bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of elastic properties and contractile responses of isolated airway segments from mature and immature rabbits
Authors: Ramchandani R. , Shen X. , Gunst S. J. , Tepper R. S.
Published: July 2015

Immature rabbits have greater maximal airway narrowing with bronchoconstriction in vivo compared with mature animals. As isolated immature lungs have a lower shear modulus, it is unclear whether the greater airway narrowing in the immature lung is secondary to less tethering between the airways and the lung parenchyma or to differences in the mechanical properties of the mature and immature airways. In the present study, we compared the mechanical properties of fluid-filled, isolated, intraparenchymal airway segments of the same generation from mature and immature rabbits. Stimulation with ACh resulted in greater airway narrowing in immature than mature bronchi. The immature bronchi were more compliant, had a lower resting airway volume, and were more collapsible compared with the mature bronchi. When the airways were contracted with ACh under isovolume conditions, the immature bronchi generated greater active pressure, and they were more sensitive to ACh than were mature bronchi. Our results suggest that maturational differences in the structure and function of the airways in the absence of the lung parenchyma can account for the greater maximal narrowing of immature than mature airways in vivo.
Paradoxical effects of prior activity on human sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase response to exercise
Authors: Tupling A. R. , Green H. J. , Roy B. D. , Grant S. , Ouyang J.
Published: July 2015

To investigate the effects of intermittent heavy exercise (HE) on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) maximal Ca2+-ATPase activity ( Vmax) and Ca2+uptake, a continuous two-stage standardized cycling test was performed before and after HE by untrained men [peak aerobic power (V̇o2 peak) = 42.9 ± 2.7 ml · kg-1· min-1]. The HE consisted of 16 bouts of cycling performed for 6 min each hour at 90% V̇o2 peak. Tissue was obtained from the vastus lateralis by needle biopsy before and during each cycle test. Before HE, reductions ( P < 0.05; μmol · g protein-1· min-1) of 16 and 31% were observed in Vmaxand Ca2+uptake, respectively, after 40 min of the standardized test. Resting Vmaxand Ca2+uptake were depressed ( P < 0.05) by 19 and 30%, respectively, when measured 36–48 h after HE. During the standardized test, after HE, Vmaxincreased ( P < 0.05) by 20%, whereas no change was observed in Ca2+uptake. The HE protocol resulted in small increases ( P < 0.05) and decreases ( P < 0.05) in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) 2a and SERCA1 expression, respectively, as determined by Western blotting techniques. These results indicate that SR Ca2+-sequestering function in response to a prolonged exercise test depends on prior activity status, such that rested muscles exhibit a decrease and prior exercised muscles, an increase in Ca2+-ATPase activity. Moreover, it appears that changes in SERCA content can occur in response to a sustained session of intermittent exercise.
Metabolic cost of generating muscular force in human walking: insights from load-carrying and speed experiments
Authors: Griffin Timothy M. , Roberts Thomas J. , Kram Rodger
Published: July 2015

We sought to understand how leg muscle function determines the metabolic cost of walking. We first indirectly assessed the metabolic cost of swinging the legs and then examined the cost of generating muscular force during the stance phase. Four men and four women walked at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m/s carrying loads equal to 0, 10, 20, and 30% body mass positioned symmetrically about the waist. The net metabolic rate increased in nearly direct proportion to the external mechanical power during moderate-speed (0.5–1.5 m/s) load carrying, suggesting that the cost of swinging the legs is relatively small. The active muscle volume required to generate force on the ground and the rate of generating this force accounted for >85% of the increase in net metabolic rate across moderate speeds and most loading conditions. Although these factors explained less of the increase in metabolic rate between 1.5 and 2.0 m/s (∼50%), the cost of generating force per unit volume of active muscle [i.e., the cost coefficient ( k)] was similar across all conditions [ k = 0.11 ± 0.03 (SD) J/cm3]. These data indicate that, regardless of the work muscles do, the metabolic cost of walking can be largely explained by the cost of generating muscular force during the stance phase.
Regional differences in effects of exercise training on contractile and biochemical properties of rat cardiac myocytes
Authors: Diffee Gary M. , Nagle Daniel F.
Published: July 2015

Myocardial function is enhanced by endurance exercise training, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this improved function remain unclear. A number of studies have shown that the characteristics of cardiac myocytes vary across the width of the ventricular wall. We have previously shown that endurance exercise training alters the Ca2+sensitivity of tension as well as contractile protein isoform expression in rat cardiac myocytes. We tested the hypothesis that these effects of training are not uniform across the ventricular wall but are more pronounced in the subendocardial (Endo) region of the myocardium. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sedentary control (C) and exercise trained (T) groups. T rats underwent 11 wk of progressive treadmill exercise. Myocytes were isolated from the Endo region of the myocardium and from the subepicardial (Epi) region of both T and C hearts. We found an increase in the Ca2+sensitivity of tension in T cells compared with C cells, but this difference was larger in the Endo cells than in the Epi cells. In addition, we found a training-induced increase in atrial myosin light chain 1 (aMLC1) expression that was larger in the Endo compared with Epi samples. We conclude that effects of exercise training on myocyte contractile and biochemical properties are greater in myocytes from the Endo region of the myocardium than those from the Epi region. In addition, these results provide evidence that the increase in aMLC1expression may be responsible for some of the training-induced increase in myocyte Ca2+sensitivity of tension.
Aerobic exercise training reduces plasma endothelin-1 concentration in older women
Authors: Maeda Seiji , Tanabe Takumi , Miyauchi Takashi , Otsuki Takeshi , Sugawara Jun , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Kuno Shinya , Ajisaka Ryuichi , Yamaguchi Iwao , Matsuda Mitsuo
Published: July 2015

Endothelial function deteriorates with aging. On the other hand, exercise training improves the function of vascular endothelial cells. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), which is produced by vascular endothelial cells, has potent constrictor and proliferative activity in vascular smooth muscle cells and, therefore, has been implicated in regulation of vascular tonus and progression of atherosclerosis. We previously reported significantly higher plasma ET-1 concentration in middle-aged than in young humans, and recently we showed that plasma ET-1 concentration was significantly decreased by aerobic exercise training in healthy young humans. We hypothesized that plasma ET-1 concentration increases with age, even in healthy adults, and that lifestyle modification (i.e., exercise) can reduce plasma ET-1 concentration in previously sedentary older adults. We measured plasma ET-1 concentration in healthy young women (21–28 yr old), healthy middle-aged women (31–47 yr old), and healthy older women (61–69 yr old). The plasma level of ET-1 significantly increased with aging (1.02 ± 0.08, 1.33 ± 0.11, and 2.90 ± 0.20 pg/ml in young, middle-aged, and older women, respectively). Thus plasma ET-1 concentration was markedly higher in healthy older women than in healthy young or middle-aged women (by ∼3- and 2-fold, respectively). In healthy older women, we also measured plasma ET-1 concentration after 3 mo of aerobic exercise (cycling on a leg ergometer at 80% of ventilatory threshold for 30 min, 5 days/wk). Regular exercise significantly decreased plasma ET-1 concentration in the healthy older women (2.22 ± 0.16 pg/ml, P < 0.01) and also significantly reduced their blood pressure. The present study suggests that regular aerobic-endurance exercise reduces plasma ET-1 concentration in older humans, and this reduction in plasma ET-1 concentration may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system (i.e., prevention of progression of hypertension and/or atherosclerosis by endogenous ET-1).
B-1 cell (CD5+/CD11b+) numbers and nIgM levels are elevated in physically active vs. sedentary rats
Authors: Elphick Gwendolyn F. , Wieseler-Frank Julie , Greenwood Benjamin N. , Campisi Jay , Fleshner Monika
Published: July 2015

Habitual, moderate exercise is associated with improved health, including reductions in illness. These benefits may stem, in part, from immune function improvements. We have previously reported that daily wheel running increases serum and peritoneal natural IgM (nIgM) in pathogen-free Sprague-Dawely rats. B-1 cells, which primarily reside in the peritoneal cavity, produce nIgM in the absence of antigen stimulation. This study examined whether physical activity would also increase B-1 cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen. Male, pathogen-free Fischer 344 rats were sedentary (standard cages) or physically active (running wheel access) for 6–7 wk. Peritoneal cavity, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen cells were taken, and the number of CD5+/CD11b+ (B-1) cells were measured by using two-color flow cytometry. The results were that physically active animals had increased numbers of CD5+/CD11b+ cells in the peritoneal cavity. In addition, physically active animals had increased serum and peritoneal nIgM, thus replicating our previous observations. These results indicate that voluntary running selectively increases the B-1 cell population, which is most likely responsible for the elevated serum and peritoneal nIgM in active rats. Because B-1 cells are important in host defense, these changes may contribute to the health benefits of exercise.
CO2 does not affect passive exercise ventilatory decline
Authors: Bell Harold J. , Duffin James
Published: July 2015

Breathing increases abruptly at the start of passive exercise, stimulated by afferent feedback from the moving limbs, and declines toward a steady-state hyperpnea as exercise continues. This decline has been attributed to decreased arterial CO2 levels and adaptation in afferent feedback; however, the relative importance of these two mechanisms is unknown. To address this issue, we compared ventilatory responses to 5 min of passive leg extension exercise performed on 10 awake human subjects (6 men and 4 women) in isocapnic and poikilocapnic conditions. Endtidal Pco2 decreased significantly during poikilocapnic (Δ = -1.5 ± 0.5 Torr, P < 0.001), but not isocapnic, passive exercise. Despite this difference, the ventilatory responses to passive exercise were not different between the two conditions. Using the fast changes in ventilation at the start (5.46 ± 0.40 l/min, P < 0.001) and end (3.72 ± 0.33 l/min, P < 0.001) of passive exercise as measures of the drive to breathe from afferent feedback, we found a decline of 68%. We conclude that the decline in ventilation during passive exercise is due to an adaptation in the afferent feedback from the moving limbs, not a decline in CO2 levels.
Vascular Growth Factors and Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Jussila Lotta , Alitalo Kari
Published: July 2015

Blood and lymphatic vessels develop in a parallel, but independent manner, and together form the circulatory system allowing the passage of fluid and delivering molecules within the body. Although the lymphatic vessels were discovered already 300 years ago, at the same time as the blood circulation was described, the lymphatic system has remained relatively neglected until recently. This is in part due to the difficulties in recognizing these vessels in tissues because of a lack of specific markers. Over the past few years, several molecules expressed specifically in the lymphatic endothelial cells have been characterized, and knowledge about the lymphatic system has started to accumulate again. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of growth factors and receptors is involved in the development and growth of the vascular endothelial system. Two of its family members, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, regulate the lymphatic endothelial cells via their receptor VEGFR-3. With the aid of these molecules, lymphatic endothelial cells can be isolated and cultured, allowing detailed studies of the molecular properties of these cells. Also the role of the lymphatic endothelium in immune responses and certain pathological conditions can be studied in more detail, as the blood and lymphatic vessels seem to be involved in many diseases in a coordinated manner. Discoveries made so far will be helpful in the diagnosis of certain vascular tumors, in the design of specific treatments for lymphedema, and in the prevention of metastatic tumor spread via the lymphatic system.
Conservation of Digestive Enzymes
Authors: Rothman Stephen , Liebow Charles , Isenman Lois
Published: July 2015

The traditional understanding is that an entirely new complement of digestive enzymes is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestines with each meal. This is thought to be necessary because, like food itself, these enzymes are degraded during digestion. In this review we discuss experiments that bring this point of view into question. They suggest that digestive enzymes can be absorbed into blood, reaccumulated by the pancreas, and reutilized, instead of being reduced to their constituent amino acids in the intestines. This is called an enteropancreatic circulation of digestive enzymes.
Molecular Structure and Physiological Function of Chloride Channels
Authors: Jentsch Thomas J. , Stein Valentin , Weinreich Frank , Zdebik Anselm A.
Published: July 2015

Cl−channels reside both in the plasma membrane and in intracellular organelles. Their functions range from ion homeostasis to cell volume regulation, transepithelial transport, and regulation of electrical excitability. Their physiological roles are impressively illustrated by various inherited diseases and knock-out mouse models. Thus the loss of distinct Cl−channels leads to an impairment of transepithelial transport in cystic fibrosis and Bartter's syndrome, to increased muscle excitability in myotonia congenita, to reduced endosomal acidification and impaired endocytosis in Dent's disease, and to impaired extracellular acidification by osteoclasts and osteopetrosis. The disruption of several Cl−channels in mice results in blindness. Several classes of Cl−channels have not yet been identified at the molecular level. Three molecularly distinct Cl−channel families (CLC, CFTR, and ligand-gated GABA and glycine receptors) are well established. Mutagenesis and functional studies have yielded considerable insights into their structure and function. Recently, the detailed structure of bacterial CLC proteins was determined by X-ray analysis of three-dimensional crystals. Nonetheless, they are less well understood than cation channels and show remarkably different biophysical and structural properties. Other gene families (CLIC or CLCA) were also reported to encode Cl−channels but are less well characterized. This review focuses on molecularly identified Cl−channels and their physiological roles.
Gene Expression Response ofTrichophyton rubrumduring Coculture on Keratinocytes Exposed to Antifungal Agents
Authors: Komoto Tatiana Takahasi , Bitencourt Tamires Aparecida , Silva Gabriel , Beleboni Rene Oliveira , Marins Mozart , Fachin Ana Lúcia
Published: July 2015

Trichophyton rubrumis the most common causative agent of dermatomycoses worldwide, causing infection in the stratum corneum, nails, and hair. Despite the high prevalence of these infections, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the fungal-host interaction, particularly during antifungal treatment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the gene expression ofT. rubrumcocultured with keratinocytes and treated with the flavonoidtrans-chalcone and the glycoalkaloidα-solanine. Both substances showed a marked antifungal activity againstT. rubrumstrain CBS (MIC = 1.15 and 17.8 µg/mL, resp.). Cytotoxicity assay against HaCaT cells produced IC50values of 44.18 totrans-chalcone and 61.60 µM toα-solanine. The interaction of keratinocytes withT. rubrumconidia upregulated the expression of genes involved in the glyoxylate cycle, ergosterol synthesis, and genes encoding proteases but downregulated the ABC transporterTruMDR2 gene. However, both antifungals downregulated the ERG1 and ERG11, metalloprotease 4, serine proteinase, andTruMDR2 genes. Furthermore, thetrans-chalcone downregulated the genes involved in the glyoxylate pathway, isocitrate lyase, and citrate synthase. Considering the urgent need for more efficient and safer antifungals, these results contribute to a better understanding of fungal-host interactions and to the discovery of new antifungal targets.
Musculoskeletal Injuries and Training Patterns in Junior Elite Orienteering Athletes
Authors: Roos Lilian , Taube Wolfgang , Zuest Peter , Clénin German , Wyss Thomas
Published: July 2015

Findings about the relation between musculoskeletal injuries and training patterns in orienteering athletes are sparse. Therefore, the musculoskeletal injuries and training patterns of 31 Swiss elite orienteering athletes aged 18-19 years were analyzed in a retrospective study. Individual training diaries and medical records were used to assess training data and injury history, respectively. Group comparisons and a multiple linear regression (MLR) were performed for statistical analysis. The junior elite orienteering athletes performed 7.38 ± 2.00 training sessions weekly, with a total duration of 455.75 ± 98.22 minutes. An injury incidence rate (IIR) of 2.18 ± 2.13 injuries per 1000 hours of training was observed. The lower extremity was affected in 93% of all injuries, and the knee (33%) was the most commonly injured location. The MLR revealed that gender and six training variables explained 60% of the variance in the injury severity index in this study. Supported by the low IIR in the observed age group, the training protocol of the junior elite orienteering athletes was generally adequate. In comparison to elite track, marathon, and orienteering athletes, the junior elite athletes performed less high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, more frequent HIIT seems to be a protective factor against injuries.
On a Nonlocal Damping Model in Ferromagnetism
Authors: Moumni M. , Tilioua M.
Published: July 2015

We consider a mathematical model describing nonlocal damping in magnetization dynamics. The model consists of a modified form of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation for the evolution of the magnetization vector in a rigid ferromagnet. We give a global existence result and characterize the long time behaviour of the obtained solutions. The sensitivity of the model with respect to large and small nonlocal damping parameters is also discussed.
Neural Stem Cell Transplant-Induced Effect on Neurogenesis and Cognition in Alzheimer Tg2576 Mice Is Inhibited by Concomitant Treatment with Amyloid-Lowering or Cholinergicα7 Nicotinic Receptor Drugs
Authors: Lilja Anna M. , Malmsten Linn , Röjdner Jennie , Voytenko Larysa , Verkhratsky Alexei , Ögren Sven Ove , Nordberg Agneta , Marutle Amelia
Published: July 2015

Stimulating regeneration in the brain has the potential to rescue neuronal networks and counteract progressive pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study investigated whether drugs with different mechanisms of action could enhance neurogenesis and improve cognition in mice receiving human neural stem cell (hNSC) transplants. Six- to nine-month-old AD Tg2576 mice were treated for five weeks with the amyloid-modulatory and neurotrophic drug (+)-phenserine or with the partialα7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) agonist JN403, combined with bilateral intrahippocampal hNSC transplantation. We observed improved spatial memory in hNSC-transplanted non-drug-treated Tg2576 mice but not in those receiving drugs, and this was accompanied by an increased number of Doublecortin- (DCX-) positive cells in the dentate gyrus, a surrogate marker for newly generated neurons. Treatment with (+)-phenserine did however improve graft survival in the hippocampus. An accumulation ofα7 nAChR-expressing astrocytes was observed around the injection site, suggesting their involvement in repair and scarring processes. Interestingly, JN403 treatment decreased the number ofα7 nAChR-expressing astrocytes, correlating with a reduction in the number of DCX-positive cells in the dentate gyrus. We conclude that transplanting hNSCs enhances endogenous neurogenesis and prevents further cognitive deterioration in Tg2576 mice, while simultaneous treatments with (+)-phenserine or JN403 result in countertherapeutic effects.
A Vibration Control Method for the Flexible Arm Based on Energy Migration
Authors: Bian Yushu , Gao Zhihui , Fan Ming
Published: July 2015

A vibration control method based on energy migration is proposed to decrease vibration response of the flexible arm undergoing rigid motion. A type of vibration absorber is suggested and gives rise to the inertial coupling between the modes of the flexible arm and the absorber. By analyzing 1 : 2 internal resonance, it is proved that the internal resonance can be successfully created and the exchange of vibration energy is existent. Due to the inertial coupling, the damping enhancement effect is revealed. Via the inertial coupling, vibration energy of the flexible arm can be dissipated by not only the damping of the vibration absorber but also its own enhanced damping, thereby effectively decreasing vibration. Through numerical simulations and analyses, it is proven that this method is feasible in controlling nonlinear vibration of the flexible arm undergoing rigid motion.
Control Design and Loop Gain Analysis of DC-to-DC Converters Intended for General Load Subsystems
Authors: Pidaparthy Syam Kumar , Choi Byungcho
Published: July 2015

DC-to-DC converters are usually intended for general applications where the load impedance characteristics are unknown or undefined. This paper establishes the control design procedures for DC-to-DC converters in the absence of any prior knowledge on their load impedance. The proposed control design can be universally adapted to all the DC-to-DC converters regardless of the impedance characteristics of their actual load. This paper also presents the loop gain analysis of the converter combined with an actual load whose impedance characteristics are only available afterward. A graphical analysis method is proposed, which enables us to predict the loop gain of the converter in the presence of an arbitrary load impedance. The validity of the analysis method is demonstrated using a current-mode controlled buck converter coupled with an inductive load, capacitive load, and converter load. Theoretical predictions are verified with both computer simulations and experimental measurements.
Antiviral and Antioxidant Activities of Sulfated Galactomannans from Plants of Caatinga Biome
Authors: Marques Márcia Maria Mendes , Morais Selene Maia de , Silva Ana Raquel Araújo da , Barroso Naiara Dutra , Pontes Filho Tadeu Rocha , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho , Vieira Ícaro Gusmão Pinto , Lima Danielle Malta , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo
Published: July 2015

Dengue represents a serious social and economic public health problem; then trying to contribute to improve its control, the objective of this research was to develop phytoterapics for dengue treatment using natural resources from Caatinga biome. Galactomannans isolated fromAdenanthera pavoninaL.,Caesalpinia ferreaMart., andDimorphandra gardnerianaTull were chemically sulfated in order to evaluate the antioxidant, and antiviral activities and the role in the inhibition of virus DENV-2 in Vero cells. A positive correlation between the degree of sulfation, antioxidant and antiviral activities was observed. The sulfated galactomannans showed binding to the virus surface, indicating that they interact with DENV-2. The sulfated galactomannans fromC. ferreashowed 96% inhibition of replication of DENV-2 followed byD. gardneriana(94%) andA. pavonina(77%) at 25 µg/mL and all sulfated galactomannans also showed antioxidant activity. This work is the first report of the antioxidant and antiviral effects of sulfated galactomannans against DENV-2. The results are very promising and suggest that these sulfated galactomannans from plants of Caatinga biome act in the early step of viral infection. Thus, sulfated galactomannans may act as an entry inhibitor of DENV-2.
Rare Strain ofVibrio choleraeSepticemia in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Daniel Deepu , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Non-O1/non-O139 is a rare strain ofVibrio cholerathat has been documented to cause significant morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed population.Case Presentation. A patient with multiple myeloma develops non-O1/non-O139Vibrio cholerasepticemia, leading to multiorgan failure and ultimately death.Discussion. An exceedingly rare strain ofVibrio cholera, non-O1/non-O139, may be an important factor of morbidity and mortality in certain immunosuppressed populations, such as patients with multiple myeloma and malignancies.Conclusion. Bacteremia involving generally noninvasive microbes, such as non-O1/non-O139Vibrio cholerae, can have significant deleterious effects in the immunosuppressed patients as shown by this case report. Physicians need to be more diligent when treating these patients.
Attitudes and Health Behavior of Lawyers in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Barani G. , Sabapathy Pavithra
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study is to evaluate the differences in the behavior and attitudes of male and female lawyers regarding their lifestyles and health habits. Lawyers were randomly chosen. Data was obtained through a structured questionnaire distributed among the lawyers of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Lawyers are found to have unfavorable health practices related to use of tobacco and alcohol, exercise, diet, sleeping habits, and stress. This resulted in obesity, depression, and blood pressure. Many lawyers reported use of alcohol regularly, even as often as every day, and nearly half of them smoked. Many of the lawyers had poor feeding habit of skipping meals and eating snacks as breakfast. Most lawyers considered stressful situations to be unavoidable. Thus identifying individual lawyers with poor health behaviors and providing medical help are essential.
Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Hypertension among Renal Transplant Recipients Attending Nephrology Clinics in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kubo Mary N. , Kayima Joshua K. , Were Anthony J. , McLigeyo Seth O. , Ogola Elijah N.
Published: July 2015

Objective.To determine the factors associated with poor blood pressure control among renal transplant recipients in a resource-limited setting.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on renal transplant recipients at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Sociodemographic details, blood pressure, urine albumin : creatinine ratio, and adherence using the MMAS-8 questionnaire were noted. Independent factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension were determined using logistic regression analysis.Results. 85 subjects were evaluated. Mean age was 42.4 (SD ± 12.2) years, with a male : female ratio of 1.9 : 1. Fifty-five patients (64.7%) had uncontrolled hypertension (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg). On univariate analysis, male sex (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4–9.5,p=0.006), higher levels of proteinuria (p=0.042), and nonadherence to antihypertensives (OR 18, 95% CI 5.2–65.7,p<0.001) were associated with uncontrolled hypertension. On logistic regression analysis, male sex (adjusted OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.1–19.0,p=0.034) and nonadherence (adjusted OR 33.8, 95% CI 8.6–73.0,p<0.001) were independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension.Conclusion. Factors associated with poor blood pressure control in this cohort were male sex and nonadherence to antihypertensives. Emphasis on adherence to antihypertensive therapy must be pursued within this population.
Intravenous Iron Therapy in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia: Dosing Considerations
Authors: Koch Todd A. , Myers Jennifer , Goodnough Lawrence Tim
Published: July 2015

Objective.To provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for iron therapy dosing in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), we conducted a study examining the benefits of a higher cumulative dose of intravenous (IV) iron than what is typically administered.Methods.We first individually analyzed 5 clinical studies, averaging the total iron deficit across all patients utilizing a modified Ganzoni formula; we then similarly analyzed 2 larger clinical studies. For the second of the larger studies (Study 7), we also compared the efficacy and retreatment requirements of a cumulative dose of 1500 mg ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) to 1000 mg iron sucrose (IS).Results.The average iron deficit was calculated to be 1531 mg for patients in Studies 1–5 and 1392 mg for patients in Studies 6-7. The percentage of patients who wereretreatedwith IV iron between Days 56 and 90 was significantly (p<0.001) lower (5.6%) in the 1500 mg group, compared to the 1000 mg group (11.1%).Conclusions.Our data suggests that a total cumulative dose of 1000 mg of IV iron may be insufficient for iron repletion in a majority of patients with IDA and a dose of 1500 mg is closer to the actual iron deficit in these patients.
Analysis and Improvement of Attitude Output Accuracy in Rotation Inertial Navigation System
Authors: Li Kui , Gao Pengyu , Wang Lei , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2015

Inertial navigation system (INS) measures vehicle’s angular rate and acceleration by orthogonally mounted tri-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers and then calculates the vehicle’s real-time attitude, velocity, and position. Gyroscope drifts and accelerometer biases are the key factors that affect the navigation accuracy. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the influence of gyroscope drifts and accelerometer biases can be restrained greatly in rotation INS (RINS) by driving the inertial measurement unit (IMU) rotating regularly, thus improving navigation accuracy significantly. High accuracy in position and velocity should be matched with that in attitude theoretically since INS is based on dead reckoning. However, the marine and vehicle experiments show that short-term attitude output accuracy of RINS is even worse compared with that of nonrotation INS. The loss of attitude accuracy has serious impacts on many task systems where high attitude accuracy is required. This paper researched the principle of attitude output accuracy loss in RINS and then proposed a new attitude output accuracy improvement algorithm for RINS. Experiment results show that the proposed attitude compensation method can improve short-term pitch and roll output accuracy from 20~30 arc seconds to less than 5 arc seconds and azimuth output accuracy improved from 2~3 arc minutes to less than 0.5 arc minutes in RINS.
Quality Evaluation of Oil from Seeds of Wild Plant Tylosema fassoglensis in Kenya
Authors: Otieno Ojwang D. , Awuor Okewo B. , Wafula Wanjala G.
Published: July 2015

Tylosema fassoglensis is a plant species that is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of oil from T. fassoglensis in Kenya. Seeds of T. fassoglensis were collected from Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Siaya regions. Counts of T. fassoglensis in each region were recorded during the entire survey period. The highest distribution was recorded in Homa Bay followed by Siaya region. Distribution was the least in Taita Taveta and Mombasa regions. The analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of the oil was performed according to the official methods of analysis and the recommended practices of the American Oil Chemists Society. Oil content of 36.4% was obtained. The oil had refractive index 1.47 at 40°C, peroxide value 6.34 meq O2/kg, iodine value 94.06 g of I2/100 g, saponification value 145.93 mg KOH/g of oil, acid value 2.49 ± 0.56 mg KOH/g of oil, and unsaponifiable matter 5.87 g/kg. The oil had Lovibond color index of 2.0Y+28.0R. Oil content of T. fassoglensis is comparable with those of most oil crop under commercial production. The physicochemical properties of oil from T. fassoglensis are within the range recommended by FAO/WHO and hence suitable for human consumption.
CCR20th Anniversary Commentary: Chimeric Antigen Receptors—From Model T to the Tesla
Authors: Hwu Patrick
Published: July 2015

The research article by Kershaw and colleagues, published in the October 15, 2006, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, presents one of the first clinical trials to utilize chimeric antigen receptors. Subsequent studies have shown promise for the treatment of patients with lymphoid malignancies, but further progress will require optimization, including the identification of more specific antigens for solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 21(14); 3099–101. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Kershaw et al., Clin Cancer Res 2006;12(20) Oct 15, 2006;6106–15
Variation in Brain Morphology of Intertidal Gobies: A Comparison of Methodologies Used to Quantitatively Assess Brain Volumes in Fish
Authors: White Gemma E. , Brown Culum
Published: July 2015

When correlating brain size and structure with behavioural and environmental characteristics, a range of techniques can be utilised. This study used gobiid fishes to quantitatively compare brain volumes obtained via three different methods; these included the commonly used techniques of histology and approximating brain volume to an idealised ellipsoid, and the recently established technique of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). It was found that all three methods differed significantly from one another in their volume estimates for most brain lobes. The ellipsoid method was prone to over- or under-estimation of lobe size, histology caused shrinkage in the telencephalon, and although micro-CT methods generated the most reliable results, they were also the most expensive. Despite these differences, all methods depicted quantitatively similar relationships among the four different species for each brain lobe. Thus, all methods support the same conclusions that fishes inhabiting rock pool and sandy habitats have different patterns of brain organisation. In particular, fishes from spatially complex rock pool habitats were found to have larger telencephalons, while those from simple homogenous sandy shores had a larger optic tectum. Where possible we recommend that micro-CT be used in brain volume analyses, as it allows for measurements without destruction of the brain and fast identification and quantification of individual brain lobes, and minimises many of the biases resulting from the histology and ellipsoid methods.
Statin Use Is Associated with Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Huang C.Y. , Chung S.D. , Kao L.T. , Lin H.C. , Wang L.H.
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Statin may induce epithelial dysfunction of the bladder urothelium. Epithelial dysfunction was proposed as one of the major potential etiologies for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). In this study, we examined the association between statin use and BPS/IC using a population-based study. Subjects and Methods: This case-control study used the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. In total, 815 female subjects with BPS/IC and 4075 randomly selected female controls were included. We used a conditional logistic regression to compute the odds ratio (OR) for having previously used statins between cases and controls. Results: A conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the OR of prior statin users for cases was 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.94) compared to controls after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, panic disorder, migraines, sicca syndrome, allergies, endometriosis, and asthma. Furthermore, adjusted ORs of regular and irregular statin use for cases were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20-2.08) and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.02-2.31), respectively, compared to controls. Conclusion: We concluded that there was an association between statin use and BPS/IC.
Tumor Diameter Is an Easy and Useful Predictor of Recurrence in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Maeda Chiyo , Hidaka Eiji , Mori Yuichi , Mukai Shumpei , Miyachi Hideyuki , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) can generally be administered to high-risk subgroups. To better identify these patients, we aimed at assessing factors that affect recurrence. Methods: In our hospital, 432 colon and 96 rectal stage II cancer patients who underwent surgical resection between 2001 and 2011 were divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Age, sex, lymphatic vessel invasion, venous invasion, tumor diameter, tumor depth, histological type, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level, number of sampled nodes, adjuvant chemotherapy, morphology, surgical approach, anastomotic leakage, preoperative bowel obstruction, and preoperative perforation were retrospectively compared between the groups. Results: For colon cancer, multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between tumor diameter ≥40 mm and recurrence (p = 0.039). For rectal cancer, multivariate analysis revealed that tumor diameter ≥50 mm (p = 0.001) and ≤12 sampled nodes (p = 0.021) were associated with recurrence. Tumor diameter in rectal cancer was associated with worse disease-free survival (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Tumor diameter is a significant predictor of recurrence in stage II CRC. This is an important finding because tumor diameter is easy to evaluate clinically and might help to identify candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia of the Orbit and Adnexa
Authors: Mukherjee Bipasha , Kadaskar Jayant , Priyadarshini Omega , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Biswas Jyotirmay
Published: July 2015

Purpose: Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare disorder presenting with solitary or multiple nodules in the dermis or subcutaneous tissues. ALHE shares clinical as well as histopathological characteristics with Kimura disease (KD), but they have been considered to be two distinct entities based on their histological features. Orbital and adnexal involvement in ALHE is rare. The published literature is limited to few case reports featuring single cases. Methods: We report a series of 5 cases of ALHE presenting with diverse clinical features seen at a tertiary referral care centre in India. We also review the published literature with a special emphasis on the treatment modalities for orbital and adnexal ALHE. Results: Three patients of this series presented with orbital involvement, while the remaining 2 had involvement of the eyelid. Three patients underwent incisional and/or excisional biopsy, whereas 2 were managed conservatively. There were no recurrences seen on follow-up. Conclusions: ALHE can rarely involve the orbit and adnexa. There is no consensus on the best modality of management of this rare entity. ALHE and KD have often been considered variations of the same disease, but it is important to differentiate between the two entities for optimal patient management.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer in China: Current Status and Progress
Authors: Li Chen-Guang , Yang Lang , Sheng Jian-Qiu
Published: July 2015

Background: Hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for about 5% of the total incidence of CRC. During the last decades, there have been great advances in the research of hereditary CRC in China. Summary: This review mainly focuses on advances of the genetic basis, clinicopathological features, diagnosis, chemoprevention and treatment of hereditary CRC in China. Key Message: Hereditary CRC has a higher risk to initiate the progression towards neoplasia than sporadic CRC. It can be diagnosed by clinical manifestation or the relevant genetic testing so as to guide the clinical treatment to improve the survival rate and survival quality of patients. Practical Implications: Hereditary CRC includes hereditary nonpolyposis CRC (Lynch syndrome), familial adenomatous polyposis and other rare types such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and familial juvenile polyposis. Based on the clinical manifestations and family history, highly suspected cases can be screened for in the general population and the diagnosis ruled out by genetic analysis. Then, chemoprevention, endoscopic intervention or surgery can be selected properly to improve patients' survival and quality of life.
Assessment of Liver Fibrosis with Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Different b-values in Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Kocakoc Ercan , Bakan Ayse Ahsen , Poyrazoglu Orhan Kursat , Dagli Adile Ferda , Gul Yeliz , Cicekci Mehtap , Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Halil
Published: July 2015

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and to compare the reliability of different b-values in detecting and identifying significant liver fibrosis. Subjects and Methods: There were 44 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) in the study group and 30 healthy participants in the control group. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) was performed before the liver biopsy in patients with CVH. The values of ADC were measured with 3 different b-values (100, 600, 1,000 s/mm2). In addition, liver fibrosis was classified using the modified Ishak scoring system. Liver fibrosis stages and ADC values were compared using areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The study group's mean ADC value was not statistically significantly different from the control group's mean ADC value at b = 100 s/mm2 (3.69 ± 0.5 × 10-3 vs. 3.7 ± 0.3 × 10-3 mm2/s) and b = 600 s/mm2 (2.40 ± 0.3 × 10-3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 × 10-3 mm2/s). However, the study group's mean ADC value (0.99 ± 0.3 × 10-3 mm2/s) was significantly lower than that of the control group (1.2 ± 0.1 × 10-3 mm2/s) at b = 1,000 s/mm2. With b = 1,000 s/mm2 and the cutoff ADC value of 0.0011 mm2/s for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, the mean area under the ROC curve was 0.702 ± 0.07 (p = 0.0015). For b = 1,000 s/mm2 and the cutoff ADC value of 0.0011 mm2/s to diagnose significant liver fibrosis (Ishak score = 3), the mean area under the ROC curve was 0.759 ± 0.07 (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Measurement of ADC values by DWI was effective in detecting liver fibrosis and accurately identifying significant liver fibrosis when a b-value of 1,000 s/mm2 was used.
A Grave Outcome of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient Receiving Avastin (Bevacizumab) for Metastatic High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Elmalik Hind H. , ElAzzazy Shereen , Salem Khaled S. , Bujassoum Salha
Published: July 2015

A 45-year-old female developed neurological symptoms and elevated diastolic blood pressure while on bevacizumab (Avastin) and gemcitabine for recurrent carboplatin-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer. A brain MRI diagnosed our patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. We are discussing her presenting symptoms in this paper as well as the management and the outcome. We emphasize the importance of keeping this rare but very serious complication in all patients receiving bevacizumab.
Rapid Diagnosis of Imprinting Disorders Involving Copy Number Variation and Uniparental Disomy Using Genome-Wide SNP Microarrays
Authors: Liu Weiqiang , Zhang Rui , Wei Jun , Zhang Huimin , Yu Guojiu , Li Zhihua , Chen Min , Sun Xiaofang
Published: July 2015

Imprinting disorders, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS), can be detected via methylation analysis, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA), or other methods. In this study, we applied single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based chromosomal microarray analysis to detect copy number variations (CNVs) and uniparental disomy (UPD) events in patients with suspected imprinting disorders. Of 4 patients, 2 had a 5.25-Mb microdeletion in the 15q11.2q13.2 region, 1 had a 38.4-Mb mosaic UPD in the 11p15.4 region, and 1 had a 60-Mb detectable UPD between regions 14q13.2 and 14q32.13. Although the 14q32.2 region was classified as normal by SNP array for the 14q13 UPD patient, it turned out to be a heterodisomic UPD by short tandem repeat marker analysis. MS-MLPA analysis was performed to validate the variations. In conclusion, SNP-based microarray is an efficient alternative method for quickly and precisely diagnosing PWS, AS, BWS, and other imprinted gene-associated disorders when considering aberrations due to CNVs and most types of UPD.
Ruptured Giant Left Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in a Two-Month-Old Baby
Authors: Fathi Nik Qisti , Syahrilfazli Ainul J. , Azizi Abu Bakar , Redzuan Ismail Mohd , Sobri Muda , Kumar Ramesh
Published: July 2015

Background: The incidence of intracranial aneurysm in childhood is rare, especially in infancy. In the literature, most of childhood intracranial aneurysms occur in the posterior and middle cerebral circulation. We report a case of a ruptured giant left distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a 2-month-old baby. This report will discuss the rarity of this case as well as the diagnostic and surgical challenges in treating this condition. Case Report: A 2-month-old baby girl presented to our centre with a 1-day history of multiple afebrile seizures. A CT scan of her brain showed a large frontal interhemispheric acute bleed with intraventricular extension and acute hydrocephalus. An external ventricular drain was inserted and she was nursed in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Subsequent CT angiogram and 4-vessel angiogram showed a giant aneurysm originating from the A3 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery. She underwent craniotomy and clipping and excision of the giant aneurysm. Discussion: Giant distal anterior artery aneurysms are very rare in infants. They are more commonly associated with the posterior and middle cerebral arteries. The aneurysms in infants tend to be larger compared to adults and they commonly present with subarachnoid haemorrhage and seizures. CT angiogram and 4-vessel cerebral angiogram are important diagnostic tools in this case. The angiogram demonstrated no distal runoff from the aneurysm and this assisted in our planning for surgical treatment of the aneurysm. A bifrontal craniotomy was done and the giant aneurysm was approached interhemispherically. The proximal and distal parent vessel was clipped and the aneurysm wall was excised. The baby recovered from surgery and did not require any cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Conclusion: Giant distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms are rare in infants. Detailed angiographic investigation is important. Surgery is the treatment of choice, although there may be a role for endovascular intervention.
Playing to Teachers’ Strengths: Using Multiple Measures of Teacher Effectiveness to Improve Teacher Assignments
Authors: Fox Lindsay
Published: July 2015

Current uses of value-added modeling largely ignore or assume away the potential for teachers to be more effective with one type of student than another or in one subject than another. This paper explores the stability of value-added measures across different subgroups and subjects using administrative data from a large urban school district. For elementary school teachers, effectiveness measures are highly stable across subgroups, with correlations upward of 0.9. The estimated cross-subject correlation between math and English language arts is around 0.7, suggesting some differential effectiveness by subject. To understand the magnitude of this correlation, I simulate targeted re-sorting of teachers to classrooms based on their comparative advantage. The results suggest that using multiple measures of value added to specialize teachers by subject could produce small average increases in student achievement, and larger increases for some students.