bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aldosterone and Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Colussi G. , Brosolo G. , Novello M. , Sechi L. A. , Catena C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractExperimental and clinical evidence obtained in the last 2 decades clearly
indicates that protracted exposure to inappropriately elevated aldosterone
levels causes significant changes in left ventricular structure and function.
Animal studies have demonstrated that aldosterone induces myocardial
inflammatory changes and fibrosis in the presence of a high salt diet. Moreover,
the effects of aldosterone on the heart have been investigated in different
clinical conditions. These conditions include systolic and diastolic heart
failure, essential hypertension, and primary aldosteronism that offers a unique
clinical model to study the cardiac effects of excess aldosterone because these
effects are isolated from those of the renin-angiotensin axis. A relatively
clear picture is emerging from these studies with regard to aldosterone-related
changes in left ventricular mass and geometry. Conversely, no direct effect of
aldosterone on left ventricular diastolic function can be demonstrated and
improvement of diastolic function obtained in some studies that have employed
mineralocorticoid receptor blockers could result from left ventricular mass
reduction. Animal experiments demonstrate that effects of aldosterone on the
left ventricle require high salt intake to occur, but the evidence of this
contribution of salt to aldosterone-induced cardiac changes in humans remains
weaker and needs further research. The article reviews the results of clinical
studies addressing the role of aldosterone in regulation of LV remodeling and
diastolic function, and focuses on the possible relevance of salt intake.
KCNJ5 Mutations: Sex, Salt and Selection
Authors: Lenders J. W. M. , Burrello J. , Beuschlein F. , Reincke M. , Williams T. A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSomatic mutations have been identified in the KCNJ5 gene (encoding the
potassium channel GIRK4) in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). Most of these
mutations are located in or near the selectivity filter of the GIRK4 channel
pore and several have been shown to lead to the constitutive overproduction of
aldosterone. KCNJ5 mutations in APA are more frequent in women; however,
this gender dimorphism is a reported phenomenon of Western but not East Asian
populations. In this review we discuss some of the issues that could potentially
underlie this observation.
Genomic analyses of thermotolerant microorganisms used for high-temperature fermentations
Authors: Matsushita Kazunobu , Azuma Yoshinao , Kosaka Tomoyuki , Yakushi Toshiharu , Hoshida Hisashi , Akada Rinji , Yamada Mamoru 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Environmental adaptation is considered as one of the most challenging subjects in biology to understand evolutionary or ecological diversification processes and in biotechnology to obtain useful microbial strains. Temperature is one of the important environmental stresses; however, microbial adaptation to higher temperatures has not been studied extensively. For industrial purposes, the use of thermally adapted strains is important, not only to reduce the cooling expenses of the fermentation system, but also to protect fermentation production from accidental failure of thermal management. Recent progress in next-generation sequencing provides a powerful tool to track the genomic changes of the adapted strains and allows us to compare genomic DNA sequences of conventional strains with those of their closely related thermotolerant strains. In this article, we have attempted to summarize our recent approaches to produce thermotolerant strains by thermal adaptation and comparative genomic analyses of Acetobacter pasteurianus for high-temperature acetic acid fermentations, and Zymomonas mobilis and Kluyveromyces marxianus for high-temperature ethanol fermentations. Genomic analysis of the adapted strains has found a large number of mutations and/or disruptions in highly diversified genes, which could be categorized into groups related to cell surface functions, ion or amino acid transporters, and some transcriptional factors. Furthermore, several phenotypic and genetic analyses revealed that the thermal adaptation could lead to decreased ROS generation in cells that produce higher ROS levels at higher temperatures. Thus, it is suggested that the thermally adapted cells could become robust and resistant to many stressors, and thus could be useful for high-temperature fermentations.
Physiological responses and scope for growth in a marine scavenging gastropod, Nassarius festivus (Powys, 1835), are affected by salinity and temperature but not by ocean acidification
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Shin Paul K. S. , Cheung Siu Gin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of studies revealing negative or positive effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms including corals, echinoderms, copepods, molluscs, and fish. However, scavenging gastropods have received little attention despite being major players in energy flow, removing carrion, and recycling materials in marine benthic communities. The present study investigated the physiological responses (ingestion, absorption rate and efficiency, respiration, and excretion) and scope for growth (SfG) of an intertidal scavenging gastropod, Nassarius festivus, to the combined effects of ocean acidification (pCO2 levels: 380, 950, and 1250 µatm), salinity (10 and 30 psu), and temperature (15 and 30°C) for 31 d. Low salinity (10 psu) reduced ingestion, absorption rate, respiration, excretion, and SfG of N. festivus throughout the exposure period. Low temperature (15°C) had a similar effect on these parameters, except for SfG at the end of the exposure period (31 d). However, elevated pCO2 levels had no effects in isolation on all physiological parameters and only weak interactions with temperature and/or salinity for excretion and SfG. In conclusion, elevated pCO2 will not affect the energy budget of adult N. festivus at the pCO2 level predicted to occur by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the year 2300.
Temozolomide treatment of pituitary carcinomas and atypical adenomas: systematic review of case reports
Authors: Ji Yan , Vogel Rachel Isaksson , Lou Emil 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background
Pituitary carcinomas (PC) and atypical pituitary adenomas (APA) are rare variants of pituitary tumors for which no evidence-based treatment currently exists. We sought to determine whether temozolomide represents an effective chemotherapeutic option for patients with PC and APA.

Methods
A systematic review was performed using all published cases of PC and APA treated with temozolomide, and for which information on treatment regimen, clinical response, and survival could be identified. The primary goal of this analysis was to describe overall survival and progression-free survival among PC and APA patients after temozolomide treatment. Secondary goals included assessment of response rate and biomarkers of response.

Results
We identified 57 cases and obtained follow-up data on 54 patients (31 APA and 23 PC) for analysis. Estimates of 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 21.9% and 57.4% for patients with APA and 36.1% and 56.2% for patients with PC. Among those who responded to temozolomide, overall survival was marginally statistically significantly greater for patients on long-term temozolomide therapy compared with those who were not (5-year overall survival 91.7% vs 54.1%, P = .08); Progression-free survival results were similar but not statistically significant. The objective response rate was 48.4% for patients with APA and 65.2% for patients with PC. Stable disease occurred in 29% of APA and 17.4% of PC patients. Neither histology nor expression of Ki-67 correlated with response; however, negative O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase staining was strongly related to response to temozolomide in patients with APA (P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Temozolomide is an effective treatment of both PC and APA, and long-term treatment can be considered for particularly aggressive cases.
Economic Impact of Meningococcal Outbreaks in Brazil and Colombia
Authors: Constenla D. , Carvalho A. , Alvis Guzmán N. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background.  The impact of meningitis outbreaks is substantial. We aim to calculate the costs of meningococcal outbreaks in Brazil and Colombia from the healthcare system perspective.
Methods.  A review of the literature was performed on costs associated with meningococcal outbreak in Latin America. Structured interviews capturing information about the use of resources, expenses allocated to treatment of infection, immunization campaigns, and response activities during the outbreak and disease surveillance pre- and postoutbreak were directed at local health authorities in Brazil and Colombia to foster a greater understanding of the economic impact of meningococcal outbreaks. All costs were expressed in 2014 US values.
Results.  The Vila Brandina outbreak in Brazil reported 3 cases that were associated with a total investigation and outbreak management cost of $34 425 ($11 475 per notified case), representing 2.7 more than the annual gross domestic product per capita in Brazil. In contrast, the outbreak in Cartagena de Indias in Colombia reported 6 cases at a cost of the disease response phase of $735 or 9.5% of the annual gross domestic product per capita ($123 per notified case). For the disease surveillance phase, the costs ranged from $3935 (in Cartagena de Indias) to $6667 (in Vila Brandina). Serogroups B and C were responsible for the majority of meningococcal outbreaks reported in Brazil and Colombia.
Conclusions.  Findings of this study underscore the importance of meningococcal disease in the region. Future research should focus on a more detailed investigation of costs of meningococcal outbreaks covering all phases of an outbreak.
Anemia, Blood Transfusion Requirements and Mortality Risk in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Adults Requiring Acute Medical Admission to Hospital in South Africa
Authors: Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Lawn Stephen D. , Schutz Charlotte , Burton Rosie , Boulle Andrew , Cobelens Frank J. , Meintjes Graeme 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background.  Morbidity and mortality remain high among hospitalized patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa despite widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy. Severe anemia is likely one important driver, and some evidence suggests that blood transfusions may accelerate HIV progression and paradoxically increase short-term mortality. We investigated the relationship between anemia, blood transfusions, and mortality in a South African district hospital.
Methods.  Unselected consecutive HIV-infected adults requiring acute medical admission to a Cape Town township district hospital were recruited. Admission hemoglobin concentrations were used to classify anemia severity according to World Health Organization/AIDS Clinical Trials Group criteria. Vital status was determined at 90 days, and Cox regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of mortality.
Results.  Of 585 HIV-infected patients enrolled, 578 (98.8%) were included in the analysis. Anemia was detected in 84.8% of patients and was severe (hemoglobin, 6.5–7.9 g/dL) or life-threatening (hemoglobin, &lt;6.5 g/dL) in 17.3% and 13.3%, respectively. Within 90 days of the date of admission, 13.5% (n = 78) patients received at least 1 blood transfusion with red cell concentrate and 77 (13.3%) patients died. In univariable analysis, baseline hemoglobin and receipt of blood transfusion were associated with increased mortality risk. However, in multivariable analysis, neither hemoglobin nor receipt of a blood transfusion were independently associated with greater mortality risk. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illnesses other than tuberculosis and impaired renal function independently predicted mortality.
Conclusions.  Newly admitted HIV-infected adults had a high prevalence of severe or life-threatening anemia and blood transfusions were frequently required. However, after adjustment for confounders, blood transfusions did not confer an increased mortality risk.
Suzaku observations of two diffuse hard X-ray source regions, G22.0+0.0 and G23.5+0.1
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo , Sumita Mayu , Bamba Aya 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
G22.0+0.0 and G23.5+0.1 are diffuse hard X-ray sources discovered in the ASCA Galactic Plane Survey. We present Suzaku results of spectral analysis for these sources. G22.0+0.0 is confirmed to be a largely extended emission. Its spectra were represented by a highly absorbed power-law model with a photon index of 1.7 ± 0.3 and a moderately absorbed thermal emission with a temperature of 0.34$^{+0.11}_{-0.08}\:$keV. The difference in the NH values between the two components suggests that the thermal component is unrelated to the power-law component and is a foreground emission located in the same line of sight. G23.5+0.1 is an extended source with a size of ∼3${^{\prime}_{.}}$5. Its spectra were fitted with an absorbed power-law model with a photon index of 2.4$^{+0.5}_{-0.4}$. The spatial and spectral properties show that both sources are candidates for old pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). In addition to the extended sources, we analyzed spectra of three point sources found in the observed fields. Based on the spectral features, we discuss the origin of the sources.
Attenuation of Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Electrical Synapses in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yu , Shen Feng-Yan , Jiang Lai , Zhao Xuan , Shen Xiao-Lu , Zhong Wei , Liu Sha , Wang Zhi-Ru , Wang Ying-Wei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAbstract
The electrical synapse protein connexin 36 is up-regulated in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury in rats, and gamma-frequency neuronal oscillations are enhanced as well. Mefloquine, an electrical synapse inhibitor, reduces allodynia in the same nerve injury model.

Background
Synaptic mechanisms and neuronal oscillations have been proposed to be responsible for neuropathic pain formation. Many studies have also highlighted the important role of electrical synapses in synaptic plasticity and in neuronal oscillations. Thus, electrical synapses may contribute to neuropathic pain generation. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the role of chemical synapses, while ignoring the role of electrical synapses, in neuropathic pain generation.

Methods
The authors adopted microinjection, RNA interference techniques, and behavioral tests to verify the link between connexin 36 (Cx36) and neuropathic pain. They also studied the selective Cx36 blocker mefloquine in rat chronic constriction injury and spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. Electrophysiologic recordings were used to further confirm the behavioral data.

Results
The authors found that Cx36, which constitutes the neuron–neuron electrical synapses, was up-regulated in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury (n = 5). Meanwhile, Cx36-mediated neuronal oscillations in the gamma frequency range (30 to 80 Hz) (n = 7 to 8) and the neuronal synaptic transmission (n = 13 to 19) were also enhanced. Neuropathic pain was relieved by disrupting Cx36 function or expression in the anterior cingulate cortex. They also found that mefloquine, which are clinically used for treating malaria, affected gamma oscillations and synaptic plasticity, leading to a sustained pain relief in chronic constriction injury and spared nerve injury models (n = 7 to 12).

Conclusion
The electrical synapses blocker mefloquine could affect gamma oscillations and synaptic plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex and relieve neuropathic pain. Cx36 may be a new therapeutic target for treating chronic pain.
Rod Migration Into the Spinal Canal After Posterior Instrumented Fusion Causing Late-Onset Neurological Symptoms
Authors: Canavese Federico , Dmitriev Petru , Deslandes Jacques , Samba Antoine , Dimeglio Alain , Mansour Mounira , Rousset Marie , Dubousset Jean 
Published: November 2015

Background:
Rod migration into the spinal canal after posterior instrumented fusion is a rare complication causing late-onset neurological symptoms. The purpose of the present study is to report a case of a 13-year-old boy with spastic cerebral palsy and related neuromuscular kyphoscoliosis who developed late-onset neurological deterioration secondary to progressive implant migration into the spinal canal over a 5-year period.

Methods:
A decision was made to remove both rods to achieve decompression. Intraoperative findings were consistent with information gained from preoperative imaging. The rods were found to have an intracanal trajectory at T9-T10 for the right rod and T12-L2 for the left rod.

Results:
The cause of implant migration, with progressive laminar erosion slow enough to generate a solid mass behind, was progressive kyphosis in a skeletally immature patient with neuromuscular compromise.

Conclusions:
Fixation type, early surgery, and spasticity management contributed significantly to the presenting condition. Mechanical factors and timing of surgery played a decisive role in this particular presentation.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV--Case report and review of the literature.
Can MRI Predict Flexibility in Scheuermann Kyphosis Patients?
Authors: Kaiser Radek , Behrbalk Eyal , Walsh Michael , Waldauf Petr , Perez Romera Ana B. , Mehdian Hossein 
Published: November 2015

Study Design:
Retrospective, blinded analysis of imaging studies.

Objective:
The aim of this study is compare the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to lateral radiograph using bolster in the evaluation of Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) curve flexibility measurement.

Summary and Background Data:
The flexibility of the thoracic curve [thoracic kyphosis (TK)] in SK is of primary importance in its preoperative planning. Several methods have been described for SK curve flexibility measurement. The most commonly used method is lateral hyperextension radiography on hard bolster [hyperextension radiograph (HE)]. No current methods use MRI for flexibility assessment.

Materials and Methods:
Flexibility of TK in SK patients was measured as a difference between standing radiograph and bolster-assisted lateral HE or supine MRI. The sagittal Cobb angle of the TK was measured between the superior endplate of T4 and the inferior endplate of T12 vertebral body. Flexibilities measured by these 2 methods were compared and analyzed using the generalized estimating equation analysis and the correlation analysis.

Results:
We assessed 18 SK patients (14 males and 4 females) with mean age of 20.06±6.03 years. The standing TK x-rays showed 83.8±6.1 degrees. On HE, TK curve reduced by 39.3 degrees (95% confidence interval, 35.8–42.9) to 44.5±6.2 degrees (P<0.001). Preoperative MRI images showed TK of 53.8±5.9 degrees which means reduction by 30 degrees (95% confidence interval, 26.6–33.4) from the standing radiographs (P<0.001). Linear dependency between HE and MRI flexibility with a mean difference of 9.3 degrees was found (R
2=0.61, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
Our study shows that preoperative MRI can be used for SK flexibility assessment with similar predictive value as routinely used bolster-assisted hyperextension lateral radiograph. Consequently, patient exposure to preoperative hyperextension ionizing radiation may be reduced.
Neuroforaminal Bone Growth Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With BMP
Authors: Ahn Junyoung , Jorgensen Anton Y. , Bohl Daniel D. , Tabaraee Ehsan , Rossi Vincent J. , Aboushaala Khaled , Singh Kern 
Published: November 2015

Study Design:
Computed tomographic analysis.

Objective:
To identify radiographic patterns of symptomatic neuroforaminal bone growth (NFB) in patients who have undergone a single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) augmented with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) utilizing computed tomography (CT).

Summary of Background Data:
BMP induces osteoblast differentiation leading to new bone formation. The association of BMP utilization and heterotopic bone formation after an MIS-TLIF has been described. However, studies have been limited in their patient population and details regarding diagnosis and treatment of NFB.

Materials and Methods:
Postoperative CT scans of the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were analyzed to identify patterns of heterotopic bone growth on axial and sagittal views. The area of bone growth at the disk level, lateral recess, adjacent foramen, and retrovertebral area were measured. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the areas of bone growth between cohorts.

Results:
Postoperative CT images between 18 symptomatic and 13 asymptomatic patients were compared. On axial views, the symptomatic patients demonstrated greater areas of bone growth at the disk level (164.0±92.4 vs. 77.0±104.9 mm2), and lateral recess (69.6±70.5 and 5.9±12.5 mm2) as well as in the total cross-sectional area (290.3±162.1 vs. 119.4±115.6 mm2). On sagittal imaging, the mean bone growth at the subarticular level (148.7±185.1 vs. 35.8±37.4 mm2) and the total cross-sectional area (298.4±324.4 vs. 85.8±76.3 mm2) were greater in symptomatic patients (P<0.01). Amount of BMP utilized and operative levels were no different between cohorts.

Conclusions:
The findings of the present study suggest that an anatomic association exists between recalcitrant postoperative radiculopathy and NFB following an MIS-TLIF with BMP. Increased total bone growth as measured on serial axial and sagittal sections was associated with postoperative radiculopathy. The association between radiculopathy and the extension of BMP-induced bone growth toward the traversing nerve root appeared the most significant.
Compressive Myelopathy in Congenital Kyphosis of the Upper Thoracic Spine
Authors: Zhang Zhengfeng , Wang Honggang , Zheng Wenjie 
Published: November 2015

Study Design:
A retrospective study.

Objective:
The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the uncommon presentation of neurological deficits in patients with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine (T1–T4).

Summary of Background Data:
Congenital kyphosis is an uncommon deformity but can potentially lead to spinal cord compression and paraplegia, particularly in type I (failure of formation) deformities. Few reports have described compressive myelopathy associated with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Methods:
Six patients with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine, including 2 adults and 4 pediatric patients, developed progressive or sudden onset of paraplegia. Angles of kyphosis ranged from 75 to 120 degrees. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated spinal cord thinning and compression at the kyphotic apex in all patients. All patients underwent decompressive and correctional surgery by single-stage posterior vertebral column resection or 2-stage anterior corpectomy fusion and posterior fixation. Neurological status was evaluated using the ASIA impairment classification and the motor score.

Results:
Postoperatively, all patients had 25%–80% correction of kyphosis. All patients improved neurologically between 0 and 2 ASIA scales after surgery. Among them, an adolescent patient presenting as acute ASIA A improved to ASIA E within 1 year after surgery. Another adolescent patient deteriorated from preoperative ASIA C to ASIA A in the immediate postoperative period but improved to ASIA D within 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions:
Congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine has a high incidence of compressive myelopathy. Duration from onset of paraplegia to surgical intervention and severity of preoperative paraplegia are 2 key factors in determining neurological prognosis after surgery.