bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Microwave Catheter Can Perform Noncontact Circumferential Endocardial Ablation in a Model of Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: QIAN PIERRE , BARRY MICHAEL ANTHONY , NGUYEN TRANG , ROSS DAVID , KOVOOR PRAMESH , MCEWAN ALISTAIR , THOMAS STUART , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA 
Published: April 2015

Noncontact Circumferential Microwave Catheter AblationIntroductionPulmonary vein isolation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation. Current endocardial ablation techniques require catheter contact for lesion formation. Inadequate or inconsistent catheter contact results in difficulty with achieving acute and long‐term isolation and consequent atrial arrhythmia recurrence. Microwave energy produces radiant heating and therefore can be used for noncontact catheter ablation. We hypothesized that it is possible to design a microwave catheter to produce a circumferential transmural thermal lesion in an in vitro model of a pulmonary vein antrum.Methods and ResultsA monopole microwave catheter with a sideways firing axially symmetrical heating pattern was designed. Noncontact ablations were performed in a perfused pulmonary vein model constructed from microwave myocardial phantom embedded with a sheet of thermochromic liquid crystal to permit visualization and measurement of thermal lesions from color changes. 1200 J ablations were performed at 150 W for 80 seconds and 120 W for 100 seconds at high (0.8 L/min) and low (0.06 L/min) flow through the modeled pulmonary vein. Myocardial tissue was substituted for the phantom material and ablations repeated at 150 W for 180 seconds and stained with nitro‐blue tetrazolium. The catheter was able to induce deep circumferential antral lesions in myocardial phantom and myocardial tissue. Higher power and shorter ablations delivering the same amount of microwave energy resulted in larger lesions with less surface sparing.ConclusionsA microwave catheter can be designed to produce a circumferential thermal lesion on noncontact ablation and may have possible applications for pulmonary vein isolation.
Research Review: Neuropsychological test performance in pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Abramovitch Amitai , Abramowitz Jonathan S. , Mittelman Andrew , Stark Abigail , Ramsey Kesley , Geller Daniel A. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundResearch into the neuropsychology of pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) reveals inconsistent results, limiting the ability to draw conclusions about possible neurocognitive deficits in youth with OCD. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of the available literature.MethodsWe identified 36 studies, of which 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Results were categorized into nine functional subdomains: planning, response inhibition/interference control, set shifting/cognitive flexibility, verbal memory, nonverbal memory, processing speed, working memory, visuospatial functions, and attention. For each domain, weighted pooled Hedges' g effect size was calculated using random model analyses.ResultsSmall effect sizes were found across all subdomains, none of which were found to be statistically significant.DiscussionResults indicate that youth with OCD do not exhibit noteworthy neuropsychological deficits. This is in line with recent suggestions that OCD may not be characterized by clinically meaningful neuropsychological impairments. However, the small number of available controlled studies highlights the urgent need for more neuropsychological research in this population, as well as for further exploration of the neurodevelopmental hypothesis in pediatric OCD. Finally, the relatively low persistence rates of OCD into adulthood should be taken under consideration, especially in the context of the putative neuropsychological performance differences between adult and pediatric OCD populations.
Comparison of once a day rifaximin to twice a day dosage in the prevention of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Khokhar Nasir , Qureshi Muhammad Omar , Ahmad Shafiq , Ahmad Aiza , Khan Hamza Hassan , Shafqat Farzana , Salih Muhammad 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRifaximin has been used for prevention of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in twice a day dosage. The drug is expensive and lower dising may be possible.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of rifaximin once a day dose in the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis as compared with twice daily dose of rifaximin.MethodsThis Randomized control trial was carried out at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from November 2012 to February 2014. Patients with known chronic liver disease with at least one episode of HE in the past were randomized to group A (rifaximin 550 mg OD) and group B (rifaximin 550 mg BD), after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Each patient was followed for 6 months for any episode of HE. Patients in each group were identified for any breakthrough episode of encephalopathy during this period. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi‐squared test and t‐test were applied where required to determine the significant difference between the two groups.ResultsThere were a total of 306 patients: 128 patients in Group A while 178 in group B. Majority of patients (75.81%) had hepatitis C virus with mean age of 52.30 ± 9.92, MELD score 13.58 ± 8.3, and 55.22% were in Child–Pugh B. Eighty‐one patients had an episode of HE during the study period. There were 27 patients in group A and 54 patients in group B with breakthrough episode of HE (P = 0.088).ConclusionThis study suggests that there is no significant difference in rifaximin once a day or twice daily dose in preventing HE.
Irritable bowel syndrome among Japanese adolescents: A nationally representative survey
Authors: Yamamoto Ryuichiro , Kaneita Yoshitaka , Osaki Yoneatsu , Kanda Hideyuki , Suzuki Kenji , Higuchi Susumu , Ikeda Maki , Kondo Shuji , Munezawa Takeshi , Ohida Takashi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNo nationally representative survey of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among adolescents has ever been performed in Japan. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the prevalence of IBS among Japanese adolescents and the factors associated with it.MethodsThe items related to the diagnostic criteria for IBS based on the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders were included in a cross‐sectional nationwide survey of “alcohol consumption and smoking habits among junior and senior high school students.” The participating schools were sampled from among all junior and senior high schools in Japan using the cluster‐sampling method, and self‐administered questionnaires were sent to the selected schools by mail. Among 99 416 questionnaires that were collected, data from 98 411 valid responses were analyzed.ResultsThe results showed that the prevalence of IBS was 18.6%. Although no sex difference was observed in the overall prevalence of IBS, the prevalence of diarrhea‐predominant IBS was higher among boys than among girls, and the prevalence of constipation‐predominant IBS was higher among girls than among boys. The prevalence of IBS increased with progression of the school grade, and there were the significant relationships between IBS and sleep‐phase delay and insomnia symptoms. IBS was also significantly associated with poor mental health status.ConclusionThese results indicate that IBS is common among junior and senior high school students, and associated with lifestyle and mental health.
Long noncoding ribonucleic acid specific for distant metastasis of gastric cancer is associated with TRIM16 expression and facilitates tumor cell invasion in vitro
Authors: Yan Yichao , Shen Zhanlong , Gao Zhidong , Cao Jian , Yang Yang , Wang Bo , Shen Chao , Mao Shuqiang , Jiang Kewei , Ye Yingjiang , Wang Shan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimIncreasing evidence has indicated that long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) play a major role in cancers. Although certain lncRNAs has been reported to play a role in gastric cancer (GC), specific lncRNAs involved in distant metastasis of GC remain unknown.MethodsDifferentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs between stage IV and non‐stage IV GC were obtained by microarray. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were used to study functions of differential mRNAs. Algorithms were used to predict potential gene targets of cis or trans‐acting lncRNAs. Network analysis was performed to analyze each pair of gene–lncRNA, gene–gene, or lncRNA–lncRNA interactions. Expression of lncRNA special for distant metastasis of GC (SDMGC) and target gene TRIM16 were tested in GC tissues and cell lines. RNAi and overexpression were used to observe the biological functions of SDMGC and TRIM16 on GC cells.Results502 mRNAs and 440 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. 74 gene ontology terms and 38 pathways were associated with the dysregulated transcripts. Fourteen core factors were determined by network analysis. Expression of SDMGC and TRIM16 was upregulated in the distant metastasis tissues, compared with primary GC tissues, which were positive correlation. Silencing of SDMGC or TRIM16 was demonstrated to decrease cell invasion and migration, while upregulated of SDMGC or TRIM16 could promote cell invasion and migration. However, little effect on proliferation, cell cycle, colony formation, and apoptosis was found.ConclusionsSDMGC is obviously upregulated in stage IV GC and may represent a new marker and therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 agonists ameliorate indomethacin‐induced murine ileitis by suppressing the TLR4 signaling
Authors: Narimatsu Kazuyuki , Higashiyama Masaaki , Kurihara Chie , Takajo Takeshi , Maruta Koji , Yasutake Yuichi , Sato Hirokazu , Okada Yoshikiyo , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Tomita Kengo , Nagao Shigeaki , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimFew drugs have been found satisfactory in the treatment of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)‐induced enteropathy. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and aberrant leukocyte migration to the intestinal mucosa are reported to be involved in the pathology of intestinal enteropathy and TLR2 agonists have been found to evoke hyposensitivity to TLR4 stimulation in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether and how lipoarabinomannan (LAM) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA), TLR2 agonists, attenuated indomethacin (IND)‐induced intestinal damage.MethodsLAM (0.5 mg/kg) or LTA (15 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to mice before IND (10 mg/kg) administration. Disease activity was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. In the migration analysis, fluorescence‐labeled leukocyte movement in the intestinal microvessels was observed by intravital microscopy. Expression of P‐selectin, MAdCAM‐1, TLR2, TLR4, and F4/80 was observed immunohistochemically. In the in vitro analysis, RAW264.7 macrophage cells were preincubated with LAM and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐12p40 were measured.ResultsPretreatment with LAM or LTA significantly decreased IND‐induced injury as well as decreased leukocyte infiltration. Pretreatment with LAM decreased IND‐induced TLR4 expression on F4/80+ macrophages, the level of P‐selectin expression, and leukocyte migration in the small intestinal vessels. In the in vitro study, a single administration of LAM decreased TLR4 mRNA expression and inhibited the increase in mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines by LPS in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionTLR2 agonists attenuated IND‐induced small intestinal lesions and leukocyte infiltration probably by suppressing the TLR4 signaling pathway in tissue macrophages.
Influence of gastrointestinal factors on glucose metabolism in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Junker Anders E , Gluud Lise L , Holst Jens J , Knop Filip K , Vilsbøll Tina 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe impaired glucose tolerance in cirrhosis is poorly understood. We evaluated the influence of gastrointestinal‐mediated glucose disposal and incretin effect in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsNon‐diabetic patients with Child–Pugh A or B cirrhosis (n = 10) and matched healthy controls (n = 10) underwent a 50‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion. We presented data as median ± interquartile range and compared groups using non‐parametric analysis of variance.ResultsPatients with cirrhosis were glucose intolerant compared with healthy controls (4‐h OGTTAUC: 609 ± 458 vs 180 ± 155 min × mmol/L; P = 0.005), insulin resistant (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance: 3.7 ± 4.9 vs 2.6 ± 1.4; P = 0.014) and had fasting hyperglucagonemia (8 ± 3 vs 3 ± 4 pmol/L; P = 0.027). Isoglycemia was achieved using 35 ± 12 g of intravenous glucose in patients with cirrhosis compared with 24 ± 10 g in healthy controls (P = 0.003). The gastrointestinal‐mediated glucose disposal was markedly lower in patients with cirrhosis (30 ± 23 vs 52 ± 20%; P = 0.003). Despite higher levels of the incretin hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide patients with cirrhosis had reduced incretin effect (35 ± 44 vs 55 ± 30%; P = 0.008).ConclusionImpaired gastrointestinal‐mediated glucose disposal and reduced incretin effect may contribute to the glucose intolerance seen in patients with cirrhosis.
Oil for Fish: An Energy Return on Investment Analysis of Selected European Union Fishing Fleets
Authors: Guillen Jordi , Cheilari Anna , Damalas Dimitrios , Barbas Thomas 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWorld food production has increased substantially in the past century, thanks mostly to the increase in the use of oil as input in the production processes. This growing use of fossil fuels has negative effects, both on the environment and the production costs. Fishing is a fuel consuming food production activity, and its energy efficiency performance has worsened over time. World‐wide fisheries are also suffering from overexploitation, which contributes to the poor efficiency performance, adding more pressure and criticism on this economic activity. In this paper we analyzed the energy efficiency performance of more than 20,000 European Union (EU) fishing vessels for the period 2002–2008, using the edible energy return on investment (EROI) indicator. The vessels analyzed, grouped in 49 different fleets, represented 25% of the vessels and 33% of the landings of the EU fishing sector. These EU fishing fleets’ average EROI for 2008 was 0.11, which translates to an energy content of the fuel burned that is 9 times greater than the edible energy content of the catch. Hence, the significance of this study arises from the use of time‐series data on a relevant part of the EU fleet that showed stable or even slight improvements on the EROI over time. Moreover, results showed that the energy efficiency of the different fleets varied significantly (from 0.02 to 1.12), mainly depending on the fishing gear and the vessel length. The performance of the most efficient fleets, such as large pelagic trawlers and seiners, was comparable to many agricultural production activities. The plausible drivers behind these trends are further considered.
Efficient use of a translation start codon in BDNF exon I
Authors: Koppel Indrek , Tuvikene Jürgen , Lekk Ingrid , Timmusk Tõnis 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene contains a number of 5′ exons alternatively spliced with a common 3′ exon. BDNF protein is synthesized from alternative transcripts as a prepro‐precursor encoded by the common 3′ exon IX, which has a translation start site 21 bp downstream of the splicing site. BDNF mRNAs containing exon I are an exception to this arrangement as the last three nucleotides of this exon constitute an in‐frame AUG. Here, we show that this AUG is efficiently used for translation initiation in PC12 cells and cultured cortical neurons. Use of exon I‐specific AUG produces higher levels of BDNF protein than use of the common translation start site, resulting from a higher translation rate. No differences in protein degradation, constitutive or regulated secretion were detected between BDNF isoforms with alternative 5′ termini. As the BDNF promoter preceding exon I is known to be highly regulated by neuronal activity, our results suggest that the function of this translation start site may be efficient stimulus‐dependent synthesis of BDNF protein.
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The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene contains multiple untranslated 5′ exons alternatively spliced to one common protein‐coding 3′ exon. However, exon I contains an in‐frame ATG in a favorable translation context. Here, we show that use of this ATG is associated with more efficient protein synthesis than the commonly used ATG in exon IX.
Does Going Public Affect Innovation?
Authors: BERNSTEIN SHAI 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the effects of going public on innovation by comparing the innovation activity of firms that go public with firms that withdraw their initial public offering (IPO) filing and remain private. NASDAQ fluctuations during the book‐building phase are used as an instrument for IPO completion. Using patent‐based metrics, I find that the quality of internal innovation declines following the IPO, and firms experience both an exodus of skilled inventors and a decline in the productivity of the remaining inventors. However, public firms attract new human capital and acquire external innovation. The analysis reveals that going public changes firms' strategies in pursuing innovation.
Downregulation of toll‐like receptor‐mediated signalling pathways in oral lichen planus
Authors: Sinon Suraya H. , Rich Alison M. , Parachuru Venkata P. B. , Firth Fiona A. , Milne Trudy , Seymour Gregory J. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) and TLR‐associated signalling pathway genes in oral lichen planus (OLP).MethodsInitially, immunohistochemistry was used to determine TLR expression in 12 formalin‐fixed archival OLP tissues with 12 non‐specifically inflamed oral tissues as controls. RNA was isolated from further fresh samples of OLP and non‐specifically inflamed oral tissue controls (n = 6 for both groups) and used in qRT2‐PCR focused arrays to determine the expression of TLRs and associated signalling pathway genes. Genes with a statistical significance of ±two‐fold regulation (FR) and a P‐value < 0.05 were considered as significantly regulated.ResultsSignificantly more TLR4+ cells were present in the inflammatory infiltrate in OLP compared with the control tissues (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the numbers of TLR2+ and TLR8+ cells between the groups. TLR3 was significantly downregulated in OLP (P < 0.01). TLR8 was upregulated in OLP, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. The TLR‐mediated signalling‐associated protein genes MyD88 and TIRAP were significantly downregulated (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), as were IRAK1 (P < 0.05), MAPK8 (P < 0.01), MAP3K1 (P < 0.05), MAP4K4 (P < 0.05), REL (P < 0.01) and RELA (P < 0.01). Stress proteins HMGB1 and the heat shock protein D1 were significantly downregulated in OLP (P < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings suggest a downregulation of TLR‐mediated signalling pathways in OLP lesions.
Bioelicitors Induce Association of Defence Enzymes with Cell Walls ofLycopersicum esculentum
Authors: Bhuvaneshwari Veluswamy , Goel Navodit , Paul Prabir Kumar 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCell walls of plants are complex structures impregnated with various proteins having wide array of functions. In this study, twenty‐eight proteins isolated from tomato cell walls were subjected toMALDI‐TOF MSfollowed by mass peak analysis usingORIGIN6 software. The mass peaks subjected toMASCOTand ProFound databases for peptide mass fingerprinting led to the identification of 9 protein domains. These proteins were further classified according to their functions. Fruit extracts ofA. indicacould elicit induction, localization and functioning of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and their isoenzymes in cell walls ofLycopersicum esculentum(tomato) againstPseudomonas syringaepv.tomato. The results revealed the possible involvement of cell wall‐bound proteins in defence of plants against the invading pathogens. A number of novel isoenzymes of bothPOXandPPOwere found to be located in the cell walls of the plants treated with neem extract. Neem extract can induce accumulation and binding of isoenzymes to cell walls. These isoenzymes could possibly protect host plants against the invading pathogens.
Effects of Preconditioning Through Mycorrhizal Inoculation on the Control of Melon Root Rot and Vine Decline Caused by Monosporascus cannonballus
Authors: Aleandri Maria Pia , Martignoni Diana , Reda Roberto , Chilosi Gabriele 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe use of inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in nursery represents a promising field in horticulture because of its known benefits in terms of plant growth and bioprotection. The present work was undertaken to determine the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis in a nursery medium on the containment of melon root rot and vine decline (MRRVD) caused by the soil‐borne pathogen Monosporascus cannonballus. The percentage of mycorrhization, biomass and yield following mycorrhizal inoculation were also evaluated. Biocontrol activity was assessed in greenhouse pot experiments upon artificial inoculation of M. cannonballus and in a two‐season field experiment under production conditions in an unheated greenhouse with a history of MRRVD. On the basis of the mycorrhization parameters, the interaction appeared to be established within 30 days after inoculation. The total shoot growth in the mycorrhized plants was significantly higher when compared to the control, while the root growth was unaffected. Upon artificial inoculation of M. cannonballus, mycorrhization provided complete protection against the pathogen. Greenhouse experiments under production conditions during spring cropping season showed that pretransplanting inoculation with R. irregularis significantly decreased the severity of the disease. Also, the average fruit weight of mycorrhized plants was significantly higher than the untreated control. Nevertheless, in summer crop, the bioprotection activity of AMF failed. Present results indicate that the use of AMF in a nursery setting can contribute to the prevention of the onset of this problematic soil‐borne disease within a sustainable and integrated soil‐borne disease management.