trace norm, and the scaled latent trace norm. We first give dual optimization methods using the alternating direction method of multipliers, which is computationally efficient when the number of training samples is moderate. We then theoretically derive an excess risk bound for each tensor norm and clarify their behavior. Finally, we perform extensive experiments using simulated and real data and demonstrate the superiority of tensor-based learning methods over vector- and matrix-based learning methods.
Downstream Effect of Ramping Neuronal Activity through Synapses with Short-Term Plasticity
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: February 2016

Ramping neuronal activity refers to spiking activity with a rate that increases quasi-linearly over time. It has been observed in multiple cortical areas and is correlated with evidence accumulation processes or timing. In this work, we investigated the downstream effect of ramping neuronal activity through synapses that display short-term facilitation (STF) or depression (STD). We obtained an analytical result for a synapse driven by deterministic linear ramping input that exhibits pure STF or STD and numerically investigated the general case when a synapse displays both STF and STD. We show that the analytical deterministic solution gives an accurate description of the averaging synaptic activation of many inputs converging onto a postsynaptic neuron, even when fluctuations in the ramping input are strong. Activation of a synapse with STF shows an initial cubical increase with time, followed by a linear ramping similar to a synapse without STF. Activation of a synapse with STD grows in time to a maximum before falling and reaching a plateau, and this steady state is independent of the slope of the ramping input. For a synapse displaying both STF and STD, an increase in the depression time constant from a value much smaller than the facilitation time constant [Formula: see text] to a value much larger than [Formula: see text] leads to a transition from facilitation dominance to depression dominance. Therefore, our work provides insights into the impact of ramping neuronal activity on downstream neurons through synapses that display short-term plasticity. In a perceptual decision-making process, ramping activity has been observed in the parietal and prefrontal cortices, with a slope that decreases with task difficulty. Our work predicts that neurons downstream from such a decision circuit could instead display a firing plateau independent of the task difficulty, provided that the synaptic connection is endowed with short-term depression.
Sampled-Data State Feedback Stabilization of Boolean Control Networks
Authors: Liu Yang , Cao Jinde , Sun Liangjie , Lu Jianquan
Published: February 2016

In this letter, we investigate the sampled-data state feedback control (SDSFC) problem of Boolean control networks (BCNs). Some necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for the global stabilization of BCNs by SDSFC. Different from conventional state feedback controls, new phenomena observed the study of SDSFC. Based on the controllability matrix, we derive some necessary and sufficient conditions under which the trajectories of BCNs can be stabilized to a fixed point by piecewise constant control (PCC). It is proved that the global stabilization of BCNs under SDSFC is equivalent to that by PCC. Moreover, algorithms are given to construct the sampled-data state feedback controllers. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the obtained results.
Feature-Based Attention by Lateral Spike Synchronization
Authors: Romeo August , Supèr Hans
Published: February 2016

We introduce a neural model capable of feature selectiveness by spike-mediated synchronization through lateral synaptic couplings. For a stimulus containing two features, the attended one elicits a higher response. In the case of sequential single-feature stimuli, repetition of the attended feature also results in an enhanced response, exhibited by greater synchrony and higher spiking rates.
Concatenation in Kālidāsa and Other Sanskrit Poets
Authors: Salomon Richard
Published: February 2016

Concatenation, that is, the linking of successive verses of a poem by the repetition of the same or similar words, has been discussed by several scholars in relation to Vedic and Prakrit poetry, but other than a ground-breaking article published by W. Schubring in 1955, it has been insufficiently studied in classical Sanskrit kāvya. This article argues that a particular form of concatenation, involving long-distance word repetition across as many as five or even ten verses, is characteristic of the works of Kālidāsa in particular but also of Sanskrit poets in general. Like Schubring’s article, this one focuses on the Meghadūta, but uses a broader definition of scope of concatenation.
Emotional Voices Distort Time: Behavioral and Neural Correlates
Authors: Schirmer Annett , Ng Tabitha , Escoffier Nicolas , Penney Trevor B.
Published: February 2016

The present study explored the effect of vocally expressed emotions on duration perception. Recordings of the syllable ‘ah’ spoken in a disgusted (negative), surprised (positive), and neutral voice were subjected to a compression/stretching algorithm producing seven durations ranging from 300 to 1200 ms. The resulting stimuli served in a duration bisection procedure in which participants indicated whether a stimulus was more similar in duration to a previously studied 300 ms (short) or 1200 ms (long) 440 Hz tone. Behavioural results indicate that disgusted expressions were perceived as shorter than surprised expressions in both men and women and this effect was related to perceived valence. Additionally, both emotional expressions were perceived as shorter than neutral expressions in women only and this effect was related to perceived arousal. Event-related potentials showed an influence of emotion and rate of acoustic change (fast for compressed/short and slow for stretched/long stimuli) on stimulus encoding in women only. Based on these findings, we suggest that emotions interfere with temporal processes and facilitate the influence of contextual information (e.g., rate of acoustic change, attention) on duration judgements. Because women are more sensitive than men to unattended vocal emotions, their temporal judgements are more strongly distorted.
Ligninsphaeria jonesii gen. et. sp. nov., a remarkable bamboo inhabiting ascomycete
Authors: ZHANG JIN-FENG , LIU JIAN-KUI , HYDE KEVIN D. , LIU YONG-XIANG , BAHKALI ALI H. , LIU ZUO-YI
Published: February 2016

A new ascomycete species, inhabiting decaying bamboo culms, is introduced in this paper based on morphology and molecular evidence. Analyses of partial LSU sequence data place the taxon in a monophyletic clade within the order Pleosporales. Morphological characters of the taxon are also distinct from other members of Pleosporales. Ligninsphaeria jonesii gen. et sp. nov. is therefore introduced to accommodate the new taxon, which is characterized by its clypeate, scattered, deeply immersed ascomata, with a slit-like opening, long ostioles, cellular pseudoparaphyses, clavate asci containing broad-fusiform and 1-septate ascospores surrounded by a gelatinous cap at both ends. The phylogenetic analyses show that the new taxon is phylogenetically close but distinct from the families Amniculicolaceae and Testudinaceae, and forms a distinct clade from other taxa in Pleosporales. The new taxon is described and compared with similar taxa. A new genus Ligninsphaeria (Pleosporales, incertae sedis) is introduced to accommodate this distinct lineage.
Revision of Calobrachium Gobbi & Azevedo, gen. nov. (Hymenoptera,
Bethylidae), with description of seven new Oriental species
Authors: GOBBI FERNANDA T. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: February 2016

A new genus, Calobrachium Gobbi & Azevedo, gen. nov. (type species Calobrachium salum Gobbi & Azevedo, sp. nov.) with seven new species, C. luangum sp. nov., C. miticum sp. nov., C. pongum sp. nov., C. salum sp. nov., C. thanum sp. nov., C. trilinum sp. nov., C. vancum sp. nov. are described and figured. New combination is proposed for C. lepidum (Terayama, 2004), comb. nov. (from Pseudisobrachium Kieffer). A key to species of the genus based on males is given.
Molecular analysis of the Pygospio elegans group of species (Annelida: Spionidae)
Authors: RADASHEVSKY VASILY I. , PANKOVA VICTORIA V. , NERETINA TATYANA V. , STUPNIKOVA ALEXANDRA N. , TZETLIN ALEXANDER B.
Published: February 2016

Pygospio elegans Claparède, 1863, the type species of the genus Pygospio, was originally described from Normandy, France, and later widely reported from boreal waters in the northern hemisphere. Sequence data of four gene fragments (2576 bp in total) of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA, nuclear 18S and 28S rDNA, and Histone 3 have shown that individuals from California and Oregon, USA, Scotland and the White Sea, Russia were genetically similar (the average p-distances for the combined data between the four groups ranged from 0.04 to 0.16%, average p = 0.1%). These individuals are considered to be conspecific and the amphiboreal distribution of P. elegans is here confirmed. Adult morphology of the species is briefly described and illustrated. The molecular analysis revealed two genetically distant populations, Pygospio sp. 1 from the Sea of Okhotsk and Pygospio sp. 2 from Oregon. The morphological differences and high average genetic p-distances for the combined data (ranging from 3.06 to 3.18%, average p = 3.12%) between Pygospio sp. 2 and P. elegans suggest the presence of an undescribed Pygospio species co-occurring with P. elegans in Oregon. High morphological similarity and moderate genetic p-distances for the combined data (ranging from 1 to 1.11%, average p = 1.07%) between Pygospio sp. 1 and P. elegans indicate a comparatively recent genetic divergence of the Pygospio population in the Sea of Okhotsk. Taking into account the high genetic similarity of the remote European and North American populations of P. elegans and medial location of the Pygospio sp. 1 population, we suggest the latter to belong to a separate species. However, this conclusion should be verified in further studies on the morphology, reproductive biology and genetics of this population. The present findings show the need to re-examine Pygospio from the Asian Pacific and elsewhere that have been identified as P. elegans.