bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac oxygen limitation during an acute thermal challenge in the European perch: effects of chronic environmental warming and experimental hyperoxia
Authors: Ekström Andreas , Brijs Jeroen , Clark Timothy D. , Gräns Albin , Jutfelt Fredrik , Sandblom Erik
Published: June 2016

Oxygen supply to the heart has been hypothesized to limit cardiac performance and whole animal acute thermal tolerance (CTmax) in fish. We tested these hypotheses by continuously measuring venous oxygen tension (Pvo2) and cardiovascular variables in vivo during acute warming in European perch ( Perca fluviatilis) from a reference area during summer (18°C) and a chronically heated area (Biotest enclosure) that receives warm effluent water from a nuclear power plant and is normally 5–10°C above ambient (24°C at the time of experiments). While CTmaxwas 2.2°C higher in Biotest compared with reference perch, the peaks in cardiac output and heart rate prior to CTmaxoccurred at statistically similar Pvo2values (2.3–4.0 kPa), suggesting that cardiac failure occurred at a common critical Pvo2threshold. Environmental hyperoxia (200% air saturation) increased Pvo2across temperatures in reference fish, but heart rate still declined at a similar temperature. CTmaxof reference fish increased slightly (by 0.9°C) in hyperoxia, but remained significantly lower than in Biotest fish despite an improved cardiac output due to an elevated stroke volume. Thus, while cardiac oxygen supply appears critical to elevate stroke volume at high temperatures, oxygen limitation may not explain the bradycardia and arrhythmia that occur prior to CTmax. Acute thermal tolerance and its thermal plasticity can, therefore, only be partially attributed to cardiac failure from myocardial oxygen limitations, and likely involves limiting factors on multiple organizational levels.
Osmotically inactive sodium and potassium storage: lessons learned from the Edelman and Boling data
Authors: Nguyen Minhtri K. , Nguyen Dai-Scott , Nguyen Minh-Kevin
Published: June 2016

Because changes in the plasma water sodium concentration ([Na+]pw) are clinically due to changes in the mass balance of Na+, K+, and H2O, the analysis and treatment of the dysnatremias are dependent on the validity of the Edelman equation in defining the quantitative interrelationship between the [Na+]pw and the total exchangeable sodium (Nae), total exchangeable potassium (Ke), and total body water (TBW) (Edelman IS, Leibman J, O'Meara MP, Birkenfeld LW. J Clin Invest 37: 1236–1256, 1958): [Na+]pw = 1.11(Nae + Ke)/TBW − 25.6. The interrelationship between [Na+]pw and Nae, Ke, and TBW in the Edelman equation is empirically determined by accounting for measurement errors in all of these variables. In contrast, linear regression analysis of the same data set using [Na+]pw as the dependent variable yields the following equation: [Na+]pw = 0.93(Nae + Ke)/TBW + 1.37. Moreover, based on the study by Boling et al. (Boling EA, Lipkind JB. 18: 943–949, 1963), the [Na+]pw is related to the Nae, Ke, and TBW by the following linear regression equation: [Na+]pw = 0.487(Nae + Ke)/TBW + 71.54. The disparities between the slope and y-intercept of these three equations are unknown. In this mathematical analysis, we demonstrate that the disparities between the slope and y-intercept in these three equations can be explained by how the osmotically inactive Na+ and K+ storage pool is quantitatively accounted for. Our analysis also indicates that the osmotically inactive Na+ and K+ storage pool is dynamically regulated and that changes in the [Na+]pw can be predicted based on changes in the Nae, Ke, and TBW despite dynamic changes in the osmotically inactive Na+ and K+ storage pool.
Proactive modulation of long-interval intracortical inhibition during response inhibition
Authors: Cowie Matthew J. , MacDonald Hayley J. , Cirillo John , Byblow Winston D.
Published: June 2016

Daily activities often require sudden cancellation of preplanned movement, termed response inhibition. When only a subcomponent of a whole response must be suppressed (required here on Partial trials), the ensuing component is markedly delayed. The neural mechanisms underlying partial response inhibition remain unclear. We hypothesized that Partial trials would be associated with nonselective corticomotor suppression and that GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition within primary motor cortex might be responsible for the nonselective corticomotor suppression contributing to Partial trial response delays. Sixteen right-handed participants performed a bimanual anticipatory response inhibition task while single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered to elicit motor evoked potentials in the left first dorsal interosseous muscle. Lift times, amplitude of motor evoked potentials, and long-interval intracortical inhibition were examined across the different trial types (Go, Stop-Left, Stop-Right, Stop-Both). Go trials produced a tight distribution of lift times around the target, whereas those during Partial trials (Stop-Left and Stop-Right) were substantially delayed. The modulation of motor evoked potential amplitude during Stop-Right trials reflected anticipation, suppression, and subsequent reinitiation of movement. Importantly, suppression was present across all Stop trial types, indicative of a “default” nonselective inhibitory process. Compared with blocks containing only Go trials, inhibition increased when Stop trials were introduced but did not differ between trial types. The amount of inhibition was positively correlated with lift times during Stop-Right trials. Tonic levels of inhibition appear to be proactively modulated by task context and influence the speed at which unimanual responses occur after a nonselective “brake” is applied.
Paired associative transspinal and transcortical stimulation produces plasticity in human cortical and spinal neuronal circuits
Authors: Dixon Luke , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Santora Danielle , Knikou Maria
Published: June 2016

Anatomical, physiological, and functional connectivity exists between the neurons of the primary motor cortex (M1) and spinal cord. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) produces enduring changes in M1, based on the Hebbian principle of associative plasticity. The present study aimed to establish neurophysiological changes in human cortical and spinal neuronal circuits by pairing noninvasive transspinal stimulation with transcortical stimulation via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We delivered paired transspinal and transcortical stimulation for 40 min at precise interstimulus intervals, with TMS being delivered after (transspinal-transcortical PAS) or before (transcortical-transspinal PAS) transspinal stimulation. Transspinal-transcortical PAS markedly decreased intracortical inhibition, increased intracortical facilitation and M1 excitability with concomitant decreases of motor threshold, and reduced the soleus Hoffmann's reflex (H-reflex) low frequency-mediated homosynaptic depression. Transcortical-transspinal PAS did not affect intracortical circuits, decreased M1 excitability, and reduced the soleus H-reflex-paired stimulation pulses' mediated postactivation depression. Both protocols affected the excitation threshold of group Ia afferents and motor axons. These findings clearly indicate that the pairing of transspinal with transcortical stimulation produces cortical and spinal excitability changes based on the timing interval and functional network interactions between the two associated inputs. This new PAS paradigm may constitute a significant neuromodulation method with physiological impact, because it can be used to alter concomitantly excitability of intracortical circuits, corticospinal neurons, and spinal inhibition in humans.
Brain heating induced by near-infrared lasers during multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Podgorski Kaspar , Ranganathan Gayathri
Published: June 2016

Two-photon imaging and optogenetic stimulation rely on high illumination powers, particularly for state-of-the-art applications that target deeper structures, achieve faster measurements, or probe larger brain areas. However, little information is available on heating and resulting damage induced by high-power illumination in the brain. In the current study we used thermocouple probes and quantum dot nanothermometers to measure temperature changes induced by two-photon microscopy in the neocortex of awake and anaesthetized mice. We characterized heating as a function of wavelength, exposure time, and distance from the center of illumination. Although total power is highest near the surface of the brain, heating was most severe hundreds of micrometers below the focal plane, due to heat dissipation through the cranial window. Continuous illumination of a 1-mm2 area produced a peak temperature increase of ∼1.8°C/100 mW. Continuous illumination with powers above 250 mW induced lasting damage, detected with immunohistochemistry against Iba1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, heat shock proteins, and activated caspase-3. Higher powers were usable in experiments with limited duty ratios, suggesting an approach to mitigate damage in high-power microscopy experiments.
Two classes of excitatory synaptic responses in rat thalamic reticular neurons
Authors: Deleuze Charlotte , Huguenard John R.
Published: June 2016

The thalamic reticular nucleus (nRt), composed of GABAergic cells providing inhibition of relay neurons in the dorsal thalamus, receives excitation from the neocortex and thalamus. The two excitatory pathways promoting feedback or feedforward inhibition of thalamocortical neurons contribute to sensory processing and rhythm generation. While synaptic inhibition within the nRt has been carefully characterized, little is known regarding the biophysics of synaptic excitation. To characterize the functional properties of thalamocortical and corticothalamic connections to the nRt, we recorded minimal electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents from nRt cells in vitro. A hierarchical clustering algorithm distinguished two types of events. Type 1 events had larger amplitudes and faster kinetics, largely mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, whereas type 2 responses had more prominent N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor contribution. Type 1 responses showed subnormal axonal propagation and paired pulse depression, consistent with thalamocortical inputs. Furthermore, responses kinetically similar to type 1 events were evoked by glutamate-mediated activation of thalamic neurons. Type 2 responses, in contrast, likely arise from corticothalamic inputs, with larger NMDA conductance and weak Mg2+-dependent block, suggesting that NMDA receptors are critical for the cortical excitation of reticular neurons. The long-lasting action of NMDA receptors would promote reticular cell burst firing and produce powerful inhibitory output to relay neurons proposed to be important in triggering epilepsy. This work provides the first complete voltage-clamp analysis of the kinetics and voltage dependence of AMPA and NMDA responses of thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses in the nRt and will be critical in optimizing biologically realistic neural network models of thalamocortical circuits relevant to sensory processing and thalamocortical oscillations.
Sirtuins and Cancer: Role in the Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele , Cives Mauro , Della-Morte David , Capuani Barbara , Lauro Davide , Guadagni Fiorella , Silvestris Franco
Published: June 2016

The human sirtuins (SIRT1–SIRT7) enzymes are a highly conserved family of NAD+‐dependent histone deacetylases, which play a critical role in the regulation of a large number of metabolic pathways involved in stress response and aging. Cancer is an age‐associated disease, and sirtuins may have a considerable impact on a plethora of processes that regulate tumorigenesis. In particular, growing evidence suggests that sirtuins may modulate epithelial plasticity by inducing transcriptional reprogramming leading to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastases. Though commonly regarded as EMT inducers, sirtuins may also suppress this process, and their functional properties seem to largely depend on the cellular context, stage of cancer development, tissue of origin, and microenvironment architecture. Here, we review the role of sirtuins in cancer biology with particular emphasis on their role in EMT.
Identification ofbapA in Strains ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaIsolated from Wild Animals Kept in Captivity in Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Silva-Hidalgo Gabriela , López-Valenzuela Martin , Cárcamo-Aréchiga Nora , Cota-Guajardo Silvia , López-Salazar Mayra , Montiel-Vázquez Edith
Published: June 2016

bapA, previously namedstm2689, encodes the BapA protein, which, along with cellulose and fimbriae, constitutes biofilms. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that grow in a matrix of exopolysaccharides and may adhere to living tissues or inert surfaces. Biofilm formation is associated with the ability to persist in different environments, which contributes to the pathogenicity of several species. We analyzed the presence ofbapA in 83 strains belonging to 17 serovars ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericafrom wildlife in captivity at Culiacan’s Zoo and Mazatlán’s Aquarium. Each isolate amplified a product of 667 bp, which corresponds to the expected size of thebapA initiator, with no observed variation between different serovars analyzed.bapA gene was found to be highly conserved inSalmonellaand can be targeted for the genus-specific detection of this organism from different sources. SincebapA expression improves bacterial proliferation outside of the host and facilitates resistance to disinfectants and desiccation, the survival ofSalmonellain natural habitats may be favored. Thus, the risk of bacterial contamination from these animals is increased.
Focal Hyperhidrosis Associated with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Ismail Dina , Madhwapathi Vidya , Ladoyanni Evmorfia
Published: June 2016

Hyperhidrosis affects almost 3% of the population and is characterized by sweating that occurs in excess of that needed for normal thermoregulation. It can occur as a primary disease or secondary to underlying clinical conditions. Hyperhidrosis can stem from neurogenic sympathetic over activity involving normal eccrine glands. We report the interesting case of a 75-year-old male patient with a 6-month history of new onset secondary focal hyperhidrosis of buttocks, pelvis, and upper thighs. Each time his symptoms worsened he was found to have culture positive urine samples forEscherichia coli(E. coli). He underwent urological investigation and was found to have urethral strictures and cystitis. The hyperhidrosis improved each time his urinary tract infection (UTI) was treated with antibiotics and continued to remain stable with a course of prophylactic trimethoprim. We hypothesize that the patient’s urethral strictures led to inhibition in voiding which in turn increased the susceptibility to UTIs. Accumulation of urine and increased bladder pressure in turn raised sympathetic nerve discharge leading to excessive sweating. We recommend that a urine dip form part of the routine assessment of patients presenting with new onset focal hyperhidrosis of pelvis, buttocks, and upper thighs. Timely urological referral should be made for all male patients with recurrent UTI. To the authors’ knowledge, there have been no other reports of UTI-associated focal hyperhidrosis.
Identification ofRaoultella terrigenaas a Rare Causative Agent of Subungual Abscess Based on 16S rRNA and Housekeeping Gene Sequencing
Authors: Wang Yu , Jiang Xiawei , Xu Zemin , Ying Chaoqun , Yu Wei , Xiao Yonghong
Published: June 2016

A 63-year-old-man was admitted to our hospital with severe subungual abscess. Bacteria were isolated from pus samples, and an inconsistent identification was shown by VITEK 2 system and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry asRaoultella planticolaandRaoultella terrigena, respectively. Molecular identification by 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that the isolate isR. terrigena, and this was further demonstrated by sequencing three housekeeping genes (rpoB,gyrA, andparC) with phylogenetic analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of subungual abscess caused byR. terrigena, a rare case of human infection due to soil bacterium. Our study highlights the technique importance on this pathogen identification.
Histone Acetylation and Its Modifiers in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Li Chaoyuan , Sun Guangdong
Published: June 2016

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide despite advances in its prevention and management. A comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to DN is required to develop more effective therapeutic options. It is becoming more evident that histone acetylation (HAc), as one of the epigenetic mechanisms, is thought to be associated with the etiology of diabetic vascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), and DN. Histone acetylases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are the well-known regulators of reversible acetylation in the amino-terminal domains of histone and nonhistone proteins. In DN, however, the roles of histone acetylation (HAc) and these enzymes are still controversial. Some new evidence has revealed that HATs and HDACs inhibitors are renoprotective in cellular and animal models of DN, while, on the other hand, upregulation of HAc has been implicated in the pathogenesis of DN. In this review, we focus on the recent advances on the roles of HAc and their covalent enzymes in the development and progression of DN in certain cellular processes including fibrosis, inflammation, hypertrophy, and oxidative stress and discuss how targeting these enzymes and their inhibitors can ultimately lead to the therapeutic approaches for treating DN.
Insight into the Interaction between Plants and Associated FluorescentPseudomonasspp.
Authors: Jain Akansha , Das Sampa
Published: June 2016

FluorescentPseudomonasare known for their plant growth promoting and disease protection abilities. In past years, a number of studies have focused on how these bacteria suppress disease and induce resistance. They are known to produce antibiotics and siderophores, promote growth, and induce systemic resistance in the host plant. This bacterium has come out as a model organism for ecological studies going on in rhizosphere and for studying plant-beneficial microbe interaction. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on biocontrol potential of fluorescentPseudomonasstrains and the mechanisms adopted by them.
Advances in the Use of Stem Cells in Veterinary Medicine: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Authors: Markoski Melissa Medeiros
Published: June 2016

Today, several veterinary diseases may be treated with the administration of stem cells. This is possible because these cells present a high therapeutic potential and may be injected as autologous or allogenic, freshly isolated, or previously cultured. The literature supports that the process is safe and brings considerable benefits to animal health. Knowledge about how adult stem cells modulate the molecular signals to activate cell homing has also been increasingly determined, evidencing the mechanisms which enable cells to repair and regenerate injured tissues. Preclinical studies were designed for many animal models and they have contributed to the translation to the human clinic. This review shows the most commonly used stem cell types, with emphasis on mesenchymal stem cells and their mechanistic potential to repair, as well as the experimental protocols, studied diseases, and species with the highest amount of studies and applications. The relationship between stem cell protocols utilized on clinics, molecular mechanisms, and the physiological responses may offer subsidies to new studies and therefore improve the therapeutic outcome for both humans and animals.
Relationships between Wasting and Stunting and Their Concurrent Occurrence in Ghanaian Preschool Children
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Galaa Sylvester Zackaria
Published: June 2016

Objective. The main aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of concurrent wasting and stunting among Ghanaian preschool children. Secondly, we investigated the relationship between wasting and stunting as well as factors associated with these conditions.Methods. This paper is based on reanalysis of anthropometric and other relevant data which was collected in the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The data set consisted of 2,720 preschool children aged 0–59 months. We conducted three-step moderated hierarchical multiple regression analyses to determine independent predictors and moderators of height-for-ageZ-score.Results. Nationally, the prevalence of concurrent wasting and stunting among children aged 0–59 months was low at 1.4% but it varied geographically with the Upper East Region having the highest prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI: 1.7–5.8). Children who had low weight-for-heightZ-scores were at a higher risk of linear growth retardation (stunting) especially among children aged less than three years. A 1-unit increase in weight-for-heightZ-score (WHZ) was associated with 0.07 standard units’ increase in height-for-ageZ-score (HAZ) [β= 0.071 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.15)].Conclusions. The study results suggest that weight-for-height relates to linear growth but this relationship is moderated by age of child. Stunting and wasting share some common risk factors. Therefore, measures to prevent wasting may positively influence linear growth.
The Study on In-City Capacity Affected by Pedestrian Crossing
Authors: Zheng Chang-jiang , He Rui , Wan Xia , Wang Chen
Published: June 2016

Currently, the urban road traffic congestion is serious and the traffic accident is happening at a high frequency; thus it has not satisfied the travel needs of security and affects the quality of urban trips. In order to effectively relieve the confliction of people and motor vehicle, to make sure of the safety of pedestrians crossing the road, and to improve the capacity of urban roads, this passage focuses on studying the influence of pedestrians crossing the roads on the capacity of urban roads in three pedestrian crossing approaches including freely crossing the street, uncontrolled crossing of the pedestrian crosswalk, and controlled crossing of the pedestrian crosswalk. Firstly, it confirms the general formula of the road capacity when pedestrians are crossing the road based on three preassumptions, combined with the survey data, and then constructs the empirical mathematical model of pedestrian crossing on the capacity impact. Lastly, it takes the step of case calculation and simulation evaluation and calculates errors between them, finding that the error between the model calculation and software simulation is small. The efficiency of the model is validated and improved.
Assessment of Airway Bronchodilation by Spirometry Compared to Airway Obstruction in Young Children with Asthma
Authors: Vilozni Daphna , Hakim Fahed , Livnat Galit , Ofek Miryam , Bar-Yoseph Ronen , Bentur Lea
Published: June 2016

A reversibility test by an increase of greater than 12% in FEV1 can support a diagnosis of asthma and alter a patient’s treatment plan but may not be applicable to the young ages. We retrospectively gathered spirometric data from 85/271 asthmatic children having mild obstruction (FEV1 > 80% predicted), age 2.6–6.9 years. Spirometry was performed before and 20 min after inhalation of 200 mcg Albuterol. We defined a deviation below −1.64zscores from control as obstruction and an increased above 1.64 scores from control as a positive response to bronchodilators. Sensitivity of the index was considered significant if it captured >68% of the participants. The sensitivity of detecting airway obstruction in these children by FEV1 was 15.3% and 62.4% by FEF25–75. A positive response to Albuterol was an increase of 9.2% for FEV1 (12% for adults) and 18.5% for FEF25–75. The sensitivity for detecting a response to Albuterol in mild asthma was 64.7% by FEV1 and 91.8% by FEF25–75. Young children having normal spirometry can demonstrate airway reversibility. The response of spirometry parameters to bronchodilators may be more sensitive than obstruction detection and may help to support the diagnosis of asthma and adjust treatment plan.
Mining Software Repositories for Automatic Interface Recommendation
Authors: Sun Xiaobing , Li Bin , Duan Yucong , Shi Wei , Liu Xiangyue
Published: June 2016

There are a large number of open source projects in software repositories for developers to reuse. During software development and maintenance, developers can leverage good interfaces in these open source projects and establish the framework of the new project quickly when reusing interfaces in these open source projects. However, if developers want to reuse them, they need to read a lot of code files and learn which interfaces can be reused. To help developers better take advantage of the available interfaces used in software repositories, we previously proposed an approach to automatically recommend interfaces by mining existing open source projects in the software repositories. We mainly used the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model to construct the Feature-Interface Graph for each software project and recommended the interfaces based on the Feature-Interface Graph. In this paper, we improve our previous approach by clustering the recommending interfaces on the Feature-Interface Graph, which can recommend more accurate interfaces for developers to reuse. We evaluate the effectiveness of the improved approach and the results show that the improved approach can be more efficient to recommend more accurate interfaces for reuse over our previous work.
A Long-Acting BMP-2 Release System Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Nanoparticles Modified by Amphiphilic Phospholipid for Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Peng Xiaochun , Chen Yunsu , Li Yamin , Wang Yiming , Zhang Xianlong
Published: June 2016

We explored a novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) nanoparticle loaded with hydrophilic recombinant human BMP-2 with amphiphilic phospholipid (BPC-PHB NP) for a rapid-acting and long-acting delivery system of BMP-2 for osteogenic differentiation. The BPC-PHB NPs were prepared by a solvent evaporation method and showed a spherical particle with a mean particle size of 253.4 nm, mean zeta potential of −22.42 mV, and high entrapment efficiency of 77.18%, respectively. For BPC-PHB NPs, a short initial burst release of BMP-2 from NPs in 24 h was found and it has steadily risen to reach about 80% in 20 days forin vitrotest. BPC-PHB NPs significantly reduced the burst release of BMP-2, as compared to that of PHB NPs loading BMP-2 without PL (B-PHB NPs). BPC-PHB NPs maintained the content of BMP-2 for a long-term osteogenic differentiation. The OCT-1 cells with BPC-PHB NPs have high ALP activity in comparison with others. The gene markers for osteogenic differentiation were significantly upregulated for sample with BPC-PHB NPs, implying that BPC-PHB NPs can be used as a rapid-acting and long-acting BMP-2 delivery system for osteogenic differentiation.
Adaptive Shape Kernel-Based Mean Shift Tracker in Robot Vision System
Authors: Liu Chunmei , Wang Yirui , Gao Shangce
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes an adaptive shape kernel-based mean shift tracker using a single static camera for the robot vision system. The question that we address in this paper is how to construct such a kernel shape that is adaptive to the object shape. We perform nonlinear manifold learning technique to obtain the low-dimensional shape space which is trained by training data with the same view as the tracking video. The proposed kernel searches the shape in the low-dimensional shape space obtained by nonlinear manifold learning technique and constructs the adaptive kernel shape in the high-dimensional shape space. It can improve mean shift tracker performance to track object position and object contour and avoid the background clutter. In the experimental part, we take the walking human as example to validate that our method is accurate and robust to track human position and describe human contour.
Clinical, Radiographic and Microbiological Evaluation of High Level Laser Therapy, a New Photodynamic Therapy Protocol, in Peri-Implantitis Treatment; a Pilot Experience
Authors: Caccianiga Gianluigi , Rey Gerard , Baldoni Marco , Paiusco Alessio
Published: June 2016

Aim. Endosseous implants are widely used to replace missing teeth but mucositis and peri-implantitis are the most frequent long-term complications related with dental implants. Removing all bacterial deposits on contaminated implant surface is very difficult due to implant surface morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal potential of photodynamic therapy by using a new high level laser irradiation protocol associated with hydrogen peroxide in peri-implantitis.Materials and Methods. 10 patients affected by peri-implantitis were selected for this study. Medical history, photographic documentation, periodontal examination, and periapical radiographs were collected at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Microbiological analysis was performed with PCR Real Time. Each patient underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy and surgery combined with photodynamic therapy according to High Level Laser Therapy protocol.Results. All peri-implant pockets were treated successfully, without having any complication and not showing significant differences in results. All clinical parameters showed an improvement, with a decrease of Plaque Index (average decrease of 65%, range 23–86%), bleeding on probing (average decrease of 66%, range 26–80%), and probing depth (average decrease of 1,6 mm, range 0,46–2,6 mm). Periapical radiographs at 6 months after surgery showed a complete radiographic filling of peri-implant defect around implants treated. Results showed a decrease of total bacterial count and of all bacterial species, except forEikenella corrodens, 6 months after surgery.Conclusion. Photodynamic therapy using HLLT appears to be a good adjunct to surgical treatment of peri-implantitis.
Static Balance in Patients with Vestibular Impairments: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Talebi Hossein , Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Abtahi Seyed Hamid Reza , Fereshtenejad Niloofar
Published: June 2016

Aims. Vestibular system is indicated as one of the most important sensors responsible for static and dynamic postural control. In this study, we evaluated static balance in patients with unilateral vestibular impairments.Materials and Methods. We compared static balance control using Kistler force plate platform between 10 patients with unilateral vestibular impairments and 20 normal counterparts in the same sex ratio and age limits (50±7). We evaluated excursion and velocity of center of pressure (COP) and path length in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes with eyes open and with eyes closed.Results. There was no significant difference between COP excursions in ML and AP planes between both groups with eyes open and eyes closed (pvalue > 0.05). In contrast, the difference between velocity and path length of COP in the mentioned planes was significant between both groups with eyes open and eyes closed (pvalue < 0.05).Conclusions. The present study showed the static instability and balance of patients with vestibular impairments indicated by the abnormal characteristics of body balance.
Drug Target Identification and Prioritization for Treatment of Ovine Foot Rot: AnIn SilicoApproach
Authors: Acharya Abhishek , Garg Lalit C.
Published: June 2016

Ovine foot rot is an infection of the feet of sheep, mainly caused byDichelobacter nodosus. In its virulent form, it is highly contagious and debilitating, causing significant losses in the form of decline in wool growth and quality and poor fertility. Current methods of treatment are ineffective in complete eradication. Effective antibiotic treatment of foot rot is hence necessary to ensure better outcomes during control phases by reduction in culling count and the possibility of carriers of the infection. Using computational approaches, we have identified a set of 297 proteins that are essential to theD. nodosusand nonhomologous with sheep proteins. These proteins may be considered as potential vaccine candidates or drug targets for designing antibiotics against the bacterium. This core set of drug targets have been analyzed for pathway annotation to identify 67 proteins involved in unique bacterial pathways. Choke-point analysis on the drug targets identified 138 choke-point proteins, 29 involved in unique bacterial pathways. Subcellular localization was also predicted for each target to identify the ones that are membrane associated or secreted extracellularly. In addition, a total of 13 targets were identified that are common in at least 10 pathogenic bacterial species.
Image Reconstruction Using Analysis Model Prior
Authors: Han Yu , Du Huiqian , Lam Fan , Mei Wenbo , Fang Liping
Published: June 2016

The analysis model has been previously exploited as an alternative to the classical sparse synthesis model for designing image reconstruction methods. Applying a suitable analysis operator on the image of interest yields a cosparse outcome which enables us to reconstruct the image from undersampled data. In this work, we introduce additional prior in the analysis context and theoretically study the uniqueness issues in terms of analysis operators in general position and the specific 2D finite difference operator. We establish bounds on the minimum measurement numbers which are lower than those in cases without using analysis model prior. Based on the idea of iterative cosupport detection (ICD), we develop a novel image reconstruction model and an effective algorithm, achieving significantly better reconstruction performance. Simulation results on synthetic and practical magnetic resonance (MR) images are also shown to illustrate our theoretical claims.
Automatic Identification of Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Secondary Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Chang Won-Du , Cha Ho-Seung , Lee Chany , Kang Hoon-Chul , Im Chang-Hwan
Published: June 2016

Ictal epileptiform discharges (EDs) are characteristic signal patterns of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) or intracranial EEG (iEEG) recorded from patients with epilepsy, which assist with the diagnosis and characterization of various types of epilepsy. The EEG signal, however, is often recorded from patients with epilepsy for a long period of time, and thus detection and identification of EDs have been a burden on medical doctors. This paper proposes a new method for automatic identification of two types of EDs, repeated sharp-waves (sharps), and runs of sharp-and-slow-waves (SSWs), which helps to pinpoint epileptogenic foci in secondary generalized epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). In the experiments with iEEG data acquired from a patient with LGS, our proposed method detected EDs with an accuracy of 93.76% and classified three different signal patterns with a mean classification accuracy of 87.69%, which was significantly higher than that of a conventional wavelet-based method. Our study shows that it is possible to successfully detect and discriminate sharps and SSWs from background EEG activity using our proposed method.
KV1 and KV3 Potassium Channels Identified at Presynaptic Terminals of the Corticostriatal Synapses in Rat
Authors: Meneses David , Vega Ana V. , Torres-Cruz Francisco Miguel , Barral Jaime
Published: June 2016

In the last years it has been increasingly clear thatKV-channel activity modulates neurotransmitter release. The subcellular localization and composition of potassium channels are crucial to understanding its influence on neurotransmitter release. To investigate the role ofKVin corticostriatal synapses modulation, we combined extracellular recording of population-spike and pharmacological blockage with specific and nonspecific blockers to identify several families ofKVchannels. We induced paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and studied the changes in paired-pulse ratio (PPR) before and after the addition of specificKVblockers to determine whether particularKVsubtypes were located pre- or postsynaptically. Initially, the presence ofKVchannels was tested by exposing brain slices to tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine; in both cases we observed a decrease in PPR that was dose dependent. Further experiments with tityustoxin, margatoxin, hongotoxin, agitoxin, dendrotoxin, and BDS-I toxins all rendered a reduction in PPR. In contrast heteropodatoxin and phrixotoxin had no effect. Our results reveal that corticostriatal presynapticKVchannels have a complex stoichiometry, including heterologous combinationsKV1.1,KV1.2,KV1.3, andKV1.6 isoforms, as well asKV3.4, but notKV4 channels. The variety ofKVchannels offers a wide spectrum of possibilities to regulate neurotransmitter release, providing fine-tuning mechanisms to modulate synaptic strength.
CT Findings of Axillary Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis: A Case Detected by Breast Cancer Screening Examination
Authors: Shojaku Hiroko , Noguchi Kyo , Kamei Tetsuya , Tanada Yasuko , Yoshida Kouichi , Adachi Yasuko , Matsui Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

We report the first description of CT findings of axillary tuberculous lymphadenitis confirmed by the pathological specimen. The breast cancer screening examination is one of the prime methods of detection of axillary tuberculous lymphadenitis. The most common site of axillary tuberculous lymphadenitis is the deep axilla. Screening mammography often fails to cover the whole axilla. The presence on the contrast-enhanced CT of unilateral multiple circumscribed dense nodes, some of which have large and dotted calcifications, might suggest tuberculous lymphadenitis in axillary region.
Aspergillus fumigatusEndophthalmitis with Necrotizing Scleritis following Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Gruener Anna M. , Allen Felicity , Stanford Miles R. , Graham Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2016

We present a case ofAspergillus fumigatusendophthalmitis complicated by necrotizing scleritis in a 68-year-old man with diet-controlled diabetes, after retinal detachment repair. He was initially treated with systemic steroids for surgically induced necrotizing scleritis following routine pars plana vitrectomy. An additional diagnosis of endophthalmitis was made when the patient developed a hypopyon. Repeat vitreous culture isolatedAspergillus fumigatus. Symptoms improved following antifungal treatment leaving the patient with scleromalacia and an advanced postoperative cataract. Fungal scleritis and endophthalmitis are rare complications of intraocular surgery with sight-threatening consequences, and, as this case demonstrates, may even occur concomitantly. The overlapping features of both conditions can make differentiating one from the other difficult. A fungal aetiology should be considered in cases of postoperative scleritis and endophthalmitis that are protracted and refractory to standard therapy. Even in cases of early diagnosis and treatment, visual outcomes inAspergillusendophthalmitis and scleritis are variable and often disappointing, not infrequently necessitating enucleation of a painful blind eye.
Bias Explains Most of the Parent-of-Origin Effect on Breast Cancer Risk in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Vos Janet R. , Oosterwijk Jan C. , Aalfs Cora M. , Rookus Matti A. , Adank Muriel A. , van der Hout Annemarie H. , van Asperen Christi J. , Gómez Garcia Encarna B. , Mensenkamp Arjen R. , Jager Agnes , Ausems Margreet G.E.M. , Mourits Marian J. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: June 2016

Background:Paternal transmission of a BRCA mutation has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer in offspring more than when the mutation is maternally inherited. As this effect might be caused by referral bias, the aim of this study was to assess the parent-of-origin effect of the BRCA1/2 mutation on the breast cancer lifetime risk, when adjusted for referral bias.

Methods: A Dutch national cohort including 1,314 proven BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and covering 54,752 person years. Data were collected by family cancer clinics, via questionnaires and from the national Dutch Cancer Registry. The parent-of-origin effect was assessed using Cox regression analyses, both unadjusted and adjusted for referral bias. Referral bias was operationalized by number of relatives with cancer and by personal cancer history.

Results: The mutation was of paternal origin in 330 (42%, P < 0.001) BRCA1 and 222 (42%, P < 0.001) BRCA2 carriers. Paternal origin increased the risk of prevalent breast cancer for BRCA1 [HR, 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–2.00] and BRCA2 carriers (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.95–2.06). Adjusted for referral bias by several family history factors, these HRs ranged from 1.41 to 1.83 in BRCA1 carriers and 1.27 to 1.62 in BRCA2 carriers. Adjusted for referral bias by personal history, these HRs were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.25–1.71) and 1.14 (95% CI, 0.42–3.15), respectively.

Conclusion: A parent-of-origin effect is present after correction for referral bias by family history, but correction for the personal cancer history made the effect disappear.

Impact: There is no conclusive evidence regarding incorporating a BRCA1/2 parent-of-origin effect in breast cancer risk prediction models. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(8); 1251–8. ©2016 AACR.
Clinical Implications of the Pharmacokinetics of Crizotinib in Populations of Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Erjian , Nickens Dana J. , Bello Akintunde , Khosravan Reza , Amantea Michael , Wilner Keith D. , Parivar Kourosh , Tan Weiwei
Published: June 2016

Purpose: We assessed the effect of baseline patient demographic and disease characteristics on the crizotinib pharmacokinetic parameters oral clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (V2/F), and area under the curve at steady state (AUCss) following multiple crizotinib 250-mg twice-daily dosing in patients with ALK-positive cancer.

Experimental Design: A pharmacokinetic model was fit to data from 1,214 patients. We identified statistically significant covariates (P ≤ 0.001) by evaluating their effects on CL/F and V2/F and estimated their magnitudes.

Results: Age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, albumin levels, and smoking status had no effect on CL/F or V2/F. Statistically significant covariates were Asian race and female sex for CL/F and V2/F and body weight, creatinine clearance (CLcr), and total bilirubin for CL/F only. The model predicted that CL/F would be 9% lower or higher in a 40-kg or a 100-kg patient, respectively; 16% lower in patients with CLcr 30 mL/minute; 23% lower in Asians; and 11% lower in females than the reference patient (65-kg non-Asian male; baseline CLcr, 91.6 mL/minute; total bilirubin, 0.41 mg/dL). The effect of total bilirubin on CL/F was small. V2/F was 23% lower in Asians than non-Asians and females than males. Effects of all significant covariates on AUCss were not predicted to be clinically relevant.

Conclusions: Crizotinib at a 250-mg twice-daily starting dose appears to be appropriate for all patients irrespective of age, sex, race, body weight, mild or moderate renal impairment, or hepatic function (in the range evaluated: bilirubin ≤ 2.1 mg/dL or AST ≤124 U/L). Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5722–8. ©2016 AACR.
Novel Echocardiography Methods in the Functional Assessment of the Newborn Heart
Authors: Breatnach Colm R. , Levy Philip T. , James Adam T. , Franklin Orla , El-Khuffash Afif
Published: June 2016

Echocardiography in the neonatal intensive care unit has led to improvements in our ability to assess the neonatal heart in health and disease. Advances in neonatal cardiac imaging have provided the capability to obtain quantitative information that often supersedes the qualitative information provided by conventional methods. Novel quantitative measures of function include the assessment of the velocity of muscle tissue movement during systole and diastole using tissue Doppler velocity imaging, and evaluation of deformation and rotational characteristics of the myocardium utilizing speckle tracking echocardiography or tissue Doppler-derived strain imaging. A comprehensive understanding of these novel functional modalities, their predictive value, and limitations can greatly assist in managing both the normal and maladaptive responses in the newborn period. This article discusses the novel and emerging methods for assessment of left and right heart function in the neonatal population.
Erosive Tooth Wear and Related Risk Factors in 8- and 14-Year-Old Greek Children
Authors: Provatenou Efthymia , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G. , Kevrekidou Aikaterini , Kosma Ismini , Kotsanos Nikolaos
Published: June 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the erosive tooth wear of primary and permanent teeth and its association with related risk factors. Two groups of Greek children aged 8 (n = 329) and 14 years (n = 263) were examined in the classroom using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Data concerning risk factors were collected using questionnaires. Dental caries (DMFS/dmfs) was also recorded. The data were analyzed using the t test, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, Fisher's exact test, and the χ2 test. In the 8-year-olds, the primary teeth showed a predominantly medium level of wear and the permanent teeth no wear. A majority of the 14-year-olds exhibited low risk levels of wear. The most frequently affected dental surface in both age groups was the occlusal surface of the mandibular posterior teeth. In the 8-year-olds, BEWE scores and the prevalence of wear in the primary teeth was influenced by gender (p = 0.020). In their permanent teeth, soft drink consumption (p < 0.0001) and preference for lemon/vinegar (p = 0.041) significantly affected wear prevalence and BEWE scores, while habitually retaining soft drinks in the mouth influenced wear prevalence (p = 0.008), risk (p = 0.004), and BEWE scores (p = 0.022). In the 14-year-olds, wear prevalence was significantly affected by the consumption of lemon-flavored candies (p = 0.016) and soft drinks (p = 0.050). BEWE scores were significantly affected by gender (p = 0.022) and soft drink consumption (p = 0.030). Gender influenced tooth wear risk in both age groups (p = 0.010 and p = 0.021, respectively). The results of this study indicate that erosive tooth wear differed between primary and permanent teeth and was influenced by gender and dietary factors.
Poor Agreement between Predictive Equations of Energy Expenditure and Measured Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: de Góes Cassiana R. , Berbel-Bufarah Marina N. , Sanches Ana Claudia S. , Xavier Patrícia S. , Balbi André L. , Ponce Daniela
Published: June 2016

Background: There are multiple equations for predicting resting energy expenditure (REE), but how accurate they are in severe acute kidney injury (AKI) patients is not clear. Our aim was to determine if predictive equations for estimated REE accurately reflect the requirements of AKI patients. Methods: We included in this prospective and observational study AKI patients AKIN-3 assessed by indirect calorimetry (IC). Bland-Altman, intraclass correlation coefficient and precision (percentagem of predicted values within 10% of measured values) were performed to compare REE by equations with REE measured by IC. Results: IC was applied in 125 AKI patients. The mean age was 62.5 ± 16.6 and 65.6% were male. Mean REE measured was 2,029.11 ± 760.4 kcal/day. There were low precision, and poor agreement between measured and predicted REE by the Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin, Ireton-Jones, Penn state, American College of Chest Physicians, and Faisy equations. HB without using injury factor was the least precise (18% of precision). Modified Penn state equation had the best precision, although the precision rate was only 41%. For all equations, the limits of agreement range were large leading to the potential under or overfeeding of individual patients. Conclusion: None of these equations accurately estimated measured REE in severe AKI patients and most of them underestimated energy needs.