bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing for Exogeneity in Cointegrated Panels
Authors: Trapani Lorenzo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper proposes a test for the null that, in a cointegrated panel, the long‐run correlation between the regressors and the error term is different from zero. As is well known, in such case the OLS estimator is T‐consistent, whereas it is ‐consistent when there is no endogeneity. Other estimators can be employed, such as the FM‐OLS, that are ‐consistent irrespective of whether exogeneity is present or not. Using the difference between the former and the latter estimator, we construct a test statistic which diverges at a rate under the null of endogeneity, whilst it is bounded under the alternative of exogeneity, and employ a randomization approach to carry out the test. Monte Carlo evidence shows that the test has the correct size and good power.
Predictors and Permanency of Cardiac Conduction Disorders and Necessity of Pacing after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: BOERLAGE‐VAN DIJK KIRSTEN , KOOIMAN KIRSTEN M. , YONG ZE YIE , WIEGERINCK ESTHER M.A. , DAMMAN PETER , BOUMA BERTO J. , TIJSSEN JAN G.P. , PIEK JAN J. , KNOPS REINOUD E. , BAAN JAN 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the Medtronic‐CoreValve bioprosthesis (CoreValve Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) is associated with a high incidence of new‐onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) and cardiac conduction disorders (CCDs) requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Our objective was to investigate the predictors and permanency of CCDs after TAVI and specifically to evaluate the necessity for pacing.MethodsIn this single‐center study, we included patients who underwent TAVI with the Medtronic‐CoreValve bioprosthesis. Electrocardiographic evaluation was performed pre‐ and post‐TAVI and at follow‐up. Pacemaker follow‐up data were obtained and analyzed.ResultsWe included 121 patients (age 81 ± 8 years). LBBB developed in 47 patients, for which prosthesis size (26 mm; odds ratio [OR]: 4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–12.34, P = 0.01) and prosthesis depth (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.09–1.57, P = 0.004) were independent predictors. In 19%, this new‐onset LBBB was temporary. Requirement for a PPM occurred in 23 patients, for which mitral annular calcification (MAC; OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.05–1.56, P = 0.02) and preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB; OR: 8.5, 95%CI: 1.61–44.91, P = 0.01) were independent predictors. At follow‐up, 52% of the patients were continuously paced, but 22% of the patients had adequate atrioventricular conduction without the necessity for pacing. In the other 26% of the patients there was intermittent pacing.ConclusionThere is a high incidence of new‐onset LBBB and PPM implantation following TAVI with a Medtronic‐CoreValve bioprosthesis. Prosthesis depth and size were predictors for new LBBB, while MAC and preexistent RBBB were predictors for PPM implantation. In approximately one fifth of the patients, new‐onset LBBB and the necessity for pacing are only temporary.
Clinical and pathological associations of the activating RAC1 P29S mutation in primary cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Mar Victoria J. , Wong Stephen Q. , Logan Aleksandra , Nguyen Trung , Cebon Jonathan , Kelly John W. , Wolfe Rory , Dobrovic Alexander , McLean Catriona , McArthur Grant A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryActivating mutations in the GTPase RAC1 are a recurrent event in cutaneous melanoma. We investigated the clinical and pathological associations of RAC1P29S in a cohort of 814 primary cutaneous melanomas with known BRAF and NRAS mutation status. The RAC1P29S mutation had a prevalence of 3.3% and was associated with increased thickness (OR=1.6 P = 0.001), increased mitotic rate (OR=1.3 P = 0.03), ulceration (OR=2.4 P = 0.04), nodular subtype (OR=3.4 P = 0.004), and nodal disease at diagnosis (OR=3.3 P = 0.006). BRAF mutant tumors were also associated with nodal metastases (OR=1.9 P = 0.004), despite being thinner at diagnosis than BRAF WT (median 1.2 mm versus 1.6 mm, P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis of 51 melanomas revealed that 47% were immunoreactive for RAC1. Melanomas were more likely to show RAC1 immunoreactivity if they were BRAF mutant (OR=5.2 P = 0.01). RAC1 may therefore be important in regulating the early migration of BRAF mutant tumors. RAC1 mutations are infrequent in primary melanomas but may accelerate disease progression.
The trauma of peer victimization: Psychophysiological and emotional characteristics of memory imagery in subjects with social anxiety disorder
Authors: Sansen Lisa M. , Iffland Benjamin , Neuner Frank 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe study investigated the role of an associative information network as a mechanism underlying the relation of peer victimization and social anxiety disorder (SAD). A sample of N = 80 was divided according to diagnosis (SAD vs. no diagnosis) and amount of peer victimization (low vs. high). Responses to memory of a personally experienced aversive social situation and to imagining a standardized negative social situation were assessed. In terms of skin conductance level, subjects with SAD and peer victimization were more reactive to the memory script than the other three groups while responses to the standardized script did not vary. As to heart rate, there were no differences between the groups. Emotional responses presented with an inconsistent pattern. The results provide a first indication that associative memory structures resulting from aversive social experiences might play a role in the development and maintenance of SAD, but further research is needed.
Role of interventional pulmonology in the management of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions and empyema
Authors: Breen David P. , Daneshvar Cyrus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPleural infection is a major problem that affects 80 000 cases per year in the UK and USA. It is increasing in incidence, and in an ageing population, it presents a complex challenge that requires a combination of medical therapies and may lead to the need for surgery. This article focuses on the role of the interventional pulmonologist in the diagnosis and management of pleural infection. In particular, we examine the role of pleural ultrasound in diagnostics, thoracocentesis and real‐time guided procedures, and the current management strategies, including the controversial role of medical thoracoscopy.
Rapid molecular screening for multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in a resource‐limited region of China
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liu Beizhong , Wang Yufeng , Pang Yu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the molecular characteristics of MDR and XDR strains circulating in Chongqing, China.MethodsThe drug target genes conferring for rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), ofloxacin (OFLX) and kanamycin (KAN) resistance were screened by DNA sequencing to determine the mutation frequencies in this area.ResultsDrug susceptibility of 208 MDR isolates revealed that 132 (63.46%) were resistant to streptomycin (SM), 96 (46.15%) to ethambutol (EMB), 51 (24.52%) to ofloxacin (OFLX), and 26 (12.50%) to kanamycin (KAN); six (2.88%) isolates had XDR profiles. In comparison with the drug susceptibility phenotype, the sensitivity of drug resistance by DNA sequencing was 91.83% for RIF, 87.50% for INH, 66.67% for EMB, 74.51% for OFLX and 53.85% for KAN resistance. 12.50% of EMB‐ and 1.27% of OFLX‐susceptible isolates were harboured genetic mutations in embB and gyrA, respectively.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the hot‐spot regions localised in rpoB, katG and inhA genes serve as excellent markers for the corresponding drug resistance, while EMB, OFLX or KAN drug‐resistant TB cases may not be identifiable by scanning embB, gyrA, rrs and eis promoter in Chongqing, indicating that further studies on the drug resistance mechanisms of EMB, OFLX and KAN are urgently needed to elucidate the low sensitivity between genomic substitutions and drug‐resistant phenotype.
Up‐regulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 expression and FGF‐WNT/β‐catenin signaling in laser‐induced wound healing
Authors: Zheng Zhenlong , Kang Hye‐Young , Lee Sunha , Kang Shin‐Wook , Goo Boncheol , Cho Sung Bin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 is secreted by both mesothelial and epithelial cells, and plays important roles in organ development and wound healing via WNT/β‐catenin signaling. The aim of this study was to evaluate FGF9 expression and FGF‐WNT/β‐catenin signaling during wound healing of the skin. We investigated FGF9 expression and FGF‐WNT/β‐catenin signaling after laser ablation of mouse skin and adult human skin, as well as in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) upon stimulation with recombinant human (rh) FGF9 and rh‐transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1. Our results showed that laser ablation of both mouse skin and human skin leads to marked overexpression of FGF9 and FGF9 mRNA. Control NHEKs constitutively expressed FGF9, WNT7b, WNT2, and β‐catenin, but did not show Snail or FGF receptor (FGFR) 2 expression. We also found that FGFR2 was significantly induced in NHEKs by rhFGF9 stimulation, and observed that FGFR2 expression was slightly up‐regulated on particular days during the wound healing process after ablative laser therapy. Both WNT7b and WNT2 showed up‐regulated protein expression during the laser‐induced wound healing process in mouse skin; moreover, we discerned that the stimulatory effect of rhFGF9 and rhTGF‐β1 activates WNT/β‐catenin signaling via WNT7b in cultured NHEKs. Our data indicated that rhFGF9 and/or rhTGF‐β1 up‐regulate FGFR2, WNT7b, and β‐catenin, but not FGF9 and Snail; pretreatment with rh dickkopf‐1 significantly inhibited the up‐regulation of FGFR2, WNT7b, and β‐catenin. Our results suggested that FGF9 and FGF‐WNT/β‐catenin signaling may play important roles in ablative laser‐induced wound healing processes.
Novel, full 3D scintillation dosimetry using a static plenoptic camera
Authors: Goulet Mathieu , Rilling Madison , Gingras Luc , Beddar Sam , Beaulieu Luc , Archambault Louis 
Published: July 2014

Purpose:Patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) of dynamic radiotherapy delivery would gain from being performed using a 3D dosimeter. However, 3D dosimeters, such as gels, have many disadvantages limiting to quality assurance, such as tedious read‐out procedures and poor reproducibility. The purpose of this work is to develop and validate a novel type of high resolution 3D dosimeter based on the real‐time light acquisition of a plastic scintillator volume using a plenoptic camera. This dosimeter would allow for the QA of dynamic radiation therapy techniques such as intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT).Methods:A Raytrix R5 plenoptic camera was used to image a 10 × 10 × 10 cm3 EJ‐260 plastic scintillator embedded inside an acrylic phantom at a rate of one acquisition per second. The scintillator volume was irradiated with both an IMRT and VMAT treatment plan on a Clinac iX linear accelerator. The 3D light distribution emitted by the scintillator volume was reconstructed at a 2 mm resolution in all dimensions by back‐projecting the light collected by each pixel of the light‐field camera using an iterative reconstruction algorithm. The latter was constrained by a beam's eye view projection of the incident dose acquired using the portal imager integrated with the linac and by physical consideration of the dose behavior as a function of depth in the phantom.Results:The absolute dose difference between the reconstructed 3D dose and the expected dose calculated using the treatment planning software Pinnacle3 was on average below 1.5% of the maximum dose for both integrated IMRT and VMAT deliveries, and below 3% for each individual IMRT incidences. Dose agreement between the reconstructed 3D dose and a radiochromic film acquisition in the same experimental phantom was on average within 2.1% and 1.2% of the maximum recorded dose for the IMRT and VMAT delivery, respectively.Conclusions:Using plenoptic camera technology, the authors were able to perform millimeter resolution, water‐equivalent dosimetry of an IMRT and VMAT plan over a whole 3D volume. Since no moving parts are required in the dosimeter, the incident dose distribution can be acquired as a function of time, thus enabling the validation of static and dynamic radiation delivery with photons, electrons, and heavier ions.
On the validity of density overrides for VMAT lung SBRT planning
Authors: Wiant David , Vanderstraeten Caroline , Maurer Jacqueline , Pursley Jan , Terrell Jonathon , Sintay Benjamin J. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose:Modeling dose to a moving target in lung is a very difficult task. Current approaches to planning lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) generally calculate dose on either free breathing or average computed tomography (CT) scans, which do not always accurately predict dose to parts of the target volume not occupied by tumor on the planning scan. In this work, the authors look at using density overrides of the target volumes to more accurately predict dose for lung SBRT using the analytic anisotropic algorithm (AAA).Methods:Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were created on free breathing scans (FBP), time average scans (AVGP), free breathing scans with the internal target volume overridden to tumor density (ITVP), free breathing scans with the planning target volume overridden to tumor density (PTVP), and free breathing scan using a hybrid scheme with the internal target volume set to tumor density and the planning target volume minus the internal target volume set to a density intermediate between lung and tumor (HP) for the case of a 4D motion phantom and five patient cases. Radiochromic film measurements were made for the phantom plans, with gamma analysis used to compare the planned to delivered dose. The patient plans were recalculated on each of the phases of a 4DCT to evaluate tumor coverage and conformity index (CI). A modified modulation complexity score (MCSv) and average open area per control point (AA) metrics were used to evaluate multileaf collimator (MLC) modulation for each of the plans.Results:The HP plans showed significantly higher gamma passing rates (p < 0.05) than the FBP, AVGP, and ITVP for criteria of 2 mm/2% and 1 mm/1%. No significant correlation was observed between gamma values and AA or MCSv. The tumor volume was covered by the prescription dose on all phases of the 4DCT for all patient plans. The PTVP and HP yielded lower mean CI than the other plans for all five patients, with three of the cases showing statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). No meaningful correlation was observed between the mean CI and AA or MCSv.Conclusions:These measurements suggest that the HP planning method may provide more accurate dose modeling and decreased normal lung irradiation for lung SBRT compared to the commonly used FBP and AVG planning methods when used with the AAA. The HP method does not appear to have a strong relationship with MLC modulation.
Topical Resiquimod Protects against Visceral Infection with Leishmania infantum chagasi in Mice
Authors: Craft Noah , Birnbaum Ron , Quanquin Natalie , Erfe Marie Crisel B. , Quant Cara , Haskell Jacquelyn , Bruhn Kevin W. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTNew prevention and treatment strategies are needed for visceral leishmaniasis, particularly ones that can be deployed simply and inexpensively in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Synthetic molecules that activate Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) pathways have previously been demonstrated to enhance protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis. We initially sought to determine whether the TLR7/8-activating molecule resiquimod might serve as an effective vaccine adjuvant targeting visceral leishmaniasis caused by infection withLeishmania infantum chagasi. Resiquimod was topically applied to the skin of mice either prior to or after systemic infection withL. infantum chagasi, and parasite burdens were assessed. Surprisingly, topical resiquimod application alone, in the absence of vaccination, conferred robust resistance to mice against future intravenous challenge with virulentL. infantum chagasi. This protection againstL. infantum chagasiinfection persisted as long as 8 weeks after the final topical resiquimod treatment. In addition, in mice with existing infections, therapeutic treatment with topical resiquimod led to significantly lower visceral parasite loads. Resiquimod increased trafficking of leukocytes, including B cells, CD4+and CD8+T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and granulocytes, in livers and spleens, which are the key target organs of visceralizing infection. We conclude that topical resiquimod leads to systemic immune modulation and confers durable protection against visceralizingL. infantum chagasiinfection, in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings. These studies support continued studies of TLR-modulating agents to determine mechanisms of protection and also provide a rationale for translational development of a critically needed, novel class of topical, preventative, and therapeutic agents for these lethal infections.
Glycosylated and Nonglycosylated Complement Control Protein of the Lister Strain of Vaccinia Virus
Authors: Meseda Clement A. , Kuhn Jordan , Atukorale Vajini , Campbell Joseph , Weir Jerry P. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP) is a secreted viral protein that binds the C3b and C4b complement components and inhibits the classic and alternative complement pathways. Previously, we reported that an attenuated smallpox vaccine, LC16m8, which was derived from the Lister strain of vaccinia virus (VV-Lister), expressed a glycosylated form of VCP, whereas published sequence data at that time indicated that the VV-Lister VCP has no motif for N-linked glycosylation. We were interested in determining whether the glycosylation of VCP impairs its biological activity, possibly contributing to the attenuation of LC16m8, and the likely origin of the glycosylated VCP. Expression analysis indicated that VV-Lister contains substrains expressing glycosylated VCP and substrains expressing nonglycosylated VCP. Other strains of smallpox vaccine, as well as laboratory strains of vaccinia virus, all expressed nonglycosylated VCP. Individual Lister virus clones expressing either the glycosylated VCP or the nonglycosylated species were isolated, and partially purified VCP from the isolates were found to be functional equivalents in binding human C3b and C4b complement proteins and inhibiting hemolysis and in immunogenicity. Recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing FLAG-tagged glycosylated VCP (FLAG-VCPg) and nonglycosylated VCP (FLAG-VCP) were constructed based on the Western Reserve strain. Purified FLAG-VCP and FLAG-VCPg bind human C3b and C4b and blocked complement-mediated hemolysis. Our data suggest that glycosylation did not affect the biological activity of VCP and thus may not have contributed to the attenuation of LC16m8. In addition, the LC16m8 virus likely originated from a substrain of VV-Lister that expresses glycosylated VCP.
The ID93 Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate Does Not Induce Sensitivity to Purified Protein Derivative
Authors: Baldwin Susan L. , Reese Valerie , Granger Brian , Orr Mark T. , Ireton Gregory C. , Coler Rhea N. , Reed Steven G. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe tuberculin skin test (TST) is a simple and inexpensive test to determine whether individuals have been exposed toMycobacterium tuberculosis. This test is not always reliable, however, in people previously immunized with BCG and/or who have been exposed to environmental mycobacterial species due to a reaction to purified protein derivative (PPD) used in the skin test. An issue with BCG, therefore, is that the resulting sensitization to PPD in some individuals compromises the diagnostic use of the skin test. The ability to induce protective immune responses without sensitizing to the tuberculin skin test will be important properties of next-generation tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates. We show here that guinea pigs immunized with the candidate TB vaccine ID93/GLA-SE, currently in clinical trials, do not react to intradermal PPD administration. In contrast, positive DTH responses to both ID93 and components thereof were induced in ID93/GLA-SE-immunized animals, indicating robust but specific cellular responses were present in the immunized animals. Noninterference with the TST is an important factor for consideration in the development of a vaccine againstM. tuberculosis.
Use of the BacT/Alert System for Rapid Detection of Microbial Contamination in a Pilot Study Using Pancreatic Islet Cell Products
Authors: Murray Laura , McGowan Neil , Fleming John , Bailey Laura 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
At the Islet Isolation Laboratory of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, manual sterility testing data show that contamination rates are 57.7% for pancreas transport fluid, 4.3% for postpurification islet samples, and 0% for pretransplant islet samples. This pilot study presents the BacT/Alert System as an alternative to manual testing to provide more rapid and sensitive sterility results for islet cell products.
Neonatal Infection with Neisseria meningitidis: Analysis of a 97-Year Period Plus Case Study
Authors: Kiray Baş Evrim , Bülbül Ali , Cömert Serdar , Uslu Sinan , Arslan Selda , Nuhoglu Asiye 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Neisseria meningitidis
is one of the major causes of meningitis in children and adolescents, but it is rarely found during the neonatal period. Here, we describe a neonate with meningococcal sepsis who was admitted to the hospital on postnatal day 10, and we discuss the clinical features of neonatal infection with
N. meningitidis
in relation to the literature (analysis of a 97-year period).
Sequential Asymptomatic Enterovirus Infections in a Patient with Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Primary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Driss Nadia , Mellouli Fethi , Ben Yahia Ahlem , Touzi Henda , Barbouche Mohamed-Ridha , Triki Henda , Bejaoui Mohamed 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
Patients with primary immunodeficiencies are usually susceptible to enterovirus infections and have higher risks to develop severe clinical forms. We report a unique description of a boy with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) deficiency infected by 9 different enterovirus serotypes during a 2-year period, with very mild clinical symptoms, probably due to the immunoglobulin therapy he was receiving.