{"id": "PMC3309138", "abstract": "Small non-coding RNAs include siRNA, miRNA, piRNA and snoRNA. The involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of mammary gland tumorigenesis has been widely studied while the role for other small non-coding RNAs remains unclear. Here we summarize the involvement of miRNA in breast cancer onset and progression through regulating the cell cycle and cellular proliferation. The regulation of breast cancer stem cells and tumor regeneration by miRNA is reviewed. In addition, the emerging evidence demonstrating the involvement of piRNA and snoRNA in breast cancer is briefly described.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/9a/PMC3309138.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4086000", "abstract": "Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient management of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) requiring placement of a pigtail catheter. Methods: retrospective analysis of thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent in-vitro fertilization (2003-2009) and developed severe/critical OHSS requiring placement of a pigtail catheter. Patients who were managed on outpatient basis were monitored by frequent office visits, daily phone calls, and received IV normal saline for hydration when required. Results: In 3 patients (9.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/d5/FVVinObGyn-6-31-37.PMC4086000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4414990", "abstract": "Objective(s): Pentoxifylline is an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent and is used in vascular disorders. It has been shown that pentoxifylline inhibits proinflammatory cytokines production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of pentoxifylline on the treatment of autoimmune diabetes in mice. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by multiple low dose of streptozotocin (MLDS) injection (40 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) in male C57BL/6 mice. After induction of diabetes, mice were treated with pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg/day IP) for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and plasma levels of insulin were measured. Splenocytes were tested for proliferation by MTT test and cytokine production by ELISA. Results: Pentoxifylline treatment prevented hyperglycemia and increased plasma insulin levels in the diabetic mice. Aside from reducing lymphocyte proliferation, pentoxifylline significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory interleukin 17 (IL-17) as well as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), while increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as compared with those in MLDS group (diabetic control group). Conclusion: These findings indicate that pentoxifylline may have therapeutic effect against the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells during the development of MLDS-induced type 1 diabetes in mice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/24/IJBMS-18-247.PMC4414990.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5094872", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the presence of staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies and degree of IgE-mediated sensitization, as well as whether or not those are associated with the severity of asthma in adult patients.  Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with asthma under treatment at a tertiary care university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of asthma based on the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria: mild asthma (MA), comprising patients with mild intermittent or persistent asthma; and moderate or severe asthma (MSA). We determined the serum levels of staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies, comparing the results and performing a statistical analysis.  Results: The study included 142 patients: 72 in the MA group (median age = 46 years; 59 females) and 70 in the MSA group (median age = 56 years; 60 females). In the sample as a whole, 62 patients (43.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/55/1806-3713-jbpneu-42-05-00356.PMC5094872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3702150", "abstract": "Background: Since the family is a social system, the impairment in each of its component members may disrupt the entire family system. One of the stress sources for families is accidents leading to hospitalization particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). In many cases, the families’ needs in patient care are not met that cause dissatisfaction. Since the nurses spend a lot of time with patients and their families, they are in a good position to assess their needs and perform appropriate interventions. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions based on family needs on family satisfaction level of hospitalized patients in the neurosurgery ICU. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in the neurosurgery ICU of Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran in 2010. Sixty four families were selected by simple sampling method and were randomly placed in two groups (test and control) using envelopes. In the test group, some interventions were performed to meet their needs. In the control group, the routine actions were only carried out. The satisfaction questionnaire was completed by both groups two days after admission and again on the fourth day. Findings: Both of the intervention and control groups were compared in terms of the mean satisfaction scores before and after intervention. There was no significant difference in mean satisfaction scores between test and control groups before the intervention. The mean satisfaction score significantly increased after the intervention compared to the control group. Conclusions: Nursing interventions based on family needs of hospitalized patients in the ICU increase their satisfaction. Attention to family nursing should be planned especially in the ICUs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/af/IJNMR-17-296.PMC3702150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3679767", "abstract": "Excess weight has generally been associated with adverse health outcomes; however, the link between overweight and health outcomes may vary with socioeconomic, cultural, and epidemiological conditions. We examine associations of weight with indicators of biological risk in three nationally representative populations: the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, and the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study in Taiwan. Indicators of biological risk were compared for obese (defined using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference) and normal weight individuals aged 54+. Generally, obesity in England was associated with elevated risk for more markers examined; obese Americans also had elevated risks except that they did not have elevated blood pressure (BP). Including waist circumference in our consideration of BMI indicated different links between obesity and waist size across countries; we found higher physiological dysregulation among those with high waist but normal BMI compared to those with normal waist and normal BMI. Americans had the highest levels of biological risk in all weight/waist groups. Cross-country variation in biological risk associated with obesity may reflect differences in health behaviors, lifestyle, medication use, and culture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/57/PMC3679767.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4841868", "abstract": "Background: Role of information source, perceived benefits and risks, and destination image has significantly been examined in travel and tourism literature; however, in medical tourism it is yet to be examined thoroughly. The concept discussed in this article is drawn form well established models in tourism literature. Methods: The purpose of this research was to identify the source of information, travel benefits and perceived risks related to movement of international patients and develop a conceptual model based on well-established theory. Thorough database search (Science Direct, utmj.org, nih.gov, nchu.edu.tw, palgrave-journals, medretreat, Biomedcentral) was performed to fulfill the objectives of the study. Results: International patients always concern about benefits and risks related to travel. These benefits and risks form images of destination in the minds of international patients. Different sources of information make international patients acquaint about the associated benefits and risks, which later leads to development of intention to visit. This conceptual paper helps in establishing model for decision-making process of international patients in developing visit intention. Conclusion: Ample amount of literature is available detailing different factors involved in travel decision making of international patients; however literature explaining relationship between these factors is scarce.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/41/PMC4841868.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3135278", "abstract": "Molecular therapeutics for treating epidermal growth factor receptor-(EGFR-) expressing cancers are a specific method for treating cancers compared to general cell loss with standard cytotoxic therapeutics. However, the finding that resistance to such therapy is common in clinical trials now dampens the initial enthusiasm over this targeted treatment. Yet an improved molecular understanding of other receptor tyrosine kinases known to be active in cancer has revealed a rich network of cross-talk between receptor pathways with a key finding of common downstream signaling pathways. Such cross talk may represent a key mechanism for resistance to EGFR-directed therapy. Here we review the interplay between EGFR and Met and the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) tyrosine kinases, as well as their contribution to anti-EGFR therapeutic resistance in the context of squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, a tumor known to be primarily driven by EGFR-related oncogenic signals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/69/PMC3135278.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2656958", "abstract": "Fracture of the femoral neck continues to be a vexing clinical and therapeutic challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. The fracture has a propensity for non-union and avascular necrosis. It is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon to decide when to intervene in a case with non-union where the implant continues to be in place. We present a case with persistent clinical and radiological non-union signs where the fracture eventually united after 32 months. The case bolsters the view that a continued conservative regime might entail good results in such situations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/36/PMC2656958.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5002941", "abstract": "We report a case of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMMoL) in a 68-year-old man who developed osteomyelitis of the mandible. At the initial visit, he reported uncontrolled gingival bleeding, despite self-administered haemostasis. He complained of severe pain in the socket, despite potent opioid analgesia. After consultation with the internal medicine specialists, we undertook a surgical anti-inflammatory approach that included sequestrectomy with massive blood transfusion. His physical condition was ameliorated after the surgical procedure, and he was discharged from the hospital. However, 3 months later, he died because of cardiac arrest after haemorrhagic shock and cardiovascular failure because his CMMoL had developed to an acute blastic crisis. This experience demonstrates that the most important goal in such cases is to alleviate a patient's discomfort by applying minimally invasive actions to eliminate infection and improve the quality of life without causing deterioration in the CMMoL status.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/77/rjw149.PMC5002941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3580606", "abstract": "Bivalirudin has been proposed as the sole anticoagulant in patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass. Owing to the pharmacodynamic properties of bivalirudin, areas of blood stagnation should be carefully avoided in order to limit the risk of thrombosis. The ECMO circuit has no reservoir and is usually devoid of blood stagnation areas. Conversely, under some circumstances, intracardiac blood stagnation areas may exist. In this case, there is a potential risk for the spontaneous formation of an intracardiac thrombus. We suggest that, under bivalirudin anticoagulation, a minimal degree of intracardiac blood flow with left heart valve movement is allowed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/af/PMC3580606.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745564", "abstract": "A bioassay-guided fractionation of methanol extract of Aristolochia bracteolata whole plant was carried out in order to evaluate its antimicrobial activity and to identify the active compounds in this extract. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extract against gram-positive, gram-negative, and fungal strains were investigated by the agar disk diffusion method. Among the strains tested, Moraxella catarrhalis and sea urchin-derived Bacillus sp. showed the highest sensitivity towards the methanol extract and hence they are used as test organisms for the bioassay-guided fractionation. From this extract, aristolochic acid 1 (AA-1) has been isolated and has showed the greatest antibacterial activity against both standard strain and clinical isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis with equal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 25 and 50 μg/mL. Modification of the AA-1 to AA-1 methyl ester completely abolished the antibacterial activity of the compound and the piperonylic acid moiety of AA-1 which suggested that the coexistence of phenanthrene ring and free carboxylic acid is essential for AA-1 antibacterial activity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/33/PMC4745564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5216144", "abstract": "We herein report an unusual case of an infected descending aortic pseudoaneurysm with luminal pathognomonic oscillating vegetation with serological findings and clinical features mimicking anti-proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. The positive blood cultures and imaging findings, including a pseudoaneurysm and vegetations in the aorta, suggested the presence of an infected aortic aneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and endovascular aortic repair. A precise diagnosis is crucial in order to avoid inappropriate therapy such as immunosuppressive treatment, which could result in life-threatening consequences in a patient with an infected aortic aneurysm. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/d2/1349-7235-55-3465.PMC5216144.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881782", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to compare the correspondence between gap formation and apical microleakage in root canals filled with epoxy resin-based (AH Plus) combined or not with resinous primer or with a dimethacrylate-based root canal sealer (Epiphany).  Material and Methods Thirty-nine lower single-rooted human premolars were filled by the lateral condensation technique (LC) and immersed in a 50-wt", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/e7/jaos-20-03-0329.PMC3881782.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4573445", "abstract": "Permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus refers to diabetes that occurs before the age of 6 months and persists through life. It is a rare disorder affecting one in 0.2-0.5 million live births. Mutations in the gene KCNJ11, encoding the subunit Kir6.2, and ABCC8, encoding SUR1 of the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel, are the most common causes of permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus. Sulfonylureas close the KATP channel and increase insulin secretion. KCNJ11 and ABCC8 mutations have important therapeutic implications because sulfonylurea therapy can be effective in treating patients with mutations in the potassium channel subunits. The mutation type, the presence of neurological features, and the duration of diabetes are known to be the major factors affecting the treatment outcome after switching to sulfonylurea therapy. More than 30 mutations in the KCNJ11 gene have been identified. Here, we present our experience with a patient carrying a novel p.H186D heterozygous mutation in the KCNJ11 gene who was successfully treated with oral sulfonylurea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7f/b3/kjped-58-309.PMC4573445.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5423572", "abstract": "Living in biofilms is probably the most common condition for bacteria and fungi and biofilm-related infections account for the majority of bacterial infectious diseases worldwide. Among others biofilm-related infections, those associated with implanted biomaterials have an enormous and still largely underestimated impact in orthopaedics and trauma, cardio-surgery and several other surgical disciplines. Given the limited efficacy of existing antibiotics in the prevention and treatment of bacterial biofilms, new strategies are needed to protect implants and host tissues, overcoming the striking ability of the microorganisms to adhere on different surfaces and to immediately protect themselves by forming the biofilm matrix. Adhesion is a necessary first step in microbial colonization and pathogenesis and provides a potential target for new preventive and treatment approach. Among various polymers, tested as antibacterial coatings, hyaluronic acid and some of its composites do offer a well-established long-term safety profile and a proven ability to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Aim of the present review is to summarize the available evidence concerning the antiadhesion/antibiofilm activity of hyaluronic acid and some of its derivatives to reduce/prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in various experimental and clinical settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/f8/jbjiv02p0063.PMC5423572.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4749793", "abstract": " Background and Objective. Antimicrobial resistance is now a major challenge to clinicians for treating patients. Hence, this short term study was undertaken to detect the incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pandrug-resistant (PDR) bacterial isolates in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods. The clinical samples were cultured and bacterial strains were identified in the department of microbiology. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of different bacterial isolates was studied to detect MDR, XDR, and PDR bacteria. Results. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of 1060 bacterial strains was studied. 393 (37.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/60/PMC4749793.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3521802", "abstract": "OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymptomatic vertebral fractures on the quality of life in older women as part of the Sao Paulo Ageing     Health Study. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 180 women 65 years of age or older with or without vertebral fractures. The Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis was administered to all subjects. Anthropometric data were obtained by physical examination, and the body mass index was calculated. Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray scans were obtained to identify asymptomatic vertebral fractures using a semi-quantitative method. RESULTS: Women with asymptomatic vertebral fractures had lower total scores [61.4(15.3) vs. 67.1(14.2), p = 0.03] and worse physical function domain scores [69.5(20.1) vs. 77.3(17.1), p = 0.02] for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis compared with women without fractures. The total score of this questionnaire was also worse in women classified as obese than in women classified as overweight or normal. High physical activity was related to a better total score for this questionnaire (p = 0.01). Likewise, lower physical function scores were observed in women with higher body mass index values (p<0.05) and lower physical activity levels (p<0.05). Generalized linear models with gamma distributions and logarithmic link functions, adjusted for age, showed that lower total scores and physical function domain scores for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis were related to a high body mass index, lower physical activity, and the presence of vertebral fractures (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Vertebral fractures are associated with decreased quality of life mainly physical functioning in older community-dwelling women regardless of age, body mass index, and physical activity. Therefore, the results highlight the importance of preventing and controlling asymptomatic vertebral fractures to reduce their impact on quality of life among older women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/ac/cln-67-12-1401.PMC3521802.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4334055", "abstract": " Aims. Our aim is to compare the adequacy and diagnostic yield of samples obtained by the endometrial Explora Sampler I-MX120 with endometrial specimens obtained by conventional dilatation and curettage (D   C). Methods. A total of 1270 endometrial samples were received in the histopathology laboratories at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2007 and 2010. In the outpatient clinic, the Uterine Explora Model I was used to obtain 996 samples. The remaining 274 samples were obtained by conventional D   C. Sample adequacy and the clustering of inadequate specimens according to age groups by the two different techniques were compared and statistically analyzed. Results. Out of 1270 endometrial samples, 253 (19.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/fb/PMC4334055.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4369954", "abstract": " Aim. To investigate incidental adrenal enlargement clinical characteristics and functional status and analyze functional lesion risk factors. Materials and Methods. This retrospective study included 578 patients with adrenal imaging features showing enlargement. Incidental adrenal enlargement cases (78) were considered eligible. Demographics, functional diagnosis, adrenal imaging features, and concomitant diseases were analyzed. Results. The number of adrenal enlargements and proportion of incidental adrenal enlargement increased each year. Mean patient age was 50.32 years. Thirty-nine cases had unilateral enlargement on the left side and 3 on the right side; 36 had bilateral enlargement. Routine medical checkup was found to have the greatest chance (43.59", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/fa/PMC4369954.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3533150", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study is to propose an innovative method of knowledge transfer that aims to improve health literacy about pediatric infectious diseases prevention in families. Children have an appreciable role in this scheme. Methods This study is a before and after trial that has been conducted in Hamedan in 2009. After changing seven infectious disease topics into childish poems, we selected five kindergartens randomly and taught these poetries to the children. Teaching process held after a pretest containing 24 questions that examined 103 of parents about mentioned topics. The same post-test was given after 4 months of teaching process. Findings The mean of correct answers to the pretest was 59.22", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/05/IJPD-22-493.PMC3533150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5040566", "abstract": "Introduction: Septic arthritis of the shoulder is uncommon in adults. It is a surgical emergency as joint destruction occurs rapidly and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate diagnosis can be particularly challenging in patients with underlying liver disease. MRI is a useful adjunct in early detection of atypical causes of shoulder pain. Case report: A 43 years old male came to our outpatient department with complaints of pain and stiffness of his left shoulder. On examination, his shoulder movements were severely restricted. Further evaluation with MRI revealed septic arthritis of left gleno-humeral joint for which emergency arthroscopic debridement was done. Conclusion: Septic arthritis of shoulder may not present with classical clinical features. Hence, a through clinical and radiological evaluation will help us prognosticate and treat accordingly thereby preventing complications like septic shock, osteomyelitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/39/JOCR-6-31.PMC5040566.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2809321", "abstract": "Biliary complications continue to be a major cause of morbidity after split-liver transplantation (SLT). In this report we describe an uncommon late biliary complication. One year after SLT the patient showed an intrahepatic bile dicy dilatation with severe cholangitis episodes. The segmentary bile duct of hepatic segment VI-VII draining in the left duct was unidentified and tied at the time of the in situ split-liver procedure. We perform a permanent obliteration of the dilated intrahepatic ducts by a percutaneous embolization using an n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NABC). The management of biliary complications after SLT requires a multidisciplinary approach. The use of NBCA in obliteration of a dilated bile duct seems to be a safe procedure with good results providing a less invasive option than hepatic resection and decreasing the morbidity associated with chronic external biliary drainage. Further studies are needed to determine whether this approach is effective and safe and whether it could reduce hospital stay and cost.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/2c/PMC2809321.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3356024", "abstract": "Ribonucleotide reductase (RR), the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA, has been studied as a target for inhibition in the treatment of cancer for many years. While some researchers have focused on RR inhibitors as chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in hematologic malignancies, some of the most promising data has been generated in the field of radiosensitization. Early pre-clinical studies demonstrated that the addition of the first of these drugs, hydroxyurea, to ionizing radiation (IR) produced a synergistic effect in vitro, leading to a large number of clinical studies in the 1970–1980s. These studies, mainly in cervical cancer, initially produced a great deal of interest, leading to the incorporation of hydroxyurea in the treatment protocols of many institutions. However, over time, the conclusions from these studies have been called into question and hydroxyurea has been replaced in the standard of care of cervical cancer. Over the last 10 years, a number of well-done pre-clinical studies have greatly advanced our understanding of RR as a target. Those advances include the elucidation of the role of p53R2 and our understanding of the temporal relationship between the delivery of IR and the response of RR. At the same time, new inhibitors with increased potency and improved binding characteristics have been discovered, and pre-clinical and early clinical data look promising. Here we present a comprehensive review of the pre-clinical and clinical data in the field to date and provide some discussion of future areas of research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/76/fonc-01-00056.PMC3356024.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4941920", "abstract": "Investigation of the bone and the bone marrow is critical in many research fields including basic bone biology, immunology, hematology, cancer metastasis, biomechanics, and stem cell biology. Despite the importance of the bone in healthy and pathologic states, however, it is a largely under-researched organ due to lack of specialized knowledge of bone dissection and bone marrow isolation. Mice are a common model organism to study effects on bone and bone marrow, necessitating a standardized and efficient method for long bone dissection and bone marrow isolation for processing of large experimental cohorts. We describe a straightforward dissection procedure for the removal of the femur and tibia that is suitable for downstream applications, including but not limited to histomorphologic analysis and strength testing. In addition, we outline a rapid procedure for isolation of bone marrow from the long bones via centrifugation with limited handling time, ideal for cell sorting, primary cell culture, or DNA, RNA, and protein extraction. The protocol is streamlined for rapid processing of samples to limit experimental error, and is standardized to minimize user-to-user variability. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/65/jove-110-53936.PMC4941920.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3420518", "abstract": "Although the ketogenic diet (KD) has been widely accepted as a legitimate and successful therapy for epilepsy and other neurological disorders, its mechanism of action remains an enigma. The use of the KD causes major metabolic changes. The most significant of them seems to be the situation of chronic ketosis, but there are others as well, for instance, high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These “primary” influences lead to “secondary”, in part adaptive, effects, for instance changes in mitochondrial density and gene expression. Clinically, the influences of the diet are considered as anticonvulsive and neuroprotective, although neuroprotection can also lead to prevention of seizures. Potential clinical implications of these mechanisms are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/69/PMC3420518.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3714553", "abstract": "This paper is based on linked qualitative studies of the donation of human embryos to stem cell research carried out in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China. All three studies used semi-structured interview protocols to allow an in-depth examination of donors’ and non-donors’ rationales for their donation decisions, with the aim of gaining information on contextual and other factors that play a role in donor decisions and identifying how these relate to factors that are more usually included in evaluations made by theoretical ethics. Our findings have implications for one factor that has previously been suggested as being of ethical concern: the role of gratitude. Our empirical work shows no evidence that interpersonal gratitude is an important factor, but it does support the existence of a solidarity-based desire to “give something back” to medical research. Thus, we use empirical data to expand and refine the conceptual basis of bioethically theorizing the IVF–stem cell interface.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/5d/PMC3714553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3263624", "abstract": "Current neuronavigation systems cannot adapt to changing intraoperative conditions over time. To overcome this limitation, we present an experimental end-to-end system capable of updating 3D preoperative images in the presence of brain shift and successive resections. The heart of our system is a nonrigid registration technique using a biomechanical model, driven by the deformations of key surfaces tracked in successive intraoperative images. The biomechanical model is deformed using FEM or XFEM, depending on the type of deformation under consideration, namely, brain shift or resection. We describe the operation of our system on two patient cases, each comprising five intraoperative MR images, and we demonstrate that our approach significantly improves the alignment of nonrigidly registered images.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/19/PMC3263624.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4189468", "abstract": "Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), has been acknowledged as essential very long-chain fatty acids contributing to either achieving optimal health or protection against diseases, and even longevity. Recent high impact studies dealing with EPA and DHA have sparked a renewed interest in using n-3 PUFAs for cancer prevention and cancer treatment, for which n-3 PUFAs may exert their anticancer actions by influencing multiple targets implicated in various stages of cancer development, including cell proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis against various cancers. However, gastrointestinal cancers develop implicated with the close connection between inflammation and cancer and n-3 PUFAs especially imposed excellent actions of antiinflammation and antioxidation as well as their restorative actions. In detail, these beneficial lipids can restore or modify inflammation-associated lipid distorsion and alteration of lipid rafts. Although the chemopreventive effect of n-3 PUFAs has been studied in various experimental models, our understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms of n-3 PUFAs against GI cancer is still limited. In this review article, we described the in-detailed perspective and underlying mechanism of n-3 PUFAs application for GI cancers and added in vivo efficacy of n-3 PUFAs with Fat-1 transgenic mice experience. We suggest that future work should consider the n-6/n-3 FA ratio, combination treatment of other nutritions and alteration of lipid rafts to be a key element in experimental design and analysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/6b/jcp-18-201.PMC4189468.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5411178", "abstract": "Abstract Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infectious diseases diagnosed in the community and in the hospital setting. Their treatment is complicated by drug-resistant pathogens and the colonization by microbes of indwelling urinary catheters. This study assessed the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) uropathogens isolated for 5 consecutive years at University Hospital Waterford between 2010 and 2014. We created 4 clinically relevant subdivisions, based on urine source: hospital inpatients, patients from the Emergency Department, patients referred from their General Practitioner, and Nursing Home patients. We performed a retrospective review from the hospital's electronic microbiological system and calculated resistance rates for each of the standard antimicrobial agents. During the 5-year study period, we studied 151 urine isolates obtained from 128 patients who had an MRSA cultured in their urine sample. There was 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/41/medi-96-e4635.PMC5411178.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3220812", "abstract": "Introduction Acquired angioedema (AAE), an acquired deficiency of C1esterase inhibitor, is a medically treatable condition which can cause severe abdominal pain mimicking an acute surgical abdomen. This disorder is strongly associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other indolent lymphoplasmacytic disorders. Discussion We describe a patient with known CLL who developed incapacitating, recurrent severe abdominal pains, culminating in partial bowel resection. Signs, symptoms, laboratory and pathologic findings demonstrated AAE. Conclusion Wider appreciation of the possibility of AAE, particularly in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, could lead to preventive therapy and spare unnecessary surgery. This is more important now that more effective medical therapies are available.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/5d/11605_2011_Article_1718.PMC3220812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4971116", "abstract": "A 68-year-old woman who suffered from polycythemia vera presented at our clinic with the chief complaints of pain, swelling, and a warm sensation in her left thigh. She had undergone a left bipolar hemiarthroplasty following a hip fracture 24 days prior to this presentation. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were elevated. In addition, a postoperative infection was suspected in the 3-phase bone scan; therefore, she received intravenous antibiotic therapy. This approach proved to be ineffective and she was subsequently diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis via color Doppler ultrasonography. It is interesting to note that a deep vein thrombosis can present with symptoms similar to those of a postoperative infection. Furthermore, an elevated CRP level is frequently observed in patients suffering from polycythemia vera. Therefore, the two conditions, which require completely different treatments, can be confused. We report on this case with a review of the relevant literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/f2/hp-26-124.PMC4971116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4130329", "abstract": "Brachial plexus surgery using the da Vinci surgical robot is a new procedure. Although the supraclavicular approach is a well known described and used procedure for robotic surgery, axillary approach was unknown for brachial plexus surgery. A cadaveric study was planned to evaluate the robotic axillary approach for brachial plexus surgery. Our results showed that robotic surgery is a very useful method and should be used routinely for brachial plexus surgery and particularly for thoracic outlet syndrome. However, we emphasize that new instruments should be designed and further studies are needed to evaluate in vivo results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ec/07/PMC4130329.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3748574", "abstract": "Background: Spirituality is recognized as a personally important matter to the elderly, and there are evidences of its impact on their health. The aim of this study was to explore the concept of spirituality from the perspectives of Iranian healthy elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: A conventional qualitative content analysis of carried out with 21 healthy elderly people from both male and female genders were chosen using a purposive sampling method in Tehran in 2010-2011. Data collection was done through semi structured interviews. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the participants’ experiences and perceptions on spirituality, using a central question ‘what characterizes the spirituality in the Iranian healthy elderly people?’ Results: The following categories emerged from the data analysis: (1) Spiritual health, with four sub categories including saying prayer as a calming factor; beneficence as a way to God; loss of psychological and spiritual support; faith as a way to happiness; (2) spiritual beliefs, with three sub categories including seeking help from God in difficulties; God's power over life and death; doing good deeds is the God's will; and (3) religious practice with three sub categories including saying prayer; reading Quran; and going to mosque, religious ceremonies and pilgrimage. Conclusions: In this study was found that spirituality was a fundamental element in elderly individuals’ lives that help them to adapt with daily living conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/c1/IJNMR-18-163.PMC3748574.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4676670", "abstract": "Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is very rare disorder that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract in the absence of any definite causes of eosinophilia. It is associated with various clinical gastrointestinal manifestations, and depends on the involved layer and site. We report a case of eosinophilic gastritis presenting with severe necrosis. The symptoms disappeared immediately after beginning steroid treatment, and the eosinophil count decreased to the reference range. The patient showed eosinophilic gastritis characterized by necrotic change such as necrotizing gastritis. It is a unique presentation of eosinophilic gastritis. To the best of our knowledge, no case of eosinophilic gastritis characterized by necrotic change such as necrotizing gastritis has been previously reported in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/a8/ce-48-6-558.PMC4676670.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4445174", "abstract": "Gossypiboma is a term used to describe a foreign mass within the body that is composed of a cotton matrix. Gossypiboma can cause infection or abscess formation from an early stage, or it can remain clinically silent for many years. Gossypiboma can be diagnosed using several methods including abdominal X-ray films, US of the abdomen, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, and during surgery. However, the variable appearance of gossypiboma can lead to diagnostic misinterpretations. Here, we report a successful diagnosis of gossypiboma using a novel method, that is, endoscopic ultrasound-fine-needle aspiration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/2f/EUS-4-149.PMC4445174.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124455", "abstract": "Purpose To demonstrate the usefulness of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in investigating choroidal lesions inaccessible to ultrasound sonography. Methods In a 60-year-old woman with an asymptomatic choroidal nevus, normal OCT was used to observe the macula and EDI-OCT to image the choroidal nevus that was inaccessible to ultrasound. The exact location of the lesion in the choroid and the dimensions of the nevus were measured. Results The lesion was located in the superior macula, and the nevus was homogeneous in its reflectivity. We observed a thickened choroid delineated by the shadow cone behind it, measuring 1,376 × 325 μm in the larger vertical cut and 1,220 × 325 μm in the larger horizontal cut in an image with a 1:1 pixel mapping and automatic zoom. The macular profile and thickness were both normal. Conclusions EDI-OCT appears to be an excellent technique for measuring choroidal nevi and all choroidal lesions accessible to OCT imaging by depicting their exact location in the choroid, their dimensions, and their demarcation from the surrounding healthy tissue, thus allowing for a more efficient and accurate follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/43/cop0002-0185.PMC3124455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4204167", "abstract": "Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that upregulates expression of a battery of genes to combat oxidative and electrophilic stress. Modification of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) by reactive oxygen species stabilizes Nrf2 by escaping from degradation. Nrf2 then binds to antioxidant response elements (AREs) on the promoter region of various genes. Activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway plays critical roles in the chemopreventive effect of various phytochemicals. However, Nrf2 can protect cancer cells from oxidative stress and promote cell proliferation. Moreover, recent studies reveal that activation of the Nrf2 pathway is critical for resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of this review is to provide a molecular basis for the use of Nrf2 inhibitors in overcoming chemoresistance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/1c/jcp-19-111.PMC4204167.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5417286", "abstract": "Rhabdomyolysis is an acute life-threatening condition that can occur in childhood secondary to many causes. The authors report the case of a 3-year-old male child who presented with acute rhabdomyolysis. The peak plasma creatine kinase level was extremely high. The 2 main causes of rhabdomyolysis in childhood are viral myositis and trauma, which can sometimes lead to acute renal failure. The highest creatine kinase levels reported in the literature so far was a 6-digit level in 2014 case report. In this study, the authors report the case of a 7-digit creatine kinase level in a child secondary to viral myositis who did not require renal dialysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/af/10.1177_2329048X16684396.PMC5417286.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4218759", "abstract": "Purpose: To describe the technique of cryopreservation of corneal lenticules extracted after small incision refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx SMILE) and initial results of femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticular implantation for hyperopia. Methods: Lenticules were collected from patients undergoing ReLEx SMILE for the correction of myopia and subjected to a tissue processing technique and cryopreservation. These lenticules were subsequently used to treat 8 hyperopic eyes and 1 aphakic eye. A femtosecond laser was used to create a pocket into each patient's cornea, followed by implantation of a cryopreserved lenticule. The patients were monitored through follow-up examinations for a mean 155.4 days (38–310 days). Results: The mean interval from storage of lenticules to removal from liquid nitrogen was 96 days (range, 19–178 days). Mean spherical equivalent of hyperopic eyes treated was +4.50 ± 1.1 diopter (D). Mean keratometry and pachymetry changed from preoperative 43.9 D and 531.6 μm to 47.4 D and 605.2 μm, respectively, postoperatively. Mean residual spherical equivalent for hyperopic eyes was +0.6 D and +4.1 D for the aphakic eye. None of the eyes showed evidence of rejection or loss of best-corrected visual acuity at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusions: The cryopreservation technique seems to be a safe method of long-term storage of refractive lenticules extracted after ReLEx SMILE for use in allogeneic human subjects. It may potentially be a safe and effective alternative to excimer laser ablation for hyperopia because of the low risks of regression, haze, flap-related complications, postoperative dry eye, and higher-order aberrations. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: CTRI/2014/01/004331.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/dd/PMC4218759.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3941582", "abstract": " Objective. To investigate the prognostic significance of serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), procalcitonin (PCT), N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and clinical severity scores in patients with sepsis. Methods. A total of 102 patients with sepsis were divided into survival group (n = 60) and nonsurvival group (n = 42) based on 28-day mortality. Serum levels of biomarkers and cytokines were measured on days 1, 3, and 5 after admission to an ICU, meanwhile the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. Results. Serum sTREM-1, PCT, and IL-6 levels of patients in the nonsurvival group were significantly higher than those in the survival group on day 1 (P < 0.01). The area under a ROC curve for the prediction of 28 day mortality was 0.792 for PCT, 0.856 for sTREM-1, 0.953 for SOFA score, and 0.923 for APACHE II score. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that serum baseline sTREM-1 PCT levels and SOFA score were the independent predictors of 28-day mortality. Serum PCT, sTREM-1, and IL-6 levels showed a decrease trend over time in the survival group (P < 0.05). Serum NT-pro-BNP levels showed the predictive utility from days 3 and 5 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. In summary, elevated serum sTREM-1 and PCT levels provide superior prognostic accuracy to other biomarkers. Combination of serum sTREM-1 and PCT levels and SOFA score can offer the best powerful prognostic utility for sepsis mortality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/e5/PMC3941582.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4960498", "abstract": "The paper analyses the selected optical parameters of protective optic filters used for protection of the eyes against hazardous radiation within the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectrum range. The indexes characterizing transmission and reflection of optic radiation incident on the filter are compared. As it follows from the completed analysis, the newly developed interference filters provide more effective blocking of infrared radiation in comparison with the currently used protective filters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/d1/PMC4960498.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4283862", "abstract": "Introduction Pericardial effusion and atrial fibrillation occur commonly after coronary artery surgery. Aim of the study A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of posterior pericardiotomy on the occurrence of pericardial effusion, tamponade, and atrial fibrillation. Material and methods The study group consisted of 96 patients (77 male and 19 female) at a mean age of 58.1 ± 9.8 years. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: patients undergoing posterior pericardiotomy (group I, n = 30), controls (group II, n = 33), and patients with additional posterior pericardial drainage tubes (28 mm) who did not undergo posterior pericardiotomy (group III, n = 33). Results Postoperative hospitalization (p = 0.03; 11.56 ± 10.64) and reoperation due to tamponade (p = 0.019; 12.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/9f/KITP-11-23067.PMC4283862.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5223030", "abstract": "Cisplatin is an effective drug used in the treatment of many cancers, yet its ototoxic potential places cancer patients, exposed to this drug, at risk of hearing loss, thus negatively impacting further on a patient's quality of life. It is paramount for health care practitioners managing such patients to be aware of cisplatin's ototoxic properties and the clinical signs to identify patients at risk of developing hearing loss. English peer-reviewed articles from January 1975 to July 2015 were assessed from PubMed, Science Direct, and Ebscohost. Seventy-nine articles and two books were identified for this review, using MeSH terms and keywords such as “ototoxicity”, “cisplatin”, “hearing loss”, and “ototoxicity monitoring”. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cisplatin-associated ototoxicity, namely, its clinical features, incidence rates, and molecular and cellular mechanisms and risk factors, to health care practitioners managing the patient with cancer, and highlights the need for a team-based approach to complement an audiological monitoring programme to mitigate any further loss in the quality of life of affected patients, as there is currently no otoprotective agent recommended routinely for the prevention of cisplatin-associated ototoxicity. It also sets the platform for effective dialogue towards policy formulation and strengthening of health systems in developing countries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/2f/PMC5223030.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4006624", "abstract": " Objective. To identify the underlying factor structure of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, as measured with CIWA-Ar. Methods. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the items of CIWA-Ar. On 201 alcohol-dependent male patients seeking treatment for alcohol withdrawal at 36 hours of abstinence. Results. A three-factor solution was obtained that accounted for 68.74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/eb/PMC4006624.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2799323", "abstract": "Background Heat illness is a major cause of preventable morbidity worldwide. Workers exposed to intense heat can become unable to activate compensation mechanisms, putting their health at risk. Heat stress also has a direct impact on production by causing poor task performance and it increases the possibility of work-related morbidity and injuries. During the sugarcane harvest period, workers are exposed to excessive sunlight and heat from approximately 6 am to 3 pm. A first assessment of heat stress during the 2006/2007 harvesting season served to redesign the existing rehydration measures. In this project, sugarcane workers were provided with more rehydration solutions and water during their work schedule. Objective To assess heat stress preventive measures in order to improve existing rehydration strategies as a means of increasing productivity. Methods A small group of 22 workers were followed up for 15 days during working hours, from 6 am to 3 pm. Selection criteria were defined: to have worked more than 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/9d/GHA-2-2069.PMC2799323.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3332071", "abstract": "Microwave imaging techniques are prone to signal corruption from unwanted multipath signals. Near-field systems are especially vulnerable because signals can scatter and reflect from structural objects within or on the boundary of the imaging zone. These issues are further exacerbated when surface waves are generated with the potential of propagating along the transmitting and receiving antenna feed lines and other low-loss paths. In this paper, we analyze the contributions of multi-path signals arising from surface wave effects. Specifically, experiments were conducted with a near-field microwave imaging array positioned at variable heights from the floor of a coupling fluid tank. Antenna arrays with different feed line lengths in the fluid were also evaluated. The results show that surface waves corrupt the received signals over the longest transmission distances across the measurement array. However, the surface wave effects can be eliminated provided the feed line lengths are sufficiently long independently of the distance of the transmitting/receiving antenna tips from the imaging tank floor. Theoretical predictions confirm the experimental observations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e7/ce/PMC3332071.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5410432", "abstract": "Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment efficacy of enucleation after decompression. Materials and Methods A total of 17 patients with cystic lesion of the jaw were treated with decompression followed by enucleation. Pre- and postdecompression panoramic radiographs were analyzed. Results The mean percentage of reduction after decompression was 64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/c2/jkaoms-43-83.PMC5410432.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4475663", "abstract": "Resistin (RETN), recently found to be relevant to inflammation and inflammatory disorders. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the potential role of RETN gene polymorphism in pathogenesis of acne vulgaris with familial history. We investigated the RETN-420C/G polymorphism in 180 patients with acne vulgaris and 180 healthy individuals in a case-control association analysis. In this study, we also investigated the heritability of the RETN susceptible allele from 140 trio families with acne affected offspring. The genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. The RETN-420C/G polymorphism was significantly associated with acne in patients compared with healthy controls (P=0.014). The minor allele G at -420 was more prevalent in cases vs. controls (P=0.002). The RETN-420C/G polymorphism was significantly associated with severity of acne vulgaris in patients (P=0.0097). The results of a transmission disequilibrium test revealed a significant association between the RETN-420C/G polymorphism and acne vulgaris (P<0.001). For the first time in the literature, to our knowledge, we demonstrate a significant association of the RETN-420C/G functional polymorphism with familial acne vulgaris.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/95/IJBMS-18-526.PMC4475663.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2902753", "abstract": "The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGEs) is associated with the malignancy of cancer. A recent study has suggested that glyceraldehyde-derived AGEs (Glycer-AGEs) enhanced the malignancy of melanoma cells, but glucose-derived AGEs did not. However, the effects of Glycer-AGEs on other cancer cells remain poorly understood, and the molecular mechanisms behind the above-mentioned effect have not been clarified. The present paper aimed to examine the effect of Glycer-AGEs on cultured lung cancer A549 cells. RAGE was expressed in A549 cells. Glycer-AGEs significantly attenuated cell proliferation. Furthermore, Glycer-AGEs enhanced the migration capacity of the cells by activating Rac1 via ROS and also increased their invasion capacity. We demonstrated that Glycer-AGEs enhanced the migration and invasion of A549 cells rather than their proliferation. These results suggest that Glycer-AGEs play a critical role in the malignancy of cancer rather than its proliferation and are potential targets for therapeutic intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/ec/PMC2902753.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3897859", "abstract": "Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide. The molecular understanding of HPV proteins has significant connotation for understanding their intrusion in the host and designing novel protein vaccines and anti-viral agents, etc. Genomic, proteomic, structural, and disease-related information on HPV is available on the web; yet, with trivial annotations and more so, it is not well customized for data analysis, host-pathogen interaction, strain-disease association, drug designing, and sequence analysis, etc. We attempted to design an online reserve with comprehensive information on HPV for the end users desiring the same. The Human Papillomavirus Proteome Database (hpvPDB) domiciles proteomic and genomic information on 150 HPV strains sequenced to date. Simultaneous easy expandability and retrieval of the strain-specific data, with a provision for sequence analysis and exploration potential of predicted structures, and easy access for curation and annotation through a range of search options at one platform are a few of its important features. Affluent information in this reserve could be of help for researchers involved in structural virology, cancer research, drug discovery, and vaccine design.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/4a/gni-11-289.PMC3897859.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2850825", "abstract": "Purpose: To present clinical results of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for preexisting astigmatism correction and determine the time of any postoperative rotation. Patients and methods: Twenty-nine eyes of 19 patients underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and were implanted with an Acrysof © toric IOL. Uncorrected visual acuity, residual astigmatism, and postoperative rotation of the IOL were estimated one and six months after the operation. Results: Uncorrected visual acuity was ≥0.5 in 26 of 29 eyes (89.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/d8/PMC2850825.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3363989", "abstract": "The song of zebra finch is stable in life after it was learned successfully. Vocal plasticity is thought to be a motor exploration that can support continuous learning and optimization of performance. The activity of RA, an important pre-motor nucleus in songbird's brain, influences the song directly. This variability in adult birdsong is associated with the activity of NMDA receptors in LMAN-RA synapses, but the detailed mechanism is unclear. The control of gain refers to modulation of a neuron's responsiveness to input and is critically important for normal sensory, cognitive, and motor functions. Here, we observed the change of gain in RA projection neurons after exogenous NMDA was applied to activate NMDA receptors using the whole-cell current clamp recording. We found that NMDA substantially increased the slope (gain) of the firing rate-current relationship in RA projection neurons. The AMPA receptor-dependent excitability played a crucial role in the modulation of gain by NMDA. These results suggested that NMDA receptors may regulate the dynamics of RA projection neurons by input-output gain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/91/PMC3363989.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4189057", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Pythiosis is a serious life- and limb-threatening infection endemic to Thailand, but rarely seen in the Western hemisphere. Here, we present a unique case of vascular pythiosis initially managed with limb-sparing vascular bypass grafts complicated by a pseudoaneurysm in our repair. PRESENTATION OF CASE The patient is a 17 year-old Jamaican male with severe aplastic anemia. He sustained a minor injury to his left leg while fishing in Jamaica, which evolved to become an exquisitely tender inguinal swelling. His physical exam and imaging were significant for arteriovenous fistula with limb ischemia. Pathology obtained during surgery for an extra-anatomic vascular bypass showed extensive invasion by Pythium insidiosum. He later developed a pseudoaneurysm at the site of proximal anastomosis and required urgent intervention. DISCUSSION This patient presented with a rare, but classic case of vascular pythiosis, which was unrecognized at the time of presentation. A variety of therapeutic modalities have been used to treat this disease, including antibiotics, antifungals, and immunotherapy, but the ultimate management of vascular pythiosis is surgical source control. CONCLUSION A high index of suspicion in susceptible patients is needed for timely diagnosis of vascular pythiosis to achieve optimal source control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/69/main.PMC4189057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4778614", "abstract": "We evaluated a three-dimensional (3D) human oral cell culture that consisted of two types of cells, oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts as a model of oral mucositis which is a debilitating adverse effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The 3D cell culture model was irradiated with 12 or 2 Gy, and total RNA was collected 6 h after irradiation to compare global gene expression profiles via microarray analysis. Here we provide detailed methods and analysis on these microarray data, which have been deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO): GSE62395.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/1d/main.PMC4778614.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322213", "abstract": "Objective Life-threatening hemispheric stroke is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Decompressive hemicraniectomy has been regarded as an effective treatment option for refractory intracranial hypertension. Here, we reported the clinical course of 5 children with decompressive craniectomy and duroplasty after non-traumatic refractory intracranial hypertension. Methods Four toddlers and one preschool-girl were included in this study; there were 3 boys and 2 girls with a mean age of 34.6 months (range 17-80). Decompressive craniectomy including duroplasty was performed in cases of dilatation of pupil size after intensified standard medical therapy had proven insufficient. All children had a Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale score <8 at pre-operation state. The mean time-point of craniectomy after stroke attack was 12 hours (range 4-19). Results During the long-term follow-up period (mean 47.6 months), no children died. One year later, when we checked their Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, only one toddler received a score of 4 (moderate disability). But the others had good recoveries although they had minor physical or mental deficits. According to the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale, 4 children received a score of 2 (mild disability). Conclusion Despite our small cases, we suggest that decompressive hemicraniectomy and duroplasty is an acceptable and life-saving treatment for refractory intracranial hypertension after unilateral hemispheric stroke in toddlers and preschool children.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/80/jkns-51-86.PMC3322213.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3272368", "abstract": "Legumes (Fabaceae or Leguminosae) are unique among cultivated plants for their ability to carry out endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation with rhizobial bacteria, a process that takes place in a specialized structure known as the nodule. Legumes belong to one of the two main groups of eurosids, the Fabidae, which includes most species capable of endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation . Legumes comprise several evolutionary lineages derived from a common ancestor 60 million years ago (Mya). Papilionoids are the largest clade, dating nearly to the origin of legumes and containing most cultivated species . Medicago truncatula (Mt) is a long-established model for the study of legume biology. Here we describe the draft sequence of the Mt euchromatin based on a recently completed BAC-assembly supplemented with Illumina-shotgun sequence, together capturing  94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/73/PMC3272368.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3339349", "abstract": "Treatment of mastitis should be based on bacteriological diagnosis and take national and international guidelines on prudent use of antimicrobials into account. In acute mastitis, where bacteriological diagnosis is not available, treatment should be initiated based on herd data and personal experience. Rapid bacteriological diagnosis would facilitate the proper selection of the antimicrobial. Treating subclinical mastitis with antimicrobials during lactation is seldom economical, because of high treatment costs and generally poor efficacy. All mastitis treatment should be evidence-based, i.e., the efficacy of each product and treatment length should be demonstrated by scientific studies. Use of on-farm written protocols for mastitis treatment promotes a judicious use of antimicrobials and reduces the use of antimicrobials.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/95/PMC3339349.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3352396", "abstract": "Abstract Many pathogens of humans are blood borne, including HIV, Malaria, Hepatitis B and C, West Nile virus, Dengue, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. Although several of these pathogens are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods, HIV is not. A number of properties of HIV and its life cycle have been identified as proximate explanations for the absence of arthropod transmission, but little consideration has been given to why HIV has not evolved this form of transmission. We consider the empirical evidence for arthropod transmission, and suggest that mechanical transmission has not evolved in HIV because such strains would induce a faster onset of AIDS during infection, which would thereby limit their ability to spread. On the other hand, it is not as clear why biological transmission has not occurred. Available data suggests that a lack of appropriate genetic variation in HIV is one explanation, but it is also possible that a conflict between natural selection occurring within and between infected individuals has prevented its evolution instead. We discuss the potential significance of these ideas, and argue that taking such an evolutionary perspective broadens our understanding of infectious diseases and the potential consequences of public health interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/79/e0/PMC3352396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211911", "abstract": "Background Suicide is a grave public health issue that is responsible for a high mortality rate among individuals aged 15–44 years. Attitudes toward suicide among medical staff members have been associated with appropriate therapeutic responses to suicidal individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of parental rearing on attitudes toward suicide among Japanese medical college students. Methods We examined the association between parental bonding and attitudes toward suicide in 160 medical college students in Japan. The Parental Bonding Instrument was used to assess the attitudes and behaviors of parents. The attitudes toward suicide were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Attitudes Toward Suicide questionnaire. Results The mean age of the subjects was 25.2±4.0 years old. The majority of the participants in our study agreed that anyone could commit suicide (88.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/ed/ndt-10-2015.PMC4211911.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4686224", "abstract": "Background Low adherence to Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline recommendations has been reported worldwide. There has been no study on the adherence to GOLD guidelines for COPD treatment in Turkey. Objectives To investigate the rates of adherence to GOLD 2010 guidelines for COPD treatment among pulmonologists. Design A multi-center, cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in eleven pulmonary outpatient clinics across Turkey. Adherence to GOLD was evaluated through hospital records. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Results Study included 719 patients (mean age: 62.9±9.7 years; males 85.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/f2/copd-10-2657.PMC4686224.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5119430", "abstract": "Background Nephrotoxicity is the most clinically significant adverse reaction of amphotericin B. Different aspects of amphotericin B (AmB) nephrotoxicity have not been studied well in our population. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, time onset, and possible associated factors of AmB nephrotoxicity in hospitalized patients in hematology-oncology wards in the southwest of Iran. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was performed over a period of 9 months at 2 hematology-oncology and 1 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation wards at Namazi Hospital. Patients aged 15 years or older with no documented history of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease who were scheduled to receive formulations of AmB intravenously for at least 1 week were included. The required demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded. Urine urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels were measured at days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 of the AmB treatment. AmB nephrotoxicity based on serum creatinine increase, renal potassium wasting, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia were determined. Results Among the 40 patients recruited for the study, 11 (27.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/eb/num-08-05-39581.PMC5119430.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5292226", "abstract": "Background: This study aimed to investigate correlation between adiponectin and waist-hip-ratio with severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). There is uncertainty about the association between circulating concentrations of adiponectin and CAD. Methods: We enrolled eighty-two consecutive patients undergoing non-urgent coronary angiography for CAD survey. According to the angiography results, the patients were divided into two groups in 1:1 ratio patients admitted with a diagnosis of CAD and non-CAD. We conducted hospital based research, involving study group with documented angiographically CAD, and control group without evidence of CAD. Angiograms were also quantified for the extent and severity of CAD by the Gensini scoring system. We measured baseline adiponectin levels in stored serum samples of all patients, anthropometric and biochemical risk factors were assessed in both groups. Results: The presence of CAD was associated with current smoking, male gender, waist–hip ratio (WHR) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Baseline adiponectin concentrations correlated significantly in terms of the lipid parameters, positively with HDL cholesterol concentrations (r=0.327, P=0.028, P<0.05) and serum triglyceride concentrations were correlated negatively (r=-0.513, P<0.001). No significant difference between median adiponectin levels at baseline was observed between cases and controls. Conclusion: There is a significant positive correlation between waist–hip ratio and presence and severity of coronary artery disease. In conclusion, there is a significant positive correlation between adiponectin and Gensini score among Kosovar patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/59/MA-70-413.PMC5292226.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2721933", "abstract": "The ultimate goal in treating zygomatic complex fracture is to obtain an accurate, stable reduction while minimizing external scars and functional deformity. The present authors present our experiences with a single transconjunctival incision and two-point (inferior orbital rim and frontozygomatic suture) fixation in 53 patients with zygomatic complex fracture which were not comminuted. All patients had transconjunctival approaches with lateral canthal extensions, and six out of 53 patients also had an additional small (about less than 2 cm) gingivobuccal incision to achieve an accurate reduction. There were 3 minor complications, and the overall esthetics and functional results were satisfactory with a long term follow-up. Our method has the following advantages in the reduction of zygomatic complex fracture; It leaves only an inconspicuous lateral canthal scar. In addition, it provides excellent simultaneous visualization of the inferior orbital rim and frontozygomatic suture area. Hence, two-point fixation through a single incision can be performed with a satisfactory stability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/0d/jkms-21-1080.PMC2721933.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3892627", "abstract": "Pasteurella multocida is a rare cause of infective endocarditis with only a few cases described. This report involves a 38-year-old penicillin-allergic patient in an immunocompromised state with several co-morbidities. Two molecular microbiological techniques, 16S rRNA sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to confirm the species identification as P. multocida. Previous reports in the literature are also reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/5f/PMC3892627.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3974471", "abstract": "We present a 64–year–old patient suffering from extranodal malignant lymphoma. The patient was admitted to the County Hospital Urology Ward with suspicion of the left kidney tumor. As part of pre–operational diagnosis, ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography of kidneys were conducted. The results confirmed the initial diagnosis. After undergoing radical surgical treatment, the patient is currently under the care of hematology ward of oncology centre.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/b0/CEJU-66-00277.PMC3974471.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3352477", "abstract": "The mechanisms that facilitate success of an invasive species include both ecological and evolutionary processes. Investigating the evolutionary dynamics of founder populations can enhance our understanding of patterns of invasiveness and provide insight into management strategies for controlling further establishment of introduced populations. Our aim is to analyze the evolutionary consequences of ecological processes (i.e., propagule pressure and threshold density effects) that impact successful colonization. We address our questions using a spatially-explicit modeling approach that incorporates dispersal, density dependent population growth, and selection. Our results show that adaptive evolution may occur in small or sparse populations, providing a means of mitigating or avoiding inverse density dependent effects (i.e., Allee effects). The rate at which this adaptation occurs is proportional to the amount of genetic variance and is a crucial component in assessing whether natural selection can rescue a population from extinction. We provide theoretical evidence for the importance of recognizing evolution in predicting and explaining successful biological invasions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/5d/PMC3352477.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3870114", "abstract": "Reproductive tract infection (RTIs)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are recognized as a major public health problem, particularly due to their relationship with HIV infection. Early detection and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CTI) among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women may impact heterosexual HIV transmission. A total of 120 participants were enrolled: 30 HIV seropositive women with symptoms of RTIs, 30 HIV seropositive women without symptoms of RTIs, 30 HIV seronegative women with symptoms of RTIs, and 30 HIV seronegative women without symptoms of RTIs. One endocervical swab was collected from all participants and CTI was detected by real-time PCR (COBAS TaqMan CT Test, v2.0). CTI was detected in 4 (6.67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/9f/PMC3870114.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3103949", "abstract": "Hip fracture, a moderate musculoskeletal trauma, is associated with a high postoperative mortality. Most patients are elderly, with comorbid conditions and often with heart disease. The objective of this study was to find out if clinical parameters and analyses of specific muscle enzymes could predict three month postoperative mortality. A total of 302 patients above 75 years of age with hip fracture were consecutively enrolled. Baseline information on age, sex and comorbidity assessed with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was obtained before surgery. Creatine kinase (CK), myocardium-specific creatine kinase (CK-MB) and troponin T (TnT) were analysed from venous blood, collected the day before surgery (−1) and postoperatively, within 24 hours (0) and on days one (+1) and four (+4). The overall three month mortality was 19.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/86/264_2010_Article_1149.PMC3103949.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2992422", "abstract": "Purpose To report a case of unilateral acute retinal necrosis after herpetic encephalitis Case Report A young man was referred with a chief complaint of blurred vision and pain of the left eye 1 month after herpetic encephalitis in the left frontotemporal lobe. The patient had multiple foci of retinitis in the retinal periphery associated with vitritis, blot retinal hemorrhage and retinal arteriolitis. The impression of acute retinal necrosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor by detecting herpes simplex virus type 2; therefore, the patient received intravenous acyclovir. Conclusion Herpetic encephalitis may be a risk factor for acute retinal necrosis. The virus may reach the eye by the trans-axonal route. Prophylaxis with acyclovir may be necessary after herpetic encephalitis to prevent acute retinal necrosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/27/cop0001-0085.PMC2992422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4817573", "abstract": "In the 1970s, sickle cell pain was treated with trial and error approach by increasing or decreasing the dose of an opioid or switching from one analgesic to another. This approach was controversial with criticism and doubt about its usefulness. Since then, advances in determining the structure of opioid receptors and the role of the CYP450 enzymes in metabolizing opioids revealed that these anatomic and metabolic findings are not the same in all persons, thus explaining the variability in response to opioids among patients. Thus, the “trial and error approach” has a scientific basis after all.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/89/jocmr-08-357.PMC4817573.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4754549", "abstract": "Due to their ability to knock down the expression of any gene, siRNAs have been heralded as ideal candidates for treating a wide variety of diseases, including those involving “undruggable” targets. However, the therapeutic potential of siRNAs remains severely limited by a lack of effective delivery vehicles. Recently, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable cationic lipids have been developed for hepatic siRNA delivery. However, their suitability for delivery to other cell types has not been determined. We have modified LNPs for preferential targeting to dendritic cells (DCs), central regulators of immune responses. To achieve directed delivery, we coated LNPs with a single-chain antibody (scFv; DEC-LNPs), specific to murine DEC205, which is highly expressed on distinct DC subsets. Here we show that injection of siRNAs encapsulated in DEC-LNPs are preferentially delivered to DEC205+ DCs. Gene knockdown following uptake of DEC-LNPs containing siRNAs specific for the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86 dramatically decreases gene expression levels. We demonstrate the functionality of this knockdown with a mixed lymphocyte response (MLR). Overall, we report that injection of LNPs modified to restrict their uptake to a distinct cell population can confer profound gene knockdown, sufficient to inhibit powerful immune responses like the MLR.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/e8/mt2015175a.PMC4754549.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3964852", "abstract": "Calls for the adoption of a universal capacity approach to replace dedicated mental health law are motivated by the idea that the measures designed to protect patient autonomy in legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 should apply to everyone, including people with a psychiatric diagnosis. In this article it is argued that a diachronic perspective on questions of mental capacity is necessary if capacity law is to play this broader role, but that employing this perspective in assessments of capacity undermines central patient autonomy preserving features of the legislation, which presents a moral dilemma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/f6/S1744552312000444a.PMC3964852.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745858", "abstract": "Background The prognosis of Japanese patients with COPD who suffer repeated exacerbations is unclear, although Westerners with such episodes have a poor prognosis. Materials and methods We conducted a 1-year prospective observational trial involving 90 Japanese patients with COPD: 58 nonexacerbators, 12 infrequent exacerbators, and 20 frequent exacerbators classified on the basis of exacerbation frequency (zero, one, and two or more exacerbations/year), respectively, during the previous year were observed prospectively for 1 year. The characteristics of frequent exacerbators, the frequency of exacerbation, and the period until the first event were then compared among the groups. Results A total of 78 patients completed the study. Frequent exacerbators had a significantly higher risk of frequent exacerbation in the following year than the case for nonexacerbators (odds ratio [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/0d/copd-11-207.PMC4745858.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4954860", "abstract": "This article focuses on various cancerous lesions that are found beyond organs in the intra-abdominal fat and can be visualized with ultrasonography. These lesions are divided into five groups. The first group includes primary benign tumors containing adipocytes, such as lipoma, lipoblastoma, hibernoma and other lesions with an adipose tissue component, such as myolipoma, angiomyolipoma, myelolipoma and teratoma. The second group comprises primary malignant adipocytecontaining tumors, including liposarcoma and immature teratoma. The third group contains primary benign tumors without an adipocyte component that are located in intra-abdominal fat. This is a numerous group of lesions represented by cystic and solid tumors. The fourth group encompasses primary malignant tumors without an adipocyte component that are located in intra-abdominal fat. These are rare lesions associated mainly with sarcomas: fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, hemangiopericytoma and leiomyosarcoma. An epithelioid tumor at this site is mesothelioma. The last but not least group includes secondary malignant tumors without an adipocyte component located in intra-abdominal fat. This is the most numerous group with prevailing carcinoma foci. For each of these groups, the authors present ultrasound features of individual lesions and discuss their differential diagnosis. In the vast majority of cases, the material for cytological and histological analysis can be obtained during ultrasound-guided procedures. This is the advantage of this imaging modality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c9/cf/PMC4954860.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4334867", "abstract": " Background. The Japan Thyroid Association recently published guidelines for clinical practice for the management of thyroid nodules, which include a diagnostic system for reporting thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology. It is characterized by the subclassification of follicular neoplasms, which is different from other internationally accepted reporting systems. Materials and Methods. This study examined observer variability in the subclassification of follicular neoplasms among 4 reviewers using Papanicolaou-stained smear samples from 20 surgically treated patients with indeterminate cytology. Results. The favor malignant subcategory had high predictive value of malignancy (risk of malignancy: 60–75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/0a/PMC4334867.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3496520", "abstract": "Background: Bleeding symptoms commonly seen by multiple physician specialties may belie undiagnosed congenital or acquired bleeding disorders. Acquired hemophilia is a potentially life-threatening cause of unexplained acute bleeding manifested by an abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) that does not correct with 1:1 mixing with normal plasma. Methods: Practicing physicians (hematology/oncology, emergency medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, critical care medicine, and general surgery) completed an online survey based on a hypothetical case scenario. Results: Excluding surgeons and obstetrician/gynecologist respondents, 302 physicians (about 50 per specialty) were presented with an older adult woman complaining of recurrent epistaxis. Nearly 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/f1/PMC3496520.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3355559", "abstract": "Plant cell walls provide structural support during development and represent together with the cuticle the first line of defense against biotic and abiotic stress. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that a dedicated plant cell wall integrity (CWI) maintenance mechanism exists. This mechanism monitors and maintains functional integrity of the cell wall during different biological processes. The available data suggest that it may represent a component of the stress response mechanisms underlying biotic and abiotic stress responses, which has not been identified previously as a distinct mechanism. Here I will review the available evidence regarding the mode of action of the CWI maintenance mechanism and discuss its role in the context of biotic plant stress response mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/92/fpls-03-00077.PMC3355559.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698198", "abstract": "To gain insight into the differential mechanism of gene promoter hypermethylation in acute and chronic leukemia, we identified the methylation status on one part of 5'CpG rich region of 8 genes, DAB2IP, DLC-1, H-cadherin, ID4, Integrin α4, RUNX3, SFRP1, and SHP1 in bone marrows from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Also, we compared the methylation status of genes in AML and CML using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The frequencies of DNA methylation of ID4, SFRP1, and SHP1 were higher in AML patients compared to those in CML patients. In contrast, no statistical difference between AML and CML was detected for other genes such as DLC-1, DAB2IP, H-cadherin, Integrin α4, and RUNX3. Taken together, these results suggest that these methylation-controlled genes may have different roles in AML and CML, and thus, may act as a biological marker of AML.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/31/jkms-24-493.PMC2698198.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4845415", "abstract": "Introduction: Acute patellar dislocation is a common injury usually associated with a significant traumatic mechanism resulting in lateral displacement. Vertical axis rotation following dislocation is a rare variant of this type of injury and can prevent closed reduction in the acute setting. Case Presentation: A 32-year old gentleman presented with an irreducible patella dislocation following an unusual atraumatic mechanism. Following attempts at closed reduction under sedation and regional nerve block, eventual open reduction and soft tissue reconstruction was required under general anesthetic. During the open reduction procedure, it was noted that the patella had dislocated into a lateral extra-articular position and rotated around its vertical axis. Following patella reduction, the medial patellar retinaculum was repaired. Examination under anesthetic revealed satisfactory tracking of patella following repair. Conclusion: A review of the literature suggests dislocations such as the current presentation, are extremely rare and although have been described to occur with minor trauma, have never been described to occur following a largely atraumatic event. In such cases, closed reduction may be impossible even with adequate analgesia due to patella position and soft tissue obstruction. Open reduction is essential in these situations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/36/JOCR-6-58.PMC4845415.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2836524", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of digital image analysis of pit-and-fissure discoloration in order to diagnose caries. Digital images showing pit-and-fissure discoloration in 100 teeth of 19 patients were analyzed to obtain the fractal dimension (FD) and the proportion of the area of pit-and-fissure discoloration to the area of occlusal surface (PA). DIAGNOdent values were measured (DD), and dentists' diagnoses were also obtained. The sensitivity and specificity of FD, PA, DD, and the combination of FD and PA compared to the dentists' diagnoses were calculated. The sensitivities of FD, PA, DD, and the combination of FD and PA were 0.89, 0.47, 0.69, and 0.86, respectively, and the specificities were 0.84, 0.95, 0.91, and 0.86, respectively. Although further research is needed for the practical use, it is possible to use the analysis of digital images of pit-and-fissure molar discoloration as a diagnostic tool.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/f3/PMC2836524.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4600933", "abstract": "Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known opportunistic pathogen, which affects hospitalized patients in different wards due to its natural resistance to drugs. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and genetic relatedness in P. aeruginosa isolated from patients admitted to a referral hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: Out of 150 analyzed samples, 54 P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered and were subjected to antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic diversity determination by Kirby-Bauer’s disk diffusion method and RAPD-PCR, respectively. Results: The highest percentage of resistance was observed against ceftazidime and imipenem with 30 (55.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/7b/jjm-08-08-20130.PMC4600933.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5027039", "abstract": " Objective. To develop and validate a risk score for detecting cases of undiagnosed diabetes in a resource-constrained country. Methods. Two population-based studies in Peruvian population aged ≥35 years were used in the analysis: the ENINBSC survey (n = 2,472) and the CRONICAS Cohort Study (n = 2,945). Fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L was used to diagnose diabetes in both studies. Coefficients for risk score were derived from the ENINBSC data and then the performance was validated using both baseline and follow-up data of the CRONICAS Cohort Study. Results. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 2.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/88/PMC5027039.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4632892", "abstract": "Background and aims siRNAs represent an encouraging novel alternative in cancer therapy as a result of targeting the mutated tumour suppressor genes or activated oncogenes. Targeting oncogenic signals, as the mutated p53 gene that gains oncogenic role, we observed inhibition of migration, a downregulation of specific genes involved in apoptosis but also in angiogenesis, connected with a reduction in invasion rate in the case of p53siRNA therapy. Methods The study was designed to assess the role of p53 by using RNAi (RNA interference) in Hela in vitro cell culture model. Therefore cell migration rate was assessed by using xCELLigence Systems, gene expression for a panel of genes involved in apoptosis and angiogenesis, and validation of gene expression data at protein level. Results On the selected in vitro model p53 siRNA therapy was correlated with the reduction of cell migration. The downregulation of p53, PTEN, TNFα, NFkB, BCL-2, ICAM-2, VEGF, and FGFb was evidenced as response to p53 inhibition. Conclusion RNAi may be a valuable technology in order to restore the normal cellular phenotype. The results in the current research may also have an important significance outside the context of cervical cancer, by using specific inhibitors for p53 for increasing the therapeutic response in a wide range of tumoral pathology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/d8/cm-88-333.PMC4632892.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3696216", "abstract": "Background: Confrontation with the consequences of diabetes causes a crisis in physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Sometimes the spiritual crisis can be tremendous. Since spiritual health coordinates different aspects of human life, this study aimed to identify the spiritual health of patients with defects caused by diabetes. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative-phenomenological and descriptive study and the participants were selected from rehabilitation centers in Isfahan and Valiasr Hospital in Zanjan. A purposive sample of 15 participants underwent deep interviews. Colaizzi’s method of analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: outcome of this phase of the study was 173 codes and 2 groups that included hindering factors in spiritual health and the promotion of the relation with God. The concepts that patients had experienced as hindering factors of the treatment process were disappointment and hopelessness, guilt, feeling distant from God, quitting obligatory acts and knowing God as cruel. The concepts that patients had experienced as contributing factors to the healing process were resorting to Imams, God’s ordering the disease as a reward, fear of God’s punishment, believing in miracles, being closer to God, believing in the mercy of God, returning to religious practice, feeling of enjoying life and knowing that the disease is the atonement of sins. Conclusions: With regard to the importance of spiritual and religious care as one of the tasks of nurses, as the key members of health team, they should respect the patients’ beliefs and values in addition to considering their physical and mental conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/05/IJNMR-17-225.PMC3696216.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3432876", "abstract": "To study the effect of puberty on the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parameters of insulin kinetics in obese Asian-Indian children. Material and Methods. The study population included 62 obese Asian-Indian children and adolescents in the age group of 6–17 years. Blood glucose, serum insulin, and serum 25(OH)D were measured. Total body fat was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Indices of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, AUC for insulin) and sensitivity (WBISI) were calculated after oral glucose tolerance test. Result. A total of 62 subjects (35 boys; mean age = 13.0 ± 3 years; BMI = 29.3 ± 4.8 kg/sq M; 19 subjects in Tanner stage 1, 11 in stage 2, 6 in stage 3, 3 in stage 4, and 23 subjects in Tanner stage 5) were studied. All study subjects were vitamin D deficient with a mean serum 25(OH)D of 8.5 ± 4.2 ng/mL. No significant relationship was observed between serum 25(OH)D and parameters of insulin kinetics in prepubertal children. However, a significant inverse correlation was seen between serum 25(OH)D and HOMAIR (r = −0.41, P = 0.03) in postpubertal subjects. Conclusion. The relationship between vitamin D status and parameters of insulin kinetics are affected by puberty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/46/PMC3432876.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4121494", "abstract": "Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is the most frequent complication of tonsillectomy, and occasionally results in a lethal outcome. A 21-year-old man (height 180 cm, weight 95 kg) was scheduled for a bilateral tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. He required 5 rounds of general anesthesia due to recurrent PTH. The anesthesiologist used sugammadex a total of 3 times to achieve the successful reversal of the deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by rocuronium. After sugammadex 2 mg/kg was administered, the NMB was reversed in 2 minutes each time. Re-administration of rocuronium within a short time interval after sugammadex may result in unpredictable effects of neuromuscular blocking agents. Sugammadex made it possible to perform a rapid, complete reverse when the residual block was maintained by an incomplete reversal of anticholinesterase.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/62/kjae-67-43.PMC4121494.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4975227", "abstract": "Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process and therefore the number of infertile couples is high. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have facilitated the birth of over five million children worldwide. ART, however, superimposes its own relative inefficiency on the preexisting inefficiency of normal reproduction. The efficiency (expressed as pregnancy rate) is generally not more than 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/82/ejifcc-27-112.PMC4975227.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3114341", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Vitamin D deficiency is thought to be a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes, and elderly subjects at northern latitudes may therefore be at particular risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Vitamin D status was assessed from serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] in 668 Faroese residents aged 70–74 years (64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/b1/1284.PMC3114341.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3013730", "abstract": "By broad literature survey, we have developed a leaf senescence database (LSD, http://www.eplantsenescence.org/) that contains a total of 1145 senescence associated genes (SAGs) from 21 species. These SAGs were retrieved based on genetic, genomic, proteomic, physiological or other experimental evidence, and were classified into different categories according to their functions in leaf senescence or morphological phenotypes when mutated. We made extensive annotations for these SAGs by both manual and computational approaches, and users can either browse or search the database to obtain information including literatures, mutants, phenotypes, expression profiles, miRNA interactions, orthologs in other plants and cross links to other databases. We have also integrated a bioinformatics analysis platform WebLab into LSD, which allows users to perform extensive sequence analysis of their interested SAGs. The SAG sequences in LSD can also be downloaded readily for bulk analysis. We believe that the LSD contains the largest number of SAGs to date and represents the most comprehensive and informative plant senescence-related database, which would facilitate the systems biology research and comparative studies on plant aging.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/91/gkq1169.PMC3013730.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2518333", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE—Individuals with type 1 diabetes have decreased bone mineral density (BMD), yet the natural history and pathogenesis of osteopenia are unclear. We have previously shown that women with type 1 diabetes (aged 13–35 years) have lower BMD than community age-matched nondiabetic control subjects. We here report 2-year follow-up BMD data in this cohort to determine the natural history of BMD in young women with and without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 2 years later in 63 women with type 1 diabetes and in 85 age-matched community control subjects. A1C, IGF-1, IGF binding protein-3, serum osteocalcin, and urine N-teleopeptide were measured at follow-up. RESULTS—After adjusting for age, BMI, and oral contraceptive use, BMD at year 2 continued to be lower in women ≥20 years of age with type 1 diabetes compared with control subjects at the total hip, femoral neck, and whole body. Lower BMD values were observed in cases <20 years of age compared with control subjects; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Lower BMD did not correlate with diabetes control, growth factors, or metabolic bone markers. CONCLUSIONS—This study confirms our previous findings that young women with type 1 diabetes have lower BMD than control subjects and that these differences persist over time, particularly in women ≥20 years of age. Persistence of low BMD as well as failure to accrue bone density after age 20 years may contribute to the increased incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures seen in postmenopausal women with type 1 diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/44/1729.PMC2518333.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4663308", "abstract": "Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of new bonding techniques on enamel surface. Materials and Methods: Sixty upper central incisors were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the first group, metal brackets were bonded using TransbondXT and, in the second group, the same brackets were bonded with Maxcem Elite. The shear bond strength (SBS) of both agents to enamel was measured and the number and length of enamel cracks before bonding, after debonding and after polishing were compared. The number of visible cracks and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores in each group were also measured. Results: There were significantly more enamel cracks in the Transbond XT group after debonding and polishing compared to the Maxcem Elite group. There was no significant difference in the length of enamel cracks between the two groups; but, in each group, a significant increase in the length of enamel cracks was noticeable after debonding. Polishing did not cause any statistically significant change in crack length. The SBS of Maxcem Elite was significantly lower than that of Transbond XT (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/fe/PMC4663308.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2967835", "abstract": "A few familial adenomatous polyposis studies have focused upon faecal sterols and bile acids but none has analysed the fecal content of fatty acids. We report here findings of an observational study on 29 colectomized familial adenomatous polyposis patients that describe the fecal content of fatty acids, and relate this to the proportions of fatty acids and levels of cyclooxygenase mRNA expression in duodenal biopsies, levels of serum lipoproteins, and diet. In the ileostomy group separately (n = 12), the fecal content of arachidonic acid was correlated negatively to the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in duodenal biopsies. Total serum-cholesterol was negatively correlated to the fecal content of saturates and monounsaturates. The fecal palmitoleic acid/palmitic acid ratio was positively correlated to the levels of cyclooxygease-2 expression in duodenal biopsies.In the ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis group separately (n = 17), significant correlations were found between the fecal contents of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, and the proportions of myristic acid, oleic acid and eicosaenoic acid in duodenal biopsies. Dietary monounsaturates were positively correlated to different fecal fatty acids. Future studies should focus on molecular mechanisms relevant to fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and angiogenesis, in addition to nutrition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/f3/PMC2967835.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327666", "abstract": "Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the pain levels on opposite sides of the maxilla at needle insertion during delivery of local anesthetic solution and tooth preparation for both conventional and anterior middle superior alveolar (AMSA) technique with the Wand computer-controlled local anesthesia application. Material and methods: Pain scores of 16 patients were evaluated with a 5-point verbal rating scale (VRS) and data were analyzed nonparametrically. Pain differences at needle insertion, during delivery of local anesthetic, and at tooth preparation, for conventional versus the Wand technique, were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p=0.01). Results: The Wand technique had a lower pain level compared to conventional injection for needle insertion (p<0.01). In the anesthetic delivery phase, pain level for the Wand technique was lower (p<0.01). However, there was no difference between the Wand and conventional technique for pain level during tooth preparation (p>0.05). Conclusions; The AMSA technique using the Wand is recommended for prosthodontic treatment because it reduces pain during needle insertion and during delivery of local anaesthetic. However, these two techniques have the same pain levels for tooth preparation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/ee/1678-7757-jaos-17-05-0414.PMC4327666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3462379", "abstract": "Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective treatment for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, access to these services is limited especially in rural and remote areas. Telerehabilitation has the potential to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation programs to these communities. The aim of this study was threefold: to establish the technical feasibility of transmitting real-time pulse oximetry data, determine the validity of remote measurements compared to conventional face-to-face measures, and evaluate the participants' perception of the usability of the technology. Thirty-seven healthy individuals participated in a single remote pulmonary rehabilitation exercise session, conducted using the eHAB telerehabilitation system. Validity was assessed by comparing the participant's oxygen saturation and heart rate with the data set received at the therapist's remote location. There was an 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/d7/PMC3462379.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3817649", "abstract": "Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a common clinical challenge at high altitude (HA). A point-of-care biochemical marker for AMS could have widespread utility. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) rises in response to renal injury, inflammation and oxidative stress. We investigated whether NGAL rises with HA and if this rise was related to AMS, hypoxia or exercise. NGAL was assayed in a cohort (n = 22) undertaking 6 hours exercise at near sea-level (SL); a cohort (n = 14) during 3 hours of normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 11.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/70/PMC3817649.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5175095", "abstract": "Adult onset Still’s disease is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder. At the onset of the disease sore throat, pharyngitis; which does not respond to antibiotics, one or two times peaking febrile episodes, marked salmon-colored rash on the trunk and extremities, arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, fatigue, loss of appetite with nausea and weight loss; hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy can be seen. Among laboratory examinations levels of ferritin and other acute phase reactants distinctly rise, and neutrophilic leukocytosis; ANA and RF negativity are detected. Pleural and pericardial effusions, transient pulmonary infiltration, and rarely myocarditis can be seen during the course of the disease. Here we report a patient who was examined for fever of unknown origin and diagnosed with adult onset Still’s disease which is a rare etiology of pleural effusion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/c0/NCI-2-155.PMC5175095.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3571514", "abstract": "Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the viscosities and curing modes on the degree of conversion (DC) of two resin cements. Methods: Eight experimental groups were evaluated (n=5), according to the dual-cured resin cements (Nexus 2/Variolink II), viscosity (low and high) and evaluation time (5 minutes and 24 hours). The resin cements were applied to surface of a horizontal attenuated-total-reflectance unit and were polymerized either with self-cure (SC) or light exposure (XL3000/3M ESPE) for 40 seconds. Infrared spectra were obtained after 5 minutes and 24 hours (Nicolet 520 FT-IR/Thermo Scientific Inc.). DC was calculated according to changes in aliphatic-to-aromatic peak ratios pre- and post-curing. Data (", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/51/PMC3571514.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5040584", "abstract": "Introduction: Periprosthetic patellar fracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication. Their management can be very challenging with unpredictable results. Literature analysis showed few articles about this complication, but no publication has described the management of open patella fracture around total knee arthroplasty. Case Presentation: We report a unique case of an open patellar fracture above a total knee arthroplasty, sustained by a 56-year-old female patient. Conclusion: Despite the poor outcome of operative management in patellar periprosthetic fracture, this approach should be considered for acute and post traumatic fractures in young patients with a good remaining bone stock.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/5a/JOCR-6-89.PMC5040584.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4590913", "abstract": " Objectives. Hypertension, if uncontrolled, can lead to hypertensive crisis. We aim to determine the prevalence of hypertensive crisis, its management, and outcome in patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Karachi. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Adult inpatients (>18 yrs) presenting to the ER who were known hypertensive and had uncontrolled hypertension were included. Results. Out of 1336 patients, 28.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/0c/PMC4590913.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4142314", "abstract": "In the CNS, neuroinflammation occurring during pathologies as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is the consequence of an intricate interplay orchestrated by various cell phenotypes. Among the molecular cues having a role in this process, extracellular nucleotides are responsible for intercellular communication and propagation of inflammatory stimuli. This occurs by binding to several receptor subtypes, defined P2X/P2Y, which are widespread in different tissues and simultaneously localized on multiple cells. For instance, the metabotropic P2Y12 subtype is found in the CNS on microglia, affecting activation and chemotaxis, on oligodendrocytes, possessing a hypothesized role in myelination, and on astrocytes. By comparative analysis, we have established here that P2Y12 receptor immunolabelled by antibodies against C-terminus or second intracellular loop, is, respectively, distributed and modulated under neuroinflammatory conditions on ramified microglia or myelinated fibers, in primary organotypic cerebellar cultures, tissue slices from rat striatum and cerebellum, spinal cord sections from symptomatic/end stage SOD1-G93A ALS mice, and finally autoptic cortical tissue from progressive MS donors. We suggest that modulation of P2Y12 expression might play a dual role as analytic marker of branched/surveillant microglia and demyelinating lesions, thus potentially acquiring a predictive value under neuroinflammatory conditions as those found in ALS and MS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/14/d7/PMC4142314.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3556436", "abstract": "In a multicenter observational cohort of patients-admitted to intensive care units (ICU), we assessed whether creatinine elevation prior to dialysis initiation in acute kidney injury (AKI-D) further discriminates risk-adjusted mortality. AKI-D was categorized into four groups (Grp) based on creatinine elevation after ICU admission but before dialysis initiation: Grp I  > 0.3 mg/dL to <2-fold increase, Grp II ≥2 times but <3 times increase, Grp III ≥3-fold increase in creatinine, and Grp IV none or <0.3 mg/dl increase. Standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated by using a validated risk-adjusted mortality model and expressed with 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/06/PMC3556436.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3265212", "abstract": "Parents of children with intellectual disabilities and/or physical disabilities are supposed to have an increased risk for parenting stress and psychological distress. We as professional caregivers sometimes experience difficulties in keeping good relations or communicating with the parents. Professional workers in 460 institutions and consultation centers throughout Japan answered a questionnaire on their clinical experiences. About 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/ad/PMC3265212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3757268", "abstract": "The internal symmetry of a macromolecule is both an important aspect of its function and a useful feature in obtaining a structure by X-ray crystallography and other techniques. A method is presented for finding internal symmetry and other non-crystallographic symmetry in a structure based on patterns of density in a density map for that structure. Regions in map that are similar are identified by cutting out a sphere of density from a region that has high local variation and using an FFT-based correlation search to find other regions that match. The relationships among correlated regions are then refined to maximize their correlations and are found to accurately represent non-crystallographic symmetry in the map.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/7e/PMC3757268.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2915806", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tObjective. To prospectively identify behavioral risk factors for childhood overweight and to assess their relevance in high risk sub groups (children of mothers with overweight or low education).  Methods. In the PIAMA birth cohort (n = 3963), questionnaire data were obtained at ages 5 and 7 on “screen time”, walking or cycling to school, playing outside, sports club membership, fast food consumption, snack consumption and soft drink consumption. Weight and height were measured at age 8 years.  Results. Screen time, but none of the other hypothesized behavioral factors, was associated with overweight (aOR 1.4 (CI: 1.2–1.6)). The adjusted population attributable risk fraction for screen time > 1 hr/day was 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/d8/PMC2915806.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3139884", "abstract": "Development of a rapid field test is needed capable of determining if field supplies of water are safe to drink by the warfighter during a military operation. The present study sought to assess the effectiveness of handheld assays (HHAs) in detecting ricin and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in water. Performance of HHAs was evaluated in formulated tap water with and without chlorine, reverse osmosis water (RO) with chlorine, and RO with bromine. Each matrix was prepared, spiked with ricin or SEB at multiple concentrations, and then loaded onto HHAs. HHAs were allowed to develop and then read visually. Limits of detection (LOD) were determined for all HHAs in each water type. Both ricin and SEB were detected by HHAs in formulated tap water at or below the suggested health effect levels of 455 ng/mL and 4.55 ng/mL, respectively. However, in brominated or chlorinated waters, LODs for SEB increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. LODs for ricin increased in chlorinated water, but still remained below the suggested health effect level. In brominated water, the LOD for ricin increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. In conclusion, the HHAs tested were less effective at detecting ricin and SEB in disinfected water, as currently configured.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/70/PMC3139884.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2779291", "abstract": "A 30-yr-old man was referred for suspicious rectal cancer because of ulcerated lesions in the rectum and a palpable mass in left inguinal area. Sigmoidoscopy showed two indurated masses and histologic evaluation of biopsy revealed obliterative endarteritis with heavy plasma cell infiltration. Both venereal disease research laboratories (VDRL) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) tests were positive. After injection of penicillin G benzathine for 3 weeks, the rectal chancre and the palpable mass disappeared.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/6b/jkms-20-886.PMC2779291.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4823619", "abstract": "Objectives: Vagal pathways in gastrointestinal tract are the most important pathways that regulate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Gastrointestinal tract is one of the important sources of melatonin production. The aim of this study was to investigate probable protective effect of the interaction between vagus nerve and melatonin after I/R. Materials and methods: This study was performed in male rats that were divided into six groups. Cervical vagus nerve was cut bilaterally after induction of I/R and the right one was stimulated by stimulator. Melatonin or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally. The stomach was removed for histopathological and biochemical investigations. Results: A significant decrease in infiltration of gastric neutrophils and malondialdehyde (MDA) level after I/R was induced by melatonin and was disappeared after vagotomy. The stimulation of vagus nerve significantly enhanced these effects of melatonin. However, a stimulation of vagus nerve alone increased neutrophils infiltration and MDA level. Melatonin significantly increased the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutases (SOD). Unlike stimulation of vagus nerve, vagotomy decreased these effects of melatonin. Conclusion: According to these results, it is probable that protective effects of melatonin after I/R may be mediated by vagus nerve. Therefore, there is an interaction between melatonin and vagus nerve in their protective effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/bc/IJBMS-19-72.PMC4823619.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3279550", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Early developmental adaptations in response to undernutrition may play an essential role in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, particularly for those experiencing a “mismatched rich nutritional environment” in later life. We examined the associations of exposure to the Chinese famine (1959–1961) during fetal life and childhood with the risk of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the data for 7,874 rural adults born between 1954 and 1964 in selected communities from the cross-sectional 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Hyperglycemia was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥6.1 mmol/l and/or 2-h plasma glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l and/or a previous clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS Prevalences of hyperglycemia among adults in nonexposed, fetal exposed, early-childhood, mid-childhood, and late-childhood exposed cohorts were 2.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/6a/zdb2400.PMC3279550.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3692593", "abstract": "We previously localized type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility genes to five chromosomal regions through a genome-wide linkage scan of T2D and age of diagnosis (AOD) in the African American subset of the GENNID sample. To follow up these findings, we repeated the linkage and association analysis using genotypes on an additional 9,203 fine-mapping SNPs selected to tag genes under the linkage peaks. In each of the five regions, we confirmed linkage and inferred the presence two or more susceptibility genes. The evidence of multiple susceptibility genes comprised: 1) multiple linkage peaks in four of the five regions; 2) association of T2D and AOD with SNPs within 2 or more genes in every region. The associated genes included 3 previously reported to associate with T2D or related traits (GRB10, NEDD4L, LIPG), and 24 novel candidate genes including genes in lipid metabolism (ACOXL) and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion (MAGI2, CLDN4, CTNNA2).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/f0/PMC3692593.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4893437", "abstract": "The circadian system is a supraphysiological system that modulates different biological functions such as metabolism, sleep-wake, cellular proliferation, and body temperature. Different chronodisruptors have been identified, such as shift work, feeding time, long days, and stress. The environmental changes and our modern lifestyle can alter the circadian system and increase the risk of developing pathologies such as cancer, preeclampsia, diabetes, and mood disorder. This system is organized by transcriptional/tranductional feedback loops of clock genes Clock, Bmal1, Per1–3, and Cry1-2. How molecular components of the clock are able to influence the development of diseases and their risk relation with genetic components of polymorphism of clock genes is unknown. This research describes different genetic variations in the population and how these are associated with risk of cancer, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemias, and also mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disease, excessive alcohol intake, and infertility. Finally, these findings will need to be implemented and evaluated at the level of genetic interaction and how the environment factors trigger the expression of these pathologies will be examined. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/c7/PMC4893437.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3132988", "abstract": "Protein phosphatase 2A- (PP2A-) catalyzed dephosphorylation of target substrate proteins is widespread and critical for cellular function. PP2A is predominantly found as a heterotrimeric complex of a catalytic subunit (C), a scaffolding subunit (A), and one member of 4 families of regulatory subunits (B). Substrate specificity of the holoenzyme complex is determined by the subcellular locale the complex is confined to, selective incorporation of the B subunit, interactions with endogenous inhibitory proteins, and specific intermolecular interactions between PP2A and target substrates. Here, we discuss recent studies that have advanced our understanding of the molecular determinants for PP2A substrate specificity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/b2/PMC3132988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3316147", "abstract": "Psychiatric illnesses characterized by disorganized cognition, such as schizophrenia, have been described in terms of fragmentation and hence understood as reduction in functional brain connectivity, particularly in prefrontal and parietal areas. However, as graph theory shows, relatively small numbers of nonlocal connections are sufficient to ensure global coherence in the modular small-world network structure of the brain. We reconsider fragmentation in this perspective. Computational studies have shown that for a given level of connectivity in a model of coupled nonlinear oscillators, modular small-world networks evolve from an initially random organization. Here we demonstrate that with decreasing connectivity, the probability of evolving into a modular small-world network breaks down at a critical point, which scales to the percolation function of random networks with a universal exponent of α = 1.17. Thus, according to the model, local modularity systematically breaks down before there is loss of global coherence in network connectivity. We, therefore, propose that fragmentation may involve, at least in its initial stages, the inability of a dynamically evolving network to sustain a modular small-world structure. The result is in a shift in the balance in schizophrenia from local to global functional connectivity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/98/PMC3316147.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2771838", "abstract": "Dysphagia aortica is difficulty in swallowing caused by extrinsic compression of the esophagus due to an ectatic, tortuous, or aneurysmatic atherosclerotic thoracic aorta. This condition is very uncommon, and it is usually associated with old age, women with short stature, hypertension, and kyphosis. We report herein a case involving a patient with dysphagia who had an aortic aneurysm.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/ae/kcj-39-258.PMC2771838.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4854663", "abstract": "There have been several products developed for male sexual dysfunction. However, developing agents for female sexual dysfunction is lagging behind for various reasons. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis), which have been prescribed for male sexual function disorders, are known to act on vessels.[1] On the other hand, flibanserin is thought to act on brain. Flibanserin has been approved by U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) of premenopausal women in 2015, and is expected to be released in South Korea soon. Authors wrote this article to acknowledge flibanserin to sexologists for females or physicians for menopausal medicine, so that this agent can be safely used for females who have HSDD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/09/jmm-22-9.PMC4854663.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4616145", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this review was to investigate various types of VR programs and their use in cognitive evaluations and interventions for patients with brain injury. [Subjects and Methods] PubMed, Cochrane, and OTseeker electronic databases were searched with the search terms. At of 350 titles and abstracts were retrieved, and 17 articles were selected for this review. Selected articles were assessed on the level of evidence using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. [Results] Articles assessing the impact of cognitive impairments in memory were most commonly found, and VR interventions elicited positive effects in patients with brain injury. [Conclusion] VR can be considered a new tool for cognitive rehabilitation after brain injury. VR interventions also have a number of advantages, e.g. cost-effectiveness, compared to other interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/03/jpts-27-2999.PMC4616145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3547305", "abstract": "Background: Anopheles fluviatilis, one of the major malaria vectors in Iran, is assumed to be a complex of sibling species. The aim of this study was to evaluate Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene alongside 28S-D3 as a diagnostic tool for identification of An. fluviatilis sibling species in Iran. Methods: DNA sample belonging to 24 An. fluviatilis mosquitoes from different geographical areas in south and southeastern Iran were used for amplification of COI gene followed by sequencing. The 474–475 bp COI sequences obtained in this study were aligned with 59 similar sequences of An. fluviatilis and a sequence of Anopheles minimus, as out group, from GenBank database. The distances between group and individual sequences were calculated and phylogenetic tree for obtained sequences was generated by using Kimura two parameter (K2P) model of neighbor-joining method. Results: Phylogenetic analysis using COI gene grouped members of Fars Province (central Iran) in two distinct clades separate from other Iranian members representing Hormozgan, Kerman, and Sistan va Baluchestan Provinces. The mean distance between Iranian and Indian individuals was 1.66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/dc/jad-6-144.PMC3547305.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988961", "abstract": "Schwannoma in the abdomen is an uncommon neoplasm that occurs most frequently in the cranial and peripheral nerves; it is extremely rare in the great omentum and only 6 cases of schwannoma of the great omentum have been observed previously. We report the case of a schwannoma found in the great omentum of a 55-year-old man who was treated with laparoscopic surgery. Though it was difficult to diagnose preoperatively, the tumor showed malignant potential by rapidly increasing in size. Histologically it was configured by a well-encapsulated round mass measuring 30 × 18 × 15 mm in diameter. Immunohistochemically most of the neoplastic cells reacted moderately to NSE, NCAM and S-100 protein. We document the clinicopathological study of a schwannoma of the great omentum, followed by a review of the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/9a/crg0003-0222.PMC2988961.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3137987", "abstract": "Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the largest killer of males and females in the United States. There is a need to develop innovative diagnostic markers for this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of genes involved in important cellular processes, and we hypothesized that the miRNA expression profile would be altered in whole blood samples of patients with CAD. We performed a microarray analysis on RNA from the blood of 5 male subjects with CAD and 5 healthy subjects (mean age 53 years). Subsequently, we performed qRT-PCR analysis of miRNA expression in whole blood of another 10 patients with CAD and 15 healthy subjects. We identified 11 miRNAs that were significantly downregulated in CAD subjects (P < .05). Furthermore, we found an association between ACEI/ARB use and downregulation of several miRNAs that was independent of the presence of significant CAD. In conclusion, we have identified a distinct miRNA signature in whole blood that discriminates CAD patients from healthy subjects. Importantly, medication use may significantly alter miRNA expression. These findings may have significant implications for identifying and managing individuals that either have CAD or are at risk of developing the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/bb/PMC3137987.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC355903", "abstract": "The swarm-founding wasp Polybia emaciata is unusual among eusocial Vespidae because it uses mud, rather than wood pulp, as its primary nest construction material. Polybia emaciata nests are more durable than similarly sized paper nests. We tested the hypothesis that the defensive behavior of this wasp may have been modified to take advantage of their strong nests in defense against vertebrate attacks. We simulated vertebrate disturbances by tapping on, and breathing in, P. emaciata nests and similarly sized P. occidentalis paper nests in the same location at the same time. Polybia emaciata responses to disturbance were qualitatively different from those of P. occidentalis. The latter exit the nest and attack, while P. emaciata workers typically fled or entered the nest, attacking only after repeated and extended disturbances. We conclude that durable nest material may permit predator avoidance behavior in P. emaciata. We compare the defensive responses of P. emaciata workers with those of other swarm-founding Vespidae, and discuss several selective forces that could cause the evolution of species variation in nest defense behavior.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/a0/PMC355903.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3303893", "abstract": " Aim. To examine the expression of N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) gene and protein in glioma samples with different WHO grades and its association with patients' survival. Methods. Immunohistochemistry assay, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were carried out to investigate the expression of MPG gene and protein in 128 glioma and 10 non-neoplastic brain tissues. Results. MPG gene expression level in glioma tissues was significantly higher than that in non-neoplastic brain tissues (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry also showed that MPG protein was over-expressed in glioma tissues, which was consistent with the resutls of Western blot analysis. Additionally, the expression levels of MPG gene and protein both increase from grade I to grade IV glioma according to the results of real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Moreover, the survival rate of MPG-positive patients was significantly lower than that of MPG-negative patients (P < 0.001). We further confirmed that the over-expression of MPG was a significant and independent prognostic indicator in glioma by multivariate analysis (P < 0.001).  Conclusions. Our data showed the over-expression of MPG gene and protein in human gliomas, and also suggested for the first time that MPG be an unfavorable independent prognostic indicator for glioma patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/70/PMC3303893.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3901970", "abstract": " Objective. To review the extant literature on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents (10–19 years old) of both sexes.  Design. The search was carried out using Medline and Scopus considering articles published from the establishment of the databanks until June 7, 2012. Data on the prevalence of children being overweight and obese from the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) website was also reviewed. Only original articles and one National Health Report were considered. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. Results. Twenty-five of these studies were nationally representative, and ten countries were represented only by regional data. Conclusions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents worldwide is high, and obesity is higher among boys. The IOTF criterion is the most frequently used method to classify adolescents as overweighed or obese in public health research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/fc/PMC3901970.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4999398", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to determine the association between P2X7R rs3751142 and CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphisms and gout susceptibility in male Korean subjects. This study enrolled a total of 242 male patients with gout and 280 healthy controls. The polymorphisms of two individual genes including rs3751142(C>A) in the P2X7R gene and rs2043211(A>T) in the CARD8 gene were assessed using Taq-Man analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and logistic regression analyses. A difference in genotypic frequency of the P2X7R rs3751142 and CARD8 rs2043211 genes was not detected between gout and control patients. Clinical parameters including age, onset age, disease duration, body mass index, and serum uric acid levels were not different among the three genotypes for either P2X7R or CARD8 (P > 0.05 for all). A pair-wise comparison of P2X7R rs3751142 and CARD8 rs2043211 genotype combinations revealed that subjects with the CA P2X7R rs3751142 genotype and the TT CARD8 rs2043211 genotype had a trend toward a higher risk of gout compared to the CC/AA combination (P = 0.056, OR = 2.618, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/a2/jkms-31-1566.PMC4999398.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317101", "abstract": " Introduction. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is characteristically determined by high levels of calcium and high or inappropriate levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Technological advances have dramatically changed the surgical technique over the years once intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) assay had allowed for focused approaches. Objective. To evaluate our 10-year experience in employing a rapid intraoperative PTH assay for PHP. Methods. A prospective cohort of 91 PHP-operated patients in a tertiary institution in São Paulo, Brazil, from June 2000 to April 2011. Results. We had 85 (93.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/e6/PMC3317101.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4876731", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of comorbid depressive symptoms and/or stress on adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in individuals with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Investigators examined the relationship between baseline depressive symptoms and/or stress in adults with and without diabetes and physician-adjudicated incident CV outcomes including stroke, myocardial infarction/acute coronary heart disease, and CV death over a median follow-up of 5.95 years in the national REGARDS cohort study. RESULTS Subjects included 22,003 adults (4,090 with diabetes) (mean age 64 years, 58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/d0/PMC4876731.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4330666", "abstract": "Introduction: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (GN) is characterized by necrotizing and crescentic GN with paucity of immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement deposition, which is also known as pauci-immune crescentic GN. Membranous nephropathy (MN) is characterized by the formation of subepithelial immune deposit with resultant changes in glomerular basement membrane (GBM), most notably spike formation. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old man presented with marked proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and renal dysfunction with positive results for myeloperoxidase (MPO) and ANCA. Renal biopsy revealed crescents and thick GBM with subepithelial spikes along with IgG deposition on immunofluorescent staining. The condition was diagnosed as MN with MPO-ANCA-associated crescentic GN. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. After one-month follow-up, antibody level and renal function did not improve. Conclusions: Coexistence of MN with MPO-ANCA crescentic GN is very rare and should be managed aggressively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/e3/num-06-06-20701.PMC4330666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3259484", "abstract": "Although several studies have shown that enhanced cardiovascular reactivity can predict hypertension development in African Americans, these findings have not been consistent among all studies examining reactivity and hypertension susceptibility. This inconsistency may be explained by the influence of anxiety (state and trait) on the blood pressure response to stress. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether anxiety is associated with blood pressure response to cold pressor (CP) and anger recall (AR) stress tests in young healthy African Americans. Modeling using state and trait anxiety revealed that state anxiety predicts systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure DBP response to CP and AR (P ≤ 0.02). Interestingly, state anxiety predicted heart rate changes only to CP (P < 0.01; P = 0.3 for AR). Although trait anxiety was associated with SBP response to AR and not CP, it was not a significant predictor of reactivity in our models. We conclude that anxiety levels may contribute to the variable blood pressure response to acute stressors and, therefore, should be assessed when performing cardiovascular reactivity measures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/f8/PMC3259484.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745498", "abstract": "Standard cleaning processes may not remove all the soiling typically found in food industry, such as carbohydrates, fats, or proteins. Contaminants have a high impact in disinfection as their presence may reduce the activity of disinfectants. The influence of alginic acid, bovine serum albumin, yeast extract, and humic acids was assessed on the antimicrobial activities of benzalkonium chloride and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide against Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The bacteria (single and consortium) were exposed to surfactants (single and combined) in the absence and presence of potential disinfection interfering substances. The antimicrobial effects of the surfactants were assessed based on the bacterial respiratory activity measured by oxygen uptake rate due to glucose oxidation. The tested surfactants were efficient against both bacteria (single and consortium) with minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 3 to 35 mg·L−1. The strongest effect was caused by humic acids that severely quenched antimicrobial action, increasing the minimum bactericidal concentration of the surfactants on P. fluorescens and the consortium. The inclusion of the other interfering substances resulted in mild interferences in the antibacterial activity. This study clearly demonstrates that humic acids should be considered as an antimicrobial interfering substance in the development of disinfection strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/f4/PMC4745498.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4180206", "abstract": "Research derived from the stress paradigm suggests that certain types of coping (e.g., problem-focused coping instead of behavioral disengagement) are protective against problem-related drinking to deal with social stressors. Going beyond the typical focus in the coping literature, we hypothesize that stressors engendered by macrolevel social forces may require coping actions within the political realm in contrast to modes of coping focused outside of the political realm. A United States sample of 663 respondents completed a mail survey in 2010, including measures of stressful consequences of the Great Recession, drinking patterns and problems, modes of coping encompassed in the Brief COPE instrument, and politically oriented coping. Structural equation modeling examined whether modes of coping mediated the links between stressors and drinking outcomes. A substantial portion of the associations between stressors and drinking was explained by modes of coping. Politically oriented coping was protective against problem drinking for both genders. Future studies should further explore politically oriented coping in addition to modes of coping outside of the political realm when studying the relationships between macrolevel social stressors and deleterious drinking outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/37/PMC4180206.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327281", "abstract": "Several authors still consider the mechanical problems of fracture and component loosening as the main causes of failure of implant-supported restorations. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the preload of three types of screw for transmucosal abutment attachment used in single implant-supported prosthesis through strain gauge and removal torque measurements. Three external hex fixtures were used, and each received a transmucosal abutment (Cera One®), which was fixed to the implant with its respective screw: Group A- gold screw, Group B- titanium screw and Group C- surface-treated titanium screw (Ti-Tite®). Ten screws of each type were attached applying a 30.07±0.28 Ncm torque force and maintained in position for 5 minutes. After this, the preload values were measured using strain gauges and a measurement cell. Gold screws presented higher preload values (131.72±8.98 N), followed by surface-treated titanium screws (97.78±4.68 N) and titanium screws (37.03±5.69 N). ANOVA (p<0.05) and Tukey's test (p<0.05) were applied. Statistically significant differences were found among the groups for both preload and removal torque values. In conclusion, gold screws may be indicated to achieve superior longevity of the abutment-implant connection and, consequently, prosthetic restoration due to greater preload values yielded.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/6b/1678-7757-jaos-16-01-0055.PMC4327281.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3311057", "abstract": "The central nervous system (CNS) represents an important target for HIV infection during multiple stages of the disease: early, after invasion of the host, acting as a viral reservoir; lately, subverting its function and causing peripheral neuropathies and neurocognitive disorders; and lastly, during the final stage of NeuroAIDS, triggering opportunistic infections, cancers, and dementia. Highly active antiretroviral therapy, a combination of drugs that inhibits enzymes essential for HIV replication, can reduce the viremia and the onset of opportunistic infections in most patients, and prolong the survival. Among the limits of the current treatments the most noticeable is the inability to eradicate HIV-infected cells, both, limiting the time frame in which antiretroviral therapies initiated after exposure to HIV can prevent infection, and allowing replication-competent virus that persists in infected cells to emerge rapidly after the cessation of treatments. Many strategies are currently under evaluation to improve HIV treatment, unfortunately more than 98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/11/fneur-03-00043.PMC3311057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3138923", "abstract": "Purpose Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy, in combination with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan, has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). Materials and Methods Between January 2006 and December 2007, a total of 478 ACC patients were treated with combination chemotherapy in first-line settings. Combination therapies included: 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX, n=172), 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid plus irinotecan (FOLFIRI, n=95), capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX, n=155), and capecitabine plus irinotecan (XELIRI, n=56). FOLFOX and FOLFIRI were repeated every 2 weeks, whereas XELOX and XELIRI were repeated every 3 weeks until occurrence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or until a patient chose to discontinue treatment. Results The median age was 58 years (range, 19 to 84 years) and the median chemotherapy durations for FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, XELOX, and XELIRI were 4.9, 4.5, 5.7, and 5.4 months, respectively. Combination chemotherapy regimens were generally well tolerated. The estimated median progression-free-survival (PFS) for all patients was 6.8 months (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/29/crt-43-96.PMC3138923.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4432382", "abstract": "Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a lymphoproliferative disease involving the lungs most frequently; however, it may also involve the kidneys, skin and especially the central nervous system. Unique initial presentation of spinal involvement is extremely rare and epidural lesion of thoracic spine has not been reported. The prognosis for LYG has been reported to be poor, and there currently exists no satisfactory established treatment protocol. The purpose of this study is to report a case of successful treatment with surgery and rituximab combination therapy in thoracic spinal LYG.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/51/kjs-9-32.PMC4432382.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897483", "abstract": "  Aim. To prove the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) colorectal resection in kidney recipients by evaluating the technical protocol and reviewing short- and long-term outcomes. Methods. Between May 2007 and August 2012, a retrospective review of ten kidney transplant patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer was evaluated for technical tips, short- and long-term outcomes. Results. The mean patients' age was 56.8 ± 9.91 years and 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/ae/PMC4897483.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2988921", "abstract": "Acute occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) causes extensive bowel necrosis, resulting in a poor prognosis with an extremely high mortality rate. An 82-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of abdominal pain. She was diagnosed as having acute SMA occlusion by enhanced CT. Five hours from onset, the first thrombolytic therapy with urokinase was performed, but failed to complete thrombolysis and recanalization of peripheral blood flow. An exploratory laparotomy following the first thrombolytic therapy showed a mild ischemic change in the affected intestine and mesentery, but no sign of necrosis. After the laparotomy, local thrombolytic therapy with angiographic evaluation of blood flow at 24, 36 and 48 h from the first thrombolysis was performed. As a result, the residual thrombus disappeared and all branches of the SMA became well visualized. The patient was discharged well without a second-look operation or major bowel resection. Sequential intermittent thrombolytic therapy with meticulous angiographic evaluation of blood flow is effective for early-stage acute SMA occlusion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/f2/crg0003-0300.PMC2988921.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2688912", "abstract": "Several possible and potentially overlapping genetic mechanisms have been suggested to explain differences in life span between males and females. Two recent papers in BMC Evolutionary Biology on the effects of inbreeding provide additional insight into the genetic architecture underlying life span differences between genders in two different insects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/2f/PMC2688912.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5215459", "abstract": "Abstract The incidence of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients is significantly greater than in the general population. A correlation has been observed between dopamine agonist medication and the development of pathological gambling. However, scientists conjecture that the affected patients have underlying risk factors. Studies analysing Parkinson's patients have detected that patients who developed pathological gambling are younger, score higher on novelty‐seeking tests, are more impulsive and are more likely to have a personal or family history of alcohol addiction. In addition, some genetic variations have been associated with the susceptibility of developing pathological gambling, which include mutations of DRD3, 5‐HTTLPR and GRIN2B. Studies focusing on neurofunctional discrepancies between Parkinson's patients with and without pathological gambling have found increased functional activation and dopamine release in regions associated with the mesolimbic reward system. Furthermore, there is also evidence showing increased processing of reward and decreased activation elicited by punishment, suggesting altered learning processes. Furthermore, the role of deep brain stimulation of the nucleus subthalamicus (STN DBS) is controversial. In most Parkinson's patients, pathological gambling resolved after the initiation of the STN DBS, which might be explained by discontinuation or decrease in dopamine agonist medication. However, it has been also shown that some patients are more impulsive while the STN DBS is activated. These differences may depend on the DBS localization in the more limbic or motor part of the STN and their regulative effects on impulsivity. Further research is needed to clarify susceptibility factors for the development of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/cd/EJN-45-67.PMC5215459.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5328611", "abstract": "Background The aim of this case–control study was to explore the association by gender between the HTR2C gene variants and suicidal behavior in a Mexican population. Subjects and methods A total of 183 suicide attempters and 208 healthy volunteers were included in this study. We genotyped five polymorphisms of HTR2C (rs547536, rs2192372, rs4272555, rs6318, and rs2428707), then measured the association by genotype, allele, and haplotype. Results In the female group, we found an association between two polymorphisms of the HTR2C (rs4272555 and rs2428707) and suicide attempts. The C allele of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4272555 was associated with a decreased risk of suicide attempt (P=0.01, odds ratio =0.26, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/45/ndt-13-559.PMC5328611.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3017954", "abstract": "Boric acid (BA) has broad antimicrobial activity that makes it a popular treatment for yeast vaginitis in complementary and alternative medicine. In the model yeast S. cerevisiae, BA disturbs the cytoskeleton at the bud neck and impairs the assembly of the septation apparatus. BA treatment causes cells to form irregular septa and leads to the synthesis of irregular cell wall protuberances that extend far into the cytoplasm. The thick, chitin-rich septa that are formed during BA exposure prevent separation of cells after abscission and cause the formation of cell chains and clumps. As a response to the BA insult, cells signal cell wall stress through the Slt2p pathway and increase chitin synthesis, presumably to repair cell wall damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/ee/PMC3017954.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4210413", "abstract": "[Purpose] In the present study, we investigated femoral muscle activity during toe-gripping, and the role of the femoral muscles in toe-gripping strength. [Subjects] Fourteen healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured the maximum voluntary contraction of the rectus femoris and long head of the biceps femoris muscles. We then calculated the percent integrated EMG (", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/fb/jpts-26-1619.PMC4210413.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437290", "abstract": "We present results of a study investigating evaluative learning in dementia patients with a classic evaluative conditioning paradigm. Picture pairs of three unfamiliar faces with liked, disliked, or neutral faces, that were rated prior to the presentation, were presented 10 times each to a group of dementia patients (N = 15) and healthy controls (N = 14) in random order. Valence ratings of all faces were assessed before and after presentation. In contrast to controls, dementia patients changed their valence ratings of unfamiliar faces according to their pairing with either a liked or disliked face, although they were not able to explicitly assign the picture pairs after the presentation. Our finding suggests preserved evaluative conditioning in dementia patients. However, the result has to be considered preliminary, as it is unclear which factors prevented the predicted rating changes in the expected direction in the control group.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/32/PMC4437290.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3997246", "abstract": "Analogous to adenomyoepitheliomas of the breast, cutaneous adenomyoepithelioma is composed of two components, one being myoepithelial, the other ductal epithelial, and it lies in the spectrum of neoplasms having a “pure“ myoepithelioma at one end and a mixed apocrine tumor at the other. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a 3 cm nodular lesion on her left forearm that had been present for many years. Histopathologic examination revealed a large lobulated neoplasm surrounded by a compressed fibrous pseudocapsule. Most of the cells that constituted the lesion displayed myoepithelial differentiation arranged in solid sheets, cords, and solitary units. Glandular and ductal structures with features of apocrine differentiation composed the second part of the neoplasm. The myoepithelial cellular component of the neoplasm stained for S100 protein and was negative for cytokeratin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Based on findings by conventional microscopy and immunohistochemistry, the neoplasm was classified as primary adenomyoepithelioma of the skin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/3d/PMC3997246.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3616698", "abstract": "Thousands of novel transcripts have been identified using deep transcriptome sequencing. This discovery of large and ‘hidden’ transcriptome rejuvenates the demand for methods that can rapidly distinguish between coding and noncoding RNA. Here, we present a novel alignment-free method, Coding Potential Assessment Tool (CPAT), which rapidly recognizes coding and noncoding transcripts from a large pool of candidates. To this end, CPAT uses a logistic regression model built with four sequence features: open reading frame size, open reading frame coverage, Fickett TESTCODE statistic and hexamer usage bias. CPAT software outperformed (sensitivity: 0.96, specificity: 0.97) other state-of-the-art alignment-based software such as Coding-Potential Calculator (sensitivity: 0.99, specificity: 0.74) and Phylo Codon Substitution Frequencies (sensitivity: 0.90, specificity: 0.63). In addition to high accuracy, CPAT is approximately four orders of magnitude faster than Coding-Potential Calculator and Phylo Codon Substitution Frequencies, enabling its users to process thousands of transcripts within seconds. The software accepts input sequences in either FASTA- or BED-formatted data files. We also developed a web interface for CPAT that allows users to submit sequences and receive the prediction results almost instantly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/6a/gkt006.PMC3616698.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3656010", "abstract": "Release and reception of extracellular ATP by leukocytes plays a critical role in immune responses to infection, injury and cardiovascular disease. Leukocytes of both the innate, adaptive immune and central nervous system express a repertoire of cell surface receptors for ATP (P2X and P2Y receptors) and its metabolites. ATP acts as a damage-associated molecule pattern (DAMP) released by injured or dying cells. Detection of released ATP by neighboring leukocytes initiates inflammation and wound healing. However, recent evidence from our group and others suggests ATP release by leukocytes themselves serves to regulate homeostatic mechanisms and coordinate responses to external pro-inflammatory cues. Examples include the homeostatic control of intracellular calcium and regulation of migratory guidance during chemotactic response to external cues. Though there has been some progress in elucidating ATP release mechanisms of some mammalian cells types, release conduits and coupling signal transduction machinery remain larger elusive for leukocytes. Our recent studies suggest a role for secretory lysosomes in releasing ATP in monocytes. Though poorly defined, targeting ATP release mechanisms in leukocytes have great anti-inflammatory potential.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/87/cib-6-e23631.PMC3656010.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4295945", "abstract": "Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma deep within the myometrium associated with myometrial hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Focal uterine infarction after IVF-ET in a patient with adenomyosis following biochemical pregnancy has not been previously reported, although it occurs after uterine artery embolization in order to control symptoms caused by fibroids or adenomyosis. We report a case of a nulliparous woman who had uterine adenomyosis presenting with fever, pelvic pain and biochemical abortion after undergoing an IVF-ET procedure and the detection of a slightly elevated serum hCG. Focal uterine infarction was suspected after a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated preserved myometrium between the endometrial cavity and inner margin of the necrotic myometrium. This case demonstrates that focal uterine infarction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and infectious signs in women experiencing biochemical abortion after an IVF-ET procedure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/ff/cerm-41-174.PMC4295945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3440953", "abstract": " Objectives. To present our initial experiences with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy performed using homemade transumbilical single-port system. Materials and Methods. We reviewed the medical records of one hundred patients who underwent single-port access laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (SPA-LAVH). SPA-LAVH was performed with homemade single port system and conventional rigid laparoscopic instruments. Results. All procedures were successfully completed through the single-port system and vagina without need for extraumbilical puncture or conversion to laparotomy. The median patient age was 48.2 ± 6.5 years. Thirty-three patients had history of past abdominopelvic surgery. The median total operative time, largest dimension of the uterus, and weight of the uterus were 73.1 ± 24.6 min, 10.5 ± 2.1 cm, and 300.8 ± 192.5 gram, respectively. The median decline in the hemoglobin from before surgery to postoperative day 1 was 1.8 ± 0.9 g/dL. Bladder injury in occurred one patient who was repaired through intraoperative laparoscopic suture. The postoperative course was uneventful in most patients except for three who had a transient paralytic ileus, five who had pelvic hematoma, but they were recovered following conservative managements. No port-related complications were noted, and the cosmetic results were excellent. Conclusions. SPA-LAVH is technically safe procedure, and the homemade single-port system offers reliable access for single-port surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/c0/PMC3440953.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4127542", "abstract": "Cutaneous drug reactions make up the largest proportion of adverse events in the medical field. Causality, in particular, is difficult to determine, and therefore, preventing recurrent reactions can be challenging. Bendamustine was initially thought to be a well-tolerated chemotherapy agent with few side effects aside from bone marrow suppression. However, the incidence of cutaneous reactions reported is rising. We describe three such reactions in relation to bendamustine administration in hopes of adding to the awareness of such side effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/48/cro-0007-0465.PMC4127542.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3452276", "abstract": "Paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua are both indomethacin-responsive headaches. Although indomethacin use to be well tolerated, some patients developed gastrointestinal side effects. We report four cases of hemicrania continua and a patient suffering chronic paroxysmal hemicrania completely responsive to celecoxib. In our experience celecoxib is a good option treatment for patients suffering from hemicrania continua or chronic paroxysmal hemicranea that presents indomethacin adverse effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/db/PMC3452276.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4993942", "abstract": " Purpose. To compare subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with red and green laser in diabetic patients. Study Design. Randomized clinical trial. Methods. A total of 50 patients with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy and no diabetic macular edema underwent PRP. One eye was randomly assigned to red or green laser. Subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and RNFL thicknesses were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment. Results. The mean subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increased significantly in each eye 6 weeks after PRP (P values in red laser group: <0.01, 0.03, and <0.01, resp., and in green laser group <0.01, <0.01, and <0.01). There was no difference between red and green laser considering subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increase after PRP (P values: 0.184, 0.404, and 0.726, resp.). Conclusion. Both red and green lasers increased mean subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness significantly 6 weeks after PRP, but there is no difference between these two modalities in this regard.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/65/PMC4993942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3278202", "abstract": "Background Platinum-doublet, first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is limited to 4–6 cycles. An alternative strategy used to prolong the duration of first-line treatment and extend survival in metastatic NSCLC is first-line maintenance therapy. Erlotinib was approved for first-line maintenance in a stable disease population following results from a randomized, controlled Phase III trial comparing erlotinib with best supportive care. We aimed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of erlotinib 150 mg/day versus best supportive care when used as first-line maintenance therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and stable disease. Methods An economic decision model was developed using patient-level data for progression-free survival and overall survival from the SATURN (SequentiAl Tarceva in UnResectable NSCLC) study. An area under the curve model was developed; all patients entered the model in the progression-free survival health state and, after each month, moved to progression or death. A time horizon of 5 years was used. The model was conducted from the perspective of national health care payers in France, Germany, and Italy. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Treatment with erlotinib in first-line maintenance resulted in a mean life expectancy of 1.39 years in all countries, compared with a mean 1.11 years with best supportive care, which represents 0.28 life-years (3.4 life-months) gained with erlotinib versus best supportive care. In the base-case analysis, the cost per life-year gained was €39,783, €46,931, and €27,885 in France, Germany, and Italy, respectively. Conclusion Erlotinib is a cost-effective treatment option when used as first-line maintenance therapy for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/ba/PMC3278202.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897561", "abstract": " Objective. To report the perioperative outcomes of patients treated with partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon using three surgical modalities—open, laparoscopic, and robotic. Methods. Between August 2006 and February 2012, 106 consecutive patients underwent open partial nephrectomy (OPN) (n = 23), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) (n = 48), and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) (n = 35) by a single surgeon. Clinical variables, operative parameters, and renal functional outcomes were analyzed. Results. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar except for baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which was highest in the RPN group (P = 0.004). Surgery time was longest in the RPN group (244 minutes) and shortest in the OPN group (163 minutes, P < 0.0001). Patients who had OPN had the highest incidence of 30-day complications (30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/f2/PMC4897561.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5338956", "abstract": "Patients with autosomal-dominant (AD) hyper immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome (HIES) or Job syndrome develop frequent dermatologic and pulmonary infections. As patients have an extreme elevation of IgE levels, this database analysis study sought to study the association between AD HIES, Job syndrome, and anaphylaxis. HIES is a heterogeneous group of immune disorders characterized by extremely elevated levels of serum IgE. Although the molecular defects and clinical phenotypes found in association with Job syndrome are well characterized, the association with severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis is a subject of ongoing investigation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/a8/jaa-10-031.PMC5338956.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3306939", "abstract": " Leishmania amazonensis parasites cause progressive disease in most inbred mouse strains and are associated with the development of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. The poor activation of an effective cellular response is correlated with the ability of these parasites to infect mononuclear phagocytic cells without triggering their activation or actively suppressing innate responses of these cells. Here we discuss the possible role of phosphatidylserine exposure by these parasites as a main regulator of the mechanism underlying subversion of the immune system at different steps during the infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/1b/PMC3306939.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3713951", "abstract": "Patients’ rights observance is one of the effective measures of patients’ satisfaction of health care services. We performed this study at the aim of evaluation of nurses’ awareness of patients’ rights in a teaching hospital in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010. In this study 156 nurses were randomly selected. Two-part questionnaire was used for data collection. The validity and reliability of questionnaire was determined and then it was distributed between subjects. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 15 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Our results showed that ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/b6/jmehm-4-2.PMC3713951.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4576138", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of insulin degludec used for basal-bolus insulin regimen after switching from twice-daily basal insulin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The subjects were 22 type 1 diabetes patients treated with basal-bolus insulin regimen with twice-daily basal insulin. Basal insulin was switched to once-daily injection of insulin degludec with 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/2d/PMC4576138.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2323473", "abstract": "Desmoid tumours are benign tumours originating from the musculoaponeurotic structures of the body. They are mainly composed of collagen. These tumours commonly occur in post-partum women in whom they originate from the rectus abominus and in old surgical incisions. Here we present a case report of a young gentleman who presented with an acute surgical abdomen and subsequently underwent a laparotomy and was found to have an inflammatory mass. Histological analysis of this mass revealed mesenteric fibromatosis (desmoid tumour). I wish to present this interesting case because the patient was neither female nor someone who had previously undergone any surgery. It is rare for mesenteric fibromatosis to present with intestinal perforation and only one case been reported in the literature thus far. An important learning point from this case is that rare pathology can manifest itself with common signs and symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/b7/mjm1002p090.PMC2323473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698158", "abstract": "Objective To analyze the causes of arterial bleeding after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Materials and Methods Forty-two sessions of conventional arteriography were performed in 32 of the 195 patients who underwent LDLT during the past 2 years. This was done in search of bleeding foci of arterial origin. TAE was performed with microcoils or gelatin sponge particles. The causes of arterial bleeding, the technical and clinical success rates of TAE and the complications were retrospectively evaluated. Results Forty-two bleeding foci of arterial origin were identified on 30 sessions of arteriography in 21 patients. The most common cause of bleeding was percutaneous procedures in 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7f/16/kjr-5-164.PMC2698158.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4719173", "abstract": "Introduction: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disoder characterized by bone formation within muscles tendons and ligaments. It has an incidence of one in two million. We hereby report a case of FOP in a four year male child from a tribal family in orissa. Case Report: 4 yr old male child presented with gradual development of stiffness of neck and hard nodules on his body for which his parents had sought all sort of indegenous treatment and manipulations by traditional bone setters. Patient returned to our hospital at the age of four years with widespread ossification and stiffness of neck, shoulders and back. He also had upper tibial osteochondromas and scalp nodules and valgus deformity of bilateral great toes. A diagnosis of FOP was made on clinical and radiological examination. Conclusion: Though rare, diagnosis of Myositis ossificans progressiva should be considered in a child with heterotopic bone formation and valgus deformities of great toes. Being a rare condition, treatment guidelines are not clear and this condition need further research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/32/JOCR-2-17.PMC4719173.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3465928", "abstract": "We have demonstrated that treating diet-induced obese (DIO) mice with the vasopeptidase inhibitor ilepatril improved neural function. Vasopeptidase inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity. We propose that increased activity of ACE and NEP contributes to pathophysiology of DIO. To address this issue C57Bl/6J mice or mice deficient in NEP were fed a high-fat diet and treated with ilepatril, enalapril, ACE inhibitor, or candoxatril, NEP inhibitor, using both prevention and intervention protocols. Endpoints included glucose utilization and neural function determination. In the prevention study glucose tolerance was impaired in DIO C57Bl/6J mice and improved with ilepatril or enalapril. Sensory nerve conduction velocity, thermal nociception, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were impaired in DIO C57Bl/6J mice and improved with ilepatril or candoxatril. In the intervention study only enalapril improved glucose tolerance. Sensory nerve conduction velocity and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were improved by all three treatments, whereas thermal nociception was improved by ilepatril or candoxatril. In NEP-deficient mice DIO impaired glucose utilization and this was improved with enalapril. Nerve function was not impaired by DIO in NEP-deficient mice. These studies suggest that ACE and NEP play a role in pathophysiology associated with DIO.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/a6/PMC3465928.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5181394", "abstract": "First reported in 2003, mosaic tetracycline resistance genes are a subgroup of the genes encoding ribosomal protection proteins (RPPs). They are formed when two or more RPP-encoding genes recombine resulting in a functional chimera. To date, the majority of mosaic genes are derived from sections of three RPP genes, tet(O), tet(W) and tet(32), with others comprising tet(M) and tet(S). In this first review of mosaic genes, we report on their structure, diversity and prevalence, and suggest that these genes may be responsible for an under-reported contribution to tetracycline resistance in bacteria.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/ad/dkw304.PMC5181394.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4318834", "abstract": "Background Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) metastasizes most commonly to the lungs and non-cranial bones. Skull and skin are uncommon sites and usually manifest well after the diagnosis of primary malignancy. Metastasis to skull and skin as the presenting feature of FTC is infrequently reported in the literature. Case presentation A 65-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of thyroid nodule presented with the complaint of rapidly growing skull nodules which had been present for 3 years but were stable previously. She denied any fevers, chills, history of trauma, or weight loss. She denied any history of smoking or head and neck irradiation. On physical examination, she had two non-tender gray cystic lesions – one on her left temporal region and the other on the right parietal region. Biopsy was consistent with metastatic FTC. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated 7.1×3.8 cm and 3.7×4.5 cm fairly homogeneous, enhancing, relatively well-defined masses centered in the posterior and left anterior lateral calvarium with intracranial and extracranial extensions but without any vasogenic edema or mass effect on the brain. Thyroid ultrasound showed numerous nodules in both lobes. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy. Histopathological studies of the thyroid gland revealed a well-differentiated FTC in the left lobe. Then she underwent resection of the tumor in multiple stages. She did not have any recurrence of the FTC or metastases during the follow-up period and will be receiving radioactive iodine treatment. Conclusion Bone and lung are the common sites of metastasis from FTC, but involvement of skull or skin is unusual, particularly as the presenting feature. Metastases from FTC should be in the differential of patients with new osteolytic hypervascular skull lesions or cutaneous lesions in head and neck area.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/be/JCHIMP-5-26332.PMC4318834.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4327199", "abstract": "Although visible light-polymerized acrylic resins have been used in removable partial dentures, it is not clear whether the presence of a metal framework could interfere with their polymerization, by possibly reflecting the light and affecting important properties, such as roughness and hardness, which would consequently increase biofilm accumulation. The aim of this study was to compare the roughness and Knoop hardness of a visible light-polymerized acrylic resin and to compare these values to those of water-bath- and microwave-polymerized resins, in the presence of a metal framework. Thirty-six specimens measuring 30.0 × 4.0 ± 0.5 mm of a microwave- (Onda Cryl), a visible light- (Triad) and a water-bath- polymerized (Clássico) (control) acrylic resins containing a cobalt-chromium metal bar were prepared. After processing, specimens were ground with 360 to 1000-grit abrasive papers in a polishing machine, followed by polishing with cloths and 1μm diamond particle suspension. Roughness was evaluated using a profilometer (Surfcorder SE 1700) and Knoop hardness (Kg/mm2) was assayed using a microhardness tester (Shimadzu HMV 2000) at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μm from the metal bar. Roughness and Knoop hardness means were submitted to two-way ANOVA and compared by Tukey and Kruskal Wallis tests at a 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/99/1678-7757-jaos-14-03-0208.PMC4327199.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3246515", "abstract": "Purpose To present outcomes of transurethral removal (TUR) of intravesical or intraurethral mesh after midurethral slings. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective chart review of 23 consecutive women: 20 with intravesical mesh and 3 with intraurethral mesh. Results To remove the mesh, transurethral resection with an electrode loop (TUR-E) was used in 16 women and transurethral resection with a holmium laser (TUR-H) was used in 7. The median follow-up was 2.1 months. Twenty-six percent of the women (6/23) had a mesh remnant: 6.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/79/kju-52-829.PMC3246515.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3503236", "abstract": "Objective: To elucidate the consequences of broadening DSM-IV criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), we examined prospectively the evolution of GAD symptoms in two groups of patients; one group diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria and the other, according to broader criteria. Method: Multicentre, prospective and observational study conducted on outpatient psychiatric clinics. Patients were selected from October 2007 to January 2009 and diagnosed with GAD according to DSM-IV criteria (DSM-IV group) or broader criteria. Broader criteria were considered 1-month of excessive or non-excessive worry and only 2 of the associated symptoms listed on DSM-IV for GAD diagnosis. Socio-demographic data, medical history and functional outcome measures were collected three times during a 6-month period. Results: 3,549 patients were systematically recruited; 1,815 patients in DSM-IV group (DG) and 1,264 in broad group (BG); 453 patients did not fulfil inclusion criteria and were excluded. Most patients (87.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/9f/CPEMH-8-158.PMC3503236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3483330", "abstract": "Intracranial hypotension syndrome typically occurs spontaneously or iatrogenically. It can be associated with headache, drowsy mentality and intracranial heamorrhage. Iatrogenic intracranial hypotension can occur due to dural pucture, trauma and spine surgery. Treatment may include conservative therapy and operation. We report a case of a 54-year-old man who was successfully treated with epidural blood patches for intracranial hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the lumbosacral area after spine surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/52/jkns-52-254.PMC3483330.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4004838", "abstract": " We report the cases of two Japanese children with cystic pituitary enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) causing central diabetes insipidus (DI). In the first patient, endocrinological examination demonstrated slightly impaired growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone secretions, but normal responses of other anterior pituitary hormones. The second patient had normal basal levels of anterior pituitary hormones. Transsphenoidal resection of the tumors was performed in both patients. Histological analysis of the tumor sections demonstrated granulomatous tissue with cholesterol clefts, foamy macrophages, multinucleated giant cells and no epithelial component. Thus, these tumors were pathologically diagnosed as xanthogranuloma of the sellar region, different from adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Post-operatively, the two patients continue to have DI, however other hormone replacement therapy after one year of follow-up has not been required. Currently, it is not clear whether xanthogranuloma is a distinct entity from adamantinomatous craniopharyingioma. Although, to our knowledge, a clinical report of xanthogranuloma of the sellar region has not been reported at pediatric age, it would be included in the differential diagnosis of the sellar region.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/36/cpe-15-085.PMC4004838.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3030046", "abstract": "Breast surgery is a common procedure performed in women. Many women who undergo breast surgery suffer from ill-defined pain syndromes. A nerve block is used in the treatment of the acute and chronic pain, but the effectiveness of the treatment has been limited because of its short duration. Recently, the advent of pulsed radiofrequency lesioning (PRF) has proved a successful treatment for chronic refractory pain involving the peripheral nerves. We experienced a case of a 52-year-old female patient complaining of chronic breast neuropathic pain after breast reduction, which was relieved after PRF lesioning of the 4th thoracic spinal nerve and its root.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/ef/kjae-59-S238.PMC3030046.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1160155", "abstract": "OrfPredictor is a web server designed for identifying protein-coding regions in expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived sequences. For query sequences with a hit in BLASTX, the program predicts the coding regions based on the translation reading frames identified in BLASTX alignments, otherwise, it predicts the most probable coding region based on the intrinsic signals of the query sequences. The output is the predicted peptide sequences in the FASTA format, and a definition line that includes the query ID, the translation reading frame and the nucleotide positions where the coding region begins and ends. OrfPredictor facilitates the annotation of EST-derived sequences, particularly, for large-scale EST projects. OrfPredictor is available at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/4d/PMC1160155.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1852396", "abstract": "A microspectrophotometer is a digital microscope used to measure absorption and fluorescence spectra. In this paper we describe a polychromator-based microspectrophotometer that performs in vivo absorption or emission measurements at the same time on different subcellular compartments such as photoreceptive and photosynthetic structures of algal cells. In this system, a flat field imaging concave grating polychromator is connected to the slit-shaped exit pupil of a light-guide probe mounted onto a microscope equipped with an epifluorescence module. The subcellular components, on which the spectra will be measured, are placed in the microscope field and finely adjusted. The outer bundle of the probe is used for centering the objects, while the central bundle of the probe, containing 19 light guides, is used for acquiring either transmitted or emitted light (i.e. fluorescence). The light transmitted or emitted by the subcellular components is collected by the probe mounted in the back focal plane of the ocular. The exit pupil of this probe, connected to a flat field imaging concave grating polychromator, produces a dispersion image that in turn is focused onto a digital slow scan cooled CCD camera. Absorption and emission spectra of algal subcellular compartments are presented", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/4f/PMC1852396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4684879", "abstract": "The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine-threonine protein kinase, integrates extracellular signals, thereby modulating several physiological and pathological processes, including pain. Previous studies have suggested that rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) can attenuate nociceptive behaviors in many pain models, most likely at the spinal cord level. However, the mechanisms of mTOR at the supraspinal level, particularly at the level of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the role of mTOR in the RVM, a key relay region for the descending pain control pathway, under neuropathic pain conditions. Phosphorylated mTOR was mainly expressed in serotonergic spinally projecting neurons and was significantly increased in the RVM after spared nerve injury- (SNI-) induced neuropathic pain. Moreover, in SNI rat brain slices, rapamycin infusion both decreased the amplitude instead of the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and reduced the numbers of action potentials in serotonergic neurons. Finally, intra-RVM microinjection of rapamycin effectively alleviated established mechanical allodynia but failed to affect the development of neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our data provide strong evidence for the role of mTOR in the RVM in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, indicating a novel mechanism of mTOR inhibitor-induced analgesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/a6/PMC4684879.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015287", "abstract": "Background: How should the stable patient with penetrating abdominal or lower chest trauma be evaluated? Evolving trends have recently included the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. In September 1995 we instituted a protocol of diagnostic laparoscopy to identify those patients who could safely avoid surgical intervention. Design: Prospective case series. Materials and Methods: Hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injuries to the anterior abdomen and lower chest were prospectively evaluated by diagnostic laparoscopy, performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, and considered negative if no peritoneal violation or an isolated nonbleeding liver injury had occurred. If peritoneal violation, major organ injury or hematoma was noted, conversion to open celiotomy was undertaken. Results: Seventy consecutive patients were evaluated over a two-year period. The average length of stay (LOS) following negative laparoscopy was 1.5 days, and for negative celiotomy 5.2 days. There were no missed intra-abdominal injuries following 30 negative laparoscopies, and 26 of 40 laparotomies were therapeutic. The technique also proved useful in evaluation of selected blunt and HIV+ trauma vic-tims with unclear clinical presentations. However, while laparoscopy was accurate in assessing the abdomen following penetrating lower chest injuries, significant thoracic injuries were missed in 2 out of 11 patients who required subsequent return to OR for thoracotomy. Conclusions: Laparoscopy has become a useful and accu-rate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of abdominal trauma. Nevertheless, laparoscopy still carries a 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/2a/jsls-2-2-123.PMC3015287.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3103859", "abstract": "A simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace amounts of selenium (IV) was described. In this method, all selenium spices reduced to selenium (IV) using 6 M HCl. Cloud point extraction was applied as a preconcentration method for spectrophotometric determination of selenium (IV) in aqueous solution. The proposed method is based on the complexation of Selenium (IV) with dithizone at pH < 1 in micellar medium (Triton X-100). After complexation with dithizone, the analyte was quantitatively extracted to the surfactant-rich phase by centrifugation and diluted to 5 mL with methanol. Since the absorption maxima of the complex (424 nm) and dithizone (434 nm) overlap, hence, the corrected absorbance, Acorr, was used to overcome the problem. With regard to the preconcentration, the tested parameters were the pH of the extraction, the concentration of the surfactant, the concentration of dithizone, and equilibration temperature and time. The detection limit is 4.4 ng mL−1; the relative standard deviation for six replicate measurements is 2.18", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/c6/PMC3103859.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3041200", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To investigate incidence trends of all diabetes types in all children and young people and in the south Asian subpopulation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Annual incidence per 100,000 and time trends (1991–2006) were analyzed for 2,889 individuals aged 0–29 years diagnosed with diabetes while resident in West Yorkshire, U.K. RESULTS Diagnoses comprised type 1 (83", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/ea/652.PMC3041200.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5177561", "abstract": "Gardner fibromas (GFs) have only recently been described as poorly circumscribed tumor-like lesions, which are exceedingly rare in children. GFs are associated with APC gene mutations and therefore with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). So far there is only very limited literature on GF in the neonatal period. We present two children with GF diagnosed at birth and subsequent FAP with very different clinical courses. In one case, the disease led to extensive surgery of the thoracic wall and detection of FAP in the father with the need of immediate proctocolectomy. In the other patient (with a positive family history for FAP) the disease remained stable. Our cases indicate that the diagnosis of GF in the neonatal period requires the exclusion of FAP both in the child as well as the parents. Since the clinical behavior of GF cannot be predicted, continuous monitoring is mandatory. Depending on tumor site and growth, individual therapeutic options must be thoroughly considered. Surgical resection, if necessary, has to be inevitably total to prevent recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/23/PMC5177561.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5155712", "abstract": "Müller glia (MG) are the primary support cells in the vertebrate retina, regulating homeostasis in one of the most metabolically active tissues. In lower vertebrates such as fish, they respond to injury by proliferating and reprogramming to regenerate retinal neurons. In mammals, MG may also react to injury by proliferating, but they fail to initiate regeneration. The barriers to regeneration could be intrinsic to mammalian MG or the function of the niche that cannot support the MG reprogramming required for lineage conversion or both. Understanding these mechanisms in light of those being discovered in fish may lead to the formulation of strategies to unlock the neurogenic potential of MG and restore regeneration in the mammalian retina.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/f5/ijsc-9-169.PMC5155712.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5033608", "abstract": "Introduction Most pituitary adenomas are clinically inactive. In patients with long-standing compression of the optic chiasm, ganglion cells may undergo axonal degeneration. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is able to identify retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell loss in the retina. We present a case in which SD-OCT was used to diagnose an asymptomatic pituitary macroadenoma. Clinical case A 48-year-old female presented with progressive vision loss in both eyes. SD-OCT identified atrophy of the ganglion cell and nerve layers, with preservation of outer layers bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a pituitary macroadenoma. The pathological diagnosis was nonfunctioning adenoma. Discussion As macroadenomas enlarge, they can induce uncrossed axon loss, resulting in nasal field defects and reduced visual acuity. In these cases, there is atrophy of the nasal and temporal portions of the optic disc, thus occupying a horizontal band across the disc. SD-OCT is able to identify RNFL loss in eyes with band atrophy of the optic nerve, which correlates with visual field defects found in perimetry. SD-OCT is a useful tool to assess the structural and functional damage of ganglion cells. In our case the SD-OCT demonstrated a symmetrical loss of the RNFL and the ganglion cell layer in both eyes, indicating important optic nerve damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/cb/imcrj-9-291.PMC5033608.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015674", "abstract": "Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a widely accepted treatment for urinary calculi, but it is not without complications. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a retained council tip catheter after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Fluoroscopic guidance was used to perform percutaneous puncture of the catheter balloon, and the catheter was removed without complication. Advantages of various nephrostomy tube designs and additional measures to prevent this type of complication are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/cc/jsls-10-1-126.PMC3015674.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4742442", "abstract": "Introduction We investigated whether anterior periprostatic fat (APPF) tissue removed during robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) contains any lymph nodes (LNs). Material and methods APPF tissues removed during RARP in 129 patients were evaluated histopathologically. Correlation with postoperative pathologic stage was made. Patients with a history of previous prostate or bladder surgery and radiation therapy were excluded. Results Mean patient age, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate weight and body mass index (BMI) were 62.2 ±5.5 (range 45–74), 9.3 ±6.3 ng/dl (range 0.26-30.3), 60.3 ±27.2 grams (range 11.0–180) and 26.6 ±1.9 kg/m2 (range 20.0–30.3), respectively. Overall, LNs in APPF tissues were detected in 14 (10.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/dd/CEJU-68-00650.PMC4742442.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4968486", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the flexion-relaxation phenomenon of the erector spinae in elderly women with chronic knee osteoarthritis and determined whether the flexion-relaxation phenomenon can be used as a pain evaluation tool in such cases. [Subjects and Methods] Seventeen elderly females with chronic knee osteoarthritis and 13 healthy young females voluntarily participated in this study. They performed three postural positions in 15 s: trunk flexion, complete trunk flexion, and trunk extension, each for 5 s. While these positions were held, muscle activation of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae were measured using surface electromyography. The flexion-relaxation rate was determined by dividing the values for trunk extension by those of complete trunk flexion and by dividing the values for trunk flexion by those of complete trunk flexion. [Results] According to our results, the flexion-relaxation phenomenon was different between healthy young and elderly females with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Specifically, there was a difference in the left thoracic erector spinae muscle, but not in the left and right lumbar erector spinae or right thoracic spinae muscle. [Conclusion] Our study demonstrated that the erector spinae muscle flexion-relaxation phenomenon can be used as a pain evaluation tool in elderly females with chronic knee osteoarthritis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/4b/jpts-28-1964.PMC4968486.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4003765", "abstract": "New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a common comorbidity after renal transplantation. Though metformin is the first-line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in renal transplant recipients, metformin is frequently avoided due to concerns about renal dysfunction and risk for lactic acidosis. Therefore, alternative first-line agents for the treatment of NODAT in renal transplant recipients are needed. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has a low incidence of hypoglycemia, is weight neutral, and, in a small study, did not affect immunosuppressant levels. However, long-term sitagliptin use for the treatment of NODAT in kidney transplant recipients has not been studied. We retrospectively analyzed renal transplant recipients diagnosed with NODAT and treated with sitagliptin to assess safety and efficacy. Twenty-two patients were started on sitagliptin alone. After 12 months of followup, 19/22 patients remained on sitagliptin alone with a significant improvement in hemoglobin A1c. Renal function and immunosuppressant levels remained stable. Analysis of long-term followup (32.5 ± 17.8 months) revealed that 17/22 patients remained on sitagliptin (mean hemoglobin A1c < 7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/4c/PMC4003765.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4389205", "abstract": "The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to unusual paradoxical and unmasking presentations of opportunistic infections. Intra-abdominal cryptococcosis is a rare manifestation of Cryptococcus. We present the case of an HIV-infected patient on ART, with a history of cryptococcal meningitis who presented with subacute, worsening abdominal pain during immune recovery. This evolved into chronic abdominal pain, with thickened bowel, and abdominal lymphadenopathy, while receiving empiric tuberculosis treatment. At 6-months, he developed intestinal perforation due to a histologically confirmed cryptococcoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/b0/main.PMC4389205.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4752095", "abstract": "Purpose  To report our intermediate experience in treating patients with severe incontinence using an adjustable perineal male sling with a tissue expander. Materials and Methods  An adjustable male sling procedure was performed on 21 patients with severe incontinence. The underlying etiology of urinary incontinence was radical prostatectomy in 13 patients, open prostatectomy in 5 patients and transurethral prostate resection in 3 patients. The difference between the classical and the adjustable sling is that in the latter there is a 25 mL tissue expander between the two layers of polypropylene mesh with an injection port. Adjustment of the sling was performed with saline via an inflation port, in case of recurrence or persistence of incontinence. Results  The mean age of the patients was 66.2±7.3 (50-79) years and mean pad usage was 6.4±0.6 per day. The mean follow-up time was 40.1±23.2 (6-74) months. The balloon was postoperatively inflated on average with 11.6±5.7 (5-25) mL. After the mean 40.1 months of follow-up, 16 of the 21 patients (76.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/06/1677-5538-ibju-41-2-0312.PMC4752095.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5333001", "abstract": "[Purpose] An easy-to-use, psychometrically validated screening tool for fibromyalgia is needed. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool by correlating it with 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 269 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic outpatients. Patients completed a questionnaire including the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (twice), 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Scale reliability was examined by test-retest. The 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria was used for comparison to determine criterion validity. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated according to 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to find the confounding effect of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale on Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool to distinguish patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. [Results] The Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool was similar to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria in defining patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool score was correlated with 2013 American College of Rheumatology alternative diagnostic criteria subscores. Each point increase in Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool global score meant 10 times greater odds of experiencing fibromyalgia syndrome. [Conclusion] The Turkish version of the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool is reliable for identifying patients with fibromyalgia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/80/jpts-29-340.PMC5333001.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3807520", "abstract": "This study was designed to assess students’ perceptions of the obstacles to positive dietary practices and increased physical activity and to solicit the students’ recommendations for addressing and possibly reducing the negative practices that are associated with the rise in obesity and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Data for the study were obtained from the administration of the 2005 Project Health High School Survey (PHHSS) which measured the students’ perceptions regarding obstacles to eating more nutritious, healthier foods and obstacles to participating in daily physical activity. The reasons for students’ lack of interest in practicing more life-healthy behaviors are ranked and recorded. Some of the students indicated that they usually ate what they liked to eat, and the decision about what to eat was made because of the taste of the food without regard for any health consequence or negative health outcomes. Finding ways to reach these students at their young ages is the key to successfully combating the high prevalence of obesity and the development of other chronic diseases in childhood, as well as in adulthood.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/8d/PMC3807520.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3830876", "abstract": "Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are complex vesicular structures that originate from plasma membranes of activated or apoptotic endothelial cells. EMPs play a significant role in vascular function by altering the processes of inflammation, coagulation, and angiogenesis, and they are key players in the pathogenesis of several vascular diseases. Circulating EMPs are increased in many age-related vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral ischemia, and congestive heart failure. Their elevation in plasma has been considered as both a biomarker and bioactive effector of vascular damage and a target for vascular diseases. This review focuses on the pleiotropic roles of EMPs and the mechanisms that trigger their formation, particularly the involvement of decreased estrogen levels, thrombin, and PAI-1 as major factors that induce EMPs in age-related vascular diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/60/PMC3830876.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3982982", "abstract": "Background A critical aspect of safe general anesthesia is providing adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Failed endotracheal intubation and inadequate ventilation with insufficient oxygenation may lead to serious complications, even death. Anesthesiologists rarely encounter unexpected difficult airway problems in daily routine. Management of an unexpectedly difficult airway consists of laryngeal mask ventilation, gum-elastic bougie and video laryngoscopy-assisted intubation. Gum-elastic bougie is the easiest and cheapest tool used in case of an unexpected difficult intubation occurring in the operating room. Case A 53-year-old male patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism presented as an unexpected difficult intubation after the induction of anesthesia. No pathological finding or predictor of difficult intubation was present. In addition, bag-mask ventilation was poor and inadequate. The patient was finally successfully intubated with a gum-elastic bougie. Conclusion A difficult airway has been described in patients with a variety of endocrine disorders, including pituitary diseases, but not with hypogonadism. There may be an unrevealed relationship between hypogonadism and difficult airway. Gum-elastic bougie is still the most attainable and effective tool in the operation room in this situation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/63/68/imcrj-7-075.PMC3982982.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322081", "abstract": "During 1996–2008, a total of 48 patients with listeriosis were identified at a Taiwan hospital. Average annual incidence increased from 0.029 to 0.118 cases per 1,000 admissions before and after January 2005. Serotype 1/2b predominated; serotype 4b emerged since 2004. Food monitoring and disease surveillance systems could help control listeriosis in Taiwan.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/46/PMC3322081.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5362020", "abstract": "Case series summary Three cats, Siamese or Siamese cross, were presented with a chronic thoracic limb weightbearing lameness. Previous anti-inflammatory administrations were unable to improve lameness consistently in the three cats. Two of the three cats had undergone onychectomy several years before presentation. A permanent flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint of one or more digits, associated with a difficult and painful extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint, was noticed during orthopedic examination. A digital flexor tendon contracture was suspected and confirmed with radiographic examination. Surgical exploration was then performed. For all cats, treatment consisted of a tenectomy or tenotomy of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons in order to release the contracture. The three cats responded well to the surgical treatment and became sound around 2–4 weeks after surgery. Relevance and novel information Digital flexor tendon contracture is rarely reported as a cause of lameness in cats. It should be considered in a differential diagnosis of feline lameness whenever onychectomy has been performed in the past. The precise etiology that explains this tendon contracture is unknown, but trauma or breed predisposition could represent potential causes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/79/10.1177_2055116915597237.PMC5362020.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3984813", "abstract": "Adiponectin is an adipose-secreted hormone that regulates energy homeostasis and is also involved in the control of the reproductive system. The goal of the present study was to investigate changes in adiponectin gene and protein expression in porcine ovarian structures during the oestrous cycle and to examine the effects of in vitro administration of adiponectin on basal and gonadotrophin- and/or insulin-induced secretion of ovarian steroid hormones. Both gene and protein expression of adiponectin were enhanced during the luteal phase of the cycle. Adiponectin affected basal secretion of progesterone by luteal cells, oestradiol by granulosa cells, and testosterone by theca interna cells. The gonadotrophin/insulin-induced release of progesterone from granulosa and theca interna cells and the release of oestradiol and androstenedione from theca cells was also modified by adiponectin. In conclusion, the presence of adiponectin mRNA and protein in the porcine ovary coupled with our previous results indicating adiponectin receptors expression suggest that adiponectin may locally affect ovarian functions. The changes in adiponectin expression throughout the oestrous cycle seem to be dependent on the hormonal status of pigs related to the stage of the oestrous cycle. The effect of adiponectin on ovarian steroidogenesis suggests that this adipokine influences reproductive functions in pigs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/52/PMC3984813.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1458436", "abstract": "The MHB (midbrain-hindbrain boundary) is a key organizing center in the vertebrate brain characterized by highly conserved patterns of gene expression. The evidence for an MHB homolog in protochordates is equivocal, the \"neck\" region immediately caudal to the sensory vesicle in ascidian larvae being the best accepted candidate. It is argued here that similarities in expression patterns between the MHB and the ascidian neck region are more likely due to the latter being the principal source of neurons in the adult brain, and hence where all the genes involved in patterning the latter will necessarily be expressed. The contrast with amphioxus is exemplified by pax2/5/8, expressed in the neck region in ascidian larvae, but more caudally, along much of the nerve cord in amphioxus. The zone of expression in each case corresponds with that part of the nerve cord ultimately responsible for innervating the adult body, which suggests the spatially restricted MHB-like expression pattern in ascidians is secondarily reduced from a condition more like that in amphioxus. Patterns resembling those of the vertebrate MHB are nevertheless found elsewhere among metazoans. This suggests that, irrespective of its modern function, the MHB marks the site of an organizing center of considerable antiquity. Any explanation for how such a center became incorporated into the chordate brain must take account of the dorsoventral inversion chordates have experienced relative to other metazoans. Especially relevant here is a concept developed by Claus Nielsen, in which the brain is derived from a neural center located behind the ancestral mouth. While this is somewhat counterintuitive, it accords well with emerging molecular data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/5a/PMC1458436.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3532871", "abstract": "Variations in quantity and quality of essential oil (EO) from the aerial parts of cultivated Mentha piperita were determined. The EO of air-dried sample was obtained by a hydrodistillation method and analyzed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal activity of the EO was investigated by broth microdilution methods as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. A biofilm formation inhibition was measured by using an XTT reduction assay. Menthol (53.28", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3e/32/PMC3532871.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4346101", "abstract": "Fall detection is a major challenge in the public healthcare domain, especially for the elderly as the decline of their physical fitness, and timely and reliable surveillance is necessary to mitigate the negative effects of falls. This paper develops a novel fall detection system based on a wearable device. The system monitors the movements of human body, recognizes a fall from normal daily activities by an effective quaternion algorithm, and automatically sends request for help to the caregivers with the patient's location.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/d7/PMC4346101.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2667587", "abstract": "Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) with using a preganglionic approach for treating lumbar radiculopathy when the nerve root compression was located at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc. Materials and Methods The medical records of the patients who received conventional TFESI at our department from June 2003 to May 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. TFESI was performed in a total of 13 cases at the level of the exiting nerve root, in which the nerve root compression was at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc (the conventional TFESI group). Since June 2004, we have performed TFESI with using a preganglionic approach at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc (for example, at the neural foramen of L4-5 for the L5 nerve root) if the nerve root compression was at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc. Using the inclusion criteria described above, 20 of these patients were also consecutively enrolled in our study (the preganglionic TFESI group). The treatment outcome was assessed using a 5-point patient satisfaction scale and by using a VAS (visual assessment scale). A successful outcome required a patient satisfaction scale score of 3 (very good) or 4 (excellent), and a reduction on the VAS score of > 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/79/kjr-7-139.PMC2667587.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5134784", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of varying knee flexion and quadriceps activity on patellofemoral indices measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods MRI of the knee was performed in 20 patients for indications other than patellar or patellofemoral pathology. Axial and sagittal sequences were performed in full extension of the knee with the quadriceps relaxed, full extension of the knee with the quadriceps contracted, 30° flexion of the knee with the quadriceps relaxed, and 30° flexion with the quadriceps contracted. Bisect offset, patella tilt angle, Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index were measured. Results With the knee flexed to 30° and quadriceps relaxed, the mean values of patellar tilt angle, bisect offset, Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index were all within normal limits. With the knee extended and quadriceps contracted, the mean patellar tilt angle (normal value, <15°) was 14.6° and the bisect offset (normal value, <65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/c0/ksrr-28-297.PMC5134784.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897108", "abstract": "The behaviour of materials is governed by the surrounding environment. The contact area between the material and the surrounding environment is the likely spot where different forms of degradation, particularly rust, may be generated. A rust prevention treatment, like bluing, inhibitors, humidity control, coatings, and galvanization, will be necessary. The galvanization process aims to protect the surface of the material by depositing a layer of metallic zinc by either hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating. In the hot-dip galvanizing process, a metallic bond between steel and metallic zinc is obtained by immersing the steel in a zinc bath at a temperature of around 460°C. Although the hot-dip galvanizing procedure is recognized to be one of the most effective techniques to combat corrosion, cracks can arise in the intermetallic δ layer. These cracks can affect the life of the coated material and decrease the lifetime service of the entire structure. In the present paper the mechanical response of hot-dip galvanized steel submitted to mechanical loading condition is investigated. Experimental tests were performed and corroborative numerical and analytical methods were then applied in order to describe both the mechanical behaviour and the processes of crack/cracks propagation in a bimaterial as zinc-coated material.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/76/PMC4897108.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4333850", "abstract": "We present a case of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, which is a very rare and fatal complication of cardiac procedures such as mitral valve replacement. A 55-year-old woman presented to the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Hanyang University Seoul Hospital with chest pain. Ten years prior, the patient had undergone double valve replacement due to aortic regurgitation and mitral steno-insufficiency. Surgical repair was successfully performed using a prosthetic pericardial patch via a left lateral thoracotomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/c8/kjtcvs-48-63.PMC4333850.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3897633", "abstract": "Purpose To find patients at high risk of obstructive remnant leaflets after valve ablation among boys with posterior urethral valve (PUV), we evaluated any possible relationship between preoperative findings in our patients and residual obstructive leaflets after valve ablation. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 55 patients with PUV that was treated by the same surgeon between 2008 and 2012. Of these, 37 patients (67.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/20/kju-55-64.PMC3897633.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2905912", "abstract": "Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarized Raman spectroscopy (PRS) have been shown as useful methods for distinguishing sound enamel from carious lesions ex vivo. However, factors in the oral environment such as calculus, hypocalcification, and stain could lead to false-positive results. OCT and PRS were used to investigate extracted human teeth clinically examined for sound enamel, white spot lesion (WSL), calculus, hypocalcification, and stain to determine whether these factors would confound WSL detection with these optical methods. Results indicate that OCT allowed differentiating caries from sound enamel, hypocalcification, and stain, with calculus deposits recognizable on OCT images. ANOVA and post-hoc unequal N HSD analyses to compare the mean Raman depolarization ratios from the various groups showed that the mean values were statistically significant at P < .05, except for several comparison pairs. With the current PRS analysis method, the mean depolarization ratios of stained enamel and caries are not significantly different due to the sloping background in the stained enamel spectra. Overall, calculus and hypocalcification are not confounding factors affecting WSL detection using OCT and PRS. Stain does not influence WSL detection with OCT. Improved PRS analysis methods are needed to differentiate carious from stained enamel. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/24/f0/PMC2905912.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4105607", "abstract": " Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of addiction to the Internet, computer games, DVD, and video and its relationship to anxiety and depression in a sample of Iranian high school students.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study 1020 high school students (males and females) were selected randomly from different areas of Shiraz city in southern Iran. They were interviewed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) criteria.   Results: About 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/d5/PMC4105607.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4381731", "abstract": "Several recent studies have shown differences in the maternal immune milieu at different phases of pregnancy, but most studies have been cross-sectional or of relatively few time points. Levels of 42 cytokines were determined using a multiplex bead-based assay on archived serum from a cohort of pregnant women (N = 16) at median of 18 time points tested, from the first trimester through to parturition, per woman. Unconditional growth modeling was then used to determine time-dependent changes in levels of these cytokines. Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC, aka CCL22) decreases as pregnancy progresses. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IP-10, and FLT3-ligand increase as a function of gestational weeks, and IFNα2, IL-1ra, IL-3, IL-9, IL-12p40, and soluble CD40 ligand increase as a function of trimester. As pregnancy normally progresses, a maternal shift away from a type 2-biased immune response and toward an inflammatory/counterregulatory response is observed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/27/PMC4381731.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5069840", "abstract": "Sarcoidosis is a benign systematic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology and is associated with various malignancies. However, granulomatous and metastatic lymph node lesions are difficult to distinguish even when using precise and modern diagnostic methods, such as positron emission tomography. Thus, histological verification is the only method that can be used to accurately describe the nature of this disease. In this article, we report a case of non-luminal HER-2/neu-positive breast cancer in a patient without history of sarcoidosis and suspected to have metastatic disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/07/CBM-2016-0038.PMC5069840.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3425033", "abstract": "Endocarditis of the right side of the heart is otherwise uncommon in children. Pulmonary endarteritis as a complication of congenital heart disease is even rarer. Herein, we report the case of pulmonary endarteritis with a 7 mm ×5 mm vegetation, involving the main pulmonary artery in a 4-year-old male child, with cyanosis and a 1-week history of fever and rapidly-progressive hemiparesis. A full segmental echocardiography demonstrated a double inlet left ventricle with left-sided subaortic hypoplastic right ventricle (Van Praagh's A-III type – Single Ventricle). Additionally, CT scan of the brain revealed bilateral cerebral abscesses. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of pulmonary endarteritis and cerebral abscesses in a case of single ventricle is hitherto unreported. This article underlines the importance of heightened clinical awareness and meticulous echocardiography in cases of congenital heart disease so that relatively rare complications may not be missed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/e8/JCDR-3-236.PMC3425033.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3480676", "abstract": "Pulse rate is known to be related to diverse phenotypes, such as cardiovascular diseases, lifespan, arrhythmia, hypertension, lipids, diabetes, and menopause. We have reported two genomewide significant genetic loci responsible for the variation in pulse rate as a part of the Korea Association Resource (KARE) project, the genomewide association study (GWAS) that was conducted with 352,228 single nucleoride polymorphisms typed in 8,842 subjects in the Korean population. GJA1 was implied as a functionally causal gene for pulse rate from the KARE study, but lacked evidence of replication. To re-evaluate the association of a locus near GJA1 with pulse rate, we looked up this signal in another GWAS conducted in a Health Examinee-shared cohort of 3,703 samples. Not only we were able to confirm two pulse rate loci (1q32.2a near CD46 and 6q22.13c near LOCL644502) identified in the KARE GWAS, we also replicated a locus (6q22.31c) near GJA1 by the lookup in the Health Examinee GWAS. Considering that the GJA1-encoded protein is a major component of cardiac gap junctions, a functional study might be necessary to validate its genuine molecular biological role in the synchronized contraction of the heart.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/d2/gni-10-106.PMC3480676.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5000837", "abstract": "We present the first case report of chylous ascites following total robot-assisted donor nephrectomy. A 39-year-old female underwent a transperitoneal left-sided total robot-assisted donor nephrectomy. The procedure was uneventful and the patient was discharged without any symptoms. At postoperative Day 29, the patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea and a distended, painful abdomen with shifting dullness. She was diagnosed with chylous ascites by ultrasonography and puncture analysis, and treated with therapeutic drainage and dietary restriction. After 4 weeks, she was free of symptoms. The occurrence of this complication is rare after donor nephrectomy. Fortunately, the complication can be successfully treated within a few weeks with minimal discomfort for the patient as demonstrated in this case. It is of utmost importance to minimize the risks and limit discomfort for live kidney donors who willingly undergo major surgery to improve the well-being of another individual.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/dc/rjw118.PMC5000837.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4426942", "abstract": "BACKGROUND Pancreatitis remains the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), resulting in substantial morbidity and occasional mortality. There are notable controversies and conflicting reports about risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). AIM To evaluate the potential risk factors for PEP at a referral tertiary center, as a sample of the Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Baseline characteristics and clinical as well as paraclinical information of 780 patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP at Taleghani hospital in Tehran between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. Data were collected prior to the ERCP, at the time of the procedure, and 24–72 hours after discharge. PEP was diagnosed according to consensus criteria. RESULTS Of the 780 patients who underwent diagnostic ERCP, pancreatitis developed in 26 patients (3.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/43/PMC4426942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4229836", "abstract": "Background: Articaine in an anesthetic agent, which is used less frequently in dentistry. It differs from other agents due to the presence of a thiophene ring in its molecular structure. Few groups of researchers claim that it is superior to lignocaine. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/58/JIOH-6-81.PMC4229836.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3337625", "abstract": "The RASSF proteins are a family of polypeptides, each containing a conserved Ras association domain, suggesting that these scaffold proteins may be effectors of activated Ras or Ras-related small GTPases. RASSF proteins are characterized by their ability to inhibit cell growth and proliferation while promoting cell death. RASSF1 isoform A is an established tumor suppressor and is frequently silenced in a variety of tumors and human cancer cell lines. However, our understanding of its function in terminally differentiated cell types, such as cardiac myocytes, is relatively nascent. Herein, we review the role of RASSF1A in cardiac physiology and disease and highlight signaling pathways that mediate its function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/3b/PMC3337625.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3857506", "abstract": "Dirofilariasis is a rare disease in humans. We report here a case of a 48-year-old male who was diagnosed with pulmonary dirofilariasis in Korea. On chest radiographs, a coin lesion of 1 cm in diameter was shown. Although it looked like a benign inflammatory nodule, malignancy could not be excluded. So, the nodule was resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Pathologically, chronic granulomatous inflammation composed of coagulation necrosis with rim of fibrous tissues and granulations was seen. In the center of the necrotic nodules, a degenerating parasitic organism was found. The parasite had prominent internal cuticular ridges and thick cuticle, a well-developed muscle layer, an intestinal tube, and uterine tubules. The parasite was diagnosed as an immature female worm of Dirofilaria immitis. This is the second reported case of human pulmonary dirofilariasis in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/11/kjp-51-569.PMC3857506.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4993844", "abstract": "PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the stress distribution of 2-short implants (2SIs) installed in a severely atrophic maxillary molar site. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three different diameters of internal connection implants were modeled: narrow platform (NP), regular platform (RP), and wide platform (WP). The maxillary first molars were restored with one implant or two short implants. Three 2SI models (NP-oblique, NP-vertical, and NP-horizontal) and four single implant models (RP and WP in a centered or cantilevered position) were used. Axial and oblique loadings were applied on the occlusal surface of the crown. The von Mises stress values were measured at the bone-implant, peri-implant bone, and implant/abutment complex. RESULTS The highest stress distribution at the bone-implant interface and the peri-implant bone was noticed in the RP group, and the lowest stress distribution was observed in the 2SI groups. Cantilevered position showed unfavorable stress distribution with axial loading. 2SI types did not affect the stress distribution in oblique loading. The number and installation positions of the implant, rather than the bone level, influenced the stress distribution of 2SIs. The implant/abutment complex of WP presented the highest stress concentration while that of 2SIs showed the lowest stress concentration. CONCLUSION 2SIs may be useful for achieving stable stress distribution on the surrounding bone and implant-abutment complex in the atrophic posterior maxilla.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/0b/jap-8-304.PMC4993844.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3770877", "abstract": "Although Serbia is recognized as an endemic country for echinococcosis, no information about precise incidence in humans has been available. The aim of this study was to investigate the skeletal manifestations of hydatid disease in Serbia. This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical database of Institute for Pathology (Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade), a reference institution for bone pathology in Serbia. We reported a total of 41 patients with bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) during the study period. The mean age of 41 patients was 40.9±18.8 years. In 39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/98/kjp-51-453.PMC3770877.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3023350", "abstract": "The management system of occupational diseases in Korea can be assessed from the perspective of a surveillance system. Workers' compensation insurance reports are used to produce official statistics on occupational diseases in Korea. National working conditions surveys are used to monitor the magnitude of work-related symptoms and signs in the labor force. A health examination program was introduced to detect occupational diseases through both selective and mass screening programs. The Working Environment Measurement Institution assesses workers' exposure to hazards in the workplace. Government regulates that the employer should do health examinations and working conditions measurement through contracted private agencies and following the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It is hoped that these institutions may be able to effectively detect and monitor occupational diseases and hazards in the workplace. In view of this, the occupational management system in Korea is well designed, except for the national survey system. In the future, national surveys for detection of hazards and ill-health outcomes in workers should be developed. The existing surveillance system for occupational disease can be improved by providing more refined information through statistical analysis of surveillance data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/a4/jkms-25-S119.PMC3023350.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4888757", "abstract": "Blunt traumatic infrarenal aortic injuries are unusual, and the formation of a delayed pseudoaneurysm of the aorta is even more rare. In this report, a young woman developed a small intimal flap of the infrarenal aorta after a motor vehicle accident which progressed into a 3 cm pseudoaneurysm after 3 months. Operative repair was successful and the patient recovered. This case illustrates the importance of repeat imaging of small blunt aortic injuries since progression can occur.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/88/rjw099.PMC4888757.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5243954", "abstract": "This review addresses the characteristics and health benefit of highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef. Marbling of Wagyu and Hanwoo beef has been increased in Japan and Korea to meet domestic consumer preferences. Wagyu and Hanwoo cattle have high potential of accumulating intramuscular fat (IMF) and producing highly marbled beef. The IMF content varies depending on the feeding of time, finishing diet, and breed type. IMF increases when feeding time is increased. The rate of IMF increase in grain-fed cattle is faster than that in pasture-fed cattle. Fatty acid composition are also different depending on breeds. Highly marbled Wagyu and Hanwoo beef have higher proportions of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) due to higher concentrations of oleic acid. MUFAs have little effect on total cholesterol. They are heart-healthy dietary fat because they can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Clinical trials have indicated that highly marbled beef does not increase LDL-cholesterol. This review also emphasizes that high oleic acid beef such as Wagyu and Hanwoo beef might be able to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/0a/kosfa-36-709.PMC5243954.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3103845", "abstract": "A simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (MPG) in pharmaceutical preparations was developed, validated, and used. The proposed equilibrium method is based on a coupled two-step redox and complexation reaction. In the first step, Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II) by NAC or MPG. Subsequently, Fe(II) is complexed with 2,4,6-tripyridyl-s-triazine (TPTZ). Several analytical parameters of the method were optimized for NAC and MPG analysis in the concentration range from 1.0 μM to 100.0 μM. Regression analysis of the calibration data showed a good correlation coefficient (0.9999). The detection limit of the method was 0.14 μM for NAC and 0.13 μM for MPG. The method was successfully applied to quantify NAC and MPG in pharmaceutical preparations. No interferences were observed from common pharmaceutical excipients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/39/PMC3103845.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981438", "abstract": "Arteriovenous malformation is treated by variety of techniques over the years. Sclerotherapy is considered an effective and conservative technique for the treatment of benign vascular lesions and replaced the traditional role of surgical therapy, especially for the venous lesions that are surgically difficult or at inaccessible areas. Absolute ethanol was adopted as a new sclerosant agent for this complex form of venous defects to improve overall treatment results with acceptable morbidity and recurrence rates. Sclerotherapy has the advantage of no external scaring, low cost, and few complications in comparison to the surgical treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/49/PMC3981438.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3524437", "abstract": "Risk factors for rickets of prematurity have not been re-examined since introduction of high mineral formula, particularly in ELBW infants. We analyzed the incidence and the risk factors of rickets in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. As a retrospective case-control study from 2004 to 2008, risk factors were analyzed in 24 patients with rickets versus 31 patients without. The frequency of rickets in ELBW infants was 24/55 (44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/8b/jkms-27-1552.PMC3524437.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3725033", "abstract": "We describe a 49-year-old man with advanced kyphosis and dense cataract, who could only recline to about 40° from the vertical axis despite a maximal reverse Trendelenburg position and pillows under the head, neck, shoulders and knees. With a single corneal retraction suture at 6 o'clock, the eye could be rotated horizontally, which enabled the surgeon to perform a complex cataract surgery despite prior glaucoma shunt, posterior synechiae, a small pupil and the need to stain the capsule. As the eye can be brought into any desired position with a retraction suture, patients with kyphosis or other conditions that prevent them from assuming a supine position can still have safe intraocular procedures. This maneuver reduces the need to tilt patients to an uncomfortable position that may cause pain, increased breathing difficulty and elevated posterior vitreous pressure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/f2/cop-0004-0034.PMC3725033.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5192341", "abstract": " Background. Dyslipidemia and diabetes are two of the most well established risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both of them usually activate a complex range of pathogenic pathways leading to organ damage. Here we hypothesized that dyslipidemia and diabetes could affect osteoprotegerin (OPG) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression in the vessels and the heart. Materials and Methods. Gene and protein expression of OPG, TRAIL, and OPG/TRAIL ratio were quantified in the aorta and the hearts of control mice, dyslipidemic mice, and diabetic mice. Results. Diabetes significantly increased OPG and the OPG/TRAIL ratio expression in the aorta, while dyslipidemia was the major determinant of the changes observed in the heart, where it significantly increased OPG and reduced TRAIL expression, thus increasing cardiac OPG/TRAIL ratio. Conclusions. This work shows that both dyslipidemia and diabetes affect OPG/TRAIL ratio in the cardiovascular system. This could contribute to the changes in circulating OPG/TRAIL which are observed in patients with diabetes and CVD. Most importantly, these changes could mediate/contribute to atherosclerosis development and cardiac remodeling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/3a/PMC5192341.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2955242", "abstract": "Human fingertip microflora is transferred to touched objects and may provide forensically relevant information on individual hosts, such as on geographic origins, if endogenous microbial skin species/strains would be retrievable from physical fingerprints and would carry geographically restricted DNA diversity. We tested the suitability of physical fingerprints for revealing human host information, with geographic inference as example, via microbial DNA fingerprinting. We showed that the transient exogenous fingertip microflora is frequently different from the resident endogenous bacteria of the same individuals. In only 54", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/b8/414_2009_Article_352.PMC2955242.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649235", "abstract": "Oropharyngeal infections are routinely encountered within general practice and accident and emergency departments. Most settle with simple analgesia and antibiotics; occasionally such patients may develop Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) a rare and potentially fatal sequela that can be easily overlooked. We aim to highlight the main symptoms, pathology, investigations and management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/24/PMC3649235.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4640059", "abstract": "Background: Tympanosclerosis is a condition caused by calcification of tissues in the middle ear mucosa that sometimes results hearing loss. Helicobacter pylori is one of the pathological and etiologic factors in the development of tympanosclerosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to show the role of H. pylori in the different aspects of chronic suppurative otitis media using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Patients and Methods: This case-control and cross-sectional study was performed on all patients with chronic otitis media, candidates for surgical operations, in 2013. They were allocated into the case group with tympanosclerosis and the control group without tympanosclerosis. During the surgical operation, biopsy was done from middle ear and the samples were studied to see if they contained H. pylori using the PCR method. Results: From a total of 19 patients with tympanosclerosis , 16 cases (84.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/4e/jjm-08-10-16069.PMC4640059.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3202097", "abstract": "Since its introduction by Leksell, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become increasingly popular as a management approach for patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). For this reason, we performed a modern review of the literature analyzing the efficacy of GKRS in the treatment of patients who suffer from TN. For patients with medically refractory forms of the condition, GKRS has proven to be an effective initial and repeat treatment option. Cumulative research suggests that patients treated a single time with GKRS exhibit similar levels of facial pain control when compared to patients treated multiple times with GKRS. However, patients treated on multiple occasions with GKRS are more likely to experience facial numbness and other facial sensory changes when compared to patients treated once with GKRS. Although numerous articles have reported MVD to be superior to GKRS in achieving facial pain relief, the findings of these comparison studies are weakened by the vast differences in patient age and comorbidities between the two studied groups and cannot be considered conclusive. Questions remain regarding optimal GKRS dosing and targeting strategies, which warrants further investigation into this controversial matter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/e1/PMC3202097.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3427810", "abstract": "A carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism during endoscopic vein harvesting is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for limiting the extent of the embolism and stabilizing the resulting cardiovascular compromise. We report a case of CO2 embolization during endoscopic vein harvesting. Transesophageal echocardiography was instrumental in the diagnosis and management of this patient by further improving the decision making process, which resulted in the best outcome. Mid-esophageal bicaval view is the best view to determine whether a CO2 embolism is coming from the upper or lower extremities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/e0/kjae-63-161.PMC3427810.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2980652", "abstract": "Hydrocarbon mixtures extracted from fecal pellets of drywood termites are species-specific and can be characterized to identify the termites responsible for damage, even when termites are no longer present or are unable to be recovered easily. In structures infested by drywood termites, it is common to find fecal pellets, but difficult to sample termites from the wood. When fecal pellets appear after remedial treatment of a structure, it is difficult to determine whether this indicates that termites in the structure are still alive and active or not. We examined the hydrocarbon composition of workers, alates, and soldiers of Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (family Kalotermitidae) and of fecal pellets of workers. Hydrocarbons were qualitatively similar among castes and pellets. Fecal pellets that were aged for periods of 0, 30, 90, and 365 days after collection were qualitatively similar across all time periods, however, the relative quantities of certain individual hydrocarbons changed over time, with 19 of the 73 hydrocarbon peaks relatively increasing or decreasing. When the sums of the positive and negative slopes of these 19 hydrocarbons were indexed, they produced a highly significant linear correlation (R 2 = 0.89). Consequently, the quantitative differences of these hydrocarbons peaks can be used to determine the age of worker fecal pellets, and thus help determine whether the colony that produced them is alive or dead.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/cc/10886_2010_Article_9864.PMC2980652.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC328088", "abstract": "Background Impaired fibrinolysis is found in impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. There are no data concerning fibrinolysis in subjects with normal glucose tolerance that convert to diabetes. Methods We studied the activities of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and the levels of tPA antigen (a marker of endothelial dysfunction) in 551 subjects with normal glucose tolerance in 1990 in relation to incident diabetes during nine years of follow-up. Results Subjects with diabetes at follow-up (n = 15) had significantly lower baseline tPA activity and higher PAI-1 activity and tPA antigen than non-converters. The risk of diabetes increased linearly across quartiles of PAI-activity (p = 0.007) and tPA antigen (p < 0.001) and decreased across quartiles of tPA activity (p = 0.026). The risk of diabetes with low tPA activity or high PAI-1 activity persisted after adjustment for age and sex but diminished to a non-significant level after further adjustments. The odds ratio of diabetes for high tPA antigen was 10.4 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/3c/PMC328088.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4296960", "abstract": "Background Approved doses of antidepressants in Japan are usually lower than those in the USA and European Union, but to date meta-analyses comparing antidepressants have all used the higher doses approved in the USA and European Union and often have used indirect comparisons. The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrated database analysis of patient level data to compare the effects of duloxetine with those of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) at the doses approved in Japan. Methods Pooled data were analyzed from four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that compared duloxetine at the dose range approved in Japan (40–60 mg/day) with other SSRIs (paroxetine 20 mg/day or escitalopram 10 mg/day) and placebo in patients with major depressive disorder. In total, 1,694 patients were included in the analysis (duloxetine, n=688; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, n=690; placebo, n=316). The primary outcome measure was the mean change from baseline at week 8 in 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD17) total and subscale scores. Results Duloxetine and both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were superior to placebo in HAMD17 total score at week 8 in both the all-randomized group and the more severe subgroup (HAMD17 total scores ≥19). Duloxetine was superior to SSRIs in improving the HAMD17 Retardation subscale score (least squares mean difference [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/6f/ndt-11-115.PMC4296960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3712104", "abstract": "In this study, we found that Haplorchis taichui, a heterophyid intestinal fluke, is highly prevalent, with heavy worm loads, among riparian people in Saravane and Champasak province, Lao PDR. Fecal specimens were collected from 1,460 people (717 men and 743 women) in 12 riparian (Mekong river) districts and were examined by the Kato-Katz fecal smear technique. The overall helminth egg positive rate was 78.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/9e/kjp-51-305.PMC3712104.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4435025", "abstract": "Introduction: For patients and families, the issue of data quality is personal. When treatment decisions or research conclusions are based on incomplete or inaccurate information—a misdiagnosis, an incomplete medication list, the wrong demographic data—care safety, quality, and outcomes suffer—and patients and families suffer. Opportunity for Change: Thanks in part to the power of health information technology, individuals have new opportunities to be part of the solution when it comes to assessing and improving data quality. Building on a framework for data quality, there are numerous opportunities for patients to be part of ‘feedback loops’ to understand and improve data quality are presented. Foundation for the Future: As the source of patient-centered data, consumers have important roles to play in reviewing and confirming their own health information and should be engaged partners in efforts to understand and improve the quality of electronic health data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/ea/egems1173.PMC4435025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3325014", "abstract": "Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical and laboratory syndrome that is caused by various etiologies, involving the skeletal muscle. Clarithromycin, like other macrolides, is an inhibitor of CYP450 3A4, the major enzyme responsible for the metabolism of several drugs, in particular some statins. Rhabdomyolysis related to macrolide–statin interaction has previously been described. To date, rhabdomyolysis induced by clarithromycin has been described in only one previous report. We describe the case of a 90-year-old Caucasian male, admitted to the University Hospital of Pisa for dyspnea, who developed rhabdomyolysis associated with clarithromycin administration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/c4/PMC3325014.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3466899", "abstract": "Supravalvar mitral ring is a rare congenital heart defect of surgical importance. The condition is characterized by an abnormal ridge of the connective tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve. It often substantially obstructs the mitral valve inflow. We herein introduce a case of a supravalvar mitral ring in a 17-year-old male, who was admitted to our hospital with cardiac syncope. He had undergone a cardiac operation for ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure and mitral valve repair 15 years before. Transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and finally cardiac catheterization revealed a neglected supravalvular mitral ring. The ring was resected in a second operation, and the patient was discharged from the hospital symptom free.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ef/61/jthc-7-82.PMC3466899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4263394", "abstract": "Considering the nature of qualitative studies, the interaction between researchers and participants can be ethically challenging for the former, as they are personally involved in different stages of the study. Therefore, formulation of specific ethical guidelines in this respect seems to be essential. The present paper aimed to discuss the necessity to develop explicit guidelines for conducting qualitative studies with regard to the researchers’ role. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out in domestic and international databases by related keywords. Health care providers who carry out qualitative research have an immense responsibility. As there is no statistical analysis in qualitative studies, the researcher has to both evaluate what he or she observes and to interpret it. Providing researchers with the necessary skills and applying stringent supervision can lead to better extraction of reliable information from qualitative studies. This article presents a debate in order to illustrate how researchers could cover the ethical challenges of qualitative studies and provide applicable and trustworthy outcomes. Researchers face ethical challenges in all stages of the study, from designing to reporting. These include anonymity, confidentiality, informed consent, researchers’ potential impact on the participants and vice versa. It seems of paramount importance that health care providers, educators and clinicians be well informed of all the different aspects of their roles when acting as qualitative researchers. Hence, these adroit roles need to be well defined, and the use of practical guidelines and protocols in all stages of qualitative studies should be encouraged.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/6e/jmehm-7-14.PMC4263394.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5055980", "abstract": "The administration of antimicrobials in aquaculture provides a selective pressure creating a reservoir of multiple resistant bacteria in the cultured fish and shrimps as well as the aquaculture environment. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture products and aquaculture's surrounding environment in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Ninety-four identified bacterial isolates constituted of 17 genera were isolated from sediment, water, and cultured organisms (fish and shrimp) in selected aquaculture farms. These isolates were tested for their antibiotic resistance against 22 antibiotics from several groups using the disk diffusion method. The results show that the highest resistance was observed towards streptomycin (85", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/58/PMC5055980.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4357682", "abstract": "We describe the case of a 32-year-old woman who developed bilateral heel numbness after obstetric epidural analgesia. We diagnosed her with bilateral neuropathy of the medial calcaneal nerve, most likely due to longstanding pressure on both heels. Risk factors for the development of this neuropathy were prolonged labour with spinal analgesia and a continuation of analgesia during episiotomy. Padded footrests decrease pressure and can possibly prevent this neuropathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/53/crn-0007-0015.PMC4357682.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3953429", "abstract": "This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number of stray cat colonies in Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for the presence of DNA associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) were calculated to identify risk factors for haemoplasma infections. PCR was positive in 86 out of 260 subjects (33.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/19/PMC3953429.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3395946", "abstract": "Objective Nowadays, it is well known that the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not confined to children and adolescents. Recent data showed that a considerable portion of the general adult population may be affected by ADHD. On the other hand, the impact of ADHD on driving performance, a major area of adult life, has gained enthusiasm. More recent studies revealed an association between adult ADHD and undesirable driving problems. This study was performed to determine the association between presence of adult ADHD and traffic injuries. Methods In this case-control study, in a 13 month period, 140 subjects (70 drivers/riders injured in traffic accidents, and 70 age- and sex-matched non traumatic controls) were selected to participate in the study and were placed in two groups. Subjects with psychiatric comorbidities were excluded. The Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) self-report (screening version) was used for screening adult ADHD in both groups. Finally, the occurrence of this condition was compared between the case and control groups. Results Sixty- nine males and one female were recruited in each group with a mean age of 29.31±9.32 (18-61) years in the case and 29.03±9.07 (range: 18-60) years in the control groups (P > 0.05). Previous history of traffic accident was significantly higher in the case group (15.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/26/IJPS-6-61.PMC3395946.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4589633", "abstract": "Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) production by the human placenta increases exponentially as pregnancy advances, and the rate of increase predicts gestational length. CRH gene expression is regulated by cAMP in trophoblasts through a cyclic AMP-response element (CRE), which changes its transcription factor binding properties upon methylation. Here we determined whether methylation of the CRH proximal promoter controls basal and cAMP-stimulated CRH expression in BeWo cells, a well-characterized trophoblastic cell line. We treated the cells with 8-Br-cAMP and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′ deoxycytidine (5-AZA-dC) and determined the effects on CRH mRNA level and promoter methylation. Clonal bisulfite sequencing showed partial and allele independent methylation of CpGs in the CRH promoter. CRH mRNA expression and the methylation of a subset of CpGs (including CpG2 in the CRE) increased spontaneously during culture. 8-Br-cAMP stimulated CRH expression without affecting the increase in methylation. 5-AZA-dC decreased methylation and augmented 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated CRH expression, but it blocked the spontaneous increase of CRH mRNA level. We conclude that the CRH promoter is a dynamically and intermediately methylated genomic region in BeWo cells. Promoter methylation did not inhibit CRH gene expression under the conditions employed; rather it determined the contribution of alternative cAMP-independent pathways and cAMP-independent mechanisms to CRH expression control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/3f/PMC4589633.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5178859", "abstract": "Background Primary care-based memory clinics (PCMCs) have been established in several jurisdictions to improve the care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We sought to identify key quality indicators (QIs), quality improvement mechanisms, and potential barriers and facilitators to the establishment of a quality assurance framework for PCMCs. Methods We employed a Delphi approach to obtain consensus from PCMC clinicians and specialist physicians on QIs and quality improvement mechanisms. Thirty-eight candidate QIs and 19 potential quality improvement mechanisms were presented to participants in two rounds of electronic Delphi surveys. Written comments were collected and descriptively analyzed. Results The response rate for the first and second rounds were 21.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/e8/cgj-19-164.PMC5178859.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421382", "abstract": "Bilateral hydronephrosis is classic for supravesical obstructive uropathy causing uraemia with dual functioning kidneys. Recently, a patient presented with uraemia and metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma but only unilateral right-sided hydronephrosis. A right ureteral stent was placed retrograde and no further intervention was planned since the left kidney appeared normal, and since the left ureteric orifice was not visualized. We insisted on a left percutaneous nephrostomy which was successful with prompt urine return. A left nephrostogram revealed unrecognized hydroureter/hydronephrosis. Following haemodialysis, kidney function normalized at 3 weeks. For symptomatic uraemia from obstruction, an antegrade and/or a retrograde decompression must be attempted bilaterally to improve renal salvage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/47/sfp093.PMC4421382.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2842971", "abstract": "As epitope mimics, mimotopes have been widely utilized in the study of epitope prediction and the development of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Screening the random peptide libraries constructed with phage display or any other surface display technologies provides an efficient and convenient approach to acquire mimotopes. However, target-unrelated peptides creep into mimotopes from time to time through binding to contaminants or other components of the screening system. In this study, we present SAROTUP, a free web tool for scanning, reporting and excluding possible target-unrelated peptides from real mimotopes. Preliminary tests show that SAROTUP is efficient and capable of improving the accuracy of mimotope-based epitope mapping. It is also helpful for the development of mimotope-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/29/PMC2842971.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2908801", "abstract": "This is the first case of virus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy in which the pathogen was Hantaan virus. A 53-yr-old man presented fever, renal failure and a hemorrhagic tendency and he was diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever with renal failure syndrome (HFRS). In the course of his illness, mild neurologic symptoms such as dizziness and confusion developed and magnetic resonance images revealed a reversible lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. This case suggests that HFRS patients with neurologic symptoms like dizziness and mental slowing should be considered to have structural brain lesions and to require brain imaging studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/fd/jkms-25-1244.PMC2908801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5136738", "abstract": "Aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the cornerstone of treatment for symptomatic critical aortic stenosis (AS). It is a Class I indication that symptomatic patients with critical AS undergo either surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We present a patient with critical AS and new angina that was managed successfully with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the Right coronary artery. Physicians should consider that not all patients with critical AS and angina necessarily require AVR. Concomitant pathology leading to the symptoms should be carefully ruled out. This leads to a less invasive, cost effective care plan especially in patients with advanced age and comorbidities for which any type of surgical valvular intervention may pose high risk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/70/cp-2016-4-887.PMC5136738.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3146985", "abstract": "Haemoglobinopathies such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease present a major health burden. Currently, the main forms of treatment for these diseases are packed red blood cell transfusions and the administration of drugs which act to nonspecifically reactivate the production of foetal haemoglobin. These treatments are ongoing throughout the life of the patient and are associated with a number of risks, such as limitations in available blood for transfusion, infections, iron overload, immune rejection, and side effects associated with the drug treatments. The field of cellular reprogramming has advanced significantly in the last few years and has recently culminated in the successful production of erythrocytes in culture. This paper will discuss cellular reprogramming and its potential relevance to the treatment of haemoglobinopathies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/15/1b/PMC3146985.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3888851", "abstract": "Although compressed gas (CO2) blowers have been used safely to aid accurate grafting during off-pump coronary bypass surgery, hemodynamic collapse due to gas embolism into the right coronary artery may occur. Supportive measures to facilitate gas clearance by increasing the coronary perfusion pressure have been reported to be successful in restoring hemodynamic stability. However, right ventricular dysfunction and atrioventricular nodal ischemia may hinder effective systemic delivery of the vasoactive medications, even when performing resuscitative measures such as direct cardiac massage. We herein report a case of cardiac arrest that was caused by a right coronary gas embolism and that could not be restored by cardiac resuscitation. When supportive measures fail, direct aortic injection of epinephrine to increase the coronary perfusion pressure can be attempted before initiating cardiopulmonary bypass, and this approach may be life-saving in situations that limit systemic drug delivery from the venous side despite the performance of direct cardiac massage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/17/kjae-65-562.PMC3888851.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3663610", "abstract": "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of human central nervous system (CNS), which causes irreversible disability in young adults. The cause and cure for MS remain unknown. Pathophysiology of MS includes two arms: inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration. The inflammatory demyelination of MS which is mainly promoted by a massive activation of the immune system against putative CNS antigen(s) leads to loss of oligodendrocyte/myelin complex which slows down or halts impulse conduction in denuded axons. Practically, loss of myelin significantly reduces signal conduction along the demyelinated axons through alterations in the distribution of axonal ion channels. Dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP) is an oral potassium channel blocker, which was recently approved by FDA for symptomatic treatment of MS. Dalfampridine, which acts at the central and peripheral nervous systems, enhances conduction in demyelinated axons and improves walking ability of MS patients. A number of clinical trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of fampridine in MS patients with the degree of gait improvement as the main outcome. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, side effects and interactions of dalfampridine used in treatment of MS patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/2f/PMC3663610.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4847162", "abstract": "Objectives: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of inverted and unprocessed digitized periapical radiographs for detection of peri-implant defects. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 osteotomy sites were prepared in three groups of control, study group 1 with 0.425 mm defects and study group 2 with 0.725 mm defects using the SIC and Astra Tech drill systems with 4.25mm and 4.85mm diameters. Small and large defects were randomly created in the coronal 8mm of 20 implant sites; implants (3.4mm diameter, 14.5mm length) were then placed. Thirty periapical (PA) radiographs were obtained using Digora imaging system (Soredex Corporation, Helsinki, Finland), size 2 photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate sensors (40.0mm×30.0mm) and Scanora software. Unprocessed images were inverted using Scanora software by applying image inversion and a total of 60 images were obtained and randomly evaluated by four oral and maxillofacial radiologists. Data were analyzed using the t-test. Results: Significant differences were observed in absolute and complete sensitivity and specificity of the two imaging modalities for detection of small and large defects (P<0.05). Unprocessed digital images had a higher mean in terms of absolute sensitivity for detection of small defects, complete sensitivity for detection of large peri-implant defects and definite rule out of defects compared with inverted images. Conclusion: Unprocessed digital images have a higher diagnostic value for detection of small and large peri-implant defects and also for definite rule out of defects compared with inverted images.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/1e/PMC4847162.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5295487", "abstract": "Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma (PBML) is defined as metastasis of a leiomyoma to lung tissue. It was first reported in 1937. P BML is known as a benign disease, but can undergo malignant transformation. Only 1 case of the malignant transformation of PBML to leiomyosarcoma has been reported previously. In this report, we present a case of malignant transformation of PBML.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/fc/kjtcvs-50-059.PMC5295487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4993276", "abstract": "Background The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide. In Japan and other countries, epidemiological studies have found that many patients with COPD are underdiagnosed and untreated, and thus, early detection and treatment of COPD has been emphasized. Screening questionnaires may have utility in the initial detection of COPD. Objective This study aimed to validate and compare the COPD Population Screener (COPD-PS) and the International Primary Care Airway Group (IPAG) questionnaires in a general Japanese population. Patients and methods Eligible subjects 40 years of age and older living in the town of Hisayama were solicited to participate in a health checkup in 2012. All subjects 40–79 years of age without physician-diagnosed asthma or lung resection were recruited, and 2,336 subjects who fully completed both questionnaires and who had valid spirometry measurements were analyzed. Persistent airflow obstruction (AO) was defined by a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <0.70. Receiver operating characteristic curves, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement were used to examine the ability of the COPD-PS and IPAG questionnaires to discriminate between subjects with and without AO. Results The overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the COPD-PS questionnaire was 0.747 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/b3/copd-11-1903.PMC4993276.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2715896", "abstract": "The fetal consequences of CMV infection make it one of the most serious infections contracted during pregnancy, but the scientific community is divided over the proposed implementation of preventive screening for anti-CMV antibodies. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk of infection during pregnancy in 2817 women who underwent anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibody screening during the period 2005–2007. The prevalence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies was 68.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/48/PMC2715896.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3834650", "abstract": "Numerous studies have demonstrated sex differences in drug reactions to the same drug treatment, steering away from the traditional view of one-size-fits-all medicine. A premise of this study is that the sex of a patient influences difference in disease characteristics and risk factors. In this study, we intend to exploit and to obtain better sex-specific biomarkers from gene-expression data. We propose a procedure to isolate a set of important genes as sex-specific genomic biomarkers, which may enable more effective patient treatment. A set of sex-specific genes is obtained by a variable importance ranking using a combination of cross-validation methods. The proposed procedure is applied to three gene-expression datasets.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/cb/PMC3834650.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2693659", "abstract": "Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked co-dominant disorder. A couple, with a previous history of a neonatal death and a therapeutical termination due to OTC deficiency, was referred to our center for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The female partner has a nonsense mutation in the exon 9 of the OTC gene (R320X). We carried out nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for R320X mutation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for aneuploidy screening. Among a total of 11 embryos, two blastomeres per embryo from 9 embryos were biopsied and analyzed by duplex-nested PCR and FISH, and one blastomere per embryo from 2 embryos by only duplex-nested PCR. As a result of PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, four embryos were diagnosed as unaffected embryos having the normal OTC gene. Among these embryos, only one embryo was confirmed as euploidy for chromosome X, Y and 18 by FISH analysis. A single normal embryo was transferred to the mother, yielding an unaffected pregnancy and birth of a healthy boy. Based on our results, PCR for mutation loci and FISH for aneuploidy screening with two blastomeres from an embryo could provide higher accuracy for the selection of genetically and chromosomally normal embryos in the PGD for single gene defects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/bb/jkms-22-572.PMC2693659.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4540876", "abstract": "[Purpose] The present study assessed the effects of using an unstable inclined board on the active and passive ankle range of motion in patients with ankle stiffness. [Subjects] The study included 10 young female patients with ankle stiffness. [Methods] The patients were divided into the following two groups: a group that performed ankle dorsiflexion stretching exercises using a wooden inclined board and a group that performed stretching exercises using an air-cushioned inclined board (unstable inclined board). Active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured bilaterally using a goniometer. [Results] Both inclined boards significantly increased active and passive ankle dorsiflexion. After performing ankle stretching exercises, active dorsiflexion significantly increased the unstable inclined board compared to that using the wooden inclined board. However, the passive dorsiflexion angles did not differ significantly between the two groups after ankle stretching exercises. [Conclusion] The use of an unstable inclined board might stimulate activation of the ankle dorsiflexors in addition to stretching muscle or tissue. Active ankle dorsiflexion was more effectively improved with stretching exercises using an unstable inclined board than with exercises using a wooden inclined board.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/25/jpts-27-2341.PMC4540876.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3564424", "abstract": "Objectives The aim of follow-up visits by the general practitioner and district nurse (within a week after discharge from hospital) is to reduce hospital readmissions and improve the overall wellbeing of the patient. There is strong evidence that these programmes are effective, but are difficult to implement because of a number of organizational obstacles, including co-ordination between the organizations involved in the process. In this paper we look at the factors that affect motivation to participate in a cross-sectoral programme in Copenhagen, Denmark, implementing follow-up home visits to elderly persons. Theory and methods The analysis is based on inter-organizational network theory in an attempt to explain the role of motivation in network formation between organizational systems. The empirical findings are based on focus groups and in-depth interviews with hospital staff, general practitioners, and district nurses. Results Care providers are motivated to collaborate by a number of factors. The focus of collaboration needs to be clearly defined and agreed upon, there needs to be a high degree of equality between the professionals involved, and there has to be a will to co-operate based on a shared understanding of values and learning potentials. Conclusions The study concludes that we need to focus on specific care fields and actors to reduce complexity in the area and more fully understand what motivates care providers to participate in cross-sectoral activities, such as a follow-up home visit programme. One lesson for current policy is that motivational factors need to be addressed in future collaborative programmes in order to fully exploit the potential health benefits.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/34/ijic2011-2011122.PMC3564424.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3443483", "abstract": "Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one key medical challenge of the aging society and despite a great amount of effort and a huge collection of acquired data on molecular mechanisms that are associated with the onset and progression of this devastating disorder, no causal therapy is in sight. The two main hypotheses of AD, the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the Tau hypothesis, are still in the focus of AD research. With aging as the accepted main risk factor of the most important non familial and late onset sporadic forms of AD, it is now mandatory to discuss more intensively aspects of cellular aging and aging biochemistry and its impact on neurodegeneration. Since aging is accompanied by changes in cellular protein homeostasis and an increasing demand for protein degradation, aspects of protein folding, misfolding, refolding and, importantly, protein degradation need to be linked to AD pathogenesis. This is the purpose of this short review.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/91/PMC3443483.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3095978", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tBackground. This study was carried out to establish the prevalence of cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes in Eastern Nepal. This study also establishes the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its relationships to these cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle. Methods. 14,425 subjects aged 20–100 (mean 41.4 ± 15.1) were screened with a physical examination and blood tests. Both the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Programme's (NCEP) definitions for MS were used and compared. Results. 34", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/7b/PMC3095978.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5360995", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse-riding simulator exercise on balance in elderly with knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited, a horse-riding simulator group performed exercise three times a week for eight weeks. And each exercise was performed for 30 minutes. [Results] The horse-riding simulator group showed significant differences after the intervention in Short Form Berg Balance Scale, Functional reaching test. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that horse-riding simulator exercise is effective on knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, horse-riding simulator exercise can be used balance training for knee osteoarthritis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/9f/jpts-29-387.PMC5360995.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4993422", "abstract": "ABSTRACT The mechanisms leading to brain tumor formation are poorly understood. Using Ptch1+/− mice as a medulloblastoma model, sequential mutations were found to shape tumor evolution. Initially, medulloblastoma preneoplastic lesions display loss of heterozygosity of the Ptch1 wild-type allele, an event associated with cell senescence in preneoplasia. Subsequently, p53 mutations lead to senescence evasion and progression from preneoplasia to medulloblastoma. These findings are consistent with a model where high levels of Hedgehog signaling caused by the loss of the tumor suppressor Ptch1 lead to oncogene-induced senescence and drive p53 mutations. Thus, cell senescence is an important characteristic of a subset of SHH medulloblastoma and might explain the acquisition of somatic TP53 mutations in human medulloblastoma. This mode of medulloblastoma formation contrasts with the one characterizing Li-Fraumeni patients with medulloblastoma, where TP53 germ-line mutations cause chromothriptic genomic instability and lead to mutations in Hedgehog signaling genes, which drive medulloblastoma growth. Here we discuss in detail these 2 alternative mechanisms leading to medulloblastoma tumorigenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/0e/kccy-15-16-1189044.PMC4993422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2884340", "abstract": "Ventricular tachycardia although not common, can occasionally complicate pregnancy. Its presence may indicate an underlying cardiac structural abnormality, or undiagnosed congenital arrhythmic disease. However, some pregnant patients with ventricular tachycardia have structurally normal hearts. Two cases of ventricular tachycardia in pregnant patients with structurally normal hearts are presented and an approach to diagnosis and management of such patients are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/2e/PMC2884340.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3468919", "abstract": " Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 is a bacterium of interest due to its ability to degrade polychlorinated dioxins, which represent priority pollutants in the USA and worldwide. Although its genome has been fully sequenced, many questions exist regarding changes in protein expression of S. wittichii RW1 in response to dioxin metabolism. We used difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) to identify proteomic changes induced by growth on dibenzofuran, a surrogate for dioxin, as compared to acetate. Approximately 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/49/PMC3468919.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4235203", "abstract": "Background Boswellic acids (BAs) show anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. A topical administration route is currently used to deliver active compounds in psoriatic and eczematous patients. In this double-blind study we compare a novel BA formulation (containing Bosexil®, INCI [International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients]: lecithin, Boswellia serrata resin extract) with a placebo formulation. A third arm of the trial received a formulation of Vaccinium myrtillus seed oil, previously demonstrated as an effective local treatment for psoriatic lesions. Methods Patients with psoriasis or erythematous eczema were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to Bosexil®, V. myrtillus seed oil, or placebo. In order to evaluate the effects of treatment, the changes of scales and erythema from diagnosis to the end of treatment were scored in psoriatic patients, while changes in itch and erythema were analyzed for erythematous eczema patients. Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Eczema Area and Severity Index scores were also calculated. Results In patients with psoriasis, scales and erythema improved both with Bosexil® and the V. myrtillus seed oil treatment in comparison with placebo. In particular, the treatment with Bosexil® formulation improved scales (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/88/ccid-7-321.PMC4235203.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4591152", "abstract": "Clinically, many chemotherapeutics and ionizing radiation (IR) have been applied for the treatment of various types of human and animal malignancies. These treatments kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Core factors of classical nonhomologous DNA-end joining (C-NHEJ) play a vital role in DSB repair. Thus, it is indispensable to clarify the mechanisms of C-NHEJ in order to develop next-generation chemotherapeutics for cancer. The XRCC4-like factor (XLF; also called Cernunnos or NHEJ1) is the lastly identified core NHEJ factor. The localization of core NHEJ factors might play a critical role in regulating NHEJ activity. The localization and function of XLF have not been elucidated in animal species other than mice and humans. Domestic cattle (Bos taurus) are the most common and vital domestic animals in many countries. Here, we show that the localization of cattle XLF changes dynamically during the cell cycle. Furthermore, EYFP-cattle XLF accumulates quickly at microirradiated sites and colocalizes with the DSB marker γH2AX. Moreover, nuclear localization and accumulation of cattle XLF at DSB sites are dependent on 12 amino acids (288–299) of the C-terminal region of XLF (XLF CTR). Furthermore, basic amino acids on the XLF CTR are highly conserved among domestic animals including cattle, goat and horses, suggesting that the CTR is essential for the function of XLF in domestic animals. These findings might be useful to develop the molecular-targeting therapeutic drug taking XLF as a target molecule for human and domestic animals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/30/jvms-77-1109.PMC4591152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3065795", "abstract": "Background: Magnetic nanoparticles show great promise for use as tools in a wide variety of biomedical applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effects of methacrylamido-folic acid (Ma-Fol)-modified magnetic nanoparticles on 5RP7 (H-ras-transformed rat embryonic fibroblasts) and NIH/3T3 (normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts). Methods: The cytotoxicity and viability of 5RP7 and NIH/3T3 cells were detected. The percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining. Nanoparticle internalization into 5RP7 and NIH/3T3 cells was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Conclusion: In this study, folic acid coupled to the surface of iron oxide for selective binding to cancer cells and immobilized the surfaces of magnetic nanoparticles. This complex improves cell internalization and targeting of cancer cells. We detected increased apoptosis using flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Folic acid modification of magnetic nanoparticles could be used to facilitate uptake to specific cancer cells for cancer therapy and diagnosis. Our results showed that the uptake of folic-acid modified nanoparticles by 5RP7 cancer cells was also much higher than that of 3T3 cells. This modification can be used for successful targeting of cancer cells expressing the folate receptor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/37/d6/PMC3065795.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4355506", "abstract": "Introduction For obvious reasons, athletes are at greater risk of sustaining a lumber (lower) spine injury due to physical activity. To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in a Tunisian sports and physical education institute. Aim To assess the prevalence of LBP in different sports among students studying in a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia, to determine the causes of the injuries, and to propose solutions. Methods A total of 3,379 boys and 2,579 girls were studied. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on a group of students aged 18.5–24.5 years at the Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax to estimate the prevalence of LBP and its relation to the type of sports. Data on age, weight, height, smoking, and the sport in which the student was injured in the low back were collected from the institute health service records from 2005 until 2013. Results LBP was reported by 879 of the 5,958 study participants (14.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/d7/LJM-10-26802.PMC4355506.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5074748", "abstract": "Introduction Health is an exclusive and subjective phenomenon, and one of the most important situations with regard to perception of health, arises when patients suffer from a chronic disease. This study was conducted within the qualitative research framework and aimed to explore the meanings of health as perceived by a group of Iranian diabetic patients. Methods A descriptive qualitative analysis design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants among diabetic patients, who were admitted to the diabetes care centre of Tohid Hospital of the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran during a ten-month period in 2014. Interviews were transcribed and analysed through conventional content analysis. Results Based on the findings of the study, three major health-related themes emerged: 1) the syndrome of the healthy body and the happy heart (physical well-being vivacity, satisfaction, and calmness of the mind), 2) life without compulsory limitations (lack of dietary limitations, No activity limitations, lack of social limitations), and 3) exalted spirituality (satisfying self and others, trusting God, remembering God). Conclusion Health care providers should consider the meaning of health in special groups, chiefly in patients with chronic diseases. It facilitates the development of appropriate programmes to improve desirable health levels among diabetic patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/dc/epj-08-2904.PMC5074748.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4982520", "abstract": "A 34-year-old obese male (96.8 kg; BMI, 30.2 kg m−1) volitionally undertook a 50-day fast with the stated goal of losing body mass. During this time, only tea, coffee, water, and a daily multivitamin were consumed. Severe and linear loss of body mass is recorded during these 50 days (final 75.4 kg; BMI, 23.5 kg m−1). A surprising resilience to effects of fasting on activity levels and physical function is noted. Plasma samples are suggestive of early impairment of liver function, and perturbations to cardiovascular dynamics are also noted. One month following resumption of feeding behavior, body weight was maintained (75.0 kg; BMI, 23.4 kg m−1). Evidence-based decision-making with the fasting or hunger striking patient is limited by a lack of evidence. This case report suggests that total body mass, not mass lost, may be a key observation in clinical decision-making during fasting and starvation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/2e/PMC4982520.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3162299", "abstract": "Purpose: The evaluation of anatomic and visual outcomes in macular hole cases treated with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, brilliant blue (BB), and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Materials and methods: Fifty eyes of 48 patients who presented between July 2007 and December 2009 with the diagnosis of stage 2, 3, or 4 macular holes according to Gass Classification who had undergone PPV and ILM peeling were included in this study. Pre- and postoperative macular examinations were assessed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. 23 G sutureless PPV and ILM peeling with BB was performed on all patients. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.34 ± 9.6 years. Stage 2 macular hole was determined in 17 eyes (34", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/22/PMC3162299.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3046818", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease may share a common genetic background. We investigated the role of IR-associated ENPP1 K121Q polymorphism (rs1044498) on cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective study (average follow-up, 37 months) was conducted for major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, cardiovascular death) from the Gargano Heart Study (GHS; n = 330 with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease), the Tor Vergata Atherosclerosis Study (TVAS; n = 141 who had MI), and the Cardiovascular Risk Extended Evaluation in Dialysis (CREED) database (n = 266 with end-stage renal disease). Age at MI was investigated in cross-sectional studies of 339 type 2 diabetic patients (n = 169 from Italy, n = 170 from the U.S.). RESULTS Incidence of cardiovascular events per 100 person–years was 4.2 in GHS, 10.8 in TVAS, and 11.7 in CREED. Hazard ratios (HRs) for KQ+QQ versus individuals carrying the K121/K121 genotype (KK) individuals were 1.47 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/12/1000.PMC3046818.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988444", "abstract": "Synthetic RNA-based regulatory systems are used to program higher-level biological functions that could be exploited, among many applications, for in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Chen and colleagues have recently reported a significant technological advance by producing an RNA modular device based on a hammerhead ribozyme and successfully tested its ability to control the proliferation of mammalian T lymphocytes. Like all exciting research, this work raises a lot of significant questions. How quickly will such knowledge be translated into clinical practice? How efficient will this system be in human clinical trials involving adaptive T-cell therapy? We discuss the possible advantages of using such new technologies for specific therapeutic applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/1a/PMC2988444.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2733967", "abstract": "Here we report two cases of isolated diffuse mesangial sclerosis (IDMS) with early onset end-stage renal failure. These female patients did not show abnormalities of the gonads or external genitalia. Direct sequencing of WT1 PCR products from genomic DNA identified WT1 mutations in exons 8 (366 Arg>His) and 9 (396 Asp>Tyr). These mutations have been reported previously in association with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) with early onset renal failure. Therefore we suggest that, at least in part, IDMS is a variant of DDS and that investigations for the WT1 mutations should be performed in IDMS patients. In cases with identified WT1 mutations, the same attention to tumor development should be required as in DDS patients, and karyotyping and serial abdominal ultrasonograms to evaluate the gonads and kidney are warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/80/jkms-21-160.PMC2733967.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5083936", "abstract": "The selective melatonin receptor agonism effect of ramelteon is useful for insomnia. Here we wanted to present a refractory chronic migraine case, who had significant improvements in migraine after using ramelteon. The possible mechanism for the ramelteon in the migraine relief might be related to melatonin effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/eb/cpn-14-405.PMC5083936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3132637", "abstract": "Spore formation is a survival mechanism of microorganisms when facing unfavorable environmental conditions resulting in “dormant” states. We investigated the occurrence of bacterial endospores in soils from various locations including grasslands (pasture, meadow), allotment gardens, and forests, as well as fluvial sediments. Bacterial spores are characterized by their high content of dipicolinic acid (DPA). In the presence of terbium, DPA forms a complex showing a distinctive photoluminescence spectrum. DPA was released from soil by microwaving or autoclaving. The addition of aluminium chloride reduced signal quenching by interfering compounds such as phosphate. The highest spore content (up to 109 spores per gram of dry soil) was found in grassland soils. Spore content is related to soil type, to soil depth, and to soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Our study might provide a basis for the detection of “hot spots” of bacterial spores in soil.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c5/79/PMC3132637.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4451743", "abstract": "Background The influence of diabetes mellitus on myocardial ischemic preconditioning is not clearly defined. Experimental studies are conflicting and human studies are scarce and inconclusive. Objectives Identify whether diabetes mellitus intervenes on ischemic preconditioning in symptomatic coronary artery disease patients. Methods Symptomatic multivessel coronary artery disease patients with preserved systolic ventricular function and a positive exercise test underwent two sequential exercise tests to demonstrate ischemic preconditioning. Ischemic parameters were compared among patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ischemic preconditioning was considered present when the time to 1.0 mm ST deviation and rate pressure-product were greater in the second of 2 exercise tests. Sequential exercise tests were analyzed by 2 independent cardiologists. Results Of the 2,140 consecutive coronary artery disease patients screened, 361 met inclusion criteria, and 174 patients (64.2 ± 7.6 years) completed the study protocol. Of these, 86 had the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Among diabetic patients, 62 (72 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7d/2c/PMC4451743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5034357", "abstract": "Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance among youth. Recent policy developments and ongoing debate related to this drug underscore the urgent need to “clear the smoke” and better understand what the scientific evidence says about the health and behavioral effects of cannabis use, particularly on youth whose brains are undergoing rapid and extensive development.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/56/CPT-97-551.PMC5034357.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124316", "abstract": "Hypertension (HTN) is the most common co-morbidity in the world, and its sequelae, heart failure (HF) is one of most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. Current understanding of pathophysiology and management of HTN in HF is mainly based on studies, which have mainly included whites. Among racial groups, African-American adults have the highest rates (44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/19/PMC3124316.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3667037", "abstract": "Duplications of the alimentary tract are very rare. A one-month-old female presented with symptoms of anorexia, vomiting and continuous watery diarrhea. The plain abdominal radiograph showed thickened intestinal wall and signs of small bowel obstruction. The fevers, vomiting, and continuous wartery diarrhea persisted despite antibiotics, and worsened. The patient failed to respond to medical managements, 27 hours after admission, the patient died due to multiple organ failures. The autopsy was performed, small bowel obstruction due to an ileocecal duplication cyst (3 × 3 cm) was recognized. The ileocecal duplication cyst was attached to the ileum which was changed edematous and necrotic. This potential diagnosis should be borne in mind for a patient who complains of abdominal symptoms with an unknown cause, and duplication cyst should be recognized as a fatal cause in infant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/fd/PMC3667037.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4804036", "abstract": " Purpose. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of laser refractive surgery and corneal inlay approaches to treat presbyopia in patients after cataract surgery. Summary. The presbyopic population is growing rapidly along with increasing demands for spectacle independence. This review will focus on the corneal-based surgical options to address presbyopia including various types of corneal intrastromal inlays and laser ablation techniques to generate either a multifocal cornea (“PresbyLASIK”) or monovision. The natural history of presbyopia develops prior to cataracts, and these presbyopic surgeries have been largely studied in phakic patients. Nevertheless, pseudophakic patients may also undergo these presbyopia-compensating procedures for enhanced quality of life. This review examines the published reports that apply these technologies to patients after cataract surgery and discusses unique considerations for this population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/f5/PMC4804036.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4837779", "abstract": "The primary factor that determines the success of implant is the amount of available bone in the edentulous site. Diagnostic imaging and techniques help to develop and implement a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan according to the available bone. In the following case report an innovative simplified method (poor man CT) is used to fabricate a three dimensional model to assess the available bone for implant placement in mandible.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/1e/JIPS-16-213.PMC4837779.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3280477", "abstract": "A 48-year-old woman with a history of chronic migraines, initially admitted for inpatient management of intractable migraine headaches, developed new onset abdominal pain, hypotension, and diarrhea on hospital day number ten. In our institution's headache unit, patients are treated by a multidisciplinary approach, including individualized drug therapy based on diagnosis and previous response to therapy. Given the patient's hypotension and clinical appearance, she was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated for septic shock and metabolic acidosis. A bedside colonscopy revealed diffuse ischemic colitis. Final pathology after colon resection showed widespread, transmural necrosis of the colonic wall. We review the pathophysiology of ergotamine use and its potential association with ischemic colitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/a5/crg0005-0001.PMC3280477.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2725918", "abstract": "To determine the predominant staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec element in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, we typed 190 isolates from a hospital in Taiwan. We found a shift from type IV to type III SCCmec element during 1992–2003, perhaps caused by selective pressure from indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/eb/62/PMC2725918.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4943822", "abstract": "Acute limb ischemia can be potentially harmful to the limb and life threatening. Renal failure is a possible outcome associated with release of products of ischemic limb reperfusion. Some authors reported the benefit of performing angiography after embolectomy, even though iodine contrast is also nephrotoxic. We report a case of embolectomy on a patient with renal insufficiency in whom carbon dioxide was used as a substitute for iodine contrast.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/56/1679-4508-eins-13-2-0273.PMC4943822.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3306916", "abstract": "Given the importance of physical activity (PA) for weight control, identifying strategies to achieve higher PA levels is imperative. We hypothesized that performing a greater variety of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous activities (MVPAs) would relate to higher objectively measured MVPA minutes in two groups who were successfully maintaining their body weight: weight loss maintainers (WLM/n = 226) and normal-weight individuals (NW/n = 169). The Paffenbarger Questionnaire and RT3 accelerometer were used to determine variety/number of different MVPAs performed and MVPA minutes, respectively. The variety/number of different activities performed by WLM and NW was similar (1.8 ± 1.2 versus 1.7 ± 1.2, P = 0.52). Regression analyses showed that greater variety (P < 0.01) and WLM status (P < 0.05) were each positively related to greater MVPA minutes/day and meeting the ≥250 MVPA minutes/week guideline for long-term weight maintenance. The association between greater variety and higher MVPA was similar in NW and WLM. Future studies should test whether variety can facilitate engagement in higher MVPA levels for more effective weight control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/90/PMC3306916.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3671708", "abstract": " Objective. To examine the association of intracranial radiographic abnormalities and developmental measures with outcomes in children with congenital symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cochlear implants (CI). Design/Methods. It was a retrospective review of 15 children implanted from 2004 to 2010. Preimplant nonverbal intelligence quotient/developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) and head circumference (HC) were obtained. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and post-CI audiometry and language assessments were reviewed. Results. Eleven children (73", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/d8/PMC3671708.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4852117", "abstract": "The world will enter the postmillennium development goals 2015 era. The achievements of the millennium development goals (MDGs) as a global development target need to be evaluated. A sustainable new reasonable target is important for neglected tropical diseases (NTD) elimination in Indonesia. This review describes the NTD situation in Indonesia and highlights problems beneath the NTD transmission. Multidisciplinary approach is a promising strategy to help the marginalized people.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/2f/PMC4852117.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4905913", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of the use of trekking poles on muscle and cartilage damage and fatigue during downhill walking in obese women. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects included eight obese women who had a body fat percentage greater than 30. Subjects performed downhill walking without a trekking pole (NP) and with a trekking pole (TP) at 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/99/ce/jpts-28-1574.PMC4905913.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5063136", "abstract": "Abstract Heart failure is a major public issue, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the common etiologies of heart failure. DCM is generally progressive, and some patients with DCM need heart transplant despite optimal medical and mechanical therapy. Current guidelines recommend inhibitors of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, namely angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist as well as beta‐blockers for the medical treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, including DCM. Furthermore, because they have beneficial effects on the outcome of heart failure in a dose‐related fashion, they should be titrated to the target dose. In clinical practice, the underuse and under‐dose of these agents matter; however, the efficacy and safety of supramaximal dose of ACE inhibitor or ARB have never been investigated in the patients with DCM. In this issue of ESC Heart Failure, it is demonstrated that benazepril or valsartan at supramaximal dose improved left ventricular function and reduced cardiovascular events compared with each drug at low dose, respectively. In this editorial, the current evidence concerning the use of ACE inhibitor or ARB in patients with HF and future prospective will be discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/8b/EHF2-2-103.PMC5063136.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2942067", "abstract": "The Indian Genome Variation Consortium (IGVC) project, an initiative of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, has been the first large-scale comprehensive study of the Indian population. One of the major aims of the project is to study and catalog the variations in nearly thousand candidate genes related to diseases and drug response for predictive marker discovery, founder identification and also to address questions related to ethnic diversity, migrations, extent and relatedness with other world population. The Phase I of the project aimed at providing a set of reference populations that would represent the entire genetic spectrum of India in terms of language, ethnicity and geography and Phase II in providing variation data on candidate genes and genome wide neutral markers on these reference set of populations. We report here development of the IGVBrowser that provides allele and genotype frequency data generated in the IGVC project. The database harbors 4229 SNPs from more than 900 candidate genes in contrasting Indian populations. Analysis shows that most of the markers are from genic regions. Further, a large fraction of genes are implicated in cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer and immune system-related diseases. Thus, the IGVC data provide a basal level variation data in Indian population to study genetic diseases and pharmacology. Additionally, it also houses data on ∼50 000 (Affy 50 K array) genome wide neutral markers in these reference populations. In IGVBrowser one can analyze and compare genomic variations in Indian population with those reported in HapMap along with annotation information from various primary data sources. Database URL: http://igvbrowser.igib.res.in", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/ae/baq022.PMC2942067.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4667018", "abstract": " Background. Recently, several studies suggest that galectin-9 (Gal-9) might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the exact role of Gal-9 in atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated. Methods. Serum Gal-9, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interferon- (IFN-) γ, interleukin- (IL-) 4, IL-17, and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 were measured. The effect of Gal-9 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated in patients with normal coronary artery (NCA). Results. The lowest level of Gal-9 was found in the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group, followed by the non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS), the NCA, and the stable angina pectoris (SAP) groups, respectively. Additionally, Gal-9 was found to be independently associated with hs-CRP, lipoprotein(a), and creatinine. Notably, Gal-9 was also noted to be an independent predictor of the Gensini score. Moreover, Gal-9 suppressed T-helper 17 (Th17) and expanded regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in decreased IL-17 production and increased secretion of TGF-β1. Conclusions. Serum Gal-9 is associated with not only coronary artery disease (CAD), but also the severity of coronary arteries stenosis. Gal-9 can expand Tregs and suppress Th17 development in activated PBMC, implying that Gal-9 has the potential to dampen the development of atherosclerosis and may be a new therapy for CAD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/d1/PMC4667018.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4326345", "abstract": " Objective. To determine the efficacy and safety of high dose dexmedetomidine as a sole sedative agent for MRI. We report our institution's experience. Design. A retrospective institutional review of dexmedetomidine usage for pediatric MRI over 5.5 years. Protocol included a dexmedetomidine bolus of 2 μg/kg intravenously over ten minutes followed by 1 μg/kg/hr infusion. 544 patients received high dose dexmedetomidine for MRI. A second bolus was used in 103 (18.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/25/PMC4326345.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4330268", "abstract": "Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is widely used to identify the causative mutations underlying diverse human diseases, including cancers, which can be useful for discovering the diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Currently, a number of single-nucleotide variant (SNV)-calling algorithms are available; however, there is no tool for visualizing the recurrent and phenotype-specific mutations for general researchers. In this study, in order to support defining the recurrent mutations or phenotype-specific mutations from NGS data of a group of cancers with diverse phenotypes, we aimed to develop a user-friendly tool, named mutation arranger for defining phenotype-related SNV (MAP). MAP is a user-friendly program with multiple functions that supports the determination of recurrent or phenotype-specific mutations and provides graphic illustration images to the users. Its operation environment, the Microsoft Windows environment, enables more researchers who cannot operate Linux to define clinically meaningful mutations with NGS data from cancer cohorts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/66/gni-12-289.PMC4330268.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3357236", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To investigate relative contributions of glucose status and arterial stiffness to markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction after 8 years of follow-up. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the population-based prospective Hoorn Study, 394 individuals with preserved LV systolic and diastolic function participated, of whom 87 had impaired glucose metabolism and 128 had type 2 diabetes. Measurements including arterial ultrasound and echocardiography were performed according to standardized protocols. RESULTS The presence of type 2 diabetes was associated with more severe LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction 8 years later: LV ejection fraction was 2.98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/fc/1258.PMC3357236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4963560", "abstract": " Introduction. While four in ten female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with HIV, only a small proportion is enrolled in HIV care. We explored facilitators and barriers to linkage to HIV care among FSWs receiving HIV testing services at a community-based organization in periurban Uganda. Methods. The cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among 28 HIV positive FSWs from May to July 2014. Key informant interviews were conducted with five project staff and eleven peer educators. Data were collected on facilitators for and barriers to linkage to HIV care and manually analyzed following a thematic framework approach. Results. Facilitators for linkage to HIV care included the perceived good quality of health services with same-day results and immediate initiation of treatment, community peer support systems, individual's need to remain healthy, and having alternative sources of income. Linkage barriers included perceived stigma, fear to be seen at outreach HIV clinics, fear and myths about antiretroviral therapy, lack of time to attend clinic, and financial constraints. Conclusion. Linkage to HIV care among FSWs is influenced by good quality friendly services and peer support. HIV service delivery programs for FSWs should focus on enhancing these and dealing with barriers stemming from stigma and misinformation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/a5/PMC4963560.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3349961", "abstract": "Alexia may be divided into different subtypes, with semantic paralexia being particularly rare. A 57 year old woman with a discreet left thalamic stroke and semantic paralexia is described. Language evalution with the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Battery confirmed the semantic paralexia (deep alexia). Multimodality magnetic resonance imaging brain scanning excluded other cerebral lesions. A good recovery ensued.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/1b/PMC3349961.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4939352", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate the current and suitable use of current proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) classifications in clinical publications related to treatment. Methods. A PubMed search was undertaken using the term “proliferative vitreoretinopathy therapy”. Outcome parameters were the reported PVR classification and PVR grades. The way the classifications were used in comparison to the original description was analyzed. Classification errors were also included. It was also noted whether classifications were used for comparison before and after pharmacological or surgical treatment. Results. 138 papers were included. 35 of them (25.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/42/PMC4939352.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5005790", "abstract": "A 38-year-old male and a 36-year-old female experienced red-brown urine discolouration after 2 and 3 days, respectively, during the use of mesalamine for inflammatory bowel disease. Both patients mentioned that the urine discoloured after contact with sodium hypochlorite detergent in toilet water. Mesalamine and the inactive metabolite N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid are primarily excreted in the urine. We hypothesised a possible reaction with sodium hypochlorite and/or light. Naranjo assessment scores of 9 and 6 were obtained for the reports, indicating a certain and probable relationship, respectively, between the red-brown urine discolouration and the use of the suspect drug mesalamine. Knowledge of this harmless reaction is desirable to avoid unnecessary physical examination and worry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/a6/40800_2016_Article_29.PMC5005790.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4906216", "abstract": " Aim. We investigated whether lecithin-bound iodine (LBI) can protect the integrity of tight junctions of retinal pigment epithelial cells from hypoxia. Method. Cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells were pretreated with LBI. To mimic hypoxic conditions, cells were incubated with CoCl2. We compared the integrity of the tight junctions (TJs) of control to cells with either LBI alone, CoCl2 alone, or LBI + CoCl2. The levels of cytokines in the conditioned media were also determined. Results. Significant decrease in the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) intensity in the CoCl2 group compared to the control (5787.7 ± 4126.4 in CoCl2 group versus 29244.6 ± 2981.2 in control; average ± standard deviation). But the decrease was not significant in the LBI + CoCl2 (27189.0 ± 11231.1). The levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 11 (CCL-11) were significantly higher in the CoCl2 than in the control (340.8 ± 43.3 versus 279.7 ± 68.3 pg/mL for MCP-1, and 15.2 ± 12.9 versus 12.5 ± 6.1 pg/mL for CCL-11. With LBI pretreatment, the levels of both cytokines were decreased to 182.6 ± 23.8 (MCP-1) and 5.46 ± 1.9 pg/mL for CCL-11). Blockade of MCP-1 or CCL-11 also shows similar result representing TJ protection from hypoxic stress. Conclusions. LBI results in a protective action from hypoxia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/3b/PMC4906216.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5089152", "abstract": "Background Hypoglycemia occurs frequently in patients both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. While most hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes treatment results from excessive endogenous insulin action, rare cases involve functional and congenital mutations in glycolytic enzymes of insulin regulation. Case A 21-year-old obese woman presented to the emergency department with complaints of repeated episodes of lethargy, syncope, dizziness, and sweating. She was referred from an outside facility on suspicion of insulinoma, with severe hypoglycemia unresponsive to repeated dextrose infusions. Her plasma glucose was 20 mg/dl at presentation, 44 mg/dl on arrival at our facility, and remained low in spite of multiple dextrose infusions. The patient had been treated for persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy at our neonatal facility and 4 years ago was diagnosed as having an activating glucokinase (GCK) mutation. She was then treated with octreotide and diazoxide with improvement in symptoms and blood glucose levels. Conclusion Improved diagnostication and management of uncommon genetic mutations as typified in this patient with an activating mutation of the GCK gene has expanded the spectrum of disease in adult medicine. This calls for improved patient information dissemination across different levels and aspects of the health care delivery system to ensure cost-effective and timely health care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/09/JCHIMP-6-32983.PMC5089152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4830364", "abstract": "Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common public health issue. If left untreated, OSA may cause a large health economic burden from cardiovascular complications particularly stroke. The diagnosis of OSA can be made by polysomnography, but its availability is limited in the developing countries in Asia. STOP-BANG questionnaire is a good screening tool but may need some adjustment for Asian population. STOP-BANG stands for: Snoring history, Tired during the day, Observed stop breathing while sleep, High blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) more than 35 kg/m2, Age more than 50 years, Neck circumference more than 40 cm and male Gender. We compared clinical features in STOP-BANG questionnaire between 42 OSA induced hypertension patients and 82 healthy control subjects in the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The best cutoff point for the BMI and the neck circumference were 24.5 kg/m2 and 36 cm, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BMI cutoff point were 97.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/ab/ni-2016-1-6104.PMC4830364.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3551390", "abstract": "This is a case study of a 52-year-old female patient diagnosed in June 2007 with primary metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast and synchronous metastases in the bone, lymph nodes, and lung. Biopsy results of the tumor tissue were negative for the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In November 2007, she participated in a phase II study of metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer. Treatment consisted of systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine 1,500 mg/m2, nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m2, and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg once every other week. The patient experienced pain relief in her sternum after 5 weeks of chemotherapy, and her analgesic therapy was discontinued. After 7 months, the patient achieved a complete radiographic response, which was maintained for nearly 2 additional years. She continued receiving treatment throughout this period, requiring 1 dose reduction due to fatigue. The patient experienced no other adverse events, including neuropathy, and continued working uninterrupted throughout her treatment. The patient was discontinued from the study in May 2010 after disease progression, almost a full 3 years after diagnosis. The patient showed minimal response to subsequent therapies but had disease stabilization and died from her disease in April 2012. Median overall survival for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer is between 12 and 13.3 months. This patient survived nearly 5 years following diagnosis. This case exemplifies how therapy with nab-paclitaxel, bevacizumab, and gemcitabine may prolong survival, with minimal toxicity, in select patients with triple-negative metastatic breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/56/cro-0005-0687.PMC3551390.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3670274", "abstract": "STAT2 is unique among the STAT family of transcription factors in that its activation is driven predominantly by only two classes of cell surface receptors: Type I and III interferon receptors. As such, STAT2 plays a critical role in host defenses against viral infections. Viruses have evolved to target STAT2 by either inhibiting its expression, blocking its activity, or by targeting it for degradation. Consequently, these viral onslaughts have driven remarkable divergence in the STAT2 gene across species that is not observed in other STAT family members. Thus, the evolution of STAT2 may preserve its activity and protect each species in the face of an ever-changing viral community.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/f1/jkst-2-e23633.PMC3670274.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3262558", "abstract": "Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a safe and accurate minimally invasive method for detecting axillary lymph node (ALN) involvement in the clinically negative axilla thereby reducing morbidity in patients who avoid unnecessary axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Although current guidelines recommend completion ALND when macro- and micrometastatic diseases are identified by SLNB, the benefit of this surgical intervention is under debate. Additionally, the management of the axilla in the presence of isolated tumour cells (ITCs) in SLNB is questioned. Particularly controversial is the prognostic significance of minimal SLNB metastasis in relation to local recurrence and overall survival. Preliminary results of the recently published Z0011 trial suggest similar outcomes after SNB or ALND when the SN is positive, but this finding has to be interpreted with caution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/1a/PMC3262558.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2688588", "abstract": "Luxatio erecta is an uncommon form of glenohumeral dislocation. Cases of bilateral inferior shoulder dislocation (luxatio erecta) are very rare, and only ten cases have been described in literature. We describe a case of a woman with bilateral luxatio erecta of the shoulders treated with close reduction, immobilization and rehabilitation. The patient had fallen downstairs while clinging to both lateral banisters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/da/PMC2688588.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2687696", "abstract": "A \"biloma\" is a loculated collection of bile located outside of the biliary tree. It can be caused by traumatic, iatrogenic or spontaneous rupture of the biliary tree. Prior reports have documented an association of biloma with abdominal trauma, surgery and other primary causes, but spontaneous bile leakage has rarely been reported. A spontaneous infected biloma, without any underlying disease, is a very rare finding. We recently diagnosed a spontaneous infected biloma by abdominal computed tomography and sonographically guided percutaneous aspiration. The patient was successfully managed with percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics. We report here a case of infected biloma caused by spontaneous rupture of the intrahepatic duct, and review the relevant medical literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/73/1d/PMC2687696.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4106956", "abstract": "Background Unintended pregnancy (UP) is an unmet medical need with consequences worldwide. We evaluate the costs of UP based on pregnancies in Brazil from for the year 2010. Methods The consequences of UP were evaluated using decision analysis based on pregnancy rates and outcomes as miscarriage, induced abortion, and live birth, which were factored into the analysis. The model discriminated between maternal and child outcomes and accounted for costs (in Brazilian currency [Real, R]) within the Brazilian public health service attributed to preterm birth, neonatal admission, cerebral palsy, and neonatal and maternal mortality. Event probabilities were obtained from local resources. Results We estimate that 1.8 million UPs resulted in 159,151 miscarriages, 48,769 induced abortions, 1.58 million live births, and 312 maternal deaths, including ten (3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/f6/ijwh-6-663.PMC4106956.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4276263", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome is a rare form of male pseudo-hermaphroditism characterized by the presence of Mullerian duct structures in an otherwise phenotypically, as well as genotypically, normal man; only a few cases have been reported in the worldwide literature. A great variety of organs have been found in indirect inguinal hernial sacs. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report a case of 70 year old man, father of 4 children with unilateral cryptorchidism on the right side and left-sided obstructed inguinal hernia containing uterus and fallopian tube (that is, hernia uteri inguinalis; type I male form of persistent Mullerian duct syndrome) coincidentally detected during an operation for an obstructed left inguinal hernia. DISCUSSION PMDS is usually coincidently detected during surgical operation, as was in our case. However pre-operative ultrasonography, computerized tomography and MRI allow possible pre-operative diagnosis. CONCLUSION In cases of unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism associated with hernia, as in our patient's case, the possibility of PMDS should be kept in mind.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/11/main.PMC4276263.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2844605", "abstract": "We performed sympathetic nerve reconstruction using intercostal nerve in patients with severe compensatory hyperhidrosis after sympathetic surgery for primary hyperhidrosis, and analyzed the surgical results. From February 2004 to August 2007, sympathetic nerve reconstruction using intercostal nerve was performed in 19 patients. The subjected patients presented severe compensatory hyperhidrosis after thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for primary hyperhidrosis. Reconstruction of sympathetic nerve was performed by thoracoscopic surgery except in 1 patient with severe pleural adhesion. The median interval between the initial sympathetic surgery and sympathetic nerve reconstruction was 47.2 (range: 3.5-110.7) months. Compensatory sweating after the reconstruction surgery improved in 9 patients, and 3 out of them had markedly improved symptoms. Sympathetic nerve reconstruction using intercostal nerve may be one of the useful surgical options for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis following sympathetic surgery for primary hyperhidrosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/9a/jkms-25-597.PMC2844605.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4554115", "abstract": "Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the long-term safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy for high-risk endometrial cancer (EC). A retrospective analysis based on our decade of clinical data of patients with high-risk EC who were comprehensively surgically staged by laparotomy or laparoscopy was performed. The surgical outcomes were compared between different approaches using propensity score matching (PSM). Eighty-one pairs of patients from the initial 220 enrolled ones were matched by PSM. The mean operative time is similar between laparotomy and laparoscopy groups (258 minutes vs. 253 minutes). The laparoscopy cohort has less blood loss (107 mL vs.414 mL, P < 0.01), shorter hospital stay (14.7 days vs. 17.7 days, P = 0.02) and significant fewer intraoperative complications (6.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/29/medi-94-e1245.PMC4554115.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3631788", "abstract": "An atrial septal defect is the most common type of congenital heart disease among adults. Surgical repair or percutaneous closure of the defect is the treatment options. Even though percutaneous closure seems to be less risky than surgical repair, it may result in fatal complications like device embolism, cardiac perforation and tamponade. Herein we report a case of the embolism of a device into the pulmonary artery after one hour of percutaneous closure in which the embolized device was surgically removed and the defect was closed with a pericardial patch.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/68/kjtcs-46-135.PMC3631788.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4852366", "abstract": "Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have a demonstrated involvement in modulating the immune system. It has been proposed that EVs could be used as biomarkers for detection of inflammatory and immunological disorders. Consequently, it is of great interest to investigate EVs in more detail with focus on immunological markers. In this study, five major leukocyte subpopulations and the corresponding leukocyte-derived EVs were phenotyped with focus on selected immunological lineage-specific markers and selected vesicle-related markers. The leukocyte-derived EVs displayed phenotypic differences in the 34 markers investigated. The majority of the lineage-specific markers used for identification of the parent cell types could not be detected on EVs released from monocultures of the associated cell types. In contrast, the vesicular presentation of CD9, CD63, and CD81 correlated to the cell surface expression of these markers, however, with few exceptions. Furthermore, the cellular expression of CD9, CD63, and CD81 varied between leukocytes present in whole blood and cultured leukocytes. In summary, these data demonstrate that the cellular and vesicular presentation of selected lineage-specific and vesicle-related markers may differ, supporting the accumulating observations that sorting of molecular cargo into EVs is tightly controlled.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/04/PMC4852366.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1805066", "abstract": "Novel technology has made dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lung motion and lung tumour mobility during continuous respiration feasible. This might be beneficial for planning of radiotherapy of lung tumours, especially when using high precision techniques. This paper describes the recent developments to analyze and visualize pulmonary nodules during continuous respiration using MRI. Besides recent dynamic two-dimensional approaches to quantify motion of pulmonary nodules during respiration novel three-dimensional techniques are presented. Beyond good correlation to pulmonary function tests MRI also provides regional information about differences between tumour-bearing and non-tumour bearing lung and the restrictive effects of radiotherapy as well as the compensation by the contralateral lung.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c1/ee/PMC1805066.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2908231", "abstract": "Visual loss occurring after pediatric cardiac surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is relatively rare but the risk is substantial. Compromised cerebral perfusion due to a CPB related micro-embolization and inflammatory vascular changes as well as reduced oxygen carrying capacity in hemodilution and hypothermia during CPB might be major contributing factors to the development of postoperative visual loss after cardiac surgery with CPB. A case of immediate but transient postoperative visual loss was encountered in a 21-month-old male who underwent tricuspid valve surgery. Despite routine intraoperative measures to maintain an adequate perfusion pressure throughout the procedure, postoperative computed tomography revealed a subacute infarct in his occipital lobe. Recovery began on postoperative day 28, and the patient's vision was restored by 31 days.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/24/kjae-59-61.PMC2908231.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4223965", "abstract": "Background: A newborn is highly fragile whose death can be caused by embryonic, intrapartum, and postpartum factors. Identifying the causes of death is the first step to be taken in order to decrease the death rate. The present study was aimed at finding out how neonatal factors and therapeutic actions affect death of newborn babies. Materials and Methods: The is a case-control study where the case group included 250 dead neonates who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit during 2007-2009. The control group also included 250 newborn neonates who were hospitalized in the same unit and were discharged alive and healthy after they were treated appropriately. Researcher-designed questionnaires including demographic characteristics of mothers and infants, causes of hospitalization, treatment and its complications, and causes of death were used to collect the required data. Chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), and logistic regression were applied to analyze how the variables were related. P < 0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analyses were carried out using software SPSS 16.0. Results: The results of advanced logistic regression model showed that first-minute Apgar less than 6 (OR = 4.02), existence of birth asphyxia (OR = 6.16), hyaline membrane disease (OR = 4.08), and sepsis (OR = 6.42) increased the death rate of neonates hospitalized in the intensive care unit, and applying nasal continuous positive airway pressure and multiparity decreased the death rate of newborn babies. There was no significant correlation between variables such as low birth weight, consanguinity, blood group, pr eterm labor history, and baby's gender, and the death rate of neonates. Conclusions: The results of the study show that factors such as low Apgar score, asphyxia, hyaline membrane disease, sepsis, prematurity and congenital anomalies, and method of delivery have a positive effect on the death of neonates. They also prove that suitable management and carrying out appropriate therapeutic actions and intensive care decrease the death rate of newborn babies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/29/IJNMR-19-485.PMC4223965.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4749813", "abstract": "Inflammation is a component of the tumor microenvironment and represents the 7th hallmark of cancer. Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Tumor infiltrating inflammatory cells mediate processes associated with progression, immune suppression, promotion of neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, remodeling of extracellular matrix, invasion and metastasis, and, lastly, the inhibition of vaccine-induced antitumor T cell response. Accumulating evidence indicates a critical role of myeloid cells in the pathophysiology of human cancers. In contrast to the well-characterized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the significance of granulocytes in cancer has only recently begun to emerge with the characterization of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). Recent studies show the importance of CD47 in the interaction with macrophages inhibiting phagocytosis and promoting the migration of neutrophils, increasing inflammation which can lead to recurrence and progression in lung cancer. Currently, therapies are targeted towards blocking CD47 and enhancing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. However, antibody-based therapies may have adverse effects that limit its use.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/b6/PMC4749813.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3830842", "abstract": " Objective. Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) is differentiated from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by the presence of vascular events such as stroke or small vessel disease. Typically, MCI and VaMCI patients present with subjective complaints regarding cognition; however, little is known about the specific nature of these complaints. We aimed to create a profile of subjective cognitive complaints in MCI and VaMCI patients with similar levels of objective cognitive performance. Methods. Twenty MCI and twenty VaMCI patients were recruited from a Memory Disorders Clinic in Toronto. Subjective cognitive complaints were assessed and categorized using the Neuropsychological Impairment Scale. Results. MCI and VaMCI patients achieved similar scores on measures of objective cognitive function (P > 0.100). However, the VaMCI group had more subjective complaints than the MCI group (P = 0.050), particularly in the critical items, cognitive efficiency, memory, and verbal learning domains of the Neuropsychological Impairment Scale. Conclusions. Our findings support the idea that VaMCI and MCI differ in their clinical profiles, independent of neuroimaging. VaMCI patients have significantly more subjective cognitive complaints and may be exhibiting particular deficits in memory, verbal learning, and cognitive efficiency. Our findings promote the need for further research into VaMCI-specific cognitive deficits.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/58/06/PMC3830842.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2600377", "abstract": "To determine the evolution and trends of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid resistance among Escherichia coli isolates in Spain, we tested 9,090 blood isolates from 42 Spanish hospitals and compared resistance with trends in outpatient consumption. These isolates were collected by Spanish hospitals that participated in the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System network from April 2003 through December 2006.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/d3/PMC2600377.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3756163", "abstract": "Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare spindle cell mesenchymal tumor entity, with either benign or malignant behavior that cannot be accurately predicted by histological findings. An intrapulmonary site of origin is even rarer. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman in whom an abnormal nodule in the lower right lung was detected during staging for sigmoid adenocarcinoma. The nodule was excised and pathological examination revealed an intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/81/kjtcs-46-295.PMC3756163.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4805152", "abstract": "Aim: In the present study, we report a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and an efficient alternative method for large scale production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Adansonia digitata fruit pulp extract. The study mainly focused on the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of AgNPs. Materials and Methods: Synthesis of AgNPs with the help of standard protocol and characterized by ultraviolet (UV)-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDAX, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and explore their potential growth inhibitory effect on 07 bacterial and 05 fungal pathogens. Results: The synthesized AgNPs are characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry shows a broad peak at 434 nm. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis clearly reveals phenols and proteins are main responsible for reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. XRD studies show the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature owing 44 nm in size. EDAX spectrum shows a 33.28 weight percentage of Ag metal in the reaction medium confirms the purity of AgNPs. High resolution and magnification studies with AFM, SEM, and TEM reveal the nanoparticles are polydispersed, spherical in shape, having the size range from 3 to 57 nm without any agglomeration between the particles. Further, the antimicrobial studies reveal the potentiality of nanoparticles against different microbial pathogens. Conclusion: The present study is mainly focused on the synthesis of AgNPs from A. digitata fruit pulp extract. Here, we succeed to synthesize a narrow range of particles and validate its potential antimicrobial activity on different microorganisms. Based on this, we conclude that A. digitata pulp extract is a good source toward the reduction of AgNPs and acts as environment benign antimicrobial agents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/94/JIE-5-79.PMC4805152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3383148", "abstract": "Malakoplakia is an uncommon but distinctive type of chronic granulomatous inflammation that occurs most commonly in the genitourinary tract, especially the urinary bladder. Most patients have associated conditions characterized by some degree of immunosuppression, as seen in solid-organ transplants, autoimmune diseases requiring steroid use, chemotherapy, chronic systemic diseases, alcohol abuse and poorly controlled diabetes. We report an unusual case of the renal malakoplakia that involved the perirenal space, extending to the descending colon in a 65-year-old Korean woman with secondary adrenal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/17/kjfm-32-367.PMC3383148.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4430648", "abstract": "Enteric viruses have been shown to be responsible for diarrhea among children during their early childhood. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus infection in young children with diarrhea in two primary health centers in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 223 stool specimens were collected from children aged 0–36 months with clinical signs of diarrhea and 59 apparently healthy age-matched children as control. These specimens were investigated for three viral agents using immunochromatographic technique (ICT). The overall results showed that at least one viral agent was detected in 95/223 (42.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/a3/PMC4430648.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4138544", "abstract": "In the eukaryotic nucleus, DNA is packaged into chromatin. The fundamental subunit of chromatin is the nucleosome, DNA is wrapped 1.6 times around a histone octamer core. Nuclear processes in eukaryotes are impacted by whether regulatory DNA is occupied by nucleosomes. We used microarrays to measure nucleosome occupancy in human cells post-Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) reactivation at hundreds of immunity-related loci. The detailed analysis of these technologies can be found in recent publications from our lab [1,3]. We found that nucleosome redistributions displayed chromosome specific nucleosome occupancy. This resource can be used to map nucleosome distributions in a variety of biological contexts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/ed/main.PMC4138544.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5118976", "abstract": "Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcomas are rare soft tissue malignancies; combined metastatic involvement of the heart is extremely rare. In this case report, a 17-year-old female presented with a history of chest pain. Chest radiographs revealed a round mass in the left upper hemithorax, and computed tomography (CT) showed a well-defined heterogeneous enhancing mass abutting the pleura. A core needle biopsy revealed malignant spindle cells. Surgical resection was performed, and a final diagnosis of primary pleural synovial sarcoma, monophasic fibrous type, was made. The patient underwent radical irradiation and chemotherapy and remained stable for 28 months until a follow-up chest CT showed a poorly enhancing nodule in the left pericardial region that enlarged after 5 months. Surgical resection was performed. Histological examination confirmed metastatic cardiac involvement from a primary pleural synovial sarcoma. We report this unusual case of a primary pleural synovial sarcoma metastasis to the heart.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/24/iranjradiol-13-04-41066.PMC5118976.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3705988", "abstract": " Context. Hadrontherapy is an innovative form of radiotherapy using beams of protons or carbon ions able to destroy some radio-resistant tumours. Because these tumours are highly specific amongst all cancerous tumours, it is impossible to determine the incidence of these diseases from surveillance registries. Goal. To assess, within the Rhône-Alpes region, the incidence of cancers being hadrontherapy indications. Method. Prospective, multicentre continuous data collection during 1 year, by practitioners participating to multidisciplinary tumor board. Tumours are inoperable, radio resistant, at primary stage of development, or locally recurrent, with low metastatic potential. Results. Study involved 27 healthcare centres, 52 groups of specialist practitioners. The estimated incidence of cancers eligible for hadrontherapy in the Rhône-Alpes region in 2010, that is, for 34 locations in all, is of 8.5/100 000 inhabitants. Appraisal of the low potential of metastatic progression is impeded, because these are rare diseases, whose outcome is unfamiliar to investigators. Conclusion. Future epidemiological studies will need to focus on prognosis and on the metastatic progression rate of these diseases. Indeed, there are few information available on this subject in the literature that could be used to improve preventive measures, medical care, and the surveillance of these rare cancers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/03/PMC3705988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4015425", "abstract": "Abstract It is well recognised that Asia is at the epicenter of the global type 2 diabetes epidemic. Driven by socioeconomic changes involving industrialization, urbanization and adoption of Western lifestyles, the unprecedented increases in the prevalence of diabetes are particularly evident in Southeast Asia. The impact of diabetes is immense, and despite evidence of the benefit of optimal glucose control in reducing the risk of disease progression and development of macrovascular and microvascular complications, many individuals in this region remain poorly controlled. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common diabetes‐associated complication in Asian patients. Furthermore, Southeast Asia has one of the highest rates of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. Consequently, CKD in diabetes is associated with considerable morbidity and cardiovascular‐related mortality, highlighting the need to screen and assess patients early in the course of the disease. The management of type 2 diabetes patients with declining renal function represents a significant challenge. Many of the older antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and sulfonylureas, are limited in their utility in CKD as a result of contraindications or hypoglycemic episodes. In contrast, dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV inhibitors have provided a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for achieving glycemic control in these special populations. With comparable efficacy to and more favorable pharmacokinetic and side‐effect profiles than traditional therapies, agents in this drug class, such as linagliptin, offer a more tailored approach to disease control in type 2 diabetes patients with declining renal function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/0e/PMC4015425.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3913132", "abstract": "Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is one of the complications of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Although the patients who have developed HLH following EBV have normal immune system, there are a few patients with EBV-induced immune deficiency who develop HLH as well. Here, we describe the case of a 10-year-old girl with neurological complications caused by EBV-induced HLH. The patient received rituximab, leading to weakening inflammation associated with EBV infection and suppression of disease through quick treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/99/IJHOSCR-7-042.PMC3913132.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2798785", "abstract": "Objectives: To investigate the quality of root fillings and coronal restorations and their association with periapical status in an adult Turkish subpopulation. Methods: A total of 400 subjects were examined. Panoramic radiographs of all participants and additional periapical radiographs of affected teeth were processed. The frequency of root canal treatment and the periapical status of all root filled teeth were evaluated. The relationship between the radiographic quality of root fillings and coronal restorations was examined by chi-squared statistical analysis. Results: A total of 9460 teeth were examined. The total number of root filled teeth was 890 (9.39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/8c/PMC2798785.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3433144", "abstract": "Low neighborhood-level socioeconomic status has been associated with poorer health, reduced physical activity, increased psychological stress, and less neighborhood-based social support. These outcomes are correlates of late life cognition, but few studies have specifically investigated the neighborhood as a unique source of explanatory variance in cognitive aging. This study supplemented baseline cognitive data from the ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) study with neighborhood-level data to investigate (1) whether neighborhood socioeconomic position (SEP) predicts cognitive level, and if so, whether it differentially predicts performance in general and specific domains of cognition and (2) whether neighborhood SEP predicts differences in response to short-term cognitive intervention for memory, reasoning, or processing speed. Neighborhood SEP positively predicted vocabulary, but did not predict other general or specific measures of cognitive level, and did not predict individual differences in response to cognitive intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/82/PMC3433144.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3979193", "abstract": "Background: The roots of Zapoteca portricensis is a common remedy in the treatment gastrointestinal disorders used by tradomedical practitioners in Eastern Nigeria. Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the possible antiulcer activity of the root of this plant in experimental rats. Methods: A methanolic root extract was prepared by cold maceration. Antiulcer activity was tested using absolute ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models. Sucralfate (100 mg/kg oral) was used as the reference drug. Different groups of albino rats of male sex were given three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) of the extract. Phytochemical analysis of the freshly dried roots was also done. Results: Phytochemical results revealed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and flavonoids. The ethanol model produced an average ulceration in rats with reduction of ulcer (50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/ce/JBCP-1-183.PMC3979193.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5444548", "abstract": "Purpose To identify downstream signaling molecules through which intraocular pressure (IOP) is lowered following treatment with the prostaglandin analog latanoprost. Methods Total RNA and protein isolated from primary human Schlemm's canal cells (n = 3) treated with latanoprost (free acid; 100 nM) were processed for quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. IOP was evaluated in stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1−/−) and wild-type mice following treatment with latanoprost or Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. Human anterior segment pairs (n = 8) were treated with recombinant STC-1 (5, 50, or 500 ng/mL) and pressure was recorded using custom-designed software. The effect of recombinant STC-1 (0.5 mg/mL) on IOP was evaluated in wild-type mice. Tissue morphology was evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy. Results Increased STC-1 mRNA (4.0- to 25.2-fold) and protein expression (1.9- to 5.1-fold) was observed within 12 hours following latanoprost treatment. Latanoprost reduced IOP in wild-type mice (22.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/c4/i1552-5783-58-5-2715.PMC5444548.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4877559", "abstract": "Posterior fossa is a site next to the middle fossa where arachnoid cyst frequently occurs. Generally, most arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and are found incidentally in most cases. Although arachnoid cysts are benign and asymptomatic lesions, patients with posterior fossa arachnoid cysts often complain of headaches, gait disturbance, and ataxia due to the local mass effects on the cerebellum. We observed a patient with a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst who had visual symptoms and a headache, but did not have gait disturbance and ataxia. We recommended an emergency operation for decompression, but the patient refused for personal reasons. After 7 days, the patient revisited our hospital in a state of near-blindness. We suspected that the arachnoid cyst induced the hydrocephalus and thereby the enlarged third ventricle directly compressed optic nerves. Compressed optic nerves were rapidly aggravated during the critical seven days; consequently, the patient's vision was damaged despite the operation. Considering the results of our case, it is important to keep in mind that the aggravation of symptoms cannot be predicted; therefore, symptomatic arachnoid cysts should be treated without undue delay.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/96/7c/jkns-59-314.PMC4877559.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5228694", "abstract": "Abstract Pediatric radial neck fractures are uncommon. Severely displaced and angulated fractures usually require treatment. Our goals for treatment are to avoid incision, reduce the fracture adequately with no reduction loss, and achieve good postoperative function. We aimed to observe the clinical outcomes of closed reduction with the percutaneous leverage technique and internal fixation with Kirschner-wires (K-wires) to treat angulated radial neck fractures in children. From January 2011 to April 2013, we treated 16 cases of angulated radial neck fracture in 12 boys and 4 girls. Five fractures were type II and 11 fractures were type III using the O’Brien classification. One K-wire was percutaneously introduced into the fracture site using the leverage technique to attain good reduction. Two K-wires were introduced from the proximal to the distal areas of the fracture site. The elbow was immobilized by cast in 90° of flexion and the forearm in supination for 3 to 4 weeks. The K-wires were removed at 3 to 4 weeks postoperatively. All cases were followed up for a mean duration of 3 years 6 months. According to the Metaizeau reduction classification, 12 cases were excellent, and 4 cases were good. According to the Metaizeau clinical classification, 14 cases were excellent, and 2 cases were good. There was no necrosis of the radial head. There was no infection, radioulnar synostosis, and damage of the radial nerve deep branch. There was no limitation in the pronation and supination functions of the forearm. Closed reduction using the percutaneous leverage technique and internal fixation using K-wires is easy to perform. It is encouraged to use this approach as the clinical outcome is good. Level of evidence: level IV-retrospective case, treatment study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/27/medi-96-e5806.PMC5228694.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4481042", "abstract": "The world is becoming more urban every day, and the process has been ongoing since the industrial revolution in the 18th century. The United Nations now estimates that 3.9 billion people live in urban centres. The rapid influx of residents is however not universal and the developed countries are already urban, but the big rise in urban population in the next 30 years is expected to be in Asia and Africa. Urbanization leads to many challenges for global health and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. New megacities can be incubators for new epidemics, and zoonotic diseases can spread in a more rapid manner and become worldwide threats. Adequate city planning and surveillance can be powerful tools to improve the global health and decrease the burden of communicable diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/07/IEE-5-27060.PMC4481042.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2920003", "abstract": "We present an unusual case of concurrent occurrence of a multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma and a leiomyoma in the same kidney of a patient with no evident clinical symptoms. A 38-year-old man was found incidentally to have a cystic right renal mass on computed tomography. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed under a preoperative diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma. Histology revealed a multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma and a leiomyoma. This is the first report of this kind of presentation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f2/bc/cro0003-0218.PMC2920003.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4838586", "abstract": "Ganoderma lucidum has a long history of use as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. However, the taxonomy of Ganoderma species remains controversial, since they were initially classified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Recently, it was proposed that G. lucidum from China be renamed as G. sichuanense or G. lingzhi. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer region rDNA sequences of the Ganoderma species indicated that all strains of the Korean 'G. lucidum' clustered into one group together with G. sichuanense and G. lingzhi from China. However, strains from Europe and North American, which were regarded as true G. lucidum, were positioned in a clearly different group. In addition, the average size of the basidiospores from the Korean cultivated Yeongji strains was similar to that of G. lingzhi. Based on these results, we propose that the Korean cultivated Yeongji strains of 'G. lucidum' should be renamed as G. lingzhi.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/c8/mb-44-1.PMC4838586.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3519406", "abstract": "Study design: Systematic review. Clinical question: Does single-level unconstrained, semiconstrained, or fully constrained cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) improve health outcomes compared with single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the long-term? Methods: A systematic review was undertaken for articles published up to October 2011. Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched to identify US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies reporting long-term (≥ 48 months) follow-up results of C-ADR compared with ACDF. Non-FDA trials and FDA trials reporting outcomes at short-term or mid-term follow-up periods were excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed the strength of evidence using the GRADE criteria and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: Two FDA trials reporting outcomes following C-ADR (Bryan disc, Prestige disc) versus ACDF at follow-up periods of 48 months and 60 months were found (follow-up rates are 68.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/66/43/PMC3519406.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897427", "abstract": "Wastewater treatment of some heavy metals was carried out by synthetic zeolite P1, which was prepared by alkaline hydrothermal treatment of the pumice. Both of the pumice raw materials and synthetic zeolite were investigated for their chemical phase composition, physical properties, and microstructure. The adsorption behavior of Na-zeolite P1 with respect to Co+2, Cu+2, Fe+2, and Cd+2 has been studied to be applied in the industrial wastewater treatment. Metal removal was investigated using synthetic solutions at different ions concentrations, time, and Na-P1 zeolite doses as well as constant temperature and pH. It is concluded that the optimum conditions for synthesis of highly active Na-P1 zeolite from natural pumice raw material are one molar NaOH concentration, temperature at 80°C, and one week as a crystallization time. In addition to the effect of time and zeolite dose as well as the ion concentration of the reaction efficiency for metals removals are recorded.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/8b/PMC4897427.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3585693", "abstract": "Objectives Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) can be considered as the scientific expression of that part of a person’s well-being that is affected by his/her oral health. The aim of this paper was to evaluate how to use the data available in the field of research to make a link between OHRQoL and dentin hypersensitivity (DHS) in the dental office. Materials and methods Research papers in the field of OHRQoL and DHS and reviews and research papers about OHRQoL were used for analysis in this short review, with a particular insight on the instruments used to evaluate OHRQoL. Results Various psychometric instruments have been used to measure OHRQoL that are more or less patient- or expert-centred. Some are generic, others are adapted to specific conditions/domains or populations. The impact of DHS or exposed cervical dentin (ECD) on OHRQoL has been assessed in very few studies. It is therefore of the upmost importance that the use of the OHRQoL as a quality control tool be established in robust clinical studies. Conclusions/clinical relevance Future studies evaluating the impact of the DHS/ECD on OHQoL or evaluating the efficacy of desensitising agents should respect some key points, including study design (randomization, placebo/control group, etc.), validated specific questionnaires and trained calibrated practitioners.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/32/784_2012_Article_915.PMC3585693.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3578664", "abstract": "This case report describes a 35-year-old Caucasian radiographer who presented with a significant mandibular bony defect following multiple excisions of an ameloblastoma. As a result, there was an absence of teeth on the lower-right mandible and a clear defect in the mandible. The treatment objectives were to rebuild the mandibular defect, with a long-term view of inserting dental implants. In a novel approach outlined in this presentation, tissue expansion of the submucosa, a titanium construct and an iliac bone graft were used to rebuild the patient’s jaw. This surgical technique is recommended for the reconstruction of bony defects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/b4/rjs028.PMC3578664.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4614659", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Classic CO (also called Iso–Kikuchi syndrome) represents a benign, isolated condition associated with normal patient outcome. Nevertheless, clinical follow-up and/or further clinically-based tests are needed to exclude other nail diseases associated with multisystem pathology; complete family history is also important to determine sporadic or hereditary transmission of such condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/b5/ccr30003-0866.PMC4614659.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4404966", "abstract": "Background CDH1 is a protein encoded by the CDH1 gene in humans. Mutations in this gene are linked with several types of cancer. Loss of CDH1 function contributes to the progression of cancer by increasing proliferation, invasion, and/or metastasis. However, the association between and clinicopathological significance of CDH1 promoter methylation and lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, we systematically reviewed the studies of CDH1 promoter methylation and lung cancer, and evaluated the association between CDH1 promoter methylation and lung cancer using meta-analysis methods. Methods A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed up to July 2014. The methodological quality of the studies was also evaluated. The data were extracted and assessed by two reviewers independently. Analyses of pooled data were performed. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and summarized. Results Finally, an analysis of 866 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from 13 eligible studies was performed. The CDH1 methylation level in the cancer group was significantly higher than in the controls (OR 3.89, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/44/dddt-9-2171.PMC4404966.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2780662", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objective To quantify nerve conduction study (NCS) reproducibility utilizing an automated NCS system (NC-stat®, NeuroMetrix, Inc.). Method Healthy volunteers without neuropathic symptoms participated in the study. Their median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves were tested twice (7 days apart) by the same technician with an NC-stat® instrument. Pre-fabricated electrode arrays specific to each nerve were used. Both motor responses (compound motor action potential [CMAP] and F-waves –all nerves) and sensory responses (sensory nerve action potentials [SNAP] –median and ulnar nerves only) were recorded following supramaximal stimuli. Automated algorithms determined all NCS parameters: distal motor latency (DML), mean F-wave latency (FWL), distal sensory latency (DSL), CMAP amplitude, and SNAP amplitude. Latency was adjusted for skin temperature deviation from reference. Pearson correlation coefficient (CC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variance (CoV), and relative intertrial variation (RIV) were calculated. Results Fifteen subjects participated in either upper or lower extremity studies with nine participating in both. With the exception of CMAP amplitude, all parameters had CoV less than 0.06. Upper extremity amplitude parameters had CCs greater than 0.85. CCs for latencies were greater than 0.80 except for the median nerve FWL (CC = 0.69). For lower extremity nerves, ICCs were highest for mean FWL (>0.90), followed by DML (>0.82) and then CMAP (peroneal 0.33, tibial 0.73). The 10th to 90th RIV percentiles were bounded by ±7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/c1/PMC2780662.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4353441", "abstract": "Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of diverse cell functions and processes. However, the relevance of lncRNAs in the cell and tissue response to ionizing radiation has not yet been characterized. Here we used microarray profiling to determine lncRNA and mRNA expression in mammary glands of BALB/c and SPRET/EiJ mice after low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) exposure. We found that unirradiated mammary tissues of these strains differed significantly in baseline expressions of 290 lncRNAs. LDIR exposure (10 cGy) induced a significant change in the expression of many lncRNAs. The vast majority of lncRNAs identified to be differentially expressed after LDIR in either BALB/c or SPRET/EiJ had a significantly correlated expression pattern with at least one LDIR responsive mRNA. Functional analysis revealed that the response to LDIR in BALB/c mice is highly dynamic with enrichment for genes involved in tissue injury, inflammatory responses, and mammary gland development at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after LDIR, respectively. Our study demonstrates that genetic background strongly influences the expression of lncRNAs and their response to radiation and that lncRNAs may coordinate the tissue response to LDIR exposure via regulation of coding mRNAs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3e/c4/PMC4353441.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3197260", "abstract": " Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and the efficacy of the treatment modalities used in patients with olfactory neuroblastomas. Study Design. Retrospective record review. Setting. Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, medical oncology outpatient clinic. Subjects and Methods. There were 3 stage A tumors, 5 stage B and 11 stage C according to the Kadish staging system. There were 5 grade I/II and 12 grade III/IV according to the Hyams' histopathologic system. Involvement to orbita was detected in eight patients at the time of diagnosis. Results. The median follow-up period was 23.7 months. The 5-year survival rate for the whole group was 26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/3f/PMC3197260.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3355710", "abstract": "“Break-induced replication” (BIR) is considered as one way to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). BIR is defined as replication of the proximal break-ends up to the end of the broken chromosome using an undamaged (homologous) double-stranded template and mimicking a non-reciprocal translocation. This phenomenon was detected by genetic experiments in yeast. BIR is assumed to occur also in mammals, but experimental evidence is not yet at hand. We have studied chromosomes of the field bean, Vicia faba L., with respect to the occurrence of BIR after DSB induction during S and G2 phase. Simultaneous incorporation of the base analog ethynyldeoxyuridine (EdU) revealed no chromosomal replication pattern indicative of BIR. Thus, if occurring at all, BIR does not play a major role in DSB repair in higher plants with large chromosome arms. However, the frequency of interstitial asymmetric EdU incorporation within heterochromatic regions, visible on metaphase chromosomes, increased after chromosome breakage during S and G2 phase. Such asymmetric labeling could be interpreted as conservative replication up to the next replicon, circumventing a DSB, and yielding an interstitial conversion-like event.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/05/PMC3355710.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4806652", "abstract": "Spontaneous and sensory evoked spindle bursts represent a functional hallmark of the developing cerebral cortex in vitro and in vivo. They have been observed in various neocortical areas of numerous species, including newborn rodents and preterm human infants. Spindle bursts are generated in complex neocortical-subcortical circuits involving in many cases the participation of motor brain regions. Together with early gamma oscillations, spindle bursts synchronize the activity of a local neuronal network organized in a cortical column. Disturbances in spindle burst activity during corticogenesis may contribute to disorders in cortical architecture and in the activity-dependent control of programmed cell death. In this review we discuss (i) the functional properties of spindle bursts, (ii) the mechanisms underlying their generation, (iii) the synchronous patterns and cortical networks associated with spindle bursts, and (iv) the physiological and pathophysiological role of spindle bursts during early cortical development.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/62/PMC4806652.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3603203", "abstract": "Atrazine herbicide that is widely used in corn production is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on assessing the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on atrazine biodegradation by mixed bacterial consortium and by evaluating the feasibility of using mixed bacterial consortium in soil culture. Shiraz corn field soil with a long history of atrazine application has been explored for their potential of atrazine biodegradation. The influence of different carbon compounds and the effect of nitrogen sources and a different pH (5.5–8.5) on atrazine removal efficiency by mixed bacterial consortium in liquid culture were investigated. Sodium citrate and sucrose had the highest atrazine biodegradation rate (87.22", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/b9/PMC3603203.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4841409", "abstract": "Purpose Our purpose was to systematically investigate the expression pattern and role of Olig1 in neural cells during rat spinal cord development. Animals and methods Spinal cord tissues were dissected from Sprague–Dawley rats at embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) and E18.5, postnatal day 0 (P0), P3, P7, postnatal 2 weeks (P2W), P4W, and adults (more than 2 months after birth), respectively. The expression of Olig1 was determined by Western blot and immunostaining. To observe expression of Olig1 in different neural cell types, a double immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against Olig1 with O4, β-tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and myelin basic protein, respectively. Results The expression of Olig1 protein shows a significant level change in rat spinal cord at different developmental time points. Starting with E14.5, the expression gradually increased and peaked at E18.5. Olig1 decreased gradually from P3 and reached its lowest level on P7. However, interestingly, the Olig1 expression increased again from P2W, until adulthood. Olig1 was coexpressed with O4-positive oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and β-tubulin-positive neurons at all time points during development. Olig1 was also coexpressed transiently with GFAP-positive astrocytes at only E14.5. Olig1 was localized in the cytoplasm of O4- and β-tubulin-positive cells during the period from E14.5 to adult. Conclusion The expression of Olig1 in OPCs and neurons at all time points during development and in astrocytes at E14.5 suggests that Olig1 may play an important role in the generation and maturation of specific neural cells during development of spinal cord. Our results contribute to understanding the mechanism underlying developmental regulation of neural cells by Olig1.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/f5/ndt-12-909.PMC4841409.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5361027", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study evaluated joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise applied to the cervical spine and upper thoracic spine for functional impairment caused by chronic neck pain. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen study subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of nine people each. Therapeutic exercise only was applied to the cervical and upper thoracic spine for Group I, while both therapeutic exercise and joint mobilization were applied to Group II. The visual analog scale, neck disability index, active cervical range of motion, static balance capacity, and muscle tone were assessed with a pre-test. The intervention was carried out for 60 minutes a day, three times a week, for two weeks for each group, followed by a post-test using the same protocol as the pre-test. [Results] The visual analog scale, neck disability index, and active cervical range of motion improved significantly in both groups. Group II improved significantly more on right lateral flexion and rightward rotation. Muscle tone improved significantly in the upper trapezius in both groups. [Conclusion] The joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise for functional impairments caused by chronic neck pain had a significant effect on several types of functional impairment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/dd/jpts-29-531.PMC5361027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3417716", "abstract": "Objectives To track and compare trends in diabetes rates from 1995 to 2007 for Status Aboriginal and general population youth. Study design Longitudinal observational research study (quantitative) using provincial administrative data. Methods De-identified data was obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness administrative databases for Status Aboriginal (First Nations and Inuit people with Treaty status) and general population youth (<20 years). Diabetes cases were identified using the National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm. Crude annual diabetes prevalence and incidence rates were calculated. The likelihood of being a prevalent case and incident case of diabetes for the 2 populations was compared for the year 2007. Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPC) in prevalence and incidence from 1995 to 2007 were determined and compared between the 2 groups to examine trends over time. Results While the prevalence of diabetes was higher in the general population in 1995, by 2007 there were no between group differences, reflected in the significantly higher AAPC of 6.98 for Status Aboriginal youth. Status Aboriginal males had a lower diabetes risk in 1995 compared with females, and experienced a greater increase in prevalence over the 13 years (AAPC 9.18) so that by 2007 their rates were equivalent to those of the females. Differences in diabetes incidence trends were only observed among male youth, where increases in incidence were greater for Status Aboriginal (AAPC 11.65) compared to general population males (AAPC 4.62) (p = 0.03). Conclusion Youth-onset diabetes is an increasing problem in Alberta, especially among young Status Aboriginal males.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/d8/IJCH-71-18501.PMC3417716.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4884626", "abstract": "Background: Non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is the most common birth defect and occurs in approximately 1/1,000 newborns. NSHL is a heterogeneous trait and can arise due to both genetic and environmental factors. Mutations of the transmembrane channel-like 1 (TMC1) gene cause non-syndromic deafness in humans and mice. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of TMC1 gene mutations of the locus DFNB7/11 in exons 7 and 13 in a cohort of 100 patients with hearing loss in Iran using polymerase chain reaction–single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), heteroduplex analysis (HA), and DNA sequencing. Patients and Methods: In this experimental study, the blood samples of 100 NSHL patients were collected from 10 provinces in Iran. These patients had a mean age of 16.5 ± 2.01 years and 74.15", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/c5/ircmj-18-03-22076.PMC4884626.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4377145", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with AH26, Sealapex and Tubliseal sealers in endodonticaly treated teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 extracted mandibular molar specimens were divided into three groups; Group I: Sealapex, Group II: Tubliseal, Group II: AH26 with 12 samples in each group. Standard access cavity and biomechanical preparation was done with step back flare technique. Obturations were done using respective sealers in the three different groups. Then, samples were subjected to spectro photometric analysis using a filter of 670 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with all three sealers. Results: Tubliseal exhibited the least microleakage. In comparison to Sealapex, Tubliseal showed a significant difference. Compared to Sealapex, AH26 showed no significant difference. Comparisons made between Tubliseal and AH26 showed no significant difference. Conclusion: In the present study, Tubliseal sealer showed least microleage compared with Sealapex and AH26 sealer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/fa/JIOH-7-25.PMC4377145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2707810", "abstract": "Targeting type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) for treatment of COPD has multilevel benefits to patients by reducing inflammation, relieving bronchoconstriction, and improving pulmonary circulation. The isoenzyme-specific narrow spectrum PDE4 inhibitors such as cilomilast and roflumilast may have limited clinical efficacy in managing severe and very severe COPD. Development of dual therapy by combining PDE4 inhibition with Ca2+ channel antagonism may introduce an effective novel armory for physicians to manage patients with severe COPD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/38/PMC2707810.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3540709", "abstract": "Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign mesenchymal tumor that is frequently found in the kidney and, rarely, in the liver. The natural history of hepatic AML has not been clarified, and, because of the similar patterns in imaging studies, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, some of these tumors have been overdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma in the past. With an increase in the number of case reports showing detailed imaging studies and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor with human melanoma black-45, the diagnostic accuracy is also increasing. In this paper, we focused on the role of noninvasive imaging studies and histological diagnosis showing distinctive characteristics of this tumor. In addition, because several reports have described tumor progression in terms of size, recurrence after surgical resection, metastasis to other organs, and portal thrombosis, we summarized these cases for the management and discussed the indications for the surgical treatment of this tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/6a/PMC3540709.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4219950", "abstract": "Decreased exercise capacity after Fontan surgery is relatively common and the failure of the Fontan state gradually increases with age. However, there is no further treatment for patients with Fontan circulation. Pulmonary vasodilation therapy is an effective method to solve this problem because pulmonary vascular resistance is a major factor of the Fontan problem. Inhaled iloprost is a chemically stable prostacyclin analogue and a potent pulmonary vasodilator. We experienced two cases of Fontan patients treated with inhaled iloprost for 12 weeks. The first patient was an 18-year-old female with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, and the second patient was a 22-year-old male with a double outlet right ventricle. Fifteen years have passed since both patients received Fontan surgery. While the pulmonary pressure was not decreased significantly, improved exercise capacity and cardiac output were observed without any major side effects in both patients. The iloprost inhalation therapy was well tolerated and effective for the symptomatic treatment of Fontan patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/17/9a/kjped-57-461.PMC4219950.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3420559", "abstract": "A 61-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a mass in the left proglossis. The lesion was excised with a provisional diagnosis of hemangioma. The mass was well-demarcated and easily dissected with an ultrasonic surgical aspirator. The histopathologic diagnosis was angiomyolipoma arising in the tongue. There were no signs of recurrence at followup at 18 months.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/c4/PMC3420559.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3052620", "abstract": "Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare idiopathic disease and this is characterized by a proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells in the lungs and in the lymphatic system of the thorax and retroperitoneum. The female genital tract is rarely affected by LAM. We report here on the CT and MR imaging findings of extensive LAM involving the uterus and pelvic cavity, and this was seen as multiple cystic uterine and parauterine masses with internal hemorrhage in a young female with tuberous sclerosis complex.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/ef/kjr-12-261.PMC3052620.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3941645", "abstract": "Objective Panitumumab was approved in Japan in April 2010 for the treatment of Kirsten rat sarcoma-2 virus oncogene wild-type unresectable and recurrent colorectal cancer. We conducted a post-marketing surveillance study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of panitumumab. Methods After panitumumab was commercially available in Japan, all patients to be treated with panitumumab were enrolled. Data on baseline characteristics, treatment outcome, and incidence and severity of adverse drug reactions were collected. Results In total, 3091 patients were registered. In the safety analysis set (n = 3085), panitumumab was administered as monotherapy (40.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/fd/hyt196.PMC3941645.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897306", "abstract": "Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) or CDDP), used in the treatment of many solid-tissue cancers, has its chief side-effect in nephrotoxicity. Hence, this study sought to investigate and compare the protective effect of gallic acid (GA) and tannic acid (TA) against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The rats were given a prophylactic treatment of GA and TA orally at a dose of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days before the administration of a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (CP) at 7.5 mg/kg bwt. The protective effects of both GA and TA on CP induced nephrotoxicity were investigated by assaying renal function, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological examination of kidney architecture. A single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg bwt) injected i.p. caused a significant increase in some biomarkers of renal function (creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels), with a marked elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) content accompanied by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content (103.27", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/66/71/PMC4897306.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5094925", "abstract": "Background/Aims An updated chronic kidney disease (CKD) definition and classification were proposed by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), with adoption of a new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria to evaluate kidney structural damage. This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of CKD in the Korean adult population as defined and classified by the KDIGO guidelines. Methods Cross-sectional samples of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2011 to 2012 were examined for adults aged ≥ 19 years. CKD prevalence was determined based on decreased GFR and albuminuria. The GFR was estimated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation, and albuminuria was evaluated using the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in spot urine. Results Of the 16,576 subjects participating in the survey, 10,636 (4,758 men, 5,878 women) were included in the present study. The prevalence of CKD was estimated as 7.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/b2/kjim-2015-193.PMC5094925.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421456", "abstract": "Pre-emptive living donor transplantation should always be promoted as the first-line treatment for kidney failure. Where that is not possible, patients must receive timely information and advice regarding all dialysis options available, including home-based peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis. Where a dialysis unit enables and actively encourages self-management, patients will tend to select themselves, and if well motivated may overcome significant difficulties to exceed the expectations or predictions of dialysis staff. Patients then become advocates themselves and can provide other patients with the necessary motivation to consider a home treatment, such that they approach staff, rather than vice versa. For staff to be able to talk to patients with confidence requires direct experience of home dialysis, but in units which do not have a full range of home therapies, this may initially be difficult. Visiting patients in their home environment is an essential part of training for both medical and nursing staff. Before a patient is able to begin to engage in discussion about any dialysis therapy, they must have reached a point of acceptance that dialysis is necessary. If they are not at this point, then any attempt at ‘education’ will be largely futile. Once a patient has arrived at the point of choosing a home therapy, the pathway to their first dialysis at home must be as smooth and problem-free as possible.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/71/sfr151.PMC4421456.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4243011", "abstract": "Lymphoproliferations associated with Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) in adult patients pose a diagnostic challenge for pathologists for several reasons. First, the EBV lymphoproliferations represent a clinically and histologically very broad spectrum ranging from self-limiting lymphoproliferations to manifest malignant lymphomas. Second, the classification of these diseases is not solely based on histopathology but rather requires a synopsis of clinical as well as pathological features. And third, a resource-efficient diagnostic procedure demands a deliberate strategy for selecting the tissue specimens that are to be tested for EBV. We describe how the clinical context and histological features may indicate to histopathologists which lymphatic tissues should be tested for the presence of EBV and how these features guide the classification. We provide recommendations as to which biopsy specimens should be investigated for EBV and which methods for detecting viral association are appropriate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/a8/PMC4243011.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4841877", "abstract": "Background: Hydatid cysts are formed in human body can be treated clinically by surgery or drugs such as albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). The purpose of this study was comparing the effects of ABZ and MBZ on glutathione-S-transferase, alkaline phosphatase and protease enzymes activities in protoscoleces of hydatid cyst. Methods: The culture supernatants containing the parasite Excretory / Secretory (E/S) products were collected every 12 h for 72 h. The E/S products of treated samples with 1μg/ml ABZ and MBZ and the control one were collected and after centrifugation then protein concentrations were measured according to Bradford method. GST, ALP and protease activities of E/S products were assessed photometrically. Results: The mean of GST specific activity level in treated protoscoleces with ABZ and MBZ and in control group were obtained 69.44, 132.83 and 225.47U/mg/protein/ml respectively. The mean ALP activity level in treated protoscoleces with ABZ and MBZ and in control group were detected 19.22, 22.27 and 27.85 U/mg/protein/ml respectively. The protease activity level in treated protoscoleces with ABZ and MBZ were not detected. While the mean of protease activity level in control group was 7.61U/mg/proteins. Statistical analysis showed the significant difference between protein concentrations, the specific activities of GST, ALP and protease enzymes in treated protoscoleces in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Also, the significant difference were seen between specific activities of GST and ALP enzymes in treated protoscoleces with ABZ in comparison with treated group with MBZ (P<0.05). Conclusion: ABZ is more effective on the enzymes activities (GST and ALP) as compared with MBZ.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/89/3e/PMC4841877.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2917551", "abstract": "Black yeast members of the Herpotrichiellaceae present a complex ecological behavior: They are often isolated from rather extreme environments polluted with aromatic hydrocarbons, while they are also regularly involved in human opportunistic infections. A selective technique to promote the in vitro growth of herpotrichiellaceous fungi was applied to investigate their ecophysiology. Samples from natural ecological niches and man-made environments that might contain black yeasts were enriched on an inert solid support at low humidity and under a controlled atmosphere rich in volatile aromatic hydrocarbons. Benzene, toluene, and xylene were provided separately as the sole carbon and energy source via the gas phase. The assayed isolation protocol was highly specific toward mesophilic Exophiala species (70 strains of this genus out of 71 isolates). Those were obtained predominantly from creosote-treated railway ties (53 strains), but isolates were also found on wild berries (11 strains) and in guano-rich soil samples (six strains). Most of the isolates were obtained on toluene (43 strains), but enrichments on xylene and benzene also yielded herpotrichiellaceous fungi (17 and 10 isolates, respectively). Based upon morphological characterizations and DNA sequences of the full internal transcriber spacers (ITS) and the 8.5S rRNA genes, the majority of the obtained isolates were affiliated to the recently described species Exophiala xenobiotica (32 strains) and Exophiala bergeri (nine strains). Members of two other phylogenetic groups (24 and two strains, respectively) somewhat related to E. bergeri were also found, and a last group (three strains) corresponded to an undescribed Exophiala species.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/81/aa/248_2010_Article_9651.PMC2917551.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5352288", "abstract": "The constructive biology and the synthetic biology approach to creating artificial life involve the bottom-up assembly of biological or nonbiological materials. Such approaches have received considerable attention in research on the boundary between living and nonliving matter and have been used to construct artificial cells over the past two decades. In particular, Giant Vesicles (GVs) have often been used as artificial cell membranes. In this paper, we describe the preparation of GVs encapsulating highly packed microspheres as a model of cells containing highly condensed biomolecules. The GVs were prepared by means of a simple water-in-oil emulsion centrifugation method. Specifically, a homogenizer was used to emulsify an aqueous solution containing the materials to be encapsulated and an oil containing dissolved phospholipids, and the resulting emulsion was layered carefully on the surface of another aqueous solution. The layered system was then centrifuged to generate the GVs. This powerful method was used to encapsulate materials ranging from small molecules to microspheres.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/0c/jove-119-55282.PMC5352288.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881853", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the surface area, volume and specific surface area of endodontic files employing quantitative X-ray micro computed tomography (mXCT).  Material and Methods Three sets (six files each) of the Flex-Master Ni-Ti system (Nº 20, 25 and 30, taper .04) were utilized in this study. The files were scanned by mXCT. The surface area and volume of all files were determined from the cutting tip up to 16 mm. The data from the surface area, volume and specific area were statistically evaluated using the one-way ANOVA and SNK multiple comparison tests at α=0.05, employing the file size as a discriminating variable. The correlation between the surface area and volume with nominal ISO sizes were tested employing linear regression analysis.  Results The surface area and volume of Nº 30 files showed the highest value followed by Nº 25 and Nº 20 and the differences were statistically significant. The Nº 20 files showed a significantly higher specific surface area compared to Nº 25 and Nº 30. The increase in surface and volume towards higher file sizes follows a linear relationship with the nominal ISO sizes (r2=0.930 for surface area and r2=0.974 for volume respectively). Results indicated that the surface area and volume demonstrated an almost linear increase while the specific surface area exhibited an abrupt decrease towards higher sizes.  Conclusions This study demonstrates that mXCT can be effectively applied to discriminate very small differences in the geometrical features of endodontic micro-instruments, while providing quantitative information for their geometrical properties.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/33/jaos-20-06-0655.PMC3881853.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4123559", "abstract": "Convention defines pediatric adiposity by the body mass index z-score (BMIz) referenced to normative growth charts. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) does not depend on sex-and-age references. In the HEALTHY Study enrollment sample, we compared BMIz with WHtR for ability to identify adverse cardiometabolic risk. Among 5,482 sixth-grade students from 42 middle schools, we estimated explanatory variations (R 2) and standardized beta coefficients of BMIz or WHtR for cardiometabolic risk factors: insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipids, blood pressures, and glucose. For each risk outcome variable, we prepared adjusted regression models for four subpopulations stratified by sex and high versus lower fatness. For HOMA-IR, R 2 attributed to BMIz or WHtR was 19", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/1a/PMC4123559.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2894144", "abstract": "The processes of methane adsorption, storage and desorption by the nanocapsule are investigated with molecular-dynamic modeling method. The specific nanocapsule shape defines its functioning uniqueness: methane is adsorbed under 40 MPa and at normal temperature with further blocking of methane molecules the K@C601+ endohedral complex in the nanocapsule by external electric field, the storage is performed under normal external conditions, and methane desorption is performed at 350 K. The methane content in the nanocapsule during storage reaches 11.09 mass", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/93/0c/PMC2894144.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3969343", "abstract": "Cyclodialysis cleft is a rare clinical finding and therefore, reports on surgical repair techniques in the literature are limited. Additionally, hypotony can make repair technically challenging. We share a novel, simple surgical approach to management of a case of chronic traumatic cyclodialysis cleft with a successful outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/a0/opth-8-591.PMC3969343.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3813587", "abstract": "We report a rare case of acute mastitis caused by enteric organisms passing through a cystoperitoneal shunt catheter, which had penetrated into the colon. The patient is a 56-year-old woman who underwent shunt placement for cyst formation after surgery for meningioma at the age of 29. After 26 years, she suffered from a brain abscess and an attempt was made to surgically remove the indwelling catheter. Only part of the catheter could be removed, leaving a divided and ligated catheter in situ. A year later, she described right-breast pain. CT showed that the catheter had migrated into the colon, followed by colonoscopy confirming that the catheter had indeed penetrated the colon. The breast to the abdomen segment of the catheter was exteriorized through the right-anterior chest wall without laparotomy. A patient who presents with acute mastitis and has previously undergone shunt surgery should have a careful assessment of the entire catheter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/49/rjt039.PMC3813587.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437384", "abstract": "Melanoma is the most malignant type of skin cancer. Early detection of melanoma is thus critical for patient prognosis and survival. At present, examination by a skilled dermatologist followed by biopsy of suspicious lesions is the diagnostic gold standard. The aim of the present study was to examine an alternative and noninvasive method for the diagnosis of melanoma at an early stage. We identified and compared the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in mouse urine and feces, before and after a subcutaneous injection of B16 melanoma cells. We identified a total of 16 VOCs in urine and 13 VOCs in feces that could serve as potential biomarkers. Statistical analysis significantly discriminated between the cancer and control groups. These results should be validated in a larger-scale animal study, after which a study could be designed in patients to develop a melanoma biomarker.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/fb/PMC4437384.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3640597", "abstract": "Implementation of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as an add-on treatment has been routinely used in a non-intensive care setting since 2004 for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute hypercapnic respiratory failure at a university hospital in Denmark. Although randomized controlled trials show lowered mortality rates in highly selected patients with acute exacerbation and respiratory failure, there are only few reports on long-term survival after receiving NIV. We present long-term all-cause mortality data from patients receiving NIV for the first time. Method Data from medical records were retrospectively retrieved from all patients receiving NIV for the first time after being admitted acutely to an acute medical ward and further transfer to a respiratory ward with respiratory failure and a diagnosis of COPD in the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007; patients were followed until January 2012. Demographic data collected included age, sex, diagnoses at discharge, and, when present, FEV1; a “not-to-intubate” order was also registered when listed. Results In total, 253 patients (143 female, 110 male) received NIV for the first time. The median age was 72 years (range 46–91 years). The 30-day mortality rate was 29.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/59/PMC3640597.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4249903", "abstract": "Adult stem cells (ASCs) are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body that divide to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues, which are the powerful sources for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), and peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) are the common ASCs, and many studies indicated that ASCs isolated from various adult tissues could be induced to hepatocyte-like cells in vitro. However, the isolation, culture protocols, characterization of ASCs and hepatocyte-like cells are different. This review aims to describe the isolation and culture procedures for ASCs, to summarize the molecular characterization of ASCs, to characterize function of hepatocyte-like cells, and to discuss the future role of ASCs in cell therapy and tissue engineering.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/60/ijsc_07_49.PMC4249903.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3463916", "abstract": "Increasing evidence supports the contribution of intrauterine environmental exposures on obesity risk in offspring. Few studies have included maternal and infant lifestyle factors. Our objective was to study the impact of maternal physical activity, infant feeding, and screen time on offspring weight gain and adiposity. In a prospective cohort study, 246 mothers underwent testing during pregnancy to assess glucose tolerance status and insulin sensitivity. Anthropometry and questionnaires on physical activity, infant feeding, and screen time were completed. Multiple-linear regression was performed to examine the impact of maternal and infant factors on infant weight gain and weight-for-length z-score at 1 year. Infant weight outcomes were negatively predicted by maternal pregravid vigorous/sport index and exclusive breastfeeding duration. After adjustment, each unit increase in maternal pregravid vigorous/sport index decreased infant weight gain by 218.6 g (t = 2.44, P = 0.016) and weight-for-length z-score by 0.20 (t = 2.17, P = 0.031). Each month of exclusive breastfeeding reduced infant weight gain by 116.4 g (t = 3.97, P < 0.001) and weight-for-length z-score by 0.08 (t = 2.59, P = 0.01). Maternal pregravid physical activity and exclusive breastfeeding duration are associated with weight gain and adiposity as early as 1 year of age.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/73/a2/PMC3463916.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2582979", "abstract": "Phylogenetic networks aim to represent the evolutionary history of taxa. Within these, reticulate networks are explicitly able to accommodate evolutionary events like recombination, hybridization, or lateral gene transfer. Although several metrics exist to compare phylogenetic networks, they make several assumptions regarding the nature of the networks that are not likely to be fulfilled by the evolutionary process. In order to characterize the potential disagreement between the algorithms and the biology, we have used the coalescent with recombination to build the type of networks produced by reticulate evolution and classified them as regular, tree sibling, tree child, or galled trees. We show that, as expected, the complexity of these reticulate networks is a function of the population recombination rate. At small recombination rates, most of the networks produced are already more complex than regular or tree sibling networks, whereas with moderate and large recombination rates, no network fit into any of the standard classes. We conclude that new metrics still need to be devised in order to properly compare two phylogenetic networks that have arisen from reticulating evolutionary process.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/ef/msn219.PMC2582979.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3674722", "abstract": "We have previously shown that dental caries may be produced in diabetic rodent models fed with noncariogenic standard diets; however, many studies usually add large amounts of sugar to the diet to induce dental caries. Moreover, the physical properties of cariogenic diets have been reported as an important factor in the formation of caries. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of the hardness of non-cariogenic diets on the development of dental caries in diabetic rodents. Seven-week-old female F344 rats were divided into 4 groups: intact rats fed with a standard pelletized or powdered diet and alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed with a standard pelletized or powdered diet. All of the rats were sacrificed at 52 weeks of age for morphological examinations on their dental tissue. Dental caries had developed and extended to all the molars in the diabetic rats that were fed with both the pelletized and powdered diets. Moreover, the lesion was significantly enhanced in the powdered diet group compared to that in the pelletized diet group. In conclusion, food hardness is an important factor influencing the development of dental caries in diabetic rats.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6e/7f/PMC3674722.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3399407", "abstract": "In order to determine the clinical significance of Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease (histiocytic necrotizing lymhadenitis) and to review the literature available on this condition, we selected the Medicine research papers in English language published between the years 1972 to 2011. Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease (KFD) is an uncommon, cosmopolitan, benign and self-limiting condition with higher Japanese and Asian prevalence. Most of the sufferers of KFD are young people who seek treatment because of having acute tender cervical lymphadenopathy, low grade fever and night sweats. Coagulative necrosis with ample karyorrhetic debris in paracortical areas of the involved lymph nodes is the characteristic histologic feature of KFD. Diagnosing KFD is crucial as it can be mistaken for malignant lymphoma and SLE. KFD was put forth first time in 1972 by Dr. Masahiro Kikuchi and by Funimoto as lymphadenitis with reticular proliferation, histiocytes and abundant nuclear debris. It is a rare benign condition of lymph nodes and most of the clinicians and pathologists are unfamiliar with it. KFD is self-limiting disease (within 1 to 4 months), however, patients should be followed up regularly as it may crop up again or progress to SLE. Analgesics and antipyretics help to ameliorate the symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/5f/PMC3399407.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1175900", "abstract": "Systematic undernutrition of intensive care unit patients is common and neglected. Is this inevitable or can better routines and protocols make a difference? The necessity of feeding may be regarded as self-evident, but more evidence is obviously needed to strengthen this issue. In rich countries it should be a human right not to be hungry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/49/7e/PMC1175900.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2137899", "abstract": "Foxp3 is essential for the commitment of differentiating thymocytes to the regulatory CD4+ T (T reg) cell lineage. In humans and mice with a genetic Foxp3 deficiency, absence of this critical T reg cell population was suggested to be responsible for the severe autoimmune lesions. Recently, it has been proposed that in addition to T reg cells, Foxp3 is also expressed in thymic epithelial cells where it is involved in regulation of early thymocyte differentiation and is required to prevent autoimmunity. Here, we used genetic tools to demonstrate that the thymic epithelium does not express Foxp3. Furthermore, we formally showed that genetic abatement of Foxp3 in the hematopoietic compartment, i.e. in T cells, is both necessary and sufficient to induce the autoimmune lesions associated with Foxp3 loss. In contrast, deletion of a conditional Foxp3 allele in thymic epithelial cells did not result in detectable changes in thymocyte differentiation or pathology. Therefore, in mice the only known role for Foxp3 remains promotion of T reg cell differentiation within the T cell lineage, whereas there is no role for Foxp3 in thymic epithelial cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/4c/jem2040475.PMC2137899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4567607", "abstract": "Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 induced aplastic crisis in a family leading to the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a very rare condition being barely reported in the literature. We herein report a 4-year-old girl, her brother, and their mother who all presented with progressive pallor and jaundice after a febrile illness. The HPV B19 was diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and positive serology for specific anti-HPV B19 IgM. They were further diagnosed with having HS. The clinical importance of this report is that in the case of an abrupt onset of unexplained severe anemia and jaundice, one should consider underlying hemolytic anemias mostly hereditary spherocytosis complicated by HPV B19 aplastic crisis. Herein, we report the occurrence of this condition, simultaneously in three members of a family. The distinguished feature of this report is that all affected family members developed some degrees of transient pancytopenia, not only anemia, all simultaneously in the course of their disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/9c/IJMS-40-461.PMC4567607.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4376921", "abstract": "Background Irinotecan is commonly used in combination with oxaliplatin as a component of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for several gastrointestinal malignancies. The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who developed acute paralysis and aphasia while receiving her initial infusion of irinotecan. Case Report A 67-year-old woman with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma presented for her first cycle of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. During her infusion of irinotecan, she developed acute onset of generalized weakness, paralysis of all extremities, and nonfluent aphasia with complete inability to communicate. This episode was self-limited and resolved within 2 h. Prior to subsequent infusions she received intravenous repletion of potassium and had no recurrence of symptoms. Discussion In selected cases, coadministration of irinotecan and oxaliplatin may result in severe generalized weakness and aphasia, which may be triggered by underlying electrolyte disturbances. Careful monitoring and correction of potassium may help prevent this reaction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/82/cro-0008-0138.PMC4376921.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5195819", "abstract": "Alcohol dependence is a serious disorder that can be related with a number of potential health-related and social consequences. Cortical thickness measurements would provide important information on the cortical structural alterations in patients with alcohol dependence. Twenty-one patients with alcohol dependence and 22 healthy comparison subjects have been recruited and underwent high-resolution brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and clinical assessments. T1-weighted MR images were analyzed using the cortical thickness analysis program. Significantly thinner cortical thickness in patients with alcohol dependence than healthy comparison subjects was noted in the left superior frontal cortical region, correcting for multiple comparisons and adjusting with age and hemispheric average cortical thickness. There was a significant association between thickness in the cluster of the left superior frontal cortex and the duration of alcohol use. The prefrontal cortical region may particularly be vulnerable to chronic alcohol exposure. It is also possible that the pre-existing deficit in this region may have rendered individuals more susceptible to alcohol dependence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/7c/en-25-333.PMC5195819.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2882589", "abstract": "Inadequate dietary intakes and poor health behaviors are of concern among rural residents in Korea. This study is conducted to compare dietary intakes, dietary diversity score (DDS), mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) and health related behaviors by rural, factory and urban areas in Asan. A total of 930 adults (351 men and 579 women) were interviewed to assess social economic status (SES), health related behaviors and food intakes by a 24-hour recall method. Mean age was 61.5 years with men being older (64.8 years) than women (59.3 years, p<0.001). Men in the factory area were older than rural or urban men while urban women were the youngest. Education and income of urban residents were higher than other area residents. There were more current drinkers in urban area while smoking status was not different by regions. Physical activity was significantly higher in rural or factory areas, whilst urban residents exercised more often (p<0.05). Rural or factory area residents considered themselves less healthy than others while perceived stress was lower than urban residents. Energy intakes were higher in urban residents or in men, however, after SES was controlled, energy intake did not show any differences. Energy-adjusted nutrient intakes were significantly higher in the urban area (p<0.05) for most nutrients except for carbohydrate, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, iron and fiber. Sodium intake was higher in factory area than in other areas after SES was controlled. DDS of rural men and MAR of both men and women in the rural area were significantly lower when SES was controlled. In conclusion, dietary intakes, diversity, adequacy and perceived health were poor in the rural area, although other health behaviors such as drinking and perceived stress were better than in the urban area. In order to improve perceived health of rural residents, good nutrition and exercise education programs are recommended.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/ab/nrp-1-143.PMC2882589.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988931", "abstract": "The treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has evolved in the past 15 years and combination of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is its current standard therapy. However, several side effects are commonly observed and frequently lead to transient or definitive interruption of treatment. Although sarcoidosis in its systemic or cutaneous form is a very rare side effect in such circumstances, some cases have been reported even with conventional interferon. This brief review of the literature and description of a case of sarcoidosis occurring in a tattoo and a scar patient's face, during treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin, is an educative report directed in special to dermatologists. The lesion improved after drug interruption and recurred after retreatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2a. We conclude that this side effect must call the attention of doctors to seek for the diagnosis and therapy as soon as possible in such circumstances. No differences were noticed neither with alpha-2a nor alpha-2b pegylated interferon employment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/76/crg0003-0366.PMC2988931.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2850979", "abstract": "Aim To characterise current management of adult patients with possible occult scaphoid fracture in Australasian emergency departments. Methods Internet-based survey of Directors of Emergency Medicine Training throughout Australasia. Data collected included the most common management used in ED for patients with possible occult scaphoid fracture and whether there was a guideline regarding management of such cases. Data are reported as descriptive statistics. Results 61 responses were received (response rate 73", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/be/PMC2850979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3200189", "abstract": "Mechanism of chemoprevention by daidzein (500 μg/g bwt) was examined by injecting it subcutaneously at 16th, 18th, and 20th day postpartum, followed by counting of terminal end buds (TEBs), terminal ducts (TDs), and lobules and immunohistochemistry of ER-α, Bcl2, Bax, and caspase-3. DNA fragmentation was also analysed to measure the apoptosis level. Estradiol benzoate (EB) (500 ng/g bwt) and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) were used as reference and vehicle, respectively.  Observations show a significant enhancement of mammary gland differentiation at postnatal day 21 (PND21) as well as PND50. There was a significant decrease of ER-α expression at PND21 and increase in its expression at PND50, in daidzein-treated animals. The ratio of expression of Bcl-2 to Bax proteins increased at PND50 the same whereas, it decreased at PND50 due to daidzein. An increased expression of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation was also seen due to daidzein at PND50. The mammary gland of EB-treated animals showed response a somewhat similar to that of daidzein-treated animals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/f3/PMC3200189.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3742359", "abstract": "We report a patient who has maintained a regular menstrual cycle despite undergoing cystectomy and chemotherapy for contralateral recurrence of ovarian immature teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei. We initially performed a fertility-sparing right salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and peritoneal biopsy for immature teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei, with adjuvant chemotherapy; we performed a left ovarian cystectomy and peritoneal biopsy for mature cystic teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei 16 months after the first surgery, a fertility-sparing left ovarian cystectomy and peritoneal biopsy for contralateral recurrence of ovarian immature teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei 60 months after the first surgery, and a left ovarian cystectomy and peritoneal and external iliac lymph node biopsy for endometrial cyst with gliomatosis peritonei 71 months after first surgery. The peritoneal gliomatosis lesions gradually decreased through the 4 surgeries over 8 years. The patient has maintained a regular menstrual cycle and currently shows no evidence of disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/f4/PMC3742359.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5062637", "abstract": "We propose a tool for a rapid high-resolution detection of calcium ions which can be used in parallel with other techniques. We have applied a new approach by photo-oxidation of diaminobenzidine in presence of the emission of an excited fluorochrome specific for calcium detection. This method combines the selectivity of available fluorophores to the high spatial resolution offered by transmission electron microscopy to detect fluorescing molecules even when present in low amounts in membrane-bounded organelles. We show in this paper that Mag-Fura 2 photoconversion via diaminobenzidine oxidation is an efficient way for localizing Ca2+ ions at electron microscopy level, is easily carried out and reproducible, and can be obtained on a good amount of cells, since the exposure in our conditions is not limited to the direct irradiation of the sample via an objective but obtained with a germicide lamp. The end product is sufficiently electron dense to be detected clearly when present in sufficient amount within a membrane boundary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/8d/ejh-2016-3-2695.PMC5062637.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4361821", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to examine the differences between ADHD subtypes in executive function tasks compared to themselves and normal controls. Method In this study, 45 school aged children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and 30 normal children who were matched based on age and IQ score in Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) were compared in terms of executive function. We used Wisconsin Sorting Card Test to assess executive function in both groups. We also used children’s scores in Children Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4) for diagnosing ADHD and specifying ADHD subtypes. Data were entered in SPSS-17 and analyzed by T-test and ANOVA static tests to clarify the differences between ADHD and controls and between ADHD subtypes. Scheffe’s test was also used to identify which groups were different from one another. The mean and standard divisions (SD) were used for descriptive analysis. Results ADHD subtypes are significantly different in terms of perseverative responses (p≤ 0/01) and perseverative errors (p≤ 0/001). Based on Scheffe’s test, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders-Hyperactive type (ADHD-H) is not that different from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders-Inattention type (ADHD-I) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders-Combined type (ADHD-C), but there are significant responses and perseverative differences between ADHD-I and ADHD-C in terms of perseverative errors. ADHD-C shows more perseverative responses and perseverative errors than ADHD-I. Conclusion The findings of this study revealed that executive function patterns are different in children with ADHD compared to normal children. In this study it was also found that ADHD subtypes are also different in terms of perseveration and response inhibition domains; ADHD-C has more deficits in these domains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/5b/PMC4361821.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4848062", "abstract": "We present a novel device mounted on the fingertip for acquiring and transmitting visual information through haptic channels. In contrast to previous systems in which the user interrogates an intermediate representation of visual information, such as a tactile display representing a camera generated image, our device uses a fingertip-mounted camera and haptic stimulator to allow the user to feel visual features directly from the environment. Visual features ranging from simple intensity or oriented edges to more complex information identified automatically about objects in the environment may be translated in this manner into haptic stimulation of the finger. Experiments using an initial prototype to trace a continuous straight edge have quantified the user's ability to discriminate the angle of the edge, a potentially useful feature for higher levels analysis of the visual scene.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/79/PMC4848062.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4006502", "abstract": "Objective Headache is one of the most common neurologic problems in children and adolescents. Primary headache including migraine and tension-type headache comprises the vast majority of headaches and are associated with marked incidence, prevalence, and individual and social cost. We aimed to assess demographic characteristics and to compare some factors related to primary headaches in children/ adolescents presented to neurology clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods Children from 4 to 15 years of age with the diagnosis of primary headache (migraine or tension-type headaches) who presented to the neurology clinics affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran from March 2009 to October 2011 are included in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding the type of headache, history of atopy, peripartum asphyxia, and breast feeding, family history of headache and the socioeconomic status of the family were collected. The diagnosis was based on the international headache society diagnostic criteria for the primary headache disorders. Findings One hundred ninety children (107 females) with primary headache (88 patients with migraine and 102 patients with tension type headache) enrolled in the study. Peripartum asphyxia, history of atopy, family history of headache and low socioeconomic status (SES) were more common in patients with migraine (P-values: 0.007, 0.01, 0.001, 0.003; respectively). Conclusion Physicians need to extent their knowledge regarding the primary headaches. Peripartum asphyxia, history of atopy, headache in parents and low SES have been shown in the present study to be more prevalent in patients with migraine as compared to tension-type headache.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/eb/IJPD-23-536.PMC4006502.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3906304", "abstract": "The transitions of antibody therapeutics to late-stage clinical development, regulatory review and the market are proceeding at a rapid pace in 2013. Since late 2012, two monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics (itolizumab, trastuzumab emtansine) received their first approvals, first marketing applications for three mAbs (vedolizumab, ramucirumab, obinutuzumab) were submitted to regulatory agencies, and five mAbs (brodalumab, MABp1, moxetumomab pasudotox, tildrakizumab, rilotumumab) entered their first Phase 3 studies. The current total of commercially-sponsored antibody therapeutics undergoing evaluation in late-stage studies is 30. Recently announced study results for farletuzumab, naptumomab estafenatox, and tabalumab indicate that clinical endpoints were not met in some Phase 3 studies of these product candidates.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/db/mabs-5-513.PMC3906304.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3810332", "abstract": "In eukaryotes, chromosomes are encased by a dynamic nuclear envelope. In contrast to metazoans, where the nuclear envelope disassembles during mitosis, many fungi including budding yeast undergo “closed mitosis,” where the nuclear envelope remains intact throughout the cell cycle. Consequently, during closed mitosis the nuclear envelope must expand to accommodate chromosome segregation to the two daughter cells. A recent study by Witkin et al. in budding yeast showed that if progression through mitosis is delayed, for example due to checkpoint activation, the nuclear envelope continues to expand despite the block to chromosome segregation. Moreover, this expansion occurs at a specific region of the nuclear envelope- adjacent to the nucleolus- forming an extension referred to as a “flare.” These observations raise questions regarding the regulation of nuclear envelope expansion both in budding yeast and in higher eukaryotes, the mechanisms confining mitotic nuclear envelope expansion to a particular region and the possible consequences of failing to regulate nuclear envelope expansion during the cell cycle.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/4a/nucl-4-261.PMC3810332.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3728527", "abstract": "The feasibility of electronic tongue and multivariate analysis was investigated for discriminating the specific geographical origins of a Chinese green tea with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). 155 Longjing tea samples from three subareas were collected and analyzed by an electronic tongue array of 7 sensors. To remove the influence of abnormal measurements and samples, robust principal component analysis (ROBPCA) was used to detect outliers in each class. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) was then used to develop a classification model. The prediction sensitivity/specificity of PLSDA was 1.000/1.000, 1.000/0.967, and 0.950/1.000 for longjing from Xihu, Qiantang, and Yuezhou, respectively. Electronic tongue and chemometrics can provide a rapid and reliable tool for discriminating the specific producing areas of Longjing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/88/PMC3728527.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4354617", "abstract": "Objective The main purpose of the investigation reported here was to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed at different weekly frequencies on flexibility in older women. Participants and methods Fifty-three older women (≥60 years old) were randomly assigned to perform RT either two (n=28; group “G2x”), or three (n=25; group “G3x”) times per week. The RT program comprised eight exercises in which the participants performed one set of 10–15 repetitions maximum for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric, body-composition, and flexibility measurements were made at baseline and post-study. The flexibility measurements were obtained by a fleximeter. Results A significant group-by-time interaction (P<0.01) was observed for frontal hip flexion, in which G3x showed a higher increase than G2x (+12.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/60/cia-10-531.PMC4354617.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5283081", "abstract": "Purpose The zonule of Zinn (ciliary zonule) is a system of fibers that centers the crystalline lens on the optical axis of the eye. Mutations in zonule components underlie syndromic conditions associated with a broad range of ocular pathologies, including microspherophakia and ectopia lentis. Here, we used HPLC–mass spectrometry to determine the molecular composition of the zonule. Methods Tryptic digests of human and bovine zonular samples were analyzed by HPLC–mass spectrometry. The distribution of selected components was confirmed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. In bovine samples, the composition of the equatorial zonule was compared to that of the hyaloid zonule and vitreous humor. Results The 52 proteins common to the zonules of both species accounted for >95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/58/i1552-5783-58-1-573.PMC5283081.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2639293", "abstract": "Identification of specific subtypes of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood of cancer patients can provide information about the biology of metastasis and improve patient management. However, to be effective, the method used to identify circulating tumor cells must detect all tumor cell types. We investigated whether the five subtypes of human breast cancer cells that have been defined by global gene expression profiling—normal-like, basal, HER2-positive, and luminal A and B—were identified by CellSearch, a US Food and Drug Administration–approved test that uses antibodies against the cell surface–expressed epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) to isolate circulating tumor cells. We used global gene expression profiling to determine the subtypes of a well-defined panel of 34 human breast cancer cell lines (15 luminal, nine normal-like, five basal-like, and five Her2-positive). We mixed 50-150 cells from 10 of these cell lines with 7.5 mL of blood from a single healthy human donor, and the mixtures were subjected to the CellSearch test to isolate the breast cancer cells. We found that the CellSearch isolation method, which uses EpCAM on the surface of circulating tumor cells for cell isolation, did not recognize, in particular, normal-like breast cancer cells, which in general have aggressive features. New tests that include antibodies that specifically recognize normal-like breast tumor cells but not cells of hematopoietic origin are needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/d3/djn419.PMC2639293.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5013237", "abstract": "Background Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is polymorphic disease that may show various clinical manifestations. Objectives This study investigates the determination of genetic variation within the species of Leishmania major isolates from new cases in Chabahar, a port city in Southeast Iran (situated at the Iran-Pakistan border). Migration in this region indicates that leishmaniasis is spreading gradually, and a new micro-habitat focus appears each year. Materials and Methods A variety of nucleic acid detection methods that target both DNA and RNA have been developed. The restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of amplified internal transcribed spacer 1 with polymerase chain reaction (ITS1-RFLP PCR) assay is a multipurpose tool for the diagnosis of Leishmania from clinical samples and for enabling the determination of the infecting Leishmania species. The goal of this study was the identification of species based on ITS1-RFLP in the ribosomal operon of L. major from clinically different forms of ZCL amplified by PCR, followed by the digestion of the PCR product with restriction enzymes. The profiles were observed and visualized in agarose gel under UV light. We used direct smears to identify the parasites. While taking the smear, samples were collected for culture or direct PCR. We used the PCR-RFLP assay of the ITS1 genes for direct identification of Leishmania species in 24 out of 33 suspected patients. PCR-ITS1 amplification was done on the 24 samples confirmed by culture via growth and parasitological methods. Results Of the 24 isolates, 21 had 350 bp bands (87.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/22/jjm-09-06-33498.PMC5013237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4893412", "abstract": "Background Outcomesforcystic fibrosis patients are improving rapidly. The demographic factors are notable variables inoutcomes, which can be evaluated and modified. Objectives This study was designed to investigate the association between outcome and demographic factors in patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients and Methods This was a cross-sectional study and data were gathered for 331 patients using the census method, from March 2001 to September 2014 in Iran. Data was analyzed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square test, and independent sample t test using SPSS 18. Odds ratio with confidence intervals of 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/e4/ircmj-18-04-29615.PMC4893412.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3563348", "abstract": "The original technique of staining the anterior capsule of the lens with Trypan blue involves the injection of an air bubble in the anterior chamber. A drawback of this technique is the possible instability of the anterior chamber caused by the sudden exit of air when the dye is injected with the cannula through the side-port incision. Other staining techniques that use viscoelastic substances to increase the stability of the anterior chamber and to dose the injected dye have been described. The authors present an under-air staining technique of the anterior capsule using one drop of Trypan blue injected with a 30 G needle through the peripheral cornea. This procedure prevents the air bubble from escaping the anterior chamber and allows fast and selective staining of the capsule.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/3e/PMC3563348.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3592510", "abstract": "Purpose This study assessed the nutritional status of elderly Chinese lung cancer inpatients using a revised version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) tool. Patients and methods: The revised version of the MNA tool was used to assess the nutritional status of 180 elderly Chinese lung cancer inpatients prior to their scheduled surgery between June 2010 and July 2011. Patients’ demographic data, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical markers were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 180 inpatients who underwent the MNA, 9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/97/PMC3592510.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4951176", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Extrafloral nectaries play an important role in plant defense against herbivores by providing nectar rewards that attract ants and other carnivorous insects. However, extrafloral nectaries can themselves be targets of herbivory, in addition to being exploited by nectar-robbing insects that do not provide defensive services. We recently found that the extrafloral nectaries of Vicia faba plants, as well as immediately adjacent tissues, exhibit high concentrations of chemical toxins, apparently as a defense against herbivory. Here we report that the nectary tissues of this plant also exhibit high levels of structural stiffness compared to surrounding tissues, likely due to cell wall lignification and the concentration of calcium oxalate crystals in nectary tissues, which may provide an additional deterrent to herbivore feeding on nectary tissues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/23/kcib-09-03-1178431.PMC4951176.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4106404", "abstract": "Background. Health-care systems based on primary health care (PHC) are more equitable and cost effective. Family medicine trains medical doctors in comprehensive PHC with knowledge and skills that are needed to increase quality of care. Family medicine is a relatively new specialty in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective. To explore the extent to which the Primafamed South–South cooperative project contributed to the development of family medicine in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. The Primafamed (Primary Health Care and Family Medicine Education) project worked together with 10 partner universities in sub-Saharan Africa to develop family medicine training programmes over a period of 2.5 years. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was done and the training development from 2008 to 2010 in the different partner universities was analysed. Results. During the 2.5 years of the Primafamed project, all partner universities made progress in the development of their family medicine training programmes. The SWOT analysis showed that at both national and international levels, the time is ripe to train medical doctors in family medicine and to integrate the specialty into health-care systems, although many barriers, including little awareness, lack of funding, low support from other specialists and reserved support from policymakers, are still present. Conclusions. Family medicine can play an important role in health-care systems in sub-Saharan Africa; however, developing a new discipline is challenging. Advocacy, local ownership, action research and support from governments are necessary to develop family medicine and increase its impact. The Primafamed project showed that development of sustainable family medicine training programmes is a feasible but slow process. The South–South cooperation between the ten partners and the South African departments of family medicine strengthened confidence at both national and international levels.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/b8/cmu014.PMC4106404.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3259482", "abstract": "Excess intake of dietary salt is estimated to be one of the leading risks to health worldwide. Major national and international health organizations, along with many governments around the world, have called for reductions in the consumption of dietary salt. This paper discusses behavioural and population interventions as mechanisms to reduce dietary salt. In developed countries, salt added during food processing is the dominant source of salt and largely outside of the direct control of individuals. Population-based interventions have the potential to improve health and to be cost saving for these countries. In developing economies, where salt added in cooking and at the table is the dominant source, interventions based on education and behaviour change have been estimated to be highly cost effective. Regardless, countries with either developed or developing economies can benefit from the integration of both population and behavioural change interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/32/PMC3259482.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2789965", "abstract": "We report a case of pseudo-Duane's retraction syndrome with entrapment of the medial rectus muscle in an old medial orbital wall fracture presenting identical clinical symptoms as Duane's retraction syndrome. A 15-year-old boy presented with persistent limited right eye movement since a young age. Examination showed marked limited abduction, mildly limited adduction, and globe retraction accompanied by narrowing of the palpebral fissure during attempted adduction in the right eye. He showed a right esotropia of 16 prism diopters and his head turned slightly to the right. A slight enophthalmos was noted in his right eye. A computed tomography scan demonstrated entrapment of the medial rectus muscle and surrounding tissues in an old medial orbital wall fracture. A forced duction test revealed a marked restriction of abduction in the right eye. A 5 mm recession of the right medial rectus muscle was performed. Postoperatively, the patient's head turn and esotropia in the primary position were successfully corrected, but there was still some limitations to his ocular movement. The importance of several tests such as the forced duction test and an imaging study should be emphasized in making a diagnosis for limitation of eye movement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/61/kjo-23-329.PMC2789965.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905881", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to provide the data for constructing an integrated exercise program to help restore muscle strength and stability through extension strength exercise in adult females with lumbar disc herniation. [Subjects and Methods] An 8-week exercise program for lumbar muscle extension strength and stabilization was performed by 26 females older than 20 with lumbar disc herniation findings. [Results] Significant differences were found in lumbar extension muscle strength at every angle of lumbar flexion after participation in the 8-week stabilization exercise program; but there was no significant difference in the weight distribution index. [Conclusion] An integrated exercise program aiming to strengthen lumbar spine muscles, reduce pain and stabilize the trunk can help to maintain muscle strength and balance. In addition, improvement in extension strength is expected to be helpful in daily life by securing the range of joint motion and improving the strength and stability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/f3/jpts-28-1418.PMC4905881.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4707387", "abstract": "Scurvy is a disease that played an important role in ancient history and used to be a notorious cause of death in sailors. Nowadays, scurvy is not a common diagnosis in the civilized world, but this case report indicates that this old-fashioned disease is not extinct at all and still exists but in a different patient category.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/de/rjv168.PMC4707387.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4339136", "abstract": "[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine changes in muscle activity while moving on a treadmill at various speeds. [Subjects] The activities of the left vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, hip adductors, lateral head of gastrocnemius, medial head gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior of 10 healthy male university students were analyzed. [Methods] University students walked, jogged, and ran for 10 minutes each in random order, and then myogenic potentials were measured 10 minutes later for 30 seconds. The flexion angle of the lower limb upon initial contact, mid stance, and toe off were measured. [Results] The average walking, jogging, and running speeds were 3.6 ± 0.4, 6.7 ± 0.6, and 10.4 ± 1.3 km/h, respectively. The average electromyographic activities of the vastus medial, tibialis anterior, medial head of gastrocnemius, and lateral head of gastrocnemius significantly differed. All muscles were more active during jogging and running than walking. Only the soleus was more active during running than walking, and the activities of the hip adductors and vastus lateralis did not significantly differ. [Conclusion] Velocity is faster and the angles of the lower limbs and ground reaction force (GRF) are larger during running than walking. The vastus medialis and soleus worked more easily according to the angle of the knee joint, whereas the tibialis anterior worked more easily at faster velocities and the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius worked more easily with an increased GRF.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/40/jpts-27-353.PMC4339136.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5245924", "abstract": "Introduction: The use of the Kuntscher nail has been the most important advancement in trauma surgery. One of the problems is the difficulty to remove it. A new extraction technique is described in the present case report. Case Report: A 46-year-old man was referred for hip osteoarthritis. He had an acetabulum fracture and a femoral shaft fracture treated 30 years ago with a reamed Kuntscher femoral nail. Lateral hip approach was performed and after attempting to remove the nail with the specific tools being unsuccessful we decided to be more aggressive. Firstly, we performed a simple unicortical osteotomy on the lateral side from the proximal part to below the callus in order to decompress the femoral canal without success. Secondly, a trench in the greater trochanter around the proximal hole was performed to hit the nail from below which was still insufficient and furthermore, the hole broke when hitting the nail so we needed to drill a new hole distally. Finally, the Kuntscher nail was removed. Several cerclages closed the osteotomy and a bone graft was used to close the trench. The patient had a good evolution at one year of follow-up. Conclusion: With this case report, we present a new salvage technique to remove an incarcerated Kuntscher nail when all the described methods have failed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/b6/JOCR-6-10.PMC5245924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3463469", "abstract": "Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are fragments of DNA that can move around within the genome through retrotransposition. These are responsible for various important events such as gene inactivation, transduction, regulation of gene expression and genome expansion. The present work involves the identification and study of the distribution of Alu and L1 retrotransposons in the genome of Macaca mulatta, an extensively used organism in biomedical studies. We also make comparisons with MGE distributions in other primate genomes and study the physicochemical properties of the local DNA structure around the transposon insertion site using ELAN. The present work also includes computational testing of the pre-insertion loci in order to detect unique features based on DNA structure, thermodynamic considerations and protein interaction measures. Although there is significant sequence divergence between the elements of M. mulatta and H. sapiens, their genome wide distribution is very similar; comparing the distribution of L1’s in all available X chromosome sequences suggests a common mechanism behind the spread of MGE’s in primate genomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/46/mge-2-133.PMC3463469.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3088739", "abstract": "A 36-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 17 years was referred to our hospital because of severe abdominal pain and repeated bloody diarrhea that persisted during pregnancy despite combination therapy with high-dose corticosteroids and weekly granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA). She underwent combination therapy consisting of high-dose corticosteroids, intensive GMA (two sessions per week) and vancomycin, which was used to eradicate Clostridium difficile, under total parenteral nutrition control until the estimated weight of her fetus reached 1,000 g. This combination therapy was partially successful, resulting in almost complete disappearance of abdominal pain and a marked decrease in stool frequency. However bloody diarrhea persisted and the patient developed anemia and hypoalbuminemia and was unable to prolong her gestation time. Cesarean section was conducted at 28 weeks of gestation without any congenital abnormalities or neurological defects. Oral administration of tacrolimus was begun 7 days after cesarean section, which was followed by rapid induction of remission. Corticosteroids were then gradually tapered off. Tacrolimus is one therapeutic option after cesarean section in pregnant patients who do not respond well to GMA and high-dose corticosteroids for persistent active ulcerative colitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/04/crg0005-0144.PMC3088739.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4247534", "abstract": "Leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary vasculature is an extremely rare condition that has not been previously diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy. We present the case of a 43-year-old white male with a history of leiomyosarcoma who was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism 2 years ago. As the filling defects on follow-up chest computed tomography continued to worsen despite anticoagulation, EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of the right pulmonary artery lesion was safely and successfully performed. Cytopathological examination revealed the “thrombus” to be metastatic leiomyosarcoma. In experienced hands, and carefully selected cases, EBUS-TBNA seems to be a safe and effective in diagnosing thoracic endovascular lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/f2/EUS-3-249.PMC4247534.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2526537", "abstract": "We developed nomograms to predict disease recurrence in patients with Ta, T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Thirty-eight training hospitals participated in this retrospective multicenter study. Between 1998 and 2002, a total of 1,587 patients with newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were enrolled in this study. Patients with prior histories of bladder cancer, non-transitional cell carcinoma, or a follow-up duration of less than 12 months were excluded. With univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we constructed nomograms to predict disease recurrence, and internal validation was performed using statistical techniques. Three-year and five-year recurrence-free rates were 64.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/33/jkms-23-428.PMC2526537.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3074291", "abstract": "Endobroncheal tuberculosis is defined as tuberculous infection of the tracheobronchial tree with microbial and histopathological evidence. The disease is usually mistaken for other lung diseases including lung cancer. Bronchial stenosis is a common complication of this type of tuberculosis despite the use of effective anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. We are presenting a case of endobronchial tuberculosis that simulated lung cancer and healed without residual bronchial stenosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/06/LJM-3-108.PMC3074291.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2873758", "abstract": "The global emergence of antibacterial resistance among common and atypical respiratory pathogens in the last decade necessitates the strategic application of antibacterial agents. The use of bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic agents as first-line therapy is recommended because the eradication of microorganisms serves to curtail, although not avoid, the development of bacterial resistance. Bactericidal activity is achieved with specific classes of antimicrobial agents as well as by combination therapy. Newer classes of antibacterial agents, such as the fluoroquinolones and certain members of the macrolide/lincosamine/streptogramin class have increased bactericidal activity compared with traditional agents. More recently, the ketolides (novel, semisynthetic, erythromycin-A derivatives) have demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against key respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Moreover, the ketolides are associated with a low potential for inducing resistance, making them promising first-line agents for respiratory tract infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/09/PMC2873758.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3873009", "abstract": "The diet of cavity sponges on the narrow fringing reefs of Curaçao, Caribbean was studied. The origin and resources of the bulk food of these sponges, i.e., dissolved organic matter (DOM), were identified using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes and fatty acid biomarkers. We found that phytoplankton and its derived DOM from the adjacent open sea and from reef overlying water is not the main source of food for most of the sponges examined nor is bacterioplankton. Interestingly, dual stable isotope signatures (δ13Corg, δ15Norg) and fatty acid biomarkers appoint coral mucus and organic matter derived from crustose coralline algae (CCA) as probable food sources for encrusting sponges. Mucus-derived DOM may contribute up to 66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/88/PMC3873009.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3419429", "abstract": " Background. The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is a hepatic receptor that mediates removal of potentially hazardous glycoconjugates from blood in health and disease. The receptor comprises two proteins, asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 and 2 (ASGR1 and ASGR2), encoded by the genes ASGR1 and ASGR2. Design and Methods. Using reverse transcription amplification (RT-PCR), expression of ASGR1 and ASGR2 was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes. Results. Monocytes were found to express ASGR1 and ASGR2 transcripts. Correctly spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms of ASGR1 and ASGR2 were present in monocytes. The profile of transcript variants from both ASGR1 and ASGR2 differed among individuals. Transcript expression levels were compared with the hepatocyte cell line HepG2 which produces high levels of ASGPR. Monocyte transcripts were 4 to 6 orders of magnitude less than in HepG2 but nonetheless readily detectable using standard RT-PCR. The monocyte cell line THP1 gave similar results to monocytes harvested from peripheral blood, indicating it may provide a suitable model system for studying ASGPR function in this cell type. Conclusions. Monocytes transcribe and correctly process transcripts encoding the constituent proteins of the ASGPR. Monocytes may therefore represent a mobile pool of the receptor, capable of reaching sites remote from the liver.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/f2/PMC3419429.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4498860", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV) suppressed re-recurrence for more than 32 months of multiple-recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma based on hepatitis C virus-induced liver cirrhosis in a case with previous recurrence interval, 51-, 28-, 12-, and 4-months. We detected glypican-3-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood at 12 months after AFTV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e3/3a/ccr30003-0444.PMC4498860.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC153442", "abstract": "The role of oxidative stress in regulating transcription factors and specific gene responses in critical illness is a new and emerging area. A better understanding of the proinflammatory oxidant stimuli of reactive oxygen species generation and how this generates the clinical phenotype of acute lung injury by regulating gene expression may allow the development of new therapeutic strategies. In his review John Haddad describes the present data and role for transcription factors nuclear factor-κB and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in acute lung injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/d3/PMC153442.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2981782", "abstract": "Background We report on our experience with using a distally based island flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot in limb salvage surgery for malignant melanoma patients. Methods A distally based sural flap was used for 10 cases for the hindfoot reconstruction, and a lateral supramalleolar flap was used for 3 cases for the lateral arch reconstruction of the mid- and forefoot after wide excision of malignant melanomas. Results The length of the flap varied from 7.5 cm to 12 cm (mean, 9.6 cm) and the width varied from 6.5 cm to 12 cm (mean, 8.8 cm). Superficial necrosis developed in four flaps, but this was successfully treated by debridement and suture or a skin graft. All thirteen flaps survived completely and they provided good contour, stable and durable coverage for normal weight bearing. Conclusions The distally based sural flap is considered to be useful for reconstructing the hindfoot, and the lateral supramalleolar flap is good for reconstructing the lateral archs of the mid- and forefoot after resection of malignant melanoma of the foot.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/cc/cios-2-244.PMC2981782.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC270725", "abstract": "Concerns about the work of breathing imposed by the endotracheal tube have led clinicians to routinely use pressure support to overcome this resistive component. More recently, ventilator manufacturers have introduced systems to automatically overcome endotracheal tube resistance, regardless of tube diameter or patient demand for flow. Despite the theoretical advantages, neither method appears to provide superior performance. Stepping back, the real question may be, is overcoming endotracheal tube resistance really important?", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/d8/PMC270725.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5384695", "abstract": "Background Downward shifts in blood volume with changing position generally cause tachycardic responses. Age-related decreases in vagal nerve activity could contribute to orthostatic hypotension in older individuals. Fowler’s position is a reclined position with the back between 30° and 60°, used to facilitate breathing, eating, and other routine daily activities in frail and elderly patients. Objective This study examined whether stroke volume (SV) was higher and heart rate (HR) lower in Fowler’s position with an upright upper trunk than in Fowler’s position with the whole trunk upright in both older and younger subjects, based on the assumption that lower HR would result from reduced sympathetic activation in older individuals. Methods We assessed hemodynamics and HR variability from electrocardiography, noninvasive arterial pressure and impedance cardiography in 11 younger male subjects (age range, 20–22 years) and 11 older male subjects (age range, 64–79 years), using three positions: supine, or Fowler’s positions with either 30° of lower trunk inclination and 60° of upper trunk inclination (UT60) or 60° of whole trunk inclination (WT60). Comparisons were then made between age groups and between positions. Results Reductions in SV and tachycardic response were smaller with UT60 than with WT60, in both younger and older subjects. In addition, reduced tachycardic response with upright upper trunk appeared attributable to decreased vagal withdrawal in younger subjects and to reduced sympathetic activation in older subjects. Conclusion Our findings indicate that an upright upper trunk during Fowler’s position allowed maintenance of SV and inhibited tachycardic response compared to an upright whole trunk regardless of age, although the autonomic mechanisms underlying tachycardic responses differed between younger and older adults. An upright upper trunk in Fowler’s position might help to reduce orthostatic stress and facilitate routine activities and conversation in frail patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/0f/cia-12-603.PMC5384695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3014710", "abstract": "Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains, enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, into which specific subsets of proteins and lipids partition, creating cell-signalling platforms that are vital for neuronal functions. Lipid rafts play at least three crucial roles in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), namely, in promoting the generation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, facilitating its aggregation upon neuronal membranes to form toxic oligomers and hosting specific neuronal receptors through which the AD-related neurotoxicity and memory impairments of the Aβ oligomers are transduced. Recent evidence suggests that Aβ oligomers may exert their deleterious effects through binding to, and causing the aberrant clustering of, lipid raft proteins including the cellular prion protein and glutamate receptors. The formation of these pathogenic lipid raft-based platforms may be critical for the toxic signalling mechanisms that underlie synaptic dysfunction and neuropathology in AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/ea/PMC3014710.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649205", "abstract": "Lipomas of the alimentary tract are rare tumours that can mimic malignant lesions. They are often small and asymptomatic although larger tumours can present with intusussception or as abdominal masses. We present a case of a transverse colon submucosal lipoma masquerading as a colonic adenocarcinoma leading to resection. A 74 year-old-man was referred urgently for assessment with altered bowel habits, and lower abdominal discomfort along with a positive Faecal-Occult-Blood sample. Colonoscopy demonstrated a large polypoidal lesion at the hepatic flexure with ulceration. Biopsies were inconclusive. A staging CT scan confirmed a 3.3 x 4.3 x 3.4cm Polyp with colonic wall thickening suspicious of malignancy. An extended right hemi-colectomy was performed. Histology showed a large submucosal lipoma with 12 reactive lymph nodes. Colonic lipoma often present as incidental findings detected on either imaging or endoscopically whilst investigating other symptoms. Their appearances can mimic colonic malignancy and surgical resection may be required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/a4/PMC3649205.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4609433", "abstract": "Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are among the most important markers for population analysis and have been widely used in plant genetic mapping and molecular breeding. Expressed sequence tag-SSR (EST-SSR) markers, located in the coding regions, are potentially more efficient for QTL mapping, gene targeting, and marker-assisted breeding. In this study, we investigated 51,694 nonredundant unigenes, assembled from clean reads from deep transcriptome sequencing with a Solexa/Illumina platform, for identification and development of EST-SSRs in Chinese cabbage. In total, 10,420 EST-SSRs with over 12 bp were identified and characterized, among which 2744 EST-SSRs are new and 2317 are known ones showing polymorphism with previously reported SSRs. A total of 7877 PCR primer pairs for 1561 EST-SSR loci were designed, and primer pairs for twenty-four EST-SSRs were selected for primer evaluation. In nineteen EST-SSR loci (79.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/30/4d/PMC4609433.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3552635", "abstract": "Prostate cancer, due to wide availability of PSA tests, is very often diagnosed in early stage, nowadays. This makes management of this disease even harder in every day oncology care. There is a wide range of treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy and active surveillance, but essential question is which treatment patient and oncologist should decide for. Due to recent publication of Prostate Cancer Results Study Group, in which brachytherapy is one of supreme curative options for prostate cancer, we decided to overview most present european and north american recommendations. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, European Association of Urology and Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie of European Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology guidelines are overviewed, particularly focusing on HDR and LDR brachytherapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/59/b1/JCB-4-18879.PMC3552635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3388424", "abstract": " Background. Uncertainty exists concerning the necessity of 10-day antibiotic treatment of group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis. Objective. To assess the incidence of GABHS recurrence and suppurative and nonsuppurative complications in relation to compliance. Methods. (Design). Prospective cohort observational study. (Subjects). 2,000 children aged 6 months to 18 years with sore throat and positive GABHS culture. (Main Outcome Measures). Recurrence of symptomatic culture positive GABHS pharyngitis, incidence of suppurative, and long-term, regional, nonsuppurative complications of GABHS pharyngitis, over a ten year period. Results. 213 (11", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/39/PMC3388424.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4616107", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study compared the differences in electrophysiological characteristics of normal muscles versus muscles with latent or active myofascial trigger points, and identified the neuromuscular physiological characteristics of muscles with active myofascial trigger points, thereby providing a quantitative evaluation of myofascial pain syndrome and clinical foundational data for its diagnosis. [Subjects] Ninety adults in their 20s participated in this study. Subjects were equally divided into three groups: the active myofascial trigger point group, the latent myofascial trigger point group, and the control group. [Methods] Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), endurance, median frequency (MDF), and muscle fatigue index were measured in all subjects. [Results] No significant differences in MVIC or endurance were revealed among the three groups. However, the active trigger point group had significantly different MDF and muscle fatigue index compared with the control group. [Conclusion] Given that muscles with active myofascial trigger points had an increased MDF and suffered muscle fatigue more easily, increased recruitment of motor unit action potential of type II fibers was evident. Therefore, electrophysiological analysis of these myofascial trigger points can be applied to evaluate the effect of physical therapy and provide a quantitative diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/40/jpts-27-2841.PMC4616107.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4330232", "abstract": "Background Both primary and secondary gynaecological neuroendocrine (NE) tumours are uncommon, and the literature is scarce concerning their imaging features. Methods This article reviews the epidemiological, clinical and imaging features with pathological correlation of gynaecological NE tumours. Results The clinical features of gynaecological NE tumours are non-specific and depend on the organ of origin and on the extension and aggressiveness of the disease. The imaging approach to these tumours is similar to that for other histological types and the Revised International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Staging System also applies to NE tumours. Neuroendocrine tumours were recently divided into two groups: poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NECs include small cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, while NETs account for typical and atypical carcinoids. Cervical small cell carcinoma and ovarian carcinoid are the most common gynaecological NE tumours. The former typically behaves aggressively; the latter usually behaves in a benign fashion and tends to be confined to the organ. Conclusion While dealing with ovarian carcinoids, extra-ovarian extension, bilaterality and multinodularity raise the suspicion of metastatic disease. NE tumours of the endometrium and other gynaecological locations are very rare. Teaching Points • Primary or secondary neurondocrine (NE) tumours of the female genital tract are rare.  • Cervical small cell carcinoma and ovarian carcinoids are the most common gynaecological NE tumours.  • Cervical small cell carcinomas usually behave aggressively.  • Ovarian carcinoids tend to behave in a benign fashion.  • The imaging approach to gynaecological NE tumours and other histological types is similar.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/19/PMC4330232.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4306322", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the peculiarities of maxillofacial injuries caused by interpersonal violence with other etiologic factors. Material and Methods Medical records of 3,724 patients with maxillofacial injuries in São Paulo state (Brazil) were retrospectively analyzed. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (simple descriptive statistics and Chi-squared test) using SPSS 18.0 software. Results Data of 612 patients with facial injuries caused by violence were analyzed. The majority of the patients were male (81", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/87/jomr-05-e4.PMC4306322.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3452075", "abstract": "We present a Norwegian family with familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) with possibly four affected in three generations. The family had a point mutation in the ATP1A2 gene that caused a change of the amino acid valine to methionine (V628 M). The symptoms were pure FHM with intra- and interindividual variability, and epilepsy is not part of the clinical picture. Attacks could be provoked by physical activity. The proband had prolonged attacks of FHM, and was hospitalized due to such an attack provoked by a minor head trauma. The initial management was conservative, but due to persistence of the hemiplegia on day 9, a continuous nimodipine infusion was initiated in order to prevent cerebrovascular vasospasm. However, the nimodipine infusion worsened the patient’s symptoms and possibly provoked a generalized tonic–clonic seizure due to vasodilatation and reduced cerebral blood flow. The MRI showed cortical edema and the SPECT showed reduced perfusion on the contralateral side of the hemiplegia. We conclude that nimodipine is contraindicated in the management of prolonged FHM attacks, and recommend conservative management and supplement of sufficient intravenous fluid in nauseated patients in order to avoid hypovolemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/80/PMC3452075.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC293473", "abstract": "Background The investigation of potential exposure to anthrax spores in a Trenton, New Jersey, mail-processing facility required rapid assessment of informatics needs and adaptation of existing informatics tools to new physical and information-processing environments. Because the affected building and its computers were closed down, data to list potentially exposed persons and map building floor plans were unavailable from the primary source. Results Controlling the effects of anthrax contamination required identification and follow-up of potentially exposed persons. Risk of exposure had to be estimated from the geographic relationship between work history and environmental sample sites within the contaminated facility. To assist in establishing geographic relationships, floor plan maps of the postal facility were constructed in ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) software and linked to a database of personnel and visitors using Epi Info and Epi Map 2000. A repository for maintaining the latest versions of various documents was set up using Web page hyperlinks. Conclusions During public health emergencies, such as bioterrorist attacks and disease epidemics, computerized information systems for data management, analysis, and communication may be needed within hours of beginning the investigation. Available sources of data and output requirements of the system may be changed frequently during the course of the investigation. Integrating data from a variety of sources may require entering or importing data from a variety of digital and paper formats. Spatial representation of data is particularly valuable for assessing environmental exposure. Written documents, guidelines, and memos important to the epidemic were frequently revised. In this investigation, a database was operational on the second day and the GIS component during the second week of the investigation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/6d/PMC293473.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5138045", "abstract": "Regular prophylactic treatment in severe hemophilia should be considered an optimal treatment. There is no general agreement on the optimal prophylaxis regimen, and adherence to prophylaxis is a main challenge due to medical, psychosocial, and cost controversies. Improved approaches in prophylaxis regimen of hemophilia B are needed to make patients’ lives easier. There is some evidence to support the efficacy of once-weekly prophylaxis. Longer sampling schedules are required for the determination of pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of factor IX (FIX). The half-life of FIX seems to be longer than previously described and is expected to be 34 hours. The clinical significance of maintaining a 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/5b/jbm-7-275.PMC5138045.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4622453", "abstract": "Brivaracetam (BRV), a high-affinity synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand, reported to be 10–30-fold more potent than levetiracetam (LEV), is highly effective in a wide range of experimental models of focal and generalized seizures. BRV and LEV similarly bind to synaptic vesicle protein 2A, while differentiating for other pharmacological effects; in fact, BRV does not inhibit high voltage Ca2+ channels and AMPA receptors as LEV. Furthermore, BRV apparently exhibits inhibitory activity on neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels playing a role as a partial antagonist. BRV is currently waiting for approval both in the United States and the European Union as adjunctive therapy for patients with partial seizures. In patients with photosensitive epilepsy, BRV showed a dose-dependent effect in suppressing or attenuating the photoparoxysmal response. In well-controlled trials conducted to date, adjunctive BRV demonstrated efficacy and good tolerability in patients with focal epilepsy. BRV has a linear pharmacokinetic profile. BRV is extensively metabolized and excreted by urine (only 8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/74/dddt-9-5719.PMC4622453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3508130", "abstract": "Aging has been defined as the changes that occur in living organisms with the passage of time that lead to functional impairment and ultimately to death. Free radical-induced oxidative damage has long been thought to be the most important consequence of the aging process. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the salubrious effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan on glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense system in young and aged rats. The dietary supplementation of chitosan significantly reduced the age-associated dyslipidemic abnormalities noted in the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in plasma and heart tissue. Its administration significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the oxidative stress in the heart tissue of aged rats through the counteraction of free radical formation by maintaining the enzymatic [glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR)] and non-enzymatic [reduced glutathione (GSH)] status at levels comparable to that of normal young rats. Our results conclude that dietary intake of chitosan restores the depleted myocardial antioxidant status and suggest that it could be an effective therapeutic agent in treatment of age-associated disorders where hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress are the major causative factors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/b7/PMC3508130.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3886103", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objectives To compare cleft lip and palate patients' satisfaction with aesthetics and functional parameters after conventional advancement of the maxilla or by the use of distraction osteogenesis. Material and methods Case series observational study. Group of distraction osteogenesis (DO) consisted of 15 patients treated with distraction osteogenesis while group conventional (CONV) included 10 patients treated with traditional advancement of the maxilla. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their subjective evaluation of satisfaction with facial aesthetics and functional parameters on a continuous visual analog-scale (VAS) when the treatment was finished. Results The total response rate was 76", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/fb/jomr-03-e3.PMC3886103.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134056", "abstract": "The immunosuppressant azathioprine (AZA) is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for both inducing and maintaining remission. However, the adverse effects of AZA can often necessitate a dose reduction or discontinuation. Bone marrow suppression is one of the most serious complications with AZA treatment. On the other hand, some reports have suggested that neutropenia during AZA therapy reduced the relapse rates of IBD patients, and there have been some cases where eradication of the sensitized leukocytes by leukapheresis or bone marrow transplantation improved the IBD, which may explain the relevant role of neutropenia in controlling disease activity. This report describes the case of a 22-year-old male patient who had Crohn's colitis and complicated perianal fistulas that required immunosuppression; he achieved endoscopically determined remission and showed accelerated mucosal healing as well as clinical remission following the AZA-induced pancytopenia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/68/crg0005-0344.PMC3134056.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4664812", "abstract": " Purpose. We investigated two factors linked to diabetic macular edema (DME), vitreous and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and uric acid (UA) in patients with DME, and compared the results with changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity (VA). Methods. A prospective study of 29 eyes, 16 cystoid DME and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 13 nondiabetic controls. Biochemical analysis of vitreous and serum samples was performed and OCT scans were graded according to central retinal thickness (CRT), cube volume (CV), cube average thickness (CAT), and serous retinal detachment (SRD). Results. In DME group, intravitreal concentrations of VEGF (p < 0.001), UA (p = 0.038), and total protein (p < 0.001) were significantly higher than in control group. In DME subjects, intravitreal UA correlated significantly with intravitreal VEGF (ƍ = 0.559, p = 0.03) but not with total vitreous protein and serum UA. Increased intravitreal VEGF in DME group correlated with increase in CV (ƍ = 0.515/p = 0.041). None of the OCT parameters correlated with the VA. Conclusions. The results suggest that the CV might be assessor of anti-VEGF therapy efficacy. Second, apart from VEGF, the role of UA in the pathogenesis and progression of DR should be considered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/9a/PMC4664812.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4539181", "abstract": " Background. The innate immune system may have adverse effects in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The complement system seems to play a key role through erroneous complement activation via hyperglycaemia-induced neoepitopes. Recently mannan-binding lectin (MBL) was shown to worsen diabetic kidney changes. We hypothesize that mouse ficolin B exerts detrimental effects in the diabetic kidney as seen for MBL. Methods. We induced diabetes with streptozotocin in female wild-type mice and ficolin B knockout mice and included two similar nondiabetic groups. Renal hypertrophy and excretion of urinary albumin and creatinine were quantified to assess diabetic kidney damage. Results. In the wild-type groups, the kidney weighed 24", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/d5/PMC4539181.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC270606", "abstract": "The relationship between blood coagulation factors and the promotion or inhibition of the anti-inflammatory response continues to be defined through basic research. The potential key role of blood coagulation factors in the response during sepsis provides an exciting potential mechanism(s) for modification through the application of new therapies. The complexity of the potential multiple actions of the proteins, such as protein C, should allow for development of new therapies to minimize the detrimental inflammatory response. However, several gaps in our current understanding must be bridged before the clinician can take the basic knowledge 'to the bedside', where individual patients will benefit.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/5c/PMC270606.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5428134", "abstract": "Myelofibrosis (MF) is a BCR-ABL1–negative myeloproliferative neoplasm that is mainly characterised by reactive bone marrow fibrosis, extramedullary haematopoiesis, anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly, constitutional symptoms, leukaemic progression, and shortened survival. As such, this malignancy is still orphan of curative treatments; indeed, the only treatment that has a clearly demonstrated impact on disease progression is allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but only a minority of patients are eligible for such intensive therapy. However, more recently, the discovery of JAK2 mutations has also led to the development of small-molecule JAK1/2 inhibitors, the first of which, ruxolitinib, has been approved for the treatment of MF in the United States and Europe. In this article, we report on old and new therapeutic strategies that proved effective in early preclinical and clinical trials, and subsequently in the daily clinical practice, for patients with MF, particularly concerning the topics of anaemia, splenomegaly, iron overload, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/ea/10.1177_1179545X17695233.PMC5428134.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3784683", "abstract": "Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia (PCOD) is a subtype of cemento-osseous dysplasia that usually occurs in middle-aged black women. This report described a case of a 45-year-old Iranian woman who was diagnosed with PCOD on the basis of cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) findings. CBCT enabled detailed visualization of the bone changes. This report described the special radiographic characteristics of PCOD, including discontinuity of the lingual cortex on the CBCT sectional and three-dimensional images.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/90/isd-43-215.PMC3784683.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4245860", "abstract": "Objective This study investigated the effect of different ferrule heights on endodontically treated premolars. Materials and Methods Fifty sound mandibular first premolars were endodontically treated and then restored with 7-mm fiber post (FRC Postec Plus #1 Ivoclar-Vivadent) luted with self-polymerized resin cement (Multilink, Ivoclar Vivadent) while the coronal section was restored with hybrid composite core build-up material (Tetric Ceram, Ivoclar-Vivadent), which received all-ceramic crown. Different ferrule heights were investigated: 1-mm circumferential ferrule without post and core (group 1 used as control), a circumferential 1-mm ferrule (group 2), non-uniform ferrule 2-mm buccally and 1-mm lingually (group 3), non-uniform ferrule 3-mm buccally and 2-mm lingually (group 4), and finally no ferrule preparation (group 5). The fracture load and failure pattern of the tested groups were investigated by applying axial load to the ceramic crowns (n=10). Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test was used for pair-wise comparisons (α=0.05). Results There were no significant differences among the failure load of all tested groups (P<0.780). The control group had the lowest fracture resistance (891.43±202.22 N) and the highest catastrophic failure rate (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the use of fiber post reduced the percentage of catastrophic failure while increasing the ferrule height did not influence the fracture resistance of the restored specimens. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, increasing the ferrule length did not influence the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass ceramic crowns. Insertion of a fiber post could reduce the percentage of catastrophic failure of these restorations under function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/ec/jaos-19-01-0028.PMC4245860.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4595706", "abstract": "Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered relatively safe but semi-invasive. The hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury is infrequent complication of TEE but could be serious, even life-threatening. We present a case of a 74-year-old man who experienced a deep neck infection secondary to hypopharyngeal injury following TEE. The diagnosis was made because of the subcutaneous emphysema developed 3 hours after TEE. In spite of antibiotics therapy with prolonged fasting, a right parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess was developed 5 days later. With ultrasound-guided drainage of abscess and continuous antibiotic treatment, infection was controlled. The patent underwent mitral valve repair after 14 days of antibiotic therapy. The patient recovered uneventfully. For cardiologists performing TEE, it is required to know complications and their risk factors to minimize hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/fb/jcu-23-181.PMC4595706.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3469105", "abstract": "There is a paucity of data regarding trends in dementia and its subtype prevalence in Japan. Our aims in the current paper are to: (1) summarize epidemiological studies of dementia in Japan including relevant details of study protocol and diagnostic criteria, (2) compare the age-specific prevalence of all-cause dementia among studies, and (3) assess the trends in Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus vascular dementia (VaD) over time. We reviewed diagnostic criteria, all-cause dementia prevalence, and the AD/VaD ratio from 8 large population studies of dementia in Japan. Compared with the Okinawa 1992 study, studies conducted in 1994, 1998, 2005, and 2008 had a higher prevalence of all-cause dementia using Poisson regression models, after controlling for age and sex. In contrast to the US and some European countries, all-cause dementia prevalence is increasing in Japan. The prevalence of AD as opposed to VaD seems to be increasing over time, but large variability in diagnostic criteria, possible regional variability, and differences in prevalence of subtypes of dementia between men and women make it difficult to draw a conclusion about this trend at the national level. Further studies, for example, comparing the population attributable risk of vascular diseases to the prevalence and incidence of dementia could help to clarify the regional variations in etiological subtypes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/44/PMC3469105.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4483456", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this case study was to identify the effects of joint mobilization using Kaltenborn-Evjenth orthopedic manual therapy (KEOMT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on a patient with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and a lumbar transitional vertebra. [Methods] The intervention methods were joint mobilization using KEOMT and PNF techniques. The program consisted of 40-min sessions 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The spinal motion (thoracic and lumbar vertebrae), pain, and thickness of the multifidus were measured. [Results] The angle of spinal curvature increased, and the range of motions (ROMs) flexion and extension increased in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The pain score as measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score decreased. The thickness of the multifidus (L4) increased on the left and right sides. [Conclusion] These results suggest that joint mobilization using KEOMT and PNF techniques had a positive effect on the spinal motion, pain, and thickness of the multifidus of a patient with chronic low back pain and a lumbar transitional vertebra.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/e1/jpts-27-1629.PMC4483456.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4197389", "abstract": "Abstract Currently, no reported studies have evaluated intraoperative handover among anesthesia providers. Studies on anesthetic handover in the US recovery room setting observed that handover processes are insufficient and, in many instances, significant intraoperative events are disregarded. An online survey tool was sent to anesthesia providers at US anesthesia residency programs nationwide (120 out of the 132 US programs encompassing around 4500 residents and their academic MDAs) and a smaller survey selection of CRNAs (10 institutions about 300 CRNAs in the metropolitan area of Detroit, MI, USA) to collect information on handover practices. The response rate to this survey (n = 216) was comprised of approximately 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/2d/PMC4197389.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC155639", "abstract": "Background SLC/CCL21, normally expressed in high endothelial venules and in T cell zones of spleen and lymph nodes, strongly attracts T cells and dendritic cells (DC). We have previously shown that SLC/CCL21-mediated anti-tumor responses are accompanied by significant induction of IFNγ and the CXC chemokines, monokine induced by IFNγ (MIG/CXCL9) and IFNγ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10/CXCL10). Results We assessed the importance of IFNγ, IP-10/CXCL10 and MIG/CXCL9 in SLC/CCL21 therapy. In vivo depletion of IP-10/CXCL10, MIG/CXCL9 or IFNγ significantly reduced the anti-tumor efficacy of SLC/CCL21. Assessment of cytokine production at the tumor site showed an interdependence of IFNγ, MIG/CXCL9 and IP-10/CXCL10; neutralization of any one of these cytokines caused a concomitant decrease in all three cytokines. Similarly, neutralization of any one of these cytokines led to a decrease in the frequency of CXCR3+ve T cells and CD11c+ve DC at the tumor site. Conclusion These findings indicate that the full potency of SLC/CCL21-mediated anti-tumor responses require in part the induction of IFNγ, MIG/CXCL9 and IP-10/CXCL10.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9e/89/PMC155639.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2655632", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tIbeR is a regulator present in meningitic Escherichia coli strain E44 that carries a loss-of-function mutation in the stationary-phase (SP) regulatory gene rpoS. In order to determine whether IbeR is an SP regulator in E44, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and LC-MS were used to compare the proteomes of a noninvasive ibeR deletion mutant BR2 and its parent strain E44 in the SP. Four up-regulated (TufB, GapA, OmpA, AhpC) and three down-regulated (LpdA, TnaA, OpmC) proteins in BR2 were identified when compared to E44. All these proteins contribute to energy metabolism or stress resistance, which is related to SP regulation. One of the down-regulated proteins, tryptophanase (TnaA), which is regulated by RpoS in other E. coli strains, is associated with SP regulation via production of a signal molecule indole. Our studies demonstrated that TnaA was required for E44 invasion, and that indole was able to restore the noninvasive phenotype of the tnaA mutant. The production of indole was significantly reduced in BR2, indicating that ibeR is required for the indole production via tnaA. Survival studies under different stress conditions indicated that IbeR contributed to bacteria stress resistance in the SP. Taken together, IbeR is a novel regulator contributing to the SP regulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/aa/PMC2655632.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4495251", "abstract": "Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the USA, with the lifetime incidence of 1 in 8 women. Dermatomyositis (DM) is an uncommon idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that can manifest as a paraneoplastic syndrome of an underlying malignancy. Here, we report a case of a patient who presented with breast cancer and DM symptoms. The patient's rash and muscle weakness progressed during the workup of her breast cancer, while she was already started on medical treatment of these symptoms with oral prednisone. Her cutaneous and musculoskeletal improved dramatically following the treatment of her breast cancer. Our case report describes the rapid progression and regression of her symptoms emphasizing the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment of DM as well as the underlying breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/8d/rjv075.PMC4495251.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3133851", "abstract": "The cramoll 1,4 is a well-studied lectin. However, few studies about its biodistribution have been done before. In this study, we radiolabeled the cramol 1,4 with Tc-99m and analyzed the biodistribution. The results showed that the cramol has an abnormal uptake by the bowel with reflections on its clearance mechanism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/ab/PMC3133851.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3913824", "abstract": "Influenza A virus infections occurring in exhibition swine populations at agricultural fairs during 2012 served as a source of H3N2 variant influenza A viruses transmitted to humans resulting in more than 300 documented cases. Prior to the outbreak, this investigation was initiated to identify fair-level risk factors contributing to influenza A virus infections in pigs at agricultural fairs. As part of an ongoing active surveillance program, nasal swabs and associated fair-level metadata were collected from pigs at 40 junior fair market swine shows held in Ohio during the 2012 fair season. Analyses of the data show that the adjusted odds of having influenza A virus-infected pigs at a fair were 1.27 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/c2/emi20145a.PMC3913824.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3463188", "abstract": "This randomized trial proposed to determine if there were differences in calf muscle StO2 parameters in patients before and after 12 weeks of a traditional walking or walking-with-poles exercise program. Data were collected on 85 patients who were randomized to a traditional walking program (n = 40) or walking-with-poles program (n = 45) of exercise training. Patients walked for 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. Seventy-one patients completed both the baseline and the 12-week follow-up progressive treadmill tests (n = 36 traditional walking and n = 35 walking-with-poles). Using the near-infrared spectroscopy measures, StO2 was measured prior to, during, and after exercise. At baseline, calf muscle oxygenation decreased from 56 ± 17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/6a/PMC3463188.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2704519", "abstract": "Objective: Assess the incidence of intraocular inflammation (uveitis) and ocular complications in children with various types of JIA in a single cohort of patients. Patients: Included are 172 children (35 boys and 137 girls) diagnosed with JIA. All underwent thorough initial ophthalmologic examination and were followed for a minimum of 3 years. Results: Of 172 children with JIA, 152 (88.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/75/PMC2704519.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015912", "abstract": "A 31-year-old female with a history of pseudotumor cerebri presented with headache and abdominal discomfort after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The VP shunt was placed after prior failure and revision of a lumbar peritoneal shunt. Computed tomography demonstrated shunt migration into the subcutaneous tissue. Laparoscopy was used to reposition the VP shunt, directing the shunt toward the pelvis. The patient presented for further evaluation one month later, at which point the shunt was shown to have migrated into the subcutaneous tissue once again. Laparoscopy was again used to reposition the shunt and affix it to the abdominal wall by using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/19/jsls-13-1-101.PMC3015912.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2778347", "abstract": " Background and Objective. Allergy-like symptoms such as wheezing and eczema are common in young children and an early diagnosis is important to initiate correct management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Phadiatop Infant, an in vitro test for determination of early sensitisation to food and inhalant allergens. Patients and Methods. The study was conducted, retrospectively, using frozen sera from 122 children (median age 2.7 years) admitted to the hospital with suspected allergic symptoms. The doctor's diagnosis atopic/nonatopic was based on routinely used procedures such as clinical evaluation, SPT, total and allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The performance of Phadiatop Infant was evaluated in a blinded manner against this diagnosis. Results. Eighty-four of the 86 children classified as atopic showed a positive Phadiatop Infant test. Thirty-six were classified as nonatopic, 32 of who had a negative test. With a prevalence of atopy of 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/3a/PMC2778347.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4840430", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of our study was to test the efficacy of the VARIA system (video, accelerometry, and radar-induced activity recording) and validation of accelerometry-based detection algorithms for nocturnal tonic–clonic and clonic seizures developed by our team. Methods We present the results of two patients with tonic–clonic and clonic seizures, measured for about one month in a home environment with four wireless accelerometers (ACM) attached to wrists and ankles. The algorithms were developed using wired ACM data synchronized with the gold standard video-/electroencephalography (EEG) and then run offline on the wireless ACM signals. Detection of seizures was compared with semicontinuous monitoring by professional caregivers (keeping an eye on multiple patients). Results The best result for the two patients was obtained with the semipatient-specific algorithm which was developed using all patients with tonic–clonic and clonic seizures in our database with wired ACM. It gave a mean sensitivity of 66.87", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/76/main.PMC4840430.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3877458", "abstract": "Background: Most countries use educated nurses called “nurse practitioners” (NPs) besides the family physicians for diagnosis, treatment, and specifically health education of the family. The main goal of this study was to redefine the role of NPs for better use of their capabilities in the so-called “family physician reform” in Iran. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative and comparative study carried out in three stages (triangulation method) in 2011. In the first stage, we conducted a literature review to design a conceptual framework. The second stage was a comparative study on four countries. In this study, we focused on the role of NPs, which in turn helped to redefine this role in the health sector reform of Iran. In the third stage, two expert panels were involved and the suggested roles were confirmed. Results: In the United States, NPs are licensed by the state in which they practice and have a national board certification. In Canada, nurses involved in clinics should participate in specific training course of diagnosis and management of health care after registration. In Austria, nurses in Nursing homes and maternity do some of the medical procedures under the supervision of the physicians. In the United Kingdom, NPs increasingly substitute for GPs in the care of minor illness and routine management of chronic diseases. Conclusions: There is still debate in nursing and medical circles about what the focus of the NP roles should be. In Iran, whereas a noticeable reform toward “family physician” is ongoing, redefining the nurses’ role is essential. They can perform more active roles in associating with GPs in the clinics of family physicians, both in urban and rural areas, even with higher degrees of autonomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/ae/IJNMR-18-367.PMC3877458.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3118535", "abstract": "Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication during inpatient hospitalization, and clinical outcomes remain poor despite advancements in renal replacement therapy. AKI in the setting of multiple organ failure (MOF) remains a formidable challenge to clinicians and incurs an unacceptably high mortality rate. Kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) incites a proinflammatory cascade and releases cellular and soluble mediators with systemic implications for remote organ injury. Evidence from preclinical models cites mechanisms of organ crosstalk during ischemic AKI including the expression of cellular adhesion molecules, lymphocyte trafficking, release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and modification of the host innate and adaptive immune response systems. In this paper, the influence of kidney IRI on systemic inflammation and distant organ injury will be examined. Recent experimental data and evolving concepts of organ crosstalk during ischemic AKI will also be discussed in detail.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/8f/PMC3118535.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649509", "abstract": "Fitz–Hugh–Curtis syndrome is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver capsule with concomitant pelvic inflammation without involvement of liver parenchyma. It is classically seen in young women who present with sharp, pleuritic right upper quadrant pain, usually but not always accompanied by symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and is frequently confused with biliary tract disease. Rarely the syndrome has been reported in males, hematogenous and lymphatic spread to liver is thought to be the underlying mechanism. Serological tests and computed tomography (CT) scan may aid in diagnosis of Fitz–Hugh–Curtis syndrome. Definitive diagnosis is made by laparoscopy, which provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. We report a case of Fitz–Hugh–Curtis syndrome in a young male patient, which was diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy. We also include a review of the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/05/ec/PMC3649509.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2847166", "abstract": "We present SimShiftDB, a new program to extract conformational data from protein chemical shifts using structural alignments. The alignments are obtained in searches of a large database containing 13,000 structures and corresponding back-calculated chemical shifts. SimShiftDB makes use of chemical shift data to provide accurate results even in the case of low sequence similarity, and with even coverage of the conformational search space. We compare SimShiftDB to HHSearch, a state-of-the-art sequence-based search tool, and to TALOS, the current standard tool for the task. We show that for a significant fraction of the predicted similarities, SimShiftDB outperforms the other two methods. Particularly, the high coverage afforded by the larger database often allows predictions to be made for residues not involved in canonical secondary structure, where TALOS predictions are both less frequent and more error prone. Thus SimShiftDB can be seen as a complement to currently available methods.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/a1/PMC2847166.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3504390", "abstract": "To compare the fetal cerebellum and cisterna magna length measurements by means of two- (2DUS) and three-dimensional (3DUS) ultrasonography using the three-dimensional extended imaging (3D XI), a cross-sectional study with 69 healthy pregnant women between 18 and 24 weeks was performed. For the measurements by 2DUS, the axial planes were used and for the 3DUS a sequence of adjacent axial slices (multislice view). To evaluate the difference between the two techniques, we used the Wilcoxon test. To evaluate the correlation between the cerebellum and cisterna magna length measurements and the gestational age, we used the Spearman correlation coefficient (r). For the calculation of reproducibility, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean of the transverse and anterior-posterior diameter of cerebellum and cisterna magna by 3DUS was 9.23 and 6.62 mm, respectively. It was observed that the average of the measurements obtained by 3DUS was significantly higher, 0.76 and 1.02 mm for the length of the cerebellum and cisterna magna, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a high correlation between the length measurement of the cerebellum 3D (r = 0.940, P < 0.001), but low correlation of cisterna magna 3D (r = 0.462, P = 0.080) with the gestational age. There was good intra- and interobserver reproducibility for the cerebellum and cisterna magna 3D with ICC = 0.792 , 0.668, 0.691, and 0.287, respectively. The measurements of the fetal cerebellum and cisterna magna length by 3DUS using the software 3D XI were significantly higher than those obtained by 2DUS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/79/PMC3504390.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3816861", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE β-Cells have demonstrated altered proinsulin processing after islet transplantation. We compare β-cell metabolic responses and proinsulin processing in pancreas and islet transplant recipients with respect to healthy control subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 15 islet and 32 pancreas transplant recipients. Islet subjects were subdivided into insulin-requiring (IR-ISL, n = 6) and insulin-independent (II-ISL, n = 9) groups. Ten healthy subjects served as control subjects. Subjects were administered an intravenous arginine stimulation test, and insulin, C-peptide, total proinsulin, intact proinsulin, and proinsulin fragment levels were determined from serum samples. Acute insulin response (AIR) and proinsulin processing rates were calculated. RESULTS We found that basal insulin and C-peptide levels were higher in the pancreas group than in all other groups. II-ISL patients had basal insulin and C-peptide levels similar to healthy control subjects. The IR-ISL group had significantly lower AIRs than all other groups. Basal processing rates were higher in the pancreas and II-ISL groups than in healthy control subjects and the IR-ISL group. After arginine stimulation, all groups had elevated processing rates, with the exception of the IR-ISL group. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that II-ISL transplant recipients can maintain basal metabolic parameters similar to healthy control subjects at the cost of a higher rate of proinsulin processing. IR-ISL transplant recipients, on the other hand, demonstrate both lower insulin response and lower basal rates of proinsulin processing even after arginine stimulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/ad/3726.PMC3816861.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3809381", "abstract": "Previous research emphasizes the importance of reducing healthcare frustrations and enhancing physician supports to help patients engage in recommended healthcare regimens. However, less is known about how these factors are associated with aging women's knowledge about self-care behavior. This study examined the sociodemographics, health indicators, healthcare-related frustrations, and perceptions of physician support associated with middle-aged and older adult females' self-reported need for help to learn how to take better care of their health. Data were analyzed from 287 females with one or more chronic conditions who completed The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Chronic Care Survey. A logistic regression model was developed. Women who were non-White (OR = 2.26, P = 0.049) were more likely to need help learning how to better manage their health. Those who had some college education or more (OR = 0.55, P = 0.044) and lower healthcare-related frustrations (OR = 0.44, P = 0.017) and perceived to have more physician support (OR = 0.49, P = 0.033) were less likely to need help learning how to better manage their health. Findings can inform the planning, implementation, assessment, and dissemination of evidence-based self-management programs for middle-aged and older women within and outside of clinical settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/73/PMC3809381.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2837472", "abstract": "The purpose of this study was to determine the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of lipoma/fibrolipoma with rare occasions as osseous and/or chondroid differentiation in the oral cavity. Two cases of the tumors, who presented with a painless, relatively hard mass on the oral mucosa, were studied. These were consisted of a well-circumscribed mass of fatty tissue with chondroid and significant fibrous component intermixed with the lobules of fat cells with chondroid and woven bone component, respectively. Immunohistochemical study revealed that peripheral spindle cells around chondroid tissue stained diffusely for S-100 α     β and Sox-9, though peripheral spindle cells around osteoid tissue only stained for RUNX-2. According to review of the literature, lipoma/fibrolipoma with osseous and/or chondroid differentiation was 18 cases. Also fibrolipoma with osseous and chondroid differentiation is the first to be reported here. These results indicated that the cartilage/bone is produced by differentiation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of stroma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/b8/PMC2837472.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3114617", "abstract": "Leydig cell tumour is a benign testicular non-germ cell tumour, and malignant transformation is rare. We report a case of a 35-year-old man who came to our hospital with a painless left testicular mass measuring 1.2 × 1 cm. Histological evaluation of the tumour showed features of a malignant Leydig cell tumour but no infiltration beyond the capsule or metastasis. The small size of the tumour was remarkable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/a6/cro0004-0132.PMC3114617.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421156", "abstract": "Standard therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) includes dietary calcium supplementation, active vitamin D, and phosphate binders; however, these are often insufficient to allow patients to achieve their serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and calcium–phosphorus product (Ca × P) targets. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that treatment with type II calcimimetics that increase the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) to calcium can reverse the alterations in CaR and vitamin D receptor expression and parathyroid cell proliferation that are associated with SHPT. These data suggest that calcimimetic treatment could stabilize disease progression and improve maintenance of treatment goals. In clinical trials involving SHPT patients, the calcimimetic cinacalcet has been shown to decrease PTH, calcium, phosphorus and Ca × P. Significant improvements were seen regardless of initial disease severity, and benefits were maintained over the course of long-term therapy (up to 4 years), indicating effective disease stabilization. In conclusion, preclinical and clinical data provide both theoretical and empirical support for the use of calcimimetics in moderate and advanced SHPT to effectively stabilize disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/2b/sfm039.PMC4421156.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3205614", "abstract": "We aimed to find the prevalence and some factors relating with unwanted pregnancy. Methods. It was a cross-sectional study on 400 randomly pregnant women, who were referring to different health centers in Ahwaz city during 2010. Data was conducted based on questionnaire, and all the analysis was performed using SPSS (version 17) statistical analysis software. Results. The prevalence of unwanted pregnancy was 26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/a5/PMC3205614.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5058989", "abstract": "Abstract The effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure on bone mineral density without advanced liver disease remains debated. Thus, we assessed the relation between HCV exposure and the risk of osteoporosis. From 2000 to 2011, patients aged >20 years with HCV exposure were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. Of the 51,535 sampled patients, 41,228 and 10,307 patients were categorized as the comparison and the HCV exposure cohorts, respectively. The overall incidence of osteoporosis in the HCV exposure cohort was higher than in the comparison cohort (8.27 vs 6.19 per 1000 person-years; crude hazard ratio = 1.33, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/8d/medi-94-e2086.PMC5058989.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5314909", "abstract": "Trauma signature (TSIG) analysis is an evidence-based method that examines the interrelationship between population exposure to a disaster, extreme event, or complex emergency, and the inter-related physical and psychological consequences for the purpose of providing timely, actionable guidance for effective mental health and psychosocial support that is organically tailored and targeted to the defining features of the event.   A series of TSIG case studies has been published since 2011 and TSIG analyses of recent disasters are in process. Disaster Health intends to expedite and feature novel TSIG research focusing on late-breaking disaster events.  At the current stage of development, expert consensus is sought for refining the TSIG methodology using a Delphi process. The overarching goal is to create a fully operational system to provide timely guidance for adapting disaster behavioral health support to the salient psychological risk factors in each disaster.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/29/kdsh-01-01-10924011.PMC5314909.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4681915", "abstract": "To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) mitigates the spasticity of hemiplegic stroke patients, as assessed by electrophysiological variables, and the effects, if any, on the clinical appearance of spasticity. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven subjects who had acute hemiplegia and 24 healthy people as the control group, were enrolled in this study. Some of the acute cerebrovascular disease patients could walk. Subjects who did not have spasticity, who were taking antispasticity medicine, or had a previous episode of cerebrovascular disease were excluded. The walking speed of the patients was recorded before and after TENS. EMG examinations were performed on the healthy controls and in the affected side of the patients. A 30-minute single session of TENS was applied to lower extremity. At 10 minutes after TENS, the EMG examinations were repeated. [Results] A statistically significant decrease in the spasticity variables, and increased walking speed were found post-TENS. The lower M amplitude and higher H reflex amplitude, H/M maximum amplitude ratio, H slope, and H slope/M slope ratio on the spastic side were found to be statistically significant. [Conclusion] TENS application for hemiplegic patients with spastic lower extremities due to cerebrovascular disease resulted in marked improvement in clinical scales of spasticity and significant changes in the electrophysiological variables.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/eb/jpts-27-3407.PMC4681915.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3876890", "abstract": "Serine proteinases have been recognized as playing an important role in inflammation via proteinase activated receptors (PARs). However, little is known about the influence of serine proteinases and PARs on TNF secretion from highly purified T cells. We challenged T cells from human peripheral blood with serine proteinases and agonist peptides of PARs and measured the levels of TNF in culture supernatants by ELISA. The results showed that thrombin and trypsin, but not tryptase, stimulated approximately up to 2.5-fold increase in TNF release from T cells following 16 h incubation. Proteinase inhibitors and PAR-1 antagonist SCH 79797 almost completely abolished thrombin- and trypsin-induced TNF release from T cells. Agonist peptides of PAR-1, but not PAR-2 induced TNF release from T cells. Moreover, trypsin- and thrombin-induced upregulated expression of TNF was observed in CD4+, IL-4+, or CD25+ T cells, but not in IFN+ or IL-17+ T cells. The signaling pathways MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are involved in the thrombin- and trypsin-induced TNF release from T cells. In conclusion, thrombin and trypsin can induce TNF release from IL-4+ and CD25+ T cells through activation of PAR-1 and therefore contribute to regulation of immune response and inflammation of the body. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/46/PMC3876890.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4870547", "abstract": "Background Opiate abuse in males has significant effects on their sexual functions. In contrast, sexuality in females is a multidimensional issue that can strongly be affected by several factors in their partners. However, only a limited number of studies have assessed the role of males’ opioid dependency in their female partners’ sexual function. Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of males’ opioid dependency on their wives’ sexual function compared to the sexual function of the females whose husbands were not opioid dependent. Patients and Methods This study included 340 women who were selected through convenience sampling and divided into a control (females whose husbands were not opioid dependent) and a case group (women whose husbands were opioid dependent). The data were collected through an interview according to the DSM-IV-R criteria for female sexual dysfunctions by a senior female medical student who was one of the researchers. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v. 15) and analyzed using the t-test and chi-square test. Results According to the results, the frequency of hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual aversion disorder in the control group was significantly higher than that of the case group (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results showed that having an addicted husband could strongly affect some sexual domains in women. It could change the pattern of desire and motivation for sexual contact in females and alter their attitude toward the sexual relationship, thereby causing disturbances in the females’ normal sexual function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/17/ijhrba-05-01-25435.PMC4870547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015535", "abstract": "Background: Laparoscopic surgery has reduced the length of hospital stay for common operations like cholecystectomy, gastric fundoplication, and appendectomy. We have noticed a reduction in length of hospital stay for children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. We, therefore, looked at our data to assess whether laparoscopic appendectomy in children could be performed as fast-track or same-day surgery (≤24-hour postoperative stay). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the records of all children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected appendicitis during a 3-year period (7/97 to 7/00). Results: Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 79 children (44 boys and 35 girls), between 2 to 17 years of age (mean, 11 years). In 4 (5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/72/jsls-8-2-151.PMC3015535.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4268563", "abstract": "Abnormal changes in skin color induce significant cosmetic problems and affect quality of life. There are two groups of abnormal change in skin color; hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, darkening skin color by excessive pigmentation, is a major concern for Asian people with yellow–brown skin. A variety of hypopigmenting agents have been used, but treating the hyperpigmented condition is still challenging and the results are often discouraging. Panax ginseng has been used traditionally in eastern Asia to treat various diseases, due to its immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antioxidative, and antitumor activities. Recently, several reports have shown that extract, powder, or some constituents of ginseng could inhibit melanogenesis in vivo or in vitro. The underlying mechanisms of antimelanogenic properties in ginseng or its components include the direct inhibition of key enzymes of melanogenesis, inhibition of transcription factors or signaling pathways involved in melanogenesis, decreasing production of inducers of melanogenesis, and enhancing production of antimelanogenic factor. Although there still remain some controversial issues surrounding the antimelanogenic activity of ginseng, especially in its effect on production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, these recent findings suggest that ginseng and its constituents might be potential candidates for novel skin whitening agents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/cc/main.PMC4268563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3824354", "abstract": " Objectives. Retrospective study was designed to examine the importance of tissue kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression in predicting kidney function in sixty patients (27 males) aged 34.15 ± 12.23 years with different kidney diseases over three years after kidney biopsy. Materials and Methods. Tissue KIM-1 expression was determined immunohistochemically and KIM-1 staining was scored semiquantitatively, as well as tubulointerstitialis (TIN), inflammation, atrophy, and fibrosis. Kidney function (MDRD formula) and proteinuria/day were evaluated at the time of biopsy (GFR0) and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months later. Results. Significantly positive correlations between tissue KIM-1 expression and age (r = 0.313), TIN inflammation (r = 0.456), fibrosis (r = 0.317), and proteinuria at 6 months (r = 0.394) as well as negative correlations with GFR0 (r = −0.572), GFR6 (r = −0.442), GFR24 (r = −0.398), and GFR36 (r = −0.412) were found. Meanwhile, TIN inflammation was the best predictor of all measured kidney functions during three years, while tissue KIM-1 expression (P = 0.016) was a predictor only at 6 months after biopsy. Conclusion. Tissue KIM-1 expression significantly predicts kidney function solely at 6 months after biopsy, when the effects of immune and nonimmune treatments are the strongest.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/28/PMC3824354.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3043761", "abstract": "Atherosclerotic renovascular hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension due to renal artery stenosis. After the introduction of medical therapy such as with statins and angiotensin blocking agents, it has been considered a very slowly progressive disease. In the 1990s, surgical methods were compared to radiological intervention and showed no additional benefits. Recent clinical data also demonstrate that in cases of relatively stable atherosclerotic renovascular disease, medical therapy is as effective as other interventions with regard to patient outcomes. In this paper the recent clinical outcomes are reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/22/ebp-8-87.PMC3043761.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3277061", "abstract": "Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) are an attractive cell source for regenerative medicine. These cells can be expanded to vast numbers and can be differentiated to many desired pluripotent stem cells (PSC) derived therapeutic cells. Cell replacement bears promises, but also challenges. The introduction of exogenous cells in a recipient must address several different topics; its safety, the exclusion of tumor formation, the immunological response and possible rejection, the cells cleanliness and their biological quality, and quantity representing the functionality of the PSC derived therapeutic cells. Tumor formation requires the removal of any PSC remaining after differentiation. Immunological rejection can be addressed with immunomodulation of the cells and the recipient. Cleanliness can be optimized using good manufacturing practice quality systems. At last, the functionality of the cells must be tested in in vitro and in animal models. After addressing these challenges, precise strategies are developed to monitor the status of the cells at different times and in case of undesired results, corresponding counteracting strategies must exist before any clinical attempt.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/5c/fphys-03-00019.PMC3277061.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2629952", "abstract": "Purpose To report two cases of femtosecond laser-assisted small incision deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) for patients with corneal endothelial decompensation by Fuchs dystrophy and glaucoma Methods Femtosecond laser (IntraLase®; IntraLase Corp., Irvine, CA) with 15 kHz of repetition rate, was used for a 9.5 mm diameter by 400 µm thickness donor corneal lamellar dissection. Results In Case 1, the graft was clear and compact without interface haze, Orbscan showed smooth and regular corneal surface, specular microscopy was unremarkable without sign of corneal endothelial damage, and Optical coherence tomography showed uniform graft well attached to recipient stroma with minimal interface reflection at 2 months postoperation. In Case 2, the graft was clear and compact with minimal interface haze at 1 month postoperation. Femtosecond laser-assisted small incision DLEK was safe and technically feasible in our cases; however, further evaluation is required to determine long-term effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/4b/kjo-22-43.PMC2629952.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085288", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tBackground. Intermittent application of chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors may avoid antagonism between the two classes of drugs. This hypothesis was tested in a Phase II clinical trial. Patients and Methods. Eligible patients were nonsmokers or light smokers, chemo-naïve, with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. Treatment: 4 to 6 cycles of gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 4, cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 2, and erlotnib 150 mg daily on days 5–15, followed by erlotinib as maintenance. Results. 24 patients entered the trial. Four pts had grade 3 toxicity. Complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) were seen in 5 pts and 9 pts, respectively (response rate 58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/33/PMC3085288.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3703355", "abstract": "SENTIERI project (Epidemiological Study of Residents in Italian Contaminated Sites) studied mortality in the sites of national interest for environmental remediation (National Priority Contaminated Sites—NPCSs). SENTIERI described mortality of residents in NPCSSs, and it specifically focused on causes of death for which environmental exposure is suspected or ascertained to play an etiologic role. The epidemiological evidence of the causal association was classified a priori into one of these three categories: Sufficient (S), Limited (L), and Inadequate (I). Mortality in the period 1995−2002 was studied for 63 single or grouped causes at the municipal level by computing: crude rate, standardized rate, standardized mortality ratios (SMR), and SMR adjusted for an ad hoc deprivation index. Regional populations were used as references for SMR calculations and 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/1f/PMC3703355.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2771154", "abstract": "Predisposition to sporadic colorectal tumours is influenced by genes with minor phenotypic effects. A case-control study was set up on 295 patients treated for a large adenoma matched with polyp-free individuals on gender, age, and geographic origin in a 1 : 2 proportion. A second group of 302 patients treated for a small adenoma was also characterized to distinguish effects on adenoma occurrence and growth. We focussed the study on 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing 14 genes involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. Effect of SNPs was tested using unconditional logistic regression. Comparisons were made for haplotypes within a given gene and for biologically relevant genes combinations using the combination test. The APC p.Glu1317Gly variant appeared to influence the adenoma growth (P = .04, exact test) but not its occurrence. This result needs to be replicated and genome-wide association studies may be necessary to fully identify low-penetrance alleles involved in early stages of colorectal tumorigenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/61/PMC2771154.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2988937", "abstract": "Acute upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage represents a frequent morbidity which can be localized and treated endoscopically. When endoscopic treatment alone is failing, radiological or surgical treatment may be warranted. A case history will be presented regarding a rare cause of intestinal hemorrhage with an extraordinary course of illness.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/74/crg0003-0400.PMC2988937.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4262749", "abstract": " Background. In the absence of standard pediatric prescribing information, clinicians often use medicines in an off-label way. Many studies have been published across the globe reporting different rates of off-label use. There is currently no study based on Indian drug formulary. Methods. The prospective observational study included pediatric patients in ages between 0 and 12 years admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Off-label use was assessed using the National Formulary of India (NFI). Predictors of off-label use were determined by logistic regression. Results. Of the 1645 medications prescribed, 1152 (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5d/d8/PMC4262749.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3635227", "abstract": "Esophageal cancer is a devastating disease with rapidly increasing incidence in Western countries. Dysphagia is the most common complication, causing severe malnutrition and reduced quality of life. A 69-year-old male with persistent esophageal cancer after radiation therapy was subjected to palliative by-pass surgery using a laparoscopic approach. Due to the advanced stage at diagnosis, palliative treatment was a more realistic option. Dysphagia is a most distressing symptom of this disease, causing malnutrition and reducing quality of life. The goal of palliation is to improve swallowing. The most common methods applied are endoscopic stenting, radiation therapy (external or brachytherapy), chemotherapy, yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser rechanneling or endoscopic dilatation. Palliative surgery is rarely proposed due to morbidity and complications. This paper demonstrates an update in the technique proposed by Postlethwait in 1979 for palliation of esophageal cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/91/rjt017.PMC3635227.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4857868", "abstract": "There are several case reports on risperidone-related bleeding; however, to our knowledge, there is no report about gingival bleeding associated with risperidone in the literature. We presented a case who experienced gingival bleeding when risperidone dose was increased to 0.5 mg/day, and subsided after decreasing the dose to 0.25 mg/day, suggesting a dose-dependent side-effect. The bleeding side effect of risperidone might be caused by several mechanisms, including 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor antagonism. Although bleeding associated with risperidone is rarely reported, clinicians should be aware of this side effect.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/03/cpn-14-210.PMC4857868.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3844227", "abstract": " Objective. By specific knockout of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT1b) in skeletal muscles, we explored the effect of CPT1b deficiency on lipids and insulin sensitivity. Methods. Mice with specific knockout of CPT1b in skeletal muscles (CPT1b M−/−) were used for the experiment group, with littermate C57BL/6 as controls (CPT1b). General and metabolic profiles were measured and compared between groups. mRNA expression and CPT1 activity were measured in skeletal muscle tissues and compared between groups. Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO), triglycerides (TAGs), diglycerides (DAGs), and ceramides were examined in skeletal muscles in two groups. Phosphorylated AKT (pAkt) and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Insulin tolerance test, glucose tolerance test, and pyruvate oxidation were performed in both groups. Results. CPT1b M−/− model was successfully established, with impaired muscle CPT1 activity. Compared with CPT1b mice, CPT1b M−/− mice had similar food intake but lower body weight or fat mass and higher lipids but similar glucose or insulin levels. Their mitochondrial FAO of skeletal muscles was impaired. There were lipids accumulations (TAGs, DAGs, and ceramides) in skeletal muscle. However, pAkt and Glut4, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and pyruvate oxidation were preserved. Conclusion. Skeletal muscle-specific CPT1 deficiency elevates lipotoxic intermediates but preserves insulin sensitivity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/a2/PMC3844227.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4976566", "abstract": "Background: Mesh exposure after surgery continues to be a clinical challenge for urogynecological surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for polypropylene (PP) mesh exposure after transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery. Methods: This study included 195 patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP), who underwent TVM from January 2004 to December 2012 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital. Clinical data were evaluated including patient's demography, TVM type, concomitant procedures, operation time, blood loss, postoperative morbidity, and mesh exposure. Mesh exposure was identified through postoperative vaginal examination. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors for mesh exposure. Results: Two-hundred and nine transvaginal PP meshes were placed, including 194 in the anterior wall and 15 in the posterior wall. Concomitant tension-free vaginal tape was performed in 61 cases. The mean follow-up time was 35.1 ± 23.6 months. PP mesh exposure was identified in 32 cases (16.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/d7/CMJ-129-1795.PMC4976566.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4388973", "abstract": "Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute, mostly self-limiting infection. Patients usually recover without any sequelae. However, a few cases are life threatening, especially those caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). A 12-month-old boy was admitted to a primary hospital with high fever and vesicular lesions of the mouth, hands, and feet. After 3 days, he experienced 3 seizure episodes and was referred to our hospital. On admission, he was conscious and his chest radiograph was normal. However, 6 hours later, he suddenly lost consciousness and had developed a massive pulmonary hemorrhage that continued until his death. He experienced several more intermittent seizures, and diffuse infiltration of both lung fields was observed on chest radiography. Intravenous immunoglobulin, dexamethasone, cefotaxime, leukocyte-depleted red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, inotropics, vitamin K, and endotracheal epinephrine were administered. The patient died 9 hours after intubation, within 3 days from fever onset. EV71 subgenotype C4a was isolated retrospectively from serum and nasopharyngeal swab by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Here, we report a fatal case of EV71-associated HFMD with sudden-onset massive pulmonary hemorrhage and suspected encephalitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/8e/kjped-58-112.PMC4388973.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3136113", "abstract": "The present study was designed to investigate the effects of four different meals on fat and CHO metabolism during subsequent exercise in elderly males. Eight healthy males (age: 63.3 ± 5.2 years) reported to the physiology laboratory on four separate occasions, each of which was allocated for the performance of a 30-minute exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/95/PMC3136113.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3107716", "abstract": "A novel design of molecular buffer for molecule storage and delivery using a PANDA ring resonator is proposed. The optical vortices can be generated and controlled to form the trapping tools in the same way as the optical tweezers. In theory, the trapping force is formed by the combination between the gradient field and scattering photons, which is reviewed. By using the intense optical vortices generated within the PANDA ring resonator, the required molecules can be trapped and moved (transported) dynamically within the wavelength router or network, ie, a molecular buffer. This can be performed within the wavelength router before reaching the required destination. The advantage of the proposed system is that a transmitter and receiver can be formed within the same system, which is available for molecule storage and transportation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/80/PMC3107716.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3533157", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study is assessment of effects of different assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on prelinguistic behavior of infants conceived by these techniques. Methods In this descriptive, cross sectional study, prelinguistic behavior of 151 full term ART infants of Royan Institute have been assessed in Children's Health and Development Research Center of Tehran from August 2007 until August 2009. Questionnaires were completed by parents at 9 months old. The questionnaire was standard according to Early Language Milestone Scale-2 (ELM-2). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 and using chi-square test. Findings Twenty-two (14.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/ef/IJPD-22-535.PMC3533157.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317066", "abstract": "Evidence indicates that cysteine proteases play essential role in malaria parasites; therefore an obvious area of investigation is the inhibition of these enzymes to treat malaria. Studies with cysteine protease inhibitors and manipulating cysteine proteases genes have suggested a role for cysteine proteases in hemoglobin hydrolysis. The best characterized Plasmodium cysteine proteases are falcipains, which are papain family enzymes. Falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 are major hemoglobinases of P. falciparum. Structural and functional analysis of falcipains showed that they have unique domains including a refolding domain and a hemoglobin binding domain. Overall, the complexes of falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 with small and macromolecular inhibitors provide structural insight to facilitate the design or modification of effective drug treatment against malaria. Drug development targeting falcipains should be aided by a strong foundation of biochemical and structural studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/55/PMC3317066.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4393001", "abstract": "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex and hippocampus of AD patients. In addition, a marked decrease in synaptic contacts has been detected in these affected brain areas. Due to its prevalence in the aging population, this disease has been the focus of numerous studies. The data obtained from those studies suggest that the mechanisms leading to the formation of the hallmark lesions of AD might be linked. One of such mechanisms seems to be the dysregulation of calcium homeostasis that results in the abnormal activation of calpains. Calpains are a family of Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases that play a key role in multiple cell functions including cell development, differentiation and proliferation, axonal guidance, growth cone motility, and cell death, among others. In this paper, we briefly reviewed data on the structure of these proteases and their regulation under normal conditions. We also summarized data underscoring the participation of calpains in the neurodegenerative mechanisms associated with AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/4b/PMC4393001.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5005989", "abstract": "Background: HIV and AIDS continue to have a calamitous effect on individuals living on the continent of Africa. U.S. President George W. Bush implemented the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with the objective of committing approximately 15 billion from 2004 through 2008 to assist with the reduction of the HIV pandemic worldwide. The majority of the PEPFAR policy and funding focused on 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The policy question this research paper seeks to analyze is whether the PEPFAR funding (as a", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/b0/IJMA-3-150.PMC5005989.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3245727", "abstract": "Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus is a newly discovered bunyavirus with high pathogenicity to human. The transmission model has been largely uncharacterized. Investigation on a cluster of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases provided evidence of person-to-person transmission through blood contact to the index patient with high serum virus load.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/8c/cir776.PMC3245727.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4903118", "abstract": "The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1), also known as GPR30, is a novel estrogen receptor mediating estrogen receptor signaling in multiple cell types. The progress of estrogen-related cancer is promoted by GPER-1 activation through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathways. However, this promoting effect of GPER-1 is nonclassic estrogen receptor (ER) dependent manner. In addition, clinical evidences revealed that GPER-1 is associated with estrogen resistance in estrogen-related cancer patients. These give a hint that GPER-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for the estrogen-related cancers. However, preclinical studies also found that GPER-1 activation of its special agonist G-1 inhibits cancer cell proliferation. This review aims to summarize the characteristics and complex functions of GPER-1 in cancers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/30/03/PMC4903118.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3869051", "abstract": "Large-scale chromosome structure and spatial nuclear arrangement have been linked to control of gene expression and DNA replication and repair. Genomic techniques based on chromosome conformation capture assess contacts for millions of loci simultaneously, but do so by averaging chromosome conformations from millions of nuclei. Here we introduce single cell Hi-C, combined with genome-wide statistical analysis and structural modeling of single copy X chromosomes, to show that individual chromosomes maintain domain organisation at the megabase scale, but show variable cell-to-cell chromosome territory structures at larger scales. Despite this structural stochasticity, localisation of active gene domains to boundaries of territories is a hallmark of chromosomal conformation. Single cell Hi-C data bridge current gaps between genomics and microscopy studies of chromosomes, demonstrating how modular organisation underlies dynamic chromosome structure, and how this structure is probabilistically linked with genome activity patterns.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/59/PMC3869051.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3725715", "abstract": "Despite the fact that CNB has been progressively replaced by FNAC in the investigation of nonpalpable lesions or microcalcifications without a clinical or radiological mass lesion, FNAC has yet a role in palpable lesions provided it is associated with the triple diagnosis and experienced cytologist. In these conditions, FNAC is a safe, effective, economical, and accurate technique for breast cancer evaluation. Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of both methods CNB and FNAC. The difference does not seem significant when noninformative and unsatisfactory FNAC was excluded. Recently, cytological methods using liquid-based cytology (LBC) technology improve immunocytological and molecular tests with the same efficiency as classical immunohistochemistry.  The indications of FNAC were, for palpable lesions, relative contraindication of CNB (elderly or frailty), staging of multiple nodules in conjunction or not with CNB, staging of lymph node status, newly appearing lesion in patient under neoadjuvant treatment, decreasing of anxiety with a rapid diagnosis, evaluation of biomarkers and new biomarkers, and chronological evaluation of biomarker following the neoadjuvant therapy response.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/d0/PMC3725715.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3976786", "abstract": " This study investigated potential risk factors associated with malaria transmission in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict, a malaria endemic area in northern Botswana. Data was derived from a census questionnaire survey, participatory rural appraisal workshop, field observations, and mosquito surveys. History of malaria episodes was associated with several factors: household income (P < 0.05), late outdoor activities (OR = 7.016; CI = 1.786–27.559), time spent outdoors (P = 0.051), travel outside study area (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.004–7.260), nonpossession of insecticide treated nets (OR = 0.892; CI = 0.797–0.998), hut/house structure (OR = 11.781; CI = 3.868–35.885), and homestead location from water bodies (P < 0.05). No associations were established between history of malaria episodes and the following factors: being a farmer (P > 0.05) and number of nets possessed (P > 0.05). Eave size was not associated with mosquito bites (P > 0.05), frequency of mosquito bites (P > 0.05), and time of mosquito bites (P > 0.05). Possession of nets was very high (94.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/76/56/PMC3976786.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3401615", "abstract": "Incidental pancreatic cysts are being increasingly recognized recently with incremented concern about health and frequent health check-up. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as the principal modality for imaging pancreas for various pancreatic diseases including pancreatic cyst. But imaging alone cannot accurately identify the exact nature of the pancreatic cyst. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration is a useful adjunctive procedure to differentiate pancreatic cystic lesions. Cystic fluid analysis with cytologic evaluation is important to diagnose etiology of pancreatic cystic lesions, helping the clinician to more accurately assess the presence or potential for malignancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/41/ce-45-128.PMC3401615.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3640789", "abstract": "Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease mostly transmitted to humans through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products and can lead to a systemic disease with any organ involvement. In this report, we describe a case of brucellosis-induced avascular necrosis of the hip. Brucellosis was diagnosed through serological tests, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head was confirmed by pelvic MRI. The patient was treated with a combination of antimicrobial treatments and referred to the orthopedic service for total hip arthroplasty. Brucellosis may present with unusual manifestations and should be always taken into consideration, particularly in endemic areas.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/84/ijph-41-86.PMC3640789.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088311", "abstract": " Background. Endothelial function is viewed as a barometer of cardiovascular health and plays a central role in vascular reactivity. Several studies showed digital thermal monitoring (DTM) as a simple noninvasive method to measure vascular reactivity that is correlated with atherosclerosis risk factors and coronary artery disease. Objectives. To further evaluate the relations between patient characteristics and DTM indices in a large patient registry. Methods. DTM measures were correlated with age, sex, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 6084 patients from 18 clinics. Results. DTM vascular reactivity index (VRI) was normally distributed and inversely correlated with age (r = −0.21, p < 0.0001). Thirteen percent of VRI tests were categorized as poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 70 percent as intermediate (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and 17 percent as good (VRI ≥ 2.0). Poor VRI (<1.0) was noted in 6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/d3/PMC5088311.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4411904", "abstract": "Abstract Background Network scale-up is an indirect method for estimating the size of hidden, hard-to-count or high risk populations. Social network size estimation is the first step in this method. The present study was conducted with the purpose of estimating the social network size of the Tehran Province residents and its determinants. Methods Maximum Likelihood Estimation was applied to estimate people’s network sizes by using populations of known sizes and the scale-up method. Respondents were selected from Tehran province through convenience sampling in 2012. Out of thirteen selected subpopulations with known size, ten had minimum accuracy which used in our analysis. Results Of the 1029 respondents in this study, 46.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/c9/PMC4411904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4310945", "abstract": "Using the Korean public health insurance database, we analyzed patients diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from 2004 to 2008. Age and year-specific amount and seasonal variation of hospital visits (HV), duration of treatment (DT), the total and per capita amount of insurance payment (TAIP, PCIP) were evaluated. A total of 12,088,995 HV were studied. Total HV increased 1.7 times and DT almost doubled in 2008 compared to those in 2004. HV, DT, and TAIP showed linearly increasing patterns year by year. In a time series analysis, HV increased in winter and demonstrated seasonality in a 12-month cycle. In a Poisson regression analysis, the annual variations of HV, DT, TAIP, and PCIP were different by age groups. In patients older than 40 yr, HV significantly increased 1.10-1.16 times compared to that of the previous year. DT markedly increased in their 60s and 80s patients. The rate of increase in PCIP was steeper in patients 50 yr and older than in the others.Health care utilization due to BPH was rapidly increasing in Korea and it was remarkable in the elderly population. Seasonal variation of HV demonstrated that health care utilization increased in winter. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/3a/jkms-30-180.PMC4310945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5233774", "abstract": "Retroperitoneal hemangiomas are very rare. This paper presents the case of a 71-year-old female patient with giant cavernous hemangioma of the retroperitoneum who underwent surgical treatment for abdominal pain and left lower limb edema. Interventional staged treatment with percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization prior to surgery was considered. Radical resection of the tumor was performed, which caused the symptoms to abate. Additionally a literature review of cases involving cavernous hemangioma in the retroperitoneal space is presented. No description of retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma originating from the bowel was found in the analyzed reports.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/34/KITP-13-29014.PMC5233774.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4375300", "abstract": "Background  The aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of the oral glucose tolerance screening test (50-g GCT—glucose challenge test) for the detection of glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with normal fasting glucose levels.  Methods  The 50-g GCT was performed in 20 prevalent patients without history of diabetes before PD treatment onset, who had been on dialysis for a median time of 15.34 months. In addition, other indicators of glucose metabolism were measured: C-peptide, fasting insulin serum concentration, and the glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c). The patients were prospectively followed for a median time of 25.8 months.  Results 50-g GCT revealed GMD in 15 studied patients (75 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/1f/PMC4375300.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3320745", "abstract": "Formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue repositories represent a valuable resource for the retrospective study of disease progression and response to therapy. However, the proteomic analysis of FFPE tissues has been hampered by formaldehyde-induced protein modifications, which reduce protein extraction efficiency and may lead to protein misidentification. Here, we demonstrate the use of heat augmented with high hydrostatic pressure (40,000 psi) as a novel method for the recovery of intact proteins from FFPE mouse liver. When FFPE mouse liver was extracted using heat and elevated pressure, there was a 4-fold increase in protein extraction efficiency, a 3-fold increase in the extraction of intact proteins, and up to a 30-fold increase in the number of nonredundant proteins identified by mass spectrometry, compared to matched tissue extracted with heat alone. More importantly, the number of nonredundant proteins identified in the FFPE tissue was nearly identical to that of matched fresh-frozen tissue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/95/PMC3320745.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4736196", "abstract": " Background. The current study was designed to reveal possible associations between the polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene (rs2010963) and its receptor, kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) gene polymorphism (rs2071559), and markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and Methods. 595 T2DM subjects and 200 control subjects were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque characteristics (presence and structure) were assessed ultrasonographically. Biochemical analyses were performed using standard biochemical methods. Genotyping of VEGF/KDR polymorphisms (rs2010963, rs2071559) was performed using KASPar assays. Results. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the VEGF/KDR polymorphisms (rs2010963, rs2071559) were not statistically significantly different between diabetic patients and controls. In our study, we demonstrated an association between the rs2071559 of KDR and either CIMT or the sum of plaque thickness in subjects with T2DM. We did not, however, demonstrate any association between the tested polymorphism of VEGF (rs2010963) and either CIMT, the sum of plaque thickness, the number of involved segments, hsCRP, the presence of carotid plaques, or the presence of unstable carotid plaques. Conclusions. In the present study, we demonstrated minor effect of the rs2071559 of KDR on markers of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with T2DM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/a8/PMC4736196.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2661578", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The amount of visceral adipose tissue is a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome. It is unclear how BMI changes during childhood and adolescence predict adult fat distribution. We hypothesized that there are critical periods during development for the prediction of adult subcutaneous and visceral fat mass by BMI changes during childhood and adolescence. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Detailed growth charts were retrieved for the men participating in the population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) Study (n = 612). Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and adipose tissue areas using abdominal computed tomography at 18 to 20 years of age. RESULTS The main finding in the present study was that subjects with increases in BMI Z score of more than 1 SD during adolescence had, independent of prepubertal BMI, both larger subcutaneous (+138", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/e3/zdb867.PMC2661578.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3813259", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and wogonin after oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts were administered and the pharmacokinetics profiles were compared between normal and ulcerative colitis rats. The plasma concentrations of the four flavonoids were determined by using a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method. All the rats were divided randomly into two groups (ulcerative colitis and normal groups). Each group contained three subgroups: pure baicalin, Radix scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts subgroup. Each group received oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix Scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts at the same dose of 200 mg/kg baicalin. The results showed that wogonoside, possibily as a methylated product of baicalin, was found in plasma after oral administration of pure baicalin or formulas to rats. Baicalin and wogonoside demonstrated bimodal phenomenon. Baicalin and wogonoside in Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extract had shown better absorption than which in pure baicalin and Radix Scutellariae extract. Whether oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix Scutellariae or Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts, ulcerative colitis rats showed better absorption than normal rats. For example AUC(0–t) of baicalin were: (41.46 ± 0.62), (59.12 ± 6.42) and (104.87 ± 0.86) (μg/mL)·h in UC groups vs (17.77 ± 0.66), (28.04 ± 4.06) and (49.01 ± 4.61) (μg/mL)·h in normal groups, respectively. The pharmacokinetics properties of the four flavonoids differed between ulcerative colitis and normal rats, including AUC(0–t) and Cmax (p < 0.05). ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/70/PMC3813259.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5404165", "abstract": "Introduction: Carpal instability is broad category consisting of various patterns of injury, with dissociative type more common. Case Report: A 13 -year -old boy presented at 6 months following a fall with restriction of wrist movements. Patient had sustained a closed distal one -third both bones fracture forearm fixed with K -wire, and volar lunate instability was found during sequential follow -up. Conclusion: Posttraumatic carpal instability should be identified at the earliest to avoid poor hand function and morbidity associated with it.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/e4/JOCR-6-59.PMC5404165.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3432873", "abstract": " Urinary podocyte (podocyturia) has been studied as a diagnostic marker for preeclampsia. We sought to validate its use in preeclampsia and in differentiating it from other high risk pregnancy states. We studied an obstetric population at high risk to develop preeclampsia (study group) and uncomplicated pregnancies (control group) by analyzing their urine sediment for podocytes within 24 hours of delivery. Podocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry using the podocyte-specific protein synaptopodin. Of the 56 patients who were enrolled, 29 patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia, 9 patients had hypertensive conditions such as chronic and gestational hypertension, 6 patients had Type I/II and gestational diabetes mellitus, 3 patients were classified as others, and 9 patients exhibited uncomplicated pregnancies. Podocyturia was identified in 11 out of 29 (38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/c0/PMC3432873.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3405411", "abstract": "The purpose of this review is to discuss how a salutogenetic approach that takes into consideration the human being as physical, psychological and spiritual entity may provide some answers to the difficulties faced by healthcare systems. The choice of medical intervention needs to take into account the technological advances of biomedicine but tailor them to the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the patient in the context of their biography. Such person-centred medicine aims to strengthen Antonovsky’s concepts of resilience and sense of coherence with each therapeutic intervention so that overcoming illness becomes the foundation for better future health. Appropriate evaluation parameters need to be developed and included in order to evaluate the success of interventions in a person-centred, salutogenetic system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/7c/PMC3405411.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3932252", "abstract": "Autophagy represents a homeostatic cellular mechanism for the turnover of organelles and proteins, through a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway. During starvation, autophagy facilitates cell survival through the recycling of metabolic precursors. Additionally, autophagy can modulate other vital processes such as programmed cell death (e.g., apoptosis), inflammation, and adaptive immune mechanisms and thereby influence disease pathogenesis. Selective pathways can target distinct cargoes (e.g., mitochondria and proteins) for autophagic degradation. At present, the causal relationship between autophagy and various forms of regulated or nonregulated cell death remains unclear. Autophagy can occur in association with necrosis-like cell death triggered by caspase inhibition. Autophagy and apoptosis have been shown to be coincident or antagonistic, depending on experimental context, and share cross-talk between signal transduction elements. Autophagy may modulate the outcome of other regulated forms of cell death such as necroptosis. Recent advances suggest that autophagy can dampen inflammatory responses, including inflammasome-dependent caspase-1 activation and maturation of proinflammatory cytokines. Autophagy may also act as regulator of caspase-1 dependent cell death (pyroptosis). Strategies aimed at modulating autophagy may lead to therapeutic interventions for diseases in which apoptosis or other forms of regulated cell death may play a cardinal role.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/65/PMC3932252.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4194386", "abstract": "Hypotension is an extremely rare manifestation of Hodgkin lymphoma. We report the case of a patient who presented with new onset hypotension and was diagnosed with urosepsis and septic shock requiring pressor support for maintaining his blood pressure. computed tomography (CT) scan of abdomen showed liver lesions, which were new on comparison with a CT abdomen done 3 weeks back. Biopsy of the liver lesions and subsequently a bone marrow biopsy showed large atypical Reed-Sternberg cells, positive for CD15 and CD 30 and negative for CD45, CD3 and CD20 on immuno-histochemical staining, hence establishing the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. The mechanism involved in Hodgkin lymphoma causing hypotension remains anecdotal, but since it is mostly seen in patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, it is hypothetically related to a complex interaction between cytokines and mediators of vasodilatation. Here we review relevant literature pertaining to presentation and pathogenesis of this elusive and rare association.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/7b/hr-2014-03-5572.PMC4194386.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4439505", "abstract": "Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that affects supporting structures of the teeth. Although the gingival response is largely described, little is known about the immune changes in the alveolar bone and neighboring tissues that could indicate periodontal disease (PD) activity. Then, in this study we identified the ongoing inflammatory changes and novel biomarkers for periodontitis in the tissues directly affected by the destructive disease in PD patients. Samples were collected by osteotomy in 17 control subjects during extraction of third molars and 18 patients with advanced PD, in which alveoloplasty was necessary after extraction of teeth with previous extensive periodontal damage. Patients presented mononuclear cells infiltration in the connective tissue next to the bone and higher fibrosis area, along with increased accumulation of IL-17+ and TRAP+ cells. The levels of TNF-α and MMP-2 mRNA were also elevated compared to controls and a positive and significant correlation was observed between TNF-α and MMP-2 mRNA expression, considering all samples evaluated. In conclusion, nongingival tissues neighboring large periodontal pockets present inflammatory markers that could predict ongoing bone resorption and disease spreading. Therefore, we suggested that the detailed evaluation of these regions could be of great importance to the assessment of disease progression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/60/PMC4439505.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5083941", "abstract": "Apart from sleep wake disorders, nowadays, modafinil is being prescribed for several psychiatric disorders including depression. Despite being reported as to be having very low abuse potential, cases of modafinil dependence had come to the limelight. In this case report, we describe a 35 year old man with bipolar affective disorder while in remission who developed modafinil dependence and later on, had hypersexuality when he increased the dose of modafinil from 400 to 1,000 mg/day. Existing literature suggests that modafinil when taken above prescribed doses can cause many side effects ranging from nausea, vomiting to psychotic exacerbation and mania. However, hypersexuality as a side effect of modafinil overuse is not commonly seen. The exact pathophysiological mechanism of modafinil induced hypersexuality is not clear. Clinicians should be aware of possibility of modafinil leading to dependence and this rare significant side effect of modafinil.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/84/cpn-14-402.PMC5083941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3446081", "abstract": "Objective Constipation is a common problem in children. There is some clinical evidence for the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of constipated children. This is the first study on the therapeutic effect of synbiotics (combination of probiotics and prebiotic) in treatment of childhood constipation. Methods In a double-blind randomized placebo controlled study 102 children aged 4–12 years with functional constipation were assessed according to Rome III criteria for 4 weeks. They were divided into 3 groups: Group A, received 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus placebo, group B, 1 sachet synbiotic per day plus placebo and group C, 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus 1 sachet synbiotic per day. Frequency of bowel movements (BMs), stool consistency, number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain, painful defecation per week, success of treatment and side effects were determined in each group before and after treatment. Findings The frequency of BMs per week increased in all groups (P<0.001), but it differed between groups and was higher in group C (P=0.03). Stool consistency increased and number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain and painful defecation per week decreased in all groups similarly and there was statistically no difference between them. No side effects were reported in group B; the main side effect in group A and C was seepage of oil (P<0.001). Treatment success was similar in all groups without any significant difference between them (P=0.6). Conclusion This study showed that synbiotics have positive effects on symptoms of childhood constipation without any side effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/ec/IJPD-20-387.PMC3446081.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4912650", "abstract": "Background: Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have received much attention because of their enormous potentials in many fields such as magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). The goal of hyperthermia is to increase the temperature of malignant cells to destroy them without any lethal effect on normal tissues. To investigate the effectiveness of cancer therapy by magnetic fluid hyperthermia, Fe0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles (FNPs) were used to undergo external magnetic field (f=515 kHz, H=100 G) in mice bearing implanted tumor. Methods: FNPs were synthesized via precipitation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer, and Fourier transform infrared. For in vivo study, the mice bearing implanted tumor were divided into four groups (two mice per group), namely, control group, AMF group, MNPs group, and MNPs   AMF group. After 24 hours, the mice were sacrificed and each tumor specimen was prepared for histological analyses. The necrotic surface area was estimated by using graticule (Olympus, Japan) on tumor slides. Results: The mean diameter of FNPs was estimated around 9 nm by TEM image and M versus H curve indicates that this particle is among superparamagnetic materials. According to histological analyses, no significant difference in necrosis extent was observed among the four groups. Conclusion: FNPs are biocompatible and have a good size for biomedical applications. However, for MFH approach, larger diameters especially in the range of ferromagnetic particles due to hysteresis loss can induce efficient heat in the target region.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/44/IJMS-41-314.PMC4912650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3271839", "abstract": "We describe a 78-year-old Japanese patient with angiosarcoma on the scalp. Interestingly, immunohistochemical staining revealed this tumor as positive for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). After conventional therapy for angiosarcoma with surgical treatment and radiation therapy, we intravenously administered docetaxel at 40 mg/m2 body surface area together with oral administration of 17.5 mg sodium risedronate hydrate. One and a half years after the standard treatment, there was no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/f7/CDE-0004-0005.PMC3271839.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4647058", "abstract": "Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which genetics play a major role. Although many genome-wide association studies have been performed in psoriasis, knowledge of the age at onset remains limited. Therefore, we analyzed 173 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis type I (early-onset, <40 years) or type II (late-onset, ≥40 years) and healthy controls. Moreover, we performed a comparison between patients with type I psoriasis and patients with type II psoriasis. Our comparison of a stratified population with type I psoriasis (n = 155) and healthy controls (N = 197) is the first to reveal a relationship between the CLMN, FBXL19, CCL4L, C17orf51, TYK2, IL13, SLC22A4, CDKAL1, and HLA-B/MICA genes. When we compared type I psoriasis with type II psoriasis (N = 36), we found a significant association between age at onset and the genes PSORS6, TNF-α, FCGR2A, TNFR1, CD226, HLA-C, TNFAIP3, and CCHCR1. Moreover, we replicated the association between rs12191877 (HLA-C) and type I psoriasis and between type I and type II psoriasis. Our findings highlight the role of genetics in age of onset of psoriasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/dd/PMC4647058.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4807908", "abstract": "Objective: To assess the presence of DEPDC5 mutations in a cohort of patients with epileptic spasms. Methods: We performed DEPDC5 resequencing in 130 patients with spasms, segregation analysis of variants of interest, and detailed clinical assessment of patients with possibly and likely pathogenic variants. Results: We identified 3 patients with variants in DEPDC5 in the cohort of 130 patients with spasms. We also describe 3 additional patients with DEPDC5 alterations and epileptic spasms: 2 from a previously described family and a third ascertained by clinical testing. Overall, we describe 6 patients from 5 families with spasms and DEPDC5 variants; 2 arose de novo and 3 were familial. Two individuals had focal cortical dysplasia. Clinical outcome was highly variable. Conclusions: While recent molecular findings in epileptic spasms emphasize the contribution of de novo mutations, we highlight the relevance of inherited mutations in the setting of a family history of focal epilepsies. We also illustrate the utility of clinical diagnostic testing and detailed phenotypic evaluation in characterizing the constellation of phenotypes associated with DEPDC5 alterations. We expand this phenotypic spectrum to include epileptic spasms, aligning DEPDC5 epilepsies more with the recognized features of other mTORopathies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/f7/NG2015000240.PMC4807908.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5139928", "abstract": "Objectives: Bone quality and quantity assessment is one of the most important steps in implant treatment planning. Different methods such as computed tomography (CT) and recently suggested cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with lower radiation dose and less time and cost are used for bone density assessment. This in vitro study aimed to compare the tissue density values in Hounsfield units (HUs) in CBCT and CT scans of different tissue phantoms with two different thicknesses, two different image acquisition settings and in three locations in the phantoms. Materials and Methods: Four different tissue phantoms namely hard tissue, soft tissue, air and water were scanned by three different CBCT and a CT system in two thicknesses (full and half) and two image acquisition settings (high and low kVp and mA). The images were analyzed at three sites (middle, periphery and intermediate) using eFilm software. The difference in density values was analyzed by ANOVA and correction coefficient test (P<0.05). Results: There was a significant difference between density values in CBCT and CT scans in most situations, and CBCT values were not similar to CT values in any of the phantoms in different thicknesses and acquisition parameters or the three different sites. The correction coefficients confirmed the results. Conclusions: CBCT is not reliable for tissue density assessment. The results were not affected by changes in thickness, acquisition parameters or locations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/6d/PMC5139928.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5081467", "abstract": "The brain consists of heterogeneous populations of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. The revelation of their connections and interactions is fundamental to understanding normal brain functions as well as abnormal changes in pathological conditions. Optogenetics and chemogenetics have been developed to allow functional manipulations both in vitro and in vivo to examine causal relationships between cellular changes and functional outcomes. These techniques are based on genetically encoded effector molecules that respond exclusively to exogenous stimuli, such as a certain wavelength of light or a synthetic ligand. Activation of effector molecules provokes diverse intracellular changes, such as an influx or efflux of ions, depolarization or hyperpolarization of membranes, and activation of intracellular signaling cascades. Optogenetics and chemogenetics have been applied mainly to the study of neuronal circuits, but their use in studying non-neuronal cells has been gradually increasing. Here we introduce recent studies that have employed optogenetics and chemogenetics to reveal the function of astrocytes and gliotransmitters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/8c/en-25-205.PMC5081467.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4508536", "abstract": "Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) meningitis is a rare disease when not related to neurosurgery: there are only few reported cases in the literature to date. We describe a case that highlights not only meningeal but also diffuse and rapidly progressive systemic involvement with multi-organ failure. A 64-year-old male presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of acute worsening of his usual chronic lower back pain, progressive weakness in lower extremities and subjective fevers at home. Hospital course demonstrated MSSA bacteremia, of questionable source, that resulted in endocarditis affecting right and left heart in a patient with no history of intravenous drug use. The case was complicated by septic emboli to systemic circulation involving the kidneys, vertebral spine, lungs and brain with consequent meningitis and stroke, even when treated empirically with vancomycin and then switched to nafcillin as indicated. Even though MSSA infections are well known, there are very few case reports describing such an acute-simultaneous-manifestation of multi-end-organ failure, including meningitis and stroke. Our case, also presented with an uncommon manifestation of persistent infection dissemination despite adequate antibiotic treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/cc/idr-2015-2-5849.PMC4508536.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3590747", "abstract": " Purpose. Using the classical Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) solution to create active hemostasis during partial nephrectomy (PN) may not be so effective due to insufficient contact surface between the ABS hemostatic liquid agent and the bleeding area. In order to broaden the contact surface, we generated a chimeric hemostatic agent, ABS nanohemostat, via combining a self-assembling peptide amphiphile molecule with the traditional Ankaferd hemostat. Materials and Methods. In order to generate ABS nanohemostat, a positively charged Peptide Amphiphile (PA) molecule was synthesized by using solid phase peptide synthesis. For animal experiments, 24 Wistar rats were divided into the following 4 groups: Group 1: control; Group 2: conventional PN with only 0.5 ml Ankaferd hemostat; Group 3: conventional PN with ABS + peptide gel; Group 4: conventional PN with only 0.5 ml peptide solution. Results. Mean warm ischemia times (WITs) were 232.8  ±  56.3, 65.6 ± 11.4, 75.5 ± 17.2, and 58.1 ± 17.6 seconds in Group 1 to Group 4, respectively. Fibrosis was not different among the groups, while inflammation was detected to be significantly different in G3 and G4. Conclusions. ABS nanohemostat has comparable hemostatic efficacy to the traditional Ankaferd hemostat in the partial nephrectomy experimental model. Elucidation of the cellular and tissue effects of this chimeric compound may establish a catalytic spark and open new avenues for novel experimental and clinical studies in the battlefield of hemostasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/0e/PMC3590747.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4242935", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of core stability exercise (CSE) on the physical and psychological functions of elderly women while negotiating general obstacles. [Subjects and Methods] After allocating 10 elderly women each to the core stability training group and the control group, we carried out Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and measured crossing velocity (CV), maximum vertical heel clearance (MVHC), and knee flexion angle for assessing physical performances. We evaluated depression and fear of falling for assessing psychological functions. [Results] Relative to the control group, the core stability training group showed statistically significant overall changes after the training session: an increase in POMA scores, faster CV, lower MVHC, and a decrease in knee flexion angle. Furthermore, depression and fear of falling decreased significantly. [Conclusion] CSE can have a positive effect on the improvement of physical and psychological performances of older women who are vulnerable to falls as they negotiate everyday obstacles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/dc/jpts-26-1697.PMC4242935.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4143597", "abstract": "The following manuscript presents two cases of ischemic stroke secondary to traumatic internal carotid artery thrombosis with concomitant middle cerebral artery thrombosis occurring very rarely in the medico-legal practice. Penetrating neck trauma due to an occupational accident and multiple head and neck trauma secondary to battery were described. The autopsy and histopathological examination as well as the analysis of available medical records, including radiological examinations, and records of investigation indicated the sustained trauma to be the cause of the thrombosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/14/PMC4143597.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3531944", "abstract": "Adult-onset erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare disease characterized by episodic bouts of burning pain and erythema for which the optimal therapy is unclear. In this report, we describe a 68-year-old Japanese woman with adult-onset EM. Intravenous administration of methylprednisolone sodium succinate 1,000 mg/day dramatically improved her pain as evaluated by the visual analog scale. Although the patient's pain gradually developed again, it could be controlled with pregabalin. Our present case might suggest a possible, optimal therapy for adult-onset EM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/b3/cde-0004-0242.PMC3531944.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5045955", "abstract": " Introduction: Recent studies suggest that liaison nurse intervention might be effective to solve the gap between intensive care unit and wards, but little studies are known about the effect of this intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of liaison nurse service on patient outcomes after discharging from intensive care unit.  Methods: In this single blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 80 patients were selected by convenience sampling method from two teaching hospitals located in Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental or the control groups. Patients in the experimental group received post-ICU care from a liaison nurse and patients in the control group received the routine care. After the intervention, patients’ vital signs, level of consciousness, length of hospital stay, need for re-hospitalization in ICU, and satisfaction with care were measure. Data were analyzed by SPSS Ver.13 software.  Results: None of the participants experienced ICU re-hospitalization. According to the result and there were no significant differences between the study groups regarding heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, post-ICU level of consciousness, satisfaction with care, and length of hospitalization in medical-surgical wards. However, the study groups differed significantly in terms of body temperature.  Conclusion: Care services provided by an ICU liaison nurse has limited effects on patient outcomes. However, considering the contradictions among the studies, further studies are needed for providing clear evidence about the effectiveness of the liaison nurse strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/f6/jcs-5-215.PMC5045955.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3499899", "abstract": "Virtual prevention of HIV transmission from parents to children is possible. This is cause for hope and renewed energy for prevention in general. The Global Plan is the most concerted and ambitious plan to date to protect children and to promote their care. But the inspiring and much appreciated global targets cannot be achieved, nor will they be realized in spirit in addition to form, without joint action between health services, affected women, their partners, families and communities and the wider society. In turn, this engagement is only possible under enabling political, legal, material and social conditions. Much has already been achieved, and community engagement can everywhere be seen in efforts to increase demand, to supply services and to create and improve enabling environments. Some of these initiatives are highly organized and expansive, with demonstrated success. Others are local but essential adjuncts to health services. The nature of this engagement varies because the challenges are different across countries and parts of countries. To be sustained and effective, community action must simultaneously be inclusive and supportive for those people who are affected, it must be appreciated and assigned a place within the broad systemic response, and it must promote and defend social justice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/01/JIAS-15-17988.PMC3499899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054260", "abstract": "Regulation of gene expression in the brain plays an important role in behavioral plasticity and decision making in response to external stimuli. However, both can be severely affected by environmental factors, such as parasites and pathogens. In honey bees, the emergence and re-emergence of pathogens and potential for pathogen co-infection and interaction have been suggested as major components that significantly impaired social behavior and survival. To understand how the honey bee is affected and responds to interacting pathogens, we co-infected workers with two prevalent pathogens of different nature, the positive single strand RNA virus Black queen cell virus (BQCV), and the Microsporidia Nosema ceranae, and explored gene expression changes in brains upon single infections and co-infections. Our data provide an important resource for research on honey bee diseases, and more generally on insect host-pathogen and pathogen-pathogen interactions. Raw and processed data are publicly available in the NCBI/GEO database: (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) under accession number GSE81664.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/3b/main.PMC5054260.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4155239", "abstract": " [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of horse riding simulation training on changes in balance ability and abdominal muscle thicknesses of stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty stroke patients with hemiplegia were recruited, and they were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. [Methods] The experimental group performed horse riding simulation training, whereas the control group performed trunk exercises for 8 weeks. Balance ability was measured using a BioRescue system. The thicknesses of subjects’ external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles were measured by ultrasonic imaging. [Results] In the experimental group, balance ability was significantly improved after training. Similarly, the thickness of the abdominal muscles on the affected side changed after training in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no statistically significant changes. [Conclusion] We suggest that horse riding simulation training is more effective than trunk exercises at reducing the center of pressure path length and travel speed and improving the asymmetry of the abdominal muscles of stroke patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/ac/jpts-26-1293.PMC4155239.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3466900", "abstract": "Acute myocardial infarction (MI) during pregnancy is rare and MI due to Prinzmetal’s angina is much rarer. We present a 35-year-old, obese, multigravida, and pre-eclamptic woman, who developed acute anterior wall MI at the 30th week of gestation. On coronary angiography, the second obtuse marginal branch was totally occluded and the right coronary artery (RCA) was normal. Three days later, she had chest pain and ST elevation in the inferior leads. On second angiography, there was narrowing in the RCA, while the obtuse marginal branch was patent. We presume that this discrepancy between the first and second electrocardiograms and angiographic findings was due to Prinzmetal’s angina.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/8c/jthc-7-85.PMC3466900.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4249997", "abstract": "We describe a patient who developed significant cognitive decline with profound amnesia following non-dominant temporal lobectomy for refractory seizures, in whom the original suspicion of structural pathology was revised following the discovery of clinical and neuropathological markers of inflammation, neuropsychological evidence of bilateral involvement, and high titres of antibodies directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). This case adds to the evidence that the diagnosis of non-paraneoplastic anti-GAD limbic encephalitis merits consideration in any patient with a refractory seizure disorder and cognitive decline.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/3f/crn-0006-0251.PMC4249997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3341426", "abstract": "Malignant melanoma has a very high propensity to metastasize to the heart. However, melanoma may sometimes present as a metastatic lesion in the absence of a primary lesion, which are called melanomas of unknown primary origin. We report a case in which a patient presented with a metastatic maligant melanoma in the right atrium with pericardial effusion and without a primary origin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/a8/kcj-42-278.PMC3341426.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3284312", "abstract": "Complications of diabetes mellitus constitute the most common indications for hospitalization and non-traumatic amputations in the USA. The most important risk factors for the development of diabetic foot ulcerations include the presence of peripheral neuropathy, vasculopathy, limited joint mobility, and pre-existing foot deformities. In our study, 500 diabetic patients treated for plantar forefoot ulcerations were enrolled in a prospective study from 2000 to 2008 at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Fifty-two patients in the study met the criteria and underwent surgical treatment consisting of percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening to treat plantar forefoot ulcerations. The postoperative follow-up demonstrated prevention of recurrent foot ulcerations in 92", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/a4/DFA-2-10358.PMC3284312.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3888855", "abstract": "Pneumothorax during general anesthesia is more difficult to diagnose compared with that of non-anesthetized patient. Furthermore, the early diagnosis of pneumothorax is to some extent difficult due to CO2-pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The use of ultrasonography to diagnose pneumothorax has increased in a variety of situations, demonstrating a better diagnostic rate than conventional chest radiography. Here, we report two cases of intraoperative capnothorax that were confirmed using the M-mode \"lung point\" sign. However, the insertion of a chest tube could have been avoided because the spontaneous resolution of capnothorax was quickly identified using bedside lung ultrasonography.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/b9/kjae-65-578.PMC3888855.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5080203", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of the single-leg, lateral oblique, decline squat exercise on sacroiliac joint pain with knee pain. [Subjects and Methods] A 39-year-old female had severe pain in the right medial buttock and right anterior knee. This study assessed the anterior pelvic tilt angle and pain provocation tests before and after single-leg, lateral oblique, decline squat exercise for 4 weeks. [Results] Following the course of exercise, the anterior pelvic tilt angles were increased, and the visual analog scale pain scores for both the right buttock and right knee were 2/10. [Conclusion] Single-leg, lateral oblique, decline squat exercise may be effective for treating SI joint pain with knee pain in females.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/fe/jpts-28-2688.PMC5080203.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC373458", "abstract": "Background This work analyzes the effect of social isolation (a mild stressor) on the 24-h variation of pituitary-testicular function in young Wistar rats, assessed by measuring circulating levels of prolactin, FSH, LH and testosterone. Methods Animals were either individually caged or kept in groups (4–5 animals per cage) under a 12:12 h light-dark cycle (lights on at 0800 h) for 30 days starting on day 35 of life. Rats were killed at 4-h intervals during a 24-h cycle, beginning at 0900 h. Results Isolation brought about a decrease in prolactin, LH and testosterone secretion and an increase of FSH secretion. In isolated rats the 24-h secretory pattern of prolactin and testosterone became modified, i.e., the maximum in prolactin seen in control animals at the beginning of the activity span was no longer detected, whereas the maximum in circulating testosterone taking place at 1700 h in controls was phase-delayed to 2100 h in isolated rats. Conclusion Social isolation affects the 24-h variation of pituitary-testicular function in young rats. Secretion of prolactin, LH and testosterone decreases, and secretion of FSH increases, in isolated rats. The maximum in prolactin seen in group-caged rats at the beginning of the activity span is not observed in isolated rats. The maximum in circulating testosterone taking place at the second part of the rest span in controls is phase-delayed to the light-dark transition in isolated rats.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/58/PMC373458.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4322381", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of our study was to find out how much energy is applicable in second-generation dual source high-pitch computed tomography (CT) in imaging of the abdomen. Materials and Methods: We examined an upper abdominal phantom using a Somatom Definition Flash CT-Scanner (Siemens, Forchheim, Germany). The study protocol consisted of a scan-series at 100 kV and 120 kV. In each scan series we started with a pitch of 3.2 and reduced it in steps of 0.2, until a pitch of 1.6 was reached. The current was adjusted to the maximum the scanner could achieve. Energy values, image noise, image quality, and radiation exposure were evaluated. Results: For a pitch of 3.2 the maximum applicable current was 142 mAs at 120 kV and in 100 kV the maximum applicable current was 114 mAs. For conventional abdominal imaging, current levels of 200 to 260 mAs are generally used. To achieve similar current levels, we had to decrease the pitch to 1.8 at 100 kV — at this pitch we could perform our imaging at 204 mAs. At a pitch of 2.2 in 120 kV we could apply a current of 206 mAs. Conclusion: We conclude our study by stating that if there is a need for a higher current, we have to reduce the pitch. In a high-pitch dual source CT, we always have to remember where our main focus is, so we can adjust the pitch to the energy we need in the area of the body that has to be imaged, to find answers to the clinical question being raised.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/67/JCIS-5-2.PMC4322381.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2839988", "abstract": "Inherited breast-ovarian cancer was described in 1866. The underlying genetic defects in BRCA1/2 were demonstrated 128 years later. We now have 10 years of experience with genetic testing in BRCA kindreds. The majority of breast cancer kindreds (familial breast cancer) do not demonstrate ovarian cancer and are not associated with BRCA mutations. The effect of early diagnosis and treatment is monitored through international collaborations. BRCA1-associated breast cancer is biologically different from other breast cancers, including a worse prognosis. BRCA2-associated breast cancer is, beside early onset, in many ways similar to sporadic breast cancer. Mammography screening of the high risk groups aiming at early diagnosis and treatment, seems promising for familial breast cancer and for BRCA2-associated breast cancer, but numbers included for BRCA2 carriers are limited. BRCA1-carriers have worse prognosis, and the potential benefit of MRI for early diagnosis is now being explored. Early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer does not substantially improve survival, and prophylactic oophorectomy at the end of childbearing ages is advocated. Prophylactic mastectomy is debated, and we may await the results of MRI trials before recommending this option. Familial breast cancer and BRCA2-associated breast cancers are often oestrogen receptor positive, and may be prevented by oestrogen blockers/inhibitors. Oophorectomy prevents ovarian cancer, and may possibly prevent both receptor positive and receptor negative breast cancer as well, also while using HRT. Oral contraceptives may reduce ovarian cancer risk and increase breast cancer risk, irrespective of initial risk and genetic subgroup.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/82/PMC2839988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2717437", "abstract": "The past 15 years have seen major advances in our understanding of severity assessment in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Prognostic tools have been promoted to guide all major management decisions in CAP, including admission to the critical care unit. Several recent studies, including the study by Renaud and colleagues, have challenged us to re-evaluate how we consider severe CAP, a concept for which there is still no universally accepted definition. Existing severity scores such as the Pneumonia Severity Index and the CURB65 score are designed to predict 30-day mortality. As a result, they are heavily weighted by age and co-morbidity. They perform less well when predicting other outcomes such as requirement for ICU admission and are of limited use in the critical care environment. This commentary discusses recent attempts to develop useful severity criteria to guide the use of ICU resources in patients with severe CAP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/21/PMC2717437.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3844257", "abstract": "Neurodegeneration is a hallmark of most of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders including stroke. Recently inflammation has been implicated in pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was analysis of expression of several inflammatory markers and its correlation with development of neurodegeneration during the early stage of experimental stroke. Ischemic stroke model was induced by stereotaxic intracerebral injection of vasoconstricting agent endothelin-1 (ET-1). It was observed that neurodegeneration appears very early in that model and correlates well with migration of inflammatory lymphocytes and macrophages to the brain. Although the expression of several studied chemotactic cytokines (chemokines) was significantly increased at the early phase of ET-1 induced stroke model, no clear correlation of this expression with neurodegeneration was observed. These data may indicate that chemokines do not induce neurodegeneration directly. Upregulated in the ischemic brain chemokines may be a potential target for future therapies reducing inflammatory cell migration to the brain in early stroke. Inhibition of inflammatory cell accumulation in the brain at the early stage of stroke may lead to amelioration of ischemic neurodegeneration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/0b/PMC3844257.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3135062", "abstract": " Aim. To compare the efficacy and safety of armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of modafinil, with modafinil in patients of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Material and Methods. This was a 12-week, randomized, comparative, double-blind, multicentric, parallel-group study in 211 patients of SWSD, receiving armodafinil (150 mg) or modafinil (200 mg) one hour prior to the night shift. Outcome Measures. Efficacy was assessed by change in stanford sleepiness score (SSS) by at least 2 grades (responder) and global assessment for efficacy. Safety was assessed by incidence of adverse events, change in laboratory parameters, ECG, and global assessment of tolerability. Results. Both modafinil and armodafinil significantly improved sleepiness mean grades as compared to baseline (P < .0001). Responder rates with armodafinil (72.12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/81/PMC3135062.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3604872", "abstract": "Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease best known for chorea. The disorder includes numerous other clinical features including mood disorder, eye movement abnormalities, cognitive disturbance, pendular knee reflexes, motor impersistence, and postural instability. We describe a mild case of HD early in the disease course with depression and subtle neurological manifestations. In addition, we review MRI and diffusion tensor imaging features in this patient. The bicaudate ratio, a measure of caudate atrophy, was increased. Fractional anisotropy values of the bilateral caudate and putamen were increased, signifying neurodegeneration of these structures in HD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/63/16/crn-0005-0026.PMC3604872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4657800", "abstract": "Regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, was approved in September 2012 by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Since this time, however, few case reports outlining real-world usage have been published in the literature. Here, we detail the clinical history of an elderly woman with KRAS wild-type colon cancer who received regorafenib after prior treatment with other agents. We show that by employing dose modification strategies to address adverse events, this patient was able to remain on therapy for 11 months and achieve stable disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/8f/cmar-7-357.PMC4657800.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4641483", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Patients with NPM1-mutated AML M5 who develop spontaneous remission (SR) after antibiotic therapy at diagnosis seem to form a favorable prognosis and chemo sensitive subtype. We report three cases of AML M5 patients with the same genotype that experienced transient SR and are now leukemia free after standard treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/7e/ccr30003-0955.PMC4641483.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4616070", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a correlation between basic physical fitness and pulmonary function in Korean school students, to present an alternative method for improving their pulmonary function. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred forty healthy students aged 6–17 years performed physical fitness tests of hand-grip strength, sit and reach, Sargent jump, single leg stance, and pulmonary function tests of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) using a Quark PFT. [Results] Muscle strength and power of boys improved in the late period of elementary school and middle school. Muscle strength of girls improved in the late period of elementary school. Analysis of factors affecting pulmonary function revealed that height, weight, BMI, and body fat significantly correlated with spirometric parameters. Right hand-grip strength, left hand-grip strength, and Sargent jump also significantly correlated with FVC and FEV1. [Conclusion] In order to improve the pulmonary function of children and adolescents, aerobic exercise and an exercise program to increase muscle strength and power is needed, and it should start in the late period of elementary school when muscle strength and power are rapidly increasing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/48/jpts-27-2687.PMC4616070.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5050381", "abstract": "Recent studies on animal models have shown that noise exposure that does not lead to permanent threshold shift (PTS) can cause considerable damage around the synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and type-I afferent auditory nerve fibers (ANFs). Disruption of these synapses not only disables the innervated ANFs but also results in the slow degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons if the synapses are not reestablished. Such a loss of ANFs should result in signal coding deficits, which are exacerbated by the bias of the damage toward synapses connecting low-spontaneous-rate (SR) ANFs, which are known to be vital for signal coding in noisy background. As there is no PTS, these functional deficits cannot be detected using routine audiological evaluations and may be unknown to subjects who have them. Such functional deficits in hearing without changes in sensitivity are generally called “noise-induced hidden hearing loss (NIHHL).” Here, we provide a brief review to address several critical issues related to NIHHL: (1) the mechanism of noise induced synaptic damage, (2) reversibility of the synaptic damage, (3) the functional deficits as the nature of NIHHL in animal studies, (4) evidence of NIHHL in human subjects, and (5) peripheral and central contribution of NIHHL.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/a8/PMC5050381.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4719364", "abstract": "Introduction: Total talar dislocations are uncommon injuries and usually seen following high velocity injuries. Total talar dislocations (missing talus) without fractures around the ankle are extremely rare. There are no consensuses on the best treatment of such injuries. To best of our knowledge very few cases have been reported in literature. We hereby report a closed total talar dislocation in a 25 year old male without an associated fracture around ankle. He was managed with emergency closed reduction and below knee splint. At one year follow up there were no complications. Case Report: A 25 year old male presented to orthopaedic causality with injury to right ankle following a road traffic accident. Patient complained of severe pain and deformity of ankle following injury. On examination ankle was deformed and swollen. Plain radiographs of right ankle joint revealed total anterolateral dislocation of talus without any accompanying ankle fracture. CT scan with 3D reconstruction also confirmed our radiographic findings. Under spinal anaesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance closed reduction was performed. To maintain reduction a 3mm K-wire was passed from calcaneum to tibia through talus. A posterior below knee splint was applied. Patient was followed every three months till one year. At one year follow up patient had good range of motion at ankle and subtalar joint. Conclusion: Total talar dislocations are very rare injuries and should be treated as impending open fractures. There is no consensus on treatment of such complex injuries as very few cases have been reported in literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9b/8c/JOCR-4-10.PMC4719364.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4540885", "abstract": "[Purpose] To assess the evidence for the effectiveness of yoga exercises in the management of headaches. [Subjects and Methods] A search was conducted of six electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effects of yogic intervention on headaches published in any language before January 2015. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. [Results] One potential trial was identified and included in this review. The quality critical appraisal indicated a moderate risk of bias. The available data could only be included as a narrative description. Headache intensity and frequency, anxiety and depression scores, and symptomatic medication use were significantly lower in the yoga group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] There is evidence from one RCT that yoga exercises may be beneficial for headaches. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of RCTs. Therefore, further rigorous methodological and high quality RCTs are required to investigate the hypothesis that yoga exercises alleviate headaches, and to confirm and further comprehend the effects of standardized yoga programs on headaches.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/aa/jpts-27-2377.PMC4540885.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3165150", "abstract": "The Staphylococcus (S.) intermedius group (SIG) has been a main research subject in recent years. S. pseudintermedius causes pyoderma and otitis in companion animals as well as foodborne diseases. To prevent SIG-associated infection and disease outbreaks, identification of both staphylococcal exotoxins and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types among SIG isolates may be helpful. In this study, it was found that a single isolate (one out of 178 SIG isolates examined) harbored the canine enterotoxin SEC gene. However, the S. intermedius exfoliative toxin gene was found in 166 SIG isolates although the S. aureus-derived exfoliative toxin genes, such as eta, etb and etd, were not detected. SCCmec typing resulted in classifying one isolate as SCCmec type IV, 41 isolates as type V (including three S. intermedius isolates), and 10 isolates as non-classifiable. Genetic relatedness of all S. pseudintermedius isolates recovered from veterinary staff, companion animals, and hospital environments was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Strains having the same band patterns were detected in S. pseudintermedius isolates collected at 13 and 18 months, suggesting possible colonization and/or expansion of a specific S. pseudintermedius strain in a veterinary hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/6d/PMC3165150.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3546754", "abstract": "Purpose This paper reports the results of an audit that assessed the prevalence of residual hypertriglyceridemia and the potential need for intensified management among patients with statin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care in the UK. Patients and methods A cross-sectional, observational, systematic audit of patients with diagnosed diabetes from 40 primary care practices was undertaken. The audit collected basic demographic information and data on prescriptions issued during the preceding 4 months. T2DM patients were stratified according to the proportion that attained European Society of Cardiology treatment targets. Results The audit collected data from 14,652 patients with diagnosed diabetes: 89.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/c0/PMC3546754.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3026981", "abstract": "The use of enzyme could facilitate pathogen penetration into plant host. Here the combination of cellulase and pectinase was ascertained on the pathogenicity of F. compactum (1.4 × 106  propagules ml−1) on broomrape tubercles. F. compactum alone infected all the inoculated tubercles but did not kill any significant number. Infested tomato roots that were inoculated with mycelia plus pectinase (20 U ml−1) had over 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/07/PMC3026981.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4164061", "abstract": "Abstract Penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) is a rare disease, making it difficult to establish a standard of care, particularly in the advanced stage. We report a case of pSCC with advanced lymph node metastasis treated with multimodal therapy consisting of combination chemotherapy, irradiation, and chemosurgery using Mohs’ zinc chloride-containing paste. An 80-year-old male with a past history of local treatment for penile cancer presented with a large painful inguinal mass with an ulcer and exudates. The patient underwent multimodal treatment with combination chemotherapy, irradiation, and Mohs’ paste. The combination chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and docetaxel. The patient received 50-Gy external-beam radiation therapy to the left inguinal region along with daily local treatment with Mohs’ paste. After the initiation of treatment, the pain and bleeding in the inguinal region considerably ameliorated. The wound became dry and flattened 20 days after the initiation of chemotherapy. A CT scan showed that the tumor had decreased 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/3a/PMC4164061.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3803124", "abstract": " Objective. To assess the prevalence of prenatal screening and of adverse outcome in high-risk pregnancies due to maternal HIV infection. Study Design. The prevalence of prenatal screening in 330 pregnancies of HIV-positive women attending the department for prenatal screening and/or during labour between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012, was recorded. Screening results were compared with the postnatal outcome and maternal morbidity, and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) was evaluated. Results. One hundred of 330 women (30.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d7/bb/PMC3803124.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4451559", "abstract": " Aim. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in adults from Brasilia, Brazil. Methods. The present cross-sectional population-based study consisted of interviews with individuals aged 18–65 years. Participants were selected through two-stage probability sampling by clusters and stratified by sex and age. Demographic and clinical data were collected directly with participants from February to May 2012. Self-reported diabetes prevalence was calculated at a 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/db/PMC4451559.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4620262", "abstract": "Natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that were first described in the late 1980s. Since their initial description, numerous studies have collectively shed light on their development and effector function. These studies have highlighted the unique requirements for the activation of these lymphocytes and the functional responses that distinguish these cells from other effector lymphocyte populations such as conventional T cells and NK cells. This body of literature suggests that NKT cells play diverse nonredundant roles in a number of disease processes, including the initiation and propagation of airway hyperreactivity, protection against a variety of pathogens, development of autoimmunity, and mediation of allograft responses. In this review, however, we focus on the role of a specific lineage of NKT cells in antitumor immunity. Specifically, we describe the development of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells and the factors that are critical for their acquisition of effector function. Next, we delineate the mechanisms by which iNKT cells influence and modulate the activity of other immune cells to directly or indirectly affect tumor growth. Finally, we review the successes and failures of clinical trials employing iNKT cell-based immunotherapies and explore the future prospects for the use of such strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/85/PMC4620262.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3010668", "abstract": " Background. There are a variety of described noninvasive optical detection techniques for evaluation of head and neck mucosal lesions. Contact endoscopy is a promising method of in vivo microscopic examination whereby a rigid telescope is placed on a previously dye-stained mucosa allowing evaluation of the superficial cell layers of the epithelium. This technique produces real-time, magnified images of cellular architecture of surface mucosa comparable to histology without the need for biopsy. In this review, we will briefly summarize the efficacy of CE in the detection of precancerous and cancerous mucosal lesions and its potential as a novel technique in early diagnosis, monitoring, and preoperative assessment of mucosal lesions of the head and neck. Methods. PUBMED, MEDLINE, and COCHRANE search revealed five prospective articles on contact endoscopy for the diagnosis of mucosal lesions in the head and neck. Results. The literature search yielded five prospective studies examining contact endoscopy for the diagnosis of benign versus malignant head and neck mucosal lesions. These reported a sensitivity and specificity of 77–100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/52/PMC3010668.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4207111", "abstract": "The JCVSD (Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database) was organized in 2000 to improve the quality of cardiovascular surgery in Japan. Web-based data harvesting on adult cardiac surgery was started (Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database, JACVSD) in 2001, and on congenital heart surgery (Japan Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery Database, JCCVSD) in 2008. Both databases grew to become national databases by the end of 2013. This was influenced by the success of the Society for Thoracic Surgeons’ National Database, which contains comparable input items. In 2011, the Japanese Board of Cardiovascular Surgery announced that the JACVSD and JCCVSD data are to be used for board certification, which improved the quality of the first paperless and web-based board certification review undertaken in 2013. These changes led to a further step. In 2011, the National Clinical Database (NCD) was organized to investigate the feasibility of clinical databases in other medical fields, especially surgery. In the NCD, the board certification system of the Japan Surgical Society, the basic association of surgery was set as the first level in the hierarchy of specialties, and nine associations and six board certification systems were set at the second level as subspecialties. The NCD grew rapidly, and now covers 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/cd/kjtcv-47-437.PMC4207111.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3362706", "abstract": "Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder, aggravated by accompanying symptomatology, such as nausea. One of the most interesting approaches to nausea adopted by traditional Chinese medicine is the stimulation of the acupoint PC6 Neiguan. Actually there are no studies in medical literature as to the efficacy of treating PC6 acupoint for gastrointestinal symptoms in migraine attacks. Our study aimed at verifying if pressure applied to the acupoint PC6 was effective on nausea during migraine. Forty female patients suffering from migraine without aura were enrolled, if nausea was always present as accompanying symptomatology of their migraine. The patients were treated randomly for a total of six migraine attacks: three with the application of a device, the Sea-Band® wristband, which applies continual pressure to the PC6 acupoint (phase SB), and three without it (phase C). The intensities of nausea at the onset, at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min were evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10. The values were always significantly lower in phase SB than in phase C. Also the number of patients who reported at least a 50 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/b3/PMC3362706.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2901954", "abstract": "This article proposes and discusses legal and administrative preparations for a bioterrorist attack. To perform the duties expected of public health agencies during a disease outbreak caused by bioterrorism, an agency must have a sufficient number of employees and providers at work and a good communications system between staff in the central offices of the public health agency and those in outlying or neighboring agencies and hospitals. The article proposes strategies for achieving these objectives as well as for removing legal barriers that discourage agencies, institutions, and persons from working together for the overall good of the community. Issues related to disease surveillance and special considerations regarding public health restrictive orders are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/6f/PMC2901954.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3625579", "abstract": "Nowadays, it is believed that the main role in the development of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma plays Helicobacter pylori infection. This world-wide distributed bacteria is in charge of most cases of not only upper gastrointestinal tract disorders but also some of extragastric problems. Constant stimulation of the immune system causes a B-lymphocytes proliferation, which is considered to be responsible for the neoplastic transformation. On the other hand, there are 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/42/PMC3625579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3221551", "abstract": "We propose an innovative, integrated, cost-effective health system to combat major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, metabolic, rheumatologic and neurologic disorders and cancers, which together are the predominant health problem of the 21st century. This proposed holistic strategy involves comprehensive patient-centered integrated care and multi-scale, multi-modal and multi-level systems approaches to tackle NCDs as a common group of diseases. Rather than studying each disease individually, it will take into account their intertwined gene-environment, socio-economic interactions and co-morbidities that lead to individual-specific complex phenotypes. It will implement a road map for predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory (P4) medicine based on a robust and extensive knowledge management infrastructure that contains individual patient information. It will be supported by strategic partnerships involving all stakeholders, including general practitioners associated with patient-centered care. This systems medicine strategy, which will take a holistic approach to disease, is designed to allow the results to be used globally, taking into account the needs and specificities of local economies and health systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/d6/PMC3221551.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3432379", "abstract": "Arterial diameter is an underutilized indicator of vascular health. We hypothesized that interadventitial and lumen diameter of the common carotid artery would be better indicators of vascular health than carotid plaque or intima media thickness (IMT). Participants were 491 overweight or obese, postmenopausal women who were former or current hormone therapy (HT) users, 52–62 years, with waist circumference >80 cm. We evaluated cross-sectional associations of cardiovascular risk factors with carotid measures, by HT status. Former HT users had a worse cardiovascular profile than current HT users: larger adventitial (6.94 mm versus 6.79 mm) and lumen diameter (5.44 mm versus 5.31 mm, both P < 0.01) independent of cardiovascular risk factors; IMT and plaque were similar. Larger diameters were best explained by former HT use, higher pulse pressure, and greater weight. Independent of potential confounders, overweight and obese postmenopausal former HT users had larger carotid diameters than current HT users. Carotid diameter should be considered in studies of HT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/e3/PMC3432379.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3329792", "abstract": " Objective. As recent participants in an integrated prostate cancer (PCa) care center, we sought to evaluate whether financial investment in an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) center resulted in an increased utilization of radiation therapy in our patients with newly diagnosed PCa. Materials     Methods. Following institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the records of all consecutive patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in the 12 months prior to and after investment in IMRT. Primary treatment modalities included active surveillance (AS), brachytherapy (BT), radiation therapy (XRT), radical prostatectomy (RP), and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Treatment data were available for all patients and were compared between the two groups. Results. A total of 344 patients with newly diagnosed PCa were evaluated over the designated time period. The pre-investment group totaled 198 patients, while 146 patients constituted the post-investment group. Among all patients evaluated, there was a similar rate in the use of XRT (20.71", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/7a/PMC3329792.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2708983", "abstract": "Purpose: To investigate whether the GLC3A locus harboring the CYP1B1 gene is associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in Japanese patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-two Japanese patients with NTG and 101 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. Patients exhibiting a comparatively early onset were selected as this suggests that genetic factors may show stronger involvement. Genotyping and assessment of allelic diversity was performed on 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in and around the GLC3A locus. Results: There were decreased frequencies of the 444 allele of D2S0416i and the 258 allele of D2S0425i in cases compared to controls (P = 0.022 and P = 0.034, respectively). However, this statistical significance disappeared when corrected (Pc > 0.05). We did not find any significant association between the remaining 11 microsatellite markers, including D2S177, which may be associated with CYP1B1, and NTG (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed no association between the GLCA3 locus and NTG, suggesting that the CYP1B1 gene, which is reportedly involved in a range of glaucoma phenotypes, may not be an associated factor in the pathogenesis of NTG.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/71/PMC2708983.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3222027", "abstract": "Recently, a single center study conducted by Oiva and coworkers and published in Critical Care demonstrated that phospho-specific whole blood flow cytometry could be used to assess activated signaling pathways in leukocytes isolated from pancreatitis patients. The authors demonstrated that this methodology had the potential to determine the current status of a patient's immune state. Although the experimental cohort was clinically homogeneous, the observed data were heterogeneous. Altogether, these results suggest that prior to administering immune-modulatory therapies in inflammatory diseases, it will be beneficial to first determine immune status. Rapid results from whole blood phospho-specific flow cytometry may allow for determination of immune status, improve early diagnosis, and provide a rational basis for immunomodulatory therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/88/PMC3222027.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4273007", "abstract": "Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis (CP) is a very rare but serious form of central nervous system fungal infection that is caused by dematiaceous fungi. It is commonly associated with poor prognosis irrespective of the immune status of the patient. In this study, the authors describe the first case of CP in Korea that occurred in a 75-year-old man without immunodeficiency and showed favorable outcome after surgical excision and antifungal therapy. In addition, the authors herein review the literature regarding characteristics of this rare clinical entity with previously reported cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/2e/jkns-56-444.PMC4273007.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649162", "abstract": " Objective. To evaluate whether pelvic measurements have any association with operative vaginal deliveries and the duration of the second stage of the delivery. Study design. A retrospective study of pregnant women at an increased risk of fetal-pelvic disproportion during 2000–2008 in North-Carelian Central Hospital. The mode of the vaginal delivery was chosen to represent the reference standard. The target condition was spontaneous vaginal delivery. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the size of the fetus and also by the parity to evaluate the variability reflecting differences in patient groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established. Results. A total of 226 participants with fetal cephalic presentation delivered vaginally; of these, 184 women delivered spontaneously, and 42 women required operative vaginal delivery with vacuum extraction. There were no clinically or statistically significant differences between the size of the maternal pelvic outlet and the different modes of delivery types within these subgroups. With respect to the pelvic inlet and outlet, the areas under the curve in ROC were 0.566 with the P value of 0.18 and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/53/PMC3649162.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2761158", "abstract": "Objectives To examine histological aspects of the ligaments between the middle ear and temporomandibular joint and suppose a theoretical role of their structural characteristics on mobility of mallear ossicle. Methods The ligaments were obtained by microdissection of middle cranial fossa on both sites of 15 cadavers fixed in formalin solution and were sectioned longitudinally (7–10 μm thickness). The sections were stained with Verhoff’s Van Gieson’s stain (VVG) for demonstration of elastic fibers and visualized at X2.5 and X10 magnifications under light microscopy. Results Anterior mallear ligament (AML) and sphenomandibular ligaments (SML) were consisted of collagen fibres in analyzed specimens. The discomallear ligament (DML) was constituted of rich collagenous fibres. One specimen of DML harvested between petrotympanic fissure and retrodiscal-capsular intersection site contained elastic fibers dispersed in cotton-bowl appearance between collagen fibers. In the light of functional tests performed in previous studies, it could be extrapolated that presence of elastic fibers in the DML may prevent excessive forces conducted to mallear head by elongation of elastic fibers. Conclusions Collagenous fibres have no ability to stretch along their axis which may lack compensatory mechanism to prevent mallear head mobility.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/80/PMC2761158.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4739229", "abstract": "We hypothesized that regulation of visfatin in hypothyroidism might be altered by coexisting chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. This is a prospective case-control study of 118 subjects. The autoimmune study group (AIT) consisted of 39 patients newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism in a course of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. The nonautoimmune study group (TT) consisted of 40 patients thyroidectomized due to the differentiated thyroid cancer staged pT1. The control group comprised 39 healthy volunteers adjusted for age, sex, and BMI with normal thyroid function and negative thyroid antibodies. Exclusion criteria consisted of other autoimmune diseases, active neoplastic disease, diabetes mellitus, and infection, which were reported to alter visfatin level. Fasting blood samples were taken for visfatin, TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), glucose, and insulin levels. The highest visfatin serum concentration was in AIT group, and healthy controls had visfatin level higher than TT (p = 0.0001). Simple linear regression analysis revealed that visfatin serum concentration was significantly associated with autoimmunity (β = 0.1014; p = 0.003), FT4 (β = 0.05412; p = 0.048), FT3 (β = 0.05242; p = 0.038), and TPOAb (β = 0.0002; p = 0.0025), and the relationships were further confirmed in the multivariate regression analysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/54/PMC4739229.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5354526", "abstract": "Objectives Gastric carcinoma is the most common cancer and cause of cancer mortality in Peru. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the human stomach, is a Group 1 carcinogen due to its causal relationship to gastric carcinoma. While eradication of H. pylori can help prevent gastric cancer, characterizing regional antibiotic resistance patterns is necessary to determine targeted treatment for each region. Thus, we examined primary antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of H. pylori in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with histologically proven H. pylori infection. Primary antibiotic resistance among isolates was examined using E-test strips. Isolates were examined for the presence of the cagA pathogenicity island and the vacA m1/m2 alleles via polymerase chain reaction. Results Seventy-six isolates were recovered from gastric biopsies. Clinical isolates showed evidence of antibiotic resistance to 1 (27.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/4a/idr-10-085.PMC5354526.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3790038", "abstract": "The airway management of patients with subglottic stenosis poses many challenges for the anesthesiologists. Many anesthesiologists use a narrow endotracheal tube for airway control. This, however, can lead to complications such as tracheal mucosal trauma, tracheal perforation or bleeding. The ASA difficult airway algorithm recommends the use of supraglottic airway devices in a failed intubation/ventilation scenario. In this report, we present a case of failed intubation in a patient with subglottic stenosis successfully managed during an i-gel™ supraglottic airway device. The device provided a good seal, and allowed for controlled mechanical ventilation with acceptable peak pressures while the patient was in the beach-chair position.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/d9/kjae-65-254.PMC3790038.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4752988", "abstract": " Background. Perioperative blood transfusions are associated with poor survival in patients with solid tumors including bladder cancer. Objective. To investigate the impact of perioperative blood transfusions on oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting and Participants. Adult patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Intervention. Packed red blood cells transfusion during or after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). We calculated the pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimates and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/b9/PMC4752988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745600", "abstract": "Cytokine mediated changes in paracellular permeability contribute to a multitude of pathological conditions including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of interferons and of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines on respiratory epithelium barrier function. Cytokines and interferons were applied to the basolateral side of air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from CRS with nasal polyp patients. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability of FITC-conjugated dextrans were measured over time. Additionally, the expression of the tight junction protein Zona Occludens-1 (ZO-1) was examined via immunofluorescence. Data was analysed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey HSD post hoc test. Our results showed that application of interferons and of Th1 or Th2 cytokines did not affect the mucosal barrier function. In contrast, the Th17 cytokines IL-17, IL-22, and IL-26 showed a significant disruption of the epithelial barrier, evidenced by a loss of TEER, increased paracellular permeability of FITC-dextrans, and discontinuous ZO-1 immunolocalisation. These results indicate that Th17 cytokines may contribute to the development of CRSwNP by promoting a leaky mucosal barrier. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/a5/PMC4745600.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3856157", "abstract": " Background. Transitions in care are one of the most important and challenging client safety issues in healthcare. This project was undertaken to gain insight into the practice setting realities for nurses and other health care providers as they manage increasingly complex care transitions across multiple settings. Methods. The Appreciative Inquiry approach was used to guide interviews with sixty-six healthcare providers from a variety of practice settings. Data was collected on participants' experience of exceptional care transitions and opportunities for improving care transitions. Results. Nurses and other healthcare providers need to know three things to ensure safe care transitions: (1) know your client; (2) know your team on both sides of the transfer; and (3) know the resources your client needs and how to get them. Three themes describe successful care transitions, including flexible structures; independence and teamwork; and client and provider focus. Conclusion. Nurses often operate at the margins of acceptable performance, and flexibility with regulation and standards is often required in complex sociotechnical work like care transitions. Priority needs to be given to creating conditions where nurses and other healthcare providers are free to creatively engage and respond in ways that will optimize safe care transitions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/1f/PMC3856157.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5398648", "abstract": "Of 129 esophagectomies at our institute from June 2010 to March 2015, we experienced three preoperative positron emission tomography-computed tomographic (PET/CT) false positives. Bone metastasis was originally suspected in 2 cases, but they were later found to be bone metastasis negative after a preoperative bone biopsy and clinical course observation. The other cases suspected of mediastinal lymph node metastasis were diagnosed as inflammatory lymphadenopathy by a pathological examination of the removed lymph nodes. Conducting a PET/CT is useful when diagnosing esophageal cancer metastasis, but we need to be aware of the possibility of false positives. Therapeutic decisions should be made based on appropriate and accurate diagnoses, with pathological diagnosis actively introduced if necessary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/cd/10.1177_1179547617703402.PMC5398648.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4593868", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to investigate three-dimensional molar displacement after distalization via miniscrews and a horizontal modification of the trans-palatal-arch (TPA). Methods The subjects in this clinical trial were 26 Class II patients. After the preparation of a complete set of diagnostic records, miniscrews were inserted between the maxillary 2nd premolar and 1st molar on the palatal side. Elastic modules connected to the TPA exerting an average force of 150-200 g/side parallel to the occlusal plane were applied. Cone-beam computed tomography was utilized to evaluate the position of the miniscrews relative to the adjacent teeth and maxillary sinus, and the direction of force relative to molar furcation. The distances from the central point of the incisive papilla to the mesiopalatal cusps of the 1st maxillary molars and the distances between the mesiopalatal cusps of the left and right molars were measured to evaluate displacement of the maxillary molars on the horizontal plane. Interocclusal space was used to evaluate vertical changes. Results Mean maxillary 1st molar distalization was 2.3 ± 1.1 mm, at a rate of 0.4 ± 0.2 mm/month, and rotation was not significant. Intermolar width increased by 2.9 ± 1.8 mm. Molars were intruded relative to the neighboring teeth, from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Conclusions Distalization of molars was possible without extrusion, using the appliance investigated. The intrusive component of force reduced the rate of distal movement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/b4/kjod-45-236.PMC4593868.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2981191", "abstract": "Falls are among the most incapacitating features of Parkinson's disease. Prevention of falls requires a systematic assessment of all contributing factors (with emphasis on freezing of gait and frontal executive dysfunction), and a multidisciplinary treatment approach tailored to the specific pathophysiology of falls for each individual patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/6a/medrep-02-76.PMC2981191.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3529246", "abstract": "We herein report a rare case of subaortic stenosis in association with a previous tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) surgical repair, which was not taken into account as a differential diagnosis. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role in identification of this rare combination. Therefore, echocardiography should be performed periodically during follow-up of patients with surgically corrected TOF. Given the clinical complications that can result from subaortic stenosis (i.e., aortic regurgitation and infective endocarditis), early and aggressive management of this rare combination should be performed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/aa/kjim-27-455.PMC3529246.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3446755", "abstract": " Objective. The effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) require further investigation. Methods. The PAPP-A levels in culture supernatants, PAPP-A mRNA expression, and cellular PAPP-A expression were measured in human PBMCs isolated from fresh blood donations provided by 6 healthy volunteers (4 donations per volunteer). Analyses were conducted by ultrasensitive ELISA, western blotting, and RT-PCR following stimulation with CRP or TNF-α cytokines. Results. PAPP-A mRNA and protein levels after CRP stimulation peaked at 24 hours, whereas peak PAPP-A mRNA and protein levels were achieved after TNF-α stimulation at only 2 and 8 hours, respectively. These findings indicate the dose-dependent effect of CRP and TNF-α stimulation. Actinomycin D treatment completely prevented CRP and TNF-α induction of PAPP-A mRNA and protein expression. Additionally, nuclear factor- (NF-) κB inhibitor (BAY11-7082) potently inhibited both CRP and TNF-α stimulated PAPP-A mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions. Human PBMCs are capable of expressing PAPP-A in vitro, expression that may be regulated by CRP and TNF-α through the NF-κB pathway. This mechanism may play a significant role in the observed increase of serum PAPP-A levels in acute coronary syndrome (ACS).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/49/PMC3446755.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3363396", "abstract": "Medical consultation is at the centre of clinical practice. Satisfaction of a patient with this process is a major determinant of the clinical outcome. This study sought to determine the proportion of patients who were satisfied with their doctor-patient encounter and the patient-related factors that affected patients' satisfaction with the consultation process. A clinic-based, cross-sectional study using a modified version of the General Practice Assessment Questionnaire (GPAQ), which employed a systematic sampling technique, was used. The questionnaires were administered on 430 patients within the ages of 18 years and 65 years. Among the 430 subjects within the ages of 18 years and 65 years studied, 200 (46.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/dd/PMC3363396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4283396", "abstract": "Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family. Outside the nervous system, BDNF has been shown to be expressed in various nonneural tissues, such as periodontal ligament, dental pulp, and odontoblasts. Although a role for BDNF in periodontal regeneration has been suggested, a function for BDNF in periodontal disease has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the BDNF levels in periodontal tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy controls (HC). All subjects were genotyped for the rs4923463 and rs6265 BDNF polymorphisms. Periodontal tissues were collected for ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and microscopic analysis from 28 CP patients and 29 HC subjects. BDNF levels were increased in CP patients compared to HC subjects. A negative correlation was observed when analyzing concentration of BDNF and IL-10 in inflamed periodontium. No differences in frequencies of BDNF genotypes between CP and HC subjects were observed. However, BDNF genotype GG was associated with increased levels of BDNF, TNF-α, and CXCL10 in CP patients. In conclusion, BDNF seems to be associated with periodontal disease process, but the specific role of BDNF still needs to be clarified.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/f6/PMC4283396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3095255", "abstract": "The interaction and survival of pathogens in hostile environments and in confrontation with host immune responses are important mechanisms for the establishment of infection. Ectophosphatases are enzymes localized at the plasma membrane of cells, and their active sites face the external medium rather than the cytoplasm. Once activated, these enzymes are able to hydrolyze phosphorylated substrates in the extracellular milieu. Several studies demonstrated the presence of surface-located ecto-phosphatases in a vast number of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Little is known about the role of ecto-phosphatases in host-pathogen interactions. The present paper provides an overview of recent findings related to the virulence induced by these surface molecules in protozoa and fungi.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/5f/PMC3095255.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4590850", "abstract": "Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs within Nay Pyi Taw area, Myanmar. Meat inspection in three slaughterhouses, ELISA test, and questionnaire surveys were conducted in this study. Three hundred pigs were inspected in slaughterhouses and 364 pigs were randomly selected and examined from 203 households from three townships in Nay Pyi Taw area. The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in meat inspection was 23.67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/eb/a2/PMC4590850.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2249746", "abstract": "The Conference was organized and supported by: Nei Dan School (European School of Internal Martial Arts), NIB (Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Bioengineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Institute of Cardiology, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna), WACIMA (Worldwide Association Chinese Internal Martial Arts), Arti D’Oriente (Magazine of Eastern culture and traditions), Nuovo Orizzonte (Taiji Quan School in Florence), Samurai (Journal on Martial Arts), and Pinus (First National Institute for the Unification of Medical Strategies). Nei Dan School (www.taichineidan.com, neidan@libero.it) was in charge of the organization. Future meetings of the Centro studi ‘Tao and Science’ will take place in spring 2007 in Firenze and in October 2007 in Bologna. For information: E-mail: neidan@libero.it; web site: www.taichineidan.com, www.taoandscience.com", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/1c/nem039.PMC2249746.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3741013", "abstract": "Background Asthma remains a serious global health challenge. Poor control of asthma symptoms is due in part to incorrect use of oral inhaler devices that deliver asthma medications, such as poor inhalation technique or use of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) after the recommended number of doses is expelled. Objective To review published research on the potential for patients to overestimate or underestimate the amount of asthma rescue medication in MDIs without integrated dose-counting mechanisms. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE using search terms “dose counter and asthma” and “dose counter and metered dose inhaler” for English language publications up to July, 2012, with a manual search of references from relevant articles. Results Up to 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/78/JAS-50-658.PMC3741013.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4477363", "abstract": "The epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes has increased interest in pathways that affect energy balance in mammalian systems. Brown fat, in all of its dimensions, can increase energy expenditure through the dissipation of chemical energy in the form of heat, using mitochondrial uncoupling and perhaps other pathways. We discuss here some of the thermodynamic and cellular aspects of recent progress in brown fat research. This includes studies of developmental lineages of UCP1+ adipocytes, including the discovery of beige fat cells, a new thermogenic cell type. We also discuss the physiology and transcriptional control of brown and beige cells in rodents and the state of current knowledge about human brown fat.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/12/PMC4477363.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2911742", "abstract": "The increasing prevalence of multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family in Europe is a worrisome phenomenon. Extended spectrum betalactamase-producing Escherichia coli strains are widespread in the community and are frequently imported into the hospital. Of even more concern is the spread of carbapenem-resistant strains of Klebsiella spp. from regions where they are already endemic. Antibiotic use is a main driver of antibiotic resistance, which again increases broad spectrum antibiotic use, resulting in a vicious circle that is difficult to interrupt. The present commentary highlights important findings of a surveillance study of antimicrobial use and resistance in German ICUs over 8 years with a focus on Gram-negative resistance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/23/PMC2911742.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4840629", "abstract": "We herein report a very rare case of combined small-cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the hypopharynx, with a squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) element. A 74-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of throat pain and hoarseness. On hypopharyngoscopy, a tumor was identified in the right anterior wall of the piriform sinus and, following examination of a biopsy sample, the lesion was diagnosed as SqCC. Total laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection was performed and the malignancy was diagnosed as combined SmCC. One month after surgery, concomitant chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide was administered. Immunohistochemically, the SmCC element was positive for CD56 and Ki-67 (50.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/64/a5/mco-04-05-0709.PMC4840629.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4399532", "abstract": "Objective: This study was designed to investigate the subjective ratings of dental anxiety levels among university students enrolled at Jordan University of Science and Technology. In addition, the present study aimed to explore the sources of dental anxiety and the impact of gender on the perceived dental anxiety and the correlation between field of study and dental anxiety level. Material and Methods: The Modified Corah Dental Anxiety Scale was used to measure dental anxiety among the study population. Six hundred subjects were recruited into the study from Jordanian undergraduate students from the faculties of Medicine, Engineering, and Dentistry. Results: Five hundred and thirty five complete questionnaires were returned, which accounts for a response rate of 89.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/f9/1678-7757-jaos-17-03-0199.PMC4399532.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4214773", "abstract": "This brief essay talks up the advantages of metal replicas for electron microscopy and explains why they are still the best way to image frozen cells in the electron microscope. Then it explains our approach to freezing, namely the Van Harreveld trick of “slamming” living cells onto a supercold block of metal sprayed with liquid helium at −269ºC, and further talks up this slamming over the alternative of high-pressure freezing, which is much trickier but enjoys greater favor at the moment. This leads me to bemoan the fact that there are not more young investigators today who want to get their hands on electron microscopes and use our approach to get the most “true to life” views of cells out of them with a minimum of hassle. Finally, it ends with a few perspectives on my own career and concludes that, personally, I'm permanently stuck with the view of the “founding fathers” that cell ultrastructure will ultimately display and explain all of cell function, or as Palade said in his Nobel lecture,electron micrographs are “irresistible and half transparent … their meaning buried under only a few years of work,” and “reasonable working hypotheses are already suggested by the ultrastructural organization itself.”", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/d7/3273.PMC4214773.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3157827", "abstract": "Metals have been definitively linked to a number of disease states. Due to the widespread existence of metals in our environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources, understanding the mechanisms of their cellular detoxification is of upmost importance. Organisms have evolved cellular detoxification systems including glutathione, metallothioneins, pumps and transporters, and heat shock proteins to regulate intracellular metal levels. The model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), contains these systems and provides several advantages for deciphering the mechanisms of metal detoxification. This review provides a brief summary of contemporary literature on the various mechanisms involved in the cellular detoxification of metals, specifically, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, mercury, and depleted uranium using the C. elegans model system for investigation and analysis. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/0e/PMC3157827.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3836355", "abstract": " Objective. Obesity is a complex heterogeneous disease that is caused by genes, environmental factors, and the interaction between the two. The leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes have been evaluated for polymorphisms that could potentially be related to the pathophysiology of obesity and its complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of LEP G2548A and LEPR  668A/G polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of obesity. Subjects. The study included 127 patients with obesity and 105 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length analysis for LEP G2548A and LEPR 668A/G polymorphisms were applied. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the genotype frequencies of the LEP gene polymorphism between patients and control groups (P > 0.05). We found a difference in the LEPR genotypes between patients and controls, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.05). Additionally, we found an increased risk of obesity in the LEP/LEPR GG/GG combined genotype (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Our findings indicate that the LEP G2548A polymorphism is not a relevant obesity marker and that the LEPR 668A/G polymorphism may be related to obesity in a Turkish population. Further researches with larger patient population are necessary to ascertain the implications of LEP and LEPR polymorphisms in obesity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/6e/PMC3836355.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3842089", "abstract": "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the complex interplay between inflammation and neurodegeneration determines varying degrees of neurological disability. For this reason, it is very difficult to express an accurate prognosis based on purely clinical information in the individual patient at an early disease stage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are promising sources of prognostic information with a good potential of quantitative measure, sensitivity, and reliability. However, a comprehensive MS outcome prediction model combining multiple parameters is still lacking. Current relevant literature addressing the topic of clinical, MRI, and CSF markers as predictors of MS disability progression is reviewed here.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/82/9b/PMC3842089.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2748180", "abstract": "Objectives In this paper, integrated care in an inter-organisational cooperative setting of in-home elderly care is studied. The aim is to explore how home care workers coordinate their daily work, identify coordination issues in situ and discuss possible actions for supporting seamless and integrated elderly care at home. Method The empirical findings are drawn from an ethnographic workplace study of the cooperation and coordination taking place between home care workers in a Swedish county. Data were collected through observational studies, interviews and group discussions. Findings The paper identifies a need to support two core issues. Firstly, it must be made clear how the care interventions that are currently defined as ‘self-treatment’ by the home health care should be divided. Secondly, the distributed and asynchronous coordination between all care workers involved, regardless of organisational belonging must be better supported. Conclusion Integrated care needs to be developed between organisations as well as within each organisation. As a matter of fact, integrated care needs to be built up beyond organisational boundaries. Organisational boundaries affect the planning of the division of care interventions, but not the coordination during the home care process. During the home care process, the main challenge is the coordination difficulties that arise from the fact that workers are distributed in time and/or space, regardless of organisational belonging. A core subject for future practice and research is to develop IT tools that reach beyond formal organisational boundaries and processes while remaining adaptable in view of future structure changes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/6e/PMC2748180.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3423931", "abstract": "Invasive aspergillosis shows a high mortality rate particularly in immunocompromised patients. Perpetually increasing numbers of affected patients highlight the importance of a clearer understanding of interactions between innate immunity and fungi. Innate immunity is considered to be the most significant host defence against invasive fungal infections. Complement represents a crucial part of this first line defence and comprises direct effects against invading pathogens as well as bridging functions to other parts of the immune network. However, despite the potency of complement to attack foreign pathogens, the prevalence of invasive fungal infections is increasing. Two possible reasons may explain that phenomenon: First, complement activation might be insufficient for an effective antifungal defence in risk patients (due to, e.g., low complement levels, poor recognition of fungal surface, or missing interplay with other immune elements in immunocompromised patients). On the other hand, fungi may have developed evasion strategies to avoid recognition and/or eradication by complement.  In this review, we summarize the most important interactions between Aspergillus and the complement system. We describe the various ways of complement activation by Aspergillus and the antifungal effects of the system, and also show proven and probable mechanisms of Aspergillus for complement evasion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/77/PMC3423931.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3987245", "abstract": "A 12-year-old boy presented with fever, lower extremity pain and weakness. Examination revealed paraparesis, thigh and calf tenderness. Labs showed high creatinine phosphokinase and Rickettsia typhi titers. This case illustrates endemic typhus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of myositis especially in areas with high prevalence of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myositis and paraparesis associated with a case of murine typhus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/d1/idr-2014-1-5145.PMC3987245.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2238822", "abstract": "Many Microbe Microarrays Database (M3D) is designed to facilitate the analysis and visualization of expression data in compendia compiled from multiple laboratories. M3D contains over a thousand Affymetrix microarrays for Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Shewanella oneidensis. The expression data is uniformly normalized to make the data generated by different laboratories and researchers more comparable. To facilitate computational analyses, M3D provides raw data (CEL file) and normalized data downloads of each compendium. In addition, web-based construction, visualization and download of custom datasets are provided to facilitate efficient interrogation of the compendium for more focused analyses. The experimental condition metadata in M3D is human curated with each chemical and growth attribute stored as a structured and computable set of experimental features with consistent naming conventions and units. All versions of the normalized compendia constructed for each species are maintained and accessible in perpetuity to facilitate the future interpretation and comparison of results published on M3D data. M3D is accessible at http://m3d.bu.edu/.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/d1/gkm815.PMC2238822.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3332212", "abstract": "Obesity-related glomerulopathy is an increasing cause of end-stage renal disease. Obesity has been considered a state of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and chronic oxidative stress. Augmented inflammation in adipose and kidney tissues promotes the progression of kidney damage in obesity. Adipose tissue, which is accumulated in obesity, is a key endocrine organ that produces multiple biologically active molecules, including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, that affect inflammation, and subsequent deregulation of cell function in renal glomeruli that leads to pathological changes. Oxidative stress is also associated with obesity-related renal diseases and may trigger the initiation or progression of renal damage in obesity. In this paper, we focus on inflammation and oxidative stress in the progression of obesity-related glomerulopathy and possible interventions to prevent kidney injury in obesity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/db/PMC3332212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2635898", "abstract": "Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla. Methods The vertical distance between incisal edges of maxillary central incisors and the centre of the incisive papilla was measured by a digital caliper on the stone casts that were obtained from dentate subjects. Results The mean vertical distance between maxillary central incisors and incisive papilla on the stone casts was 6.70±0.81 mm. The vertical distance range was 5.51 mm to 8.89 mm. Conclusions The clinical relevance of this study lies in application to complete denture construction. The dentist and laboratory technician can be use the results of this study as a guideline in fabrication of maxillary occlusal rims and in determination of the position of the occlusal plane with the reference of other anatomical landmarks together. However, the wax rim should be modified intraorally to incorporate individual characteristics and the anterior tooth should be arranged on modified wax rim.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/24/PMC2635898.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2741194", "abstract": "This report presents an extremely rare occurrence of two inverted mesiodentes in a child patient. Extraction of both mesiodentes was indicated, owing to the axial rotation of the permanent central incisors caused by these impacted supernumerary teeth. Radiographic evidence of complete healing was observed 24 months following surgical removal of the inverted mesiodentes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/9b/PMC2741194.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4606771", "abstract": "BACKGROUND The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model calls for greater collaboration across the community, school, and health sectors to meet the needs and support the full potential of each child. This article reports on how 3 states and 2 local school districts have implemented aspects of the WSCC model through collaboration, leadership and policy creation, alignment, and implementation. METHODS We searched state health and education department websites, local school district websites, state legislative databases, and sources of peer-reviewed and gray literature to identify materials demonstrating adoption and implementation of coordinated school health, the WSCC model, and associated policies and practices in identified states and districts. We conducted informal interviews in each state and district to reinforce the document review. RESULTS States and local school districts have been able to strategically increase collaboration, integration, and alignment of health and education through the adoption and implementation of policy and practice supporting the WSCC model. Successful utilization of the WSCC model has led to substantial positive changes in school health environments, policies, and practices. CONCLUSIONS Collaboration among health and education sectors to integrate and align services may lead to improved efficiencies and better health and education outcomes for students.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/20/josh0085-0775.PMC4606771.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4208932", "abstract": " Brunner’s gland hamartoma is a rare benign tumour of the duodenum. It was first described by Cruveilhier in 1835. Presently around 200 cases have been reported in literature. No sex predilection is seen. Patients usually present in the fifth to sixth decades of life. They may be clinically silent or may present with variable symptoms and occasionally obstructive symptoms and chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic presentation can be nodular, polypoid or diffuse glandular proliferation with thickening of duodenal wall and hence can be misdiagnosed as malignancy. We describe a case of duodenal tumor reported outside (on biopsy) as well differentiated adenocarcinoma which out as Brunner gland hamartoma upon complete resection. Brunner gland hamartoma may sometimes have a very unusual presentation. Extensive pre-operative evaluation is necessity to avoid radical surgical procedure. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/a5/MEJDD-6-237.PMC4208932.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5118837", "abstract": "Metastases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the renal pelvis to the eye is a very rare event, as only one previous case has been described in the literature. We present a patient with choroidal metastasis secondary to TCC of the renal pelvis, with a review of the relevant literature. A 61-year-old male presented with sudden-onset loss of vision of the left eye. Upon evaluation and assessment, the patient was found to have unilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to TCC of the renal pelvis. He is currently on palliative chemotherapy with carboplatin and gemcitabine. External beam radiation therapy is a common mode of treatment and will be considered accordingly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/66/cro-0009-0672.PMC5118837.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4779309", "abstract": "Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common medical condition among children and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent, chronic, costly, and disabling disorder among them. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children with early stages of CKD, and to compare it with the occurrence of OCD in healthy children. Patients and Methods: In this case-control study, we evaluated 160 children aged 7 to 17 years old who were visited in the pediatric clinics of Amir-Kabir hospital, Arak, Iran. The control group consisted of 80 healthy children and the case group included 80 children with Stage 1 to 3 CKD. The ages and sex of the children in the two groups were matched. OCD in children was evaluated using the obsessive compulsive inventory-child version (OCI-CV). Results: The mean scores of doubting/checking (case: 3.52 ± 2.54, control: 2.5 ± 2.32, P = 0.007) and ordering (case: 2.59 ± 1.81, control: 1.5 ± 2.56, P = 0.005) in the children with CKD was significantly higher than in the healthy ones. Moreover, the mean total scores for the OCI-CV of the children with CKD at 15.32 ± 7.69 was significantly higher than the scores of the healthy ones at 11.12 ± 2.54 (P = 0.021). There was a significant correlation between the CKD duration and doubting/checking (P = 0.004, correlation coefficient (CC): 0.4), obsessing (P = 0.06, CC: 0.02), washing (P = 0.031, CC: 0.8), ordering (P = 0.001, CC: 0.2), and the total scores of the OCI-CV questionnaire (P = 0.04, CC: 0.4). Conclusions: The risk of OCD in children with CKD is significantly higher than that in healthy children. Although the results seem to suggest that psychiatric intervention can be helpful in treating OCD in children with CKD, further investigation into the medical condition is required so as to obtain more definitive conclusions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d7/69/num-08-01-34017.PMC4779309.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4469916", "abstract": "While increasing evidence indicates the important function of histone methylation during development, how this process influences cardiac development in vertebrates has not been explored. Here, we elucidate the functions of two histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation enzymes, SMYD3 and SETD7, during zebrafish heart morphogenesis using gene expression profiling by whole mount in situ hybridization and antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)-based gene knockdown. We find both smyd3 and setd7 are highly expressed within developing zebrafish heart and knock-down of these genes led to severe defects in cardiac morphogenesis without altering the expressions pattern of heart markers, including cmlc2, vmhc, and amhc. Furthermore, double knock-down by coinjection of smyd3 and setd7 MOs caused the synergistic defects in heart development. As similar to knock-down effect, overexpression of these genes also caused the heart morphogenesis defect in zebrafish. These results indicate that histone modifying enzymes, SMYD3 and SETD7, appear to function synergistically during heart development and their proper functioning is essential for normal heart morphogenesis during development.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/dc/molce-38-6-580.PMC4469916.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2802553", "abstract": "The use of molecular tools to study the neurobiology of complex behaviors has been hampered by an inability to target the desired changes to relevant groups of neurons. Specific memories and specific sensory representations are sparsely encoded by a small fraction of neurons embedded in a sea of morphologically and functionally similar cells. In this review we discuss genetics techniques that are being developed to address this difficulty. In several studies the use of promoter elements that are responsive to neural activity have been used to drive long-lasting genetic alterations into neural ensembles that are activated by natural environmental stimuli. This approach has been used to examine neural activity patterns during learning and retrieval of a memory, to examine the regulation of receptor trafficking following learning and to functionally manipulate a specific memory trace. We suggest that these techniques will provide a general approach to experimentally investigate the link between patterns of environmentally activated neural firing and cognitive processes such as perception and memory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/51/PMC2802553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3922346", "abstract": "Abstract Angiogenesis inhibition has been proposed as a general strategy to fight cancer. However, in spite of the promising preclinical results, a first generation of antiangiogenic compounds yielded poor results in clinical trials. Conceptual errors and mistakes in the design of trials and in the definition of clinical end-points could account for these negative results. In this context of discouraging results, a second generation of antiangiogenic therapies is showing positive results in phases II and III trials at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In fact, several combined treatments with conventional chemotherapy and antiangiogenic compounds have been recently approved. The discovery and pharmacological development of future generations of angiogenesis inhibitors will benefit from further advances in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in human angiogenesis. New styles of trials are necessary, to avoid missing potential therapeutic effects. Different clinical end-points, new surrogate biomarkers and methods of imaging will be helpful in this process. Real efficacy in clinical trials may come with the combined use of antiangiogenic agents with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and combinations of several antiangiogenic compounds with different mechanisms of action. Finally, the existing antiangiogenic strategies should include other approaches such as vascular targeting or angioprevention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/20/PMC3922346.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4378336", "abstract": "MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating a broad range of biological processes, acting by cleaving mRNAs or by translational repression. A group of plant microRNAs are evolutionarily conserved; however, others are expressed in a species-specific manner. Jute is an agroeconomically important fibre crop; nonetheless, no practical information is available for microRNAs in jute to date. In this study, Illumina sequencing revealed a total of 227 known microRNAs and 17 potential novel microRNA candidates in jute, of which 164 belong to 23 conserved families and the remaining 63 belong to 58 nonconserved families. Among a total of 81 identified microRNA families, 116 potential target genes were predicted for 39 families and 11 targets were predicted for 4 among the 17 identified novel microRNAs. For understanding better the functions of microRNAs, target genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology and their pathways illustrated by KEGG pathway analyses. The presence of microRNAs identified in jute was validated by stem-loop RT-PCR followed by end point PCR and qPCR for randomly selected 20 known and novel microRNAs. This study exhaustively identifies microRNAs and their target genes in jute which will ultimately pave the way for understanding their role in this crop and other crops.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/82/ce/PMC4378336.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4377470", "abstract": "MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a new class of posttranscriptional regulators of many cardiac and vascular diseases. They are a class of small, noncoding RNAs that contributes crucial roles typically through binding of the 3′-untranslated region of mRNA. A single miRNA may influence several signaling pathways associated with cardiac remodeling by targeting multiple genes. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive obliteration of pulmonary (micro) vasculature that results in elevated vascular resistance, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and RV failure. The pathology of PH involves vascular cell remodeling including pulmonary arterial endothelial cell (PAEC) dysfunction and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation. There is no cure for this disease. Thus, novel intervention pathways that govern PH induced RVH may result in new treatment modalities. Current therapies are limited to reverse the vascular remodeling. Recent studies have demonstrated the roles of various miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH and pulmonary disorders. This review provides an overview of recent discoveries on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH and discusses the potential for miRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers of PH at clinical setting.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e7/6d/PMC4377470.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649801", "abstract": "The “hybrid” approach to multivessel coronary artery disease combines surgical left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention of the remaining lesions. Ideally, the LITA to LAD bypass graft is performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This review aims to clarify the place of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) in the current therapeutic armamentarium against multivessel coronary artery disease. Eighteen studies including 970 patients were included for analysis. The postoperative LITA patency varied between 93.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/38/PMC3649801.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3506889", "abstract": "The neonatal mortality rate in India is amongst the highest in the world and skewed towards rural areas. Nonavailability of trained manpower along with poor healthcare infrastructure is one of the major hurdles in ensuring quality neonatal care. We reviewed case studies and relevant literature from low and middle income countries and documented alternative strategies that have proved to be favourable in improving neonatal health. The authors reiterate the fact that recruiting and retaining trained manpower in rural areas by all means is essential to improve the quality of neonatal care services. Besides this, other strategies such as training of local rural healthcare providers and traditional midwives, promoting home-based newborn care, and creating community awareness and mobilization also hold enough potential to influence the neonatal health positively and efforts should be made to implement them on a larger scale. More research is demanded for innovations such as “m-health” and public-private partnerships as they have been shown to offer potential in terms of improving the standards of care. The above proposed strategy is likely to reduce morbidity among neonatal survivors as well.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d0/5a/PMC3506889.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5110925", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on survival and relevant factors in patients who underwent CRRT after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the laboratory, clinical, and radiological data of 29 patients who underwent CRRT among 1,190 TBI patients treated at our institution between April 2011 and June 2015. There were 20 men and 9 women, and the mean age was 60.2 years. The mean initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was 9.2, and the mean injury severity score was 24. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used for analysis of survival and relevant factors. Results The actuarial median survival time of the 29 patients was 163 days (range, 3-317). Among the above 29 patients, 22 died with a median survival time of 8 days (range, 3-55). The causes of death were TBI-related in 8, sepsis due to pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 4, and multi-organ failure in 10. Among the various factors, urine quantity of more than 500 mL for 24-hours before receiving CRRT was a significant and favorable factor for survival in the multivariate analysis (p=0.026). Conclusion According to our results, we suggest that early intervention with CRRT may be beneficial in the treatment of TBI patients with impending acute renal failure (ARF). To define the therapeutic advantages of early CRRT in the TBI patients with ARF, a well-designed and controlled study with more cases is required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/c9/kjn-12-89.PMC5110925.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3955595", "abstract": "Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The results of experimental studies point to the involvement of innate immunity receptors—toll-like receptors (TLR)—in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess the expression of TLR3, 7, and 9 in the population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in B lymphocytes (CD19+), T lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+) using flow cytometry. The study group included 35 patients with SLE and 15 healthy controls. The patient group presented a significantly higher percentage of TLR3- and TLR9-positive cells among all PBMCs and their subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ lymphocytes) as well as TLR7 in CD19+ B-lymphocytes, compared to the control group. There was no correlation between the expression of all studied TLRs and the disease activity according to the SLAM scale, and the degree of organ damage according to the SLICC/ACR Damage Index. However, a correlation was observed between the percentage of various TLR-positive cells and some clinical (joint lesions) and laboratory (lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, anaemia, and higher ESR) features and menopause in women. The results of the study suggest that TLR3, 7, and 9 play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE and have an impact on organ involvement in SLE.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/4f/PMC3955595.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4916323", "abstract": "Introduction Neuroretinitis (NR) is considered to be an inflammatory condition which is characterized by optic disc edema and, as a result, formation of a macular star figure. NR is an atypical presentation of toxoplasmosis infection, and such cases are quite rare. Case Presentation A 13-year-old girl presented with painless subacute visual loss in her right eye for a week at Khatam-Al-Anbia eye hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Following comprehensive evaluation, a diagnosis of toxoplasmic NR was made. The NR favorably responded to classic anti-toxoplasmosis treatment. A juxtapapillary retinochoroidal scar appeared after disc swelling resolution. Conclusions Although toxoplasmosis NR is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnoses of NR.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/76/ircmj-18-04-33115.PMC4916323.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4890932", "abstract": "C57BL/6, BALB/c, and CBA/Ca mouse strains with different MHC-I haplotypes were compared with respect to susceptibility to Neospora caninum infection. Groups of 5 mice received 1 × 106, 5 × 106, or 25 × 106 tachyzoites of the NC-Liverpool isolate by intraperitoneal injection and were observed for disease symptoms. Humoral responses, splenocyte interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, cerebral parasite loads, and histopathology were evaluated at human end points or the latest at 34 days postinfection (PI). The mortality rates in C57BL/6 mice were the highest, and relatively high levels of IgG1 antibodies were detected in those mice surviving till 34 days PI. In lymphocyte proliferation assays, spleen cells from C57BL6 mice stimulated with N. caninum antigen extract exhibited large variations in IFN-γ production. In BALB/c mice mortality was 0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/20/PMC4890932.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5006551", "abstract": "Background: Pityriasis rosea is a papulosquamous disease. It may occur during pregnancy; in this setting, it has occasionally been associated with adverse outcomes. Purpose: A woman who developed pityriasis rosea at the beginning of her eighth week of gestation is described. The outcomes in newborns delivered by pregnant women who developed pityriasis rosea during gestation are summarized. Method: A 28-year-old woman developed pityriasis rosea during her eighth week of pregnancy. Her husband had pityriasis rosea two months earlier. PubMed was searched for the following terms: conjugal, craniosynostosis, newborn, pityriasis, pregnancy, rosea, sagittal, spouse. The papers were reviewed and the references cited were evaluated. Results: Our patient delivered a healthy male infant after 41 weeks of gestation. He had normal weight, height, and Apgar scores. Isolated sagittal craniosynostosis was diagnosed and was successfully treated at nine weeks after birth without complications. Conclusion: Several retrospective studies have investigated the possibility of adverse outcomes in infants born to women who developed pityriasis rosea during pregnancy, such as stillbirth, low gestational weight, hypotonia, and premature delivery. However, there are also reports of healthy newborns in women who have had pityriasis rosea during gestation. Our patient carried the fetus one week post-term and delivered a healthy boy via C-section; isolated sagittal craniosynostosis was later diagnosed and successfully repaired. The occurrence of craniosynostosis in a woman who developed pityriasis rosea during her first trimester of pregnancy may be two coincidental events.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/14/44/PMC5006551.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3199684", "abstract": "Sleep/wake and circadian rest-activity rhythms become irregular with age. Typical outcomes include fragmented sleep during the night, advanced sleep phase syndrome and increased daytime sleepiness. These changes lead to a reduction in the quality of life due to cognitive impairments and emotional stress. More importantly, severely disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms have been associated with an increase in disease susceptibility. Additionally, many of the same brain areas affected by neurodegenerative diseases include the sleep and wake promoting systems. Any advances in our knowledge of these sleep/wake and circadian networks are necessary to target neural areas or connections for therapy. This review will discuss research that uses molecular, behavioral, genetic and anatomical methods to further our understanding of the interaction of these systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/18/PMC3199684.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4281392", "abstract": " Purpose. To assess feasibility, efficacy, toxicity, and cosmetic results of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with electrons delivered by standard linear accelerators (Linacs) during breast conserving surgeries for early infiltrating breast cancer (BC) treatment. Materials and Methods. A total of 152 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (T ≤ 3.0 cm) at low risk for local relapses were treated. All had unicentric lesions by imaging methods and negative sentinel node. After a wide local excision, 21 Gy were delivered on the parenchyma target volume with electron beams. Local recurrences (LR), survival, toxicity, and cosmetic outcomes were analyzed. Results. The median age was 58.3 years (range 40–85); median follow-up was 50.7 months (range 12–101.5). There were 5 cases with LR, 2 cases with distant metastases, and 2 cases with deaths related to BC. The cumulative incidence rates of LR, distant metastases, and BC death were 3.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/2d/PMC4281392.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2846686", "abstract": "The P19CL6 cell line is a useful model to study cardiac differentiation in vitro. However, large variations were noticed in the differentiation rates among previous reports as well as our individual experiments. To overcome the unstable differentiation, we established P19CL6-A1, a new clonal derivative of P19CL6 that could differentiate into cardiomyocytes more efficiently and stably than the parent using the double stimulation with 5-Aza and DMSO based on the previous report. We also introduced a new software, Visorhythm, that can analyze the temporal variations in the beating rhythms and can chart correlograms displaying the oscillated rhythms. Using P19CL6-A1-derived cardiomyocytes and the software, we demonstrated that the correlograms could clearly display the enhancement of beating rates by cardiotonic reagents. These indicate that a combination of P19CL6-A1 and Visorhythm is a useful tool that can provide invaluable assistance in inotropic drug discovery, drug screening, and toxicity testing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/60/PMC2846686.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3170893", "abstract": " Purpose. We present our experience in single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using a grasper directly without using a trocar in five patients. Methods and Results. The technique involves the use of Karl Storz 27290F grasper in order to perform gallbladder retraction in single port cholecystectomy. The grasper was introduced directly into the skin through abdominal wall without using any trocar and used to mobilize gallbladder whenever needed during surgery without causing any perforation or leakage of the gallbladder. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications in 5 patients with the advantages of shorter operation time and almost invisible postoperative skin scar formation. Conclusion. We claim that the use of this instrument in SILS surgery might be advantageous than the conventional placement of sutures for the gallbladder mobilization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/c5/PMC3170893.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3635223", "abstract": "We describe the case of a 5-year-old girl whose abdominal pain and distension were caused by Wilms tumor of the kidney. Because of the bilateral nature of her disease, she was spared biopsy or initial nephrectomy as part of her treatment course. Rather, she was treated presumptively for Wilms tumor based primarily on radiologic findings. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, dactinomycin and doxorubicin was given to facilitate nephron-sparing surgery for tumor resection. Her initial chemotherapeutic course was complicated by tumor lysis syndrome manifested by elevated serum uric acid and was treated effectively with hyperhydration and alkalization of intravenous fluids. The patient's disease responded well to chemotherapy, and she underwent successful tumor excision after 12 weeks of chemotherapy. The resected tumor was identified as anaplastic Wilms tumor, illustrating that pathologic identification of Wilms tumor is possible even after multiple cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and marked tumor shrinkage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/93/rjt012.PMC3635223.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3414053", "abstract": " Objective. To determine whether genetic variants suggested by the literature to be associated with physiology and fitness phenotypes predicted differential physiological and subjective responses to a bout of aerobic exercise among inactive but otherwise healthy adults. Method. Participants completed a 30-minute submaximal aerobic exercise session. Measures of physiological and subjective responding were taken before, during, and after exercise. 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been previously associated with various exercise phenotypes were tested for associations with physiological and subjective response to exercise phenotypes. Results. We found that two SNPs in the FTO gene (rs8044769 and rs3751812) were related to positive affect change during exercise. Two SNPs in the CREB1 gene (rs2253206 and 2360969) were related to change in temperature during exercise and with maximal oxygen capacity (VO2 max). The SLIT2 SNP rs1379659 and the FAM5C SNP rs1935881 were associated with norepinephrine change during exercise. Finally, the OPRM1 SNP rs1799971 was related to changes in norepinephrine, lactate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise. Conclusion. Genetic factors influence both physiological and subjective responses to exercise. A better understanding of genetic factors underlying physiological and subjective responses to aerobic exercise has implications for development and potential tailoring of exercise interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/3d/PMC3414053.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5055956", "abstract": " Aim. To investigate whether there is a correlation between early dental implant failure and low serum levels of vitamin D. Methods. All patients treated with dental implants in a single centre, in the period 2003–2015, were considered for enrollment in this study. The main outcome was early implant failure. The influence of patient-related variables on implant survival was calculated using the Chi-square test. Results. 822 patients treated with 1625 implants were selected for this study; 27 early failures (3.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f2/c9/PMC5055956.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5007361", "abstract": "To investigate the role of macrophages as a regulator and producer of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the synovial tissue (ST) of osteoarthritis (OA) joints, the gene expression profiles of several inflammatory cytokines in the ST, including synovial macrophages and fibroblasts, of OA mice (STR/Ort) were characterized. Specifically, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to evaluate the expression of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and NGF in CD11b+ and CD11b– cells isolated from the ST of a murine OA model. The effects of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 on the expression of NGF in cultured synovial cells were also examined. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NGF in the ST of STR/Ort was higher than that in C57/BL6J mice. Compared to the CD11b– cell fraction, higher expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were detected in the CD11b+ cell fraction, whereas no differences in the expression of NGF were detected between the two cell fractions. Notably, TNF-α upregulated NGF expression in synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and IL-1β upregulated NGF expression in synovial fibroblasts. IL-1β and TNF-α may regulate NGF signaling in OA joints and be suitable therapeutic targets for treating OA pain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/04/PMC5007361.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4020157", "abstract": "HIV has been known to interfere with the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this study we investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) among HIV-infected individuals in Nigeria. Overall, 1200 archived HIV positive samples were screened for detectable HBsAg using rapid technique, in Ikole Ekiti Specialist Hospital. The HBsAg negative samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HCV by ELISA. Polymerase chain reaction was used for HBV DNA amplification and CD4 counts were analyzed by cytometry. Nine hundred and eighty of the HIV samples were HBsAg negative. HBV DNA was detected in 21/188 (11.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/86/PMC4020157.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3529447", "abstract": " Background. This study examines prevalence of respiratory conditions in New Orleans-area restoration workers after Hurricane Katrina. Methods. Between 2007 and 2010, spirometry and respiratory health and occupational questionnaire were administered to 791 New Orleans-area adults who mostly worked in the building construction and maintenance trades or custodial services. The associations between restoration work hours and lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms were examined by multiple linear regression, χ 2, or multiple logistic regression. Results. 74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/81/PMC3529447.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4643708", "abstract": "Introduction The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of ureteral stents for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment of pelvis renalis stones and to compare the results and complications in stented and non-stented patients. Material and methods Between 1995 and 2011, 1361 patients with pelvis renalis stones were treated with SWL. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to stone burden: ≤1 cm2 (group 1; n = 514), 1.1 to 2 cm2 (group 2; n = 530) and >2 cm2 (group 3; n = 317). Each group was divided into subgroups of patients who did and did not undergo ureteral stent implantation before SWL treatment. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by determining the effectiveness quotient (EQ). Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Of the 514, 530 and 317 patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively, 30 (6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/ad/CEJU-68-00611.PMC4643708.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2850132", "abstract": " Objective. The objective of the study was to assess Plasmodium/intestinal helminth infection in pregnancy and other risk factors for stillbirth in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study of women presenting for delivery in two hospitals was conducted during November-December 2006. Data collected included sociodemographic information, medical and obstetric histories, and anthropometric measures. Laboratory investigations for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal helminths, and tests for hemoglobin levels were also performed. Results. The stillbirth rate was relatively high in this population (5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/0a/PMC2850132.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4420582", "abstract": "Graphene nanoribbons (GNR) were generated in ethanol solution by unzipping pyrrolidine-functionalized carbon nanotubes under mild conditions. Evaporation of the solvent resulted in regular few-layer stacks of graphene nanoribbons observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction. The experimental interlayer distance (0.49–0.56 nm) was confirmed by computer modelling (0.51 nm). Computer modelling showed that the large interlayer spacing (compared with graphite) is due to the presence of the functional groups and depends on their concentration. Stacked nanoribbons were observed to redissolve upon solvent addition. This preparation method could allow the fine-tuning of the interlayer distances by controlling the number and/or the nature of the chemical groups in between the graphene layers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/cc/open0004-0115.PMC4420582.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3606728", "abstract": "The red complex, which includes Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia (formerly Bacteroides forsythus), are recognized as the most important pathogens in adult periodontal disease. These bacteria are usually found together in periodontal pockets, suggesting that they may cause destruction of the periodontal tissue in a cooperative manner. This article discusses the interspecies pathogenic interactions within the red complex.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fc/9f/PMC3606728.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5015882", "abstract": "Purpose We investigated correlations between short-term and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations. Methods We examined 50 eyes of glaucoma patients who were followed for >2 years. We measured short-term IOP fluctuation using a Triggerfish® contact lens sensor (CLS). The short-term IOP fluctuation (mVeq) was defined as the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value measured during the 24-hour course with CLS. The long-term IOP fluctuation was defined by four parameters: 1) the mean IOP (mmHg) determined during follow-up; 2) the IOP difference, which was defined as the difference between the maximum IOP and the minimum IOP; 3) the standard deviation of IOP; and 4) the peak IOP, which was defined as the maximum IOP. Correlations between these parameters and the short-term IOP fluctuation were examined. Results The mean follow-up period was 5.4 years. The average IOP was 15.0±4.0 mmHg. The range of short-term IOP fluctuation identified with CLS was significantly correlated with all the four long-term IOP fluctuation parameters. Conclusion Short-term IOP fluctuations were found to be associated with long-term IOP fluctuations. Examination of 24-hour IOP fluctuations with the CLS might be useful for predicting the long-term IOP fluctuation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/ad/opth-10-1713.PMC5015882.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3236364", "abstract": " Purpose. To characterize volume-based care of uterine cancer among women aged ≤50 years. Methods. The Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission database was accessed for uterine cancer surgical cases from 1994 to 2005. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression models were used to evaluate for significant associations among volume-based care and other variables comparing women ≤50 years with those aged >50 years. Results. Women ≤50 years comprised 13.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/aa/PMC3236364.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3429756", "abstract": "The pancreatobiliary organ is composed of one of the most complicated structures and complex physiological functions among other digestive organs in our body. This is why endoscopic procedure in pancreaticobiliary system requires rather complicated techniques. In International Digestive Endoscopy Network (IDEN) 2012, many interesting pancreatobiliay endoscopy related topics were presented. Basic procedures like endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), advanced techniques like endoscopic necrosectomy, prevention and management of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and spyglass system are reviewed in this highlight summary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/3f/ce-45-297.PMC3429756.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5139926", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Trans-placental transmission of parvovirus B19 during pregnancy can causes adverse outcomes. Regarding its importance in prenatal care, we decided to study prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection among pregnant woman in Ardabil, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a community based study with a cluster sampling, 350 pregnant women that attended in health care centers in Ardabil were selected. Serum samples were collected and Anti-B19 specific IgG was detected using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Euroimmune Elisa kit, Germany). Furthermore, a questionnaire filled for all participants during samples collection. Results: 64.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/f6/PMC5139926.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4902243", "abstract": "Background Physical activity and exercise programs (PAEPs) are an important factor in increasing and maintaining physical and mental health. This holds particularly true for patients with psychiatric disorders undergoing treatment in a psychiatric hospital. To understand whether the benefits reported in the literature are mirrored in current treatment modalities, the aim of the present study was to assess the current state of PAEPs in psychiatric hospitals in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Methods All psychiatric hospitals (N=55) in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were contacted in spring 2014. Staff responsible for PAEPs were asked to complete an online questionnaire covering questions related to PAEPs such as type, frequency, staff training, treatment rationale, importance of PAEPs within the treatment strategy, and possible avenues to increase PAEPs. Results Staff members of 48 different psychiatric hospitals completed the survey. Hospitals provided the following therapeutic treatments: relaxation techniques (100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/7f/ndt-12-1309.PMC4902243.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5097816", "abstract": "As the silver tsunami continues, assessing and intervening with older adult drivers are becoming an essential aspect of the comprehensive geriatric exam. The current lack of time efficient clinical guidelines is a concern and barrier for NPs. The purpose of this study was to identify strategies currently used by NPs. The critical incident technique was used to obtain data from a convenience sample of NPs. A total of 89 incidents were collected. The perspective of the NP can provide important information for developing clinical guidelines to promote individual and community safety.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/ae/PMC5097816.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4320896", "abstract": " Objective. To evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes in incidentally detected lung cancer and in symptomatic lung cancer. Material and Methods. We designed a retrospective study including all patients undergoing pulmonary resection with a curative intention for NSCLC. They were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of cancer-related symptoms at diagnosis in asymptomatic (ASX)—incidental diagnosis—or symptomatic. Results. Of the 593 patients, 320 (53.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/0c/PMC4320896.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2989023", "abstract": "Even in current orthopaedic practice, some cases are still not suitable candidates for hip replacement and hip fusion remains the only option in these highly selected patients. In this retrospective study we describe the long-term clinical outcome, quality of life and radiological evaluation of all adjacent joints in a cohort of 47 hip fusions. The main objective of our study was to show the long-term effects of a fusion. Thirty patients were analysed after an average of 18.2 years (range 6.2–30.5 years) with a mean SMFA of 31.2 (range 9–70). The VAS for pain for the fused hip was an average 1.9 (range 0–8), for the contralateral hip 2.0 (0–8), for the ipsilateral knee 2.0 (0–8), for the contralateral knee 1.8 (0–8) and for the lower back 3.6 (0–8). Average walking distance was 115 minutes (range 10–unlimited). Although the hip arthrodesis has lost popularity, it still is an option for the young patient with severe hip disorders, while leaving the possibility to perform a THA at a later stage. If the arthrodesis is performed with an optimal alignment of the leg, complaints from the adjacent joints are minimal, even in the long-term, and an acceptable quality of life can be obtained. We believe that in highly selected cases a hip fusion, even in current practice, is still a valid option.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/31/264_2009_Article_860.PMC2989023.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3337730", "abstract": "Leukotrienes (LTs), formed by the 5-lipoxygenase-(5-LO-) catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid, are lipid mediators that have potent proinflammatory activities. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of 5-LO biosynthesis in animals is associated with increased mortality and impaired clearance of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. LTs play a role in the control of helminth and protozoan infections by modulating the immune system and/or through direct cytotoxicity to parasites; however, LTs may also be associated with pathogenesis, such as in cerebral malaria and schistosomal granuloma. Interestingly, some proteins from the saliva of insect vectors that transmit protozoans and secreted protein from helminth could bind LTs and may consequently modulate the course of infection or pathogenesis. In addition, the decreased production of LTs in immunocompromised individuals might modulate the pathophysiology of helminth and protozoan infections. Herein, in this paper, we showed the immunomodulatory and pathogenic roles of LTs during the helminth and protozoan infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/06/PMC3337730.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4311927", "abstract": "We present a methodology for probing light-matter interactions in prototype photovoltaic devices consisting of an organic semiconductor active layer with a semitransparent metal electrical contact exhibiting surface plasmon-based enhanced optical transmission. We achieve high-spectral irradiance in a spot size of less than 100 μm using a high-brightness laser-driven light source and appropriate coupling optics. Spatially resolved Fourier transform photocurrent spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions allows us to measure external quantum efficiency with high sensitivity in small-area devices (<1 mm2). This allows for rapid fabrication of variable-pitch sub-wavelength hole arrays in metal films for use as transparent electrical contacts, and evaluation of the evanescent and propagating mode coupling to resonances in the active layer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/76/PMC4311927.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5045055", "abstract": "Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), consisting of α- and β-subunits, are critical regulators of the transcriptional response to hypoxia under both physiological and pathological conditions. To a large extent, the protein stability and the recruitment of coactivators to the C-terminal transactivation domain of the HIF α-subunits determine overall HIF activity. The regulation of HIF α-subunit protein stability and coactivator recruitment is mainly achieved by oxygen-dependent posttranslational hydroxylation of conserved proline and asparagine residues, respectively. Under hypoxia, the hydroxylation events are inhibited and HIF α-subunits stabilize, translocate to the nucleus, dimerize with the β-subunits, and trigger a transcriptional response. However, under normal oxygen conditions, HIF α-subunits can be activated by various growth and coagulation factors, hormones, cytokines, or stress factors implicating the involvement of different kinase pathways in their regulation, thereby making HIF-α-regulating kinases attractive therapeutic targets. From the kinases known to regulate HIF α-subunits, only a few phosphorylate HIF-α directly. Here, we review the direct phosphorylation of HIF-α with an emphasis on the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and the consequences for HIF-1α function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/ab/hp-2-035.PMC5045055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3025390", "abstract": "Genetic ablation of the NHE2 Na+/H+ exchanger causes gastric achlorhydria, absorptive defects in kidney and colon, and low fertility. Here we show that NHE2 is expressed in the pituitary, with the highest mRNA expression in pars distalis and lower expression in pars intermedia. In pars distalis of NHE2-null mice, prominent cyst-like dilatations of folliculo-stellate (FS) cell canaliculi developed with age, and there were increased FS cell area, accumulation of lipid in FS cell cytoplasm, redundancies in FS cell basement membrane, and other changes. The expansion of the canaliculi indicates that NHE2 is a major absorptive Na+/H+ exchanger in the luminal membranes lining the extensive network of channels formed by FS cells, which may provide a means of intrapituitary communication. The results suggest that NHE2 contributes to homeostatic regulation of the volume and composition of the canalicular fluid and may counter the secretory activity of the CFTR Cl− channel, which is known to be expressed in pituitary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/84/03/PMC3025390.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4774939", "abstract": "Background Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is recognized as a significant health risk, correlating with risk of heart disease, silent myocardial ischemia or sudden cardiac death. Beta-blockers are often prescribed to minimize risk. Objectives In this second of two articles, the effects on parasympathetic and sympathetic activity of the alpha/beta-adrenergic blocker, Carvedilol, are compared with those of the selective beta-adrenergic blocker, Metoprolol. Methods Retrospective, serial autonomic nervous system test data from 147 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from eight ambulatory clinics were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to whether a beta-blocker was (1) introduced, (2) discontinued or (3) continued without adjustment. Group 3 served as the control. Results Introducing Carvedilol or Metoprolol decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and discontinuing them had the opposite effect. Parasympathetic activity increased with introducing Carvedilol. Sympathetic activity increased more after discontinuing Carvedilol, suggesting better sympathetic suppression. With ongoing treatment, resting parasympathetic activity decreased with Metoprolol but increased with Carvedilol. Conclusion Carvedilol has a more profound effect on sympathovagal balance than Metoprolol. While both suppress sympathetic activity, only Carvedilol increases parasympathetic activity. Increased parasympathetic activity may underlie the lower mortality risk with Carvedilol.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/53/HI-9-1-15.PMC4774939.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970652", "abstract": "The serology of human Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the Rio Negro microregion is very complex because of the large numbers of false-positive cases that result from low antibody titres and cross-reactions with other infections. In the present study, we collected 4,880 blood samples on filter paper; of these, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) was strongly reactive in 221 (4.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/5d/0074-0276-mioc-108-07-00909.PMC3970652.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3004601", "abstract": "Drug addicts often come from dysfunctional families. The prevailing view in the literature is that mothers of drug-dependent patients can be characterized by strong emotional bonds and overprotection. Studies suggest that maternal rejection could be a major risk factor of developing drug addiction. This work is a continuation of our previous study of childhood parenting experiences of substance-dependent patients. The aims were to compare the personality profile of mothers of substance-dependent patients and that of mothers of matched control subjects; and to examine the relation between the personality of mothers of addicts, and severity of their offspring’s addiction. The study group consisted of 20 mothers of substance-dependent patients and a control group of 35 mothers of non-dependent subjects; mothers of both groups were age matched. Patients were diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria. Personalities of mothers of both groups were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Substance-dependent patients (sons) were administered the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The mean scores of the MMPI Scales were higher for mothers of dependent patients compared to mothers of non-dependent subjects. Scores on the depression, hysteria and paranoia scales were significantly higher for mothers of patients (P = 0.03, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between scores of hysteria, and psychopathic deviance and the ASI (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). There were significant negative correlations between scores of social introversion and the ASI drug/alcohol use status (P = 0.007), and family history dimensions (P = 0.003). Mothers of substance-dependent patients showed disturbances in aspects of personalities that might be related to initiation of perpetuation of substance dependence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7a/57/PMC3004601.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3345235", "abstract": "Properties of thyme extracts from three different species (Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis, and Thymus hyemalis) were examined. Two oil fractions from each species were obtained by CO2 supercritical fluid extraction. Main compounds presented in the supercritical extracts of the three thyme varieties were 1,8 cineole, thymol, camphor, borneol, and carvacrol. As a cellular model of inflammation/atherogenesis, we use human macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes and activated by oxidized LDLs. These cells were incubated with the thyme fraction oils, and the productions and gene expressions of the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1B, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined. Thyme extracts significantly reduced production and gene expression of the proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1B, and IL-6 and highly increased these parameters on the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. Changes on production and gene expressions were dose dependent and according to the thyme content of each species. Taken together, these results may suggest that thyme extracts could have anti-inflammatory effects. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/97/28/PMC3345235.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4771508", "abstract": " Study Design Retrospective radiologic study.  Objective The sagittal alignment of the cervical spine can be evaluated using either a lateral cervical radiograph or a whole-spine lateral view on which the cervical spine is included. To our knowledge, however, no report has compared the two. The purpose of this work is to identify the difference in radiographic parameters between the cervical spine lateral view and the whole-spine lateral view.  Methods We retrospectively analyzed 59 adult patients suffering from neck pain with cervical spine lateral radiographs and whole-spine lateral radiographs from November 2007 to December 2011. The radiographs were measured using standard techniques to obtain the following parameters from the two different radiographs: occipital–C2 angle, C2–C7 angle, C7–sternal angle, sternal slope, T1 slope, C2 central offset distance, the distance between C2 and C7 plumb lines, C4 anteroposterior (AP) diameter, the ratio of C2 central off distance to C4 AP diameter, the ratio of plumb lines' distance to C4 AP diameter.  Results We found that the occipital–C2 angle, sternal slope, and C4 AP diameter were similar, but the C2–C7 angle, C7–sternal angle, T1 slope, C2 central offset distance, distance between C2 and C7 plumb lines, ratio of C2 central off distance to C4 AP diameter, and ratio of plumb lines' distance to C4 AP diameter were different. However, the error of measurement was greater than the small angular and linear differences between the two views.  Conclusions Most numerical values of the measured radiographic parameters appear to be different between the two views. However, the two views are comparable because the numerical differences were smaller than the errors of measurement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/25/PMC4771508.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4380204", "abstract": "The discovery of chlorothricin (1) defined a new family of microbial metabolites with potent antitumor antibiotic properties collectively referred to as spirotetronate polyketides. These microbial metabolites are structurally distinguished by the presence of a spirotetronate motif embedded within a macrocyclic core. Glycosylation at the periphery of this core contributes to the structural complexity and bioactivity of this motif. The spirotetronate family displays impressive chemical structures, potent bioactivities, and significant pharmacological potential. This review groups the family members based on structural and biosynthetic considerations and summarizes synthetic and biological studies that aim to elucidate their mode of action and explore their pharmacological potential.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/2d/PMC4380204.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5210628", "abstract": "The Candida Genome Database (CGD, http://www.candidagenome.org/) is a freely available online resource that provides gene, protein and sequence information for multiple Candida species, along with web-based tools for accessing, analyzing and exploring these data. The mission of CGD is to facilitate and accelerate research into Candida pathogenesis and biology, by curating the scientific literature in real time, and connecting literature-derived annotations to the latest version of the genomic sequence and its annotations. Here, we report the incorporation into CGD of Assembly 22, the first chromosome-level, phased diploid assembly of the C. albicans genome, coupled with improvements that we have made to the assembly using additional available sequence data. We also report the creation of systematic identifiers for C. albicans genes and sequence features using a system similar to that adopted by the yeast community over two decades ago. Finally, we describe the incorporation of JBrowse into CGD, which allows online browsing of mapped high throughput sequencing data, and its implementation for several RNA-Seq data sets, as well as the whole genome sequencing data that was used in the construction of Assembly 22.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/59/gkw924.PMC5210628.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3836097", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on glucose metabolism was different according to the presence or absence of obesity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 1,344 subjects >40 years old from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were included. OSA was detected by home portable sleep monitoring. Plasma glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance were compared according to OSA and obesity status. The associations between OSA and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), IFG + IGT, and diabetes were evaluated in subjects with and without obesity after adjusting for several confounding variables. The effect of visceral obesity on this association was evaluated in 820 subjects who underwent abdominal computed tomography scanning. RESULTS In subjects without obesity, fasting glucose, 2-h glucose after 75-g glucose loading, and HbA1c were higher in those with OSA than in those without after controlling for age, sex, and BMI. In addition, the presence of OSA in nonobese subjects was associated with a higher prevalence of IFG + IGT and diabetes after adjusting for several confounding variables (odds ratio 3.15 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/d9/3909.PMC3836097.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3822738", "abstract": "Abstract It has been known for some considerable time that sustained hypertension changes the circulatory architecture both in the heart and blood vessels. The histopathological alterations are of considerable interest because once they have developed they appear to carry an adverse prognostic risk. In the heart it is apparent that there is hypertrophy. This extends also to the large- and medium-sized blood vessels but at the level of the smaller arteries that contribute to vascular resistance, this is not the case: it is clear that the physiological response to higher pressures is a change in the positional conformation of the pre-existing tissue constituents and as a result of this the lumen is narrowed. This brief review looks at our knowledge in this area and attempts to clarify our understanding of how hypertension brings these about and what happens when these homeostatic mechanisms break down. From a therapeutic perspective it appears imperative to control blood pressure in an attempt to reverse or prevent such alterations to cardiovascular structure. Our knowledge is fast expanding in this field and it is only to be anticipated that as detection methodology improves everyday practice will alter as we profile our patients in terms of structural alterations in the ventricle and blood vessels.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/d8/PMC3822738.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3496855", "abstract": "Since its discovery as a src kinase substrate more than three decades ago, appreciation for the physiologic functions of annexin A2 and its associated proteins has increased dramatically. With its binding partner S100A10 (p11), A2 forms a cell surface complex that regulates generation of the primary fibrinolytic protease, plasmin, and is dynamically regulated in settings of hemostasis and thrombosis. In addition, the complex is transcriptionally upregulated in hypoxia and promotes pathologic neoangiogenesis in the tissues such as the retina. Dysregulation of both A2 and p11 has been reported in examples of rodent and human cancer. Intracellularly, A2 plays a critical role in endosomal repair in postarthroplastic osteolysis, and intracellular p11 regulates serotonin receptor activity in psychiatric mood disorders. In human studies, the A2 system contributes to the coagulopathy of acute promyelocytic leukemia, and is a target of high-titer autoantibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, cerebral thrombosis, and possibly preeclampsia. Polymorphisms in the human ANXA2 gene have been associated with stroke and avascular osteonecrosis of bone, two severe complications of sickle cell disease. Together, these new findings suggest that manipulation of the annexin A2/S100A10 system may offer promising new avenues for treatment of a spectrum of human disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b3/6d/PMC3496855.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5175043", "abstract": "5q-syndrome is a special subgroup of myelodysplastic syndrome in terms of follow-up and treatment. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that is frequently used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Some clinical studies have shown that lenalidomide treatment is effective in 5q syndrome and significantly decreases the transfusion dependency in these patients. In this paper, we would like to share a dramatic response of lowered transfusion dependency after treatment with low-dose lenalidomide in a patient who received myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis and isolated 5q anomaly in our clinic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/01/NCI-1-191.PMC5175043.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4451270", "abstract": "Context: Hepatitis B Virus expanded program on immunization (EPI) started on 1993 in Iran. Most surveys have assessed the level of response to vaccine by measuring the titers of anti-HBs. This meta- analysis aimed to summarize the Iranian published data on the rate of vaccine-responders versus non-responders. Moreover, the impact of variables such as age, gender, type of vaccine, etc. on the levels of responsiveness was evaluated. Evidence Acquisition: All published papers on this topic in Iranian and international journals with affiliation of “Iran” were reviewed using standard keywords up to 2014. We included our study to healthy participants with no previous HBV infection and who had already received a complete course of HB vaccine. The estimated prevalence and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/59/hepatmon-15-05-23618.PMC4451270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3921777", "abstract": "Introduction We present a cohort of patients with low-stage pelviureteric neoplastic disease who underwent complete laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (CLNUE) with intravesical lockable clip (IVLC). Due to the absence of a standard technique of NUE, the study was not randomized. Materials From 1/2010 to 1/2012, 21 patients were subjected to CLNUE-IVLC. The first step was transurethral excision of the ureterovesical junction with Collin's knife deep into the paravesical adipose tissue. The ureter was grasped with biopsy forceps and the distal end of the ureter was occluded with lockable clip. The applicator was introduced through a 5 mm port inserted as an epicystostomy. The patients were rotated to flank position and CLNUE followed. The endoscopically introduced clip on the distal ureter is proof of completion of the total ureterectomy. Results The mean operation time was 161 (115-200) min. In four (19.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/49/CEJU-65-00191.PMC3921777.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3333796", "abstract": "Purpose To examine if a concomitant relationship exists between cognition and pain in an elderly population residing in long-term care. Background/significance Prior research has found that cognitive load mediates interpretation of a stimulus. In the presence of decreased cognitive capacity as with dementia, the relationship between cognition and increasing pain is unknown in the elderly. Patients and methods Longitudinal cohort design. Data collected from the Minimum Data Set-Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) from the 2001–2003 annual assessments of nursing home residents. A covariance model was used to evaluate the relationship between cognition and pain at three intervals. Results The sample included 56,494 subjects from nursing homes across the United States, with an average age of 83 ± 8.2 years. Analysis of variance scores (ANOVAs) indicated a significant effect (P < 0.01) for pain and cognition, with protected t test revealing scores decreasing significantly with these two measures. Relative stability was found for pain and cognition over time. Greater stability was found in the cognitive measure than the pain measure. Cross-legged effects observed between cognition and pain measures were inconsistent. A concomitant relationship was not found between cognition and pain. Even though the relationship was significant at the 0.01 level, the correlations were low (r ≤ 0.08), indicating a weak association between cognition and pain. Conclusion Understanding the concomitance of pain and cognition aids in defining additional frameworks to extend models to include secondary needs, contextual factors, and resident outcomes. Cognitive decline, as with organic brain diseases, is progressive. Pain is a symptom that can be treated and reduced to improve resident quality of life. However, cognition can be used to determine the most appropriate method to assess pain in the elderly, thereby improving accuracy of pain detection in this population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/1a/PMC3333796.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3222085", "abstract": "Objectives: Peritoneal inclusion cyst (PIC) is defined as a fluid-filled mesothelial-lined cysts of the pelvis and it is most frequently encountered in women of reproductive age. The treatment options are observation, hormonal management, imaging-guided aspiration, image-guided sclerotherapy and surgical excision. The objective of this study is to compare between the laparoscopic and laparotomic surgery for the treatment of PIC. Methods: Thirty-five patients with laparoscopy and forty-eight patients with laparotomy were included in the study. We compared the perioperative and postoperative data, the complications and the recurrence between the two groups. Results: There was a significantly reduced mean length of the hospital stay, estimated blood loss and complication rate in the laparoscopic group as compared to that of the laparotomic group (P=0.037, P=0.047 and P=0.037 respectively). There was also no statistical difference of recurrence rate between thelaparoscopic and laparotomic groups on the Cox proportional hazards model (p=0.209). Conclusion: Our study showed that laparoscopy was superior to the laparotomy for the mean estimated blood loss, the mean length of the hospital stay and the complication rate except for the recurrence rate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/a6/ijmsv09p0014.PMC3222085.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4345309", "abstract": "Arterial occlusion following blunt trauma is an uncommon occurrence. We report an unusual case of delayed external iliac artery occlusion in a young male following blunt abdominal injury. He was successfully treated with thromboendarterectomy and saphenous vein patch repair. There have only been a handful of documented cases occurring in the paediatric population. All patients presenting with groin injury from this mechanism should be carefully investigated and monitored for risk of vascular injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/a9/rjv015.PMC4345309.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3057025", "abstract": "Resistant hypertension is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite the use of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic, in optimal doses. Treatment resistance can be attributed to poor adherence to antihypertensive drugs, excessive salt intake, physician inertia, inappropriate or inadequate medication, and secondary hypertension. Drug-induced hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, primary aldosteronism, and chronic kidney disease represent the most common secondary causes of resistant hypertension. Several drugs can induce or exacerbate pre-existing hypertension, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being the most common due to their wide use. Obstructive sleep apnoea and primary aldosteronism are frequently encountered in patients with resistant hypertension and require expert management. Hypertension is commonly found in patients with chronic kidney disease and is frequently resistant to treatment, while the management of renovascular hypertension remains controversial. A step-by-step approach of patients with resistant hypertension is proposed at the end of this review paper.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/07/PMC3057025.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3079134", "abstract": "Background and Objectives Transradial coronary angiography and intervention are increasing in frequency due to lower major vascular access site complications and the potential for early mobilization. However, the small size of the radial artery (RA) is a major limitation of this technique. A sheathless guiding catheter (GC) has recently been introduced that has a 1-2 French smaller diameter compared with the corresponding introducer sheath. This catheter also has a hydrophilic coating along its entire length. We evaluated the feasibility of using a sheathless GC in patients who have small radial arteries. Subjects and Methods The procedural results were evaluated in patients with small radial arteries (diameter <2.3 mm) who underwent transradial coronary intervention using a sheathless GC. Results A total of 25 (male: 9) patients with 29 lesions were enrolled. The mean RA diameter was 1.81±0.26 mm. 44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/9b/kcj-41-143.PMC3079134.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1669710", "abstract": "Subtle alternative splice events at tandem splice sites are frequent in eukaryotes and substantially increase the complexity of transcriptomes and proteomes. We have developed a relational database, TassDB (TAndem Splice Site DataBase), which stores extensive data about alternative splice events at GYNGYN donors and NAGNAG acceptors. These splice events are of subtle nature since they mostly result in the insertion/deletion of a single amino acid or the substitution of one amino acid by two others. Currently, TassDB contains 114 554 tandem splice sites of eight species, 5209 of which have EST/mRNA evidence for alternative splicing. In addition, human SNPs that affect NAGNAG acceptors are annotated. The database provides a user-friendly interface to search for specific genes or for genes containing tandem splice sites with specific features as well as the possibility to download large datasets. This database should facilitate further experimental studies and large-scale bioinformatics analyses of tandem splice sites. The database is available at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/4d/gkl762.PMC1669710.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5018287", "abstract": "Plants or natural resources have been found to be a good alternative method for nanoparticles synthesis. In this study, polyaniline coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Piper betle leaves extract were investigated for their antibacterial activity. Silver nanoparticles were prepared from the reduction of silver nitrate and NaBH4 was used as reducing agent. Silver nanoparticles and extracts were mixed thoroughly and then coated by polyaniline. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Visual inspection, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Antibacterial activities of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. UV–Vis spectrum of reaction mixture showed strong absorption peak with centering at 400 nm. The FT-IR results imply that Ag-NPs were successfully synthesized and capped with bio-compounds present in P. betle. TEM image showed that Ag-NPs formed were well dispersed with a spherical structures and particle size ranging from 10 to 30 nm. The result revealed that Ag-Extract NPs showed 32.78±0.64 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus, whereas norfloxacin (positive control) showed maximum 32.15±0.40 mm zone of inhibition for S. aureus. Again, maximum zone of inhibition 29.55±0.45 mm was found for S. typhi, 27.12±0.38 mm for E. coli and 21.95±0.45 mm for P. aeruginosa. The results obtained by this study can’t be directly extrapolated to human; so further studies should be undertaken to established the strong antimicrobial activity of Ag-Extract NPs for drug development program. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/b3/PMC5018287.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4013964", "abstract": "Although various combinations of parental coat colours can produce a Palomino foal, examination of records of the British Palomino Society suggest that many animals registered with the society resulted from matings which maximise the likelihood or even guarantee a Palomino foal. When show records were examined, it was clear that the colouration preferred by judges corresponds to that of the only pair-wise parental combination guaranteeing a Palomino foal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/fb/jes-20-073.PMC4013964.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4891606", "abstract": "Abdominal wall hematoma is a rare but potentially serious vascular complication that may develop after coronary angiographic procedures. In particular, an oblique muscle hematoma caused by an injury of the circumflex iliac artery is very rare, yet can be managed by conservative treatment including hydration and transfusion. However, when active bleeding continues, angiographic embolization or surgery might be needed. In this study, we report an uncommon case of injury to the circumflex iliac artery by an inappropriate introduction of the hydrophilic guidewire during the performance of a percutaneous coronary intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/7f/kcj-46-408.PMC4891606.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3407675", "abstract": "In 1976, Sporn has defined chemoprevention as “the use of pharmacologic or natural agents that inhibit the development of invasive breast cancer either by blocking the DNA damage that initiates carcinogenesis, or by arresting or reversing the progression of premalignant cells in which such damage has already occurred.” Although the precise mechanism or mechanisms that promote a breast cancer are not completely established, the success of several recent clinical trials in preventive settings in selected high-risk populations suggests that chemoprevention is a rational and an appealing strategy. Breast cancer chemoprevention has focused heavily on endocrine intervention using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Achieving much success in this particular setting and new approaches as low-dose administration are actually under investigations in several topics. Unfortunately, these drugs are active in prevention of endocrine responsive lesions only and have no effect in reducing the risk of estrogen-negative breast cancer. Thus, recently new pathways, biomarkers, and agents likely are to be effective in this subgroup of cancers and were put under investigation. Moreover, the identification of new potential molecular targets and the development of agents aimed at these targets within cancer have already had a significant impact on advanced cancer therapy and provide a wealth of opportunities for chemoprevention. This paper will highlight current clinical research in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer chemoprevention, explaining the biologic effect of the various agents on carcinogenesis and precancerous lesions, and finally presenting an excursus on the state-of-the-art about new molecular targets under investigations in breast cancer settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/7d/PMC3407675.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3220834", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Water intake alters vasopressin secretion. Recent findings reveal an independent association between plasma copeptin, a surrogate for vasopressin, and risk of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants were 3,615 middle-aged men and women, with normal baseline fasting glycemia (FG), who were recruited in a 9-year follow-up study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/e2/2551.PMC3220834.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2974168", "abstract": "Dmrt7, a member of the Dmrt family of genes, is required for spermatogenesis. However, promoter functions of the gene Dmrt7 remain unknown. We have cloned and characterized the proximal promoter region of the mouse Dmrt7 gene. Functional analysis of the 5' flanking region by sequential deletion mutations revealed crucial positive elements between -60 and +1, in which two highly conserved and tandem CCAAT boxes: the CCAAT box1 (-48/-44) and the CCAAT box2 (-7/-3) are located. Site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrated that both CCAAT boxes are indispensable to the promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and gel-supershift assays indicated that transcription factor NF-Y binds to the promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis demonstrated that NF-Y interacts in vivo with the promoter of the Dmrt7 gene in testis. Co-transfection and reporter analysis showed that over-expression of NF-Ys increased transcription of the Dmrt7-luc gene whereas expression of a dominant-negative NF-Ya decreased the transcription. This suggests that NF-Y can activate the Dmrt7 promoter. These results provide evidence of a transcription regulatory mechanism that controls Dmrt7 gene expression in mouse testis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/68/ijbsv06p0655.PMC2974168.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3843917", "abstract": "Many studies have demonstrated an association between diffuse bilateral testicular microlithiasis (TM) and gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumors. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether ultrasound surveillance is really necessary in patients with TM in the absence of other risk factors such as previous testicular cancer, a history of cryptorchidism or testicular atrophy. We report the cases of a 33- and a 39-year-old man presenting with a retroperitoneal extragonadal tumor. The first patient underwent an MRI examination in order to rule out a lumbosacral hernia: MRI images showed no slipped disks but a voluminous retroperitoneal solid mass. The histological analysis revealed an immature teratoma. The second patient came to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss and mild jaundice: ultrasound examination showed a large, ill-defined heterogeneous abdominal mass, confirmed by CT and MRI examination. The histology diagnosed a yolk sac tumor. In both patients, the testicular sonography was performed to rule out a focal lesion, but it displayed bilateral TM without a focal testicular mass. Based on our direct experience, we highlight the importance of annual ultrasonographic surveillance of the testis and the retroperitoneal space in patients with occasionally detected TM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/e7/cro-0006-0520.PMC3843917.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4110153", "abstract": "Isolated secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) relapse is a rare disease. Consequently, standardized treatment regimens have yet to be developed. We present an interesting case of isolated SCNSL presenting with altered mental status and panhypopituitarism in a patient at low risk of developing the disease. We also review the related literature and discuss newer, more aggressive treatments for primary CNS lymphoma and SCNSL.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/e7/PMC4110153.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3923284", "abstract": "Background: The turnover rate (employee separations) of healthcare workers has created a cycle of exhaustion and discontent. High turnover affects the institution's ability to consistently provide high-quality care and increases institutional costs related to the recruitment, orientation, and lower productivity of newly hired staff. Methods: This is an Oklahoma University Medical System (OUMS) performance improvement educational intervention study. We will use a 5-year longitudinal design with repeated measures to examine the effect of diffusion of the HeartMath Healthcare Program Revitalizing Care techniques within OUMS. The variables include pre and post training scores on the Personal and Organizational Quality Assessment questionnaire (POQA-R), scores on the independently administered OUMS Annual Employee Engagement Survey, and separations from OUMS as reported by the human resources department as turnover rates. Employees of the OUMS were trained in cohorts of less than 20. The training sessions included a 5-hour presentation with a 2-hour follow-up program provided 2 or more weeks later. Participants received an EmWave2 training reinforcement device to use during the time period between the first training and the follow-up training. Data from the emWave2 will provide personal reinforcement to the user and will not be collected or analyzed by the investigators. Results: The most significant measured result noted after training 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/d8/PMC3923284.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3249305", "abstract": "Background Selective antegrade perfusion via axillary artery cannulation along with circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia has became a recent trend for performing surgery on the ascending aorta and aortic arch and when direct aortic cannulation is not feasible. The authors of this study tried using moderate hypothermia with right brachial and femoral artery perfusion to complement the pitfalls of single axillary artery cannulation and deep hypothermia. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients who received ascending aorta or aortic arch replacement between July 2005 and May 2010. The adverse outcomes included operative mortality, permanent neurologic dysfunction and temporary neurologic dysfunction. Results Of these 36 patients, 32 (88", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/aa/kjtcs-44-215.PMC3249305.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2905953", "abstract": "Despite recent advances in our understanding of paediatric pain and its management, pain continues to be undertreated globally, particularly in children and in low income countries. This article describes the development of a paediatric analgesia and sedation protocol, tailored to the specific setting of the Medical Research Council (MRC) paediatric ward in the Gambia, West Africa. An iterative process was used throughout development, with inputs from the medical literature, local providers, and pain experts, incorporated to ensure a safe, effective, and locally appropriate protocol. We demonstrate that evidence-based published guidelines, can and should be adapted to allow for optimal pain management given the resources and capabilities of specific health care settings. It is hoped that the process and protocol described here, will not only help to improve care on the MRC ward, but serve as an example to others working toward improving pain management in similar health care settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/d1/PMC2905953.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3815752", "abstract": "Summary Fungal infections are a serious health problem. In recent years, basic research is focusing on the identification of fungal virulence factors as promising targets for the development of novel antifungals. The wall, as the most external cellular component, plays a crucial role in the interaction with host cells mediating processes such as adhesion or phagocytosis that are essential during infection. Specific components of the cell wall (called PAMPs) interact with specific receptors in the immune cell (called PRRs), triggering responses whose molecular mechanisms are being elucidated. We review here the main structural carbohydrate components of the fungal wall (glucan, mannan and chitin), how their biogenesis takes place in fungi and the specific receptors that they interact with. Different model fungal pathogens are chosen to illustrate the functional consequences of this interaction. Finally, the identification of the key components will have important consequences in the future and will allow better approaches to treat fungal infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/c9/PMC3815752.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2925324", "abstract": "Mutations in PSEN genes, which encode presenilin proteins, cause familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transgenic mouse models based on coexpression of familial AD-associated presenilin and amyloid precursor protein variants successfully mimic characteristic pathological features of AD, including plaque formation, synaptic dysfunction, and loss of memory. Presenilins function as the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, the enzyme that catalyzes intramembraneous proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein to release β-amyloid peptides. Familial AD-associated mutations in presenilins alter the site of γ-secretase cleavage in a manner that increases the generation of longer and highly fibrillogenic β-amyloid peptides. In addition to amyloid precursor protein, γ-secretase catalyzes intramembrane proteolysis of many other substrates known to be important for synaptic function. This paper focuses on how various animal models have enabled us to elucidate the physiological importance of diverse γ-secretase substrates, including amyloid precursor protein and discusses their roles in the context of cellular signaling and synaptic function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c7/3a/PMC2925324.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5054464", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 3 should be considered as differential diagnosis in patients with suspected primary hyperparathyroidism and/or suspected multiple neoplasia syndrome, as correct diagnosis will spare the patients for going through multiple futile parathyroidectomies and for the worry of being diagnosed with a cancer susceptibility syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/81/CCR3-4-0922.PMC5054464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2703961", "abstract": "Torque is a tool for cross-species querying of protein–protein interaction networks. It aims to answer the following question: given a set of proteins constituting a known complex or a pathway in one species, can a similar complex or pathway be found in the protein network of another species? To this end, Torque seeks a matching set of proteins that are sequence similar to the query proteins and span a connected region of the target network, while allowing for both insertions and deletions. Unlike existing approaches, Torque does not require knowledge of the interconnections among the query proteins. It can handle large queries of up to 25 proteins. The Torque web server is freely available for use at http://www.cs.tau.ac.il/∼bnet/torque.html.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/2b/gkp474.PMC2703961.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3825694", "abstract": "Breast cancer is the most common cause of cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies. Generally, the neoplastic cells are located in the dermis or hypodermis, while a finding of transepidermal elimination on cutaneous metastases is exceptional. In this report we present a patient with perforating cutaneous metastases from breast cancer with mucin 1 expression. Cutaneous, bone, lung, and hepatic lesions were detected two years after the diagnosis of the primary tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/bc/imcrj-6-081.PMC3825694.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5153253", "abstract": "Background When assessing patients with exacerbation of asthma or COPD, it may be useful to know the drop in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared with stable state, in particular when considering treatment with oral corticosteroids. The objective of the study was to identify indicators of drop in FEV1 during exacerbations. Methods In this prospective multicenter study from primary care, patients diagnosed with asthma or COPD were examined at stable state and during exacerbations the following year. Symptoms, chest findings, and pulse oximetry were recorded, and spirometry was performed. A fixed drop in FEV1 (10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/aa/copd-11-3145.PMC5153253.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3319880", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to verify if diagnostic lumbar puncture (DLP) in post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) patients is related to significant changes in cerebral blood flow which could be visualized by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Sixty-six patients were enrolled in this study. TCD was performed 24 h before DLP and repeated within 24 h after the procedure. The measurements included mean velocity (V mean), peak systolic velocity (V max), and Gosling’s pulsatility index (PI), in the left and right middle cerebral artery (MCA). PLPH was observed in 21 patients (32", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/a5/415_2011_Article_6236.PMC3319880.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3013732", "abstract": "MPromDb (Mammalian Promoter Database) is a curated database that strives to annotate gene promoters identified from ChIP-seq results with the goal of providing an integrated resource for mammalian transcriptional regulation and epigenetics. We analyzed 507 million uniquely aligned RNAP-II ChIP-seq reads from 26 different data sets that include six human cell-types and 10 distinct mouse cell/tissues. The updated MPromDb version consists of computationally predicted (novel) and known active RNAP-II promoters (42 893 human and 48 366 mouse promoters) from various data sets freely available at NCBI GEO database. We found that 36", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/07/gkq1171.PMC3013732.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4498319", "abstract": "Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) stimulate angiogenesis within a wound environment and this effect is mediated through paracrine interactions with the endothelial cells present. Here we report that human MSC-conditioned medium (n=3 donors) significantly increased EaHy-926 endothelial cell adhesion and cell migration, but that this stimulatory effect was markedly donor-dependent. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated that whilst collagen type I and fibronectin were secreted by all of the MSC cultures, the small leucine rich proteoglycan, decorin was secreted only by the MSC culture that was least effective upon EaHy-926 cells. These individual extracellular matrix components were then tested as culture substrata. EaHy-926 cell adherence was greatest on fibronectin-coated surfaces with least adherence on decorin-coated surfaces. Scratch wound assays were used to examine cell migration. EaHy-926 cell scratch wound closure was quickest on substrates of fibronectin and slowest on decorin. However, EaHy-926 cell migration was stimulated by the addition of MSC-conditioned medium irrespective of the types of culture substrates. These data suggest that whilst the MSC secretome may generally be considered angiogenic, the composition of the secretome is variable and this variation probably contributes to donor-donor differences in activity. Hence, screening and optimizing MSC secretomes will improve the clinical effectiveness of pro-angiogenic MSC-based therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/c9/PMC4498319.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3596913", "abstract": " Objective. Comparing activity of 2 regimens combining oxaliplatin to bolus modulated fluorouracil as second line treatment in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma pretreated with gemcitabine-containing schedule. Methods. Forty eight patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to receive either FU 500 mg/m2 IV bolus weekly ×6 weeks plus leucovorin 500 mg/m2 IV weekly for 6 weeks during each 8-week cycle plus oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 IV on weeks 1, 3, and 5 of each 8-week (FLOX) OR receive weekly intravenous infusions of oxaliplatin 40 mg/m2, 5-FU 500 mg/m2, and leucovorin 250 mg/m2 (3 weeks on, 1 week off). Results. Non progression(PR+SD) was found in 33.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/a5/PMC3596913.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3342549", "abstract": "We describe the first case of primary peritonitis in Korea of a healthy person due to Streptococcus pyogenes. In the absence of comorbid conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, immunosuppression, or nephrotic syndrome, primary peritonitis is uncommon in a young healthy woman. Abdomen computed tomography revealed ascites in the lower abdomen and peritoneal enhancement suggesting peritonitis. In diagnostic laparoscopy, purulent ascites was found in the pelvic cavity but both ovaries and fallopian tubes were intact. There were no intra-abdominal abnormalities such as bowel perforation, appendicitis, or necrosis. The reports of blood culture, ascites culture, and cervical swab culture confirmed S. pyogenes. After use of antibiotics, the patient was cured and discharged without sequelae.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/36/jkms-27-553.PMC3342549.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3542516", "abstract": "Carbon monoxide is a nonirritant, odorless, colorless gas. Its effects are prominent in organs most sensitive to oxygen deprivation, such as the heart, brain, and kidney. Although less frequently, an association between thromboembolic events and carbon monoxide poisoning has been shown in the literatures. In this case, we report a case of atrial thrombus associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/d3/jcu-20-205.PMC3542516.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2992423", "abstract": "We report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy after rhinoplasty for deviation of the nasal septum in a 23-year-old Caucasian man. The patient complained of deterioration of vision in the right eye 4 days after rhinoplasty. At presentation, visual acuity of the right eye was 6/9 with metamorphopsia. Fluorescein angiography revealed a focal retinal pigment epithelium leakage and optical coherence tomography an increase in macular thickness to 245 μm. The left eye was normal. One month after the operation, without any treatment, visual acuity returned to 6/6, the leakage of the retinal pigment epithelium disappeared and the macular thickness returned to 183 μm. To the best of our knowledge, central serous chorioretinopathy after rhinoplasty has not been previously reported. This case report shows a possible association between the postoperative stress and central serous chorioretinopathy. Moreover, it widens the spectrum of drugs associated with the occurrence of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/14/cop0001-0090.PMC2992423.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3791831", "abstract": "According to the use of Quercus infectoria (QI) and Rosa damascena L. (RD) for therapeutic purposes and lack of adequate information about their cardiovascular effects, we investigated the cardiovascular indices of rabbits which chronically pretreated with these agents. Animal groups were control group (CTL), RD and QI groups with normal chow plus 1.5 g RD and QI extracts, respectively, in each kg of the diet for 45 days; Hyperlipidemic (H) group received high-fat diet for 45 days; H+RD and H+QI groups received high fat diet plus QI and RD extracts, respectively. Blood pressure was greater in H+RD group than CTL, RD, and H groups. Left ventricular developed pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure increased significantly in H+RD group versus CTL and RD groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.0001, resp.) and in H+QI groups (P < 0.01 versus QI groups). Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) showed significant reduction in H+QI group versus H group. QI attenuated the values of total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and atherogenic indices of plasma when coadministrated with a high-fat diet. The results suggest the antilipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of QI. In addition, the use of RD along with a high-fat diet may increase the risk of hypertension in rabbits.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fc/6c/PMC3791831.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3433010", "abstract": "We report a unique case of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) associated with liver carcinoma. A 61-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of nonpruritic, generalized, ruby-red papules and nodules, accompanied by fever, joint swelling and difficulty in swallowing. Skin histology showed polymorphic histiocyte infiltration with typical ‘ground glass’ cytoplasm. Further immunohistochemical studies characterized the lesions as positive for leukocyte common antigen, HLA-DR and CD68. The patient had a history of hepatitis B, and systemic examination, including carcinoma index and type-B ultrasonic examination, revealed high levels of AFP and a solid tumor, which was considered malignant, localized on the right lobe of the liver. Treatment of the liver carcinoma resulted in a significant improvement of the skin symptoms. This is the first case study to report an association between MRH and liver carcinoma. A review of the English-language literature reveals the close linkage between MRH and malignancy. All patients with MRH should be evaluated and monitored carefully to determine the underlying neoplasm.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/37/cde-0004-0163.PMC3433010.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3663069", "abstract": "Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a rare disease among Asians. Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which accompanies GCA, has not yet been reported in Koreans. Diagnosis of GCA is difficult if typical symptoms other than visual loss are absent. Here, we report a case of an 83-year-old Korean woman presenting with sudden visual loss in both eyes (oculus uterque, OU). Her visual acuities included perception of light in the right eye (oculus dexter, OD) and perception of hand motion in the left eye (oculus sinister, OS). The results of the Hardy-Rand-Rittler test and Ishihara test showed total dyschromatopsia OU. The Goldmann perimetry test revealed a total field defect OD and paracentral island OS. Fundus examination revealed chalky-white disc swelling OU. Other systemic symptoms and signs were unremarkable. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and platelet count were highly elevated. Temporal artery biopsy revealed multiple lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells in the arterial media layer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GCA in a Korean that has been confirmed with temporal artery biopsy. In conclusion, silent GCA can occur in Koreans, and hence, elderly patients presenting with chalky-white disc swelling, and corresponding laboratory findings must be evaluated for GCA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/f9/kjo-27-224.PMC3663069.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4793037", "abstract": "[Purpose] To report the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RSWT) on heterotopic ossification (HO). [Subjects and Methods] Two cases of neurogenic HO in the upper extremity were administered RSWT using the MASTER PLUS® MP 2000 (Storz, Tägerwilen, Switzerland) and ultrasonographic guidance. The RSWT protocol consisted of 3,000 pulses at a frequency of 12 Hz during each treatment. The intensity level ranged from 2–5 bars, and it was administered 5 times a week for 4 weeks, a total of 20 treatments. [Results] RSWT improved pain, range of motion, and hand function in 2 patients with neurogenic HO in the upper extremity. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed to support these results and to understand the mechanism and to devise the protocol of RSWT for neurogenic HO.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/09/jpts-28-701.PMC4793037.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2850830", "abstract": "An elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the most important risk factors for the development of glaucoma, which causes progressive optic neuropathy. Lowering IOP is currently the only therapeutic approach to the treatment of glaucoma. Tafluprost, a novel prostaglandin analogue, was recently launched onto the market as an ocular hypotensive agent. Tafluprost is potent in its affinity for the prostanoid FP receptor and in its intraocular lowering efficacy. Moreover, it enhances the ocular hemodynamics and has neuroprotective effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy at decreasing intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/76/PMC2850830.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3704548", "abstract": "Objective Patients with Parkinson’s disease frequently complain of sleep disturbances and loss of muscle atonia during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep is not rare. The orexin-A (hypocretin-1) hypothalamic system plays a central role in controlling REM sleep. Loss of orexin neurons results in narcolepsy-cataplexy, a condition characterized by diurnal sleepiness and REM sleep without atonia. Alterations in the orexin-A system have been also documented in Parkinson’s disease, but whether these alterations have clinical consequences remains unknown. Methods Here, we measured orexin-A levels in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid from eight patients with Parkinson’s disease (four males and four females) who underwent ventriculography during deep brain-stimulation surgery and performed full-night polysomnography before surgery. Results Our results showed a positive correlation between orexin-A levels and REM sleep without muscle atonia. Conclusion Our results suggest that high levels of orexin-A in Parkinson’s disease may be associated with loss of REM muscle atonia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/02/PMC3704548.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3438750", "abstract": "Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to examine the exercise performance of young patients following the repair of TOF and to assess the influence of different variables related to the surgical repair on exercise testing. This study was conducted on 21 patients (16 males and 5 females) operated on for TOF compared to 15 healthy age- and sex-matched control children. The patients' median age at time of the study was 8 years (range 5–13 years) while age at surgical repair was 5 ± 2.1 years (range 2–10 years). Patients were subjected to 2D and color Doppler echocardiographic examination. Treadmill exercise stress testing was performed for all subjects according to modified Bruce protocol. The resting ECGs of all patients revealed normal sinus rhythm and RBBB. Cases had lower exercise capacity when compared to control subjects and those with aortopulmonary shunt showed significantly lower exercise performance when compared to those without aortopulmonary shunt. In conclusions, exercise tolerance after total correction of TOF is slightly impaired on short-term followup with more affection among patients with previous aortopulmonary shunts. The present study did not reveal any serious ventricular arrhythmia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/dc/PMC3438750.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4295586", "abstract": " Background. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new approach that allows minimal invasive surgery through the mouth, anus, or vagina. Objective. To summarize the recent clinical appraisal, feasibility, complications, and limitations of transvaginal appendectomy for humans and outline the techniques. Data Sources. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google-Scholar, EBSCO, clinicaltrials.gov and congress abstracts, were searched. Study Selection. All related reports were included, irrespective of age, region, race, obesity, comorbidities or history of previous surgery. No restrictions were made in terms of language, country or journal. Main Outcome Measures. Patient selection criteria, surgical techniques, and results. Results. There were total 112 transvaginal appendectomies. All the selected patients had uncomplicated appendicitis and there were no morbidly obese patients. There was no standard surgical technique for transvaginal appendectomy. Mean operating time was 53.3 minutes (25–130 minutes). Conversion and complication rates were 3.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/87/PMC4295586.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3168749", "abstract": "Residual confounding, after adjustment for age, is the major criticism of observational studies on breast cancer screening effectiveness. We developed realistic scenarios for the prevalence and strength of risk factors on screened and not screened groups, and explored the impact of residual confounding bias. Our results demonstrate that residual confounding bias is a minor issue in screening programme evaluations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ef/18/10654_2011_Article_9584.PMC3168749.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4579317", "abstract": "Surgeries for total knee replacement (TKR) are increasing and in this context there is a need to develop new protocols for management and use of blood transfusion therapy. Autologous blood reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion and the aim of the present study was to verify the safety and the clinical efficacy. An observational retrospective study has been conducted on 124 patients, undergoing cemented total knee prosthesis replacement. Observed population was stratified into two groups: the first group received reinfusion of autologous blood collected in the postoperative surgery and the second group did not receive autologous blood reinfusion. Analysis of data shows that patients undergoing autologous blood reinfusion received less homologous blood bags (10.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/15/PMC4579317.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4706966", "abstract": "The “neural efficiency” hypothesis suggests that experts are characterized by a more efficient cortical function in cognitive tests. Although this hypothesis has been extended to a variety of movement-related tasks within the last years, it is unclear whether or not neural efficiency is present in cyclists performing endurance exercise. Therefore, this study examined brain cortical activity at rest and during exercise between cyclists of higher (HIGH; n = 14; 55.6 ± 2.8 mL/min/kg) and lower (LOW; n = 15; 46.4 ± 4.1 mL/min/kg) maximal oxygen consumption (VO2MAX). Male and female participants performed a graded exercise test with spirometry to assess VO2MAX. After 3 to 5 days, EEG was recorded at rest with eyes closed and during cycling at the individual anaerobic threshold over a 30 min period. Possible differences in alpha/beta ratio as well as alpha and beta power were investigated at frontal, central, and parietal sites. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between groups (F = 12.04; p = 0.002), as the alpha/beta ratio was increased in HIGH compared to LOW in both the resting state (p ≤ 0.018) and the exercise condition (p ≤ 0.025). The present results indicate enhanced neural efficiency in subjects with high VO2MAX, possibly due to the inhibition of task-irrelevant cognitive processes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7d/15/PMC4706966.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4217316", "abstract": "Childhood obesity is a complex problem that warrants early intervention. General recommendations for obesity prevention and nutrition counseling exist. However, these are notably imprecise with regard to early and targeted interventions to prevent and treat obesity in pediatric populations. This study examines family medicine primary care providers' (PCPs) perceived barriers for preventing and treating pediatric obesity and their related practice behavior during well-child visits. Methods. A written survey addressing perceived barriers and current practices addressing obesity at well-child visits were administered to PCPs at eleven family medicine clinics in the Duke University Health System. Results. The most common perceived barriers identified by PCPs to prevention or treatment of obesity in children were families not getting enough exercise (93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/34/PMC4217316.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3914567", "abstract": "Awareness in dementia is increasingly recognized not only as multifactorial, but also as domain specific. We demonstrate differential clinical correlates for awareness of daily function, awareness of memory, and the novel exploration of awareness of balance. Awareness of function was higher for participants with mild cognitive impairment (aMCI and non-aMCI) than for those with dementia (due to Alzheimer disease; AD and non-AD), whereas awareness of memory was higher for both non-aMCI and non-AD dementia patients than for those with aMCI or AD. Balance awareness did not differ based on diagnostic subgroup. Awareness of function was associated with instrumental activities of daily living and caregiver burden. In contrast, awareness of balance was associated with fall history, balance confidence, and instrumental activities of daily living. Clinical correlates of awareness of memory depended on diagnostic group: associations held with neuropsychological variables for non-AD dementia, but for patients with AD dementia, depression and instrumental activities of daily living were clinical correlates of memory awareness. Together, these data provide support for the hypothesis that awareness and dementia are not unitary and are, instead, modality specific.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/87/PMC3914567.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3892647", "abstract": "Necrotizing infections of the head and neck are rare conditions in our hospital. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of three consecutive cases treated in Haukeland University Hospital in western Norway in the year 2010 are described. Two cases of Lemierre's syndrome and one case with a descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) were diagnosed. All three cases were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and in two cases surgery was possible. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) with intensive care facilities became recently available at our hospital, and this treatment was used in all these patients regardless of surgery. In one case we describe the use of HBOT on the basis of strong clinical suspicion of anaerobic infection only. Bacterial identification by partial sequencing of the 16SrDNA gene proved to be a useful supplement to conventional culture techniques. All the cases all demonstrated a significant clinical improvement after introduction of HBOT. When HBOT is available, it should be considered as adjunctive treatment in extensive infections with anaerobes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/21/PMC3892647.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC151674", "abstract": "Background Recently, growing evidence suggests the involvement of PI 3-K/Akt in IL-6-dependent survival and proliferative responses in several types of cells. However, whether PI 3-K/Akt plays the same role in IL-6-dependent growth of 7TD1 mouse-mouse B cell hybridoma is not known. Methods We investigated the activation status of Akt in 7TD1 cells induced by IL-6. With PI 3-K specific inhibitor wortmannin, we also investigated the biological roles of Akt activation in 7TD1 cells. Results IL-6 stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in a dose- and time-dependent manner in 7TD1 cells. Wortmannin significantly reduced IL-6-induced phosphorylation of Akt and IL-6-dependent growth of 7TD1 cells. Furthermore, wortmannin blocked IL-6-induced up-regulation of XIAP, but not Bcl-2 in 7TD1 cells. Conclusion The data suggest that IL-6-induced PI 3-K/Akt activation is essential for the optimal growth of 7TD1 cells through up-regulation of anti-apoptosis proteins such as XIAP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ee/e6/PMC151674.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4198559", "abstract": "Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition is an indispensable technique for the diagnosis of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent structures. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is known for its high accuracy and low complication rate. However, the outcome of EUS-FNA highly depends on several factors such as the location and characteristics of the lesion, endosonographer's experience, technique of sampling and sample preparation, type and size of the needle used, and presence of a cytopathologist for rapid on-site examination. EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy is useful to obtain core tissue samples with relatively fewer passes. Aspiration of core tissue with preserved architecture is beneficial for the diagnosis of certain diseases and the performance of ancillary testing such as tumor molecular profiling. Issues related to needle size, type, and their acquired samples for cytologic and histologic evaluation are discussed here.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/f3/ce-47-425.PMC4198559.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3941725", "abstract": "Objective To evaluate the utility of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage and autograft through long term(average 36 months) follow-up. Methods Thirty selected patients (male:20/female:10) who suffered from cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy or radiculomyelopathy underwent a single level ACDF with PEEK cage and autograft from iliac crest from March 2006 to July 2008 in single institute. We followed patients for an average 36.4±8.1 months (ranged from 23 to 49 months). The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score for evaluation of myelopathy and visual analogue scale (VAS) for radiating pain was used to estimate postoperative clinical outcome. Plain x-ray on true lateral standing flexion, extension and neutral position view and 3D CT scan were used every 6 months after surgery during follow-up period. Results The mean VAS and JOA scoring improved significantly after the surgery and radiological fusion rate was accomplished by 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/a5/kjs-10-72.PMC3941725.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4045521", "abstract": " Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the detection rate of adrenal incidentalomas and subsequent workup. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Methods. Two investigators evaluated the adrenals on abdominal CT scans. Abnormalities were compared to the original radiology reports and an experienced abdominal radiologist reviewed the CT scans. All additional imaging and laboratory tests were assessed. Results. The investigators detected 44/356 adrenal incidentalomas (12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/43/PMC4045521.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3459658", "abstract": "Objective: Chest physiotherapy enhances sputum evacuation in COPD patients. It can be applied as a single technique or as a combination of techniques including intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV). Recently developed assessment techniques may provide new insights into the effect of airway clearance techniques. Participants: Five moderate to severe COPD patients (three females and two males; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second of 39.49", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/96/5d/PMC3459658.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3565084", "abstract": "On the basis of the recently published results of a clinical trial comparing 12 and 36 months of imatinib in adjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which demonstrated clinical benefit of longer imatinib treatment in terms of delaying recurrences and improving overall survival, both the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency have updated their recommendations and approved 36 months of imatinib treatment in patients with v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT)-positive GISTs (also known as CD117-positive GISTs) at high risk of recurrence after surgical resection of a primary tumor. This article discusses patient selection criteria for extended adjuvant therapy with imatinib, different classifications of risk of recurrence, and assessment of the response to therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/03/40291_2013_Article_18.PMC3565084.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3603557", "abstract": "While the physical disability aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS) is of great importance, quality of life (QoL) measurements are being considered increasingly important with regard to evaluating disease progression, treatment, and the management of care provided to MS patients. Despite the acknowledged need to consider QoL issues, QoL assessment remains underutilized in clinical practice. These issues should be explored and understood to promote the use of measuring QoL in MS clinical practice. We explore the difficulties for clinicians: choosing and determining the most appropriate QoL measure and how to best integrate QoL measurements into clinical practice. This paper discusses several avenues to provide to clinicians arguments of the clinical relevance and accuracy of QoL instruments and ultimately to enhance the use of QoL measures in clinical practice for MS patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/b0/PMC3603557.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4020893", "abstract": "Background and purpose Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is relatively common and associated with severe pain, yet effective treatment remains elusive. Research typically emphasized the bladder’s role, but given the high presence of systemic comorbidities, the authors hypothesized a pathophysiologic nervous system role. This paper reports the methodology and approach to study the nervous system in women with IC/BPS. The study compares neurologic, urologic, gynecologic, autonomic, gastrointestinal, and psychological features of women with IC/BPS, their female relatives, women with myofascial pelvic pain (MPP), and healthy controls to elucidate the role of central and peripheral processing. Methods and results In total, 228 women (76 IC/BPS, 76 MPP, 38 family members, and 38 healthy controls) will be recruited. Subjects undergo detailed screening, structured neurologic examination of limbs and pelvis, tender point examination, autonomic testing, electrogastrography, and assessment of comorbid functional dysautonomias. Interpreters are blinded to subject classification. Psychological and stress response characteristics are examined with assessments of stress, trauma history, general psychological function, and stress response quantification. As of December 2012, data collection is completed for 25 healthy controls, 33 IC/BPS ± MPP, eight MPP, and three family members. Recruitment rate is accelerating and strategies emphasize maintaining and encouraging investigator participation in study science, internet advertising, and presentations to pelvic pain support groups. Conclusion The study represents a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to sampling autonomic and psychophysiologic characteristics of women with IC/BPS. Despite divergent opinions on study methodologies based on specialty experiences, the study has proven feasible to date and different perspectives have proved to be one of the greatest study strengths.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/13/jpr-7-243.PMC4020893.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4423315", "abstract": "Summary  Aim: To evaluate the sound pressure level to which preschool students are exposed.  Method: This was a prospective, quantitative, nonexperimental, and descriptive study. To achieve the aim of the study we used an audio dosimeter. The sound pressure level (SPL) measurements were obtained for 2 age based classrooms. Preschool I and II. The measurements were obtained over 4 days in 8-hour sessions, totaling 1920 minutes.  Results: Compared with established standards, the SPL measured ranged from 40.6 dB (A) to 105.8 dB (A). The frequency spectrum of the SPL was concentrated in the frequency range between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz. The older children produced higher SPLs than the younger ones, and the levels varied according to the activity performed. Painting and writing were the quietest activities, while free activities period and games were the noisiest.  Conclusion: The SPLs measured at the preschool were higher and exceeded the maximum permitted level according to the reference standards. Therefore, the implementation of actions that aim to minimize the negative impact of noise in this environment is essential.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/a1/PMC4423315.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4163691", "abstract": "A 46-year-old Caucasian female underwent pars plana vitrectomy (ppv) for retinal detachment. After the procedure, the patient could only distinguish hand movements; the condition was tentatively diagnosed as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Conventional treatment with systemic corticosteroids and acetylsalicylic acid was ineffective and yielded substantial steroid-related side effects. Additional administration of 2 × 110 mg dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa®), a novel direct thrombin inhibitor, resulted in a prompt and marked improvement of visual acuity, which indicated improved blood flow in the central vessels of the optic nerve. Dabigatran etexilate may provide a promising alternative for the treatment of postprocedural vision loss after ppv.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/14/b1/PMC4163691.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4720454", "abstract": "The aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the morning level of serum cortisol and perceptive experience of optimism in a selected group of 60 patients with newly diagnosed cancer who were treated at Mostar University Clinical Hospital during a one-month period. Patients and methods: The morning level of serum cortisol was measured in all patients following the verification of oncological disease. The patients also filled out a questionnaire of socio-demographic data, as well as the scales for optimism/pessimism assessment. Results: The average morning serum cortisol level was within the reference values in the majority of patients, independently of their perceptive experience of optimism/pessimism. There was no significant difference in the morning level of serum cortisol among the subgroups of patients high and low on the scale of optimism, as well as the scale of pessimism. No correlation existed between the serum cortisol morning level and expressed optimism/pessimism, as well. The great majority of respondents had secondary and lower education, was retired or unemployed, and suffered lower socio-economic conditions of life. Therefore, their access to medical information and their knowledge of cancer modern treatment options and possibilities were restricted, what may also have an influence onto perceptive experience of optimism/pessimism. Conclusion: The results concerned with the perceptive experience of optimism/pessimism assessment were not a consequence of stress reaction but they were more correlated to general personal characteristics, the level of education, and socio-economic status of patients. The results do not confirm the impact of morning serum cortisol level onto physiological reactions to stressful conditions and situations in selected group of patients with de novo carcinoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/fe/MA-69-371.PMC4720454.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2921004", "abstract": "Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication after hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Tissue damage as a result of chemo-radiation injury is the initiating event in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD. Variations in DNA repair can influence the amount of tissue damage in response to alkylating agents and ionizing radiation used as conditioning during HCT. Since DNA damage caused by these agents is repaired by the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway, we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BER pathway will be associated with GVHD after HCT. Hence, we analyzed 179 SNPs in BER pathway in 470 recipients of allogeneic HCT for association with acute and chronic GVHD. In multivariate analysis, one SNP (rs6844176) in RFC1 gene was independently associated with a higher risk of grade II-IV acute GVHD (RR:1.39, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/b0/PMC2921004.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4017903", "abstract": "Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by cutaneous and mucosal blisters and erosions. Though systemic corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for pemphigus over the years, more recently research has focused on steroid-sparing agents. This review looks at the commonly used steroid-sparing agents in pemphigus and the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting their use.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/06/medrep-06-32.PMC4017903.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698687", "abstract": "Sub-Tenon’s injection of triamcinolone was performed in the right eye of a patient with bilateral Purtscher’s-like retinopathy after childbirth. The response of macular edema to local triamcinolone was investigated with optical coherence tomography. Five weeks following the injection, optical coherence tomography improvement was seen following unilateral sub-Tenon’s triamcinolone injection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/41/PMC2698687.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5383184", "abstract": "The main objectives of our study were to measure the major adipokines adiponectin, leptin and resistin in goat milk, to assess their interrelationships and to assess their relationships with the plasma and serum concentrations of total protein, cholesterol, total lipids, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), milk somatic cell count (SCC), milk total aerobic colony and lactobacillus count, and milk components in lactating Saanen goats. The study was performed on eighteen lactating Saanen goats. Milk and blood samples were collected on days 20, 35, 50, 65 and 80 of lactation postpartum. The milk and plasma adiponectin levels on days 50, 65 and 80 postpartum were significantly higher than those on day 20. The milk and plasma leptin levels were lower on day 20 than on days 35, 50, 65 and 80. The milk concentrations of these major adipokines were positively intercorrelated. The milk and plasma concentrations of these three adipokines were also positively correlated. The plasma CRP concentrations correlated positively with milk leptin and resistin concentrations and inversely with milk adiponectin concentration. Milk adiponectin concentration was inversely related with its SCC. These data confirm that adiponectin, leptin and resistin are present in goat milk. The milk concentrations of these three adipokines were interrelated and interacted with the general inflammatory marker, CRP. The inverse relationship between milk adiponectin concentrations and its SCC suggests that variations in milk adiponectin might be involved in the udder health of lactating goats, but clinical trials are needed to support this hypothesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/17/b9/jvms-79-602.PMC5383184.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5348462", "abstract": "Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) with varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a rare occurrence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We herein report a case of VZV meningitis, radiculitis and myelitis that developed 8 months after cord blood transplantation, shortly after the cessation of cyclosporine and low-dose acyclovir. Although treatment with acyclovir did not achieve a satisfactory response, the patient was successfully treated with foscarnet. Our report indicates that VZV infection should be considered in allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients with CNS symptoms and that foscarnet may be effective for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant VZV infections of the CNS. The development of optimal prophylactic strategies and vaccination schedules may eradicate post-transplant VZV disease. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/db/1349-7235-56-0353.PMC5348462.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3303545", "abstract": "Endothelial dysfunction is a potential target for (pharmaceutical) intervention of several systemic pathological conditions. We investigated the feasibility of the EndoPAT to evaluate acute changes in endothelial function with repeated noninvasive measurements and assessed its discriminating power in different populations.  Endothelial function was stable over a longer period of time in renally impaired patients (coefficient of variation 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/74/PMC3303545.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3368367", "abstract": "Lycopene has been proposed to protect against prostate cancer through various properties including decreased lipid oxidation, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and most notably potent antioxidant properties. Epidemiologic studies on the association between lycopene and prostate cancer incidence have yielded mixed results. Detection of an association has been complicated by unique epidemiologic considerations including the measurement of lycopene and its major source in the diet, tomato products, and assessment of prostate cancer incidence and progression. Understanding this association has been further challenging in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening era. PSA screening has increased the detection of prostate cancer, including a variety of relatively indolent cancers. This paper examines the lycopene and prostate cancer association in light of epidemiologic methodologic issues with particular emphasis on the effect of PSA screening on this association.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/bd/PMC3368367.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2600284", "abstract": "From July 2003 through October 2004, 42 patients became infected by strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides (genotype 1) in different departments of Juan Canalejo Hospital in northwest Spain. During 2006, 6 inpatients, also in different departments of the hospital, became infected (genotypes 2–4). Parenteral nutrition was the likely source.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/7e/PMC2600284.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5289228", "abstract": "Recently, dysfunction of antigen-specific T cells is well documented as T-cell exhaustion and has been defined by the loss of effector functions during chronic infections and cancer in human. The exhausted T cells are characterized phenotypically by the surface expression of immunoinhibitory receptors, such as programmed death 1 (PD-1), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). However, there is still a fundamental lack of knowledge about the immunoinhibitory receptors in the fields of veterinary medicine. In particular, very little is known about mechanism of T cell dysfunction in chronic infection in cattle. Recent our studies have revealed that immunoinhibitory molecules including PD-1/ programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) play critical roles in immune exhaustion and disease progression in case of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection, Johne’s disease and bovine anaplasmosis. This review includes some recent data from us.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/d0/jvms-79-001.PMC5289228.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4846064", "abstract": "Placenta percreta is an obstetric condition in which the placenta invades through the myometrium. This is the most severe form of placenta accreta and may result in spontaneous uterine rupture, a rare complication that threatens the life of both mother and fetus. In this case report, we describe a 32-year-old woman in her fourth pregnancy, diagnosed with repeated placenta accreta, which was eventually complicated by spontaneous uterine rupture at 24 weeks’ gestation. This patient had a history of abnormal placentation in prior pregnancies and previous uterine injuries. This case demonstrates a pattern of escalating placental invasiveness, and raises questions regarding the process of abnormal placentation and the manifestation of uterine rupture in scarred uteri.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/c5/ijwh-8-119.PMC4846064.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4836259", "abstract": "Background: Increasing evidence supports an association between periodontitis and systemic diseases. Leptin is involved both in the energy metabolism and inflammatory processes and is suggested to be a link between periodontal infection and systemic health. The present study aimed to evaluate the peripheral leptin concentration in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and to explore the relationship between leptin and systemic inflammation. Methods: Ninety patients with AgP visiting the Clinic of the Periodontology Department, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between July 2001 and May 2006, and 44 healthy controls (staff and student volunteers in the same institute) were recruited. Plasma levels of leptin and inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the association between plasma leptin level and other variables. Results: Plasma leptin level of AgP group was significantly higher than that of the control group (19.7 ± 4.4 ng/ml vs. 7.5 ± 1.3 ng/ml, P < 0.01). After controlling for age, gender, and body mass index, positive correlation was observed between plasma leptin concentration and log-transformed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP), and the partial correlation coefficients ranged from 0.199 to 0.376 (P < 0.05). Log-transformed IL-1β and IL-6 levels entered the final regression model (standardized β were 0.422 and 0.461 respectively, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Elevated plasma leptin concentration may be associated with increased systemic levels of inflammatory markers in AgP patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/cb/CMJ-128-528.PMC4836259.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4379415", "abstract": "Purpose  Brachytherapy is an option for treatment of breast cancer in some cases. This modality requires patient-specific dosimetry based on CT simulator scans. A 3D computer-assisted breast brachytherapy treatment planning system called Vision was developed and tested. Methods  The brachytherapy treatment planning system used volume estimation and dose analysis with advanced 3D visualization. The patient treatment volume reconstruction was designed to ensure high-volume accuracy requirement of radioactive seed implantation procedure for this treatment. The system enables interactive placement of radioactive seeds embedded in original patient CT images with 3D display. Results  The system achieved 99.73 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/7d/PMC4379415.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4372984", "abstract": "Pathologic diagnosis of a cardiac mass is vital in determining the proper treatment modality. Open heart surgery or transesophageal echocardiography guided biopsy can be feasible methods to confirm the pathology. However, the former is highly invasive and both methods require general anesthesia. The introduction of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can provide good anatomic information of heart and does not require general anesthesia. In this report, we present two cases of cardiac tumors which were confirmed by percutaneous biopsy under the guidance of an ICE. The patients underwent cardiac biopsy without any complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/dc/kcj-45-165.PMC4372984.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2925454", "abstract": "We report a rare case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus equisimilis. A 74-year-old woman with endocarditis developed endogenous endophthalmitis. The patient underwent emergency mitral valvuloplasty, and intravitreal and subconjunctival injections of vancomycin and meropenem. After the surgery, she was treated with topical antibiotics, ointment, intravenous gentamicin and intravenous penicillin G potassium. The causative organism was identified as S. equisimilis. S. equisimilis should be considered as a pathogen that can cause severe endogenous endophthalmitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/45/PMC2925454.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4310378", "abstract": "Background Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a novel inflammatory marker produced by various cell types including those of the vasculature and the heart. The relationship between inflammatory markers and prognosis of patients with heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) remains unknown. We investigated whether plasma PTX3 levels can predict future cardiovascular events in patients with HFNEF. Methods and Results Plasma PTX3, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and B‐type natriuretic peptide levels were measured prospectively in 360 stable patients with HFNEF. The subsequent incidence of cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina pectoris, nonfatal ischemic stroke, hospitalization for heart failure decompensation, and coronary revascularization, was determined. During a mean 30‐month follow‐up, 106 patients experienced cardiovascular events. These events were more frequent in patients with high plasma PTX3 levels (>3.0 ng/mL) than low levels (≤3.0 ng/mL). Multivariable Cox hazard analysis showed that PTX3 (hazard ratio: 1.16; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/02/jah3-3-e000928.PMC4310378.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3963760", "abstract": "In recent years, several landmark studies have provided compelling evidence that cardiomyogenesis occurs in the adult mammalian heart. However, the rate of new cardiomyocyte formation is inadequate for complete restoration of the normal mass of myocardial tissue, should a significant myocardial injury occur, such as myocardial infarction. The cellular origin of postnatal cardiomyogenesis in mammals remains a controversial issue and two mechanisms seem to be participating, proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes and myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. We will discuss the relative importance of these two processes in different settings, such as normal ageing and post-myocardial injury, as well as the strengths and limitations of the existing experimental methodologies used in the relevant studies. Further clarification of the mechanisms underlying cardiomyogenesis in mammals will open the way for their therapeutic exploitation in the clinical field, with the scope of myocardial regeneration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/b9/PMC3963760.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3687306", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes in midlife or late life increases the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), and type 1 diabetes has been associated with a higher risk of detrimental cognitive outcomes, although studies from older adults are lacking. We investigated whether individuals with AD were more likely to have a history of diabetes than matched controls from the general aged population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Information on reimbursed diabetes medication (including both type 1 and 2 diabetes) of all Finnish individuals with reimbursed AD medication in 2005 (n = 28,093) and their AD-free control subjects during 1972–2005 was obtained from a special reimbursement register maintained by the Social Insurance Institute of Finland. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes was 11.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/db/2015.PMC3687306.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2752787", "abstract": "Distal protection devices such as FilterWire EX have been widely used in carotid artery stenting, however, the large amount of atherothrombotic debris entrapped in the filter could reduce or stop antegrade flow. We present a case of pseudo-no-reflow phenomenon after postdilatation of the stent in a patient with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. After several passes using an Export Aspiration catheter, normal flow in the internal carotid artery was restored. Aspiration thrombectomy can successfully recover pseudo-no-reflow phenomenon.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/0a/jkms-24-967.PMC2752787.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4005602", "abstract": "Purpose: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes are playing an important role in cutaneous melanoma being a strong prognostic parameter. Our goal was to study the presence of high endothelial vessels in correlation with the histopathological features in different pigmented skin lesions. Material and methods: our study group included 60 patients (20 cases with dysplastic nevi, 20 thin melanoma and 20 thick melanoma). For each patient we noted epidemiological and clinico-pathological characteristics including: age, gender, anatomic sites, regression, Breslow thickness, mitoses, Clark level and lymphocytic infiltration. Using immunohistochemistry staining we identified the presence of high endothelial vessels in our groups. Results: the most common localization of primary melanoma was trunk 57,5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/f7/CHSJ-40-1-023.PMC4005602.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4719260", "abstract": "Introduction: Fracture of stems in primary total hip arthroplasty is a known complication and has been attributed to varus positioning, excessive weight of the patient, resorption of the femoral calcar and failure of the cement mantle. Fractures in uncemented revision femoral stems are rare and are attributed to reduction in proximal support either in the form of bone loss or an extended trochanteric osteotomy [ETO] against a distally well- fixed stem. Also, undersized stems and high BMI to increase the risk of stem fracture. Case Report: We report 3 cases of uncemented revision stem fractures. Case 1 is a 77 year old male, Case 2 is a 71- year-old female, case 3 an 82-year-old male. All three patients had significant proximal femoral osteolysis. All three had an extended trochanteric osteotomy for the revision surgery. The hips had remained in-situ for 4, 2 and 5 years respectively prior to fracture. Conclusion: When planning complex revision cases involving long uncemented stems, attention should be given to the above-mentioned variables. ETO non-union and proximal bone loss play an important role in stem fractures. Stem failure can occur irrespective of the make, and factors such as adequate stem size and good diaphyseal fit are non negotiable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/f3/JOCR-4-12.PMC4719260.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1986783", "abstract": "Expensive computational cost is a severe limitation in CT reconstruction for clinical applications that need real-time feedback. A primary example is bolus-chasing computed tomography (CT) angiography (BCA) that we have been developing for the past several years. To accelerate the reconstruction process using the filtered backprojection (FBP) method, specialized hardware or graphics cards can be used. However, specialized hardware is expensive and not flexible. The graphics processing unit (GPU) in a current graphic card can only reconstruct images in a reduced precision and is not easy to program. In this paper, an acceleration scheme is proposed based on a multi-core PC. In the proposed scheme, several techniques are integrated, including utilization of geometric symmetry, optimization of data structures, single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) processing, multithreaded computation, and an Intel C++ compilier. Our scheme maintains the original precision and involves no data exchange between the GPU and CPU. The merits of our scheme are demonstrated in numerical experiments against the traditional implementation. Our scheme achieves a speedup of about 40, which can be further improved by several folds using the latest quad-core processors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/ad/PMC1986783.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4900994", "abstract": "We examined the relationship of high emotional demands and low job control to suicidal ideation among service and sales workers in Korea. A total of 1,995 service and sales workers participated in this study. Suicidal ideation and level of emotional demand and job control were assessed by self-reported questionnaire in 4th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Gender-specific odds ratio (OR) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d9/9d/jkms-31-1042.PMC4900994.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3487237", "abstract": "Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have very rich tradition of herbal medicines used in the treatment of various ailments. Tribal communities practice different types of traditional healing practices. Enough documentation is available on the healing practices in other tribal communities except Mishing community of Assam and foot hill of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh hence the attempt was made for the same. A survey on folk medicinal plants and folk healers of Mishing tribe was conducted in few places of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district of Assam and East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, where this ethnic group is living since time immemorial. All information was collected based on interview and field studies with local healers within the community. The identification of medicinal plants collected with help of indigenous healers was done. Such medicines have been shown to have significant healing power, either in their natural state or as the source of new products processed by them. This study is mainly concentrated with plants used to cure diseases and to enquire about different healing systems. Detail note on the method of preparation of precise dose, the part/parts of plants used and method of application is given.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/c9/JAIM-3-124.PMC3487237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3808228", "abstract": "Aims To improve early diagnosis of dementia disease, this study investigates correlates of cognitive complaints and cognitive test performance in patients with subjective (SCI) and mild (MCI) cognitive impairment. Methods Seventy patients from a memory clinic, aged 45-79, with a score of 2 (n = 23) or 3 (n = 47) on the Global Deterioration Scale, were included. CSF biomarkers [Aβ42, total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau (P-tau)], depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, and complaints were examined. Results Correlation analysis showed that cognitive complaints increased with decreasing cognitive performance in SCI and decreased with decreasing performance in MCI. Linear regression models revealed that cognitive complaints were associated with depressive symptoms in both groups of patients, while cognitive performance was associated with CSF Aβ42 and P-tau in SCI and with T-tau and P-tau in MCI. Conclusion These results suggest that depressive symptoms are associated with cognitive complaints, while degenerative changes are associated with objective cognitive decline in high-risk predementia states.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/b2/dee-0003-0291.PMC3808228.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3132697", "abstract": "Myocardial involvement with clinical symptoms is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), despite the relatively high prevalence of myocarditis at autopsies of SLE patients. In this review, we report the case of a 19-year-old male SLE patient who initially presented with myopericarditis and was successfully treated with high dose of glucocorticoids.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/45/kcj-41-334.PMC3132697.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3684731", "abstract": "Background Radar transmitters emit high-power radiofrequency radiation by creation of a high-voltage and high-frequency alternating electrical current. Methods: Health effects of occupational exposure to military radar were investigated. Visual reaction time was recorded with a simple blind computer-assisted-visual reaction time test. To assess the short-term memory, modified Wechsler Memory Scale test was performed. Results: The mean +/- SD reaction time in radar works (N=100) and the control group (N=57) were 238.58 +/− 23.47 milliseconds and 291.86 +/− 28.26 milliseconds (P<0.0001), respectively. The scores of forward digit span in radar works and the control group were 3.56 +/− 0.77 and 4.29 +/− 1.06 (P<0.0001), while the scores of backward digit span in radar works and the control group were 2.70 +/− 0.69 and 3.62 +/− 0.95 (P<0.0001). The scores of word recognition in radar works and the control group were 3.37 +/− 1.13 and 5.86 +/− 1.11 (P<0.0001). Finally, the scores of paired words in radar works and the control group were 13.56 +/− 1.78 and 15.21 +/− 2.20 (P<0.0001). It can be concluded that occupational exposures to radar radiations decreases reaction time, which may lead to a better response to different hazards. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that occupational exposure to radar microwave radiation leads to decreased reaction time and the lower performance of short-term memory. Altogether, these results indicate that occupational exposure to radar microwave radiations may be linked to some non-detrimental and detrimental health effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/22/ijph-42-428.PMC3684731.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5361993", "abstract": "Case summary A 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented to the Oregon State University cardiology service for suspected pericardial effusion. Cardiac tamponade was documented and pericardiocentesis yielded purulent fluid with cytologic results supportive of bacterial pericarditis. The microbial population consisted of Pasteurella multocida, Actinomyces canis, Fusobacterium and Bacteroides species. Conservative management was elected consisting of intravenous antibiotic therapy with ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium and metronidazole for 48 h followed by 4 weeks of oral antibiotics. Re-examination 3 months after the initial incident indicated no recurrence of effusion and the cat remained free of clinical signs 2 years after presentation. Relevance and novel information Bacterial pericarditis is a rare cause of pericardial effusion in cats. Growth of P multocida, A canis, Fusobacterium and Bacteroides species has not previously been documented in feline septic pericarditis. Conservative management with broad-spectrum antibiotics may be considered when further diagnostic imaging or exploratory surgery to search for a primary nidus of infection is not feasible or elected.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/c8/10.1177_2055116915603077.PMC5361993.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4194535", "abstract": "This article identifies factors that influence health maintenance organizations' (HMOs) decisions about offering a Medicare risk product in rural areas; describes HMOs' recent experiences serving rural Medicare risk enrollees; and assesses the potential impact of Medicare program changes on the future willingness of HMOs to offer a Medicare risk product in rural areas. Data for the analysis were collected through interviews with a national sample of 27 HMOs. The results underscore the importance of adjusted average per capita cost (AAPCC) rates in HMOs' decisions to offer Medicare risk products in rural areas, but also indicate that other factors influence these decisions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/dc/PMC4194535.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3379599", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To examine the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, added on to pioglitazone in type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on pioglitazone. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Treatment-naive patients or those receiving metformin, sulfonylurea, or thiazolidinedione entered a 10-week pioglitazone dose-optimization period with only pioglitazone. They were then randomized, along with patients previously receiving pioglitazone ≥30 mg, to 48 weeks of double-blind dapagliflozin 5 (n = 141) or 10 mg (n = 140) or placebo (n = 139) every day plus open-label pioglitazone. The primary objective compared HbA1c change from baseline with dapagliflozin plus pioglitazone versus placebo plus pioglitazone at week 24. Primary analysis was based on ANCOVA model using last observation carried forward; all remaining analyses used repeated-measures analysis. RESULTS At week 24, the mean reduction from baseline in HbA1c was −0.42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/af/1473.PMC3379599.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4276411", "abstract": "The pharmacokinetics of non-renally cleared drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease is often unpredictable. Some of this variability may be due to alterations in the expression and activity of extra-renal drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, primarily localized in the liver and intestine. Studies conducted in rodent models of renal failure have shown decreased mRNA and protein expression of many members of the cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) gene family and the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) and Solute Carrier (SLC) gene families of drug transporters. Uremic toxins interfere with transcriptional activation, cause down-regulation of gene expression mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, and directly inhibit the activity of the cytochrome P450s and drug transporters. While much has been learned about the effects of kidney disease on non-renal drug disposition, important questions remain regarding the mechanisms of these effects, as well as the interplay between drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters in the uremic milieu. In this review, we have highlighted the existing gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the impact of chronic kidney disease on non-renal drug clearance, and identified areas of opportunity for future research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/4f/PMC4276411.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3106169", "abstract": "Purpose This study was designed to determine whether men who engaged in recreational bicycle riding are more likely to be affected by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction than are man who exercised by amateur marathon running with less perineal impact. Materials and Methods A total of 22 healthy male amateur bicyclists and 17 healthy male amateur marathoners were enrolled in the study. We evaluated questionnaires including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetric values, postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume, and transrectal ultrasound of the prostate in all subjects. We also compared the prevalence of urination disorders (UD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, body mass index, comorbidities, or exercise habits (p>0.05). Mean total and subscale scores of the IPSS and IIEF and the prevalence of UD (8/22 vs. 4/17, p=0.494) and ED (11/22 vs. 10/17, p=0.748) were not significantly different between the two groups. Also, there were no significant differences between the two groups in uroflowmetric parameters such as peak urinary flow rates, voided urine volume, PVR urine volume, prostate volume, or serum PSA level. Conclusions Bicycle riding seems to have no measurable hazardous effect on voiding function or sexual function in men who cycled recreationally.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/af/kju-52-350.PMC3106169.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4939664", "abstract": "Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor (PAMT) is a recently described distinctive gastric mesenchymal entity with a peculiar plexiform pattern, bland spindle cells and a myxoid stroma rich in arborizing blood vessels. In this study, we report a new case of this rare gastric tumor resected by laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS). A 39-year-old Japanese man was admitted with a gastric mass. Gastroscopy showed an elevated mass in the anterior wall of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasound examination revealed a focal hypoechoic lesion protruding into the lumen. A partial gastrectomy by LECS was performed, and the patient made an uneventful recovery and remains well 9 months later. The tumor in this case depicted all the typical histopathologic and immunochemical features of gastric PAMT (c-kit negative and smooth muscle actin-positive). Especially, it was characterized by multiple nodules protruding outward within the serosa. Therefore, it is important that the resection line is determined on the serosa to ensure the complete resection of these nodules together.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/21/crg-0010-0302.PMC4939664.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3713554", "abstract": "Objectives Intracranial penetration by foreign bodies entering via the orbit represent an unusual form of traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, much is at stake with high risk for cranial nerve and neurovascular injury. We present a case where the bristled end of a toothbrush entered the brain as a projectile via the superior orbital fissure and discuss considerations for surgical management. Setting A 35-year-old woman suffered a periorbital injury after her husband threw an electric toothbrush at a wall and the head of the toothbrush became a missile that projected through her superior orbital fissure and into her right temporal lobe. She complained of headache and incomplete vision loss in the affected eye. Intervention After obtaining a cerebrovascular angiogram, we proceeded with emergent orbital decompression and anterograde extraction of the foreign body via a modified frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach with drilling of the skull base allowing for en bloc removal of the toothbrush. Conclusions The patient recovered well with improvement in her vision and partial third and sixth nerve palsies. This report illustrates a unique mechanism of injury with a novel intracranial foreign body. We review the neurosurgeon's need for prompt management with an approach customized to the structure of the offending object, the damaged elements, and the surrounding cranial nerves and vascular anatomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/bc/PMC3713554.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2644092", "abstract": "Purpose To introduce a case of iridoschisis patient who underwent cataract surgery successfully without pupil device. Methods A 64-year-old female who showed iridoschisis of her both eyes underwent cataract operation at her right eye without a pupillary device. The preoperative and postoperative ophthalmologic examinations including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, reaction of anterior chamber, and degree of damage on iris was evaluated respectively. Results Cataract surgery was performed under topical anesthesia through a clear corneal incision. Iris fibrils were held in place by ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD, sodium hyaluronate 3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/0b/kjo-22-58.PMC2644092.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4683382", "abstract": "The goal of recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) treatment is no longer just palliation, but prolonging survival. This is usually through administering a new line of chemotherapy at each relapse. A novel treatment sequencing strategy to achieve this is through the intercalation of an effective non-platinum alternative, in between platinum-based therapies. Trabectedin in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has been fully available privately in the UK since 2009 for treating patients with ROC. A single institution's experience with the trabectedin + PLD combination, as a non-platinum/non-taxane alternative, to intercalate between platinum-based therapies is reported here. To date 6 patients have been successfully treated with trabectedin + PLD at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex. Here we describe a new, practice-changing treatment approach in a real-life case study of a heavily-treated patient with advanced ROC treated with trabectedin + PLD at fourth-line and then subsequently rechallenged at seventh-line; with treatment continuing until disease progression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/c0/main.PMC4683382.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5104868", "abstract": "Objectives To gain information on anatomical variation in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in a series of clinical cases, with special focus on perforators and pedicles, for potential use in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Materials and Methods Eight patients who underwent microvascular reconstructive surgery with ALT free flaps after ablative surgery for oral cancer were included. The number of perforators included in cutaneous flaps, location of perforators (septocutaneous or musculocutaneous), and the course of vascular pedicles were intraoperatively investigated. Results Four cases with a single perforator and four cases with multiple perforators were included in the ALT flap designed along the line from anterior superior iliac spine to patella. Three cases had perforators running the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle (septocutaneous type), and five cases had perforators running in the vastus lateralis muscle (musculocutaneous type). Regarding the course of vascular pedicles, five cases were derived from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (type I), and three cases were from the transverse branch (type II). Conclusion Anatomical variation affecting the distribution of perforators and the course of pedicles might prevent use of an ALT free flap in various reconstruction cases. However, these issues can be overcome with an understanding of anatomical variation and meticulous surgical dissection. ALT free flaps are considered reliable options for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the oral and maxillofacial area.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/2a/jkaoms-42-265.PMC5104868.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5094648", "abstract": "Aim of database To monitor the development of diabetic eye disease in Denmark and to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of diabetic eye screening programs with focus on interregional variations. Target population The target population includes all patients diagnosed with diabetes. Denmark (5.5 million inhabitants) has  320,000 diabetes patients with an annual increase of 27,000 newly diagnosed patients. The Danish Registry of Diabetic Retinopathy (DiaBase) collects data on all diabetes patients aged ≥18 years who attend screening for diabetic eye disease in hospital eye departments and in private ophthalmological practice. In 2014–2015, DiaBase included data collected from 77,968 diabetes patients. Main variables The main variables provide data for calculation of performance indicators to monitor the quality of diabetic eye screening and development of diabetic retinopathy. Data with respect to age, sex, best corrected visual acuity, screening frequency, grading of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy at each visit, progression/regression of diabetic eye disease, and prevalence of blindness were obtained. Data analysis from DiaBase’s latest annual report (2014–2015) indicates that the prevalence of no diabetic retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy is 78", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/60/clep-8-613.PMC5094648.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2696615", "abstract": "A simple and inexpensive procedure used magnetite and levan to synthesize a composite recovered by a magnetic field. Lectins from Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) and Cratylia mollis (Cramoll 1 and Cramoll 1, 4) did bind specifically to composite. The magnetic property of derivative favored washing out contaminating proteins and recovery of pure lectins with glucose elution. Cramoll 1 was purified by this affinity binding procedure in two steps instead of a previous three-step protocol with ammonium sulfate fractionation, affinity chromatography on Sephadex G-75, and ion exchange chromatography through a CM-cellulose column.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/db/PMC2696615.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5126003", "abstract": "Purpose Metabolic disorders, including MetS, obesity, and lipid disorders, may be related to genetic factors. Metabolic disorders are associated with decreased TS levels in aging men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between FTO rs9939609, MC4R rs17782313, and PPARγ rs1801282 polymorphisms and the presence of MetS and its components, the concurrent lipid disorders, as well as sex hormone concentrations. Subjects and methods This study involved 272 men of Caucasian descent aged 50–75 years. Lipid profile, including TCh, LDL, HDL, and TG, was evaluated by spectrophotometric method. Anthropometric measurements concerned WC and blood pressure. MetS was diagnosed according to the criteria of the IDF. Sex hormone profile, including TST, FTS, E2, DHEAS, and SHBG, was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Polymorphisms within FTO, MC4R, and PPARγ genes were identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism. Results This study did not show links between the analyzed genetic polymorphisms and the presence of MetS, T2DM, HT, and obesity. However, higher concentrations of TCh and LDL were found in men with the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism in the recessive mode of inheritance (P=0.03 and P=0.05, respectively). Lower WC was found to be associated with MC4R rs17782313 gene inherited in the same model (P=0.005). Conclusion FTO rs9939609, MC4R rs17782313, and PPARγ rs1801282 polymorphisms seem to have little effect on the incidence of metabolic malfunctions and no effect on androgen-related disorders in the examined middle-aged and elderly men.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/94/cia-11-1723.PMC5126003.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897513", "abstract": " Background and Objectives. Preoperative counseling is effective to foster early postoperative mobilization that reduces pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. This study aims at evaluating the effect of preoperative counseling regarding postoperative mobilization and its impact on reducing pulmonary complications. Design and Setting. Randomized control trial was conducted at the Department of Surgery of a tertiary care hospital, Karachi. Patients and Materials. Patients who underwent abdominal surgery and met inclusion criteria were recruited. All participants were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received information about the surgery and Group I received additional counseling for postoperative mobilization. All patients were encouraged for postoperative mobilization. Scholes et al. criteria were used to evaluate postoperative pulmonary complications. Results. In total 232 participants were recruited and divided into two groups. There was no significant difference in participants' age (P = 0.79), duration of surgery (P = 0.5), and pain score (P = 0.1) of both groups. However, significant difference was identified in mobilization from bed to chair and mobilization for >10 minutes. Patients in Group I experienced less pulmonary complications in comparison with Group II.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/44/PMC4897513.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015636", "abstract": "Abdominal cerclages are necessary when the standard transvaginal cerclages fail or anatomical abnormalities preclude the vaginal placement. The disadvantage of the transabdominal approach is that it requires at least 2 laparotomies with significant morbidity and hospital stays. We discuss a case of abdominal cerclage performed laparoscopically. We feel it offers less morbidity and in the proper hands eliminates or significantly shortens hospital stays.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/20/jsls-9-4-491.PMC3015636.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4764964", "abstract": "Cancer is deemed the century’s major health problem, and its increasing growth during the last decades has made experts concerned more than ever. Of all types of cancer, breast cancer is regarded as the second most common disease among women. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of spiritual group therapy on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients suffering from breast cancer. The present research was carried out between March and June 2011. The sample consisted of 24 participants randomly assigned to 2 groups: an experimental group (n, 12) and a control group (n, 12). All the subjects completed questionnaires on quality of life and spiritual well-being in pretest and posttest. The experimental group received 12 sessions of spiritual group therapy. The results demonstrated improvement in quality of life and spiritual well-being in the experimental group. In conclusion, spiritual group therapy can be used to improve quality of life and spiritual well-being (religious health and existential health) among patients with breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/bf/IJMS-41-140.PMC4764964.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4255374", "abstract": "Background: Encephalitis is swelling and inflammation of brain, usually due to viral infection. Viral encephalitis symptoms could be fever, headache, altered level of consciousness, and seizures. Objectives: The aim of this study was detection of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with symptoms of possible acute encephalitis and without typical signs or symptoms of roseola infantum, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients and Methods: We studied children two years old or younger, admitted to the pediatric emergency ward with encephalitis-like symptoms. Our evaluation included detection of HHV-6 in CSF of these patients. After DNA extraction, real-time PCR was performed with primers and a probe specific for the U22 open reading frame of both HHV-6A and B. Results: From a total of 114 patients, HHV-6 was detected in 10 (8.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/d4/jjm-07-11821.PMC4255374.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3822836", "abstract": "Mast cell function and dysregulation is important in the development and progression of allergic and autoimmune disease. Identifying novel proteins involved in mast cell function and disease progression is the first step in the design of new therapeutic strategies. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are a family of proteins demonstrated to mediate the transport and fusion of secretory vesicles to the membrane in mast cells, leading to the subsequent release of the vesicle cargo through an exocytotic mechanism. The functional role[s] of specific SNARE family member complexes in mast cell degranulation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we review recent and historical data on the expression, formation and localization of various SNARE proteins and their complexes in murine and human mast cells. We summarize the functional data identifying the key SNARE family members that appear to participate in mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, we discuss the utilization of RNA interference (RNAi) methods to validate SNARE function and the use of siRNA as a therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory disease. These studies provide an overview of the specific SNARE proteins and complexes that serve as novel targets for the development of new therapies to treat allergic and autoimmune disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/ce/PMC3822836.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4215425", "abstract": "A positive family history (FH) raises the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease though, other than the known risk conferred by apolipoprotein ε4 (ApoE4), much of the genetic variance remains unexplained. We examined the effect of family history on longitudinal regional brain atrophy rates in 184 subjects (42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/79/main.PMC4215425.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4849391", "abstract": "Middle ear aneurysms are rare and difficult to treat. The case of a 50-year-old female who presented with left otorrhagia caused by an internal carotid aneurysm is reported. She had no medical history of tinnitus, vertigo, otalgia or otorrhea. Middle ear surgery was effective in resolving bleeding and did not cause any permanent neurological deficit. High resolution computed tomography angiography is the technique of choice and, in some cases, can be complemented with a magnetic resonance angiography. Misdiagnosis of the internal carotid artery aneurysm may lead to serious morbidity because of bleeding or vascular occlusion. The use of modern imaging techniques explain the current relative increase in frequency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/70/cm-89-297.PMC4849391.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4762338", "abstract": "Rehabilitation of maxillofacial defect patients is a challenging task. The most common prosthetic treatment problem with such patients is, getting adequate retention, stability, and support. In cases of large maxillofacial defect, movement of the prosthesis is inevitable. The primary objectives in rehabilitating the maxillofacial defect patients are to restore the function of mastication, deglutition, speech, and to achieve normal orofacial appearance. This clinical report describes maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation of large midfacial defect including orbit along with its contents, zygoma and soft tissues including half of the nose, cheeks, upper lip of left side, accompanying postsurgical microstomia and orofacial communication, which resulted from severe fungal infection mucormycosis. The defect in this case was restored with magnet retained two piece maxillofacial prosthesis having hollow acrylic resin framework and an overlying silicone facial prosthesis. The retention of prosthesis was further enhanced with the use of spectacles. This type of combination prosthesis enhanced the cosmesis and functional acceptability of prosthesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9b/fb/JIPS-15-276.PMC4762338.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3683473", "abstract": "Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a corneal surgical technique which selectively replaces the damaged posterior part of the cornea with a healthy donor graft retaining the rest of the tissue intact. There is a need to validate and standardize the donor tissue before grafting due to certain issues that can lead to consequences such as graft failure due to poor endothelial cell count, higher mortality, detachment of the graft, or increased surgical expenses, time, and effort. Thus, prospective potential surgeons and eye banks should now aim at developing new improved surgical techniques in order to prepare the best suited, validated, precut, preloaded, and easy to transplant tissue to reduce pre- and postsurgical complications. This could be achieved by defining parameters like graft thickness, accepted mortality threshold of the endothelial cells, and behavior of grafts during preservation and transportation along with using more sophisticated instruments like microkeratome and femtosecond lasers for graft preparation. Thus, a rapport between the eye banks and the surgeons along with the advanced instruments can overcome this challenge to find the best possible solution for endothelial keratoplasty (EK).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/93/PMC3683473.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3335320", "abstract": "The combination of filgrastim (G-CSF) and plerixafor is currently approved for mobilizing peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma undergoing autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, chemotherapy and G-CSF-based mobilization remains a widely used strategy for peripheral blood progenitor cell collection. In this paper we describe our experience from two North American transplant centers in a series of patients who received salvage plerixafor while failing chemotherapy and G-CSF mobilization. Patients received a median of two doses of plerixafor salvage upon failure to mobilize adequate number of peripheral blood progenitor cells at neutrophil recovery. The use of plerixafor was associated with a 2.4-fold increase in peripheral blood CD34+ cell count and 3.9-fold increase in total CD34+ cell yield. All patients were able to collect ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg with this approach. These results were more pronounced in patients with a higher CD34+ cell count at the time of the first plerixafor dose. Interestingly, peripheral blood white blood cell count was not shown to correlate with a response to plerixafor. Our results provide safety and efficacy data for the use of plerixafor in patients who are destined to fail chemomobilization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/cf/PMC3335320.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3543918", "abstract": "There are few observation papers regarding the natural history of an aneurysm. We report on a case of a completely occluded middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. A 47-year-old female patient presented with a headache and was diagnosed with rupture of a right MCA aneurysm. Due to a high risk of direct neck clipping, she received conservative treatment after craniotomy and wrapping of her aneurysm. The patient's condition showed improvement, with complete occlusion of the aneurysm and considerable reduction of the aneurysm in size after approximately three years. This is a rare case of an aneurysm of MCA that showed spontaneous resolution. Finally, on the angiogram, characteristics of an aneurysm to occlude spontaneously will be presumed based on literature reviews.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/e1/jcen-14-309.PMC3543918.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4063128", "abstract": "A retrospective review of 21 patients that underwent bone screw removal from the elbow was studied in relation to the type of metal, duration of implantation, and the location of the screws about the elbow. Screw failure during extraction was the dependent variable. Five of 21 patients experienced hardware failure during extraction. Fourteen patients had titanium alloy implants. In four cases, titanium screws broke during extraction. Compared to stainless steel, titanium screw failure during removal was not statistically significant (P = 0.61). Screw removal 12 months after surgery was more likely to result in broken, retained screws in general (P = 0.046) and specifically for titanium alloy (P = 0.003). Bone screws removed from the distal humerus or proximal ulna had an equal chance of fracturing (P = 0.28). There appears to be a time-related association of titanium alloy bone screw failure during hardware removal cases from the elbow. This may be explained by titanium's properties and osseointegration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/35/PMC4063128.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4005540", "abstract": "Early detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates allows for earlier and more effective treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the malachite green decolourisation assay (MGDA) in detecting isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance in M. tuberculosis clinical isolates. Fifty M. tuberculosis isolates, including 19 multidrug-resistant, eight INH-resistant and 23 INH and RIF-susceptible samples, were tested. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and agreement of the assay for INH were 92.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/8e/0074-0276-mioc-108-08-01021.PMC4005540.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745505", "abstract": "Ethoxyquin (EQ, 6-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline) is widely used in animal feed in order to protect it against lipid peroxidation. EQ cannot be used in any food for human consumption (except spices, e.g., chili), but it can pass from feed to farmed fish, poultry, and eggs, so human beings can be exposed to this antioxidant. The manufacturer Monsanto Company (USA) performed a series of tests on ethoxyquin which showed its safety. Nevertheless, some harmful effects in animals and people occupationally exposed to it were observed in 1980's which resulted in the new studies undertaken to reevaluate its toxicity. Here, we present the characteristics of the compound and results of the research, concerning, for example, products of its metabolism and oxidation or searching for new antioxidants on the EQ backbone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b3/37/PMC4745505.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3299362", "abstract": " Objectives: To study the outcome of disconnective epilepsy surgery for intractable hemispheric and sub-hemispheric pediatric epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the epilepsy surgery database was done in all children (age <18 years) who underwent a peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) or a peri-insular posterior quadrantectomy (PIPQ) from April 2000 to March 2011. All patients underwent a detailed pre surgical evaluation. Seizure outcome was assessed by the Engel's classification and cognitive skills by appropriate measures of intelligence that were repeated annually. Results: There were 34 patients in all. Epilepsy was due to Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE), Infantile hemiplegia seizure syndrome (IHSS), Hemimegalencephaly (HM), Sturge Weber syndrome (SWS) and due to post encephalitic sequelae (PES). Twenty seven (79.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0b/bb/PMC3299362.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2974229", "abstract": "Objective To determine whether there is a correlation between liver MR findings and the clinical manifestations and severity of liver dysfunction in patients with Wilson's disease. Materials and Methods Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated MR images of the liver in 50 patients with Wilson's disease. The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was waived. MR images were evaluated with a focus on hepatic contour abnormalities and the presence of intrahepatic nodules. By using Fisher's exact test, MR findings were compared with clinical presentations (neurological and non-neurological) and hepatic dysfunction, which was categorized by the Child-Pugh classification system (A, B and C). Follow-up MR images were available for 17 patients. Results Contour abnormalities of the liver and intrahepatic nodules were observed in 31 patients (62", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/e2/kjr-11-665.PMC2974229.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4196593", "abstract": "THE Genetics Society of America Medal is awarded to an individual for outstanding contributions to the field of genetics in the past 15 years. Recipients of the GSA Medal are recognized for elegant and highly meaningful contributions to modern genetics. The 2014 recipient, Angelika B. Amon, has uncovered key principles governing the cell cycle and was the first to demonstrate a connection between the physical completion of anaphase and the initiation of mitotic exit. More recently, her research has focused on the consequences of aneuploidy. GENETICS spoke with Dr. Amon about her approach to science and what is next on the horizon.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/61/PMC4196593.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1693775", "abstract": "Objective: With the introduction of cross-sectional imaging methods the number of lesions per patient that can be evaluated is frequently large and most oncologists and study protocols use only one lesion or a few ‘representative’ lesions to evaluate chemotherapy response. Intra-patient response variability can therefore affect evaluation reproducibility. This study evaluates intra-individual variation in response to chemotherapy in patients with multiple lung metastases.    Methods: We prospectively studied chest CT images of patients with solid tumors and pulmonary metastases under systemic chemotherapy being evaluated for tumor response. The response of 566 pulmonary nodules in 41 evaluations was determined by both WHO and RECIST criteria in order to determine intra-individual tumor response variation.    Results: There was almost perfect agreement between the WHO and the RECIST criteria for the evaluation of tumor response. High intra-individual variability of tumor response was observed in a significant proportion of the evaluations. A new nodule was the main criterion for determination of disease progression. A mean of 35", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/e8/PMC1693775.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4792980", "abstract": "[Purpose] To investigate the effectiveness of three different neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocols for the deep lumbar stabilizing muscles of patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients with LDK were recruited. Three stimulation protocols were investigated: stimulation of the abdominal muscles (protocol A); stimulation of the lumbar muscles (protocol B); and simultaneous stimulation of the abdominal and lumbar muscles (protocol A+B). Images of the obliquus externus (OE), obliquus internus (OI), transversus abdominis (TrA), and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles were captured by real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI). [Results] The thickness of LM was significantly greater during stimulation than at rest for all three protocols. Thicknesses of the abdominal muscles (TrA, OI, and OE) were significantly greater during stimulation than at rest for protocols A and A+B. Thickness increases in LM were significantly greater during protocols B and A+B, but not during protocol A. Thickness increases in the abdominal muscles (TrA, OI, and OE) were significantly greater during protocols A and A+B, but not during protocol B. [Conclusion] NMES can significantly activate the deep lumbar stabilizing muscles of patients with LDK. Protocol A+B of NMES is recommended to aid postural correction and low back pain (LBP) in patients with LDK.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/38/jpts-28-399.PMC4792980.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4799580", "abstract": "Objective: The purpose of this review is to discuss some critical issues of isoflavones protective against the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Data Sources: Data cited in this review were obtained primarily from PubMed and Embase from 1975 to 2015. Study Selection: Articles were selected with the search terms “isoflavone”, “Phytoestrogen”, “soy”, “genistin”, and “PCa”. Results: Isoflavones do not play an important role on prostate-specific antigen levels reduction in PCa patients or healthy men. The effect of isoflavones on sex hormone levels and PCa risk may be determined by equol converting bacteria in the intestine, specific polymorphic variation and concentrations of isoflavones. The intake of various types of phytoestrogens with lower concentrations in the daily diet may produce synergistic effects against PCa. Moreover, prostate tissue may concentrate isoflavones to potentially anti-carcinogenic levels. In addition, it is noteworthy that isoflavones may act as an agonist in PCa. Conclusions: Isoflavones play a protective role against the development of PCa. However, careful consideration should be given when isoflavones are used in the prevention and treatment of PCa.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/70/CMJ-129-341.PMC4799580.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4954894", "abstract": "The spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is rare, presenting with progressive, insidious symptoms, and inducing spinal cord ischemia and myelopathy, resulting in severe neurological deficits. If physicians have accurate and enough information about vascular anatomy and hemodynamics, they achieve the good results though the surgery or endovascular embolization. However, when selective spinal angiography is unsuccessful due to neurological deficits, surgery and endovascular embolization might be failed because of inadequate information. We describe a patient with a history of vasospasm during spinal angiography, who was successfully treated by spinal stereotactic radiosurgery using Novalis system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/fd/jkns-59-420.PMC4954894.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5063921", "abstract": "Antibiotic resistance has been emerged as a major global health problem. In particular, gram-negative species pose a significant clinical challenge as bacteria develop or acquire more resistance mechanisms. Often, these bacteria possess multiple resistance mechanisms, thus nullifying most of the major classes of drugs. Novel approaches to this issue are urgently required. However, the challenges of developing new agents are immense. Introducing novel agents is fraught with hurdles, thus adapting known antibiotic classes by altering their chemical structure could be a way forward. A chemical addition to existing antibiotics known as a siderophore could be a solution to the gram-negative resistance issue. Siderophore molecules rely on the bacterial innate need for iron ions and thus can utilize a Trojan Horse approach to gain access to the bacterial cell. The current approaches to using this potential method are reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/c5/PMC5063921.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5430270", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study aims to describe a protocol based on neurocognitive therapeutic exercises and determine its feasibility and usefulness for upper extremity functionality when compared with a conventional protocol. [Subjects and Methods] Eight subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to a conventional (control group) or neurocognitive (experimental group) treatment protocol. Both lasted 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 10 weeks and assessments were blinded. Outcome measures included: Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients, Motricity Index, Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment and Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire. Descriptive measures and nonparametric statistical tests were used for analysis. [Results] The results indicate a more favorable clinical progression in the neurocognitive group regarding upper extremity functional capacity with achievement of the minimal detectable change. The functionality results are related with improvements on muscle strength and sensory discrimination (tactile and kinesthetic). [Conclusion] Despite not showing significant group differences between pre and post-treatment, the neurocognitive approach could be a safe and useful strategy for recovering upper extremity movement following stroke, especially regarding affected hands, with better and longer lasting results. Although this work shows this protocol’s feasibility with the panel of scales proposed, larger studies are required to demonstrate its effectiveness.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/7e/jpts-29-665.PMC5430270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3121426", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Circulating glucose inhibits glucose production in normal rodents and humans, but this glucose effectiveness is disrupted in diabetes due partly to sustained hyperglycemia. We hypothesize that hyperglycemia in diabetes impairs hypothalamic glucose sensing to lower glucose production, and changes of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) in the hypothalamic glial cells are responsible for the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia in vivo. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We tested hypothalamic glucose effectiveness to increase hypothalamic glucose concentration and lower glucose production in rats induced with streptozotocin (STZ) uncontrolled diabetes, STZ and phlorizin, and whole-body and hypothalamic sustained hyperglycemia. We next assessed the content of glial GLUT1 in the hypothalamus, generated an adenovirus expressing GLUT1 driven by a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter (Ad-GFAP-GLUT1), and injected Ad-GFAP-GLUT1 into the hypothalamus of rats induced with hyperglycemia. Pancreatic euglycemic clamp and tracer-dilution methodologies were used to assess changes in glucose kinetics in vivo. RESULTS Sustained hyperglycemia, as seen in the early onset of STZ-induced diabetes, disrupted hypothalamic glucose sensing to increase hypothalamic glucose concentration and lower glucose production in association with reduced GLUT1 levels in the hypothalamic glial cells of rats in vivo. Overexpression of hypothalamic glial GLUT1 in STZ-induced rats with reduced GLUT1 acutely normalized plasma glucose levels and in rats with selectively induced hypothalamic hyperglycemia restored hypothalamic glucose effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Sustained hyperglycemia impairs hypothalamic glucose sensing to lower glucose production through changes in hypothalamic glial GLUT1, and these data highlight the critical role of hypothalamic glial GLUT1 in mediating glucose sensing to regulate glucose production.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/e2/1901.PMC3121426.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2930354", "abstract": "Previously, we reported the design and properties of alkyne C-lysine conjugates, a powerful and tunable family of DNA cleaving reagents. We also reported that, upon photoactivation, these molecules are capable of inducing cancer cells death. To prove that the cell death stems from DNA cleavage by the conjugates, we investigated intracellular DNA damage induced by these molecules in LNCap cancer cells using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assays. The observation of highly efficient DNA damage confirmed that lysine acetylene conjugate is capable of cleaving the densely compacted intracellular DNA. This result provides a key mechanistic link between efficient DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity towards cancer cells for this family of light-activated anticancer agents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/ca/PMC2930354.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733557", "abstract": "Introduction: Patients’ health and safety is not only a function of complex treatments and advanced therapeutic technologies but also a function of a degree based on which health care professionals fulfill their duties effectively as a team. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of hospital committee members about teamwork in Kerman hospitals. Methodology: This study was conducted in 2014 on 171 members of clinical teams and committees of four educational hospitals in Kerman University of Medical Sciences. To collect data, the standard “team attitude evaluation” questionnaire was used. This questionnaire consisted of five domains which evaluated the team attitude in areas related to the team structure, leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication in the form of a 5-point Likert type scale. To analyze data, descriptive statistical tests, T-test, ANOVA, and linear regression were used. Results: The average score of team attitude for hospital committee members was 3.9 out of 5. The findings showed that leadership had the highest score among the subscales of team work attitude, while mutual support had the lowest score. We could also observe that responsibility was an important factor in participants’ team work attitude (β = -0.184, p = 0.024). Comparing data in different subgroups revealed that employment, marital status, and responsibility were the variables affecting the participants’ attitudes in the team structure domain. Marital status played a role in leadership; responsibility had a role in situation monitoring; and work experience played a role in domains of communication and mutual support. Conclusions: Hospital committee members had a positive attitude towards teamwork. Training hospital staff and paying particular attention to key elements of effectiveness in a health care team can have a pivotal role in promoting the team culture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/2f/MSM-27-429.PMC4733557.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4452360", "abstract": "This study examined whether circulating levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) alter in prediabetes and correlate with insulin resistance (IR) and beta cell function in prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects without previous history of diabetes were recruited and grouped as control, prediabetes, and newly diagnosed T2DM. The control subjects (n = 40) and people with prediabetes (n = 52) and diabetes (n = 66) were similar in terms of age, sex, BMI, systolic and diastolic BP, and fasting insulin level. HOMA-IR was found significantly higher in people with diabetes than control subjects (p < 0.001) and people with prediabetes (p = 0.005); and HOMA-", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/1f/PMC4452360.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045533", "abstract": " Introduction. Radicular low back pain is one of the most common medical problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and electrodiagnosis in lower extremity radicular pain in relation to history and clinical findings.  Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we studied 165 sciatalgic subjects. A comprehensive history and physical examinations were taken from the subjects and recorded, and then MRI scanning and electrodiagnostic (nerve conduction velocity and electromyography) tests were performed. Results. From 152 subjects who remained in the study, 67 cases (44.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/01/PMC4045533.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2672132", "abstract": "Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is currently the standard treatment for cervical disc disease. Some patients wish to be treated with a less invasive method, because of their social/physical situations. Here we present one method of treatments for socially/physically active patients. Three patients had triceps weakness and mild posterior neck pain. The offending lesions were at the C6-7 level. All were middle-aged soldiers with families. If conventional ACDF were performed, they would have to retire from the military according to the regulation. They had to be able to perform military drills after the treatment if they were going to be able to keep their jobs. Because of their social/physical situations, all wanted to choose method with that they could treat the disease and keep their jobs. For these reasons, the posterior cervical endoscopic discectomies were performed. Ruptured fragments were successfully removed in all. The arm pain improved by more than 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/fc/jkms-24-302.PMC2672132.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4594434", "abstract": "We found recently that mTORC1 regulates the biosynthesis of the ubiquitin E3 ligase Nedd4–1, but not the close homolog Nedd4–2. This regulatory process plays a key role in promoting neurite growth in neurons of the mammalian central nervous system. The molecular mechanism underlying this rather specific regulation likely involves a pyrimidine-rich sequence stretch near the putative transcriptional start site within the 5′ untranslated region of the Nedd4–1 mRNA, which may play a crucial role in directing the assembly of the protein translation machinery. We postulate that the Nedd4–1 mRNA is a major target of the local translation machinery within neurons that can be translated in a spatially and temporally controlled manner in response to various stimuli. Based on this model, neuronal Nedd4–1 may not only be involved in the regulation of neurite growth but also in axon guidance, spine formation, and synaptic plasticity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/74/kcib-08-04-1017161.PMC4594434.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4310985", "abstract": "Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been used to protect neurological functions in cardiac arrest patient. Although Osborn wave is not pathognomonic of hypothermia, it is a well-known electrocardiogram finding of hypothermic patients. The cellular and ionic mechanisms of the Osborn wave have been suggested, and its relationship to tachyarrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, is being explored. This case highlights the arrhythmogenic potential of Osborn wave and individual difference in response of TH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/0d/kcj-45-81.PMC4310985.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4431477", "abstract": "AIMS Recent studies have shown that several genetic variants near the PITX2 locus on chromosome 4q25 are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanism that mediates this association remains unclear. Basic murine studies suggest that reduced PITX2 expression is associated with left atrial dilatation. We sought to examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near PITX2 and left atrial size in patients with AF. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 96 consecutive patients (mean age 60 ± 10 years, 72", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/bc/PMC4431477.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4780662", "abstract": "Purpose Many patients with glaucoma require combination therapies to achieve target intraocular pressure (IOP) and preserve visual function. Ocular hypotensives often contain a preservative (eg, benzalkonium chloride [BAK]), but preservative-free (PF) formulations have been developed for patients with sensitivity. A Phase III study found the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/19/opth-10-373.PMC4780662.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4863054", "abstract": "Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurs commonly in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients, but is usually asymptomatic in the latter. Vascular events associated with acute CMV infection have been described, but are rare. Hence, such events are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of pulmonary embolism secondary to acute CMV colitis in an immunocompetent 78-year-old man. The patient presented with fever and diarrhea. Colonic ulcers were diagnosed based on colonoscopy findings, and CMV was the proven etiology on pathological examination. The patient subsequently experienced acute respiratory failure. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed based on the chest radiography and computed tomography findings. A diagnosis of acute CMV colitis complicated by pulmonary embolism was made. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous administration of unfractionated heparin and intravenous ganciclovir.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/ce/ir-14-187.PMC4863054.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC538507", "abstract": "Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA and an abundance of evidence suggests that lifestyle factors including smoking, the typical high-fat, refined-sugar diet and physical inactivity account for the majority of cancer. This review focuses on diet and inactivity as major factors for cancer promotion by inducing insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Elevated levels of serum insulin impact on the liver primarily, increasing the production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) while reducing the production of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) resulting in stimulation of tumor cell growth and inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Adopting a diet low in fat and high in fiber-rich starch foods, which would also include an abundance of antioxidants, combined with regular aerobic exercise might control insulin resistance, reduce the resulting serum factors and thus reduce the risk for many different cancers commonly seen in the USA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/35/a9/PMC538507.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4355434", "abstract": "Purpose Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) can be a challenging procedure for an inexperienced surgeon. We suggest an easy technique for TURBT, which we have named the \"grasp and bite\" technique. We describe this technique and compare its effectiveness and safety with that of conventional TURBT. Materials and Methods Monopolar TURBT (24-Fr Karl Storz) was performed in 35 patients who had superficial bladder tumors. After defining the tumor margin, the tumor and surrounding mucosa were grasped by use of a loop electrode and resectoscope sheath. With tight grasping, linear moving resection was performed. The patients' demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed between the conventional and grasp and bite TURBT groups. Results Of 35 patients, 16 patients underwent conventional TURBT (group 1), and the other 19 patients underwent grasp and bite TURBT (group 2). Both groups were similar in age, tumor multiplicity, size, anesthesia method, and location. Grasp and bite TURBT could be performed as safely and effectively as conventional TURBT. There were no significant differences in irrigation duration, urethral catheterization, postoperative hemoglobin drop, or length of hospital stay. No significant side effects such as bladder perforation, severe obturator reflex, or persistent bleeding occurred. There were no significant pathological differences between specimens according to the type of resection technique. Conclusions The grasp and bite TURBT technique was feasible for superficial bladder tumors. It may be a good tool for inexperienced surgeons owing to its convenient and easy manner.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2b/cb/kju-56-227.PMC4355434.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3766785", "abstract": "Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is known as a segmental inflammatory vasculitis that involves the small-sized and medium-sized arteries, veins, and nerves. Most effective treatment for Buerger's disease is smoking cessation. Except for the cessation of tobacco use, surgical revascularization is available in severe ischemia and a distal target vessel. Amputation has been used as the last treatment option of the disease up to the present. Increasing limb survival and decreasing amputation rate is important. This case describes the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in patient with Buerger's disease and its effect is not only the complete healing of ulcers but also amputation is not performed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/0c/kjae-65-167.PMC3766785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2733988", "abstract": "A systematic review of English and Korean articles published between 1990 and 2004 and a search of database and various online resources was conducted to determine the prevalences, mortality rates, socioeconomic burden, quality of life, and treatment pattern of asthma in Korean adults and children. Asthma morbidity and mortality in Korea are steadily increasing. The prevalence of asthma in Korea is estimated to be 3.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/c3/jkms-21-181.PMC2733988.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5431694", "abstract": "This paper, developed by consensus of staff physicians of accredited asthma units for the management of severe asthma, presents information on the process and requirements for already-existing asthma units to achieve official accreditation by the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). Three levels of specialized asthma care have been established based on available resources, which include specialized units for highly complex asthma, specialized asthma units, and basic asthma units. Regardless of the level of accreditation obtained, the distinction of “excellence” could be granted when more requirements in the areas of provision of care, technical and human resources, training in asthma, and teaching and research activities were met at each level. The Spanish experience in the process of accreditation of specialized asthma units, particularly for the care of patients with difficult-to-control asthma, may be applicable to other health care settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/e7/jaa-10-163.PMC5431694.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3297038", "abstract": "Although it is known that obesity, diabetes, and Kawasaki's disease play important roles in systemic inflammation and in the development of both endothelial dysfunction and cardiomyopathy, there is a lack of data regarding the endothelial function of pre-pubertal children suffering from cardiomyopathy. In this study, we performed a systematic review of the literature on pre-pubertal children at risk of developing cardiomyopathy to assess the endothelial function of pre-pubertal children at risk of developing cardiomyopathy. We searched the published literature indexed in PubMed, Bireme and SciELO using the keywords ‘endothelial', ‘children', ‘pediatric' and ‘infant' and then compiled a systematic review. The end points were age, the pubertal stage, sex differences, the method used for the endothelial evaluation and the endothelial values themselves. No studies on children with cardiomyopathy were found. Only 11 papers were selected for our complete analysis, where these included reports on the flow-mediated percentage dilatation, the values of which were 9.80±1.80, 5.90±1.29, 4.50±0.70, and 7.10±1.27 for healthy, obese, diabetic and pre-pubertal children with Kawasaki's disease, respectively. There was no significant difference in the dilatation, independent of the endothelium, either among the groups or between the genders for both of the measurements in children; similar results have been found in adolescents and adults. The endothelial function in cardiomyopathic children remains unclear because of the lack of data; nevertheless, the known dysfunctions in children with obesity, type 1 diabetes and Kawasaki's disease may influence the severity of the cardiovascular symptoms, the prognosis, and the mortality rate. The results of this study encourage future research into the consequences of endothelial dysfunction in pre-pubertal children.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/45/cln-67-03-273.PMC3297038.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4889849", "abstract": "Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) as a derivatizing reagent, an analytical method was developed for the quantitative determination of acetone in human blood. The determination was carried out at 365 nm using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) diode array detector (DAD). For acetone as its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative, a good separation was achieved with a ThermoAcclaim C18 column (15 cm × 4.6 mm × 3 μm) at retention time (t R) 12.10 min and flowrate of 1 mL min−1 using a (methanol/acetonitrile) water elution gradient. The methodology is simple, rapid, sensitive, and of low cost, exhibits good reproducibility, and allows the analysis of acetone in biological fluids. A calibration curve was obtained for acetone using its standard solutions in acetonitrile. Quantitative analysis of acetone in human blood was successfully carried out using this calibration graph. The applied method was validated in parameters of linearity, limit of detection and quantification, accuracy, and precision. We also present acetone as a useful tool for the HPLC-based metabolomic investigation of endogenous metabolism and quantitative clinical diagnostic analysis. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/58/eb/PMC4889849.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3414064", "abstract": "Although obesity is a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, some controversy has arisen with regard to its effect on hospital mortality in patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome. Methods. Clinical and anthropometric variables were analyzed in patients consecutively admitted for acute coronary syndrome to a university hospital between 2009 and 2010, and the correlation of those variables with hospital mortality was examined. Results. A total of 824 patients with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or unstable angina were analyzed. Body mass index was an independent factor in hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.739 (IC 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/e9/PMC3414064.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3516452", "abstract": "Antipsychotics have provided a great improvement in the management of people with schizophrenia. The first generation antipsychotics could establish the possibility of managing many psychotic subjects in an outpatient setting. With the advent of the second (SGA) and third generation antipsychotics (TGA), other psychiatric disorders such as bipolar depression, bipolar mania, autism, and major depressive disorder have now been approved for the use of these drugs for their treatment. Also, the administration of more specific assessment tools has allowed for better delineation of the repercussions of these drugs on symptoms and the quality of life of patients who use antipsychotic agents. In general, the SGA share similar mechanisms of action to achieve these results: dopamine-2 receptor antagonism plus serotonin-2A receptor antagonism. The TGA (eg, aripiprazole) have partial agonist activity at the dopamine-2 receptor site, and are also called dopaminergic stabilizers. The pharmacological profile of SGA and TGA may provide better efficacy against negative symptoms, and are less likely to produce extrapyramidal symptoms; however, the SGA and TGA are associated with many other adverse events. The clinician has to balance the risks and benefits of these medications when choosing an antipsychotic for an individual patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/cd/PMC3516452.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4247980", "abstract": " Purpose. To compare iodine clearance following iodinated contrast administration in thyroidectomised thyroid cancer patients and euthyroid individuals. Methods. A convenience population (6 thyroidectomised thyroid cancer patients and 7 euthyroid controls) was drawn from patients referred for iodinated contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) studies. Subjects had sequential urine samples collected up to 6 months (50 samples from the thyroidectomised and 63 samples from the euthyroid groups). t-tests and generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to test for group differences in urinary iodine creatinine ratios. Results. Groups had similar urinary iodine creatinine ratios at baseline, with a large increase 2 weeks following iodinated contrast (P = 0.005). Both groups had a return of urinary iodine creatinine ratios to baseline by 4 weeks, with no significant group differences overall or at any time point. Conclusions. Thyroidectomised patients did not have a significantly different urinary iodine clearance than euthyroid individuals following administration of iodinated contrast. Both had a return of urinary iodine creatinine ratios to baseline within 4 weeks.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/ae/PMC4247980.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3730153", "abstract": " Objective. To compare knowledge and attitudes of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccine between different cultures of African descent. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 555 African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans residing in the US and the Bahamas (BHM) was conducted. Results. General knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine differed between the two countries significantly. Bahamian respondents were less likely to have higher numbers of correct knowledge answers when compared to Americans (Adjusted Odds Ratio [Adj. OR] 0.47, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/98/PMC3730153.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4278480", "abstract": "With the rise of biomedicine and biotechnology, there has been a corresponding growth in the need for better understanding of consequent ethical questions. Increasingly, biologists are being asked not only to offer technical clarifications but also to venture ethical opinions, for which most feel poorly equipped. This expectation puts pressure on biology instructors at the university level to provide biology majors the skills and experience to discuss with some confidence and competence bioethical issues which may arise in either the workplace or through public discourse in everyday contexts. Many fine curricular resources about bioethics are available for varied pedagogical purposes, but few target undergraduate biology or microbiology student audiences. When it occurs in the context of a course, bioethics instruction often is taught by non-biologists outside standard biology curricula. We propose that biologists should strive to “infuse” bioethical thinking into their courses and major curricula but not in such a way as merely to point at ethical problems, treating them at a surface level. We suggest what we call “vertical infusion”: taking one bioethical issue per course and integrating this issue within the context of a relevant biological topic, challenging students to push their thinking beyond their initial intuitions toward underlying scientific and ethical principles. While the vertical approach lacks widespread coverage of ethical issues throughout a single course, it has the advantage of taking the bioethical dimension seriously and in intimate relation to contemporary discoveries in biology and to the biological principles, processes, or procedures that occasioned the ethical quandaries in the first place.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/99/jmbe-15-213.PMC4278480.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4594307", "abstract": " Molecular oscillation of the circadian clock is based on E-box-mediated transcriptional feedback loop formed with clock genes and their encoding products, clock proteins. The clock proteins are regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation. We investigated the effects of a series of kinase inhibitors on gene expression rhythms in Rat-1 fibroblasts. The period of the cellular circadian rhythm in culture was lengthened by treatment with SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), IC261 (CKI inhibitor) and Roscovitine (CDK inhibitor). On the other hand, the period was shortened by SB216763 (GSK-3 inhibitor) or KN93 (CaMKII inhibitor) treatment. Application of 20 μM KN93 completely abolished the rhythmic gene expression. The activity of CaMKII exhibited circadian variation in a phase close to the E-box-mediated transcriptional rhythms. In vitro kinase assay revealed that CaMKII directly phosphorylates N-terminal and Ser/Pro-rich domains of CLOCK, an activator of E-box-mediated transcription. These results indicate a phosphorylation-dependent tuning of the period length by a regulatory network of multiple kinases and reveal an essential role of CaMKII in the cellular oscillation mechanism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/e6/kcib-08-04-982405.PMC4594307.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3530731", "abstract": "Transradial access is a widely accepted method for percutaneous coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures, and it has dramatically reduced access site vascular complications compared to transfemoral access. Arteriovenous fistula formation at the access site is an especially rare complication in transradial access. We report an extremely rare case of delayed radial arteriovenous fistula that developed one year after transradial coronary angiography, which was successfully treated by surgical repair.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/5a/kjtcs-45-421.PMC3530731.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3296195", "abstract": " Background. Most safety issues in primary care arise from adverse drug events. Team Resource Management intervention was developed to identify systemic safety issues to design and implement interventions to address prioritized issues. Objectives. Evaluate impact of intervention on rates of events and preventable events in a vulnerable population. Design. Cluster randomized trial. 12 practices randomly assigned to either: (1) Intervention; (2) Intervention with Practice Enhancement Assistants; (3) No intervention. The intervention took 12 months. Main Outcome Measure. Rate and severity of events and preventable events measured using a Trigger Tool chart review method for the 12-month periods before and after the start of the intervention. Results. In the ‘‘intervention with Assistants” group there was a statistically significant decrease in the overall rate of events and in the rate of moderate/severe events. Analysis of Variance with study arm and time as the factors and moderate/severe events as the outcome showed a significant interaction between arm and time supporting the notion that the ‘‘Intervention with Assistants” practices had a greater reduction in moderate/severe preventable events. Conclusions. The intervention had a significant effect on medication safety as estimated using a trigger tool. Further exploration of role of Assistants and trigger tool is warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/2c/PMC3296195.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5331258", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Hepatic abscess due to Brucella species is an extremely rare complication especially in acute illness. Here, we report a case of hepatic microabscesses probably caused by Brucella in a 33‐year‐old woman with acute infection who was successfully treated with a combination of doxycycline and rifampicin for 3 months.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d7/b6/CCR3-5-229.PMC5331258.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2693592", "abstract": "No definitive recommendation is available concerning optimal antithrombotic therapy in pregnant women with a mechanical heart valve. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical results of nadroparin treatment with respect to pregnancy outcome and maternal complications. From 1997 to 2005, 31 pregnancies were reviewed in 25 women. Nadroparin (7,500 U, twice daily) was used in 23 pregnancies between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation and close-to-term only, and coumarin derivatives were used with aspirin at other times. Eight pregnant women treated with coumarin derivatives throughout pregnancy were compared to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nadroparin. No maternal death or bleeding complication occurred in either of the two groups, and frequencies of maternal thromboembolism including valve thrombosis (8.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/2c/jkms-22-258.PMC2693592.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4608091", "abstract": "Background The “obesity paradox” reflects an observed relationship between obesity and decreased morbidity and mortality, suggesting improved health outcomes for obese individuals. Studies examining the relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery have reported conflicting results. Methods and Results The study population (N=78 762) was comprised of adult patients who had undergone first-time coronary artery bypass (CABG) or combined CABG/aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery from April 1, 1998 to October 31, 2011 in Ontario (data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). Perioperative outcomes and 5-year mortality among pre-defined BMI (kg/m2) categories (underweight <20, normal weight 20 to 24.9, overweight 25 to 29.9, obese 30 to 34.9, morbidly obese >34.9) were compared using Bivariate analyses and Cox multivariate regression analysis to investigate multiple confounders on the relationship between BMI and adverse outcomes. A reverse J-shaped curve was found between BMI and mortality with their respective hazard ratios. Independent of confounding variables, 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year survival rates were highest for the obese group of patients (99.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/52/jah30004-e002140.PMC4608091.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3974474", "abstract": "Herein we present a case of a 7–month–old baby girl, with left single system ectopic ureter, in whom the ureter was dilated to such an extent that it presented as an abdominal mass. Diagnosis was established by means of computed tomography. Work up was completed with renal scan and micturating cystourethrography. The patient was operated and left nephorureterectomy was performed. Hydroureter has to be considered in differential diagnosis of abdominal mass in an infant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/9d/CEJU-66-00284.PMC3974474.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3320006", "abstract": "Pulmonary hypertension is an emerging complication of sickle cell anaemia with associated increased risk of mortality. In order to evaluate the clinical and electrocardiographic findings in adult sickle-cell patients with pulmonary hypertension, a cross sectional study was conducted on sixty two sickle cell anaemia patients and sixty two age and sex matched normal controls. Elevated pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), defined by PAP ≥ 30 mm Hg on echocardiography, was demonstrated in 41.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/fa/PMC3320006.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4308055", "abstract": "A 19-year-old muscular male with a history of epilepsy presented following two convulsive events. Levetiracetam (LEV) was given as an additional therapy, resulting in a marked boost in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) that could not easily be explained by renal dysfunction or rhabdomyolysis alone. Levetiracetam discontinuation caused CPK levels to quickly normalize and should be considered in patients with persisting CPK elevations postconvulsive seizure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/96/main.PMC4308055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2859046", "abstract": "Retinoblastoma (Rb) is considered to represent the prototype of cancer linked to the sequential loss or inactivation of both alleles of a so-called “tumor suppressor gene”, the Rb1 gene. The pathogenetic mechanism behind this tumor was first hypothesized by Knudson in 1971 and further confirmed by others  who identified the Rb1 gene whose loss or inactivation was claimed to be responsible for the disease. However, after about four decades of continuous research in the field of molecular biology, the evidence behind the role of the Rb1 gene in Rb appears to be seriously flawed in the light of epidemiological, biological, and clinical evidences. This editorial summarizes the inconsistencies on this subject. Nevertheless, the molecular biology establishment still adheres to the biased view of the genetic origin of Rb and other cancers, and hardly any alternative explanations are taken into account.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/c1/PMC2859046.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3481975", "abstract": "This article reports the orthodontic treatment of a patient with skeletal mandibular retrusion and an anterior open bite due to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) using miniscrew anchorage. A 46-year-old woman had a Class II malocclusion with a retropositioned mandible. Her overjet and overbite were 7.0 mm and -1.6 mm, respectively. She had limited mouth opening, TMJ sounds, and pain. Condylar resorption was observed in both TMJs. Her TMJ pain was reduced by splint therapy, and then orthodontic treatment was initiated. Titanium miniscrews were placed at the posterior maxilla to intrude the molars. After 2 years and 7 months of orthodontic treatment, an acceptable occlusion was achieved without any recurrence of TMJ symptoms. The retropositioned mandible was considerably improved, and the lips showed less tension upon lip closure. The maxillary molars were intruded by 1.5 mm, and the mandible was subsequently rotated counterclockwise. Magnetic resonance imaging of both condyles after treatment showed avascular necrosis-like structures. During a 2-year retention period, an acceptable occlusion was maintained without recurrence of the open bite. In conclusion, correction of open bite and clockwise-rotated mandible through molar intrusion using titanium miniscrews is effective for the management of TMJ-OA with jaw deformity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/0d/kjod-42-144.PMC3481975.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3072477", "abstract": "Thunderclap headache (TCH) is an excruciating headache characterized by a very sudden onset. Recognition and accurate diagnosis of TCH are important in order to rule out the various, serious underlying brain disorders that, in a high percentage of cases, are the real cause of the headache. Primary TCH, which may recur intermittently and generally has a spontaneous, benign evolution, can thus be diagnosed only when all other potential underlying causes have been excluded through accurate diagnostic work up. In this review, we focus on the management of TCH, paying particular attention to the diagnostic work up and treatment of the condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c5/8a/PMC3072477.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4346157", "abstract": "Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly used by medical providers and offer a wide-reaching source of information on utilization of preventive services. Numerous measures used for quality assessment and public reporting are estimated based on EHR data. However, sources of error and misclassification can lead to over- or underestimation of true utilization rates. EHR-derived measures of screening test use are subject to error due to misclassification of screening and diagnostic tests. The implications of this misclassification for EHR-based screening utilization estimates have not been well explored. Objectives: We calculated the bias in estimates of screening test utilization associated with several published EHR-based algorithms for identifying screening colonoscopies and propose two simple methods to correct this bias. We apply these corrections to obtain adjusted estimates of screening colonoscopy utilization using EHR data from Group Health, an integrated health care system in Washington state. Findings: The bias in screening colonoscopy utilization estimates ranged from an underestimation of 3 percentage points to an overestimation of 12 percentage points across classification methods. If the operating characteristics of the classification method are known or if a statistical model that returns predicted probabilities of screening indication is applied in the population of interest, this information can be used to obtain unbiased estimates through simple corrections to the utilization rates with little loss of precision. When applied to data on colonoscopies received at Group Health, we found that an unadjusted estimate was 4 percentage points higher than our adjusted estimate. Discussion: Error in classification of tests as screening when using EHR data to study screening utilization should be accounted for in order to eliminate bias and prevent spurious findings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/74/egems1109.PMC4346157.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3580306", "abstract": "Infection stones are more likely to form after urinary diversion as the result of urinary stasis. To prevent urinary stasis due to encrusted pyelitis in a transplanted kidney, we describe an alternative a surgical treatment: ileo-pelvic anastomosis. In our patient with a transplanted kidney, the ileal conduit had previously been anastomosed end-to-side owing to renal tuberculosis with an atrophied bladder; the transplanted ureter was anastomosed to the ileum in the left lower abdomen with an ileal conduit on the opposite side. Routine check-up revealed hydronephrosis with infected pyelitis and ureteritis in the transplanted kidney. We performed ileo-pelvic end-to-end anastomosis to prevent urinary stasis by lengthening the ileal conduit and performed augmentation cystoplasty to support the atrophied bladder following tuberculosis. We suggest that this approach may be useful in similar cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/0a/kju-54-143.PMC3580306.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3323854", "abstract": "Laparoscopic colorectal resections have been shown to provide short-term advantages in terms of postoperative pain, general morbidity, recovery, and quality of life. To date, long-term results have been proved to be comparable to open surgery irrefutably only for colon cancer. Recently, new trends keep arising in the direction of minimal invasiveness to reduce surgical trauma after colorectal surgery in order to improve morbidity and cosmetic results. The few reports available in the literature on single-port technique show promising results. Natural orifices endoscopic techniques still have very limited application. We focused our efforts in standardising a minilaparoscopic technique (using 3 to 5 mm instruments) for colorectal resections since it can provide excellent cosmetic results without changing the laparoscopic approach significantly. Thus, there is no need for a new learning curve as minilaparoscopy maintains the principle of instrument triangulation. This determines an undoubted advantage in terms of feasibility and reproducibility of the procedure without increasing operative time. Some preliminary experiences confirm that minilaparoscopic colorectal surgery provides acceptable results, comparable to those reported for laparoscopic surgery with regard to operative time, morbidity, and hospital stay. Randomized controlled studies should be conducted to confirm these early encouraging results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/9e/PMC3323854.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4697968", "abstract": "Abstract Previous studies indicated that gout is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine if patients with gout have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). We used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, a subset of the national insurance claim dataset, which enrolled 1 million Taiwanese to identify 57,981 patients with gout and 115,961 reference subjects matched by sex, age, and entry date of diagnosis. The risk of DVT and PE was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. In this Taiwanese dataset observed from 2000 to 2010, we found the incidence of DVT was 5.26 per 104 person-years in the gout cohort, which was twofold higher than the incidence of 2.63 per 104 person-years in the reference cohort. After adjusting for age, sex, and 9 comorbidities, the hazard ratio (HR) of developing DVT was 1.66 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/6a/medi-94-e2140.PMC4697968.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2768171", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is present in adult humans where it may be important in the prevention of obesity, although the main factors regulating its abundance are not well established. BAT demonstrates seasonal variation relating to ambient temperature and photoperiod in mammals. The objective of our study was therefore to determine whether seasonal variation in BAT activity in humans was more closely related to the prevailing photoperiod or temperature. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 3,614 consecutive patients who underwent positron emission tomography followed by computed tomography scans. The presence and location of BAT depots were documented and correlated with monthly changes in photoperiod and ambient temperature. RESULTS BAT activity was demonstrated in 167 (4.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/03/zdb2583.PMC2768171.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3155790", "abstract": " Background. Few studies have explored how providers communicate about control medications during pediatric asthma visits. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to: (a) describe the extent to which providers discuss, educate, and ask children and their caregivers questions about control medications and (b) examine how child, caregiver, and provider characteristics are associated with provider communication about control medications during pediatric asthma visits. Methods. Children ages 8 through 16 with mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at five pediatric practices in nonurban areas of North Carolina. After audio-tape recording medical visits, caregivers completed questionnaires and children were interviewed. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data. Results. Providers educated families about control medications during 61", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/6a/PMC3155790.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2845863", "abstract": "Background Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam are the antibiotics currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of dysentery in children; yet there have been no reviews of the clinical effectiveness of these antibiotics in recent years. Methods We reviewed all literature reporting the effect of ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam for the treatment of dysentery in children in the developing countries. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of treatment with these antibiotics on rates of treatment failure, bacteriological failure and bacteriological relapse. The CHERG Standard Rules were applied to determine the final effect of treatment with these antibiotics on diarrhoea mortality. Results Eight papers were selected for abstraction. Treatment with ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone or pivmecillinam resulted in a cure rate of >99", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/6e/dyq024.PMC2845863.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4733774", "abstract": "Background: End-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is complicated by substantial adverse events. However, few studies have focused on electrocardiographic features and their prognostic values in HCM. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and prognostic value of electrocardiography in patients with end-stage HCM. Methods: End-stage HCM patients were enrolled from a total of 1844 consecutive HCM patients from April 2002 to November 2013 at Fuwai Hospital. Clinical data, including medical history, electrocardiography, and echocardiography, were analyzed. Cox hazards regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. Results: End-stage HCM was identified in 99 (5.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/5f/CMJ-128-1483.PMC4733774.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4590787", "abstract": "The floating microballoons have been utilized to obtain prolonged and uniform release in the stomach. The objective of the present study involves design, development, and characterization of pentoxifylline loaded floating microballoons to prolong their gastric residence time. Pentoxifylline (trisubstituted xanthine derivative) loaded microballoons were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique using different concentrations of polymers like HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose (EC) in ethyl alcohol and dichloromethane organic solvent system. Microballoons were characterized for their particle size, surface morphology, production yield, loading efficiency, buoyancy percentage, and in vitro drug release studies. From the characterization it was observed that increases in amount of polymers (HPMC K4M and EC) led to increased particle size, loading efficiency, and buoyancy percentage, and retarded drug release. The particle size, particle yield, loading efficiency, buoyancy percentage and in vitro drug release for optimized formulation (F3) were found to be 104.0 ± 2.87 µm, 80.89 ± 2.24", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/69/PMC4590787.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3906655", "abstract": "Hemimandibular hypertrophy and its variants result from unilateral excessive growth of the mandible and involve both the body and ramus of mandible. This causes facial asymmetry and in turn accompanying psychological problems. In this report we discuss use of imaging in diagnosis of these lesions and investigate the different variants.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/5a/JCIS-3-5.PMC3906655.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4845419", "abstract": "Introduction: Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH) is a rare and fatal genetic disorder with mutations in Capillary morphogenesis gene-2 CMG2 / Human anthrax toxin receptor gene-2 ANTXR2 resulting in spindle cell proliferation, altered collagen metabolism with extensive deposition of amorphous eosinophilic PAS positive hyaline material in the connective tissues of various organs. The common presenting features would be progressive stiffness of multiple joints, skin lesions, multiple episodes of protracted infections, prolonged diarrhoea and failure to thrive. ISH is a rapidly progressive painful disorder of infancy with a very short life expectancy. Case Presentation: 3 months old identical twins born to a 5th degree consanguinous couple were brought with complaints of excessive cry, deformity of all four limbs, recurrent episodes of respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea since birth. Evaluation of both the probands revealed facial dysmorphism with perinasal nodules, gingival hypertrophy, fixed deformities of multiple joints bilaterally, umbilical hernia, fleshy perianal nodules and pigmented patches over knuckles and ankle. A clinical diagnosis of ISH was suspected and confirmed by detection of homozygous c.277_278insATTATTT (or p.L93Yfs*14) in exon 3 of the ANTXR2 gene. The probands were managed symptomatically and parents were counselled regarding prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies. Conclusion: IHS is commonly misdiagnosed as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita and is often mismanaged with manipulation of the stiff joints and invasive surgical procedures. Prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus biopsy is possible once causative mutation in a family is identified. Invasive surgical interventions for histopathological analysis can be avoided as clinical features are most often classical and genetic analysis is confirmatory. Management is conservative and symptomatic. We report this case of identical twins with features of ISH in view of its rarity as timely clinical suspicion can avoid painful and invasive procedures for diagnosis and management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/6d/JOCR-6-69.PMC4845419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3818765", "abstract": " [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of trumpet and marching euphonium performance posture on the trunk and lower limb musculoskeletal system. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 female university students. [Methods] Subjects maintained a resting position, a trumpet performance posture, and a marching euphonium performance posture. The angles and muscle activities of the trunk and lower limbs were then measured. [Results] The anterior tilt angle of the trunk decreased significantly in the trumpet and marching euphonium performance postures compared with the resting standing position, as well as in the marching euphonium performance posture compared with the trumpet performance posture. The muscle activity of the cervical paraspinal muscles, upper fibers of the trapezius, and lumbar paraspinal muscles increased significantly in the marching euphonium performance posture compared with the resting standing position, as well as in the marching euphonium performance posture compared with the trumpet performance posture. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the performance position for trumpet and the marching euphonium performance increases the load on the cervical and thoracic musculoskeletal system, which increases with greater instrument weight. However, the same instrument performance postures had no affect on the musculoskeletal system of the lower limbs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/e8/jpts-25-1115.PMC3818765.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3068309", "abstract": "Recent years have witnessed a rapid growth in the number and diversity of prokaryotic proteins shown to carry N- and/or O-glycans, with protein glycosylation now considered as fundamental to the biology of these organisms as it is in eukaryotic systems. This article overviews the major glycosylation pathways that are known to exist in eukarya, bacteria and archaea. These are (i) oligosaccharyltransferase (OST)-mediated N-glycosylation which is abundant in eukarya and archaea, but is restricted to a limited range of bacteria; (ii) stepwise cytoplasmic N-glycosylation that has so far only been confirmed in the bacterial domain; (iii) OST-mediated O-glycosylation which appears to be characteristic of bacteria; and (iv) stepwise O-glycosylation which is common in eukarya and bacteria. A key aim of the review is to integrate information from the three domains of life in order to highlight commonalities in glycosylation processes. We show how the OST-mediated N- and O-glycosylation pathways share cytoplasmic assembly of lipid-linked oligosaccharides, flipping across the ER/periplasmic/cytoplasmic membranes, and transferring “en bloc” to the protein acceptor. Moreover these hallmarks are mirrored in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Like in eukaryotes, stepwise O-glycosylation occurs on diverse bacterial proteins including flagellins, adhesins, autotransporters and lipoproteins, with O-glycosylation chain extension often coupled with secretory mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/f6/PMC3068309.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4644613", "abstract": "Background: One of the shortcomings of the available treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) is the time delay between starting the treatment and achieving an antidepressant response. Objectives: We aimed to determine the effect of Ketamine as a synergistic antidepressant and anesthetic agent on MDD in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients with MDD received Ketamine and Propofol as anesthetic agents compared with 20 patients as the control group who received Propofol in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The Hamilton rating scale for depression was used to determine the changes in symptoms severity during ECT and a 2-week follow-up. Results: Both groups showed a reduction in depression severity, but there was no significant difference between the groups in the recovery process (P = 0.92). However, the cognitive performance recovery time in the Ketamine group was lower than that in the control group (P = 0.042). Conclusions: This study could not show the effect of Ketamine on depression recovery in a 2-week follow-up period. Nevertheless, Ketamine may provide a better cognitive performance in patients under ECT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/42/ijpbs-09-1578.PMC4644613.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4924469", "abstract": "Abstract Gallbladder rupture due to blunt abdominal injury is rare. There are few reports of traumatic gallbladder injury, and it is commonly associated with other concomitant visceral injuries. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose traumatic gallbladder rupture preoperatively when it is caused by blunt abdominal injury. We report a patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after an exact preoperative diagnosis of traumatic gallbladder rupture. A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to blunt abdominal trauma. The day after admission, abdominal pain and ascites increased and a muscular defense sign appeared. Percutaneous drainage of the ascites was performed, and the aspirated fluid was bloody and almost pure bile. He was diagnosed with gallbladder rupture by the cholangiography using the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography technique. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed safely, and he promptly recovered. If accumulated fluids contain bile, endoscopic cholangiography is useful not only to diagnose gallbladder injury but also to determine the therapeutic strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/01/crg-0010-0212.PMC4924469.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5011230", "abstract": "Screening for Schistosoma haematobium infection and its possible morbidity was carried out in 257 adult participants in Eggua community, Ogun State, Nigeria. Parasitological assessment for the presence of ova of S. haematobium in urine and abdominopelvic ultrasonographic examination for bladder and secondary kidney pathology were carried out. S. haematobium prevalence of 25.68", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/0f/PMC5011230.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3666208", "abstract": "Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery under the guidance of an imaging modality can improve drug disposition and achieve site-specific drug delivery. The term focal drug delivery has been introduced to describe the focal targeting of drugs in tissues with the help of imaging and focused ultrasound. Focal drug delivery aims to improve the therapeutic profile of drugs by improving their specificity and their permeation in defined areas. Focused-ultrasound- (FUS-) mediated drug delivery has been applied with various molecules to improve their local distribution in tissues. FUS is applied with the aid of microbubbles to enhance the permeability of bioactive molecules across BBB and improve drug distribution in the brain. Recently, FUS has been utilised in combination with MRI-labelled liposomes that respond to temperature increase. This strategy aims to “activate” nanoparticles to release their cargo locally when triggered by hyperthermia induced by FUS. MRI-guided FUS drug delivery provides the opportunity to improve drug bioavailability locally and therefore improve the therapeutic profiles of drugs. This drug delivery strategy can be directly translated to clinic as MRg FUS is a promising clinically therapeutic approach. However, more basic research is required to understand the physiological mechanism of FUS-enhanced drug delivery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/d8/PMC3666208.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3629348", "abstract": "Infective spondylodiscitis is a rare complication that can occur after interventional spinal procedures, of which symptoms are usually back pain and fever. Early diagnosis of infective spondylodiscitis is critical to start antibiotics and to improve prognosis. Laboratory examinations including complet blood cell count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are conventional tools for the early detection of infectious spondylitis. However, we experienced infective spondylodiscitis after cervical nucleoplasty which did not display any laboratory abnormalities, but was diagnosed through an MRI. A patient with cervical disc herniation received nucleoplasty at C5/6 and C6/7. One month later, the patient complained of aggravated pain. There were neither signs of chill nor fever, and the laboratory results appeared normal. However, the MRI findings were compatible with infectious spondylodiscitis at the nucleoplasty site. In conclusion, infectious spondylodiscitis can develop after cervical nucleoplasty without any laboratory abnormalities. Therefore, an MRI should be taken when there is a clinical suspicion for infection in order to not miss complications after interventional procedures, even if the laboratory findings are normal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/d3/kjpain-26-181.PMC3629348.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3190487", "abstract": "In recent years, advances in scanner technology and competition from other specialties have produced rapid changes in the way the intestines are imaged. MRI and CT scan along with the traditional enteroclysis examination have emerged at the forefront of intestinal imaging. Functional modalities such as diffusion and perfusion imaging are also changing the way tumors and inflammatory bowel diseases are evaluated. CT colonography is now a valid alterative to optical colonoscopy. Contrast-enhanced USG is being used for the assessment of inflammation and post-treatment changes. In this review, recent advances in intestinal imaging are described.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/ab/IJRI-21-170.PMC3190487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4432386", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients with spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and demonstrate the risk factors, treatments and neurologic outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiologic images of 35 patients admitted to our department with SEA between March 1987 and April 2011. While we performed decompressive laminectomy and abscess drainage on 19 patients (54.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/67/kjs-9-6.PMC4432386.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3064015", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To examine whether exposure to the Chinese famine during fetal life and early childhood is associated with the risks of metabolic syndrome and whether this association is modified by later life environment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data of 7,874 adults born between 1954 and 1964 from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Famine exposure groups were defined as nonexposed; fetal exposed; and early childhood, midchildhood, or late childhood exposed. Excess death rate was used to determine the severity of the famine. The ATP III criteria were used for the definition of metabolic syndrome (three or more of the following variables: elevated fasting triglyceride levels, lower HDL cholesterol levels, elevated fasting glucose levels, higher waist circumference, high blood pressure). RESULTS In severely affected famine areas, adults who were exposed to the famine during fetal life had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, as compared with nonexposed subjects (odds ratio 3.13 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/f3/1014.PMC3064015.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2810480", "abstract": "The tropical disease malaria, which results in more than one million deaths annually, is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by blood-feeding Anopheline mosquitoes. Parasite transition from the human host to the mosquito vector is mediated by gametocytes, sexual stages that are formed in human erythrocytes, which therefore play a crucial part in the spread of the tropical disease. The uptake by the blood-feeding mosquito triggers important molecular and cellular changes in the gametocytes, thus mediating the rapid adjustment of the parasite from the warm-blooded host to the insect host and subsequently initiating reproduction. The contact with midgut factors triggers gametocyte activation and results in their egress from the enveloping erythrocyte, which then leads to gamete formation and fertilization. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of gametocytes during transmission to the mosquito and particularly focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying gametocyte activation and emergence from the host erythrocyte during gametogenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/2b/PMC2810480.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3401548", "abstract": "There is currently considerable uncertainty regarding prescribing practices for pregnant women with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders. The physician and the mother have to balance the risks of untreated psychiatric illness against the potential fetal toxicity associated with pharmacological exposure. This is especially true for women taking atypical antipsychotics. Although these drugs have limited evidence for teratological risk, there are reports of altered fetal growth, both increased and decreased, with maternal atypical antipsychotic use. These effects may be mediated through changes in the maternal metabolism which in turn impacts placental function. However, the presence of receptors targeted by atypical antipsychotics in cell lineages present in the placenta suggests that these drugs can also have direct effects on placental function and development. The signaling pathways involved in linking the effects of atypical antipsychotics to placental dysfunction, ultimately resulting in altered fetal growth, remain elusive. This paper focuses on some possible pathways which may link atypical antipsychotics to placental dysfunction.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/69/PMC3401548.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3932200", "abstract": " Rationale and Objectives. To compare the sensitivities of ultrasound guided core biopsy and fine needle aspiration (FNA) for detection of axillary lymph node metastases in patients with a current diagnosis of ipsilateral breast cancer. Materials and Methods. From December 2008 to December 2010, 105 patients with breast cancer and abnormal appearing lymph nodes in the ipsilateral axilla consented to undergo FNA of an axillary node immediately followed by core biopsy of the same node, both with ultrasound guidance. Experienced pathologists evaluated the aspirate cytology without knowledge of the core histology. Cytology and core biopsy results were compared to sentinel node excision or axillary dissection pathology. Sensitivities were compared using McNemar's test. Results. Of 70 patients with axillary node metastases, FNA was positive in 55/70 (78.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/59/PMC3932200.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3368350", "abstract": " Background. Hazards of liver surgery have been attenuated by the evolution in methods of hepatic vascular control and the anesthetic management. In this paper, the anesthetic considerations during hepatic vascular occlusion techniques were reviewed. Methods. A Medline literature search using the terms “anesthetic,” “anesthesia,” “liver,” “hepatectomy,” “inflow,” “outflow occlusion,” “Pringle,” “hemodynamic,” “air embolism,” “blood loss,” “transfusion,” “ischemia-reperfusion,” “preconditioning,” was performed. Results. Task-orientated anesthetic management, according to the performed method of hepatic vascular occlusion, ameliorates the surgical outcome and improves the morbidity and mortality rates, following liver surgery. Conclusions. Hepatic vascular occlusion techniques share common anesthetic considerations in terms of preoperative assessment, monitoring, induction, and maintenance of anesthesia. On the other hand, the hemodynamic management, the prevention of vascular air embolism, blood transfusion, and liver injury are plausible when the anesthetic plan is scheduled according to the method of hepatic vascular occlusion performed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/ae/PMC3368350.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3578668", "abstract": "Duodenal rupture secondary to blunt trauma is a relatively uncommon event and is usually a result of a road traffic accident. As the duodenum is a retroperitoneal organ, delays in diagnosis can occur, as the patient may present with vague abdominal symptoms and other non-specific signs. Computed tomographic scanning is therefore a useful tool in the diagnosis of this condition. We present a 19-year-old girl who was hit in the abdomen with a football and subsequently had a duodenal rupture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/81/rjs041.PMC3578668.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4190132", "abstract": "Soluble factors from intestinal mucosal cells contribute to immune homeostasis in the gut. We have established an in vitro model to investigate the regulatory role of soluble factors from inflamed intestinal mucosa of collagenous colitis (CC) patients in the differentiation of T cells. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from healthy donors were polyclonally activated in the presence of conditioned medium (CM) generated from denuded biopsies (DNB) or isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) from mucosal biopsies from CC patients compared to noninflamed controls, to determine proliferation and secretion of cytokines involved in T-cell differentiation. Compared to controls, we observed significantly increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-6, and IL-1β and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in the presence of CC-DNB-CM. The most pronounced effect of CC-LPMC-CM on peripheral CD4+ T cells was a trend towards increased production of IL-17A and IL-10. A trend towards reduced inhibition of T-cell proliferation was noted in the presence of CC-DNB-CM. In conclusion, our in vitro model reveals implications of soluble factors from CC colonic mucosa on peripheral T cells, enhancing their production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/8e/PMC4190132.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4349120", "abstract": "Objective  The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of two methods of measurements of linear distances (multiplanar 2D and tridimensional reconstruction 3D) obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with different voxel sizes. Material and Methods  Ten dry human mandibles were scanned at voxel sizes of 0.2 and 0.4 mm. Craniometric anatomical landmarks were identified twice by two independent operators on the multiplanar reconstructed and on volume rendering images that were generated by the software Dolphin®. Subsequently, physical measurements were performed using a digital caliper. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman were used for evaluating accuracy and reliability (p<0.05). Results  Excellent intraobserver reliability and good to high precision interobserver reliability values were found for linear measurements from CBCT 3D and multiplanar images. Measurements performed on multiplanar reconstructed images were more accurate than measurements in volume rendering compared with the gold standard. No statistically significant difference was found between voxel protocols, independently of the measurement method. Conclusions  Linear measurements on multiplanar images of 0.2 and 0.4 voxel are reliable and accurate when compared with direct caliper measurements. Caution should be taken in the volume rendering measurements, because the measurements were reliable, but not accurate for all variables. An increased voxel resolution did not result in greater accuracy of mandible measurements and would potentially provide increased patient radiation exposure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/53/1678-7757-jaos-23-1-0056.PMC4349120.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4023457", "abstract": "Objective: Recent evidence has associated immune and inflammatory changes to cognitive performance in many diseases, including schizophrenia. Since this is a new research field where concepts are not yet solid and new questions and hypothesis are still arising, the present study aimed at summarizing the available clinical data associating schizophrenia, cognition and inflammation/immune function. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was made by searching the following terms in Medline: “schizophrenia or psychosis or psychotic” AND “inflamm* or immun* or cytokine or IL-* or TNF-* or kynureni* or KYNA”, AND “cognit* or attention or memory or executive function”. Results: Seventy five papers were identified using the selected terms, and seven papers were included in the review. Papers excluded focused mainly on basic research or other neuropsychiatric disorders. Conclusions: Recent findings link inflammatory markers to cognition in schizophrenia, suggesting that inflammation is associated with worst cognitive performance. Microglial activation, monoaminergic imbalance, brain abnormalities and the kynurenine pathway are possible mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Clinical trials with addition of immunomodulatory drugs have shown promising results, opening new windows to tackle cognition in schizophrenia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/e2/CN-12-273.PMC4023457.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4200172", "abstract": "Background A growing body of literature has been focusing on individual alexithymia in anorexia nervosa, while there are only scarce and conflicting studies on alexithymia in the families of anorexic patients, despite the important role played by family dynamics in the development of the anorexic disorder, especially in adolescent patients. The aim of this study is to assess alexithymia in anorexic adolescent patients and in their parents using a multimethod measurement to gain more direct, in-depth knowledge of the problem. Methods Forty-six subjects, anorexic adolescent patients and their parents, underwent the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) along with the Toronto Structured Interview for Alexithymia (TSIA), which represents the first comprehensive clinically structured interview focused specifically on assessing alexithymia. The use of latent trait Rasch analysis allowed a comparison of the two instruments’ sensitivity and ability to detect the presence and intensity of alexithymic components in patients and parents. Results Significant discordance was found between the two measures. The clinical instrument allowed detection of a greater level of alexithymia compared with the self-report, in particular in our adult parent sample. Moreover, a significant alexithymic gap emerged within families, particularly within parental couples, with noticeably more alexithymic fathers compared with the mothers. Conclusion The TSIA clinical interview may be a more sensitive instrument in detecting alexithymia, minimizing parents’ negation tendency. Clinical questions have arisen on how useful it would be to give greater weight to family functioning (ie, alexithymic gap) in order to predict the possibility of establishing a therapeutic alliance, and thus the outcome of the anorexic adolescent.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/f8/ndt-10-1941.PMC4200172.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649709", "abstract": "The involvement of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), a receptor for bacterial DNA, in septic cardiac depression has not been clarified in vivo. Thus, the aim of the study was to test possible TLR9 inhibitors (H154-thioate, IRS954-thioate, and chloroquine) for their ability to protect the cardiovascular system in a murine model of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide- (ODN-) dependent systemic inflammation. Sepsis was induced by i.p. application of the TLR9 agonist 1668-thioate in C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and TLR9-deficient (TLR9-D) mice. Thirty minutes after stimulation TLR9 antagonists were applied i.v. Survival was monitored up to 18 h after stimulation. Cardiac mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was analyzed 2 h and 6 h after stimulation with 1668-thioate and hemodynamic parameters were monitored at the later time point. Stimulation with 1668-thioate induced a severe sepsis-like state with significant drop of body temperature and significantly increased mortality in WT animals. Additionally, there was a time-dependent increase of inflammatory mediators in the heart accompanied by development of septic heart failure. These effects were not observed in TLR9-D mice. Inhibition of TLR9 by the suppressive ODN H154-thioate significantly ameliorated cardiac inflammation, preserved cardiac function, and improved survival. This suppressive ODN was the most efficient inhibitor of the tested substances.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/6c/PMC3649709.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3334523", "abstract": "One of the major issues hindering a comprehensive connectivity model for the human brain is the difficulty in linking Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measurements to anatomical evidence produced by histological methods. In vivo and postmortem neuroimaging methodologies are still largely incompatible in terms of sample size, scale, and resolution. To help bridge the hiatus between different approaches we have established a program that characterizes the brain of individual subjects, combining MRI with postmortem neuroanatomy. The direct correlation of MRI and histological features is possible, because registered images from different modalities represent the same regions in the same brain. Comparisons are also facilitated by large-scale, digital microscopy techniques that afford images of the whole-brain sections at cellular resolution. The goal is to create a neuroimaging catalog representative of discrete age groups and specific neurological conditions. Individually, the datasets allow for investigating the relationship between different modalities; combined, they provide sufficient predictive power to inform analyses and interpretations made in the context of non-invasive studies of brain connectivity and disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8a/8f/PMC3334523.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649126", "abstract": "Bisphosphonates like alendronic acid, disodium etidronate, and risedronate are effective for preventing postmenopausal and corticosteroid induced osteoporosis. They are also useful in the treatment of Paget's disease, hypercalcaemia of malignancy and in bony metastases. However osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported following intravenous bisphosphonate use and rarely in those taking them orally. Increasingly, oroantral fistulae have been shown to occur as sequelae of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw and this case report highlights a patient that presented to our ENT department and required sinus surgery in collaboration with maxillofacial surgeons. This case report aims to raise awareness among ENT surgeons to these patients on bisphosphonates that could present to them with sinus disease from oroantral fistulae. There is an on-going audit in the maxillofacial community on this emerging trend.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4c/e5/PMC3649126.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3732353", "abstract": "Background: Numerous studies have observed risk factors for breast cancer. We investigated the association between quality life factors as breast cancer risks in a case-control study in industrial Zenica- Doboj Canton in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The case-control study was included 200 women, 100 without (control subjects) and 100 women with diagnosed breast cancer. We used questionnaires about breast cancer risks“ as study tool. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/39/MSM-24-171.PMC3732353.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4283100", "abstract": "Objectives: There is limited data regarding the outcomes of patients who undergo conversion to open surgery during a laparoscopic operation in colorectal resection. We sought to identify the outcomes of such patients. Methods: The NIS (National Inpatient Sample) database was used to identify patients who had conversion from laparoscopic to open colorectal surgery during the 2009 to 2012 period. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk-adjusted outcomes of conversion to open surgery. Results: We sampled 776 007 patients who underwent colorectal resection. 337 732 (43.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/38/e2014.00230.PMC4283100.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2987507", "abstract": "Vigabatrin, the first therapeutic agent to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infantile spasms, as well as for adjunctive use in the treatment of refractory complex partial epilepsy, represents an important advance for patients with difficult-to-manage epilepsy. This review summarizes the complex history, chemistry, and pharmacology, as well as the clinical data leading to the approval of vigabatrin for infantile spasms in the US. The long path to its approval reflects the visual system and white matter toxicity concerns with this agent. This review provides a brief description of these concerns, and the regulatory safety monitoring and mitigation systems that have been put in place to enhance benefit over risk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/89/PMC2987507.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3342873", "abstract": "Eukaryote genomes contain many noncoding regions, and they are quite complex. To understand these complexities, we constructed a database, Genome Composition Database, for the whole genome composition statistics for 101 eukaryote genome data, as well as more than 1,000 prokaryote genomes. Frequencies of all possible one to ten oligonucleotides were counted for each genome, and these observed values were compared with expected values computed under observed oligonucleotide frequencies of length 1–4. Deviations from expected values were much larger for eukaryotes than prokaryotes, except for fungal genomes. Mammalian genomes showed the largest deviation among animals. The results of comparison are available online at http://esper.lab.nig.ac.jp/genome-composition-database/.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/2f/evs026.PMC3342873.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4520509", "abstract": "Cardiac surgeons have to face the problem of impaired left ventricle function in patients undergoing routine valve or coronary procedures. The intra-aortic balloon pump is not always effective in preventing cardiac failure. The idea of using a microaxial rotating pump as a short-term perioperative support seems to be a convenient solution. The case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing combined mitral and coronary surgery with elective use of the Impella LD pump is presented. Various options of applying the Impella device are discussed, especially as a bridge to transplant or bridge to recovery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/95/KITP-12-24933.PMC4520509.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3918526", "abstract": "Purpose There are various lymph node-based staging systems. Nevertheless, there is debate over the use of parameters such as the number of involved lymph nodes and the lymph node ratio. As a possible option, the distribution of metastatic lymph nodes may have a prognostic significance in rectal cancer. This study is designed to evaluate the impact of distribution-weighted nodal staging on oncologic outcome in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods From a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database of our institution, a total of 435 patients who underwent a curative low anterior resection for mid and upper rectal cancer between 1995 and 2004 were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the location of apical metastatic nodes. A location-weighted prognostic score was calculated by a scoring model using a logistic regression test for location based-statistical weight to number of lymph nodes. All cases were categorized in quartiles from lymph node I to lymph node IV using this protocol. Results The location of lymph node metastasis was an independent factor that was associated with a poor prognostic outcome (p<0.001). Based on this result, the location-weighted-nodal prognostic scoring model did not show lesser significant results (p<0.0001) in both overall survival and cancer-free survival analyses. Conclusion The location of apical nodes among the metastatic nodes does not have a lesser significant impact on oncologic result in patients with advanced rectal cancer. A location-weighted prognostic scoring model, which considered the numbers of involved lymph nodes as the rate of significance according to the location, may more precisely predict the survival outcome in patients with lymph node metastasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/af/crt-46-41.PMC3918526.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3016624", "abstract": "A recent publication that combined rat gene expression data and a human genetic association study has identified the first genetic risk factor for chronic pain in humans. In four of the five cohorts studied, there was a significant association of an allele within a gene (KCNS1) encoding a potassium channel (Kv9.1) with an increased risk for chronic pain. Identification of genetic risk factors for chronic pain could catalyze new advances in this difficult clinical area that has become a major public health problem. Genomic-medicine-based advances for chronic pain could include the development of a mechanism-based classification system for chronic pain, new treatment options, improved methods for treatment selection and targeted prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/4d/PMC3016624.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4890904", "abstract": "Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important causative agent of liver disease, but factors that determine the resolution or progression of infection are poorly understood. In this study, we suggested that existence of immunosuppressive mechanisms, supported by regulatory T cells and especially the regulatory T cell 1 subset (Tr1), may explain the impaired immune response during infection and thus the fibrosis aggravation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using quantitative real-time PCR, we investigated the intra-hepatic presence of Tr1 cells in biopsies from a genotype 1b infected patient followed for an 18-year period from cirrhosis to HCC. We described a significant increase of gene expression in particular for the cytokines IL-10, TGF-β, and their receptors that were perfectly correlated with an increased expression of the Tr1 specific markers (combined expression of CD4, CD18, and CD49b). This was strongly marked since the patient evolved in the pathology and could explain the failure of the treatment. In conclusion, evidence of regulatory T cell installation in the liver of chronically infected patient with cirrhosis and HCC suggests for the first time a key role for these cells in the course of HCV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/2f/PMC4890904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3942199", "abstract": "Mung bean has been reported to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Various factors have important effects on the types and contents of plant chemical components. In order to study quality of mung bean from different light sources, mung bean seedlings were exposed to red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B). Changes in the growth parameters, photosynthetic characteristics, the concentrations of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b and the content of UV-B absorbing compounds were measured. The results showed that photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b concentrations were enhanced by red LEDs. The concentrations of UV-B absorbing compounds were enhanced by UV-B on the 20th day, while photosynthetic characteristics, plant length, and the concentrations of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were reduced by UV-B on the 40th day; at the same time the values of the stem diameter, plant fresh weight, dry weight, and the concentrations of UV-B absorbing compounds were enhanced. It is suggested that red LEDs promote the elongation of plant root growth and photosynthetic characteristics, while UV-B promotes horizontal growth of stems and the synthesis of UV-B absorbing compounds.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/37/PMC3942199.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4620281", "abstract": "Both youngsters and adults with same-sex attraction are at greater risk for negative health outcomes. Despite mounting efforts to determine the biological background, a satisfactory conclusion has not been reached and there is a need to explore alternate factors like functioning of thyroid system during pregnancy. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 790 eligible children and adolescents who had been admitted to child psychiatry between 2005 and 2013. This population consisted of 520 (65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/5f/mi-2015-2-5810.PMC4620281.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4435458", "abstract": " Introduction The frequency of tracheostomy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) contrasts with the lack of objective criteria for its management. The study arose from the need for a protocol in the decision to remove the tracheal tube.  Objective To evaluate the applicability of a protocol for tracheal decannulation.  Methods A prospective study with 20 patients, ranging between 21 and 85 years of age (average 33.55), 4 of whom were women (20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/e7/PMC4435458.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4905311", "abstract": "Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in cell signaling, aging, and death and play a role in carcinogenesis. However, whether ROS are bystanders or active effectors of apoptosis was unclear until recently. New evidence shows that the killer lymphocyte protease granzyme B activates a conserved biochemical pathway centered on respiratory chain disruption to trigger mitocentric ROS-dependent apoptosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/9d/kmco-02-03-992639.PMC4905311.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5177982", "abstract": " A novel chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay system, PATHFAST, for the measurement of estradiol in horses was evaluated. The concentrations of estradiol in the whole blood and serum of mares were measured using PATHFAST and the estradiol concentrations measured by PATHFAST were compared with those measured by a time-resolved fluoro-immunoassay (FIA). To monitor physiological changes, serum estradiol concentrations in mares were measured using PATHFAST throughout the gestation period. The serum estradiol concentrations correlated highly with those in whole blood samples. The serum concentrations of estradiol measured by PATHFAST also correlated well with FIA. Circulating estradiol increased during mid-gestation and high levels of serum estradiol were maintained in late gestation, followed by an abrupt decline to term. These results demonstrate the utility of PATHFAST in equine clinics as an accurate diagnostic tool for the rapid assay of estradiol within 26 min using unextracted whole blood.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/90/jrd-62-631.PMC5177982.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2684089", "abstract": "The impact of an aging population on escalating US healthcare costs is influenced largely by the prevalence of chronic disease in this population. Consequently, preventing or postponing disease onset among the elderly has become a crucial public health issue. Fortunately, much of the total burden of disease is attributable to conditions that are preventable. In this paper, we address whether well-designed health promotion programs can prevent illness, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, we assess evidence that these programs have the potential to reduce healthcare utilization and related expenditures for the Medicare program. We hypothesize that seniors who reduce their modifiable health risks can forestall disability, reduce healthcare utilization, and save Medicare money. We end with a discussion of a new Senior Risk Reduction Demonstration, which will be initiated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2007, to test whether risk reduction programs developed in the private sector can achieve health improvements among seniors and a positive return on investment for the Medicare program.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3e/ae/PMC2684089.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3403619", "abstract": "A growing body of research indicates a pivotal role for astrocytes at the developing synapse. In particular, astrocytes are dynamically involved in governing synapse structure, function, and plasticity. In the postnatal brain, their appearance at synapses coincides with periods of developmental plasticity when neural circuits are refined and established. Alterations in the partnership between astrocytes and neurons have now emerged as important mechanisms that underlie neuropathology. With overall synaptic function standing as a prominent link to the expression of the disease phenotype in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders and knowing that astrocytes influence synapse development and function, this paper highlights the current knowledge of astrocyte biology with a focus on their involvement in fragile X syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/6e/PMC3403619.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3824314", "abstract": " Objective. To investigate the difference between the measurement of vibration sensation without and with socks. Material and Methods. Fifty healthy volunteers (H group) and 19 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP group) were included. The sites of measurement were the great toe (GT) and medial malleolus (MM). A standard 128 Hz tuning fork was used in the measurements. Results. Mean duration of vibration sensations without and with socks was as follows: in the H group, 19.4 ± 4.2 and 19.5 ± 4.2 s at GT and 15.1 ± 3.3 and 14.6 ± 3.3 s at MM; in the PNP group, 13.4 ± 3.8 and 12.7 ± 4.1 s at GT and 11.9 ± 3.8 and 11.7 ± 3.4 s at MM. No significant difference was found between the measurements without and with socks, except those found at the MM in group H (P = 0.02). This significant difference was further analyzed in terms of effect size which was concluded to be practically insignificant (Cohen's d < 0.2). Shorter mean vibration duration was measured at MM as compared to GT that could be explained by the damping effect. Conclusions. Wearing socks of moderate thickness does not have any important effect on the duration of vibration sensation. This might be considered as a reflection of the remarkable properties of vibration sensation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/d7/PMC3824314.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3612435", "abstract": "Inflammatory mediators are closely associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to play an important role in various neuroinflammatory diseases. However, the function of OPN in AD and MCI progression is not well defined. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples were obtained from 35 AD patients, 31 MCI patients, and 20 other noninflammatory neurologic diseases (OND). Concentrations of OPN in the CSF and plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During a 3-year clinical followup, 13 MCI patients converted to AD (MCI converters), and 18 were clinically stable (MCI nonconverters). CSF OPN concentrations were significantly increased in AD and MCI converters compared to OND, and increased levels of OPN in AD were associated with MMSE score; OPN protein levels both in the CSF and plasma of newly diagnosed AD patients were higher than that of chronical patients. In MCI converters individuals tested longitudinally, both plasma and CSF OPN concentrations were significantly elevated when they received a diagnosis of AD during followup. Further wide-scale studies are necessary to confirm these results and to shed light on the etiopathogenic role of osteopontin in AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/56/PMC3612435.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3883275", "abstract": "We present the imaging and histopathological characteristics of a giant renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in a 49-year-old female patient, who presented with bloating sensation in the abdomen and a steadily increasing abdominal girth for about 3 years. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan films of abdomen revealed that a large fat containing tumor had replaced the left kidney while displacing the rest of the abdominal contents toward the other side of the midline. Intraoperatively the left kidney was completely replaced by a fat containing tumor. The recovered surgical specimen measured 39 cm × 25 cm × 9 cm and weighed 7500 g. Histopathological investigation with immuno-histochemical staining of the specimen with hydroxy beta-methylbutyric acid-45 confirmed this lesion as AML. CECT scan of the head did not show any lesion suggestive of tuberous sclerosis. The giant tumor of the present case is the heaviest AML in both syndromic and sporadic categories and largest by dimensions as sporadic AML ever reported in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/7b/JCIS-3-56.PMC3883275.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745377", "abstract": "Glaucoma is a common disease that leads to loss of peripheral vision and, if left untreated, ultimately to blindness. While the exact cause(s) of glaucoma is still unknown, two leading risk factors are age and elevated intraocular pressure. Several studies suggest a possible link between glaucoma and inflammation in humans and animal models. In particular, our lab recently identified a T104M mutation in IL-20 receptor-B (IL-20RB) in primary open angle glaucoma patients from a large pedigree. Several of the interleukin- (IL-) 20 family of cytokines and receptors are expressed in ocular tissues including the trabecular meshwork, optic nerve head, and retinal ganglion cells. The DBA/2J mouse develops high intraocular pressures with age and has characteristic optic nerve defects that make it a useful glaucoma model. IL-24 expression is significantly upregulated in the retina of these mice, while IL-20RA expression in the optic nerve is downregulated following pressure-induced damage. The identification of a mutation in the IL-20RB gene in a glaucoma pedigree and changes in expression levels of IL-20 family members in the DBA/2J mouse suggest that disruption of normal IL-20 signaling in the eye may contribute to degenerative processes associated with glaucoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/b6/PMC4745377.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5012837", "abstract": "Interstitial nephritis is a common cause of renal dysfunction. It is primarily caused by drugs, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can develop interstitial nephritis, although it typically occurs because of the aforementioned etiologies and not as a direct consequence of HIV infection. Interstitial lesions may occur in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). However, interstitial nephritis without the glomerular injuries characteristic of HIVAN, and without the risk factors described earlier, is very rare. Here, we describe a rare case of interstitial nephritis that was likely caused directly by HIV infection and not by other etiologies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/64/a9/ijgm-9-311.PMC5012837.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3414704", "abstract": "Threshold concentrations for treatment related effects of 31 insecticides, as derived from aquatic micro-/mesocosm tests, were used to calibrate the predictive value of the European Tier-1 acute effect assessment on basis of laboratory toxicity tests with Daphnia magna, Chironomus spp., Americamysis bahia and Gammarus pulex. The acute Tier-1 effect assessment on basis of Daphnia (EC50/100) overall was protective for organophosphates, carbamates and most pyrethroids but not for neonicotinoids and the majority of insect growth regulators (IGRs) in the database. By including the 28-day water-spiked Chironomus riparius test, the effect assessment improves but selecting the lowest value on basis of the 48-h Daphnia test (EC50/100) and the 28-day Chironomus test (NOEC/10) is not fully protective for 4 out of 23 insecticide cases. An assessment on basis of G. pulex (EC50/100) is sufficiently protective for 15 out of 19 insecticide cases. The Tier-1 procedure on basis of acute toxicity data (EC50/100) for the combination of Daphnia and A. bahia and/or Chironomus (new EU dossier requirements currently under discussion) overall is protective to pulsed insecticide exposures in micro-/mesocosms. For IGRs that affect moulting, the effect assessment on basis of the 48-h Chironomus test (EC50/100) may not always be protective enough to replace that of the water-spiked 28-day C. riparius test (NOEC/10) because of latency of effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c9/7e/PMC3414704.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5080186", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify how to effectively use elastic stockings. [Subjects and Methods] Ten young healthy men participated in this study. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the common femoral vein was measured for 20 seconds using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system under six conditions (three different positions and with and without stockings). Changes of blood flow velocity were compared. [Results] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein. For both the with stockings condition and without stockings condition, the time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the head-up position was significantly lower than that in the supine and leg-up positions. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity showed no significant difference between the supine position and leg-up position. [Conclusion] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein, but ankle positions did affect it. Further studies of patients with venous insufficiency are needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/59/jpts-28-2608.PMC5080186.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3094649", "abstract": "Stabbing headache can be encountered in both primary and secondary forms, but has been infrequently reported among patients with stroke, and is not known to be associated with a small well-circumscribed brain lesion. A 95-year-old woman taking warfarin presented with the sudden onset of stabbing headache strictly in the right frontal and supraorbital regions, along with gait imbalance and dysarthria. Neuroimaging revealed a small left thalamic hematoma. This association of an acute thalamic lesion with stabbing headache in the contralateral trigeminal distribution is discussed, along with a brief review of stabbing headache occurring in cerebrovascular disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/b4/PMC3094649.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4814684", "abstract": "Evidence from neuropathological, genetic, animal model, and biochemical studies has indicated that the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is associated with, and probably induces, profound neuronal changes in brain regions critical for memory and cognition in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is considerable evidence that synapses are particularly vulnerable to AD, establishing synaptic dysfunction as one of the earliest events in pathogenesis, prior to neuronal loss. It is clear that excessive Aβ levels can disrupt excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity, mainly due to dysregulation of the AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors in the brain. Importantly, AMPA receptors are the principal glutamate receptors that mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission. This is essential for synaptic plasticity, a cellular correlate of learning and memory, which are the cognitive functions that are most disrupted in AD. Here we review recent advances in the field and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie Aβ-induced dysfunction of AMPA receptor trafficking. This review focuses primarily on NMDA receptor- and metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated signaling. In particular, we highlight several mechanisms that underlie synaptic long-term depression as common signaling pathways that are hijacked by the neurotoxic effects of Aβ.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/ad/PMC4814684.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3072173", "abstract": "Purpose To report surgical results of canaloplasty surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Japanese patients. Methods Eleven eyes of 9 POAG patients underwent canalopasty surgery at Toyama University Hospital. Three eyes of 3 patients underwent canaloplasty alone and 8 eyes of 6 patients underwent canaloplasty combined with cataract surgery. Canaloplasty was performed with a 10-0 polypropylene tensioning suture and an iTrack™ 250A microcatheter. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative complications were examined. Results Mean preoperative IOP was 23.4 ± 5.5 mm Hg. Mean number of antiglaucoma drops was 2.8 ± 0.6 before canaloplasty and decreased to 1.2 ± 0.8 at 12 months after canaloplasty (p < 0.01). Mean IOP decreased postoperatively, being 13.7 ± 2.8 mm Hg at 1 month, 12.8 ± 3.5 mm Hg at 3 months, 14.0 ± 4.4 mm Hg at 6 months, and 15.0 ± 4.1 mm Hg at 12 months. The most frequent postoperative complication was mild hyphema (45.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/ca/cop0002-0065.PMC3072173.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4483419", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study determined the effects of passive static stretching on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. [Subjects] Fifteen patients (8 males and 7 females) with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned to the control group or passive static stretching group. [Methods] Glycated hemoglobin was measured before and after the 8-week training period. [Results] Glycated hemoglobin levels decreased significantly in the passive static stretching group, and there were significant differences in blood glucose levels between the 2 groups. [Conclusion] Passive static stretching of the skeletal muscles may be an alternative to exercise to help regulate blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/63/5d/jpts-27-1463.PMC4483419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3368545", "abstract": "Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the vasculature, including endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffening and remodeling, impaired angiogenesis, and defective vascular repair, and with increased prevalence of atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular risk is similar for older men and women, but lower in women during their fertile years. This age- and sex-related difference points to estrogen as a protective factor because menopause is marked by the loss of endogenous estrogen production. Experimental and some clinical studies have attributed most of the protective effects of estrogen to its modulatory action on vascular endothelium. Estrogen promotes endothelial-derived NO production through increased expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and modulates prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 release. The thromboxane A2 pathway is key to regulating vascular tone in females. Despite all the experimental evidence, some clinical trials have reported no cardiovascular benefit from estrogen replacement therapy in older postmenopausal women. The “Timing Hypothesis,” which states that estrogen-mediated vascular benefits occur only before the detrimental effects of aging are established in the vasculature, offers a possible explanation for these discrepancies. Nevertheless, a gap remains in current knowledge of cardiovascular aging mechanisms in women. This review comprises clinical and experimental data on the effects of aging, estrogens, and hormone replacement therapy on vascular function of females. We aim to clarify how menopause and aging contribute jointly to vascular aging and how estrogen modulates vascular response at different ages.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/61/fphys-03-00165.PMC3368545.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4956004", "abstract": "Background Neuropathic pain in small-fiber neuropathy results from injury to and sensitization of nociceptors. Functional prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) acts as an analgesic effector. However, the mechanism responsible for the modulation of PAP neuropathology, which leads to loss of the analgesic effect after small-fiber neuropathy, remains unclear. Results We used a resiniferatoxin (RTX)-induced small-fiber neuropathy model to examine whether functional PAP(+) neurons are essential to maintain the analgesic effect. PAP(+) neurons were categorized into small to medium neurons (25th–75th percentile: 17.1–23.7 µm); these neurons were slightly reduced by RTX (p = 0.0003). By contrast, RTX-induced activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), an injury marker, in PAP(+) neurons (29.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/b6/10.1177_1744806916656846.PMC4956004.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4062853", "abstract": " Background and Objectives. Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common postoperative complication associated with breast cancer surgery. The present investigation aimed to determine the SSI rate after breast cancer surgeries and the causative microorganisms. Patients and Methods. All patients who underwent breast surgery in Kuwait Cancer Control Center as a treatment for breast cancer from January 2009–December 2010 were prospectively followed for the development of SSI. Indirect detection was used to identify SSIs through medical record to review and discussion with the treating surgeons. Results. The number of operations was 438. Females represented 434 (99.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/14/ec/PMC4062853.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4101223", "abstract": "Tetracycline-based matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) inhibitors are currently approved for two inflammatory diseases, periodontitis and rosacea. The current study addresses the therapeutic potential of a novel pleiotropic MMP-inhibitor not based on an antibiotic. To induce experimental periodontitis, endotoxin (LPS) was repeatedly injected into the gingiva of rats on one side of the maxilla; the contralateral (control) side received saline injections. Two groups of rats were treated by daily oral intubation with a chemically modified curcumin, CMC 2.24, for two weeks; the control groups received vehicle alone. After sacrifice, gingiva, blood, and maxilla were collected, the jaws were defleshed, and periodontal (alveolar) bone loss was quantified morphometrically and by μ-CT scan. The gingivae were pooled per experimental group, extracted, and analyzed for MMPs (gelatin zymography; western blot) and for cytokines (e.g., IL-1β; ELISA); serum and plasma samples were analyzed for cytokines and MMP-8. The LPS-induced pathologically excessive bone loss was reduced to normal levels based on either morphometric (P = 0.003) or μ-CT (P = 0.008) analysis. A similar response was seen for MMPs and cytokines in the gingiva and blood. This initial study, on a novel triketonic zinc-binding CMC, indicates potential efficacy on inflammatory mediators and alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis and warrants future therapeutic and pharmacokinetic investigations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/95/PMC4101223.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4275828", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION The fibular nerve is the most frequent site of neural entrapment in the lower extremity and the third most common site in the body, following the median and ulnar nerves. The peroneal nerve is commonly injured upon trauma. Additionally, a dropped foot might be a symptom related to the central nervous system or spinal pathologies in pediatric patients. Entrapment of the peripheral nerve as an etiologic cause should be kept in mind and further analyzed in orthopedic surgery clinics. PRESENTATION OF CASE In this study, the evaluation and treatment results of five patients with no history of trauma, who underwent diagnostic procedures and treatment in various clinics (physical therapy and rehabilitation and neurosurgery), are reported. The patients underwent several treatments without diagnosis of the primary etiology. Upon initial consultation at our department, osteochondroma at the proximal fibula was detected after physical examination and radiologic assessment. During surgery, the peroneal nerve was dissected, starting from a level above the knee joint. Following nerve release, the osteochondroma was removed, including its cartilage cap. Consequently, recovery was observed in all five cases after surgery. DISCUSSION Many factors may cause non-traumatic neuropathies. However, due to their rare occurrence, lesions such as osteochondromas may be overlooked at non-orthopedic clinics. Nerve entrapment due to proximal fibular osteochondroma is rare. Surgical treatment planning plays a critical role in nerve entrapment cases. CONCLUSION Despite its frequent occurrence, a drop foot associated with peroneal nerve entrapment by an osteochondroma is not easily remembered and diagnosed. Especially in pediatric cases, inadequate clinical consultation and a lack of appropriate radiologic studies may result in a delay in diagnosing peroneal nerve lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/41/main.PMC4275828.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4006503", "abstract": "Objective Pneumothorax in newborns may result in a significant mortality and morbidity. To predict who will survive or die is of great importance in the clinical management. The aim of this study is to address whether assessment of pneumothorax size on chest X-ray may be a predictor of prognosis in newborns presenting with pneumothorax. Methods Of 5929 infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from January 2007 to April 2011, 60 (1.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/12/IJPD-23-541.PMC4006503.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4932641", "abstract": "This review assessed the epidemiology of voiding dysfunctions in South Korea. Comprehensive understanding of this epidemiology is crucial because the senior population and the social burden are increasing because of voiding dysfunctions is growing. We searched the medical records using several terms related to voiding dysfunction: benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, and nocturia. We then estimated the prevalence of voiding dysfunctions in South Korea; our data were comparable with those from other countries, with slight differences. The ranges of incidences varied widely between studies, mostly because investigators defined disorders differently. Voiding dysfunction greatly affects healthcare costs and individual quality of life; therefore, more proper and valuable epidemiologic data are needed. In addition, efforts to unify the definitions of various voiding dysfunctions and progress in investigational methodologies using multimedia are warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/5e/inj-1630502-251.PMC4932641.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3321507", "abstract": "Liver transplantation has been a successful therapy for liver failure. However, a significant number of recipients suffer from graft dysfunction. Considerably, ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury is the most important factor leading to organ dysfunction, although the pathogenesis has not been fully described. I/R injury have several established features that are accompanied by and/or linked to bile duct loss or ductopenia, cholestasis, and biliary ductular proliferations in the posttransplant liver biopsy. However, biliary marker levels increase usually only 5–7 days after transplantation. Intermediate filaments are one of the three cytoskeletal proteins that have a major role in liver protection and maintaining both cellular structure and integrity of eukaryotic cells. We reviewed the canine liver transplantation model as I/R injury model to delineate the intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton that are probably the determinants in changing the phenotype of hepatocytes to cholangiocytes. Remarkably, this interesting feature seems to occur earlier than frank cholestasis. We speculate that I/R liver injury through a phenotypical switch of the hepatocytes may contribute to the poor outcome of the liver graft.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/be/27/PMC3321507.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4074709", "abstract": "Objective We evaluated the improvement of hydronephrosis longitudinally after laparoscopic dismembered Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty in adult patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Material and methods Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our institution between January 2006 and June 2012. Hydronephrosis was assessed by ultrasound and intravenous pyelography at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after pyeloplasty. Results The mean follow–up time was 24 months. Preoperative hydronephrosis was diagnosed as grade 2 and grade 3 in 8 patients each. Postoperative improvement of the hydronephrosis by one grade was observed in 56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/0f/CEJU-67-00303.PMC4074709.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5051534", "abstract": "Background There is an increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with chronic diseases, including those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients may turn to CAM when conventional therapies are inadequate or associated with side effects for symptomatic relief or to regain control over their disease. The objectives were to explore CAM use and perceived effects in IBD patients in comparison with a control group. Methods A cross-sectional, multicenter, controlled study was carried out. IBD patients were invited from 12 IBD clinics in Sweden. Controls were selected randomly from a residence registry. A study-specific questionnaire was used for data collection. Results Overall, 48.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/9d/meg-28-1320.PMC5051534.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3491449", "abstract": "Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine originally identified almost 30 years ago as a B-cell differentiation factor, capable of inducing the maturation of B cells into antibody-producing cells. As with many other cytokines, it was soon realized that IL-6 was not a factor only involved in the immune response, but with many critical roles in major physiological systems including the nervous system. IL-6 is now known to participate in neurogenesis (influencing both neurons and glial cells), and in the response of mature neurons and glial cells in normal conditions and following a wide arrange of injury models. In many respects, IL-6 behaves in a neurotrophin-like fashion, and seemingly makes understandable why the cytokine family that it belongs to is known as neuropoietins. Its expression is affected in several of the main brain diseases, and animal models strongly suggest that IL-6 could have a role in the observed neuropathology and that therefore it is a clear target of strategic therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/48/ijbsv08p1254.PMC3491449.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5412801", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message We report a rare case of rectal prolapse with Pseudo‐Meigs’ syndrome in which laparoscopic bilateral oophorectomy and rectopexy were performed simultaneously and resulted in improved quality of life due to the loss of ascites and the repair of rectal prolapse. Laparoscopic surgery is feasible for rectal prolapse with Pseudo‐Meigs’ syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/af/CCR3-5-642.PMC5412801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4404990", "abstract": "With the practice-shifting changes made with the most recent guidelines for treating blood cholesterol, more older patients may be prescribed statin therapy. Therefore, it is imperative that practitioners have not only a working knowledge of information related to statins, but more specifically to their efficacy and safety in elderly populations. Pitavastatin is the most recent statin to receive regulatory approval. It is indicated for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia as an adjunctive therapy to diet. The overall body of evidence for the efficacy and safety of pitavastatin in elderly patients is small. The available data suggest that the ability of pitavastatin to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in elderly patients is at least similar, and may be greater than that seen in comparatively younger cohorts. Taken together, the limited available data suggest that pitavastatin is effective at improving lipid parameters in elderly patients with a similar safety profile to other agents in the class. Until data become available distinguishing pitavastatin from the other available options, its ultimate role in the hyperlipidemia treatment armamentarium remains unclear.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/84/cia-10-733.PMC4404990.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4452840", "abstract": "To determine the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on neurite regeneration, and also to determine the regenerative effects of different neurotrophic factors (NTFs) on rat retinal explants, the retinas of SD rats were cultured in three-dimensional collagen gels and incubated in 6 types of media: (1) serum-free control culture media; (2) 100 μg/mL AGEs-BSA media; (3) AGEs-BSA + 100 ng/mL neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) media; (4) AGEs-BSA + 100 ng/mL hepatocyte growth factor media; (5) AGEs-BSA + 100 ng/mL glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor media; or (6) AGEs-BSA + 100 µM tauroursodeoxycholic acid media. After 7 days, the number of regenerating neurites was counted. The explants were immunostained for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and specificity protein 1 (SP1). Statistical analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA. In retinas incubated with AGEs, the numbers of neurites were fewer than in control. All of the NTFs increased the number of neurites, and the increase was more significant in the NT-4 group. The number of NF-κB and SP1 immunopositive cells was higher in retinas exposed to AGEs than in control. All of the NTFs decreased the number of NF-κB immunopositive cells but did not significantly affect SP1 expression. These results demonstrate the potential of the NTFs as axoprotectants in AGEs exposed retinal neurons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/3e/PMC4452840.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2893710", "abstract": "CdS-based nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted extensive interest due to their potential application as key luminescent materials for blue and white LEDs. In this research, the continuous synthesis of monodisperse CdS NCs was demonstrated utilizing a capillary microreactor. The enhanced heat and mass transfer in the microreactor was useful to reduce the reaction temperature and residence time to synthesize monodisperse CdS NCs. The superior stability of the microreactor and its continuous operation allowed the investigation of synthesis parameters with high efficiency. Reaction temperature was found to be a key parameter for balancing the reactivity of CdS precursors, while residence time was shown to be an important factor that governs the size and size distribution of the CdS NCs. Furthermore, variation of OA concentration was demonstrated to be a facile tuning mechanism for controlling the size of the CdS NCs. The variation of the volume percentage of OA from 10.5 to 51.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/b7/PMC2893710.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3369671", "abstract": "Anterior or anterior-lateral dislocation of the ankle is a rare condition that can be treated conservatively as well as any other similar types of ankle dislocations without associated fractures. We present a case report of an anterior-lateral ankle dislocation with a concomitant avulsion injury of the ankle's anterior capsule in a diabetic patient that was treated conservatively. At the patient's visit 12 months after the initial injury, he was asymptomatic with full range of motion of the ankle joint. To our knowledge, we could not identify this type of an injury in a diabetic patient that was treated successfully with conservative treatment in the existing literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/cc/DFA-3-18411.PMC3369671.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5406516", "abstract": "Actinomycosis is a slowly progressive infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, primarily from the genus Actinomyces. Primary actinomycosis of the breast is rare and presents as a mass like density which can mimic malignancy. Mammography, ultrasonography and histopathologic examination is required for diagnosis. Treatment should consist of high doses of antibacterials for a prolonged period of time and possibly surgical drainage. Primary actinomycosis infections are commonly caused by A. israelii. Actinomyces neuii is a less common cause of classical actinomycosis. We present two cases of primary actinomycosis of the breast in two female patients caused by A. neuii.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/63/main.PMC5406516.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4377244", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message We describe a neonate with abdominal distension, massive hepatomegaly, and high serum neuron-specific enolase level suggestive of congenital neuroblastoma. The patient died of pulmonary hemorrhage after therapy. Autopsy revealed that the tumor cells in the liver indicated acute megakaryocytic leukemia with the RBM15-MKL1 fusion gene.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/b6/ccr30003-0145.PMC4377244.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2693823", "abstract": "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue. EDS type IV (EDS IV), the vascular type of the disease, is characterized by easy bruising, thin skin with visible veins, and spontaneous rupture of the large arteries, uterus, or bowel. EDS IV is caused by mutations in the gene for type III procollagen (COL3A1). However, recent studies suggest that the causative mutation of EDS IV is not homogeneous. We report our experience with three patients presenting with clinical features of type IV EDS. A 48-yr-old woman presented with acute aortic dissection (patient 1) and 36-yr-old and 21-yr-old women presented with carotid-cavernous fistula (patients 2 and 3, respectively). All three patients bruised easily. Two patients (patients 1 and 3) had thin transparent skin with visible veins. Genetic analysis of COL3A1 revealed a Gly732Val (c.2195G>T) mutation in patient 1 and a duplication of 15 base pairs (c.3221_3235dup) which resulted in an interposition of five amino acids (p.Gly1074_Pro1078dup) in patient 2. However, no mutations were observed in COL3A1 or transforming growth factor β receptors 1 and 2 in patients 3, which might be either due to a deletion of single or multiple exons in the COL3A1 gene or due to a genetic heterogeneity. This is the first report of genetically confirmed cases of EDS IV in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/a1/jkms-22-698.PMC2693823.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4058803", "abstract": "Ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity in solid organ transplant recipients. Management of ganciclovir-resistant CMV may be complicated by nephrotoxicity which is commonly observed with recommended therapies and/or rejection induced by “indirect” viral effects or reduction of immunosuppression. Herein, we report a series of four high serologic risk (donor CMV positive/recipient CMV negative) kidney transplant patients diagnosed with ganciclovir-resistant CMV disease. All patients initially developed “breakthrough” viremia while still receiving valganciclovir prophylaxis after transplant and were later confirmed to exhibit UL97 mutations after failing to eradicate virus on adequate dosages of valganciclovir. The patients were subsequently and successfully treated with reduced-dose (1-2 mg/kg) cidofovir and CMV-hyperimmune globulin, given in 2-week intervals. In addition, all patients exhibited stable renal function after completion of therapy, and none experienced acute rejection. The combination of reduced-dose cidofovir and CMV-hyperimmune globulin appeared to be a safe and effective regimen in patients with mild disease due to ganciclovir-resistant CMV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6e/ad/PMC4058803.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4435997", "abstract": "Treatments for pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) include limited resection; however, surgery is not always possible in patients with limited pulmonary functional reserve. In such patients, cryoablation may be a suitable alternative to treat a pure GGN. Here, we report our initial experience with cryoablation of a pure GGN that remained after repeated surgical resection in a patient with multiple GGNs. A 5-mm-sized pure GGN in the left lower lobe was cryoablated successfully without recurrence at the 6-month follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/e2/kjr-16-657.PMC4435997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3237108", "abstract": "Treatment of metastatic kidney cancer has changed dramatically in the past years with the use of VEGF-targeted therapies and mTOR inhibitors. However, resistance occurs. We report here two cases of patients who benefited, both on disease control and side effects, from the addition of bevacizumab to temsirolimus, after progression on the mTOR inhibitor alone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/2b/cro0004-0531.PMC3237108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3263571", "abstract": "The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory processes affecting the gastrointestinal tract. When diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, IBD almost always impacts adversely upon the nutritional state of the patient. Weight loss and impaired linear growth may be present at diagnosis or subsequently. Further potential nutritional consequences in childhood IBD include malnutrition, anaemia, osteopaenia, and delayed puberty. Understanding the nutritional aspects of IBD is paramount in growing children, especially those entering and advancing through puberty. This paper focuses upon the nutritional impacts of IBD in children and adolescents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9e/91/PMC3263571.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4630202", "abstract": "Piroxicam (PXM), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is an enolic benzothiazine and a potent member of the oxicam series. The drug suppresses the synthesis of proinflammatory enzymes, such as cyclo-oxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1 and 2), downregulates the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and tromboxanes, and inhibits polyamines production by blocking ornithine decarboxylase induction involved in nonmelanoma skin carcinogenesis. In addition, PXM is able to induce tumor cell apoptosis and suppresses metalloproteinase 2 activities. Skin carcinogenesis is a multistep process in which the accumulation of genetic events leads to a gradually dysplastic cellular expression, deregulation of cell growth, and carcinomatous progression. COX-1 upregulation plays a significant role in PG and vascular epidermal growth factor production supporting tumor growth. Increased level of PGs in premalignant and/or malignant cutaneous tumors is also favored by upregulation of COX-2 and downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase. Chemoprevention can be a hopeful approach to inhibit carcinoma occurrence before an invasive tumor develops. The chemopreventive effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on nonmelanoma skin cancers has been established. In this study, we highlighted the different modalities of action of PXM on the pathogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancer, analyzing and evaluating binding modes and energies between COX-1 or COX-2 and PXM by protein–ligand molecular docking. Our clinical experience about the local use of PXM on actinic keratoses and field cancerization is also reported, confirming its efficacy as target therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f2/55/dddt-9-5843.PMC4630202.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4749757", "abstract": "Background: Mobility impairment is a common disability in MS and negatively impacts patients’ lives. Objective: Evaluate the effect of prolonged-release (PR) fampridine (extended-release dalfampridine in the United States) on self-assessed walking disability, dynamic/static balance and safety in patients with MS. Methods: MOBILE was a randomised, double-blind, exploratory, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with progressive/relapsing-remitting MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 4.0–7.0 were treated with PR-fampridine or placebo twice daily for 24 weeks. Efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Results: 132 patients were randomised at 24 sites in six countries. PR-fampridine therapy resulted in greater median improvements from baseline in MSWS-12 score, TUG speed and BBS total score versus placebo over 24 weeks. A higher proportion of patients receiving PR-fampridine versus placebo experienced significant improvements at MSWS-12 improvement thresholds ⩾7 (p = 0.0275), ⩾8 (p = 0.0153) and ⩾9 points (p = 0.0088) and TUG speed thresholds ⩾10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/e6/10.1177_1352458515581436.PMC4749757.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4515783", "abstract": "Grotthuss shuttling of an excess proton charge defect through hydrogen bonded water networks has long been the focus of theoretical and experimental studies. In this work we show that there is a related process in which water molecules move (“shuttle”) through a hydrated excess proton charge defect in order to wet the path ahead for subsequent proton charge migration. This process is illustrated through reactive molecular dynamics simulations of proton transport through a hydrophobic nanotube, which penetrates through a hydrophobic region. Surprisingly, before the proton enters the nanotube, it starts “shooting” water molecules into the otherwise dry space via Grotthuss shuttling, effectively creating its own water wire where none existed before. As the proton enters the nanotube (by 2–3 Å), it completes the solvation process, transitioning the nanotube to the fully wet state. By contrast, other monatomic cations (e.g., K+) have just the opposite effect, by blocking the wetting process and making the nanotube even drier. As the dry nanotube gradually becomes wet when the proton charge defect enters it, the free energy barrier of proton permeation through the tube via Grotthuss shuttling drops significantly. This finding suggests that an important wetting mechanism may influence proton translocation in biological systems, i.e., one in which protons “create” their own water structures (water “wires”) in hydrophobic spaces (e.g., protein pores) before migrating through them. An existing water wire, e.g., one seen in an X-ray crystal structure or MD simulations without an explicit excess proton, is therefore not a requirement for protons to transport through hydrophobic spaces.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/e6/PMC4515783.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4027700", "abstract": "Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2) and typical magnetic resonance imaging findings. We report a case of atypical PKAN presenting with generalized dystonia. Our patient had compound heterozygous mutations in the PANK2 gene, including mutation in exon 3 (p.D268G) and exon 4 (p.R330P). To our knowledge, this patient is the first to have the p.R330P mutation and the second to have the p.D268G mutation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/60/jmd-2-1-45-12.PMC4027700.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3655301", "abstract": "We report 2 cases of complicated spontaneous dissection of the celiac artery, which were successfully treated by a stent graft. The first patient was a 47-year-old man who presented with acute abdominal pain. CT scan showed ruptured saccular aneurysm with surrounding retroperitoneal hematoma. The second patient was a 57-year-old man with progressive dissecting aneurysm. Endovascular stent graft was placed in the celiac trunk to control bleeding, and to prevent rupture in each patient. Follow-up CT scans showed complete obliteration of a dissecting aneurysm.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/30/kjr-14-460.PMC3655301.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4303282", "abstract": "Paragangliomas are rare among intradural spinal tumors. Most of them are benign, but aggressive behavior and local recurrence can occur. Cases of paraganglioma are, difficult to diagnose radiologically; hence, diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically. Radiologically, paragangliomas are similar to ependymomas, and, histopathologically, they are similar to neuroendocrine tumors. We evaluated the case of a 76-year-old woman with a spinal paraganglioma that was associated with back pain and radiating pain in both the lower extremities. She underwent an operation, and her symptoms were relieved. Here, we describe a rare case of paraganglioma that was adherent to the cauda equina.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/fc/kjs-11-252.PMC4303282.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3360190", "abstract": "The management of patellae with a severe bony deficiency during revision total knee arthroplasty is a challenging problem. However, using a technique of augmentation with transcortical wiring of an onlay-type prosthesis allowed the authors to revise a deficient patellae successfully. After making the decision to revise the existing patellar component, the procedure was found to be technically straightforward. Furthermore, the procedure does not require sophisticated instruments, only an onlay-type prosthesis, cement and wires. This technique entails fixing wires to the three pegs of the patellar component, passing the wires through drill holes in the anterior cortex and, after compression of a cemented prosthesis, augmenting the fixation by twisting the wires anteriorly. We believe that stable fixation and painless articulation will be obtained with the described technique for deficient patellae.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/25/cios-4-163.PMC3360190.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC540045", "abstract": "PRECISE (Predicted and Consensus Interaction Sites in Enzymes) is a database of interactions between the amino acid residues of an enzyme and its ligands (substrate and transition state analogs, cofactors, inhibitors and products). It is available online at http://precise.bu.edu/. In the current version, all information on interactions is extracted from the enzyme–ligand complexes in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) by performing the following steps: (i) clustering homologous enzyme chains such that, in each cluster, the proteins have the same EC number and all sequences are similar; (ii) selecting a representative chain for each cluster; (iii) selecting ligand types; (iv) finding non-bonded interactions and hydrogen bonds; and (v) summing the interactions for all chains within the cluster. The output of the search is the color-coded sequence of the representative. The colors indicate the total number of interactions found at each amino acid position in all chains of the cluster. Clicking on a residue displays a detailed list of interactions for that residue. Optional filters allow restricting the output to selected chains in the cluster, to non-bonded or hydrogen bonding interactions, and to selected ligand types. The binding site information is essential for understanding and altering substrate specificity and for the design of enzyme inhibitors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/cf/PMC540045.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4891323", "abstract": "In patients with thyroid disease, ocular involvement or thyroid ophthalmopathy is common, irrespective of their thyroid status. A common feature of thyroid eye disease is eyelid retraction, which leads to a classical starry gaze (Kocher sign). Treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) is a known therapy for hyperthyroidism. However, this treatment may lead to or worsen thyroid ophthalmopathy. We report a case series of two patients with thyrotoxicosis, who presented with an atypical and subtle occurrence of thyroid eye disease (TED) soon after RAI therapy. One of the patients was initially diagnosed and treated for dry eyes; however, over a period of time, the patient's vision progressively deteriorated. Clinical and radiological investigations confirmed thyroid ophthalmopathy with low serum thyroid hormone levels. Both patients recovered well after immediate intensive intravenous steroid treatment. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing partial ptosis as one of the presenting signs of active TED among general practitioners and physicians.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/81/kjfm-37-197.PMC4891323.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3132537", "abstract": " β-type titanium alloys with low Young's modulus are required to inhibit bone atrophy and enhance bone remodeling for implants used to substitute failed hard tissue. At the same time, these titanium alloys are required to have high static and dynamic strength. On the other hand, metallic biomaterials with variable Young's modulus are required to satisfy the needs of both patients and surgeons, namely, low and high Young's moduli, respectively. In this paper, we have discussed effective methods to improve the static and dynamic strength while maintaining low Young's modulus for β-type titanium alloys used in biomedical applications. Then, the advantage of low Young's modulus of β-type titanium alloys in biomedical applications has been discussed from the perspective of inhibiting bone atrophy and enhancing bone remodeling. Further, we have discussed the development of β-type titanium alloys with a self-adjusting Young's modulus for use in removable implants.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/a4/PMC3132537.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3204550", "abstract": "Recently significant neurotoxicity has been reported with the use of carcineurin inhibitors. An 11-year-old-girl had undergone a transplantation of kidney from her mother. On post-operative day 12, hypertension, headache, and left motor weakness (grade I) suddenly occurred. The brain-magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography showed acute cerebral infarction at subcortical white matter of the right hemisphere and multiple stenoses of both anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery. While stopping tacrolimus treatment, we experienced clinical and radiological improvement. So, the neurological complications of this patient seem to have been caused by the use of tacrolimus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/56/jkss-81-225.PMC3204550.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3810378", "abstract": "A sensitive and selective gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of morphine and codeine in human urine. The GC-MS conditions were developed. The analysis was carried out on a HP-1MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm) with temperature programming, and Helium was used as the carrier gas with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was used to quantify morphine and codeine. The derivation solvent, temperature, and time were optimized. A mixed solvent of propionic anhydride and pyridine (5 : 2) was finally used for the derivation at 80°C for 3 min. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 25–2000.0 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 25 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precision (RSD) values were below 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/b4/PMC3810378.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4700192", "abstract": " Disporopsis pernyi (Hua) Diels, which belongs to genus Disporopsis, has been widely used for the treatment of abnormal sweating, chronic cough, and so forth. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis was developed for the determination of rutin, luteolin, quercetin, and betulinic acid in Disporopsis pernyi (Hua) Diels roots. UPLC analysis was conducted by using a Shim-pack XR-ODS column with gradient elution with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/8e/PMC4700192.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4500384", "abstract": "Aim: We aimed to describe the distribution of the main risk factors among primary health care users diagnosed with osteoarthritis in Albania, a post-communist country in South Eastern Europe. Methods: Our study involved all individuals who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis over a two-year period (January 2013 – December 2014) in several primary health care centers in Tirana, the Albanian capital. On the whole, during this two-year period, 1179 adult individuals were diagnosed with osteoarthritis (521 men aged 60.1±10.6 years and 658 women aged 58.1±9.6 years). According to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, the diagnosis of osteoarthritis was based on the history of the disease, physical examination, laboratory findings and radiological findings. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the sex-differences regarding the major risk factors among individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Results: In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, female gender was inversely associated with smoking (OR=0.39, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/cd/MA-69-145.PMC4500384.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5186747", "abstract": "Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Iran. Wild Rodents play as a reservoir. The main aim of this study was to determine spatial analyses of the relationship between rodent's active burrows and Incidence of ZCL in Golestan Province, north east of Iran. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 59 rural districts in Golestan Province. Spatial distribution of rodent's active burrows, human cases of ZCL and Incidence of disease were collected, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The relationship of them were analyzed by Sperman test, SPSS software version No.13. Results: The most number of rodents’ active burrows, human positive cases (100 persons) and high Incidence of disease (35/1000) were observed in Korand rural district of Gonbad-e Kavoos County. There was significant correlation between the number of rodents active burrows with Incidence rate of disease (0.470, P< 0.001) as well as the number of cases in each districts (0.465, P< 0.001), There is high correlation between higher Incidence rate and human positive cases in districts with number of rodents’ active burrows. Conclusion: Vicinity of wild rodents’ burrows to villages plays an important role in transmission of ZCL to humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/38/PMC5186747.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5407453", "abstract": "Background PULSE was a large, observational, multicenter study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of agomelatine in the treatment of major depression in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Patients with mild-to-moderate major depressive episodes, without psychotic symptoms, were treated as outpatients or in cardiac facilities in 46 regions of Russia. The patients received antidepressant monotherapy with agomelatine 25 or 50 mg, once daily, for 12 weeks. Results The mean age of the patients (N=896) was 51.4±9.9 years, and 68.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/90/ndt-13-1141.PMC5407453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4645344", "abstract": "ABSTRACT A new flavivirus, Ecuador Paraiso Escondido virus (EPEV), named after the village where it was discovered, was isolated from sand flies (Psathyromyia abonnenci, formerly Lutzomyia abonnenci) that are unique to the New World. This represents the first sand fly-borne flavivirus identified in the New World. EPEV exhibited a typical flavivirus genome organization. Nevertheless, the maximum pairwise amino acid sequence identity with currently recognized flaviviruses was 52.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/96/zjv11773.PMC4645344.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2610251", "abstract": "Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma polymorphisms have been widely associated with type 2 diabetes, although their role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications is not yet demonstrated. In this study, a cohort of 211 type 2 diabetes, 205 obese, and 254 control individuals was genotyped for Pro12Ala, C1431T, C-2821T polymorphisms, and for a newly identified polymorphism (A-2819G). The above-mentioned polymorphisms were analyzed by gene-specific PCR and direct sequencing of all samples. A significant difference was found for -2819G frequency when patients with type 2 diabetes—particularly diabetic women with the proliferative retinopathy—were compared with healthy control individuals. In conclusion, we identified a novel polymorphism, A-2819G, in PPARG gene, and we found it to be associated with type 2 diabetes and proliferative retinopathy in diabetic females. In the analyzed population, this variant represents a genetic risk factor for developing the diabetic retinopathy, whereas Pro12Ala and C1431T do not.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/23/PMC2610251.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3995396", "abstract": "We herein report a 75-year-old female patient with intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) who presented with fever of unknown origin. Examination, including contrast-enhanced CT and 67Ga scintigraphy, failed to show any lesions. Her blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin-2 receptors were high, suggesting a lymphomatous tumor. A bone marrow puncture was negative, and a random skin biopsy revealed a monoclonal proliferation of naked, large lymphocytes in the vascular space of the subcutaneous tissue, confirming the diagnosis of IVL. MRI, performed 7 weeks after admission, showed a brain mass mimicking primary central nervous system lymphoma. The mass was considered to be a collection of malignant lymphocyte cells invading from the vessels. Without the random skin biopsy, this case may have been misdiagnosed as primary central nervous system lymphoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/bc/crn-0006-0101.PMC3995396.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5126153", "abstract": "Background: The conventional venous access for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) is the subclavian vein, which is often accompanied by high complication rate. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of optimized axillary vein technique. Methods: A total of 247 patients undergoing CIED implantation were included and assigned to the axillary vein group or the subclavian vein group randomly. Success rate of puncture and complications in the perioperative period and follow-ups were recorded. Results: The overall success rate (95.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/3a/CMJ-129-2647.PMC5126153.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5099125", "abstract": "PURPOSE Pre-surface treatments of coping materials have been recommended to enhance the bonding to the veneering ceramic. Little is known on the effect on shear bond strength, particularly with new coping material. The aim of this study was to investigate the shear bond strength of veneering ceramic to three coping materials: i) metal alloy (MA), ii) zirconia oxide (ZO), and iii) lithium disilicate (LD) after various pre-surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two (n = 32) discs were prepared for each coping material. Four pre-surface treatments were prepared for each sub-group (n = 8); a) no treatment or control (C), b) sandblast (SB), c) acid etch (AE), and d) sandblast and acid etch (SBAE). Veneering ceramics were applied to all discs. Shear bond strength was measured with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS Mean shear bond strengths were obtained for MA (19.00 ± 6.39 MPa), ZO (24.45 ± 5.14 MPa) and LD (13.62 ± 5.12 MPa). There were statistically significant differences in types of coping material and various pre-surface treatments (P<.05). There was a significant correlation between coping materials and pre-surface treatment to the shear bond strength (P<.05). CONCLUSION Shear bond strength of veneering ceramic to zirconia oxide was higher than metal alloy and lithium disilicate. The highest shear bond strengths were obtained in sandblast and acid etch treatment for zirconia oxide and lithium disilicate groups, and in acid etch treatment for metal alloy group.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/15/jap-8-339.PMC5099125.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3595627", "abstract": "In September 2007 national standard manual was finalized and officially announced as the minimal quality requirements for all medical laboratories in the country. Apart from auditing laboratories, Reference Health Laboratory has performed benchmarking auditing of medical laboratory network (surveys) in provinces. 12th benchmarks performed in Tehran and Alborz provinces, Iran in 2010 in three stages. We tried to compare different processes, their quality and accordance with national standard measures between public and private hospital laboratories. The assessment tool was a standardized checklist consists of 164 questions. Analyzing process show although in most cases implementing the standard requirements are more prominent in private laboratories, there is still a long way to complete fulfillment of requirements, and it takes a lot of effort. Differences between laboratories in public and private sectors especially in laboratory personnel and management process are significant. Probably lack of motivation, plays a key role in obtaining less desirable results in laboratories in public sectors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/64/ijph-42-96.PMC3595627.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3840919", "abstract": "The voltage dependence of charges in voltage-sensitive proteins, typically displayed as charge versus voltage (Q-V) curves, is often quantified by fitting it to a simple two-state Boltzmann function. This procedure overlooks the fact that the fitted parameters, including the total charge, may be incorrect if the charge is moving in multiple steps. We present here the derivation of a general formulation for Q-V curves from multistate sequential models, including the case of infinite number of states. We demonstrate that the commonly used method to estimate the charge per molecule using a simple Boltzmann fit is not only inadequate, but in most cases, it underestimates the moving charge times the fraction of the field.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/53/JGP_201311056.PMC3840919.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4580699", "abstract": "Background and Objectives Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) is a new parameter of RV function. We evaluated the relationship of RVLS by speckle-tracking echocardiography with functional and invasive parameters in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Subjects and Methods Thirty four patients with World Health Organization group 1 PAH (29 females, mean age 45±13 years old). RVLS were analyzed with velocity vector imaging. Results Patients with advanced symptoms New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV had impaired RVLS in global RV (RVLSglobal, -17±5 vs. -12±3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/13/kcj-45-398.PMC4580699.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4321640", "abstract": "Radiofrequency catheter ablation of the slow pathway is considered to be the treatment of choice for patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. We report a 34-year-old female with mirror image dextrocardia due to unilateral pulmonary agenesis who underwent successful slow pathway ablation for typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Using contrast injection, cardiac anatomy was identified in a short time and successfully ablated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/0e/imcrj-8-041.PMC4321640.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4563091", "abstract": "Recent studies on innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have expanded our knowledge about the innate arm of the immune system. Helper-like ILCs share both the “innate” feature of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and the “helper” feature of CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. With this combination, helper-like ILCs are capable of initiating early immune responses similar to cNK cells, but via secretion of a set of effector cytokines similar to those produced by Th cells. Although many studies have revealed the functional similarity between helper-like ILCs and Th cells, some aspects of ILCs including the development of this lineage remain elusive. It is intriguing that the majority of transcription factors involved in multiple stages of T cell development, differentiation, and function also play critical roles during ILC development. Regulators such as Id2, GATA-3, Nfil3, TOX, and TCF-1 are expressed and function at various stages of ILC development. In this review, we will summarize the expression and functions of these transcription factors shared by ILCs and Th cells. We will also propose a complex transcriptional regulatory network for the lineage commitment of ILCs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/f3/PMC4563091.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3088855", "abstract": "We report a case of thymic hyperplasia accompanied by pericardial lipomatosis and right facial hemihypertrophy in an 8-year-old boy. On imaging studies, the hyperplastic thymus had prominent curvilinear and nodular fatty areas simulating a fat-containing anterior mediastinal mass, which is an unusual finding in children. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a child with a combination of thymic hyperplasia, pericardial lipomatosis, and right facial hemihypertrophy. The radiologic findings are presented with a brief discussion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/93/kjr-12-376.PMC3088855.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3043688", "abstract": "Considerable debate within the medical community has focused on the optimal location of information technology (IT) support groups on the organizational chart. The challenge has been to marry local accountability and physician acceptance of IT with the benefits gained by the economies of scale achieved by centralized knowledge and system best practices. In the picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) industry, a slight shift has recently occurred toward centralized control. Radiology departments, however, have begun to realize that no physicians in any other discipline are as dependent on IT as radiologists are on their PACS. The potential strengths and weaknesses of centralized control of the PACS is the topic of discussion for this month’s Point/Counterpoint.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/b8/PMC3043688.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3169832", "abstract": " Background. Averaged Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ) support scores remove the influence of network size variability but may unduly lower scores for participants with large networks. Objectives. To evaluate the use of averaged NSSQ scores. Method. Pearson correlations determined if averaged scores decreased as network size increased across three samples. Then, Pearson correlations between a criterion variable and both averaged and raw support scores were computed along with the resultant power to detect a true effect. Results. Neither averaged total functional support nor averaged affect and affirmation scores decreased as sample size increased. However, averaged aid scores did decrease as network size increased. Power also increased markedly in all averaged versus raw scores except in averaged aid scores. Discussion and Conclusions. Use of averaged aid scores is not recommended. Use of all other averaged scores appears acceptable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a4/8a/PMC3169832.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3040364", "abstract": "Bartter syndrome (BS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited renal tube disorder characterized by renal salt wasting, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis and normotensive hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. There have been several case reports of BS complicated by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here, we have reported the case of a BS patient who developed FSGS and subsequent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and provided a brief literature review. The patient presented with classic BS at 3 months of age and developed proteinuria at 7 years. Renal biopsy performed at 11 years of age revealed a FSGS perihilar variant. Hemodialysis was initiated at 11 years of age, and kidney transplantation was performed at 16 years of age. The post-transplantation course has been uneventful for more than 3 years with complete disappearance of BS without the recurrence of FSGS. Genetic study revealed a homozygous p.Trp(TGG)610Stop(TGA) mutation in the CLCNKB gene. In summary, BS may be complicated by secondary FSGS due to the adaptive response to chronic salt-losing nephropathy, and FSGS may progress to ESRD in some patients. Renal transplantation in patients with BS and ESRD results in complete remission of BS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/8c/kjped-54-36.PMC3040364.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4320857", "abstract": "Exenatide is a GLP-1 analogue used in the management of T2DM yet within a subset of patients fails due to adverse side effects or from failure to attain the end goal. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine whether we could predict response to exenatide in patients with T2DM. 112 patients on exenatide were included with patient age, gender, duration of T2DM, medications alongside exenatide and weight, BMI, and HbA1c at baseline and 3 and 6 months of exenatide use being recorded. 63 responded with 11 mmol/mol reduction from baseline HbA1c after six months and 49 did not respond to exenatide. HbA1c solely differed significantly between cohorts at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (P < 0.05). Regression analyses identified a negative linear relationship with higher baseline HbA1c correlating to greater reductions in HbA1c by 6 months (P < 0.0001). HbA1c was the sole predictor of exenatide response with higher baseline HbA1c increasing the odds of response by 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/11/PMC4320857.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3957044", "abstract": "Purpose To report a case of recurrent idiopathic frosted branch angiitis (FBA) successfully treated with adalimumab. Case Report A 14-year-old otherwise healthy boy was referred to the uveitis clinic for bilateral panuveitis with diffuse retinal vascular sheathing and severe macular edema. Extensive work-up including aqueous sampling for detection of viral causes was inconclusive. Two years ago, a similar episode had been treated with oral prednisolone, however it was complicated by adverse psychiatric effects. The progressive course of the condition mandated considering other therapeutic measures; Adalimumab was chosen based on its purported efficacy for treatment of childhood uveitis and a favorable safety profile. The patient responded dramatically to a single subcutaneous injection of adalimumab without any side effect during and after injection. The therapeutic effect was rapid and relatively long-lasting. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of idiopathic FBA treated successfully with adalimumab without adjunctive steroid therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/aa/JOVR-08-372.PMC3957044.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4284035", "abstract": "Background Rifabutin has been known to be effective in multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori-harboring patients undergoing treatment failure for H. pylori infection. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of 7-day treatment regimen consisting rifabutin daily but increasing the dose of amoxicillin and lansoprazole in patients who have failed first and second eradication and to assess the side effect profiles in South Korea. Methods From December 2007 to May 2013, 59 H. pylori-infected patients with two previous eradication failures were enrolled for this study prospectively. The eligible patients were randomly assigned to either group A or B. Group A received lansoprazole 30 mg bid, amoxicillin 1.0 g tid and rifabutin 150 mg bid during 7 days, whereas group B received lansoprazole 60 mg bid, amoxicillin 1.0 g tid and rifabutin 150 mg bid during 7 days. Results In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 25 (78.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/0b/hel0019-0455.PMC4284035.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4127540", "abstract": "Esophageal perforation due to transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) during cardiac surgery is rare. A 72-year-old female underwent TEE during an operation for aortic valve replacement. Further, the patient presented hematemesis. Gastroscopy revealed an esophageal bleeding ulcer. Endoscopic therapy was successful. Although a CT scan excluded perforation, the patient became febrile, and a second gastroscopy revealed a big perforation at the site of ulcer. The patient's clinical condition required endoscopic intervention with a new OTSC® clip (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany). The perforation was successfully sealed. The patient remained on intravenous antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and parenteral nutrition for few days, followed by enteral feeding. She was discharged fully recovered 3 months later. We clearly demonstrate an effective, less invasive treatment of an esophageal perforation with a new endoscopic clip.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d9/28/crg-0008-0235.PMC4127540.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4371236", "abstract": "Gene expression is controlled by diverse mechanisms before, during, and after transcription. Chromatin modification factors as well as transcriptional repressors, silencers, and enhancers all feed into how eukaryotes transcribe RNA in the nucleus. However, there is increasing evidence that post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is as widespread as transcriptional control if not more so. Studies of specific transcripts in oocytes and embryos are at the core of our mechanistic understanding of many post-transcriptional events. Coupled with genome-wide and large-scale experimental approaches, research is bringing to light how these regulatory events function independently and in concert to regulate protein expression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/9c/biolrep-07-31.PMC4371236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3523158", "abstract": "Controlled external chemomechanical stimuli have been shown to influence cellular and tissue regeneration/degeneration, especially with regards to distinct disease sequelae or health maintenance. Recently, a unique three-dimensional stress state was mathematically derived to describe the experimental stresses applied to isolated living cells suspended in an optohydrodynamic trap (optical tweezers combined with microfluidics). These formulae were previously developed in two and three dimensions from the fundamental equations describing creeping flows past a suspended sphere. The objective of the current study is to determine the full-field cellular strain response due to the applied three-dimensional stress environment through a multiphysics computational simulation. In this investigation, the multiscale cytoskeletal structures are modeled as homogeneous, isotropic, and linearly elastic. The resulting computational biophysics can be directly compared with experimental strain measurements, other modeling interpretations of cellular mechanics including the liquid drop theory, and biokinetic models of biomolecule dynamics. The described multiphysics computational framework will facilitate more realistic cytoskeletal model interpretations, whose intracellular structures can be distinctly defined, including the cellular membrane substructures, nucleus, and organelles. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/14/PMC3523158.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4507024", "abstract": "Biosynthesis of the phytohormone ethylene is under tight regulation to satisfy the need for appropriate levels of ethylene in plants in response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. The enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of ethylene biosynthesis, plays a central role to regulate ethylene production through changes in ACS gene expression levels and the activity of the enzyme. Together with molecular genetic studies suggesting the roles of post-translational modification of the ACS, newly emerging evidence strongly suggests that the regulation of ACS protein stability is an alternative mechanism that controls ethylene production, in addition to the transcriptional regulation of ACS genes. In this review, recent new insight into the regulation of ACS protein turnover is highlighted, with a special focus on the roles of phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and novel components that regulate the turnover of ACS proteins. The prospect of cross-talk between ethylene biosynthesis and other signaling pathways to control turnover of the ACS protein is also considered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/03/molce-38-7-597.PMC4507024.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4617884", "abstract": "The Haralick texture features are a well-known mathematical method to detect the lung abnormalities and give the opportunity to the physician to localize the abnormality tissue type, either lung tumor or pulmonary edema. In this paper, statistical evaluation of the different features will represent the reported performance of the proposed method. Thirty-seven patients CT datasets with either lung tumor or pulmonary edema were included in this study. The CT images are first preprocessed for noise reduction and image enhancement, followed by segmentation techniques to segment the lungs, and finally Haralick texture features to detect the type of the abnormality within the lungs. In spite of the presence of low contrast and high noise in images, the proposed algorithms introduce promising results in detecting the abnormality of lungs in most of the patients in comparison with the normal and suggest that some of the features are significantly recommended than others.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/db/PMC4617884.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4391690", "abstract": "Six isolates of Botrytis cinerea were isolated from leaves and stems of different tomato varieties taken from four areas in the northwest of Algeria where tomato is mostly grown in greenhouses and high tunnels. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of two salts, NaCl and CaCl2, on three stages of Botrytis cinerea's life cycle. All isolates tested were stimulated in 50 to 150 ppm; NaCl was the most effective treatment to increase mycelial growth at two tested concentrations. However, at 300 ppm concentration, CaCl2 completely inhibited the growth of mycelium; they reach 34.78", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/be/42/PMC4391690.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4297129", "abstract": "Kienböck’s disease, defined as avascular necrosis of the lunate, is a relatively rare condition with a poorly understood etiology. Conservative and invasive treatments for Kienböck’s disease exist, including wrist immobilization, surgical joint-leveling procedures, vascularized bone grafting, proximal row carpectomy, and total wrist arthrodesis. Staging Kienböck’s disease using radiography assumes near complete avascularity of the lunate. The staging distinguishes only the “state of collapse” in an ordinal classification scheme and does not allow localization or indicate partial involvement of the lunate, which the image contrast from MRI may provide. In this short communication, we report the treatment of a patient’s Kienböck’s disease by combining MRI with mathematical modeling to optimize the congruency between the curvature of donor and recipient sites of an autologous osteoarticular plug transfer. Follow-up MRI and radiographs at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated gradual graft incorporation and bone healing. The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a novel surgical technique. The results indicate that donor site selection for autologous osteoarticular transfer using a quantitative evaluation of articular surface curvature may be beneficial for optimizing the likelihood for restoring the radius of curvature and thus joint articulation following cartilage repair.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/92/PMC4297129.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4847378", "abstract": "The so-called chemical revolution has produced a vast historiographical corpus. Yet the patient’s voice remains surprisingly absent from these stories. Based on the archives of the Institut de Psychiatrie (Brussels), this paper traces the introduction of Largactil as recounted in patient letters, physician records and nurse notes. The paper thus contributes to the history of therapies from below, but also participates in the historiographical debate about whether the introduction of neuroleptics can indeed be considered a revolution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/89/01/PMC4847378.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4657107", "abstract": " Introduction. Children under 5 years of age are more susceptible to developing morbidities such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, anemia, and malnutrition. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of reported morbidities in this age group in the city of Iñapari (Peru) and the access to health services in this municipality. Methods. Data collection using interviews that assessed socioeconomic and demographic conditions, child morbidity, and access to health services was performed in 2011. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 13.0. Results. Regarding morbidities that occurred during lifetime, 39.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c8/14/PMC4657107.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4512141", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Adult studies demonstrate that low vitamin D (25[OH]D) is an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness. Similar studies have not been conducted in youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective was to elicit the association between 25[OH]D and arterial stiffness in obese youth with and without T2DM. We hypothesized that 25[OH]D would be inversely correlated with arterial stiffness indices, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and brachial distensibility (BrachD). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Cincinnati, OH, from 2004 to 2010. 25[OH]D, PWV, AIx, and BrachD were measured in 190 youth with T2DM, 190 obese control subjects without T2DM, and 190 lean control subjects without T2DM. Multivariate analyses were conducted to elicit the independent association between 25[OH]D and arterial stiffness indices by group. RESULTS The mean age was 17.9 ± 3.4 years, 55", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/94/PMC4512141.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2890362", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Intensive therapy targeting normal blood glucose increased mortality compared with standard treatment in a randomized clinical trial of 10,251 participants with type 2 diabetes at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. We evaluated whether the presence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) at baseline modified the effect of intensive compared with standard glycemia treatment on mortality outcomes in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial participants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS CAN was assessed by measures of heart rate variability (HRV) and QT index (QTI) computed from 10-s resting electrocardiograms in 8,135 ACCORD trial participants with valid measurements (mean age 63.0 years, 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/b7/zdc1578.PMC2890362.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2649203", "abstract": "Background A simplified optically readable food record (ORFR) was developed and compared with an open-ended weighed record (WR). Objective To compare intake of nutrients and foods using a seven-day ORFR with intake estimated using a seven-day WR. The results from each method were validated against 24-h urinary nitrogen excretion and energy intake (EI)/estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR) cut-off values. Design The study comprised 73 free-living, healthy 70-year-old Swedish men. Dietary data were collected during seven consecutive days, starting either with WR or ORFR. Results Average intakes of energy and several nutrients were significantly lower when estimated using ORFR than when using WR. However, when adjusted for nutrient density, only a few nutrients were still lower with ORFR. Spearman correlation coefficients between the two methods regarding intakes of energy and energy-yielding nutrients were moderate to high, i.e. 0.4–0.6, while figures for most micro-nutrients were in the range 0.3–0.5. A large proportion of subjects under-reported their EIs, a higher proportion doing so when using ORFR. Protein intake obtained using ORFR was 31", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/33/FNR-53-1889.PMC2649203.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3892482", "abstract": "The Gene Ontology (GO) provides a resource for consistent annotation of genes and gene products that is extensively used by numerous large public repositories. The GO is constructed of three subontologies describing the cellular component of action, molecular function, and overall biological process of a gene or gene product. Querying across the subontologies is problematic and no standard method exists to, for example, find all molecular functions occurring in a particular cellular component. GOLink addresses this problem by finding terms from all subontologies cooccurring with a term of interest in annotation across the entire GO database. Genes annotated with this term are exported and their GO annotation is assigned to three separate GOLink terms lists based on specific criteria. The software was used to predict the most likely Biological Process for a group of genes using just their Molecular Function terms giving sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between 80 and 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/98/PMC3892482.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1347426", "abstract": "The PROSITE database consists of a large collection of biologically meaningful signatures that are described as patterns or profiles. Each signature is linked to a documentation that provides useful biological information on the protein family, domain or functional site identified by the signature. The PROSITE database is now complemented by a series of rules that can give more precise information about specific residues. During the last 2 years, the documentation and the ScanProsite web pages were redesigned to add more functionalities. The latest version of PROSITE (release 19.11 of September 27, 2005) contains 1329 patterns and 552 profile entries. Over the past 2 years more than 200 domains have been added, and now 52", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ad/ea/PMC1347426.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4539505", "abstract": "Periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are immunoinflammatory diseases where leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory mediators induce alveolar bone loss, synovitis, and joint destruction, respectively. Thus, we reviewed the relationship between both diseases considering epidemiological aspects, mechanical periodontal treatment, inflammatory mediators, oral microbiota, and antibodies, using the keywords “periodontitis” and “rheumatoid arthritis” in PubMed database between January 2012 and March 2015, resulting in 162 articles. After critical reading based on titles and abstracts and following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were included. In the articles, women over 40 years old, smokers and nonsmokers, mainly constituted the analyzed groups. Eight studies broached the epidemiological relationship with PD and RA. Four trials demonstrated that the periodontal treatment influenced the severity of RA and periodontal clinical parameters. Nine studies were related with bacteria influence in the pathogenesis of RA and the presence of citrullinated proteins, autoantibodies, or rheumatoid factor in patients with PD and RA. Five studies investigated the presence of mediators of inflammation in PD and RA. In summary, the majority of the articles have confirmed that there is a correlation between PD and RA, since both disorders have characteristics in common and result from an imbalance in the immunoinflammatory response.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/5a/PMC4539505.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4078286", "abstract": "We describe the architecture of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funded Scalable Collaborative Infrastructure for a Learning Healthcare System (SCILHS, http://www.SCILHS.org) clinical data research network, which leverages the 48 billion dollar federal investment in health information technology (IT) to enable a queryable semantic data model across 10 health systems covering more than 8 million patients, plugging universally into the point of care, generating evidence and discovery, and thereby enabling clinician and patient participation in research during the patient encounter. Central to the success of SCILHS is development of innovative ‘apps’ to improve PCOR research methods and capacitate point of care functions such as consent, enrollment, randomization, and outreach for patient-reported outcomes. SCILHS adapts and extends an existing national research network formed on an advanced IT infrastructure built with open source, free, modular components.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/f5/amiajnl-2014-002727.PMC4078286.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4888162", "abstract": "Objectives: Accurate localization of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) is extremely important in some dental treatments. Anatomical variation of the canal means that it can be difficult to locate. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of the gonial angle (GA) size and IAC position using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 61 dry adult human hemi-mandibles were used. The CBCT scans were taken of all samples and GA was measured on all CBCT scans. The samples were divided into two groups of low angle (≤125°) and high angle (>125°). The canal dimensions, length and course were evaluated. On the sagittal view, the IAC path was classified as type A, B or C. On the axial view, canal course was defined as A1 or A2 according to the mental foramen angle. Results: The average GA size was 121.8±7.05° at the right side and 123.8±6.32° at the left side. On the sagittal view, there was a significant correlation between the GA size and the canal course (P=0.04). In the high-angle group, type A was dominant; whereas in the low-angle group, type B was more common. On the axial view of IAC course, type A1 was more common (73.43", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/10/PMC4888162.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3886589", "abstract": " Purpose. Conduct a systematic review of previous meta-analyses addressing the effects of exercise in the treatment of overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods. Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled exercise trials that assessed adiposity in overweight and obese children and adolescents were included by searching nine electronic databases and cross-referencing from retrieved studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Instrument. The alpha level for statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results. Of the 308 studies reviewed, two aggregate data meta-analyses representing 14 and 17 studies and 481 and 701 boys and girls met all eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was 64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/2a/PMC3886589.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5057049", "abstract": "Introduction Monocyte associated transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1) as a cancer biomarker has become popular with alternative practitioners, but plays no role in conventional medicine. This investigation evaluates the potential of serum TKTL1 as a biomarker for prostate cancer. Material and methods Patients (n = 66) undergoing curative radical prostatectomy (RPE) for biopsy-pro-ven PCa were included in the study. Controls (n = 10) were healthy, age-matched, male volunteers. 10 ml of peripheral blood was drawn from patients several days before surgery and from controls. Serum TKTL1 was measured using the ELISA method. Results The median age at tumor diagnosis was 66 years and median serum PSA was 8.0 ng/ml. Nearly 96", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/2f/CEJU-69-00820.PMC5057049.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3226120", "abstract": "Preclinical studies in animals and ex vivo human blood have provided a solid rationale for conducting prospective randomized trials in trauma patients. Small animal models have been utilized to study the efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) in treating thrombocytopenic rabbits and for the reversal of anticoagulation. Safety models in the rabbit also exist to test for systemic activation of clotting and pathologic thrombosis. Animal models simulating traumatic injuries in humans have primarily been performed in pigs because of species similarities in terms of coagulation characteristics and the larger internal organs. The pig studies, utilizing human rFVIIa, have shown increased strength of clot formation, decreased bleeding, and improved survival. However, these findings are not uniform and are dependant on the model chosen. All of the animal models described have provided good safety data and suggest that the use of rFVIIa is not associated with systemic activation of coagulation or microthrombosis of end organs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/06/PMC3226120.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3481972", "abstract": "Objective The aims of this study were to examine whether a passive stretch stimulus by means of a functional appliance induces changes in the fiber composition of masticatory muscles and whether these changes are similar to the changes in stretched limb muscle fibers by using RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical assays. Methods Five male New Zealand White rabbits were fitted with a prefabricated inclined plane on the maxillary central incisors to force the mandible forward (- 2 mm) and downward (- 4 mm). Further, 1 hind limb was extended and constrained with a cast so that the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was stretched when the animal used the limb. The animals were sacrificed after 1 week and the masseter, lateral pterygoid, and EDL were processed and compared with those from control animals (n = 3). Results The stretched EDL had a significantly higher percentage of slow fibers, whereas the stretched masticatory muscles did not show changes in the composition of the major contractile proteins after 7 days. Conclusions The transition of fiber phenotypes in response to a stretch stimulus may take longer in the masticatory muscles than in the limb muscles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/1c/kjod-42-64.PMC3481972.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3268041", "abstract": "Viscera of mackerel (Scomber sp.) were defatted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) treatment. Trypsin (SC-T) was then extracted from the defatted powder and purified by a series of chromatographies including Sephacryl S-200 and Sephadex G-50. The purified SC-T was nearly homogeneous on SDS-PAGE, and its molecular weight was estimated as approximately 24,000 Da. N-terminal twenty amino acids sequence of SC-T was IVGGYECTAHSQPHQVSLNS. The specific trypsin inhibitors, soybean trypsin inhibitor and TLCK, strongly inhibited the activities of SC-T. The pH and temperature optimums of SC-T were at around pH 8.0 and 60°C, respectively, using N α-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester as a substrate. The SC-T was unstable below pH 5.0 and above 40°C, and it was stabilized by calcium ion. These enzymatic characteristics of SC-T were the same as those of other fish trypsins, especially spotted mackerel (S. borealis) trypsin, purified from viscera defatted by acetone. Therefore, we concluded that the SCO2 defatting process is useful as a substitute for organic solvent defatting process.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/79/PMC3268041.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2725968", "abstract": "Bluetongue has emerged recently in Belgium. A bluetongue virus strain was isolated and characterized as serotype 8. Two new real-time reverse transcription–quantitative PCRs (RT-qPCRs) that amplified 2 different segments of bluetongue virus detected this exotic strain. These 2 RT-qPCRs detected infection earlier than a competitive ELISA for antibody detection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c7/3d/PMC2725968.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4114904", "abstract": "There have been significant advances in the treatment of psychiatric disease in the last half century, but it is still unclear which neural circuits are ultimately responsible for specific disease states. Fortunately, technical limitations that have constrained this research have recently been mitigated by advances in research tools that facilitate circuit-based analyses. The most prominent of these tools is optogenetics, which refers to the use of genetically encoded, light-sensitive proteins that can be used to manipulate discrete neural circuits with temporal precision. Optogenetics has recently been used to examine the neural underpinnings of both psychiatric disease and symptom relief, and this research has rapidly identified novel therapeutic targets for what could be a new generation of rational drug development. As these and related methodologies for controlling neurons ultimately make their way into the clinic, circuit-based strategies for alleviating psychiatric symptoms could become a remarkably refined approach to disease treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/8e/ndt-10-1369.PMC4114904.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3133007", "abstract": "Background: Lagophthalmos is a condition that results from facial paralysis causing functional as well as esthetic problems. This condition can be treated by a range of techniques, including tarsorrhaphy, facial slings, and canthopexies. Gold plates provide a solution for temporary or permanent lagophthalmos resulting from facial paralysis. This study discusses the use of gold plates in the treatment of lagophthalmos but with the introduction of gold plates in two different positions in the upper lids. Methods: Group 1 (38 eyes) had a low level of placement (2 mm from the lid margin) of gold plates, while Group 2 (23 eyes) had a high level of placement (5 mm from the lid margin). Results: Noticeable bulge was seen in 18.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fe/a6/PMC3133007.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3052715", "abstract": "Reports on the relationship between comorbidity and glycemia control in diabetic patients are conflicting and the method of measuring comorbidity varies widely among studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between diabetes control and comorbidity, taking into account all comorbidities and their severity, in a primary care setting. We performed a retrospective descriptive study based on chart review of 96 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients. Comorbidity was measured with the cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS), an exhaustive comorbidity index. Diabetes was considered as controlled if the mean value of two measurements of glycosylated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) was less than 7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/fe/PMC3052715.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2695523", "abstract": "ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Pay-for-performance is proliferating, yet its impact on key stakeholders remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE The Society of General Internal Medicine systematically evaluated ethical issues raised by performance-based physician compensation. RESULTS We conclude that current arrangements are based on fundamentally acceptable ethical principles, but are guided by an incomplete understanding of health-care quality. Furthermore, their implementation without evidence of safety and efficacy is ethically precarious because of potential risks to stakeholders, especially vulnerable patients. CONCLUSION We propose four major strategies to transition from risky pay-for-performance systems to ethical performance-based physician compensation and high quality care. These include implementing safeguards within current pay-for-performance systems, reaching consensus regarding the obligations of key stakeholders in improving health-care quality, developing valid and comprehensive measures of health-care quality, and utilizing a cautious evaluative approach in creating the next generation of compensation systems that reward genuine quality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/1b/PMC2695523.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3748778", "abstract": "Colon-targeted drug delivery systems (CTDDSs) could be useful for local treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In this study, various interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs), formed between Eudragit RL100 (EL) and chitosan (CS), by nonstoichiometric method, and tablets based on the IPECs, prepared by wet granulation, were evaluated as potential oral CTDDSs for ibuprofen (IBF). Results obtained showed that the tablets conformed to compendial requirements for acceptance and that CS and EL formed IPECs that showed pH-dependent swelling properties and prolonged the in vitro release of IBF from the tablets in the following descending order: 3 : 2 > 2 : 3 > 1 : 1 ratios of CS and EL. An electrostatic interaction between the carbonyl (–CO–) group of EL and amino (–NH3 +) group of CS of the tablets formulated with the IPECs was capable of preventing drug release in the stomach and small intestine and helped in delivering the drug to the colon. Kinetic analysis of drug release profiles showed that the systems predominantly released IBF in a zero-order manner. IPECs based on CS and EL could be exploited successfully for colon-targeted delivery of IBF in the treatment of IBDs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d2/26/PMC3748778.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3610363", "abstract": "The aim of this study is to establish structured clusters and well-defined ontological entities (nodes) describing ethical values as both ideal and opportunity for ethical manner as perceived by thecaregiver.In this study, we use Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) to analyse ethical values (ethos) and ethical manners in daily work with older people. Material is based on questionnaire data collected by the instrument for the self-assessment of individual ethos in the care of older people(ISAEC) in spring 2007 in a municipality in Western Finland. This study is unique in its kind, both concerning the selected approach and methodological questions. BBNs have not been used significantly in nursing research, nor are there any studies that examine the ethical possibilities with focus on the probable effects upon changing conditions.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/62/PMC3610363.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4720855", "abstract": "Dabigatran etexilate is one of the new oral anticoagulants approved to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A variety of bleeding complications with dabigatran have been reported, but reports of hemopericardium are rare. We described a case of a 66 year-old female patient with non-valvular AF receiving dabigatran etexilate 150 mg twice daily for one year who suffered from hemopericardium. Her laboratory tests performed 1 year prior were normal and her admission tests revealed acute renal failure and elevated international normalized ratio (INR) level (4.79). Urgent pericardiocentesis was followed by improved renal functions and normalized INR. Dabigatran etexilate is a new oral anticoagulant that is increasingly used in daily practice. However, life-threatening complications warrant caution. Elevated INR may be related with overdose but the association of bleeding risk of dabigatran and INR requires further confirmation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3d/bb/kcj-46-99.PMC4720855.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3557870", "abstract": "Methicillin-resistant Staphylocoocus aureus (MRSA) harboring mecALGA251 has been isolated from humans and ruminants. Database screening identified this MRSA variant in cats, dogs, and a guinea pig in Germany during 2008–2011. The novel MRSA variant is not restricted to ruminants or humans, and contact with companion animals might pose a zoonotic risk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/37/66/PMC3557870.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4754275", "abstract": "Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) is an uncommon upper airway disorder defined as paradoxical adduction of the vocal folds during inspiration. The etiology and treatment of PVFM are unclear. The physician should manage this condition because of the possibility of near complete airway obstruction in severe case of PVFM. We report a case of successful airway management in a patient with PVFM by applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In this case, PVFM was detected after removing an endotracheal tube from a 67-year-old male who underwent excision of a laryngeal mass. The patient recovered without complications in 1 day with support by CPAP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/e2/kjae-69-84.PMC4754275.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3713603", "abstract": "In the central nervous system (CNS), mastocytes and glial cells (microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) function as sensors of neuroinflammatory conditions, responding to stress triggers or becoming sensitized to subsequent proinflammatory challenges. The corticotropin-releasing hormone and glucocorticoids are critical players in stress-induced mastocyte degranulation and potentiation of glial inflammatory responses, respectively. Mastocytes and glial cells express different toll-like receptor (TLR) family members, and their activation via proinflammatory molecules can increase the expression of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels in glial cells. These membrane pores are oligohexamers of the corresponding protein subunits located in the cell surface. They allow ATP release and Ca2+ influx, which are two important elements of inflammation. Consequently, activated microglia and astrocytes release ATP and glutamate, affecting myelinization, neuronal development, and survival. Binding of ligands to TLRs induces a cascade of intracellular events leading to activation of several transcription factors that regulate the expression of many genes involved in inflammation. During pregnancy, the previous responses promoted by viral infections and other proinflammatory conditions are common and might predispose the offspring to develop psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases. Such disorders could eventually be potentiated by stress and might be part of the etiopathogenesis of CNS dysfunctions including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/8f/PMC3713603.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4131083", "abstract": "Purpose This study was conducted to determine the predictive value of clinical, laboratory, and imaging variables for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux in children with their first febrile urinary tract infection. Materials and Methods One hundred fifty-three children with their first febrile urinary tract infection were divided into two groups according to the results of voiding cystourethrography: 60 children with vesicoureteral reflux and 93 children without. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, likelihood ratio (positive and negative), and accuracy of the clinical, laboratory, and imaging variables for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux were determined. Results Of the 153 children with febrile urinary tract infection, 60 patients (39.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/3c/kju-55-536.PMC4131083.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4432545", "abstract": "Summary  Introduction: macroglossia is a condition which influences the size and shape of the teeth employed due to the forces on teeth.  Objective: To establish bases for the indication of partial glossectomy associated with orthodontic treatment and surgical dento-facial deformity in patients without tumors and Down syndrome as a cause of macroglossia.  Case reports: Three patients underwent orthognathic surgery associated with partial glossectomy under general anesthesia. All patients had macroglossia relative and underwent clinical assessment taking into account the respiratory function, swallowing and speech deficits and radiological evaluation. The technique used consist of segmental resection along the median raphe of the tongue and suture by planes. We used rigid skeletal fixation with titanium plates and screws so that patients could stay without intermaxillary block in the immediate postoperative period. Were followed over five years. The symptoms regressed completely and all skeletal segments remained stable.  Discussion: The decision to refer the patient to partial glossectomy should be based on the volume of the language, mobility, position, function, symptoms, speech intelligibility, skeletal anterior open bite, interference in orthodontic treatment, drooling, swallowing and tongue trauma applicant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/24/06/PMC4432545.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3302572", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Research on H5N1 influenza viruses has received much attention recently due to the possible dangers associated with newly developed avian H5N1 viruses that were derived from highly pathogenic avian viruses and are now transmissible among ferrets via respiratory droplets. An appropriate discussion, based on scientific facts about the risks that such viruses pose and on the biocontainment facilities and practices necessary for working safely with these viruses, is needed. Selecting the right level of biocontainment is critical for minimizing the risks associated with H5N1 research while simultaneously allowing an appropriately fast pace of discovery. Rational countermeasures for preventing the spread of influenza can be developed only by gaining a thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms at work in host specificity and transmission.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/f6/mBio.00049-12.PMC3302572.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3166804", "abstract": "Primary aorto-duodenal fistula (PADF) is a rare condition that may result in rapid exsanguination if untreated. PADF due to radiotherapy appears to be extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the medical literature. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding 25 years after surgery and radiotherapy for seminoma of the testicle and was successfully treated at our institution. We also review the literature on this very uncommon condition. A Medline search was conducted for the period from 1966 to June 2006 to identify case reports of PADF following radiotherapy. Only 7 cases of PADF due to radiotherapy were identified in addition to our own, 4 males and 3 females, aged 40 to 73 years, all treated for various forms of abdominal malignancies. The latency period ranged from 2 weeks to 25 years. None of the aortas were aneurysmatic. One patient died before he could be taken to the operating room. 5 patients underwent surgical repair and 4 survived. 2 patients underwent endovascular treatment but did not survive. PADF may develop up to 25 years after radiotherapy. Diagnosis should be considered when massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding develops in a patient who had previous abdominal radiotherapy, no matter how long before the episode of bleeding. Prompt surgical repair offers a reasonable chance of cure. Endovascular procedures do not appear to be efficacious.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/42/crg0002-0415.PMC3166804.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897562", "abstract": " Purpose. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinically the percentage of permanent mandibular first molar teeth with three roots amongst Palestinian population. Patients and Methods. Three hundred twenty-two mandibular first molars from 185 females and 137 males scheduled for root canal treatment at the Dental Center of the Arab American University were examined over a 2-year period. The incidence of a third root revealed by periapical radiographs and the comparison of the occurrence between males and females and between the right and left sides of the mandible were recorded. Statistical Analysis. It was performed using the chi-square test with a significant level set at P < 0.05", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/dd/PMC4897562.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4058170", "abstract": "Difficulties with temporal coordination or sequencing of speech movements are frequently reported in aphasia patients with concomitant apraxia of speech (AOS). Our major objective was to investigate the effects of specific rhythmic-melodic voice training on brain activation of those patients. Three patients with severe chronic nonfluent aphasia and AOS were included in this study. Before and after therapy, patients underwent the same fMRI procedure as 30 healthy control subjects in our prestudy, which investigated the neural substrates of sung vowel changes in untrained rhythm sequences. A main finding was that post-minus pretreatment imaging data yielded significant perilesional activations in all patients for example, in the left superior temporal gyrus, whereas the reverse subtraction revealed either no significant activation or right hemisphere activation. Likewise, pre- and posttreatment assessments of patients' vocal rhythm production, language, and speech motor performance yielded significant improvements for all patients. Our results suggest that changes in brain activation due to the applied training might indicate specific processes of reorganization, for example, improved temporal sequencing of sublexical speech components. In this context, a training that focuses on rhythmic singing with differently demanding complexity levels as concerns motor and cognitive capabilities seems to support paving the way for speech.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/a4/PMC4058170.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2082066", "abstract": "Introduction We sought to establish whether CT angiography (CTA) can be applied to the planning and performance of clipping or coiling in ruptured intracranial aneurysms without recourse to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA). Methods Over the period April 2003 to January 2006 in all patients presenting with a subarachnoid haemorrhage CTA was performed primarily. If CTA demonstrated an aneurysm, coiling or clipping was undertaken. IA-DSA was limited to patients with negative or inconclusive CTA findings. We compared CTA images with findings at surgery or coiling in patients with positive CTA findings and in patients with negative and inconclusive findings in whom IA-DSA had been performed. Results In this study, 224 consecutive patients (mean age 52.7 years, 135 women) were included. In 133 patients (59", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/bc/PMC2082066.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4888501", "abstract": "Context The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global public health problem, affecting more than 2 billion people worldwide. Accurate and updated data on HBV prevalence is important for further planning to control the infection. The aim of this study was to update the prevalence estimate of HBV infection in the general population of Iran. Evidence Acquisition A systematic review was done for data on the prevalence of HBV infection in the general Iranian population published between Jan. 1, 1990, and Jan. 1, 2016, in both international and national databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Magiran. All papers with clearly described time and location of the study, proper sampling strategies, and proper analysis methods were included in the present study. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Prevalence of HBV infection with a 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/0d/hepatmon-16-04-35577.PMC4888501.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4451918", "abstract": "The antimalarial drug chloroquine has been suggested as a treatment for Ebola virus infection. Chloroquine inhibited virus replication in vitro, but only at cytotoxic concentrations. In mouse and hamster models, treatment did not improve survival. Chloroquine is not a promising treatment for Ebola. Efforts should be directed toward other drug classes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/02/PMC4451918.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2768992", "abstract": "MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small, non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression via degradation or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. Recent studies have identified that miR-145 is the most abundant miRNA in normal arteries and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and its expression is significantly downregulated in dediffer-entiated VSMCs and atherosclerotic arteries. miR-145 plays a critical role in modulating VSMC phenotype. Because phenotypic modulation of VSMCs is an initial cellular event in the development of atherosclerosis, miRNAs, and miR-145 in particular, may represent new therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/db/PMC2768992.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3296194", "abstract": "Since its proposal in 1994, the amyloid cascade hypothesis has prevailed as the mainstream research subject on the molecular mechanisms leading to the Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most of the field had been historically based on the role of the different forms of aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). However, a soluble intracellular fragment termed amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) is produced in conjunction with Aβ fragments. This peptide had been shown to be highly toxic in both culture neurons and transgenic mice models. With the advent of this new toxic fragment, the centerpiece for the ethiology of the disease may be changed. This paper discusses the potential role of multiprotein complexes between the AICD and its adapter protein Fe65 and how this could be a potentially important new agent in the neurodegeneration observed in the AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b9/16/PMC3296194.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4736957", "abstract": "We conducted a 26-week oral-administration study of ranirestat (an aldose reductase inhibitor) at a once-daily dose of 20 mg to evaluate its efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). The primary endpoint was summed change in sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) for the bilateral sural and proximal median sensory nerves. The sensory NCV was significantly (P = 0.006) improved by ranirestat. On clinical symptoms evaluated with the use of modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS), obvious efficacy was not found in total score. However, improvement in the sensory test domain of the mTCNS was significant (P = 0.037) in a subgroup of patients diagnosed with neuropathy according to the TCNS severity classification. No clinically significant effects on safety parameters including hepatic and renal functions were observed. Our results indicate that ranirestat is effective on DPN (Japic CTI-121994).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/39/PMC4736957.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4304492", "abstract": "Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is defined as acute inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones. AAC occurs in patients after major surgery and in the presence of serious co-morbidities such as severe trauma, burns, sepsis, prolonged intravenous hyperalimentation and hemodynamic instability. AAC is rare in patients with none of the established risk factors. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman who developed AAC after laparoscopic appendectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/08/kjhbps-17-83.PMC4304492.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3103397", "abstract": "Academia should be willing to shoulder some of the responsibility for the current dearth of new therapeutic drugs. Our research funding is predicated on the assumption that it will bring value to society, but our emphasis on scientific specialization hinders our ability to add value when a broader vision is required. A solution is the creation of an academy of science generalists motivated to bring together clinical and basic scientists, academia and the private sector, government legislators and industry. A small investment in academic generalists could yield benefits far beyond its modest cost.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ea/48/1807.PMC3103397.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2756085", "abstract": "The network structure of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels obtained by freezing−thawing cycles was investigated by solid-state 1H low-field NMR spectroscopy. By the application of multiple-quantum NMR experiments, we obtain information about the segmental order parameter, which is directly related to the restrictions on chain motion (cross-links) formed upon gelation. These measurements indicate that the network mesh size as well as the relative amount of nonelastic defects (i.e., non-cross-linked chains, dangling chains, loops) decrease with the number of freezing−thawing cycles but are independent of the polymer concentration. The formation of the PVA network is accompanied by an increasing fraction of polymer with fast magnetization decay (∼20 μs). The quantitative study of this rigid phase with a specific refocusing pulse sequence shows that it is composed of a primary crystalline polymer phase (∼5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/fe/PMC2756085.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2864864", "abstract": "We report a case of intracranial foreign body granuloma that showed features of a high grade tumor on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. However, the relative cerebral blood volume was not increased in the enhancing mass on perfusion MRI and the choline/creatine ratio only slightly increased on MR spectroscopy. The results suggest that the lesion is benign in nature. Perfusion MRI and MR spectroscopy may be helpful to differentiate a foreign body granuloma from a neoplastic condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/8a/kjr-11-359.PMC2864864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4711291", "abstract": "The dislocation shielding field at a crack tip was experimentally proven at the atomic scale by measuring the local strain in front of the crack tip using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and geometric phase analysis (GPA). Single crystalline (110) silicon wafers were employed. Cracks were introduced using a Vickers indenter at room temperature. The crack tip region was observed using HRTEM followed by strain measurements using GPA. The measured strain field at the crack tip was compressive owing to dislocation shielding, which is in good agreement with the strain field calculated from elastic theory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/21/dfv032.PMC4711291.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4041018", "abstract": "The use of electrogenerated acetonitrile anion allows the alkylation of N-Boc-4-aminopyridine in very high yields, under mild conditions and without by-products. The high reactivity of this base is due to its large tetraethylammonium counterion, which leaves the acetonitrile anion “naked.” The deprotection of the obtained compounds led to high yields in N-alkylated 4-aminopyridines. Nonsymmetrically dialkylated 4-aminopyridines were obtained by subsequent reaction of monoalkylated ones with t-BuOK and alkyl halides, while symmetrically dialkylated 4-aminopyridines were obtained by direct reaction of 4-aminopyridine with an excess of t-BuOK and alkyl halides. Some mono- and dialkyl-4-aminopyridines were selected to evaluate antifungal and antiprotozoal activity; the dialkylated 4-aminopyridines 3ac, 3ae and 3ff showed antifungal towards Cryptococcus neoformans; whereas 3cc, 3ee and 3ff showed antiprotozoal activity towards Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/c6/PMC4041018.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4602471", "abstract": "Abstract Cervical spondylosis and hypertension are all common diseases, but the relationship between them has never been studied. Patients with cervical spondylosis are often accompanied with vertigo. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is an effective method of treatment for cervical spondylosis with cervical vertigo that is unresponsive to conservative therapy. We report 2 patients of cervical spondylosis with concomitant cervical vertigo and hypertension who were treated successfully with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Stimulation of sympathetic nerve fibers in pathologically degenerative disc could produce sympathetic excitation, and induce a sympathetic reflex to cause cervical vertigo and hypertension. In addition, chronic neck pain could contribute to hypertension development through sympathetic arousal and failure of normal homeostatic pain regulatory mechanisms. Cervical spondylosis may be one of the causes of secondary hypertension. Early treatment for resolution of symptoms of cervical spondylosis may have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular disease risk in patients with cervical spondylosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/20/medi-94-e618.PMC4602471.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4636174", "abstract": "Herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare disease. In adults, most of the reported cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are seen in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of 67-year-old Chinese male with the coinfection of CMV and herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-II). He had no history of being treated with immunosuppressants, showed symptoms of psychosis and was scored 109 on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. This patient presented with a rare case of coinfection of CMV and herpes simplex virus type II with psychotic symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/30/ndt-11-2833.PMC4636174.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2963780", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the surgical clip-related complications that can occur after open retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), pure laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP), and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Materials and Methods A database of 641 patients who underwent RRP (n=439), LRP (n=49), and RALP (n=153) at our institution between January 2006 and April 2009 was reviewed to identify patients with complications related to the use of surgical clips. The median follow-up time for the entire cohort was 19.0 months (range, 1-42 months). Results Of the 641 patients, 25 (5.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/c6/kju-51-683.PMC2963780.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4915211", "abstract": "Background Pharmacological knowledge and medication management skills of student nurses greatly depend on the clinical nurse educators’ performance in this critical issue. However, the Iranian nurse educators’ performance in teaching pharmacology and medication management are not adequately studied. Objectives The current study aimed to investigate the nursing students’ perceptions on the status of clinical pharmaceutical and medication management education. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on all 152 nursing students registered in the seventh and eighth semesters at the Qom and Naragh branches of Islamic Azad University, and Kashan University of Medical Sciences in 2013 - 2014 academic year. The students’ perceptions on the performance of clinical nurse educators in teaching pharmacology and medication management were assessed using a researcher made questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 31 items regarding clinical educators’ performance in teaching pharmacology and medication management and two questions about students’ satisfaction with their level of knowledge and skills in pharmacology and medication management. Descriptive statistics was employed and analysis of variance was performed to compare the mean of scores of teaching pharmacology and medication management in the three universities. Results Among a total of 152 subjects, 82.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/12/nms-05-01-29913.PMC4915211.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3299949", "abstract": "We presented a case that an acute in-stent thrombosis after the deployment of a Wingspan stent was successfully managed with a stent in-stent technique. Because vessel perforation and subarachnoid hemorrhage were iatrogenically developed during the procedure, we were unable to use the thrombolytic agents to correct the in-stent thrombosis. When a thrombotic complication following an intracranial stent placement occurs with a coincidentally hemorrhagic complication, the stent in-stent technique should be considered as a treatment option.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/ba/ni-7-40.PMC3299949.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4862389", "abstract": "Background Childhood tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and debilitating condition for the child and family. Low-cost nonpharmacological treatments are usually the first choice of professionals and parents. This study examined the outcomes of specific strength training for girls with TTH. Methods Forty-nine girls aged 9–18 years with TTH were randomized to patient education programs with 10 weeks of strength training and compared with those who were counseled by a nurse and physical therapist. Primary outcomes were headache frequency, intensity, and duration; secondary outcomes were neck–shoulder muscle strength, aerobic power, and pericranial tenderness, measured at baseline, after 10 weeks intervention, and at 12 weeks follow-up. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires were assessed at baseline and after 24 months. Results For both groups, headache frequency decreased significantly, P=0.001, as did duration, P=0.022, with no significant between-group differences. The odds of having headache on a random day decreased over the 22 weeks by 0.65 (0.50–0.84) (odds ratio [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/08/jpr-9-257.PMC4862389.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3221367", "abstract": "Although a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in protection and immunopathology during blood-stage malaria has emerged, the mechanisms involved in regulating the adaptive immune response especially those required to maintain a balance between beneficial and deleterious responses remain unclear. Recent evidence suggests the importance of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC) and CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in regulating immune responses during infection and autoimmune disease, but information concerning the contribution of these cells to regulating immunity to malaria is limited. Here, we review recent findings from our laboratory and others in experimental models of malaria in mice and in Plasmodium-infected humans on the roles of DC and natural regulatory T cells in regulating adaptive immunity to blood-stage malaria.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/38/ijbsv07p1311.PMC3221367.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3118689", "abstract": "Silver nanoparticles were fabricated by ablation of a pure silver plate immersed in castor oil. A Nd:YAG-pulsed Q-switch laser with 1064-nm wavelength and 10-Hz frequency was used to ablate the plate for 10 minutes. The sample was characterized by ultraviolet-visible, atomic absorption, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy. The results of the fabricated sample showed that the nanoparticles in castor oil were about 5-nm in diameter, well dispersed, and showed stability for a long period of time.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/ff/PMC3118689.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2950047", "abstract": "γδ T lymphocytes are a numerically small subset of T cells with potent cytotoxic activity against a variety of tumor cells. Human γδ T cells expressing the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell antigen receptor recognize endogenous pyrophosphate molecules that are overproduced in transformed cells. Moreover, the intracellular accumulation of such pyrophosphates is strongly enhanced by aminobisphosphonates used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis in certain cancer patients. A new concept of cancer immunotherapy is based on the endogenous activation of γδ T cells with aminobisphosphonates plus low-dose interleukin-2.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/86/1757-5931-0002-0000000045.PMC2950047.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5385770", "abstract": "Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lympho-proliferative disorder due to faulty immune regulation resulting in proliferation of lymphatic tissue. The vascular supply to these lesions have been reported to arise from the bronchial, internal mammary and the intercostal arteries. We report a case of hemoptysis secondary to intrathoracic CD with vascular supply arising from the left inferior phrenic artery which was successfully embolised with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/91/IJRI-27-33.PMC5385770.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4392515", "abstract": " Introduction Mucoceles are benign expansive cystic formations, composed of a mucus-secreting epithelium (respiratory or pseudostratified epithelium). Nasolacrimal mucocele occurs in a small proportion of children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and is characterized by a cystic mass in the medial canthus with dilation of the nasolacrimal duct; although dacryocystoceles are rare in adults, they have been reported in patients with trachoma.  Objective Discuss clinical aspects, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of mucocele of nasolacrimal duct based on literature review.  Resumed Report The authors report a case of bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct cysts in a 30-year-old man, identified as a tumor in the topography of both lacrimal sacs since birth without associated symptoms. The patient underwent successive surgical treatments, leading to recurrence of the tumor at the right side and recurrent local infections.  Conclusion Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy has been increasingly used with good results and success rates similar to the external access.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/42/PMC4392515.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3402112", "abstract": "Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans and its complex emotional and behavioral characteristics affect veterans’ partners and the quality of their relationships. Although most research focuses on the effects of veterans’ PTSD on their partners/wives and their relationships, not many findings have been established on partner adjustment and marriage quality when wives suffer from PTSD as well. Objective The aim of the research was to examine the relationship between war-related posttraumatic stress symptoms and partner's marital satisfaction in couples where one or both partners suffer from PTSD. Design The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Dyadic Adjustment Scale encompassed 154 war veterans and their wives who had been treated at Mostar Clinical Hospital in Bosnia and Herzegovina for combat-related PTSD as well as 77 veterans who did not suffer from PTSD and their wives. Results Veterans’ PTSD is related to lower levels of marital adjustment of their wives. Marital adjustment was significantly lower in couples where both partners had PTSD compared with couples where only the veteran had PTSD or neither partner had PTSD. Female partner's marital adjustment is best explained by his avoidance symptoms and her own level of depressiveness and re-experiencing symptoms. Conclusions The results highlight the importance of recognizing PTSD in wives of traumatized veterans as well as the importance of family approach in the treatment of PTSD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/da/EJPT-2-8077.PMC3402112.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4792976", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess how stretching exercise training and sling exercise training for stabilization influences the cervical spine angles and cervical range of motion of straight neck patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty straight neck patients were selected as subjects and they were randomly divided into two groups, the stretching and sling stabilization exercise groups which 60 minutes of exercise three times a week for 6weeks. All the subjects in each of the two respective study groups received an X-ray and had their cervical range of motion measured, both before and after the exercise. [Results] When differences in the cervical spine angle between the pre- and the post-test were checked, it was found that only the stretching exercise group showed statistically significant decreases in the craniovertebral angle and the cranial rotation angle. When differences in the range of motion between pre- and post-test were checked, the sling stabilization exercise group showed a significant change in flexion, right rotation, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, and the stretching exercise group showed a significant change in left rotation, left lateral bending, and right lateral bending. [Conclusion] These results indicate that both types of exercises are effective at improving the cervical range of motion of straight neck patients, and that the stretching exercise was more effective than the sling stabilization exercise at improving cervical spine angles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/87/jpts-28-372.PMC4792976.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4427073", "abstract": "Introduction Tuberculosis of the prostate is a rare complication of miliary tuberculosis. Case presentation We report a 32-year-old Iranian male diagnosed with a case of miliary tuberculosis affecting the prostate. The patient was admitted to the hospital with convulsions. Computerized tomography increased the clinical suspicion of miliary tuberculosis extending to the prostate where a trans-rectal urethral biopsy was obtained. The biopsy revealed multiple necrotizing granulomata suggestive of tuberculosis. Conclusion A strong clinical suspicion and availability of sophisticated tests with confirmation by biopsy, polymerase chain reaction, and culture are needed in order to avoid misdiagnosis of complicated miliary tuberculosis cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/fe/imcrj-8-099.PMC4427073.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4932889", "abstract": "Females of several species of dipteran parasitoids use long-range hearing to locate hosts for their offspring by eavesdropping on the acoustic mating calls of other insects. Males of these acoustic eavesdropping parasitoids also have physiologically functional ears, but so far, no adaptive function for male hearing has been discovered. I investigated the function of male hearing for the sarcophagid fly Emblemasoma erro Aldrich, an acoustic parasitoid of cicadas, by testing the hypothesis that both male and female E. erro use hearing to locate potential mates. I found that both male and nongravid female E. erro perform phonotaxis to the sounds of calling cicadas, that male flies engage in short-range, mate-finding behavior once they arrive at a sound source, and that encounters between females and males at a sound source can lead to copulation. Thus, cicada calling songs appear to serve as a mate-finding cue for both sexes of E. erro. Emblemasoma erro’s mate-finding behavior is compared to that of other sarcophagid flies, other acoustic parasitoids, and nonacoustic eavesdropping parasitoids.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/d0/iew048.PMC4932889.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4649752", "abstract": "Persistent left superior vena cava is a congenital vascular anomaly, which is possibly arrhythmogenic and thrombogenic, rarely complicated with coronary sinus atresia. We treated a 42-year-old male with Hodgkin's lymphoma requiring central venous catheter placement for intensive chemotherapy. Persistent left superior vena cava was revealed after the insertion of the central venous catheter by the radiological finding of the catheter tip cannulated into the vena cava cavity. The relationship between coronary sinus atresia and persistent left superior vena cava induced by central venous catheterization remains unclear; however, the hematologist should pay attention to the malpositioning of the central venous catheter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/e3/cro-0008-0478.PMC4649752.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4047230", "abstract": " [Purpose] This study determined the difference between flatfeet and normal feet in humans on an ascending slope using electromyography (EMG). [Subjects] This study was conducted on 30 adults having normal feet (n=15) and flatfeet (n=15), all of whom were 21 to 30 years old. [Methods] A treadmill (AC5000M, SCIFIT,) was used to analyze kinematic features during gait. These features were analyzed at slow, normal, and fast gait velocities on an ascending slope. A surface electromyogram (TeleMyo 2400T, Noraxon Co., USA) was used to measure muscle activity changes. [Results] The activities of most muscles in the subjects with flatfeet were significantly different from the muscle activities in the subjects with normal feet at different gait velocities on an ascending slope. There were significant differences in the vastus medialis and abductor hallucis muscles. [Conclusion] Because muscle activation of the vastus medialis in relation to stability of the lower extremity has a tendency to increase with an increase in gait velocity on an ascending slope, we hypothesized that higher impact transfer to the knee joints occurs in subjects with flatfeet due to the lack of a medial longitudinal arch and that the abductor halluces muscles, which provide dynamic stability to the medial longitudinal arches, do not activate well when they are needed in subjects with flatfeet.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/89/jpts-26-675.PMC4047230.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4270668", "abstract": "Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Global statistics indicate increasing rates of this cancer. Nutrition, diet, and healthy behaviors are among influential factors in prevalence of breast cancer, and possibly affect its incidence through inflammatory and immune system responses. Objectives: This study was designed to compare nutritional and unhealthy behaviors in women with and without breast cancer referred to Mahdieh Imaging Center in Hamadan in 2013. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted on 232 women with r and without breast cancer referred to Mahdieh Imaging Center of Hamadan, Iran) in 2013 using random sampling method. Data were collected using nutritional and unhealthy behaviors questionnaires, and analyzed with SPSS-17 software using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney, independent t, and chi-square tests. Results: The mean scores of feeding type in the patients with and without breast cancer was 56.14 and 66.25, respectively. Results obtained from data analysis showed that there was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of nutrition (P < 0.001), but no relationship was observed between breast cancer and unhealthy behaviors. Conclusions: Given the results, improving skills, training and awareness is necessary for women and emphasis on modified diet is recommended as a non-medical option for prevention of breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/82/ircmj-16-09-19684.PMC4270668.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4692830", "abstract": "Objective The objective of the study was to examine whether cardiac resynchronisation therapy upgrade procedures are more complex and associated with more complications than de novo implantations. Method We retrospectively compared 134 upgrade procedures performed between 2006–2012 with a random, equally sized, sample of de novo CRT device implantations in the same period. Procedural data and the occurrence of periprocedural (≤ 30 days) and long-term device-related (≤ 1 year) complications were analysed. Complications with consequences were defined as those in need of adjustment of standard care. Results Median time to upgrade was 57 (31–115) months. There were no significant differences in procedure duration, radiation time or total hospitalisation between upgrades and de novo implantations. Perioperative complications occurred in 6.7 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c7/93/PMC4692830.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5210408", "abstract": "Background Oxidative stress is mechanistically linked to the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF). Antioxidative functions of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have been found impaired in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy; however, the impact of antioxidative HDL capacities on clinical outcome in CHF patients is unknown. We therefore investigated the predictive value of antioxidative HDL function on mortality in a representative cohort of patients with CHF. Methods and Results We prospectively enrolled 320 consecutive patients admitted to our outpatient department for heart failure and determined antioxidative HDL function using the HDL oxidative index (HOI). During a median follow‐up time of 2.8 (IQR: 1.8‐4.9) years, 88 (27.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/6f/JAH3-5-e004169.PMC5210408.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4508358", "abstract": "Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide. Vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge are the most common symptoms. Although ascites has been reported in cases with cervical cancer, it is due to other causes such as ovarian metastasis. Case Presentation: A 78-year-old diabetic woman who presented with ascites and abdominopelvic mass was misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. However, pathology confirmed locally advanced cervical cancer stage IV in this patient. She was discharged from the hospital three weeks after surgery with no serious complications. Discussion: Considering all signs and symptoms to reach a verdict would reduce such malpractices and consequently lead to select the best management and treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/cd/PMC4508358.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4581364", "abstract": "Background: Exposure to Air pollution PM10 results in lung inflammation increased risk of lung cancer. Regular aerobic exercise improves the inflammatory status in different lung diseases. However, the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on the pulmonary response to PM10 have not been investigated.  Objectives: The present study evaluated the effect of aerobic exercise on the lung inflammatory and risk of lung cancer of rat exposed to PM10 carbon black. Materials and Methods: Twenty four adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: A: control (without exposure PM10 and aerobic exercise; n = 6), B: aerobic exercise (five times per week for 4 weeks; n = 6), C: exposure to PM10 carbon black (5 mg/m3; per rat; n = 6), D: and aerobic exercise concomitantly with exposure to PM10 carbon black (n = 6). The gene expression of TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α were analyzed in lung tissue by Real time-PCR. In order to determine the significant differences between groups, one way ANOVA and LSD post hoc and Kruskal-Vallis test were used. Results: Aerobic exercise inhibited the PM10 -induced increase in the gene expression of TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α. But there was significant different only between B and C groups for TNF-α and NF-κB (P = 0.047, 0.014, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude that four week aerobic exercise presents protective effects in a rat model of PM10 carbon black-induced lung inflammation and risk of lung cancer. Our results indicate a need for human studies that evaluate the lung Responses to aerobic exercise chronically performed in polluted areas. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/cc/ijcp-08-2333.PMC4581364.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3542294", "abstract": "A case of intracranial ganglioneuroma arising from the trigeminal nerve in the pontine and cerebellopontine angle cistern, in a 44-year-old female, is presented with an emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging findings. We will discuss on how the tumor in the very unusual location should be differentiated particularly focused on diffusion-weighted imaging findings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/37/kjr-14-118.PMC3542294.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4020396", "abstract": "The epithelial ovarian carcinoma is one of the most fatal gynecological cancers. Etoposide is used in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Sodium hyaluronate is a substance that binds to the CD44 receptors overexpressed in SK-OV-3 cells of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The aim of the present work was to study the cytotoxicity effect of hyaluronate targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of etoposide on SK-OV-3 cells. The cytotoxicity of the targeted and nontargeted SLNs of etoposide was compared to free drug on the SK-OV-3 cells by MTT assay method. The cellular uptake of the targeted and nontargeted nanoparticles containing sodium fluorescein was also studied. The difference of cell vitality between nontargeted nanoparticles and also targeted nanoparticles with free drug was significant. Targeted nanoparticles also caused more toxicity than nontargeted nanoparticles (P < 0.05). After 4 hours of incubating, the fluorescence was remarkably higher in the cells treated by targeted SLNs rather than nontargeted ones, and there was no observable fluorescence in cells incubated with pure sodium fluorescein. Hyaluronate targeted SLNs containing etoposide increased the cytotoxicity of etoposide on SK-OV-3 cells which may be a worthwhile potential method for reducing the prescribed dose and systemic side effects of this drug in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/4e/PMC4020396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4715408", "abstract": " Background: This study compares the clinical characteristics of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) with those who have temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to other etiologies.   Methods: In this retrospective study all patients with a clinical diagnosis of TLE were recruited in a referral outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from September 2008 to May 2013. We classified the patients with TLE as having mesial temporal sclerosis if they had clear signs of mesial temporal sclerosis and/or atrophy in their MRI and others who had any other MRI abnormality.   Results: A total of 174 patients were studied (including 105 patients with mTLE-HS and 69 patients with TLE due to other etiologies). Frequency of seizure types was not significantly different between these two groups. Earlier age at epilepsy onset (p= 0.005), a past history of febrile seizures (p= 0.010) and presence of affective auras (p= 0.008) were commonly seen in patients with mTLEHS, while auditory auras (p= 0.020) were more frequent in those with TLE due to other etiologies.   Conclusion: The mainstay for making a correct diagnosis, when evaluating a patient with seizure, is having a standardized approach, particularly with regard to taking a detailed clinical history. One may find important clues in the clinical history (e.g., age at disease onset, detailed seizure description and past history) to make a correct diagnosis. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/cc/MJIRI-29-263.PMC4715408.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3504446", "abstract": " Objective. Discuss the changes and roles of PAF in the reproductive tract infection by observing the expression of platelet activating factor (PAF) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in seminal plasma of patients with leukocytospermia. Methods. The seminal plasma was obtained from 22 cases of leukocytospermia and 15 cases of normal males; the peroxidase dyeing method was adopted for seminal plasma white blood count; the ELISA was adopted to test PAF and TNF-α concentration in seminal plasma. Result. PAF concentration (2.14 ± 0.43 ng/mL) of leukocytospermia group was significantly lower than the normal group (6.21 ± 1.38 ng/mL, P < 0.01) while TNF-α (5.51 ± 1.46 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of normal group (3.48 ± 1.08 ng/mL). There was negative correlation between PAF and TNF-α , (r = −0.68, P < 0.01); the same situation existed in PAF and WBC (r = −0.62, P < 0.01); but TNF-α was positively correlated to WBC (r = 0.77, P < 0.01). Conclusion. (1) Low expression of PAF and high expression of TNF-α in leukocytospermia affect the sperm motility, which is one of the reasons that leads to infertility. (2) Lower expression of PAF has its particularity during the reproductive tract infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/ed/PMC3504446.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5173511", "abstract": "This report describes a rare case of recurrent bilateral focal myositis and its successful treatment via methotrexate. A 38-year-old man presented myalgia of the right gastrocnemius in May 2005. Magnetic resonance imaging showed very high signal intensity in the right gastrocnemius on short-tau inversion recovery images. A muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory CD4+ cell-dominant myogenic change. Focal myositis was diagnosed. The first steroid treatment was effective. Tapering of prednisolone, however, repeatedly induced myositis relapse, which progressed to multiple muscle lesions of both lower limbs. Initiation of methotrexate finally allowed successful tapering of prednisolone, with no relapse in the past 4 years. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/fc/1349-7235-55-3369.PMC5173511.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3930839", "abstract": "Use of biomarkers in clinical practice has proved extremely valuable and is a rapidly expanding field. However, despite the huge potential of biomarkers, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) there are currently no validated paediatric biomarkers available to help with setting up a more tailored approach on which drug choice could be based, to achieve remission early in the course of disease. Early remission reduces burden of disease, limits side effects from toxic and unnecessary medication, and, most importantly, enhances quality of life. Several studies have suggested promising biomarkers: these may be a protein, cellular component, mRNA, or genetic component, for example a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Here we describe recent developments in the use of biomarkers for JIA and their potential to assist in management of disease by predicting disease phenotype, severity, progression, and response to treatment, and determining when patients have reached stable remission and can safely discontinue treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7c/6b/PMC3930839.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3367337", "abstract": "We traced the Chlamydia trachomatis L2b variant in Amsterdam and San Francisco. All recent lymphogranuloma venereum cases in Amsterdam were caused by the L2b variant. This variant was also present in the 1980s in San Francisco. Thus, the current \"outbreak\" is most likely a slowly evolving epidemic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/60/PMC3367337.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4820621", "abstract": " Objective. To examine pregnancy and birth outcomes among women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or chronic ITP (cITP) diagnosed before or during pregnancy. Methods. A linkage of mothers and babies within a large US health insurance database that combines enrollment data, pharmacy claims, and medical claims was carried out to identify pregnancies in women with ITP or cITP. Outcomes included preterm birth, elective and spontaneous loss, and major congenital anomalies. Results. Results suggest that women diagnosed with ITP or cITP prior to their estimated date of conception may be at higher risk for stillbirth, fetal loss, and premature delivery. Among 446 pregnancies in women with ITP, 346 resulted in live births. Women with cITP experienced more adverse outcomes than those with a pregnancy-related diagnosis of ITP. Although 7.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/50/PMC4820621.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5417018", "abstract": "Ictal bradycardia, which is considered to be one of the causes of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, is rare. A 10-year-old girl with focal cortical dysplasia in her right centroparietal region developed transient ictal bradycardia during cluster seizures. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high signal intensity lesion adjacent to the focal cortical dysplasia lesion. Ictal 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) detected hyperperfusion in an area containing the high signal intensity lesion, which was located close to the insular cortex. Since the hyperperfusion zone observed on SPECT was considered to reflect seizure propagation, it is possible that the ictal bradycardia experienced in the present case was caused by the following mechanism: The repetitive seizure activity caused the high-intensity lesion seen on MRI to expand into the right insular cortex, which controls cardiac rhythm, resulting in ictal bradycardia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/7b/10.1177_2329048X15595818.PMC5417018.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5421982", "abstract": "Experienced runners appear to naturally select a stride length which is optimal for minimizing oxygen uptake. However, whether this ability is naturally built into the human body or whether it is learned through experience has not been previously tested. This study investigated whether inexperienced runners are as capable as experienced runners of self-optimizing stride length to minimize oxygen uptake. Thirty-three subjects (nineteen experienced and fourteen inexperienced) ran for twenty-minutes while preferred and economical stride lengths were measured. A t-test checked for differences between the experienced and inexperienced groups in the percent increase of oxygen uptake due to not running at the most economical stride length. No difference was found between groups with the increase in oxygen uptake due to not being optimized (p=0.47). The average percent increase in oxygen uptake above the most economical for inexperienced and experienced runners was 1.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/35/4b/PMC5421982.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5429082", "abstract": "Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of 10 volatile oils extracted from medicinal plants, including galangal (Alpinia galanga Linn.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), plai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.), tree basil (Ocimum gratissimum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus DC.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) against four standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and 30 clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDR-A. baumannii). Materials and Methods: Agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were employed for the determination of bactericidal activity of water distilled medicinal plants. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) was used as positive control in this study. Results: The results indicated the volatile oil extracted from cinnamon exhibited potent antibacterial activity against the most common human pathogens, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii. Most of volatile oil extracts were less effective against non-fermentative bacteria, P. aeruginosa. In addition, volatile oil extracted from cinnamon, clove, and tree basil possessed potent bactericidal activity against MDR-A. baumannii with MBC90 of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The volatile oil extracts would be useful as alternative natural product for the treatment of the most common human pathogens and MDR-A. baumannii infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/1a/JIE-6-218.PMC5429082.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5325094", "abstract": "Mirabegron is a relatively new drug introduced to treat overactive bladder syndrome. It can be used either on its own or as part of a combination. This drug has been extensively studied, with a good number of Phase II and Phase III trials showing promising outcomes. These studies show that mirabegron is an effective, well-tolerated drug, which could have some adverse effects of concern. In this review, we look at the trials on mirabegron, as well as its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and side effects as documented in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/49/dddt-11-463.PMC5325094.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4133963", "abstract": "Pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) carry a major risk for poor fetal, neonatal and maternal outcomes. Achieving normoglycemia while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia is a major goal in the management of T1D as this can greatly reduce the risk of complications. However, maintaining optimal glucose levels is challenging because insulin requirements are not uniform throughout the course of the pregnancy. Over the past decade, there has been significant improvement in the methods for glucose monitoring and insulin administration, accompanied by an increase in the number of treatment options available to pregnant patients with T1D. Through study of the scientific literature and accumulated evidence, we review advances in the management of T1D in pregnancy and offer advice on how to achieve optimal care for the patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/e6/JMF-27-1270.PMC4133963.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2526525", "abstract": "The objectives of this cohort analysis were to explore the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to evaluate the ability to detect IR in subjects fulfilling those criteria. We enrolled 511 healthy subjects (218 men and 283 women) and measured their blood pressure (BP), body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and fasting plasma glucose levels. Insulin suppression testing was done to measure insulin sensitivity as the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) value. Subjects with an SSPG value within the top 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/0e/jkms-23-465.PMC2526525.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4484645", "abstract": "Purpose The present study aims to investigate the number and characteristics of retinal detachment with atopic dermatitis (AD) in these 20 years, and the number of the first visit AD outpatients in almost the same period. Methods A retrospective review of 101 consecutive surgically treated retinal detachments with AD patients from 1992 to 2011 was conducted. Retinal detachments were divided into two groups: eyes operated on from 1992 to 2001 (former AD group, n=63) and eyes operated on from 2002 to 2011 (recent AD group, n=38). We also reviewed the records of the first visit AD outpatients from 1993 to 2011 except 1998. Results The percentage of bilateral detachment was significantly higher in the former AD group (14/63) than that in the recent AD group (0/38) (P=0.0002). In addition, patients in the recent AD group were significantly older than those in the former AD group (P=0.0084). The annual cases with non-AD retinal detachment remained invariant for 20 years. The ratio of the retinal detachment with AD for the total retinal detachment was significantly lower in the recent (38/847) AD group than that in the former (63/796) AD group (P=0.0038). The number of the first visit AD outpatients linearly decreased in these 19 years (153 cases in 1993 and 65 cases in 2011). Conclusion Our study indicates an apparent decrease in retinal detachment with AD in the recent 10 years, and might suggest the importance of dermatitis control for prevention of retinal detachment with AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/b9/opth-9-1129.PMC4484645.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4748767", "abstract": "A 62-year-old man with a history of long-term asbestos exposure was found to have a chest wall tumor invading the sixth rib on chest computed tomography. The computed tomography also revealed multiple plaques in the pleura. Malignant pleural mesothelioma was suspected, and thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Thoracoscopy revealed that the tumor location was extrapleural. Thus, excisional biopsy was performed. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. Additional wide resection of the chest wall, including the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs, was performed. Chest wall reconstruction was performed with a polypropylene mesh.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/db/cro-0009-0011.PMC4748767.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3394995", "abstract": "Purpose Soft tissue recessions frequently cause esthetic disharmony and dissatisfaction. Compared with soft tissue coverage around a tooth, the coverage of an implant site is obviously unpredictable. Particularly in the cases of thin mucosa, a significant greater amount of recession takes place compared to thick mucosa. To overcome this problem, this case report demonstrates a two-step mucosal dehiscence coverage technique for an endosseous implant. Methods A 33-year-old female visited us with the chief complaint of dissatisfaction with the esthetics of an exposed implant in the maxillary left cental incisor region. A partial-thickness pouch was constructed around the dehiscence. A subepithelial connective tissue graft was positioned in the apical site of the implant and covered by a mucosal flap with normal tension. At 12 months after surgery, the recipient site was partially covered by keratinized mucosa. However, the buccal interdental papilla between implant on maxillary left central incisor region and adjacent lateral incisor was concave in shape. To resolve the mucosal recession after the first graft, a second graft was performed with the same technique. Results An esthetically satisfactory result was achieved and the marginal soft tissue level was stable 9 months after the second graft. Conclusions The second graft was able to resolve the mucosal recession after first graft. This two-step approach has the potential to improve the certainty of esthetic results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/08/jpis-42-105.PMC3394995.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3195538", "abstract": "This paper reports on and synthesizes new research that examines how a collaborative community response can promote successful aging in place for older adults with hoarding behaviour. Through interviews with older adults with hoarding behaviour, who used a particular community support and a focus group interview with members of the community collaborative that directed supports for this population, our findings suggest that there were valuable outcomes for both groups. These older adults with hoarding behaviour were able to remain in their own homes, their safety was enhanced, their sense of isolation was minimized, empowerment was fostered, and they gained valuable insight into their behaviour. The members of the community collaborative were able to access the expertise of other professionals, maximize their own expertise, and they generated an enhanced understanding of the experience of older adults living with hoarding behaviour in Edmonton. This study is a significant addition to the much too sparse literature about the community planning needs of older adults with hoarding behaviour. It offers knowledge that is integral to theories and principles of better aging in place but attempts to translate this into practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/b6/PMC3195538.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2855464", "abstract": "Purpose We aimed to prove the safety and feasibility of right-sided hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). Materials and Methods Between May 2006 and May 2009, 16 patients underwent right-sided HALDN at our institution. Of these patients, 15 showed significantly lower renal function in the right kidney than in the left one and 1 had a stone in the right kidney. When the right renal vein was divided, an EndoGIA stapling device was placed on the wall of the inferior vena cava to gain a maximal length of the vein. We evaluated intraoperative and postoperative parameters such as operative time, delivery time, warm ischemic time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, length of hospital stay, and serum creatinine levels of donors (at the time of discharge) and recipients (4 weeks postoperatively), comparing the right-sided HALDN group (our study) with a left-sided HALDN group (from a previously reported study). Results A total of 16 right-sided HALDNs were successfully performed without any complications or open conversion. All of the intraoperative and postoperative parameters were similar between the right-sided HALDN and left-sided HALDN groups. There were no technical problems in the recipients in the anastomosis of the renal vein, and the ureteral anastomoses were also successful. Conclusions Right-sided HALDN is safe and technically feasible in a donor, showing favorable graft outcomes. The results of our study suggest that right-sided HALDN may be preferable in patients with significantly lower renal function in the right kidney than in the left one.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/a4/kju-51-34.PMC2855464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4931217", "abstract": "Abstract Primary pyomyositis is a pyogenic and uncommon infection of skeletal muscle, which is mainly observed in tropical areas and/or human immunodeficiency virus patients. In non‐human immunodeficiency virus infected patients, the most common cause is diabetes mellitus. Because of its rarity, the accurate diagnosis is often challenging. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative bacteria. According to the severity, pyomyositis is divided into three stages, and the late stage is occasionally lethal. The present case was compatible with the most advanced stage. Therefore, it was very difficult to save her life without precise and timely diagnosis. Furthermore, in the invasive stage, surgical drainage and broad‐spectrum antibiotics should be given for a long enough period. Here, we report a case of a Japanese woman who developed disseminated abscesses under poorly controlled diabetic conditions accompanied by ketoacidosis, but was successfully treated without any sequelae.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/b3/JDI-7-637.PMC4931217.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4217266", "abstract": "Implants are typically placed after performing ridge expansion by inserting screws of gradually increasing thickness and good clinical outcomes are often obtained. We placed 11 implants in 6 patients, and one implant failed during osseointegration but it was replaced immediately after removal and successful prosthetic treatments were completed. During these surgeries, buccal cortical plate complete fractures do not occur. Inserting screws for ridge expansion is a successful and predictable technique for implant placement in narrow alveolar bone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/36/jkaoms-40-233.PMC4217266.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5384053", "abstract": "Abstract A quantitative observational laboratory study was conducted to characterize and classify core training exercises executed in a suspension modality on the base of muscle activation. In a prospective single-group repeated measures design, seventeen active male participants performed four suspension exercises typically associated with core training (roll-out, bodysaw, pike and knee-tuck). Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from lower and upper parts of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, lower and upper parts of erector spinae muscles using concentric bipolar electrodes. The average rectified values of electromyographic signals were normalized with respect to individual maximum voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle. Roll-out exercise showed the highest activation of rectus abdominis and oblique muscles compared to the other exercises. The rectus abdominis and external oblique reached an activation higher than 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/37/PMC5384053.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC420039", "abstract": "Research in the intensive care unit (ICU) is commonly thought to pose 'serious risk' to study participants. This perception may be at the root of a variety of impediments to the conduct of clinical trials in the ICU setting. Component analysis offers a promising approach to the ethical analysis of ICU research. Because clinical trials commonly involve a mixture of study interventions, therapeutic and nontherapeutic procedures must be analyzed separately. Therapeutic procedures must meet the requirement of clinical equipoise. Risks associated with nontherapeutic procedures must be minimized consistent with sound scientific design, and be deemed reasonable in relation to the knowledge to be gained. When research involves a vulnerable population, such as adults incapable of providing informed consent, nontherapeutic risks are limited to a minor increase over minimal risk. Understood in this way, the incremental risk posed by participation in ICU research may be minimal. This realization has important implications for review by institutional review boards of such research and for the informed consent process.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/4f/PMC420039.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4998119", "abstract": "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by dense deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein in the brain, failure of the memory and dementia. At present, there is no cure for AD and current treatments only provide a temporary reduction of symptoms. Thus, there is a need for effective preventive/curative strategic approaches. Accordingly, epidemiological studies have reported a reduction in the prevalence of AD in individuals ingesting low amounts of alcohol, while a moderate consumption of ethanol may protect against Aβ. These data are conflicting with other observations that assigned detrimental effects of heavy alcohol use on brain function, which are apparently similar to those observed in AD. These discrepancies questioned whether or not alcohol is a protective agent against the development of AD, whether the probable protective effects are influenced by the quantity and/or frequency of drinking. These issues are addressed in this review with the aim to suggest the real risk of alcohol for developing or preventing AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/48/etm-12-03-1247.PMC4998119.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4049884", "abstract": "Facet degeneration can lead to spinal stenosis and instability, and often requires stabilization. Interbody fusion is commonly performed, but it can lead to adjacent-segment disease. Dynamic posterior stabilization was performed using a total facet arthroplasty system. The total facet arthroplasty system was originally intended to restore the natural motion of the posterior stabilizers, but follow-up studies are lacking due to limited clinical use. We studied the first 14 cases (long-term follow-up) treated with this new device in our clinic. All patients were diagnosed with lumbar stenosis due to hypertrophy of the articular facets on one to three levels (maximum). Disk space was of normal height. The design of this implant allows its use only at levels L3–L4 and L4–L5. We implanted nine patients at the L4–L5 level and four patients at level L3–L4. Postoperative follow-up of the patients was obtained for an average of 3.7 years. All patients reported persistent improvement of symptoms, visual analog scale score, and Oswestry Disability Index score. Functional scores and dynamic radiographic imaging demonstrated the functional efficacy of this new implant, which represents an alternative technique and a new approach to dynamic stabilization of the vertebral column after interventions for spine decompression. The total facet arthroplasty system represents a viable option for dynamic posterior stabilization after spinal decompression. For the observed follow-up, it preserved motion without significant complications or apparent intradisk or adjacent-disk degeneration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/fb/mder-7-157.PMC4049884.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2442628", "abstract": "Retinoic acid–inducible gene (RIG)-I–like receptors (RLRs) are cytosolic RNA helicases that sense viral RNA and trigger signaling pathways that induce the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. RLRs recognize distinct and overlapping sets of viruses, but the mechanisms that dictate this specificity were unknown. A new study now provides evidence for size-based discrimination of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by RLRs and suggests how host cells recognize a variety of RNA viruses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/fd/jem2051523.PMC2442628.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4764289", "abstract": " Background: To determine whether using mechanical ventilation in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) influences motor development of low birth weight (LBW) infants and to compare their motor development with normal birth weight (NBW) infants at the age of 8 to 12 months using Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 2 (PDMS-2).   Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 70 LBW infants in two groups, mechanical ventilation (MV) group, n=35 and without mechanical ventilation (WMV) group, n=35 and 40 healthy NBW infants matched with LBW group for age. Motor quotients were determined using PDMS-2 and compared in all groups using ANOVA statistical method and SPSS version 17.   Results: Comparison of the mean developmental motor quotient (DMQ) of both MV and WMV groups showed significant differences with NBW group (p< 0.05). Also, significant difference was found between the gross DMQ of MV group and WMV group (p< 0.05). Moreover, in MV group, both gross and fine motor quotients were considered as below average (16.12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/59/6c/MJIRI-29-301.PMC4764289.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905830", "abstract": "Saliva as a sampling method is a low invasive technique for the detection of physiologically active substances, as opposed to sampling the plasma or serum. In this study, we obtained glucocorticoids transferred from the blood to the saliva from mice treated with 2.0 mg/kg via an intraperitoneal injection of cortisol. Next, to evaluate the effect of restraint stress using mouse saliva—collected under anesthesia by mixed anesthetic agents—we measured plasma and salivary corticosterone levels at 60 min after restraint stress. Moreover, to evaluate salivary corticosterone response to stress in the same individual mouse, an adequate recovery period (1, 3 and 7 days) after anesthesia was examined. The results demonstrate that exogenous cortisol was detected in the saliva and the plasma, in mice treated with cortisol. Restraint stress significantly increased corticosterone levels in both the plasma and saliva (P<0.001). Monitoring the results of individual mice showed that restraint stress significantly increased salivary corticosterone levels in all three groups (1-, 3- and 7-day recovery). However, the statistical evidence of corticosterone increase is stronger in the 7-day recovery group (P<0.001) than in the others (P<0.05). These results suggest that the corticosterone levels in saliva reflect its levels in the plasma, and salivary corticosterone is a useful, less-invasive biomarker of physical stress in mice. The present study may contribute to concepts of Reduction and Refinement of the three Rs in small animal experiments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/e2/jvms-78-775.PMC4905830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5375705", "abstract": " Introduction Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome was described by Minor et al in 1998. It is a troublesome syndrome that results in vertigo and oscillopsia induced by loud sounds or changes in the pressure of the external auditory canal or middle ear. Patients may present with autophony, hyperacusis, pulsatile tinnitus and hearing loss. When symptoms are mild, they are usually managed conservatively, but surgical intervention may be needed for patients with debilitating symptoms.  Objective The aim of this manuscript is to review the different surgical techniques used to repair the superior semicircular canal dehiscence.  Data Sources PubMed and Ovid-SP databases.  Data Synthesis The different approaches are described and discussed, as well as their limitations. We also review the advantages and disadvantages of the plugging, capping and resurfacing techniques to repair the dehiscence.  Conclusions Each of the surgical approaches has advantages and disadvantages. The middle fossa approach gives a better view of the dehiscence, but comes with a higher morbidity than the transmastoid approach. Endoscopic assistance may be advantageous during the middle cranial fossa approach for better visualization. The plugging and capping techniques are associated with higher success rates than resurfacing, with no added risk of hearing loss.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/fb/PMC5375705.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3480876", "abstract": "Intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) is an integral component for the management of patients with bone metastases, but can be associated with transient flu-like symptoms, which generally occur only with the first infusion and are typically manageable with nonprescription analgesics. A 50-year-old woman with a bone metastasis secondary to breast cancer received radiation therapy, brand-name ZOL (Zometa®), and letrozole. During the first 3 cycles of Zometa (4 mg every 3–4 weeks), no acute adverse events were reported. For the next 2 cycles she was switched to generic ZOL and experienced severe toxicity (nausea, vomiting, extreme weakness, and incapacitating bone pain) that required hospitalization. Toxicity differences between generic ZOL and Zometa led the patient to pay additional costs for Zometa, and subsequent Zometa infusions were without incident. This is the first case report documenting a clinically significant difference between the safety profiles of a generic formulation of ZOL and brand-name Zometa.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/fd/PMC3480876.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5327667", "abstract": "Objective: To estimate the risk profile of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the staff members of Qassim University and assess their knowledge in a screening campaign in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male and female staff at Qassim University campus. All employees of Qassim University were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study sample size was 233 staff and employees. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 18. The data analysis focused on providing point estimates for the risk factors. Results: The study found that 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/31/IJHS-11-9.PMC5327667.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4226173", "abstract": "We aimed to use celecoxib to suppress preterm labor instead magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to prevent preterm labor. Methods. It was a randomized clinical trial study, which was done on 600 pregnant women. All subjects were divided into two groups by simple random sampling. One group was given 4 grams of MgSO4 intravenously and second group was given 100 mg of celecoxib orally every 12 hours for at least 2 days. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 11 and performed using t-test and chi-square test. Results. The finding of this study has shown that preterm labor may be prevented in 75.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/83/PMC4226173.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC374385", "abstract": "Intensivists depend upon a large number of measurements to make daily decisions in the ICU. However, the reliability of these measures may be jeopardized by the effects of therapy. Moreover, in critical illness, what is normal is not necessarily optimal. Procalcitonin, a putative marker of occult infection, is emerging as a valuable diagnostic marker in the ICU. Although questions remain regarding its specificity, an increasing body of work suggests that it is reliably elevated in the setting of infection. As demonstrated by Level and colleagues in this issue of Critical Care, its utility as a diagnostic marker is not affected by concomitant hemodialysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/c9/PMC374385.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4439990", "abstract": "Aloe vera (Aloe arborescens, aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. Aloe vera gel prepared from the inner part of Aloe leaves is increasingly consumed as a beverage dietary supplement. Some data suggest its tumor growth modulatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in Balb/c mice the in vivo influence of orally administered Aloe vera drinking gel on the syngeneic L-1 sarcoma tumor growth and its vascularization: early cutaneous neovascular response, tumor-induced angiogenesis (TIA test read after 3 days), and tumor hemoglobin content measured 14 days after L-1 sarcoma cell grafting. Feeding mice for 3 days after tumor cell grafting with 150 μl daily dose of Aloe vera gel significantly diminished the number of newly-formed blood vessels in comparison to the controls. The difference between the groups of control and Aloe-fed mice (150 μl daily dose for 14 days) with respect to the 14 days’ tumor volume was on the border of statistical significance. No difference was observed in tumor hemoglobin content.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/bf/CEJI-39-42116.PMC4439990.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3253579", "abstract": " Introduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malaria among women giving birth in Bangui. Association between sociodemographic characteristics of those women and malaria, as well as prevention compliance (use of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTsp) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)), was analyzed. Methods. During September 2009, a survey was conducted on 328 women who gave birth at two main maternities of Bangui. Information was obtained by standardized questionnaire about sociodemographic criteria, IPTsp, other antimalarial treatment, and use of bet nets. Smears prepared from peripheral and placental blood were analysed for malaria parasites. Findings and Discussion. Positive results were found in 2.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/61/PMC3253579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3889813", "abstract": "Purpose Linifanib is a selective inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor family of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The purpose of this high-precision QT study was to evaluate the effects of linifanib on cardiac repolarization in patients with advanced metastatic tumors. Methods Enrolled patients (n = 24) had measurable disease refractory to standard therapies, ECOG performance status of 0–1, and adequate organ function. Patients were randomized in a 2-sequence, 2-period crossover design. Serial ECG measurements and pharmacokinetic samples were collected for each crossover period. An intersection–union test was performed for time-matched baseline-adjusted QTcF intervals. An exposure–response analysis was explored to correlate the plasma concentration and QTcF. Results The maximum 95 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/d2/PMC3889813.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5107295", "abstract": "Absent F wave in the stage of spinal shock has been described in cases of traumatic spinal cord injury. The role of F wave in predicting prognosis after conus medullaris infarct has not been described. We describe herein a middle aged-man with a conus medullaris infarct. Both tibial and peroneal F waves were absent on day 4. The left tibial F wave reappeared in the following study on day 18. All F waves reappeared on day 56 at which time the patient was still wheelchair bound. He regained walking on day 105. We hypothesize that reappearance of initially absent F waves post conus medullaris infarct is a good prognostic sign for the return of ambulation. The applicability of this observation requires further research. We also discuss clinical and diagnostic caveats in this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/7e/PMC5107295.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4443385", "abstract": "Background: Primary dysmenorrhea with interferes in daily activities can have adverse effects on quality of life of women. Objectives: Regarding the use of herbal medicine, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cinnamon on primary dysmenorrhea in a sample of Iranian female college students from Ilam University of Medical Sciences (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. Patients and Methods: In a randomized double-blind trial, 76 female student received placebo (n = 38, capsules containing starch, three times a day (TDS)) or cinnamon (n = 38, capsules containing 420 mg cinnamon, TDS) in 24 hours. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain and nausea. Vomiting and menstrual bleeding were assessed by counting the number of saturated pads. The parameters were recorded in the group during the first 72 hours of the cycle. Results: The mean amount of menstrual bleeding in the cinnamon group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The mean pain severity score in the cinnamon group was less than the placebo group at various intervals (4.1 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.4 at 24 hours, 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 6.1 ± 0.4 at 48 hours, and 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.3 at 72 hours, respectively) (P < 0.001). The mean severity of nausea and the frequencies of vomiting significantly decreased in the cinnamon group compared with the placebo group at various intervals (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Regarding the significant effect of cinnamon on reduction of pain, menstrual bleeding, nausea and vomiting with primary dysmenorrhea without side effects, it can be regarded as a safe and effective treatment for dysmenorrhea in young women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/ae/ircmj-17-04-27032.PMC4443385.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5092036", "abstract": "We describe a simple protocol for identifying and quantifying the two components in binary mixtures of species possessing one or more similar proteins. Central to the method is the identification of 'corresponding proteins' in the species of interest, in other words proteins that are nominally the same but possess species-specific sequence differences. When subject to proteolysis, corresponding proteins will give rise to some peptides which are likewise similar but with species-specific variants. These are 'corresponding peptides'. Species-specific peptides can be used as markers for species determination, while pairs of corresponding peptides permit relative quantitation of two species in a mixture. The peptides are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, a highly specific technique that enables peptide-based species determination even in complex systems. In addition, the ratio of MRM peak areas deriving from corresponding peptides supports relative quantitation. Since corresponding proteins and peptides will, in the main, behave similarly in both processing and in experimental extraction and sample preparation, the relative quantitation should remain comparatively robust. In addition, this approach does not need the standards and calibrations required by absolute quantitation methods. The protocol is described in the context of red meats, which have convenient corresponding proteins in the form of their respective myoglobins. This application is relevant to food fraud detection: the method can detect 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/15/jove-115-54420.PMC5092036.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5310716", "abstract": "Non-small cell lung cancer can exhibit driver oncogenes, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), that are possible targets for therapy. The prevalence of these rearranged driver oncogenes is influenced by race, smoking habits, and gender. Most data come from Caucasian and Asian populations. To our knowledge, there is no literature available about the prevalence of driver oncogenes in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the tobacco epidemic is still in the early stage. In this small case series, 6 patients of Sub-Saharan African ethnicity with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma are described. EGFR mutation was present in 3/6 patients and ALK rearrangement in 1/6 patients. This incidence seems high but interestingly, all patients were non-smokers or light smokers. In this series, the high prevalence of driver oncogene was probably related to low smoking habits and these initial data in Sub-Saharan Africans suggest high prevalence of driver mutations for this reason.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/40/lctt-7-149.PMC5310716.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4689242", "abstract": "Aim Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the general population. Overweight is a common condition in patients with NAFLD, and body composition (BC) assessment is useful to evaluate nutritional status and the efficacy of nutritional strategies. A valid tool for assessing BC is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Adiponectin has been shown to be relevant to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of this observational study is to define the relationship between the severity of NAFLD, the central fat mass evaluated by DXA, and the circulating levels of adiponectin. Methods The study was carried out in 31 overweight patients. The degree of liver steatosis was evaluated by ultrasound (US) examination. Anthropometric parameters were measured according to standard methods. Fasting glucose and insulin level were used also to calculate insulin resistance (IR), according to the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was performed to dose fasting serum levels of adiponectin. Results NAFLD progression was significantly associated with increased central fat (p<0.05). Using DXA, we quantified the regional distribution of adipose tissue and found the expected association between central fat and the US severity of NAFLD. Serum levels of adiponectin, were inversely related to NAFLD progression (p<0.05). Conclusion BC evaluated by anthropometry and DXA, may be used as indicator of NAFLD severity in overweight patients. The evaluation of BC in clinical practice, can improve the nutritional strategies and follow-up. In the clinical setting adiponectin may represent a potential marker for the staging of NAFLD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/80/cm-88-489.PMC4689242.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3890406", "abstract": "Objective To evaluate whether the efficacy and safety of menatetrenone for the treatment of osteoporosis is noninferior to alfacalcidol in Chinese postmenopausal women. Method This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, double-dummy, noninferiority, positive drug-controlled clinical trial was conducted in five Chinese sites. Eligible Chinese women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (N=236) were randomized to Group M or Group A and received menatetrenone 45 mg/day or alfacalcidol 0.5 μg/day, respectively, for 1 year. Additionally, all patients received calcium 500 mg/day. Posttreatment bone mineral density (BMD), new fracture onsets, and serum osteocalcin (OC) and undercarboxylated OC (ucOC) levels were compared with the baseline value in patients of both groups. Results A total of 213 patients (90.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/97/cia-9-121.PMC3890406.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3948446", "abstract": "Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare disease in which patients display prolonged coagulation test results in vitro, but usually develop thrombotic symptoms in vivo. Patients with APS are at increased risk of valvular heart disease or coronary vascular disease, conditions that often necessitate cardiac surgery via bypass. The management of anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is particularly challenging in these patients because of the unique features of APS. Patients with APS are constantly at risk of arterial and venous thrombotic events. Therefore it is very important to maintain proper anticoagulation perioperatively, especially during CPB. In this paper, we present three successful cases of APS patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/74/kjae-66-164.PMC3948446.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3715707", "abstract": "Purpose Although direct-vision internal urethrotomy can be performed for the management of short, bulbar urethral strictures, excision and end-to-end anastomosis remains the best procedure to guarantee a high success rate. We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent bulbar end-to-end anastomosis to assess the factors affecting surgical outcome. Materials and Methods We reviewed 33 patients with an average age of 55 years who underwent bulbar end-to-end anastomosis. Stricture etiology was blunt perineal trauma (54.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/e4/kju-54-442.PMC3715707.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4741407", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the conventional side-viewing duodenoscope for successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in postgastrectomy patients. Methods: A total of 220 consecutive patients with bile duct stones or a distal common bile duct stricture who had previously undergone gastrectomy and were referred for ERCP were analyzed for the outcome of their ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using a conventional side-viewing duodenoscope. In patients who had undergone a Billroth II gastroenterostomy and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, we also used the procedure of retrieval balloon–assisted enterography. Results: The study group included 220 patients who had previously undergone gastrectomy (77 women and 143 men; mean age, 72.2 y; range, 11 to 93 y). The overall enterography success rate was 90.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/3a/mcg-50-244.PMC4741407.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4579491", "abstract": "Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae) is an endemic underexploited Brazilian vegetal. This work reviewed the biological potentialities of Lippia microphylla, emphasizing the properties of essential oils (EOs) and analyzed scientific indicators about genus Lippia and L. microphylla. Databases from 1948 to the present were searched and a software (vantage point 7.1) associated with Derwent Innovation Index was used to identify the indicators of the genus Lippia, and biological activities and compounds in the L. macrophylla species. Ethnopharmacological records report use of L. microphylla leaves to treat gastrointestinal disorders, influenza, bronchitis, cough, nasal congestion, and sinusitis during vaporization, whose aromatic volatile oils are rich in monoterpenes, especially cineole, terpineol, and thymol. Other EOs have larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti larvae, and antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic and antitumor action on human and murine cancer cells. Brazil is the country with more articles about Lippia species, but it deposited only 9 patents since 1993. Most of the publications about L. microphylla are concentrated in food and chemical sciences. This bioprospection helps to choice areas of interest for capital investment and to give support for Brazilian Institutions to establish cooperation and improve technological impact at the point of view of creation and innovation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/28/JIE-4-256.PMC4579491.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3332202", "abstract": "Brain metastasis is common in patients with melanoma and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. There have been no specific randomized trials for patients with melanoma brain metastasis, so treatment is based on management of brain metastasis in general and requires multidisciplinary expertise including radiation oncology, neurosurgery, medical oncology, and palliative care. In this paper, we summarize the prognosis, general management, and the role of radiation therapy in the management of metastatic melanoma in the brain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4c/b0/PMC3332202.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2798564", "abstract": "Economic evaluations of clinical treatments most commonly take the form of cost effectiveness or cost utility analyses. This is appropriate since the main—sometimes the only—benefit of such interventions is increased health. The majority of economic evaluations in public health, however, have also been assessed using these techniques when arguably cost benefit analyses would in many cases have been more appropriate, given its ability to take account of nonhealth benefits as well. An examination of the nonhealth benefits from a sample of studies featured in a recent review of economic evaluations in public health illustrates how overfocusing on cost effectiveness/cost utility analyses may lead to forgoing potential social welfare gains from programmes in public health. Prior to evaluation, programmes should be considered in terms of the potential importance of nonhealth benefits and where these are considerable would be better evaluated by more inclusive economic evaluation techniques.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/28/PMC2798564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3307211", "abstract": "Cherubism is a rare non-neoplastic hereditary disease related to genetic mutations characterized by symmetrically swollen cheeks, particularly over the angles of the mandible, and an upward turning of the eyes. The affected mandible and maxilla begin to swell in early childhood, and gradually increase until the age of puberty. Apparently, surgical intervention is unnecessary unless significant functional, esthetic, or emotional disturbances develop. In the present paper, we report a case of cherubism, with classic features that was classified as grade 3, managed with surgery and followed up for 2-years after treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/74/JCIS-2-8.PMC3307211.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4448053", "abstract": "Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, such as pachymeningitis and/or cerebrovascular events, is rare in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Furthermore, the details of pathological examinations of cases have rarely been described. We describe a case of GPA that manifested as an isolated paranasal sinus disease that invaded the subarachnoid space and caused a hemorrhagic venous infarction. We also describe the pathological characteristics of the biopsied brain material from the successful decompressive craniectomy. In particular, granulomatous inflammation with geographic necrosis and multinucleated giant cells were observed in the perivascular area of the thickened dura mater and leptomeninges. Small vessels in the meninges were involved in the granulomatous lesions, and the lumens of the veins were often occluded. In the cerebral cortices and white matter in these areas, hemorrhagic infarction was widely observed. We suggest that our findings represent a novel mechanism of CNS involvement in GPA. Moreover, we believe that the emergency decompressive craniectomy and partial lobectomy for the cerebral infarction in this patient with GPA likely contributed to his survival.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/e3/crn-0007-0101.PMC4448053.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2685045", "abstract": "Only rarely is renal cell carcinoma encountered in a horseshoe kidney. This is a case report on renal cell carcinoma in a horseshoe kidney, in which superselective renal artery embolization was performed preoperatively. CT and digital subtraction angiography revealed a horseshoe kidney with a 3-cm tumor in the left side. Superselective renal artery embolization of the tumor was performed as a prerequisite procedure for the organ-preserving surgery of simple enucleation. Preoperative superselective renal artery embolization can be an effective tool to facilitate organ-preserving surgery in a horseshoe kidney.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/06/kjr-6-200.PMC2685045.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4076616", "abstract": "Introduction:   Abnormalities in biological rhythms (BR) may have a role in the pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorders (BD). The objective of this study is to validate the Italian version of the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), a useful tool in studying BR, and measure its accuracy in discriminating BD.   Methods:  44 outpatients with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BD and 38 controls balanced for sex and age were consecutively recruited. The discriminant validity of BRIAN for the screening of BD and its test re-test reliability in two evaluations were assessed.  Results:  BD patients scored 22.22±11.19 in BRIAN against 7.13±5.6 of the control group (P<0.0001). BRIAN showed a good accuracy to screen between BD non-BD at cutoff 16, a sensitivity was 68.2 and specificity was 92.5. The test-retest stability measured using Pearson’s coefficient found very high r values for each section and the total score, thus indicating a correlation at the two times of statistical significance in all measures. Cohen’s Kappa varied from 0.47 in the sociality section to 0.80 in the sleep section, with a total K mean of 0.65.  Conclusion:  The results show that the Italian version of BRIAN has good discriminant validity in detecting BD from healthy controls and shows good test-retest reliability. The study suggests the possibility of developing mixed screening tools by introducing items on dysregulation of biological rhythms to the usual measures of mood. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/74/CPEMH-10-48.PMC4076616.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4977767", "abstract": "Objectives: There is no systematic review on economic evaluations of telemedicine in Japan, despite over 1000 trials implemented. Our systematic review aims to examine whether Japan’s telemedicine is cost-saving or cost-effective, examine the methodological rigorousness of the economic evaluations, and discuss future studies needed to improve telemedicine’s financial sustainability. Methods: We searched five databases, including two Japanese databases, to find peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 in English and Japanese that performed economic evaluations of Japan’s telemedicine programs. The methodological rigorousness of the economic analyses was assessed with a well-established checklist. We calculated the benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) when a reviewed study reported related data but did not report the BCR. All cost values were adjusted to 2014 US dollars. Results: Among the 17 articles identified, six studies reported on settings connecting physicians for specialist consultations, and eleven studies on settings connecting healthcare providers and patients at home. There are three cost-benefit analyses and three cost-minimization analyses. The remaining studies measured the benefit of telemedicine only, using medical expenditure saved or users’ willingness-to-pay. There was substantial diversity in the methodological rigorousness. Studies on teledermatology and teleradiology indicated a favorable level of economic efficiency. Studies on telehomecare gave mixed results. One cost-benefit analysis on telehomecare indicated a low economic efficiency, partly due to public subsidy rules, e.g., a too short budget period. Conclusions: Overall, telemedicine programs in Japan were indicated to have a favorable level of economic efficiency. However, the scarcity of the economic literature indicates the need for further rigorous economic evaluation studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/5b/jpmph-49-4-183.PMC4977767.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5070561", "abstract": "Background Two hepatitis E virus (HEV) outbreaks occurred in Algeria (1979 - 1980 and 1987 - 1988). However, to date, no study on the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies has been conducted in Algeria, and the genotype of the circulating strains remains unclear. Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the presence of anti- HEV antibodies among outpatients and blood donors in three different hospitals in Northern Algeria and to determine the genotype of the circulating strains through the characterization of the immunoreactivity of anti-HEV antibodies. Methods A total of 590 blood samples (379 from blood donors and 211 from outpatients) were collected in three health facilities in Northern Algeria and assessed for anti-HEV antibodies using an in-house double-antigen sandwich immunoassay. HEV open reading frame 2 recombinant proteins p166 (aa 452 - 617) generated from the four HEV genotypes were used as antigens. The genotype of the strains circulating in Algeria was predicted by an indirect ELISA by assessing the anti-HEV antibodies in serially diluted positive sera using the different p166 proteins. Results Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 20.17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2b/1a/hepatmon-16-08-35312.PMC5070561.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4286907", "abstract": "Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The most common sites of metastasis include the bone, lymph nodes, lung, liver, pleura, and adrenal glands, whereas metastatic prostate cancer involving the gastrointestinal tract has been rarely reported. A 64-year-old African-American man with a history of prostate cancer presented with anemia. He reported the passing of dark colored stools but denied hematemesis or hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed circumferential nodularity, and histology demonstrated metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed hypertrophic folds in the gastric fundus, and microscopic examination revealed tumor cells positive for prostate-specific antigen. Bone scanning and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis did not show metastasis. It is crucial to distinguish primary gastrointestinal cancer from metastatic lesions, especially in patients with a history of cancer at another site, for appropriate management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dc/83/jgc-14-271.PMC4286907.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2798958", "abstract": "Objective To derive a difference equation based on mass conservation and on alveolar tidal volumes for the calculation of Functional Residual Capacity. Derive an equation for the FRC from the difference equation. Furthermore, to derive and validate a step response equation as a solution of the difference equation within the framework of digital signal processing where the FRC is known a priori. Methods A difference equation for the calculation of Functional Residual Capacity is derived and solved as step response of a first order system. The step response equation calculates endtidal fractions of nitrogen during multiple breath nitrogen clearance. The step response equation contains the eigenvalue defined as the ratio of FRC to the sum of FRC and alveolar tidal ventilation. Agreement of calculated nitrogen fractions with measured fractions is demonstrated with data from a metabolic lung model, measurements from patients in positive pressure ventilation and volunteers breathing spontaneously. Examples of eigenvalue are given and compared between diseased and healthy lungs and between ventilatory settings. Results Comparison of calculated and measured fractions of endtidal nitrogen demonstrates a high degree of agreement in terms of regression and bias and limits of agreement (precision) in Bland     Altman analysis. Examples illustrate the use of the eigenvalue as a possible discriminator between disease states. Conclusion The first order step response equation reliably calculates endtidal fractions of nitrogen during washout based on a Functional Residual Capacity. The eigenvalue may be a clinically valuable index alone or in conjunction with other indices in the analysis of respiratory states and may aid in the setting of the ventilator.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/a1/PMC2798958.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4320906", "abstract": "The content of 12 elements in Cambodian dried striped snakehead fish was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The present study compares the level of the trace toxic metals and nutritional trace elements in the fish processed using solar drying system (SDS) and open sun drying (OSD). The skin of SDS fish has lower level of As, Pb, and Cd compared to the OSD sample. As such, the flesh of the fish accumulated higher amount of toxic metals during OSD compared to SDS. However, arsenic was detected in both samples within the safe limit. The nutritional elements (Fe, Mn, Mg, Se, Mo, Cu, Ni, and Cr) were higher in the skin sample SDS fish compared to OSD fish. These beneficial metals were not accumulated in the flesh sample SDS fish demonstrating lower level compared to drying under conventional system. The reddish coloration of the SDS fish was due to the presence of high Cu content in both the skin and flesh samples which possibly account for no mold formation 5 days after packaging. As conclusion, drying of Cambodian C. striata using solar-assisted system has proven higher content of the nutritious elements compared to using the conventional system despite only slight difference in the toxic metals level between the two systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/92/PMC4320906.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3181983", "abstract": "Meta-analytic data from over a decade of research in cognitive remediation, when combined with recent findings from basic and clinical neuroscience, have resulted in a new understanding of the critical elements that can contribute to successful cognitive training approaches for schizophrenia. Some of these elements include: the use of computerized repetitive practice methods, high dosing schedules, a focus on sensory processing, and carefully constrained and individually adapted learning trials. In a preliminary randomized controlled trial of cognitive training exercises based on these principles, we demonstrated significant improvements in working memory, verbal learning and memory, and global cognition in patients with schizophrenia. These cognitive improvements were accompanied by neurobiological findings suggestive of learning-induced cortical plasticity. Future directions for research and essential remaining questions are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/a9/DialoguesClinNeurosci-12-416.PMC3181983.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3499750", "abstract": "Only 20 patients with deletions of 18q12.2 have been reported in the literature and the associated phenotype includes borderline intellectual disability, behavioral problems, seizures, obesity, and eye manifestations. Here, we report a male patient with a de novo translocation involving chromosomes 12 and 18, with borderline IQ, developmental and behavioral disorders, myopia, obesity, and febrile seizures in childhood. We characterized the rearrangement with Affymetrix SNP 6.0 Array analysis and next-generation mate pair sequencing and found truncation of CELF4 at 18q12.2. This second report of a patient with a neurodevelopmental phenotype and a translocation involving CELF4 supports that CELF4 is responsible for the phenotype associated with deletion of 18q12.2. Our study illustrates the utility of high-resolution genome-wide techniques in identifying neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral genes, and it adds to the growing evidence, including a transgenic mouse model, that CELF4 is important for human brain development.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f9/3f/ejhg201292a.PMC3499750.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2686942", "abstract": "Reiter's syndrome belongs to the family of spondyloarthropathies that usually present with a triad of arthritis, urethritis, and uveitis. The diagnostic criteria include clinical, radiological, and genetic findings, and the response to treatment. Nervous system involvement in Reiter's syndrome is extremely rare. We report here on a 36-year-old man who initially presented with progressive cervical myelopathy and was diagnosed as Reiter's syndrome 2 years later. The myelopathy was stable after treatment with methotrexate and sulfasalazine. This case suggests that Reiter's syndrome can present as progressive myelopathy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of treatable myelopathies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/5f/PMC2686942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3561607", "abstract": "Purpose To investigate the dosimetric impact of point A definitions on both conventional point A plans and MRI-guided conformal high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy plans. Material and methods Fifty-five HDR plans of 36 patients with FIGO stage I to IV cervical cancer were retrospectively studied; these included 30 conventional treatments and 25 conformal plans. Two different point A definitions were explored: the revised Manchester point A and the new point A as recommended by the American Brachytherapy Society. Conventional plans were produced by varying only the point A definition and the normalized isodose lines. Conformal plans were retrospectively generated per GEC-ESTRO recommendations based upon 3.0 Tesla MRI data. Results Small yet significant variations were found in point A locations (mean: 0.5 cm, maximum: 2.1 cm, p < 0.001). The use of a new point A caused minimal dose variation for both conventional and conformal plans. Conventional plans normalized to the new point A generated up to 12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/73/JCB-4-20000.PMC3561607.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2729897", "abstract": "This retrospective study describes and evaluates the effectiveness of a modified technique of conventional endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) that minimizes the obstruction of a neo-ostium by creating an enlarged marsupialized lacrimal sac using mucosal flaps. Forty-two patients who had undergone 46 endoscopic DCR at a tertiary medical center, from 2002 to 2004, for correction of lacrimal system obstruction were investigated. The surgical technique involves elevation of a nasal mucosal flap, full sac exposure using a power drill, and shaping of the mucosal flap to cover denuded bone and juxtapose exposed sac mucosa. Postoperative symptoms and endoscopic findings of the neo-ostium were evaluated. Mean duration of follow-up was 5.9 months. An eighty-three percent primary success rate was observed, without any serious complications. Obstruction of the neo-ostium with granulation tissue was observed in eight cases, among which six underwent revision with success in all cases. Overall, 44 (96", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/e0/jkms-21-719.PMC2729897.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4917685", "abstract": "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. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/dc/PMC4917685.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745557", "abstract": "Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) constitutes a potential alternative raw material and ingredient in food industry applications due to its dietary fiber content. Gum can be extracted from its dietary fiber fractions for use as an additive to control viscosity, stability, texture, and consistency in food systems. The gum extracted from chia seeds was characterized to determine their quality and potential as functional food additives. The extracted chia gum contained 26.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/8f/PMC4745557.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3249888", "abstract": "It is generally accepted that resistance genes acquired by human pathogens through horizontal gene transfer originated in environmental, non-pathogenic bacteria. As a consequence, there is increasing concern on the roles that natural, non-clinical ecosystems, may play in the evolution of resistance. Recent studies have shown that the variability of determinants that can provide antibiotic resistance on their expression in a heterologous host is much larger than what is actually found in human pathogens, which implies the existence of bottlenecks modulating the transfer, spread, and stability of antibiotic resistance genes. In this review, the role that different factors such as founder effects, ecological connectivity, fitness costs, or second-order selection may have on the establishment of a specific resistance determinant in a population of bacterial pathogens is analyzed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/13/fmicb-02-00265.PMC3249888.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2292807", "abstract": "A critical issue in image restoration is the problem of noise removal while keeping the integrity of relevant image information. The method proposed in this paper is a fully automatic 3D blockwise version of the nonlocal (NL) means filter with wavelet subbands mixing. The proposed wavelet subbands mixing is based on a multiresolution approach for improving the quality of image denoising filter. Quantitative validation was carried out on synthetic datasets generated with the BrainWeb simulator. The results show that our NL-means filter with wavelet subbands mixing outperforms the classical implementation of the NL-means filter in terms of denoising quality and computation time. Comparison with wellestablished methods, such as nonlinear diffusion filter and total variation minimization, shows that the proposed NL-means filter produces better denoising results. Finally, qualitative results on real data are presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/fb/PMC2292807.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2193347", "abstract": "The cysteine proteases known as caspases play a central role in most apoptotic pathways. Here, we show that caspase inhibitors arrest the maturation of human erythroid progenitors at early stages of differentiation, before nucleus and chromatin condensation. Effector caspases such as caspase-3 are transiently activated through the mitochondrial pathway during erythroblast differentiation and cleave proteins involved in nucleus integrity (lamin B) and chromatin condensation (acinus) without inducing cell death and cleavage of GATA-1. These observations indicate a new function for caspases as key proteases in the process of erythroid differentiation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/a2/001079.PMC2193347.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3738259", "abstract": "The use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices to treat chronic, refractory neuropathic pain continues to expand in application. While device-related complications have been well described, inflammatory reactions to the components of these devices remain underreported. In contrast, hypersensitivity reactions associated with other implanted therapies, such as endovascular and cardiac rhythm devices, have been detailed. The purpose of this case series is to describe the clinical presentation and course of inflammatory reactions as well as the histology of these reactions. All patients required removal of the entire device after developing inflammatory reactions over a time course of 1–3 months. Two patients developed a foreign body reaction in the lead insertion wound as well as at the implantable pulse generator site, with histology positive for giant cells. One patient developed an inflammatory dermatitis on the flank and abdomen that resolved with topical hydrocortisone. “In vivo” testing with a lead extension fragment placed in the buttock resulted in a negative reaction followed by successful reimplantation of an SCS device. Inflammatory reactions to SCS devices can manifest as contact dermatitis, granuloma formation, or foreign body reactions with giant cell formation. Tissue diagnosis is essential, and is helpful to differentiate an inflammatory reaction from infection. The role of skin patch testing for 96 hours may not be suited to detect inflammatory giant cell reactions that manifest several weeks post implantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/f4/PMC3738259.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1526470", "abstract": "Chemokine-driven migration of inflammatory cells has been implicated in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis-associated conditions such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. In this study, a candidate chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, was investigated in patients with both aforementioned manifestations of atheroslerotic inflammation. MCP-1 levels in serum were determined by ELISA in 40 healthy, control subjects (C), 40 patients with ischemic stroke (IS), and in 64 patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Statistical analysis utilised Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rank correlation (P < .05). In comparison to control subjects (C; median/interquartile range: 239/126 pg/mL), MCP-1 serum levels were increased in both investigated patient cohorts (IS: 384/370, P < .001; MI: 360/200, P < .002). There was a substantial variability of MCP-1 serum levels, especially in the IS group. No relationship was observed between chemokine levels and atherosclerosis risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption), and MCP-1 was also not related to age or gender. Elevation of MCP-1 in circulation of patients with atherosclerosis-associated complications implicates this CC chemokine ligand (CCL)2 in inflammatory processes, which contribute to pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Further investigations, including patient stratification, are however necessary to evaluate if MCP-1 can be utilised for clinical management of patients with these diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/07/PMC1526470.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4508612", "abstract": "Background and aims. Odontogenic infections are among the main types of disorders located in the cephalic extremity. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of empirically administered antibiotics on the bacterial strains identified at the infection sites. Patients and method. The study included 10 randomly selected patients with odontogenic cervical soft tissue infections, who received antibiotic treatment prescribed by the family doctor or the dentist. The bacterial flora involved in the development of the septic process, the type of antibiotic administered to the patient and the sensitivity of the identified bacterial flora to the administered antibiotic were determined. Results. In the 10 selected patients, 14 bacterial strains were detected; 7 patients had a single bacterial strain, and 3 patients had two or three types of bacteria. Of the administered antibiotics, amoxicillin was the most widely used (33.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/40/cm8801p65.PMC4508612.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881876", "abstract": "Objective: To test the inhibitory growth activity of green tea catechin incorporated into dental resins compared to resins containing the broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Material and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCg) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were determined according to the microdilution method. Resin discs (5 mm x 3 mm) were prepared from Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (R1) and Bis-GMA/CH3Bis-GMA (R2) comonomers (n=9) containing: a) no drug, b) EGCg, c) CHX. Two concentrations of each drug (0.5x MIC and 1x MIC) were incorporated into the resin discs. Samples were individually immersed in a bacterial culture and incubated for 24 h at 37º C under constant agitation. Cell viability was assessed by counting the number of colonies on replica agar plates. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey and Student t-tests (α=0.05). Results: Both resins containing EGCg and CHX showed a significant inhibition of bacterial growth at both concentrations tested (p<0.05). A significantly higher inhibition was observed in response to resins containing CHX at 0.5x MIC and 1x MIC, and EGCg at 1x MIC when compared to EGCg at 0.5x MIC. Also, EGCg at 0.5x MIC in R1 had a significantly higher growth inhibition than in R2. Conclusions: Both EGCg and CHX retained their antibacterial activity when incorporated into the resin matrix. EGCg at 1x MIC in R1 and R2 resins significantly reduced S. mutans survival at a level similar to CHX. The data generated from this study will provide advances in the field of bioactive dental materials with the potential of improving the lifespan of resin-based restorations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/be/jaos-21-02-0203.PMC3881876.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5058567", "abstract": " Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the musculoskeletal and physical strain on healthcare workers, by measuring range of motion (ROM), muscle activity, and heart rate (HR), during transfer of a simulated patient using either a robotic wheelchair (RWC) or a conventional wheelchair (CWC). Methods. The subjects were 10 females who had work experience in transferring patients and another female adult as the simulated patient to be transferred from bed to a RWC or a CWC. In both experimental conditions, ROM, muscle activity, and HR were assessed in the subjects using motion sensors, electromyography, and electrocardiograms. Results. Peak ROM of shoulder flexion during assistive transfer with the RWC was significantly lower than that with the CWC. Values for back muscle activity during transfer were lower with the RWC than with the CWC. Conclusions. The findings suggest that the RWC may decrease workplace injuries and lower back pain in healthcare workers. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/4c/PMC5058567.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC153488", "abstract": "Background p14ARF is a protein product of the alternative reading frame of the human INK4a locus. It functions as a tumor suppressor protein. p14ARF suppresses growth through p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. Results p14ARF protein localizes primarily to the nucleoli. Here we show that in transfected cells p14ARF also appears in Hsp70 positive extranucleolar inclusions. The formation of p14ARF inclusions induces the parallel re-localization p53 and HDM2 to these sites that are also targeted by PML bodies and proteasomes. Conclusion Our data show that co-localization between p53, HDM2 and p14ARF occurs at extranucleolar sites. Accumulation of PML and proteasomes at these sites suggest that the components of the nuclear inclusions are targeted for proteasome-mediated degradation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/e5/PMC153488.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3866791", "abstract": " Objectives. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by connective tissue loss and alveolar bone destruction. Interleukin-8 (IL8) is important in the regulation of the immune response. The aim of this study was to analyze four polymorphisms in the IL8 gene in relation to chronic (CP) and aggressive (AgP) periodontitis. Methods. A total of 492 unrelated subjects were included in this case-control association study. Genomic DNA of 278 patients with CP, 58 patients with AgP, and 156 controls were genotyped, using the 5′ nuclease TaqMan assay, for IL8 (rs4073, rs2227307, rs2227306, and rs2227532) gene polymorphisms. Subgingival bacterial colonization was investigated by the DNA-microarray detection kit in a subgroup of subjects (N = 247). Results. Allele and genotype frequencies of all investigated IL8 polymorphisms were not significantly different between the subjects with CP and/or AgP and controls (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the A(−251)/T(+396)/T(+781) and T(−251)/G(+396)/C(+781) haplotypes were significantly less frequent in patients with CP (2.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/ab/PMC3866791.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4238768", "abstract": "The prevention of Chagas disease is based primarily on the chemical control of Triatoma infestans (Klug) using pyrethroid insecticides. However, high resistance levels, correlated with control failures, have been detected in Argentina and Bolivia. A previous study at our laboratory found that imidacloprid could serve as an alternative to pyrethroid insecticides. We studied the delayed toxicity of imidacloprid and the influence of the blood feeding condition of the insect on the toxicity of this insecticide; we also studied the effectiveness of various commercial imidacloprid formulations against a pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans population from the Gran Chaco ecoregion. Variations in the toxic effects of imidacloprid were not observed up to 72 h after exposure and were not found to depend on the blood feeding condition of susceptible and resistant individuals. Of the three different studied formulations of imidacloprid on glass and filter paper, only the spot-on formulation was effective. This formulation was applied to pigeons at doses of 1, 5, 20 and 40 mg/bird. The nymphs that fed on pigeons treated with 20 mg or 40 mg of the formulation showed a higher mortality rate than the control group one day and seven days post-treatment (p < 0.01). A spot-on formulation of imidacloprid was effective against pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans populations at the laboratory level.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/05/0074-0276-mioc-109-6-0761.PMC4238768.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4676985", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Many surface proteins are implicated in nasopharyngeal colonization and pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Some of these factors are candidate antigens for protein based vaccines. New vaccine designs focus on the surface proteins (e. g., pspA and pspC) and also cytolysin, and pneumolysin. In this study, 3 key virulence genes, lytA, pspC, and rrgA, which encoded surface proteins, were detected among S. pneumoniae isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from healthy children under 6 years old attending day care centers in Mashhad, Iran. Isolates of S. pneumoniae were confirmed by optochin susceptibility and colony appearance and also by PCR for cpsA gene. The presence of lytA, pspC, and rrgA genes were also detected by PCR. Results: A total of 59 isolates were confirmed as S. pneumoniae. Among these isolates, 50 (84.74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/89/c0/PMC4676985.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2638142", "abstract": "Recent experimental and clinical studies have placed new emphasis on the role of angiogenesis in chronic inflammatory disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors are the best characterized system in the regulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by angiogenesis. Furthermore, in addition to its angiogenic role, VEGF can act as a direct proinflammatory mediator during the pathogenesis of RA, and protect rheumatoid synoviocytes from apoptosis, which contributes to synovial hyperplasia. Therefore, the developments of synovial inflammation, hyperplasia, and angiogenesis in the joints of RA patients seem to be regulated by a common cue, namely, VEGF. Agents that target VEGF, such as anti-VEGF antibody and aptamer, have yielded promising clinical data in patients with cancer or macular degeneration, and in RA patients, pharmacologic modulations targeting VEGF or its receptor may offer new therapeutic approaches. In this review, the authors integrate current knowledge of VEGF signaling and information on VEGF antagonists gleaned experimentally and place emphasis on the use of synthetic anti-VEGF hexapeptide to prevent VEGF interacting with its receptor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3c/51/PMC2638142.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5182252", "abstract": "Background: There is conflicting reports on the respiratory health effects of indoor risk factor exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the association of indoor environmental factors to pulmonary function in an adult population in Zunyi City of Southwest China. Methods: Between July and Sep 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of people aged ≥18 yr in 11 inner-city areas of Zunyi. Data on asthma and asthma-related symptoms and selected home environmental factors were assessed by questionnaire. Lung function measurements, including FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR, were assessed and compared. Exposure to indoor and outdoor PM2.5 was monitored by measurement of PM2.5 emission relative concentration. Results: Cooking oil fumes, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and coal fuel use were associated with impaired lung function among adults in summer season (P<0.05). Subjects exposed coal fuel combustion, cooking oil fumes, pest in kitchen, mosquito repellent, fluffy blanket, pets, visible mold in bedroom and ETS (active and passive smoking) tended to exhibit greater decreases in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR values compared with their non-exposed counterparts (P<0.05). Median PM2.5 relative concentrations in kitchen, sleeping area and outdoor were 486.0cpm, 463.0cpm and 459.0cpm, respectively. PM2.5 relative concentration in indoor kitchen and sleeping area were significant higher than outdoor (P<0.001). Conclusion: A negative association between kitchen, sleeping area risk factors and ETS exposure and a reduction in lung function in summer was revealed in Zunyi.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/15/PMC5182252.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3443728", "abstract": "Cardiotoxicity associated with 5-fluorouracil (FU) is an uncommon, but potentially lethal, condition. The case of an 83-year-old man with colon cancer who developed chest pain during 5-FU infusion is presented. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed pronounced ST elevation in the lateral leads, and the chest pain was resolved after infusion of nitroglycerin. A coronary angiogram (CAG) revealed that the patient had significant atherosclerosis in the proximal left circumflex artery. Coronary artery spasm with fixed stenosis was considered, and a drug-eluting stent was implanted. After 8 hours, the patient complained of recurring chest pain, paralleled by ST elevation on the ECG. The chest pain subsided after administration of intravenous nitroglycerin followed by sublingual nifedipine. Repeated CAG showed patency of the previous stent. This case supports the vasospastic hypothesis of 5-FU cardiac toxicity, indicating that a calcium channel blocker may be effective in the prevention or treatment of 5-FU cardiotoxicity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/a1/kjim-27-342.PMC3443728.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC540081", "abstract": "Eukaryotes produce functionally diverse classes of small RNAs (20–25 nt). These include microRNAs (miRNAs), which act as regulatory factors during growth and development, and short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which function in several epigenetic and post-transcriptional silencing systems. The Arabidopsis Small RNA Project (ASRP) seeks to characterize and functionally analyze the major classes of endogenous small RNAs in plants. The ASRP database provides a repository for sequences of small RNAs cloned from various Arabidopsis genotypes and tissues. Version 3.0 of the database contains 1920 unique sequences, with tools to assist in miRNA and siRNA identification and analysis. The comprehensive database is publicly available through a web interface at http://asrp.cgrb.oregonstate.edu.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/8b/PMC540081.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4593915", "abstract": " Introduction Same-day, outpatient Sistrunk procedure is commonly performed to manage thyroglossal duct cyst anomalies and may lead to postoperative complications. Surgical drains are placed to prevent complications, but recent observations show no advantage and rather increased health care costs and patient discomfort.  Objective The study evaluated if drain placement in the Sistrunk procedure offers any benefit on postoperative complications.  Methods A retrospective analysis of patient records having undergone same-day, outpatient Sistrunk procedure from 2004 to 2014 was done. Of 58 (38 male and 20 female) patients included, 38 did not have drains placed and the remaining 20 had drains placed. Mean and median age of patients was 18.1 and 13.5 years, respectively. Postoperative complications of patients with drains versus those without drains were statistically analyzed.  Results Overall, about 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/88/PMC4593915.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3850626", "abstract": " Purpose. Circulating autoantibodies have been extensively investigated as possible markers for early diagnosis of cancer. The present study was carried out to investigate whether anti-LGALS3BP IgG autoantibodies could be classified as a biomarker for malignant tumors. Methods. An in-house developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect autoantibodies to LGALS3BP in sera from 71 patients with various types of cancers and 54 healthy subjects matched by age and gender. Results. Patients with cancer have significant higher circulating levels of anti-LGALS3BP antibodies as compared to control subjects (P < 0.001). The test has a sensitivity of 33", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/2d/PMC3850626.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981317", "abstract": "Studies performed in developed countries have shown that infections by third generation cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli (G3CREC) are associated with increased mortality, but data from developing countries are scarce. In this observational study, we collected clinical and microbiological information of 194 patients admitted to a district hospital in India who had community-acquired isolation of Escherichia coli. The proportion of patients with G3CREC was 79.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/1d/PMC3981317.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2556050", "abstract": "Gene expression studies in humans and animals have shown that elevated stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) activity is associated with increased fat accumulation and monounsaturation of saturated fatty acids in skeletal muscle. However, results of the two reported association studies in humans are inconsistent. In the present study, we annotated the bovine SCD1 gene and identified 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in its 3'untranslated region (UTR). Genotyping these SNPs on a Wagyu x Limousin reference population revealed that the SCD1 gene was significantly associated with six fat deposition and fatty acid composition traits in skeletal muscle, but not with subcutaneous fat depth and percent kidney-pelvic-heart fat. In particular, we confirmed that the high stearoyl-CoA desaturase activities/alleles were positively correlated with beef marbling score, amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid content, but negatively with amount of saturated fatty acids. The inconsistent associations between human studies might be caused by using different sets of markers because we observed that most associated markers are located near the end of 3'UTR. We found that the proximity of the polyadenylation signal site is highly conserved among human, cattle and pig, indicating that the region might contain functional elements involved in posttranscriptional control of SCD1 activity. In conclusion, our cross species study provided solid evidence to support SCD1 gene as a critical player in skeletal muscle fat metabolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/0d/PMC2556050.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4667237", "abstract": "Background: Evidences about survival of the patients with head and neck squamous cell carsinoma (HNSCC) have been scant in our region. Objectives: The aim of current study was to determine clinico-pathological and treatment-related factors, influencing outcome of these patients. Patients and Methods: We have reviewed all patients with a new diagnosis of HNSCC admitted between 2008 and 2014 in “Jorjani Cancer Center”, Tehran, Iran. Overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) of the patients, and their relation with demographic and clinico-pathological factors have been analyzed. Results: Among 119 included patients, 90 were male and 29 were female with mean age of 58 years. Larynx was the most common primary tumor site (55", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/62/ijcp-08-3842.PMC4667237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2736979", "abstract": "The molecular diagnostics of genetically conditioned disorders is based on the identification of the mutations in the predisposing genes. Hereditary cancer disorders of the gastrointestinal tracts are caused by mutations of the tumour suppressor genes or the DNA repair genes. Occurrence of recurrent mutation allows improvement of molecular diagnostics. The mutation spectrum in the genes causing hereditary forms of colorectal cancers in the Polish population was previously described. In the present work an estimation of the frequency of the recurrent mutations of the APC gene was performed. Eight types of mutations occurred in 19.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f2/d8/PMC2736979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4330566", "abstract": "Objectives Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been shown to decrease AGV in Marfan syndrome (MFS). We sought to compare the effect of β-blockers and ACEI on aortic growth velocity (AGV) in MFS. Study design We reviewed retrospectively all data from all patients with MFS seen at Arkansas Children’s Hospital between January 1, 1976 and January 1, 2013. Generalized least squares were used to evaluate AGV over time as a function of age, medication group, and the interaction between the two. A mixed model was used to compare AGV between medication groups as a function of age, medication group (none, β-blocker, ACEI), and the interaction between the two. Results A total of 67 patients with confirmed MFS were identified (34/67, 51", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/0c/nihms661970.PMC4330566.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3373210", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of treating pulmonary stenosis with percutaneous valvuloplasty, and to compare them among three childhood age groups. All children under 15 years of age who had undergone pulmonary valve balloon valvuloplasty in Madani Heart Center from 2005–2009 were enrolled in this study. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). Mean (± standard deviation) age of patients was 55.5 ± 47.4 months. Two-thirds of the subjects had moderate pulmonary valve stenosis. Balloon valvuloplasty failed in nearly one-fifth of the treated patients. There were 17 failures and two cases of mortality, descriptively less frequent among children >5 years; however, the observed difference was not statistically significant. Mild pulmonary valve insufficiency was a common finding.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/a4/PMC3373210.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3539069", "abstract": "In a group of 46,000 North-American Adventist women aged 40 and above, we investigated the relationships between body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) at age 20 and the proportion of women who reported at least one miscarriage, periods with irregular menstruation or failing to become pregnant even if trying for more than one straight year. Approximately 31, 14 and 17 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/e7/PMC3539069.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3772920", "abstract": "Acute pancreatitis frequently presents with abdomen pain but may presents with various skin manifestations as rash and rarely, pancreatic panniculitis. Metformin, one of the most effective and valuable oral hypoglycemic agents in the biguanide class was linked to acute pancreatitis in few cases. Here, we report a case of metformin induce acute pancreatitis in young healthy man with normal renal function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/60/de-5-317.PMC3772920.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658587", "abstract": "Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear's macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear's macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/dc/PMC3658587.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4868113", "abstract": "Characteristics of pseudogene degeneration at the coding level are well-known, such as a shift toward neutral rates of nonsynonymous substitutions and gain of frameshift mutations. In contrast, degeneration of pseudogene transcriptional regulation is not well understood. Here, we test two predictions of regulatory degeneration along a pseudogenized lineage: 1) Decreased transcription factor (TF) binding and 2) accelerated evolution in putative cis-regulatory regions. We find evidence for decreased TF binding levels nearby two primate pseudogenes compared with functional liver genes. However, the majority of TF-bound sequences nearby pseudogenes do not show evidence for lineage-specific accelerated rates of evolution. We conclude that decreases in TF binding level could be a marker for regulatory degeneration, while sequence degeneration in primate cis-regulatory modules may be obscured by background rates of TF binding site turnover.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/c1/msw030.PMC4868113.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3558987", "abstract": "AFN-1252, a potent enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI) inhibitor, is under development for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. The activity of AFN-1252 against two isolates of S. aureus, MSSA 26213 and MRSA S186, was studied in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model simulating AFN-1252 pharmacokinetics in man. Reductions in bacterial viable count over the first 6 hours were generally 1–2 logs and maximal reductions in viable count were generally achieved at fAUC/MIC ratios of 100–200. Maximum reductions in viable count against MSSA 29213 and MRSA S186 were approximately 4 logs, achieved by 450 mg q12h (fAUC/MIC = 1875) dosing at 28 hours. Staphylococcal resistance to AFN-1252 did not develop throughout the 48-hour experiments. As multidrug resistance continues to increase, these studies support the continued investigation of AFN-1252 as a targeted therapeutic for staphylococcal infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/75/PMC3558987.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC137372", "abstract": "The attack on the World Trade Center had the potential to overwhelm New York's health services. Sadly, however, the predicted thousands of treatable patients failed to materialize. Horror and sadness has now been replaced by anger, fear, and the determination to be better prepared next time. This determination not only exists in politics but also in health care, and as with all attempts to enforce change there needs to be a period of collecting opinions and data. This article introduces nine reviews in Critical Care offering varied health care perspectives of the events of 11 September 2001 from people who were there and from experts in disaster management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/2c/PMC137372.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4434969", "abstract": "Background The ductus arteriosus connects the main pulmonary trunk to the descending aorta. The incidence of isolated patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in full-term infants is about 1 in 2000. The Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (ADO) is recommended for PDAs with sizes larger than 2 mm. In this procedure, we must confirm the ADO position in PDA by aortogram from the arterial line. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal release time of the ADO in the PDA closure procedure, especially in the absence of an arterial line for post-PDA aortography. Methods This study recruited all patients scheduled to undergo PDA transcatheter closure with the ADO between September 2009 and September 2012 in our center. Age, weight, PDA diameter, systolic and diastolic pulmonic pressures, fluoroscopy time, and total angiographic time were studied. Major complications such as mortality and vascular complications were considered. Results We studied 237 patients in our investigation. We had 130 female and 107 male patients at a mean age of 34.3 ± 40.6 months and mean weight of 14.2 ±7.8 kg. PDA sizes ranged from 2.1 to 6.2 mm and its mean was 3.7 ± 1.8 mm. Mean of fluoroscopy time was 11.4 ± 9.7 min and mean of total angiographic time was 42.0 ± 12.3 min. There were no significant complications. Conclusion We herein describe a new sign, which proved extremely helpful during our PDA closure procedures with the ADO. By considering the angle between the ADO and the cable during the procedure, the operator can release the ADO safely.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/bd/PMC4434969.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4439453", "abstract": "Objective(s): CD44 is a member of the cell adhesion molecules family. Naturally, CD44S, along with CD44V3 influence the cell motility, migration, and adhesion, while in tumor cells they lead to tumor invasion, progression, and metastasis. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the CD44S and CD44V3 expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) and to reveal their correlations with clinicopathological features of patients. Materials and Methods: Fresh tumoral and distant tumor-free esophageal tissues were obtained from 50 patients with ESCC. Using quantitative real-time PCR, the expression levels of CD44S and CD44V3 were quantified and compared in both groups of cells. The patients had not received any therapeutic interference, such as chemotherapy or radiation, prior to sampling. Results: Significant overexpression of CD44S and CD44V3 mRNA was observed in 13 (26.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/5b/IJBMS-18-380.PMC4439453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5136433", "abstract": "Background: Higher than expected cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients, has been attributed to dyslipidemia as well as inflammation. Beta2-Microglobulin (β2M) is an independent predictor of outcome for hemodialysis patients and a representative substance of middle molecules. Results: In 40 patients in high-flux membrane hemodialysis, we found negative correlation of β2M with high density lipoprotein (r=-0.73, p<0.001) and albumin (r= -0.53, p<0.001) and positive correlation with triglycerides (r=0.69, p<0.001), parathyroid hormone (r=0.58, p < 0.05) and phosphorus (r= 0.53, p<0.001). There was no correlation of β2M with C- reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). During the follow-up period of three years, 6 out of 40 patients have died from cardiovascular events. Conclusion: In high-flux membrane hemodialysis patients, we observed a significant relationship of β2M with dyslipidemia and mineral bone disorders, but there was no correlation with inflammation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/aa/MA-70-348.PMC5136433.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5422412", "abstract": "Objective Diagnostic laparoscopy is recommended for the pretherapeutic staging of gastric cancer to detect any unexpected or unconfirmed intra-abdominal metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and indications of diagnostic laparoscopy in the detection of intra-abdominal metastasis. Methods Standard diagnostic laparoscopy with peritoneal cytology examination was performed prospectively on patients who were clinically diagnosed with primary local advanced gastric cancer (cT≥2M0). We calculated the rate of intra-abdominal metastases identified by diagnostic laparoscopy, and examined the relationship between peritoneal dissemination (P) and cytology results (CY). Split-sample method was applied to find clinical risk factors for intra-abdominal metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed in training set to find out risk factors of intra-abdominal metastasis, and then validate it in testing set. Results Out of 249 cM0 patients, 51 (20.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/50/cjcr-29-2-109.PMC5422412.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4623543", "abstract": "Abstract Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the scaphoid predominantly occurs in the proximal pole. Review of the literature revealed only six cases and all are suspect due to the lack of either MRI investigation or investigation of bleeding preoperatively. We report four new cases and one of them appears to be a real distal pole AVN of the scaphoid in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/75/icrp-2-040.PMC4623543.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3181644", "abstract": "Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, late-onset neurodegenerative illness with autosomal dominant inheritance that affects one in 10 000 individuals in Western Europe. The disease is caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion located in the N-terminal region of the huntingtin protein. The mutation is likely to act by a gain of function, but the molecular mechanisms by which it leads to neuronal dysfunction and cell death are not yet known. The normal function of huntingtin in cell metabolism is also unclear. There is no therapy for HD. Research on HD should help elucidate the pathogenetic mechanism of this illness in order to develop successful treatments to prevent or slow down symptoms. This article presents new results in HD research focusing on in vivo and in vitro model systems, potential molecular mechanisms of HD, and the development of therapeutic strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/10/DialoguesClinNeurosci-3-17.PMC3181644.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3298296", "abstract": "Seven outbreaks involving increasing numbers of banded mongoose troops and high death rates have been documented. We identified a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex pathogen, M. mungi sp. nov., as the causative agent among banded mongooses that live near humans in Chobe District, Botswana. Host spectrum and transmission dynamics remain unknown.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0d/ef/PMC3298296.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2626931", "abstract": "Metallic bone implants possess numerous problems limiting their long-term efficacy, such as poor prolonged osseointegration, stress shielding, and corrosion under in vivo environments. Such problems are compounded for bone cancer patients since numerous patients receive orthopedic implants after cancerous bone resection. Unfortunately, current orthopedic materials were not originally developed to simultaneously increase healthy bone growth (as in traditional orthopedic implant applications) while inhibiting cancerous bone growth. The long-term objective of the present research is to investigate the use of nano-rough selenium to prevent bone cancer from re-occurring while promoting healthy bone growth for this select group of cancer patients. Selenium is a well known anti-cancer chemical. However, what is not known is how healthy bone cells interact with selenium. To determine this, selenium, spherical or semispherical shots, were pressed into cylindrical compacts and these compacts were then etched using 1N NaOH to obtain various surface structures ranging from the micron, submicron to nano scales. Changes in surface chemistry were also analyzed. Through these etching techniques, results of this study showed that biologically inspired surface roughness values were created on selenium compacts to match that of natural bone roughness. Moreover, results showed that healthy bone cell adhesion increased with greater nanometer selenium roughness (more closely matching that of titanium). In this manner, this study suggests that nano-rough selenium should be further tested for orthopedic applications involving bone cancer treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8a/90/PMC2626931.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4293883", "abstract": "Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (Trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma (S.). It is well documented that schistosomiasis haematobium was endemic in Ancient Egypt. Infection was diagnosed in mummies 3000, 4000 and 5000 years old. Scott was the first to describe the pattern of schistosomiasis infection in Egypt. Schistosomiasis haematobium was highly prevalent (60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/a2/main.PMC4293883.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4462068", "abstract": "Background: During health care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infants undergo extremely painful procedures, which may cause problems, if not controlled, such as changes in the pattern of respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation. The present study aimed to find the effect of melody on the physiological responses of neonates’ heel stick pain. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Alzahra Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) for 5 months. Fifty infants were selected through convenient sampling method and were randomly assigned in equal numbers to two groups (n = 25). In the melody group (intervention), a selected melody was played for the infants at a distance of 1 m from them, with a sound intensity of 65 dB, from 3 minutes before, during, and after the heel stick procedure, respectively, and their physiological responses were observed with a monitoring system and recorded at the afore-mentioned time periods. Physiological responses were also recorded in the control group (no intervention) 3 min before, during, and after the heel stick procedure, respectively. Results: Means of respiratory and pulse rates in the melody and control groups showed a significant difference at different time points. But the mean blood oxygen saturation in the melody group showed no significant difference at different time points, although the difference was significant in the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that melody could maintain more balance in some physiological responses of infants, such as the respiratory rate and pulse rate during the Guthrie test. Therefore, melody is recommended to be used to prevent the destructive effects of pain in infants during painful procedures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/35/IJNMR-20-405.PMC4462068.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3809844", "abstract": "Over the past decade, research aiming to disentangle the genetic underpinnings of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease has mostly focused on the identification of common variants through genome-wide association studies. The identification of several new susceptibility genes through these efforts has reinforced the importance of amyloid precursor protein and tau metabolism in the cause of the disease and has implicated immune response, inflammation, lipid metabolism, endocytosis/intracellular trafficking, and cell migration in the cause of the disease. Ongoing and future large-scale genome-wide association studies, translational studies, and next-generation whole genome or whole exome sequencing efforts, hold the promise to map the specific causative variants in these genes, to identify several additional risk variants, including rare and structural variants, and to identify novel targets for genetic testing, prevention, and treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/d9/PMC3809844.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5276762", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine if an inclined treadmill with rhythmic auditory stimulation gait training can improve balance and gait ability in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty participants were randomly divided into three groups: inclined treadmill with rhythmic auditory stimulation training group (n=10), inclined treadmill training group (n=10), and treadmill training group (n=10). For all groups, the training was conducted for 4 weeks, 30 minutes per session, 5 times per week. Two subjects dropped out before study completion. [Results] All variables of balance and gait, except for the timed up and go test in the treadmill group, significantly improved in all groups. Moreover, all variables showed a more significant improvement in the inclined treadmill with rhythmic auditory stimulation group when compared with the other groups. Timed up and go test, Berg balance scale, 6 m walking test, walking speed, and symmetric index were significantly improved in the inclined treadmill group when compared with the treadmill group. [Conclusion] Thus, for stroke patients receiving gait training, inclined treadmill with rhythmic auditory stimulation training was more effective in maintaining balance and gait than inclined treadmill without rhythmic auditory stimulation or only treadmill training.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/9f/jpts-28-3367.PMC5276762.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4109630", "abstract": "This is a case report describing recurrent intermittent acute angle closure episodes in the setting of topiramate use in a female suffering from migraines. Despite laser peripheral iridotomy placement for the pupillary block component, and the discontinuation of topiramate, the acute angle closure did not resolve in the left eye with chronic angle closure and the patient required urgent trabeculectomy. The right eye responded to laser peripheral iridotomy immediately and further improved after the cessation of topiramate. While secondary angle closure glaucoma due to topiramate use has been widely reported, its effects in patients with underlying primary angle closure glaucoma have not been discussed. Our report highlights the importance of recognizing the often multifactorial etiology of angle closure glaucoma to help guide clinical management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/2b/opth-8-1351.PMC4109630.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3767211", "abstract": "A new, efficient method for the synthesis of 2-aryl substituted benzimidazole by using silica supported periodic acid (H5IO6-SiO2) as a catalyst has been developed. The salient feature of the present method includes mild reaction condition, short reaction time, high yield and easy workup procedure. The synthesized benzimidazoles exhibited potent anticancer activity against MCF7 and HL60 cell lines.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/70/46/PMC3767211.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3100265", "abstract": "We report an initial experience in laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy (LESSRP) using a homemade single-port device for prostate cancer. A 63-year-old man was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patient underwent LESSRP using an Alexis® wound retractor, which was inserted through an umbilical incision. A homemade single-port device was made by fixing a 6 1/2 surgical glove to the retractor's outer ring and securing the glove finger to the end of 4 trocars with a tie. Using the flexible laparoscopic and rigid instruments, LESSRP was performed using a procedure similar to conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). In the current case, we could not perform complete LESSRP, so we report our initial experience and consider the reason why laparoendoscopic single-site surgery was converted to conventional LRP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/be/cro0003-0445.PMC3100265.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2570911", "abstract": "We report dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4) in Amazonas, Brazil. This virus was isolated from serum samples of 3 patients treated at a tropical medicine reference center in Manaus. All 3 cases were confirmed by serologic and molecular tests; 1 patient was co-infected with DENV-3 and DENV-4.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/f6/PMC2570911.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3800715", "abstract": "Complex regional pain syndrome secondary to brachial plexus injury is often severe, debilitating and difficult to manage. Percuteneous radiofrequency sympathectomy is a relatively new technique, which has shown promising results in various chronic pain disorders. We present four consecutive patients with complex regional pain syndrome secondary to brachial plexus injury for more than 6 months duration, who had undergone percutaneous T2 and T3 radiofrequency sympathectomy after a diagnostic block. All four patients experienced minimal pain relief with conservative treatment and stellate ganglion blockade. An acceptable 6 month pain relief was achieved in all 4 patients where pain score remained less than 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/50/kjpain-26-401.PMC3800715.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5301116", "abstract": "Isolated pleural metastasis with pleural effusion is a rare occurrence in malignant melanoma. We report an unusual case of a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and recurrent pleural effusions. The pleural fluid cytology and immunohistochemistry profile were consistent with the diagnosis of CLL. However, chemotherapy with pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab did not result in any meaningful clinical response. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and biopsy of the affected nodular parietal layer of the pleura were consistent with malignant melanoma. Our case underlines the importance of having a suspicion for secondary causes of effusion in patients with CLL. We briefly discuss the mechanisms of an increased incidence of secondary cancers in CLL and the diagnosis of isolated pleural metastases in malignant melanoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/1a/cro-0010-0086.PMC5301116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5037301", "abstract": "This study was conducted to evaluate new acupuncture protocols for the clinical treatment of cervical spinal cord diseases in 19 dogs. Three treatment options containing Jing-jiaji (cervical jiaji) were developed to treat neck pain, hemiparesis, and tetraparesis depending on the severity. The interval between the neurological disease onset and treatment (duration of signs), time to improvement after treatment, and recovery time were compared in dogs by body weight, age, and dry needle acupuncture (AP) with or without electro-AP (EAP). The duration of signs was longer in dogs weighing greater than 10 kg than in those weighing less than 10 kg (p < 0.05). Improvement and recovery times did not vary by body weight. Additionally, improvement and recovery times did not vary by age. The improvement and recovery times were longer in the AP+EAP group than the AP group (p < 0.05). Acupuncture with Jing-jiaji was effective in cervical spinal cord diseases in different sized dogs and in middle-aged and senior dogs. This report standardized AP treatment containing Jing-jiaji for canine cervical problems and evaluated its effects. The newly standardized AP methodology offers clinical practitioners an effective way to improve the outcomes of cervical neurological diseases in dogs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/93/jvs-17-337.PMC5037301.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894236", "abstract": "Reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency, especially by the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, has become widely used today to generate various types of stem cells for research and for regenerative medicine. However the mechanism(s) of reprogramming still need detailed elucidation, including the roles played by the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling pathway. LIF is central in maintaining the ground state pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and iPSCs by activating the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK-STAT3) pathway. Characterizing and understanding this pathway holds the key to generate naïve pluripotent human iPSCs which will facilitate the development of patient-specific stem cell therapy. Here we review the historical and recent developments on how LIF signaling pathway regulates ESC pluripotency maintenance and somatic cell reprogramming, with a focus on JAK-STAT3.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/ad/jkst-2-e24935.PMC3894236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4475694", "abstract": "Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has dramatically reduced the incidence of pneumococcal diseases. PCVs are not currently being used in Algeria. We conducted a prospective study from 2005 to 2012 in Algeria to determine antimicrobial drug resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae from children with pneumococcal disease. Among 270 isolated strains from children, 97 (36", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/e3/main.PMC4475694.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4373051", "abstract": "Tumors of the clivus and metastases to the clivus are very rare. Metastasis involving the clivus has previously been described in only two case reports. In skull metastasis, the breast and prostate are the most common primary foci, while metastasis from gastric carcinoma is extremely rare. A review of the English literature revealed only one published case of clivus metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma. There is no literature thoroughly explaining the differential diagnosis between chordoma and metastasis. Here we report a rare case of metastasis to the clivus from a gastric adenocarcinoma in a 42-year-old female patient with sudden blurry vision, presenting as bilateral cranial nerve VI palsy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/5f/jkns-57-208.PMC4373051.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3875701", "abstract": "As the use of early coronary angiography and echocardiography become widely available in the setting of acute coronary syndrome, the gradual increase for variant forms of transient left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning syndrome have been recognized. This syndrome usually occurs in women and is frequently elicited by an intense emotional, psychological, and physical event. While the patients' characteristics between typical and non-typical LV ballooning syndrome seem to differ, the presentation, clinical features, and reversibility of LV wall motion abnormalities are similar. We present a middle-aged woman who experienced inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by pulmonary embolism. To the best of our knowledge, this case is particularly unique and is rarely reported in the disease entity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/68/kcj-43-834.PMC3875701.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3409536", "abstract": "Helicases are enzymes that use ATP-driven motor force to unwind double-stranded DNA or RNA. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrates that some helicases also possess rewinding activity—in other words, they can anneal two complementary single-stranded nucleic acids. All five members of the human RecQ helicase family, helicase PIF1, mitochondrial helicase TWINKLE, and helicase/nuclease Dna2 have been shown to possess strand-annealing activity. Moreover, two recently identified helicases—HARP and AH2 have only ATP-dependent rewinding activity. These findings not only enhance our understanding of helicase enzymes but also establish the presence of a new type of protein: annealing helicases. This paper discusses what is known about these helicases, focusing on their biochemical activity to zip and unzip double-stranded DNA and/or RNA, their possible regulation mechanisms, and biological functions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/66/PMC3409536.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4353989", "abstract": "The objectives of abdominal hernia repair are to restore the structural integrity of the abdominal wall. Current techniques include primary closure, staged repair and the use of prosthetic materials. Techniques for mini-abdominoplasty include the use of the transverse lower abdominal incision and the resection of excess skin. We report a case of epigastric hernia repair through a transverse lower abdominal incision with the resection of excess of skin. Our purpose is to evaluate the results of the procedure by incorporating these aspects into an epigastric hernia repair, we found out that the procedures are made safer and the results are improved. Proper indication and details of the technique are described.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/9e/main.PMC4353989.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3405313", "abstract": "Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifelong progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Whereas cardiovascular complications are well-known for DM, increasing evidence indicates that diabetics are predisposed to cancer. Understanding of molecular pathomechanisms of cancer in DM is of great importance. Dysregulation of glucose/insulin homeostasis leads to increased production of Reactive Oxygen/Nitrogen Species (ROS/RNS) and consequent damage to chromosomal/mitochondrial DNA, a frequent finding in DM. Long-term accumulation of modified/damaged DNA is well-acknowledged as triggering cancer. DNA-repair is a highly energy consuming process provoking increased mitochondrial activity. Particularly dangerous is a provoked activity of damaged mitochondria leading to a “vicious circle” lowering energy supply and potentiating ROS/RNS production. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be implicated in pathomechanisms of diabetes-related cancer. High risk for infectious disorders and induced viral proto-oncogenic activity may further contribute to cancer provocation. Much attention should be focused on preventive measures in diabetic healthcare, in order to restrict severe diabetes-related complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/31/PMC3405313.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4188019", "abstract": "Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency in utero or early neonatal life may have a major impact on children’s health. Little is known on vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Belgium, non on the impact of wearing head and/or body cover. Objectives: This was a preliminary exploration of the vitamin D status in pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic in the Antwerp University Hospital. Method: From August 1 2009 until November 30 2009 we systematically determined 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) in each blood sample taken from pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic. We also registered the degree of head/body cover and inquired for intake of vitamin supplements. Results: Our population consisted of 171 women, mostly primiparous, of which 86", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/28/FVVinObGyn-2-127-130.PMC4188019.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3808860", "abstract": "Sibutramine, which acts as an anti-obesity drug by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, has now been banned due to cardiovascular adverse effects. However, despite being banned, it is not uncommon for people to purchase products with sibutramine or its analogues used as adulterants in non-prescription slimming products or health foods available on the internet. Sibutramine has been associated with rare but serious adverse reactions such as cardiac arrhythmia including QT interval prolongation, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy, as well as increases in blood pressure and pulse rate. Here, we report a case of a 32-year-old male who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy with massive left ventricular thrombus after taking unauthorized sibutramine-containing slimming pills sold over the internet.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/23/kcj-43-632.PMC3808860.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4929801", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Diabetes insipidus without perception of thirst, as may follow an anterior communicating artery aneurysm, requires prescription of fluid intake as well as desmopressin. The management goal of maintaining a normal serum sodium is rendered more challenging in a humid subtropical environment, where insensible losses are higher.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/f0/CCR3-4-664.PMC4929801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2811942", "abstract": "Statin therapy may prevent an excessive inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery. In a recent issue of Critical Care, Morgan and colleagues present data from a well-conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials using inflammatory markers as primary outcome measure. They find that pre-operative statin therapy, compared with placebo, may reduce various post-operative markers of systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-alpha). Their ability to make definitive conclusions is limited, however, by the suboptimal methodological quality of the primary studies. Their review suggests that ICU researchers should focus on developing valid surrogate markers and use these to accurately describe the mechanisms and effectiveness of novel therapies before proceeding to large pragmatic trials using mortality as primary outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/c4/PMC2811942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3037506", "abstract": "Purpose We performed laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) partial nephrectomy in a porcine model with the objectives of overcoming the technical challenges of this surgery and exploring its feasibility. Materials and Methods Six partial nephrectomies were performed on a pig aged 5 months, three cases on each kidney, by four surgeons: two urologists with much experience in laparoscopic surgery (E1, E2) and two less-experienced urologists (B1, B2). While under general anesthesia, the swine was placed in a lateral flank position. Umbilical placement of an Octoport was done with a 2.5 cm incision. After dissection of the renal hilum and Gerota's fascia, a bulldog clamp was applied on the renal artery and parenchymal resection was done. Renorrhaphy was then performed with interrupted sutures with the use of a sliding knot technique. Results All six partial nephrectomies were performed successfully after repair of the vascular and collecting system at the resection margin and renorrhaphy without the need to introduce any additional ports. There were no noticeable intra- or postoperative complications. The mean warm ischemic time was 42 minutes (range, 30-60 minutes). The shortest warm ischemic time, 30 minutes, was achieved by using the early unclamping technique during renorrhaphy. The longest warm ischemic time was 60 minutes. The average number of renorrhaphy stitches was 3.2 (range, 2-5). Conclusions LESS partial nephrectomy was successfully performed in a porcine model but resulted in a longer ischemic time than that of conventional laparoscopic surgeries. Therefore, further laboratory disciplinary efforts are needed to decrease the warm ischemic time and to improve this surgical technique.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/0e/kju-52-44.PMC3037506.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4280452", "abstract": "Pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) is a rare malignant lung tumor with a poorer prognosis compared to other histological types of non-small cell lung cancer. However, several recent immunohistochemical studies revealed that a low MIB-1 index is a good prognostic marker in patients with PC. We report the case of a patient with PC and a single brain metastasis that achieved long-term recurrence-free survival following treatment with combined modality therapy. In this case, the MIB-1 index was reduced by gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, which may have led to long-term disease-free survival. The MIB-1 index may be a useful biomarker for the response to chemotherapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/0f/cro-0007-0799.PMC4280452.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4769889", "abstract": "PURPOSE This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of full-coverage all-ceramic zirconia, lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, leucite glass-ceramic, or stainless steel crowns on antagonistic primary tooth wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS There were four study groups: the stainless steel (Steel) group, the leucite glass-ceramic (Leucite) group, the lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (Lithium) group, and the monolithic zirconia (Zirconia) group. Ten flat crown specimens were prepared per group; opposing teeth were prepared using primary canines. A wear test was conducted over 100,000 chewing cycles using a dual-axis chewing simulator and a 50 N masticating force, and wear losses of antagonistic teeth and restorative materials were calculated using a three-dimensional profiling system and an electronic scale, respectively. Statistical significance was determined using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P<.05). RESULTS The Leucite group (2.670±1.471 mm3) showed the greatest amount of antagonist tooth wear, followed by in decreasing order by the Lithium (2.042±0.696 mm3), Zirconia (1.426±0.477 mm3), and Steel groups (0.397±0.192 mm3). Mean volume losses in the Leucite and Lithium groups were significantly greater than in the Steel group (P<.05). No significant difference was observed between mean volume losses in the Zirconia and Steel groups (P>.05). CONCLUSION Leucite glass-ceramic and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic cause more primary tooth wear than stainless steel or zirconia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/5b/jap-8-43.PMC4769889.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4283757", "abstract": "People who are food and nutrition insecure largely reside in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and for many, fish represents a rich source of protein, micronutrients and essential fatty acids. The contribution of fish to household food and nutrition security depends upon availability, access and cultural and personal preferences. Access is largely determined by location, seasonality and price but at the individual level it also depends upon a person's physiological and health status and how fish is prepared, cooked and shared among household members. The sustained and rapid expansion of aquaculture over the past 30 years has resulted in >40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/12/jfb0083-1067.PMC4283757.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3355968", "abstract": "The ubiquitin–proteasome system is essential for multiple physiological processes via selective degradation of target proteins and has been shown to plays a critical role in human cancer. Activation of oncogenic factors and inhibition of tumor suppressors have been shown to be essential for cancer development, and protein ubiquitination has been linked to the regulation of oncogenic factors and tumor suppressors. Three kinases, AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and IκB kinase, we refer to as oncokinases, are activated in multiple human cancers. We and others have identified several key downstream targets that are commonly regulated by these oncokinases, some of which are regulated directly or indirectly via ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation, including FOXO3, β-catenin, myeloid cell leukemia-1, and Snail. In this review, we summarize these findings from our and other groups and discuss potential future studies and applications in the clinic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/0e/fonc-02-00015.PMC3355968.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2830567", "abstract": "Human intestinal spirochetosis (IS) is a condition defined histologically by the presence of spirochetal microorganisms attached to the apical cell membrane of the colorectal epithelium. Intestinal spirochetes comprise a heterogeneous group of bacteria. In humans, Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli predominate. Prevalence rates of IS are low where living standards are high, in contrast to poorly developed areas where IS is common. Homosexuals and HIV-infected individuals are at high risk of being colonized. Clinical significance in individual cases has remained unclear up to now. A review of the literature assumes that invasion of spirochetes beyond the surface epithelium may be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms which respond to antibiotic treatment (metronidazole), whereas individuals lacking this feature may be mostly asymptomatic. Of unknown reason, homosexual and HIV-positive men as well as children are more likely to be symptomatic irrespective of invasion. Rare cases of spirochetemia and multiple organ failure have been reported in critically ill patients with IS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/20/GMS-08-01.PMC2830567.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3555311", "abstract": "Breakthroughs in molecular profiling technologies are enabling a new data-intensive approach to biomedical research, with the potential to revolutionize how we study, manage, and treat complex diseases. The next great challenge for clinical applications of these innovations will be to create scalable computational solutions for intelligently linking complex biomedical patient data to clinically actionable knowledge. Traditional database management systems (DBMS) are not well suited to representing complex syntactic and semantic relationships in unstructured biomedical information, introducing barriers to realizing such solutions. We propose a scalable computational framework for addressing this need, which leverages a hypergraph-based data model and query language that may be better suited for representing complex multi-lateral, multi-scalar, and multi-dimensional relationships. We also discuss how this framework can be used to create rapid learning knowledge base systems to intelligently capture and relate complex patient data to biomedical knowledge in order to automate the recovery of clinically actionable information.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/d9/amiajnl-2011-000646.PMC3555311.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4004908", "abstract": "Although cortisone acetate is approved worldwide as corticosteroid substitution therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency), its effectiveness is uncertain since its biologic activity depends on activation by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). We sought to compare the effect of cortisone acetate with that of hydrocortisone. In 10 patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cortisone acetate was replaced with hydrocortisone in substitution therapy. During this change, blood concentrations of 17-hydroxy-progesterone, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), and requirements for each drug were monitored. Concentrations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone decreased (mean 10.1 vs. 48.6 ng/ml), as did those of ACTH. Cortisone acetate dose requirements averaged 33.9 mg/m2, while hydrocortisone dose requirements averaged only 20.3 mg/m2. In one of the patients resistant to cortisone acetate therapy, DNA sequences in the coding regions and promoter of the 11β-HSD gene were analyzed, detecting no genetic abnormalities. Cortisone acetate is inferior to hydrocortisone as substitution therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/e8/cpe-13-011.PMC4004908.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2915805", "abstract": "MIF-1 (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) is a tripeptide for which the therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease and depression has been indicated by many studies. However, the cellular mechanisms of action of MIF-1 are not yet clear. Here, we show the specific brain regions responsive to MIF-1 treatment by c-Fos mapping, and determine the kinetics of cellular signaling by western blotting of pERK, pSTAT3, and c-Fos in cultured neurons. The immunoreactivity of c-Fos was increased 4 hours after MIF-1 treatment in brain regions critically involved in the regulation of mood, anxiety, depression, and memory. The number of cells activated was greater after peripheral treatment (intravenous delivery) than after intracerebroventricular injection. In cultured SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, c-Fos was induced time- and dose-dependently. The activation of cellular c-Fos was preceded by a transient increase of mitogen-activated protein kinase pERK but a reduction of phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (pSTAT3) initially. We conclude that MIF-1 can modulate multiple cellular signals including pERK, and pSTAT3 to activate c-Fos. The cellular activation in specific brain regions illustrates the biochemical and neuroanatomical basis underlying the therapeutic effect of MIF-1 in Parkinson's disease and depression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/21/PMC2915805.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2713847", "abstract": "Objective To assess the feasibility and safety of CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with saline infusion of pulmonary tissue in rabbits. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups: an RFA group (n=10) and a saline-enhanced RFA (SRFA) group (n=18). In the RFA group, percutaneous RFA of the lung was performed under CT guidance and using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode. In the SRFA group, 1.5 ml of 0.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/82/kjr-3-245.PMC2713847.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3794086", "abstract": "Gene set analysis is a powerful tool for interpreting a genome-wide association study result and is gaining popularity these days. Comparison of the gene sets obtained for a variety of traits measured from a single genetic epidemiology dataset may give insights into the biological mechanisms underlying these traits. Based on the previously published single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data on 8,842 individuals enrolled in the Korea Association Resource project, we performed a series of systematic genome-wide association analyses for 49 quantitative traits of basic epidemiological, anthropometric, or blood chemistry parameters. Each analysis result was subjected to subsequent gene set analyses based on Gene Ontology (GO) terms using gene set analysis software, GSA-SNP, identifying a set of GO terms significantly associated to each trait (pcorr < 0.05). Pairwise comparison of the traits in terms of the semantic similarity in their GO sets revealed surprising cases where phenotypically uncorrelated traits showed high similarity in terms of biological pathways. For example, the pH level was related to 7 other traits that showed low phenotypic correlations with it. A literature survey implies that these traits may be regulated partly by common pathways that involve neuronal or nerve systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/5f/gni-11-135.PMC3794086.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3468283", "abstract": "Summary The aim of this work was to describe the clinical aspects of eye malformations observed at the ophthalmology unit of the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Patients and methods We carried out a retrospective study of all malformations of the eye and its adnexae observed among children aged 0–5 years who were seen at the ophthalmology unit from January 2003 to December 2009. Results Out of the 2254 children who were examined, 150 (6.65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/41/PMC3468283.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4842476", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify essential abilities of novice physical and occupational therapists for independent execution of their duties and to develop a clinical competence assessment tool. [Subjects] Forty-five experienced therapists participated in this study. [Methods] A two-phase mixed-methods design was used. First, semi structured interviews were conducted on 15 experienced therapists to create a comprehensive list of essential abilities that novice therapists need. Second, 30 experienced therapists participated in a two-round Delphi study to select items for the assessment tool being developed. [Results] Fifty-five items were extracted and classified into three categories: basic attitudes, therapeutic skills, and clinical practice-related thoughts. [Conclusion] Present results suggest that not only knowledge of execution of therapy-related duties and therapeutic skills is essential in novice therapist, but also appropriate abilities in social adjustment, self-management, and self-education. The newly developed tool might be useful for postgraduate education in clinical practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/73/jpts-28-971.PMC4842476.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3973470", "abstract": "Objectives In some clinical situations, dentists come across partially edentulous patients, and it might be necessary to connect teeth to implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate a metal-ceramic fixed tooth/implant-supported denture with a straight segment, located in the posterior region of the maxilla, when varying the number of teeth used as abutments.  Materials and Methods A three-element fixed denture composed of one tooth and one implant (Model 1), and a four-element fixed denture composed of two teeth and one implant (Model 2) were modeled. A 100 N load was applied, distributed uniformly on the entire set, simulating functional mastication, for further analysis of the SEQV (Von Mises) principal stresses, which were compared with the flow limit of the materials.  Results In a quantitative analysis, it may be observed that in the denture with one tooth, the maximum SEQV stress was 47.84 MPa, whereas for the denture with two teeth the maximum SEQV stress was 35.82 MPa, both located in the region between the pontic and the tooth.  Conclusion Lower stresses were observed in the denture with an additional tooth. Based on the flow limit of the materials, porcelain showed values below the limit of functional mastication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/fa/jaos-19-06-0655.PMC3973470.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3600178", "abstract": "The relation between HPV and head and neck cancer has recently and extensively been investigated. The purpose of this study was to indentify HPV genotypes, as well as E6/E7 mRNA expression of high-risk HPVs (16, 18, 31, 33 and 45) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) from 45 Greek patients. The overall prevalence of HPV DNA positive OSCCs was 11.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/17/PMC3600178.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433725", "abstract": "Abstract Background The ability to taste Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a bitter organic compound, described as a bimodal autosomal trait is widely used to know the heritable trait in both genetic and anthropological studies. The present study was carried out to analyze the prevalence of PTC taste sensitivity and to determine the gene frequencies among some Muslim populations of Uttar Pradesh, India. This study has some physiological relevance to highlight the adaptability of endogamous groups to behavioral traits in the same place. Methods Unrelated, healthy individuals of both sexes (Male-403, Female-418) belonging to different populations of Uttar Pradesh, India were randomly selected with the age range of 16-45 years observed for phenylthiocarbamide to taste sensitivity. PTC tasting ability was measured by using a serial dilution method of Harris and Kalmus. Results The phenotypic frequency of tasters was higher as compared to non-tasters, and the same is statistically significant (χ2= 11.92, df = 5, P = 0.036). There were more females among tasters (67.94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/81/PMC4433725.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4998433", "abstract": "Abstract Apolipoprotein B (apoB) has additional benefits over conventional lipid measurements in predicting future cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to validate the clinical relevance of our equation to estimate apoB in a large-scale, prospective, community-based cohort study (Ansung-Ansan cohort study). A total of 9001 Korean subjects were assessed. We excluded subjects with history of CVD (n = 228), taking lipid-lowering medications (n = 51), and those whose outcome data were not available (n = 33). Finally, a total of 8713 subjects (4126 men and 4587 women) with a mean age of 52.2 years were enrolled and followed up biannually for a mean 8.1 years. At baseline, 24.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/e6/medi-95-e3644.PMC4998433.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4793025", "abstract": "[Purpose] Efficient management using exercise programs with various benefits should be provided by educational institutions for children in their growth phase. We analyzed the heart rates of children during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test to evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance by calculating their post-exercise recovery rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects (n = 77) were categorized into a normal weight and an overweight/obesity group by body mass index. They performed each exercise for 3 minutes. The cardiorespiratory endurance was calculated using the Physical Efficiency Index formula. [Results] The ski simulator and Harvard step test showed that there was a significant difference in the heart rates of the 2 body mass index-based groups at each minute. The normal weight and the ski-simulator group had higher Physical Efficiency Index levels. [Conclusion] This study showed that a simulator exercise can produce a cumulative load even when performed at low intensity, and can be effectively utilized as exercise equipment since it resulted in higher Physical Efficiency Index levels than the Harvard step test. If schools can increase sport durability by stimulating students’ interests, the ski simulator exercise can be used in programs designed to improve and strengthen students’ physical fitness.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/66/jpts-28-641.PMC4793025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3537204", "abstract": "Background: Pregnant women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of progressive carotid artery disorders. The current study evaluated carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes at two time points of mid-term and full-term pregnancy to determine whether gestational diabetes mellitus causes increased IMT. Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out at Afzalipour Hospital (Kerman, Iran) between 2009 and 2010, recruited 50 women who were at high risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy and had an oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) as screening for gestational diabetes. B-mode ultrasound scans were performed at baseline and at two time points of mid-term pregnancy (20 to 24 weeks) and full-term pregnancy (36 to 38 weeks) on all the participants. The mean IMT of common carotids and internal carotid arteries from two walls (near and far walls) at four different angles was assessed. Results: An overall comparison between the impaired OGCT test group and the control group revealed significant differences in carotid IMT in the mid-term (0.65 ± 0.07 vs. 0.59 ± 0.06 mm; p value = 0.002) and full-term (0.65 ± 0.05 vs. 0.59 ± 0.04 mm; p value < 0.001) pregnancy; however, the trend of the changes in carotid IMT during mid to full-term pregnancy was insignificant in each group (p value > 0.05). Conclusion: Carotid IMT was significantly higher in the women with gestational diabetes than that in the normoglycemic group in different trimesters. This finding denotes that atherosclerosis might start years before the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in vulnerable women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/f8/jthc-7-156.PMC3537204.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4083136", "abstract": "We present a rare case of large bowel obstruction secondary to colonic gallstones in a frail nonagenarian. Uniquely, the stone was impacted in the descending colon-sigmoid junction, in the absence of underlying bowel pathology distal to the stone. In light of worsening pain and distension after failed endoscopic treatment, the patient was treated with an emergency laparotomy. After an on-table dilemma, a proximal defunctioning loop colostomy was fashioned and the stone left in situ, with the eventual fate of the stone currently undecided. We also discuss alternative treatment options and explain the thought processes that lead to our decision.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/65/rju042.PMC4083136.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3469204", "abstract": "Mung bean was reported as a potential antidiabetic agent while fermented food has been proposed as one of the major contributors that can reduce the risk of diabetes in Asian populations. In this study, we have compared the normoglycemic effect, glucose-induced hyperglycemic effect, and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic effect of fermented and nonfermented mung bean extracts. Our results showed that fermented mung bean extracts did not induce hypoglycemic effect on normal mice but significantly reduced the blood sugar levels of glucose- and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also lowered while insulin secretion and antioxidant level as measured by malonaldehyde (MDA) assays were significantly improved in the plasma of the fermented mung bean-treated group in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mouse. These results indicated that fermentation using Mardi Rhizopus sp. strain 5351 inoculums could enhance the antihyperglycemic and the antioxidant effects of mung bean in alloxan-treated mice. The improvement in the antihyperglycemic effect may also be contributed by the increased content of GABA and the free amino acid that are present in the fermented mung bean extracts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/b9/PMC3469204.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3829262", "abstract": "Background High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a systemic inflammatory marker that is produced in a large amount by hepatocytes in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor after ischemic stroke. Methods Measurement of hs-CRP in the first 24 hours of onset in 162 patients suffering from ischemic stroke was done. Relation of CRP with the risk of early mortality, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), stroke subtypes and other factors was determined. Results Regarding to ROC curve analysis, appropriate cut-off point for predicting patients’ short time mortality was equal to 2.15 mg/dl in this study. Significantly increased rate of mortality by 13.3 times was seen in patients with simultaneous CRP > 2.15 mg/dl and NIHSS > 10. Conclusion The Result of this study showed that there is a direct association between hs-CRP and mortality within the first week after stroke. Measuring hs-CRP within the first hours after stroke increases the predicting rate of early mortality risk with cut-off point of 2.15.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/72/IJNL-11-135.PMC3829262.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3121254", "abstract": "Cordyceps sinensis has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 4500m in Sikkim. Traditional healers and local people of North Sikkim recommend the mushroom, i.e., Yarsa gumba, Keera jhar (C. sinensis) for all diseases either as a single drug or combined with other herbs. The present study was undertaken to collect information regarding the traditional uses of cordyceps in Sikkim. It was found that most local folk healers/traditional healers use cordyceps for the treatment of 21 ailments. A modern literature search was carried out to assess whether the curative effects are valid or just blind faith of local people. Chemical constituents of cordyceps are given and pharmacological and biological studies reviewed. More mechanism-based and disease-oriented clinical studies are recommended.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/e3/JAIM-2-9.PMC3121254.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5360997", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the most common dominant affective temperaments in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients and investigate the relationship between the dominant affective temperaments and pain levels, disease activity, quality of life, current depression, and anxiety level in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-one patients diagnosed with axial spondiloartropathy and forty-two age- and gender-matched control subjects were included in this study. Disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein, pain by the Visual Analog Scale, disease activity by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, functional status by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index; psychological status by the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and overall health assessment by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale were assessed in patients. The Turkish version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto Questionnaire was used to determine the dominant affective temperament. [Results] There was no statistical difference in the distribution of temperament subtypes between patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and the controls. Depressive, anxious, and cyclothymic temperament scores were higher in patients with high values on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Visual Analog Scale. There was a correlation between anxious subtypes of affective temperament scores and the value of Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale. Correlation analysis also found depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament and psychiatric symptoms to be significantly related. [Conclusion] Affective temperament may contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and may increase disease activity and may reduce their quality of life.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/3e/jpts-29-394.PMC5360997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2882834", "abstract": "Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) save lives in routine clinical practice every day, as they are the key element in transplantation-based therapies for hematologic malignancies. The success of clinical stem cell transplantation critically relies on the ability of stem cells to reconstitute the hematopoietic system for many decades after the administration of the powerful chemotherapy and/or irradiation that is required to eradicate malignant cells, but also irreversibly ablates patients’ own blood forming capacity. Surprisingly, despite enormous efforts and continuous progress in the field, our understanding of the basic biology of HSCs is still rather incomplete. Several recent studies substantially refine our understanding of the cells at the very top of the hematopoietic hierarchy, and suggest that we may need to revise the criteria we typically use to identify and define HSCs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/14/JEM_20100950.PMC2882834.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015715", "abstract": "Two cases of internal herniation through a defect in the broad ligament of the uterus are described. Both were successfully treated laparoscopically. This rare condition should be borne in mind when a middle-aged woman presents with colicky lower abdominal pain. The cause is unknown, but both congenital and acquired origins have been proposed. As far as emergency situations are concerned, laparoscopy has proven to be both a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/0a/jsls-11-2-255.PMC3015715.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2801502", "abstract": "Background Fruit and vegetables (F   V) are strongly associated with health. The latest Swedish national dietary survey from a decade ago showed that consumption of F   V was below recommended levels. However, current consumption in different subgroups is not well known. Objective To investigate the consumption of various F   V types in Swedish adults grouped according to sociodemographic factors and self-reported physical activity (PA). Design A cross-sectional survey using a quantitative pen-and-paper or web-based questionnaire in a population-based random sample of adults 18–84 years (final n=1,304; 51", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/42/FNR-53-2023.PMC2801502.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4621359", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate provider adherence to national guidelines for the treatment of hypertension in African Americans. Design. A descriptive, preexperimental, quantitative method. Methods. Electronic medical records were reviewed and data were obtained from 62 charts. Clinical data collected included blood pressure readings, medications prescribed, laboratory studies, lifestyle modification, referral to hypertension specialist, and follow-up care. Findings. Overall provider adherence was 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/36/PMC4621359.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3206360", "abstract": "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating, presumably autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Among the available MS therapies, interferon (IFN)β and the recently introduced statins have been reported to exert their immunomodulatory effects through the induction of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in various inflammatory cell subsets. The SOCS proteins negatively regulate cytokine and Toll-like receptors- (TLR-) induced signaling in the inflammatory cells. SOCS1 and SOCS3 have been reported to play an important role in the regulation of Th17-cell differentiation through their effects on the cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. IFNβ and statins inhibit Th17-cell differentiation directly and indirectly via induction of SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and B-cells. Due to their rapid induction and degradation, and SOCS-mediated regulation of multiple cytokine-signaling pathways, they represent an attractive therapeutic target in the autoimmune diseases, and particularly relapsing remitting (RR) MS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/3f/PMC3206360.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3192879", "abstract": "Purpose Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are well known inflammatory markers. This study was designed to determine whether PCT and CRP are useful as early diagnostic markers for bacteremia in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 286 episodes of FN in the ED were consecutively included between June 2009 and August 2010. From medical records, clinical characteristics including PCT and CRP were extracted and analyzed. Results Bacteremia was identified in 38 (13.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/a1/crt-43-176.PMC3192879.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3804738", "abstract": "A 37-year-old male presented with a mass measuring 2.5 cm in size in the midbrain and obstructive hydrocephalus, which had manifested as a headache and dizziness. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain showed intermediate enhancement on T1-weighted MR imaging and a high intensity of enhancement on T2-weighted MR. Neurosurgeons performed an occipital craniotomy with partial removal of the tumor and the postoperative diagnosis was a pineal parenchymal tumor with intermediate differentiation. He had undergone irradiation with 54 Gy of radiation on 27 fractions for removal of the remaining tumor approximately one month after surgery. However, in follow-up imaging performed four months after radiotherapy, a remnant mass in the superoposterior aspect of the midbrain was found to have extended to the hypothalamus and the third ventricle. He was treated with six cycles of procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine chemotherapy. At five months since the completion of chemotherapy, the brain MR imaging showed no evidence of any remaining tumor and he no longer displayed any of his initial symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/ce/crt-45-244.PMC3804738.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3158131", "abstract": "This paper focuses on an unsettling example of experimental labour – the Human Landing Catch (HLC). The HLC is a cheap and reliable technique to produce data on mosquito densities in a defined area. It requires only a human volunteer to sit over night with his legs exposed, a headlamp to spot mosquitoes, and a rubber tube and plastic cup to catch them as they come to feed on him. The HLC formed the central methodological and operational strategy for a malaria control that took place in Dar es Salaam, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This paper analyses the epistemic and economic value of this experimental scenario by examining in detail the work it entails. In conceptualizing the different species of productivity associated with the HLC, of particular interest is the surprising fact that he is there. This paper argues that the interplay of mobility and immobility offers a way to rethink the value of research within interlocking circulations of capital, science, mosquitoes and men.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/c7/PMC3158131.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4195062", "abstract": "California and Maryland hospital data are used to estimate the incremental cost associated with 64 categories of hospital acquired complications. The reason for admission, severity of illness at admission and the presence of hospital acquired complications are used in a linear regression model to predict incremental per patient cost yielding an adjusted R2 of 0.58 for Maryland data and 0.60 for California data. The estimated incremental cost due to each of the 64 categories of complications was consistent across both databases and accounted for an increase in total short term acute inpatient hospital cost of 9.39 percent in the California data and 9.63 percent in the Maryland data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/0b/PMC4195062.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4414775", "abstract": "Vestibular schwannoma (VS) usually present the widening of internal auditory canal (IAC), and these bony changes are typically limited to IAC, not extend to temporal bone. Temporal bone invasion by VS is extremely rare. We report 51-year-old man who revealed temporal bone destruction beyond IAC by unilateral VS. The bony destruction extended anteriorly to the carotid canal and inferiorly to the jugular foramen. On histopathologic examination, the tumor showed typical benign schwannoma and did not show any unusual vascularity or malignant feature. Facial nerve was severely compressed and distorted by tumor, which unevenly eroded temporal bone in surgical field. Vestibular schwannoma with atypical invasion of temporal bone can be successfully treated with combined translabyrinthine and lateral suboccipiral approach without facial nerve dysfunction. Early detection and careful dissection of facial nerve with intraoperative monitoring should be considered during operation due to severe adhesion and distortion of facial nerve by tumor and eroded temporal bone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/f5/jkns-57-292.PMC4414775.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3794449", "abstract": "The JC polyoma viral coat protein VP1 was analyzed for amino acid sequences homologies to the IDSP sequence which mediates binding of VLA-4 (integrin alpha 4) to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Although the full sequence was not found, a DSP sequence was located near the critical arginine residue linked to infectivity of the virus and binding to sialic acid containing molecules such as integrins (3). For the JC polyoma virus, a DSP sequence was found at residues 70, 71 and 72 with homology also noted for the mouse polyoma virus and SV40 virus. Three dimensional modeling of the VP1 molecule suggests that the DSP loop has an accessible site for interaction from the external side of the assembled viral capsid pentamer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/bd/ni-2013-3-e14.PMC3794449.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5440135", "abstract": "Abstract Background: A number of studies have investigated the roles of excision repair cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1), ERCC2, and ERCC5 genes polymorphisms in the development of glioma; however, the results were inconsistent. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between 6 polymorphisms in the ERCC genes (rs3212986, rs11615, rs13181, rs1799793, rs238406, rs17655) and glioma risk. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Web of science were searched up to September 6, 2016, for studies on the association between ERCC polymorphisms and glioma risk. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios based on the results from the heterogeneity tests. Sensitivity and cumulative meta-analyses were also performed. Results: A total of 15 studies were eligible for the pooled analysis, conducted in 2 populations of ethnic descent: 8 Europeans and 7 Asians. The results showed that ERCC1 rs3212986 polymorphism was positively associated with glioma [AA vs CC: odds ratio (OR) = 1.298, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/1f/medi-96-e6832.PMC5440135.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4113308", "abstract": "The amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) is prescribed for conditions where increased central and/or peripheral dopamine synthesis is desired. Its administration can establish dopamine concentrations higher than can be achieved from an optimal diet. Specific indications include Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome. The interaction between serotonin and dopamine exists in one of two distinctly different physiologic states: the endogenous state or the competitive inhibition state. Management with L-dopa in the competitive inhibition state is the focus of this paper. In the past, control of the competitive inhibition state was thought to be so difficult and complex that it was described in the literature as functionally “meaningless”. When administering L-dopa without simultaneous administration of serotonin precursors, the patient is in the endogenous state. Experience gained with patient outcomes during endogenous L-dopa administration does not allow predictability of L-dopa outcomes in the competitive inhibition state. The endogenous approach typically increases the daily L-dopa dosing value in a linear fashion until symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are under control. It is the novel observations made during treatment with the competitive inhibition state approach that L-dopa dosing values above or below the optimal therapeutic range are generally associated with the presence of the exact same Parkinson’s disease symptoms with identical intensity. This recognition requires a novel approach to optimization of daily L-dopa dosing values from that used in the endogenous state. This paper outlines that novel approach through utilization of a pill stop. This approach enhances patient safety through its ability to prevent L-dopa overdose, while assisting in the establishment of the optimal therapeutic L-dopa daily dosing value.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/97/dhps-6-093.PMC4113308.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3590502", "abstract": "Endothelial dysfunction and oxLDL are believed to be early and critical events in atherogenesis. 6-Shogaol is the major bioactive compound present in Zingiber officinale and possesses the anti-atherosclerotic effect. However, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-shogaol on oxLDL-induced Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injuries and its possible molecular mechanisms. Hence, we studied the effects of 6-shogaol on cell apoptosis, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-κB activation, Bcl-2 expression, and caspase -3, -8, -9 activities. In addition, E-selectin, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 were determined by ELISA. Our study show that oxLDL increased LOX-1 expression, ROS levels, NF-κB, caspases-9 and -3 activation and decreased Bcl-2 expression in HUVECs. These alterations were attenuated by 6-shogaol. Cotreatment with 6-shogaol and siRNA of LOX-1 synergistically reduced oxLDL-induced caspases -9, -3 activities and cell apoptosis. Overexpression of LOX-1 attenuated the protection by 6-shogaol and suppressed the effects of 6-shogaol on oxLDL-induced oxidative stress. In addition, oxLDL enhanced the activation of NF-κB and expression of adhesion molecules. Pretreatment with 6-shogaol, however, exerted significant cytoprotective effects in all events. Our data indicate that 6-shogaol might be a potential natural antiapoptotic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/ad/PMC3590502.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3470887", "abstract": "Dengue diseases have an economic as well as social burden worldwide. In this study, the antiviral activity of protegrin-1 (PG-1, RGGRLCYCRRRFCVCVGR) peptide towards dengue NS2B-NS3pro and viral replication in Rhesus monkey kidney (MK2) cells was investigated. The peptide PG-1 was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and disulphide bonds formation followed by peptide purification was confirmed by LC-MS and RPHPLC. Dengue NS2B-NS3pro was produced as a single-chain recombinant protein in E. coli. The NS2B-NS3pro assay was carried out by measuring the florescence emission of catalyzed substrate. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the inhibition potential of PG-1 towards dengue serotype-2 (DENV-2) replication in MK2 cells. The results showed that PG-1 inhibited dengue NS2B-NS3pro at IC50 of 11.7 μM. The graded concentrations of PG-1 at nontoxic range were able to reduce viral replication significantly (P < 0.001) at 24, 48, and 72 hrs after viral infection. However, the percentage of inhibition was significantly (P < 0.01) higher at 24 hrs compared to 48 and 72 hrs. These data show promising therapeutic potential of PG-1 against dengue infection, hence it warrants further analysis and improvement of the peptide features as a prospective starting point for consideration in designing attractive dengue virus inhibitors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/46/PMC3470887.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2822252", "abstract": "A 32-yr-old male patient with recurrent pneumothorax associated with bronchial atresia of the subsegmental branch of the posterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe was successfully treated with right upper lobectomy. Before surgery, the bronchial atresia with pneumothorax was suspected on the chest radiograph and CT scans, which showed the findings of bronchocele with localized hyperinflation of the right upper lobe. The examination of surgical specimen from the resected right upper lobe suggests that the cause of the recurrent pneumothorax was the rupture of the subpleural bullae in the hyperinflated lung segment distal to the atretic bronchus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/27/jkms-19-142.PMC2822252.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4719129", "abstract": "Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Several studies suggest that pentoxifylline (PTX) can improve the disease outcome. Objectives: We aimed to compare the effect of pentoxifylline with placebo on liver aminotransferases and cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in patients with NASH. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with NASH were included in the study, based on ultrasonography and 1.5-fold mean change from baseline serum levels of liver aminotransferases. Patients with NASH were randomized to receive 1200 mg PTX (the intervention group) or placebo (the placebo group) for 6 months. The serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines were compared between the intervention and placebo groups, at various time points. Results: The serum levels of liver aminotransferases were significantly reduced at 3 months and at 6 months, compared with baseline, in both groups. The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased, in both groups, only at 6 months, compared with baseline. Compared to the placebo group, the serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased in the intervention group, at 6 months. The serum level of IL-8 was increased, in both groups, after 6 months, without reaching clinical significance. There was no significant difference in serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, between intervention and placebo groups. Conclusions: Decreases in the serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, in both groups, are related to low-calorie diets and exercise, rather than PTX.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/68/hepatmon-15-11-32418.PMC4719129.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4283532", "abstract": "Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of closed reduction according to a classification in patients with nasal bone fracture. Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively on 186 patients with a mean age of 38 years (range: 7 to 80 years). All patients were diagnosed by clinical and radiologic examination, and then classified according to Hwang’s classification by computed tomography. The patients were further classified by their age, gender, causes of fracture, operation timing after fracture, concurrent facial bone fracture, and complications. All patients underwent the same reduction and treatment protocol and were then followed up regularly for at least three months. Results: The cause of the fracture was slip down, and the highest prevalence was shown in the 20s. The mean operation timing after fracture was 4.1 days (range: 1 to 14 days), and it tended to be longer in the case of defected septal bone or more severe fracture. The most common concurrent facial bone fracture was orbital blow-out fracture, and zygomaticomaxillary complex and maxillary fracture occured frequently. The largest number of complications occurred in class III and IIBs patients, and the main complication was postoperative pain. Conclusion: Results of nasal bone closed reduction on the 186 patients showed that serious complications rarely occurred. Closed reduction is generally an effective treatment for nasal bone fracture. However, in the case of severe concurrent septal bone fracture or comminuted fracture with depression, open reduction should be considered. Further study with a larger number of patients and further classification is required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/fc/mprs-36-266.PMC4283532.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5346936", "abstract": "Desmoid tumor is a rare monoclonal fibroblast proliferation that is regarded as benign. The clinical management of desmoid tumors is very complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach because of the unpredictable disease course. For those cases localized in the anterior abdominal wall, symptomatic and unresponsive to medical treatment, radical resection and reconstruction with a prosthetic device are indicated. We present here a case of desmoid fibromatosis of the left anterolateral abdominal wall with a marked increase of the mass that required a large excision followed by reconstruction with biological matrix. The fact that it can be incorporated in patient tissue without a fibrotic response and that it can resist future infections, together with a very competetive price, made the new collagen matrix Egis® our first choice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/fe/cro-0010-0205.PMC5346936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3119590", "abstract": "The African cichlids of the East-African rift-lakes provide one of the most dramatic examples of adaptive radiation known. It has long been thought that functional decoupling of the oral and pharyngeal jaws in cichlids has facilitated their explosive evolution. Recent research has also shown that craniofacial evolution from radiations in lakes Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika has occurred along a shared primary axis of shape divergence, whereby the preorbital region of the skull changes in a manner that is, relatively independent from other head regions. We predicted that the preorbital region would comprise a variational module and used an extensive dataset from each lake that allowed us to test this prediction using a model selection approach. Our findings supported the presence of a preorbital module across all lakes, within each lake, and for Malawi, within sand and rock-dwelling clades. However, while a preorbital module was consistently present, notable differences were also observed among groups. Of particular interest, a negative association between patterns of variational modularity was observed between the sand and rock-dwelling clades, a patter consistent with character displacement. These findings provide the basis for further experimental research involving the determination of the developmental and genetic bases of these patterns of modularity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/4a/PMC3119590.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3413838", "abstract": "Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a rare diverticular disease. This disease differs from Zenker's diverticulum in its location and mechanism. Various treatment modality have been attempted, but traditional surgical treatment has been recommended for a symptomatic Killian-Jamieson diverticulum due to the concern of possible nerve injury. We performed surgical treatment by cervical incision. We report here on a case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum and we briefly review the relevant literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/86/kjtcs-45-272.PMC3413838.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3917185", "abstract": "Background: Mood disorders related behaviors are imposed on family members and influence the family's mental atmosphere and level of quality of life. Therefore, the researchers decided to study the effect of group psycho-educational program on the quality of life in families of patients with mood disorders. Materials and Methods: This is a two-group interventional study conducted on 32 members of families of the patients with mood disorders selected through random sampling. A group psycho-educational program was conducted in ten 90-min sessions (twice a week) for the study group. (World Health Organization's Quality of Life-BREF WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was adopted in the study and was filled before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Results: Independent t-test showed a significant difference in the scores of quality of life in the domains of mental health, social communications, and environmental health, immediately after and 1 month after intervention in the study group compared to the control group. Repeated measure analysis of variance showed a significant increase in the mean scores of quality of life in the study group. Conclusions: The results showed that the impact of group psycho-educational program is observed in the prevention of reduction in quality of life and its promotion in the families of patients with mood disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/90/IJNMR-19-50.PMC3917185.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3115550", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Fixed genomic variation explains only a small proportion of the risk of adiposity. In animal models, maternal diet alters offspring body composition, accompanied by epigenetic changes in metabolic control genes. Little is known about whether such processes operate in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using Sequenom MassARRAY we measured the methylation status of 68 CpGs 5′ from five candidate genes in umbilical cord tissue DNA from healthy neonates. Methylation varied greatly at particular CpGs: for 31 CpGs with median methylation ≥5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/ad/1528.PMC3115550.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5064989", "abstract": "We report a draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain B9741 belonging to Beijing B0/W lineage isolated from a HIV patient from Siberia, Russia. This clinical isolate showed MDR phenotype and resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin and pyrazinamide. We analyzed SNPs associated with virulence and resistance. The draft genome sequence and annotation have been deposited at GenBank under the accession NZ_LVJJ00000000.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/a3/main.PMC5064989.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5050358", "abstract": "Sleep is a vital phenomenon related to immunomodulation at the central and peripheral level. Sleep deficient in duration and/or quality is a common problem in the modern society and is considered a risk factor to develop neurodegenerative diseases. Sleep loss in rodents induces blood-brain barrier disruption and the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Several reports indicate that sleep loss induces a systemic low-grade inflammation characterized by the release of several molecules, such as cytokines, chemokines, and acute-phase proteins; all of them may promote changes in cellular components of the blood-brain barrier, particularly on brain endothelial cells. In the present review we discuss the role of inflammatory mediators that increase during sleep loss and their association with general disturbances in peripheral endothelium and epithelium and how those inflammatory mediators may alter the blood-brain barrier. Finally, this manuscript proposes a hypothetical mechanism by which sleep loss may induce blood-brain barrier disruption, emphasizing the regulatory effect of inflammatory molecules on tight junction proteins.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/50/PMC5050358.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4608344", "abstract": "Colloid cysts are mucous-filled masses with an outer fibrous layer. These cysts are rare developmental malformation and not a true neoplasm. They usually found incidentally and are asymptomatic; but in some cases may associate with rapid neurologic deterioration, herniation, and sudden death. Recognition of this rare but important diagnosis may result in decreasing mortality. In this report, we presented a 13-year-old boy with complaint of two times drop attack and final diagnosis of colloid cyst in the third brain ventricle.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/34/emerg-3-162.PMC4608344.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3448230", "abstract": "Background Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited phagocytes defect, characterized by defects of NADPH-oxidase and inability of bacterial killing, which leads to recurrent life-threatening infections. Respiratory problems, which are the major cause of morbidity in CGD, usually result from recurrent severe infections; however, vigorous inflammatory response could also cause respiratory diseases. Case Presentation Herein, an 11 year-old patient with CGD is presented who suffered from chronic cough and dyspnea for 7 years. Considering the results of chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography, and pulmonary function test, the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease was made. Conclusion Early recognition of manifestations associated with CGD and appropriate treatment could prevent further complications and reduce morbidity and mortality in this group of patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/b6/IJPD-22-129.PMC3448230.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4217065", "abstract": "The etiologies of intracranial artery dissection are various, the exogenous as well as inherited connective tissue disorders. We report on a patient who presented with diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage who had been suffered from essential thrombocythemia. He was diagnosed to multiple dissecting aneurysms of left superior cerebellar artery, left posterior inferior cerebellar artery and right pericallosal artery and treated with endovascular coil embolization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/d5/jkns-56-257.PMC4217065.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2610650", "abstract": "Development of a cystic mass on the nasal dorsum is a very rare complication of aesthetic rhinoplasty. Most reported cases are of mucous cyst and entrapment of the nasal mucosa in the subcutaneous space due to traumatic surgical technique has been suggested as a presumptive pathogenesis. Here, we report a case of dorsal nasal cyst that had a different pathogenesis for cyst formation. A 58-yr-old woman developed a large cystic mass on the nasal radix 30 yr after augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone material. The mass was removed via a direct open approach and the pathology findings revealed a foreign body inclusion cyst associated with silicone. Successful nasal reconstruction was performed with autologous cartilages. Discussion and a brief review of the literature will be focused on the pathophysiology of and treatment options for a postrhinoplasty dorsal cyst.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/6b/jkms-23-1109.PMC2610650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4083462", "abstract": "Darier's Disease (DD) is caused by mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase ATP2A2 (protein SERCA2). Current treatment modalities are ineffective for many patients. This report shows that impaired SERCA2 function, both in DD keratinocytes and in normal keratinocytes treated with the SERCA2-inhibitor thapsigargin, depletes ER Ca2+ stores, leading to constitutive ER stress and increased sensitivity to ER stressors. ER stress, in turn, leads to abnormal cell-to-cell adhesion via impaired redistribution of desmoplakin, desmoglein 3, desmocollin 3 and E-cadherin to the plasma membrane. This report illustrates how ER Ca2+ depletion and the resulting ER stress are central to the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, the authors introduce a possible new therapeutic agent, Miglustat.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/97/PMC4083462.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3539480", "abstract": "Summary Our mini-review focuses on dual regulation of cellular nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways by traditionally characterized enzymatic formation from L-arginine via the actions of NO synthases (NOS) and by enzymatic reduction of available cellular nitrite pools by a diverse class of cytosolic and mitochondrial nitrite reductases. Nitrite is a major metabolic product of NO and is found in all cell and tissue types that utilize NO signaling processes. Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) has been previously characterized as a housekeeping enzyme responsible for cellular uric acid formation via enzymatic conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine. It has become apparent that XOR possesses multi-functional enzymatic activities outside the realm of xanthine metabolism and a small but significant literature also established a compelling functional association between administered sodium nitrite, XOR activation, and pharmacologically characterized NO transductive effects in positive cardiovascular function enhanced pulmonary perfusion, and protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury and hypoxic damage and oxidative stress. Similar positive vascular and cellular effects were observed to be functionally associated with mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase and cytochrome c/cytochrome c oxidase. The profound implications of a reciprocal regulatory mechanism responsible for cytosolic and mitochondrial NO production are discussed below.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/da/PMC3539480.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3948443", "abstract": "Oral dantrolene causes a dose-dependent depression of skeletal muscle contractility. A 52-year-old man treated with oral dantrolene for spasticity after spinal cord injury was scheduled to undergo irrigation and drainage of a thigh abscess under general anesthesia. He had taken 50 mg oral dantrolene per day for 3 years. Under standard neuromuscular monitoring, anesthesia was performed with propofol, rocuronium, and sevoflurane. A bolus dose of ED95 (0.3 mg/kg) of rocuronium could not depress T1 up to 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/a5/kjae-66-153.PMC3948443.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5404166", "abstract": "Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral or humeral heads in patients with sickle cell anemia is a common and painful condition. There is currently no gold standard treatment protocol for this condition. Typically, the pain is managed with narcotics and activity restriction until there has been collapse of the subchondral bone with a degree of arthrosis sufficient to warrant total joint arthroplasty. This method entails prolonged pain for the patient and decreases the ability to function occupationally and recreationally. Case Report: A 51-year-old African-American woman with a history of sickle cell anemia presented for the evaluation of significant bilateral shoulder pain that was confirmed to be AVN via radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of both her humeral heads without joint collapse. She tried and failed conservative management with physical therapy and optimization of sickle cell treatment with pain medications for years, so she desired surgical management. Arthroscopically assisted core decompression of her humeral heads with synthetic grafting was performed in an attempt at joint preservation. Conclusion: This report demonstrates a technique of staged decompression of necrotic bone in the bilateral humeral heads with synthetic bone grafting to determine if this could function as a joint preservation strategy. This procedure was considered successful to alleviate the patients’ pain in both of her arms. The application of this procedure is significant because it could be used in various future medical joint preservation cases for a wide range of patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/a6/JOCR-6-62.PMC5404166.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2874993", "abstract": "A challenge facing immunization registries is developing measures of childhood immunization coverage that contain more information for setting policy than present vaccine series up-to-date (UTD) rates. This study combined milestone analysis with provider encounter data to determine when children either do not receive indicated immunizations during medical encounters or fail to visit providers. Milestone analysis measures immunization status at key times between birth and age 2, when recommended immunizations first become late. The immunization status of a large population of children in the Oregon ALERT immunization registry and in the Oregon Health Plan was tracked across milestone ages. Findings indicate that the majority of children went back and forth with regard to having complete age-appropriate immunizations over time. We also found that immunization UTD rates when used alone are biased towards relating non-UTD status to a lack of visits to providers, instead of to provider visits on which recommended immunizations are not given.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/b0/PMC2874993.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3214775", "abstract": "Neurite outgrowth and its maintenance are essential aspects of neuronal cells for their connectivity and communication with other neurons. Recent studies showed that over-expression of either leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), whose mutations are associated with familial Parkinson's disease (PD), or Rab5b, an early endosomal marker protein, induces reduction in neurite length. Based on our recent findings that LRRK2 co-localizes and interacts with Rab5, we tested the hypothesis that LRRK2 and Rab5 may functionally interplay while controlling neurite outgrowth. Firstly, we confirmed previous reports that over-expression of either the LRRK2 PD-specific G2019S mutant or the Rab5 constitutively active Q79L mutant, but not of dominant negative N133I mutant, significantly reduces neurite outgrowth. Secondly, when over-expression of either LRRK2 wild type (WT) or G2019S was accompanied with over-expression of one of the Rab5 variants (WT, Q79L and N133I), or with down-regulation of Rab5, the reduction extent of its neurite length was similar to that of cells over-expressing LRRK2 alone, regardless of Rab5's status. Finally, we observed similar patterns of neurite length regulation in embryonic rat hippocampal neuron cultures. Taken together, our results suggest that LRRK2 and Rab5 functionally coordinate their regulation of neurite outgrowth and that LRRK2 is a more critical factor than Rab5.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/cc/en-19-97.PMC3214775.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3038428", "abstract": "To date, CNS disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (NP-SLE) have been understudied compared to end-organ failure and peripheral pathology. In this review, we focus on a specific mouse model of lupus and the ways in which this model reflects some of the most common manifestations and potential mechanisms of human NP-SLE. The mouse MRL lymphoproliferation strain (a.k.a. MRL/lpr) spontaneously develops the hallmark serological markers and peripheral pathologies typifying lupus in addition to displaying the cognitive and affective dysfunction characteristic of NP-SLE, which may be among the earliest symptoms of lupus. We suggest that although NP-SLE may share common mechanisms with peripheral organ pathology in lupus, especially in the latter stages of the disease, the immunologically privileged nature of the CNS indicates that early manifestations of particularly mood disorders maybe derived from some unique mechanisms. These include altered cytokine profiles that can activate astrocytes, microglia, and alter neuronal function before dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier and development of clinical autoantibody titres.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/b0/PMC3038428.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4936446", "abstract": "Objective The objective was to study megaloblastic anemia as a cause of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Materials and Methods We conducted a study on 15 patients of megaloblastic anemia associated with fever, attending our hospital clinics over a period of 6 months. Results While 11 patients had symptoms suggesting foci of infection and responded well to intravenous antibiotics, 4 patients had neither any evidence of infection nor responded with empirical broad spectrum antibiotic treatment. They were treated with vitamin B12/folate therapy which led to marked improvement in fever within 48 h. Presenting complaints of the patients and severity/duration of fever along with other epidemiological data were also studied in each case. Conclusion The present study led us to conclude that megaloblastic anemia forms an important and reversible cause of fever and should be ruled out in all patients presenting with PUO. This knowledge would help the physicians in adequate and timely management of these patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/e8/jtim-2015-0005.PMC4936446.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4520988", "abstract": "Ependymomas are central nervous system neoplasms that account for a third of all posterior fossa tumors in children. The most common location for infratentorial ependymoma is within the fourth ventricle. We present a case report of malignant transformation of an infratentorial grade II ependymoma in a 2-year-old child who presented with vomiting and visual disturbance. An infratentorial brain tumor in the left cerebellar area was totally removed, and the initial pathologic diagnosis was grade II ependymoma. The tumor recurred aggressively 1 year later; subtotal removal and adjuvant chemotherapy were performed. After a second operation, a histopathologic study was performed. The second specimen was defined as a grade III anaplastic ependymoma. Transformation to grade III anaplastic ependymoma is possible for a grade II ependymoma but very rare. The diagnosis of the anaplastic variant of intracranial ependymomas is difficult. Surgical treatment remains the mainstay of the treatment for all cases. Ependymomas in young infants have a worse prognosis than older children, so we need individual clinical evaluation and close follow-up of such cases. This article highlights the requirement of a close follow-up for grade II ependymomas for anaplastic transformation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7a/47/PMC4520988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4616362", "abstract": "Abstract Most of recurrent bladder carcinoma after partial cystectomy did not cause diagnostic difficulties for urologists, because of the appearance of typical papillary in ultrasonography or cystoscopy, and could be easily confirmed by tumor biopsy. Three patients, ages from 35 to 62 years, had undergone bladder sparing treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer, all of them had biopsy revealed benign bladder lesion at surveillance cystoscopy. However, transurethral resection of bladder tumor showed high-grade muscle invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma for these patients. Two patients were thus delayed for timely cystectomy and consequently resulted in local or distal metastasis. As a result, we recommended that timely pelvic enhanced computed tomography and transurethral resection of bladder tumor were necessary when bladder lesion occurred after partial cystectomy, avoiding the possibility of missing muscle invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma recurrence and delaying timely cystectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/4c/medi-94-e898.PMC4616362.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4000877", "abstract": "Cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is more seldom than the involvement of the liver and the lungs. Cardiac cyst hydatid disease is diagnosed incidentally or by means of symptoms such as dyspnea and angina pectoris. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who underwent open heart surgery for a randomly detected cardiac cyst hydatid during investigations carried out in a healthcare institution after accidentally falling from height. On the other hand, this patient did not have any complaints associated with hydatid disease before this event.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/6d/kjtcs-47-160.PMC4000877.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4996859", "abstract": "Arrhythmic management is needed after removal of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Patients completely dependent on CIEDs need temporary device back-up until new CIEDs are implanted. Various methods are available for device back-up, and the appropriate management varies among patients. The duration from CIED removal to implantation of a new CIED also differs among patients. Temporary pacing is needed for patients with bradycardia, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) or catheter ablation is needed for patients with tachyarrhythmia, and sequential pacing is needed for patients dependent on cardiac resynchronization therapy. The present review focuses on arrhythmic management after CIED removal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/57/main.PMC4996859.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4423272", "abstract": " Background and study aims: Retrograde double-balloon enteroscopy (RDBE) has a high failure rate due to difficulty intubating the ileo-cecal (IC) valve. We examined the utility of a pre-RDBE colonoscopy using a pediatric colonoscope to clean the cecum and perform an initial intubation of the IC valve.   Patients and methods: This study is a retrospective review of RDBE procedures for 45 patients at a single tertiary-care center to examine the success of IC intubation, maximal depth of enteroscope insertion, and duration of the procedure.  Results: The IC intubation success rate among patients who underwent RDBE using this novel method was 100 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/13/PMC4423272.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3519405", "abstract": "Study design: Comparative effectiveness review. Study rationale: The ability of a patient to return to work and the speed with which this occurs are important outcome metrics for the assessment of patients undergoing spinal surgery. Clinical questions: In patients with degenerative disease of the cervical spine, does cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) lead to better work-related outcomes than fusion? Does return to work after surgery differ based on gender, age, smoking, litigation status, workers’ compensation status, or other sociodemographic factors? Methods: A systematic search and review of the English-language literature was undertaken to identify studies published through October 2, 2011. PubMed, Cochrane, National Guideline Clearinghouse Databases, and bibliographies of key articles were searched. Two individuals independently reviewed articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were set a priori. Each article was evaluated using a predefined quality-rating scheme. Results: For follow-up periods of more than 6 months, there was no significant difference in work status between disc replacement and fusion patients; however, C-ADR patients began working sooner after surgery. Statistical significance for earlier return was not reached in all studies. Conclusions: Most patients undergoing cervical decompression and fusion or C-ADR return to work. The rates are equivalent at 6 months but patients treated with C-ADR resumed work sooner.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/07/PMC3519405.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2831507", "abstract": "In infectious diseases we can discern a cause and effect chain, which in particular offers the practicable perspectives of prophylaxis and treatment. However, to date we have not been able to control them. Apart from new epidemics, such as those caused by HIV and SARS, long-forgotten scourges like TB are enjoying a comeback. Furthermore, the advances made in clinical medicine mean that induced immunosuppression, for instance as a result of major surgery or organ transplantation, has become a serious problem in intensive care units. The body’s natural barriers are breached through medical interventions while, on the other hand, immunocompromising therapeutic agents such as cytostacis and glucocorticoids ensure that invading microorganisms will be able to multiply. Drugs administered as stress ulcus prophylaxis give rise to a shift in the bacterial flora of the throat, thus laying the foundation for a lower respiratory tract infection. With regard to bacterial resistance, antibiotic therapy, especially when used as prophylaxis, results in the bacteria becoming less sensitive to the drugs, while reinforcing selective pressures.  The hands of personnel as well as the therapeutic devices ranging from the respirator to the catheter are the chief sources of infection in intensive care units. Disinfection, antibiotic therapy and, possibly, extracorporeal elimination methods can be contemplated to selectively prevent the establishment and multiplication of microorganisms. However, only disinfectants are able to unleash their full destructive might against microbes, especially when used for medical devices that are not amenable to sterilization, even if their subsequent removal and, possibly, the issue of staff hand protection, can be a problem. While it is not easy to furnish proof of a direct link between efficient control and prevention methods and the incidence of infection, there is by now a consensus on the role of hand hygiene and of disinfection of the human body and of surfaces. In an age when medicine, in particular intensive care medicine, is at risk of becoming impaled on its own sword, disinfection could serve as a bulwark against rising infection rates. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/5b/KHI-02-12.PMC2831507.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658243", "abstract": "We report the treatment course of a 29-year-old man who has had unique oscillating FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene-negative hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) for nearly 6 years. His periodic oscillating pattern of eosinophilia associated with angioedematous soft tissue swelling has shown two to three seasonal peaks (>15,000/μL absolute eosinophil counts [AEC]) a year. Initially, the patient, who was thought to have distinct HES not compatible with previously described cases, did not respond to treatment except for a temporary response to imatinib mesylate. For 6 years, from 2005 to 2010, he was treated with a combination of oral cyclosporine A, suplatast tosilate, and a small dose of prednisolone, which significantly reduced the peak heights of AEC as well as blunting the oscillating patterns.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/f2/PMC3658243.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4024565", "abstract": "PURPOSE This study was performed to characterize the effects of zirconia coated with calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite compared to smooth zirconia after bone marrow-derived osteoblast culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bone marrow-derived osteoblasts were cultured on (1) smooth zirconia, (2) zirconia coated with calcium phosphate (CaP), and (3) zirconia coated with hydroxyapatite (HA). The tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT test) was used for cell proliferation evaluation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured to evaluate the cellular morphology and differentiation rate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed for the analysis of surface chemistry. The genetic expression of the osteoblasts and dissolution behavior of the coatings were observed. Assessment of the significance level of the differences between the groups was done with analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS From the MTT assay, no significant difference between smooth and surface coated zirconia was found (P>.05). From the SEM image, cells on all three groups of discs were sporadically triangular or spread out in shape with formation of filopodia. From the ALP activity assay, the optical density of osteoblasts on smooth zirconia discs was higher than that on surface treated zirconia discs (P>.05). Most of the genes related to cell adhesion showed similar expression level between smooth and surface treated zirconia. The dissolution rate was higher with CaP than HA coating. CONCLUSION The attachment and growth behavior of bone-marrow-derived osteoblasts cultured on smooth surface coated zirconia showed comparable results. However, the HA coating showed more time-dependent stability compared to the CaP coating.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/8b/jap-6-96.PMC4024565.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4165864", "abstract": "Background/objectives: To address behaviours associated with childhood obesity, certain target values are recommended that should be met to improve children's health. In the IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health Effects in Children and infantS) study such lifestyle recommendations were conveyed as six key messages. Here, we investigate the adherence of European children to these messages. Methods: The IDEFICS intervention was based on the intervention mapping approach with the following six targets: increase water consumption (to replace sugar-containing beverages), increase fruit/vegetable consumption, reduce daily screen time, increase daily physical activity, improve the quality of family life and ensure adequate sleep duration. Internationally recommended target values were applied to determine the prevalence of children meeting these targets. Results: In a cohort of 18 745 children participating in the IDEFICS baseline survey or newly recruited during follow-up, data on the above lifestyle behaviours were collected for a varying number of 8302 to 17 212 children. Information on all six behaviours was available for 5140 children. Although 52.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/75/ijo2014145a.PMC4165864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3030025", "abstract": "Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but fatal obstetric emergency, characterized by sudden cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea or respiratory arrest and altered mentality, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It can lead to severe maternal morbidity and mortality, but the prediction of its occurrence and treatment are very difficult. We experienced a case of AFE during emergent Cesarean section in a 40+6 weeks healthy pregnant woman, age 33. Sudden dyspnea, hypotension, signs of pulmonary edema and DIC were developed during Cesarean section, and cardiac arrest followed after these events. The course of these events was so rapid and catastrophic, which was consistent with AFE. Thus, we report this case precisely and review pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment of AFE by referring to up-to-date literatures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/59/kjae-59-S158.PMC3030025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4937890", "abstract": "Abstract Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a well-recognized group of heterogeneous neoplasms with diverse clinical, histopathological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics. We present a rare case of a locally aggressive, chemotherapy-resistant immature mediastinal teratoma with a peculiar histological finding of a multilineage somatic-type malignant degeneration. A 21-year-old male patient presented with a 3-week history of persistent, blood-tinged productive cough and shortness of breath. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed a heterogeneous mass occupying the right hemithorax and abutting on adjacent structures. CT-guided biopsy was consistent with immature teratoma. Combination chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin was initiated, albeit without success; the mass showed interval progression in size, and surgical resection through clamshell incision was performed. Histological assessment of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of immature teratoma and revealed an extensive multilineage malignant differentiation into sarcomatous, carcinomatous, and melanomatous components. The patient underwent an uneventful recovery but presented 2 months later with extensive liver and bone melanomatous metastases. In this report, relevant findings from the literature are also highlighted. Despite being exceptionally rare, such tumors carry poor prognosis. Understanding the clinicopathological characteristics and biological behavior of such tumors may provide an insight into interventions tailored to improve the otherwise dismal disease outlook.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/11/medi-95-e3378.PMC4937890.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745555", "abstract": "The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of gelator, vegetable oil, stirring speed, and temperature on the physical properties of obtained organogels. They were prepared under varying independent conditions and applying a fractional experimental design. From there a rheological characterization was developed. The physical characterization also included polarized light microscopy and calorimetric analysis. Once these data were obtained, X-Ray diffraction was applied to selected samples and a microstructure lattice was confirmed. Commonly, the only conditions that affect crystallization have been analyzed (temperature, solvent, gelator, and cooling rate). We found that stirring speed is the most important parameter in the organogel preparation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/3b/PMC4745555.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4940199", "abstract": "Objectives We compared the transbuccal and transoral approaches in the management of mandibular angle fractures. Materials and Methods Sixty patients with mandibular angle fractures were randomly divided into two equal groups (A, transoral approach; group B, transbuccal approach) who received fracture reduction using a single 2.5 mm 4 holed miniplate with a bar using either of the two approaches. Intraoperatively, the surgical time and the ease of surgical assess for fixation were noted. Patients were followed at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and evaluated clinically for post-surgical complications like scarring, infection, postoperative occlusal discrepancy, malunion, and non-union. Radiographically, the interpretation of fracture reduction was also performed by studying the fracture gap following reduction using orthopantomogram tracing. The data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results No significant difference was seen between the two groups for variables like surgical time and ease of fixation. Radiographic interpretation of fracture reduction revealed statistical significance for group B from points B to D as compared to group A. No cases of malunion/non-union were noted. A single case of hypertrophic scar formation was noted in group B at 6 months postsurgery. Infection was noted in 2 patients in group B compared to 6 patients in group A. There was significantly more occlusal discrepancy in group A compared to group B at 1 week postoperatively, but no long standing discrepancy was noted in either group at the 6 months follow-up. Conclusion The transbuccal approach was superior to the transoral approach with regard to radiographic reduction of the fracture gap, inconspicuous external scarring, and fewer postoperative complications. We preferred the transbuccal approach due to ease of use, minimal requirement for plate bending, and facilitation of plate placement in the neutral mid-point area of the mandible.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/00/jkaoms-42-144.PMC4940199.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3623546", "abstract": "The treatment of ulcerative colitis has changed over the last decade, with the introduction of biological drugs. This article reviews the currently available therapies for ulcerative colitis and the specific use of these therapies in the management of patients in different settings, particularly the difficult-to-treat patients. The focus of this review is on adalimumab, which has recently obtained approval by the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, for use in treating adult patients with moderate-to-severe, active ulcerative colitis, who are refractory, intolerant, or who have contraindications to conventional therapy, including corticosteroids and thiopurines. Since the results emerging from the pivotal trials have been subject to some debate, the aim of this review was to summarize all available data on the use of adalimumab in ulcerative colitis, focusing also on a retrospective series of real-life experiences. Taken together, the current evidence indicates that adalimumab is effective for the treatment of patients with different types of ulcerative colitis, including biologically naïve and difficult-to-treat patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/a6/PMC3623546.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2874032", "abstract": "This study is based on the context that many patients with advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma are being treated with primary chemoradiation. The aims of this study are to identify differences in quality of life (QOL) between patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer following traditional chemoradiation versus chemotherapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (CIMRT). This research is designed on a cohort study from an academic tertiary referral center. Fifty patients were identified from an institutional database of patients who had undergone primary chemotherapy and radiation (traditional or IMRT) for advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma. Patients responded via mail using the University of Washington quality of life instrument version 4. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. The results comprise the responses of 17 CRT (57", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/bc/405_2009_Article_1183.PMC2874032.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4195041", "abstract": "Interim results of the Medicare health support (MHS) demonstration projects suggest that commercial disease management (DM) is unable to deliver short-term medical cost savings. This is not surprising given the current DM program focus on compliance with process measures that may only lead to cost savings in the long term. A program focused on reducing near-term hospitalizations is more likely to deliver savings during the initial 3-year phase of MHS. If the early trends in MHS are indicative of the final results, CMS will face the decision of whether to abandon commercial DM in favor of other chronic care management strategies. This article supports the upcoming assessment by describing the characteristics of the current commercial DM model that limit its ability to deliver short-term medical cost savings and the changes required to overcome these limitations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/0b/PMC4195041.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2932999", "abstract": "We have identified a virus, B/Perth/211/2001, with a spontaneous mutation, D197E in the neuraminidase (NA), which confers cross-resistance to all NA inhibitors. We analyzed enzyme properties of the D197 and E197 NAs and compared these to a D197N NA, known to arise after oseltamivir treatment. Zanamivir and peramivir bound slowly to the wild type NA, but binding of oseltamivir was more rapid. The D197E/N mutations resulted in faster binding of all three inhibitors. Analysis of the crystal structures of D197 and E197 NAs with and without inhibitors showed that the D197E mutation compromised the interaction of neighboring R150 with the N-acetyl group, common to the substrate sialic acid and all NA inhibitors. Although rotation of the E275 in the NA active site occurs upon binding peramivir in both the D197 and E197 NAs, this does not occur upon binding oseltamivir in the E197 NA. Lack of the E275 rotation would also account for the loss of slow binding and the partial resistance of influenza B wild type NAs to oseltamivir.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/c2/PMC2932999.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5367561", "abstract": "Background/objective Guaifenesin, an over-the-counter (OTC) expectorant, has exhibited muscle relaxant effects preclinically and clinically. This proof-of-principle study explored whether OTC doses of guaifenesin can provide relief from acute upper back, neck, or shoulder muscle spasm and pain. Methods This multicenter, placebo-controlled, repeat-dose, parallel study randomly assigned adults experiencing acute pain and muscle spasm in their upper back, neck, or shoulder to guaifenesin 600 or 1200 mg or matched placebo twice daily (BID) in a 2:2:1:1 ratio for 7 days. The primary end point was the change from baseline in muscle spasm relief, measured using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0=not present to 10=unbearable) recorded twice daily and averaged over the 7-day treatment period. Analyses were performed using a linear mixed model that included treatment as a fixed effect and site as a random effect. Results A total of 77 subjects were included in the 4 treatment groups. Least squares mean muscle spasm score over 7 days was 1.77 with guaifenesin 1200 mg, 1.42 with its matched placebo, 1.53 with guaifenesin 600 mg, and 1.74 with its matched placebo. Treatment with guaifenesin 1200 mg BID provided 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/b0/jpr-10-669.PMC5367561.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3075202", "abstract": "A 60-year-old lady presented to us with a right upper abdominal mass. With a clinical diagnosis of liver tumor, she was evaluated with abdominal CT, MRI, nuclear scan, tumor markers, USG guided FNAC and other baseline investigations. On evaluation she had a massive right lobe tumor crossing the midline. In view of the ambiguous diagnosis she was subjected to laparotomy where the lesion was judged unresectable and a biopsy was taken. Histopathological examination showed the rare pathology of primary fibrosarcoma of the liver with features of homogeneous, spindle-shaped cells with abundant collagen fibers showing a classic herringbone pattern. Tissue samples were then sent to another referral cancer hospital for immunohistochemistry and immunoreactive vimentin was found in the tumor cells. Electron microscopically, the tumor cells were rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum without a basement membrane, and were surrounded by large amounts of collagen fibers. The fibroblastic character of the tumor cells was suggested by light and electron microscopy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/fb/crg0002-0384.PMC3075202.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4063197", "abstract": " Background. Abnormal spinal curvature is routinely assessed with plain radiographs, MDCT, and MRI. MDCT can provide two-dimensional (2-D) orthogonal as well as reconstructed three-dimensional volume-rendered (3-D VR) images of the spine, including the translucent display: a computer-generated image set that enables the visualization of surgical instrumentation through bony structures. We hypothesized that the 3-D VR series provides additional information beyond that of 2-D orthogonal MDCT in the evaluation of abnormal spinal curvature in patients evaluated at a major cancer center.  Methods. The 3-D VR series, including the translucent display, was compared to 2-D orthogonal MDCT studies in patients with an abnormal spinal curvature greater than 25 degrees and scored as being not helpful (0) or helpful (1) in 3 categories: spinal curvature; bony definition; additional findings (mass lesions, fractures, and instrumentation). Results. In 38 of 48 (79.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/58/75/PMC4063197.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4754571", "abstract": "Objectives: We aimed to design, implement and evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive course on non-clinical competencies that dentists must possess for a successful dental practice. Materials and Methods: In this interventional before-after study an expert panel of five academic staff members and five general practitioners derived the topics for a course on successful dental practice, and aggregated them in the form of a two-day course. It was held for 46 randomly selected dentists in January 2010, at the School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The participants completed an anonymous questionnaire asking about their self-perceived need to receive training in each of the proposed topics and their self-assessed knowledge about each topic before and after attending the course. Results: Participants gave a higher priority to the necessity of training on “ergonomics and professional health” and communication skills in post-test compared to pre-test (P<0.05). The self-assessed knowledge of dentists improved significantly after attending the course in seven domains: ergonomics and occupational health, workplace design, documentation principles and IT applications in dentistry, national rules and regulations of dental practice, medical emergencies, dental ethics and communication skills (P<0.05). More than 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/ce/PMC4754571.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3937564", "abstract": "Stercoral colitis with perforation of the colon is an uncommon, yet life-threatening cause of the acute abdomen. No one defining symptom exists for stercoral colitis; it may present asymptomatically or with vague symptoms. Diagnostic delay may result in perforation of the colon resulting in complications, even death. Moreover, stercoral perforation of the colon can also present with localized left lower quadrant abdominal pain masquerading as diverticulitis. Diverticular diseases and stercoral colitis share similar pathophysiology; furthermore, they may coexist, further complicating the diagnostic dilemma. The ability to decide the cause of perforation in a patient with both stercoral colitis and diverticulosis has not been discussed. We, therefore, report this case of stercoral perforation in a patient with diverticulosis and include a discussion of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and a review of helpful diagnostic clues for a rapid differentiation to allow for accurate diagnosis and treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/63/e1/JCHIMP-4-22898.PMC3937564.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4667115", "abstract": "Background To describe and assess clinical outcomes of the semi-circumferential decompression technique for microsurgical en-bloc total ligamentum flavectomy with preservation of the facet joint to treat the patients who have a lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic outcomes of 19 patients who have a spinal stenosis with Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis. They were treated using the \"semi-circumferential decompression\" method. We evaluated improvements in back and radiating pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). We also evaluated occurrence of spinal instability on radiological exam using percentage slip and slip angle. Results The mean VAS score for back pain decreased significantly from 6.3 to 4.3, although some patients had residual back pain. The mean VAS for radiating pain decreased significantly from 8.3 to 2.5. The ODI score improved significantly from 25.3 preoperatively to 10.8 postoperatively. No significant change in percentage slip was observed (10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/8f/cios-7-470.PMC4667115.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4563286", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and simple exercise on subjective pain reduction and blood flow velocity in supraspinatus tear patients and to evaluate muscle recovery. [Subjects and Methods] The 20 subjects of this study were diagnosed with supraspinatus tears by MRI. The subjects have performed PNF techniques and Simple exercise for 12 weeks. [Results] After 12 weeks of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and simple exercise, the blood flow velocity, Visual Analogue Scale, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score showed statistically significant difference. Also, the difference between the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and simple exercise was statistically significant. [Conclusion] In conclusion, 12 weeks of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation treatment and simple exercise therapy had no effect on pain reduction in patients with supraspinatus tear, but in terms of functionality, the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation treatment was effective.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/88/jpts-27-2443.PMC4563286.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4733311", "abstract": "Background: Marriage is a legal pact between a man and a woman for participating in a social life together which can play an important role in dealing with difficulties. Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction and compatibility with diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients and Methods: The study method was descriptive-correctional. The study sample included 160 diabetic patients (103 females and 57 males) who were randomly selected. The instruments used were Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire and the questionnaire of compatibility with diabetes. In addition, the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and analysis of variance by SPSS. Results: The result of the study revealed a significant correlation (P = 0.006) between marital satisfaction and compatibility with diabetes in women with type 2 diabetes (r = 0.26). However, this correlation was not significant in men with diabetes. Also, a significant relationship existed between the dimensions of compatibility with diabetes and marital satisfaction in both men and women with diabetes. Conclusions: Marital satisfaction affects compatibility with diabetes in women. Therefore, it might be possible to increase compatibility with diabetes in them by offering specialized interventions as family and couples therapies and giving consultations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/6d/ijpbs-09-3105.PMC4733311.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3976913", "abstract": "We determined the prevalence of obesity in Thai adults aged 20 and over in 2009 and examined trends of body mass index (BMI) between 1991 and 2009. Data from Thai National Health Examination Survey for 19,181 adults in 2009 and 64,480 adults between 1991 and 2004 were used to calculate age-adjusted mean and prevalence. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of obesity with education level. In 2009, age-adjusted prevalence of obesity classes I (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and II (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in Thai adults aged ≥20 years were 26.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/89/PMC3976913.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3200215", "abstract": "Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been used for biomarker discovery of neurodegenerative diseases in humans since biological changes in the brain can be seen in this biofluid. Inactivation of A-T-mutated protein (ATM), a multifunctional protein kinase, is responsible for A-T, yet biochemical studies have not succeeded in conclusively identifying the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the neurodegeneration seen in A-T patients or the proteins that can be used as biomarkers for neurologic assessment of A-T or as potential therapeutic targets. In this study, we applied a high-throughput LC/MS-based label-free protein quantification technology to quantitatively characterize the proteins in CSF samples in order to identify differentially expressed proteins that can serve as potential biomarker candidates for A-T. Among 204 identified CSF proteins with high peptide-identification confidence, thirteen showed significant protein expression changes. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these 13 proteins are either involved in neurodegenerative disorders or cancer. Future molecular and functional characterization of these proteins would provide more insights into the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of A-T and the biomarkers that can be used to monitor or predict A-T disease progression. Clinical validation studies are required before any of these proteins can be developed into clinically useful biomarkers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/59/PMC3200215.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5422726", "abstract": "Congenital Bochdalek hernia is a defect of the diaphragm and very rare in adults. Only around 100 cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we present a case with a recurrent ovarian cancer who underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. An oval defect with dimensions of 3 × 4 cm was seen in the left posterolateral site of the diaphragm during surgical exploration. In addition, a 6 × 3 cm iatrogenic right-sided diaphragmatic defect was found and repaired. In the early postoperative period, a bilateral thalamic infarction occurred.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/58/cro-0010-0265.PMC5422726.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2442185", "abstract": "Spontaneous perforation of the extrahepatic biliary system is a rare presentation of ductal stones. We report the case of a twenty-year-old woman presenting at term with biliary peritonitis caused by common bile duct (CBD) perforation due to an impacted stone in the distal common bile duct. The patient had suffered a single herald episode of acute gallstone pancreatitis during the third trimester. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy, bile duct exploration, and removal of the ductal stone. The postoperative course was uneventful.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/7b/PMC2442185.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4246422", "abstract": "Bone-derived fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) plays an important role in systemic phosphate turnover. Increased FGF23 activity results in hypophosphatemic, while reduced activity is linked to hyperphosphatemic disorders. FGF23, together with klotho as co-factor, can activate FGF-receptors in its target tissues to exert its functions. However, molecular regulation of FGF23 synthesis is not clearly defined, and recent studies have found that PTH can activate the nuclear receptor-associated protein-1 (Nurr1) to induce FGF23 transcription in bone cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/ec/PMC4246422.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5095628", "abstract": "The nucleotide sequences of nucleocapsid protein (N); phosphoprotein (P); matrix protein (M); hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN); and large polymerase protein (L) genes, 3′-end leader, 5′-end trailer and intergenic regions of the avian paramyxovirus (APMV) strain goose/Shimane/67/2000 (APMV/Shimane67) were determined. Together with previously reported data on fusion protein (F) gene sequence, the determination of the genome sequence of APMV/Shimane67 has been completed in this study. The genome of APMV/Shimane67 comprised 16,146 nucleotides in length and contains six genes in the order of 3′-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5′. The features of the APMV/Shimane67 genome (e.g., nucleotide length of whole genome and each of the six genes, and predicted amino acid length of each of the six genes) were distinct from those of other APMV serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that although APMV/Shimane67 was grouped with APMV-1, -9 and -12, the evolutionary distance between APMV/Shimane67 and these viruses was longer than that observed between intra-serotype viruses. These results show that the genome sequence of APMV/Shimane67 contains specific characteristics and is distinguishable from other types of APMV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/1a/jvms-78-1583.PMC5095628.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3422059", "abstract": "Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel prepared by Er:YAG laser with two different powers and conventional acid-etching. Materials and Methods: Forty-five human premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were randomly assigned to three groups based on conditioning method: Group 1- conventional etching with 37", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/94/jod-9-20.PMC3422059.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4459122", "abstract": "At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in an AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6 keV the pixel shows an x-ray energy resolution ΔE FWHM=3.7 eV, which is about a factor 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in an identical DC-biased pixel. In order to better understand the reasons for this discrepancy we characterised the detector as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied perpendicular magnetic field. A strong periodic dependency of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recently observed weak-link behaviour of a TES microcalorimeter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/8e/10909_2012_Article_494.PMC4459122.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4238766", "abstract": "The hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes approximately 10 different structural and non-structural proteins, including the envelope glycoprotein 2 (E2). HCV proteins, especially the envelope proteins, bind to cell receptors and can damage tissues. Endothelial inflammation is the most important determinant of fibrosis progression and, consequently, cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the inflammatory response of endothelial cells to two recombinant forms of the HCV E2 protein produced in different expression systems (Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris). We observed the induction of cell death and the production of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by the two recombinant E2 proteins. The E2-induced apoptosis of HUVECs was confirmed using the molecular marker PARP. The apoptosis rescue observed when the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine was used suggests that reactive oxygen species are involved in E2-induced apoptosis. We propose that these proteins are involved in the chronic inflammation caused by HCV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/ae/0074-0276-mioc-109-6-0748.PMC4238766.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322904", "abstract": "Infection of healthcare workers with the severe acute respiratory syndrome–associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is thought to occur primarily by either contact or large respiratory droplet transmission. However, infrequent healthcare worker infections occurred despite the use of contact and droplet precautions, particularly during certain aerosol-generating medical procedures. We investigated a possible cluster of SARS-CoV infections in healthcare workers who used contact and droplet precautions during attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a SARS patient. Unlike previously reported instances of transmission during aerosol-generating procedures, the index case-patient was unresponsive, and the intubation procedure was performed quickly and without difficulty. However, before intubation, the patient was ventilated with a bag-valve-mask that may have contributed to aerosolization of SARS-CoV. On the basis of the results of this investigation and previous reports of SARS transmission during aerosol-generating procedures, a systematic approach to the problem is outlined, including the use of the following: 1) administrative controls, 2) environmental engineering controls, 3) personal protective equipment, and 4) quality control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/26/PMC3322904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3235894", "abstract": " Background. Screening of children who are household contacts of tuberculosis (TB) cases is universally recommended but rarely implemented in TB endemic setting. This paper aims to summarise published data of the prevalence of TB infection and disease among child contacts in South East Asia. Methods. Search strategies were developed to identify all published studies from South East Asia of household contact investigation that included children (0–15 years). Results. Eleven studies were eligible for review. There was heterogeneity across the studies. TB infection was common among child contacts under 15 years of age (24.4–69.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/d9/PMC3235894.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4648563", "abstract": "In this report, we describe the case of an end-stage kidney disease patient with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). A 33-year-old female with TOF was admitted to our hospital with complaints of general fatigue and appetite loss probably due to uremic milieu. She was ultimately treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a favorable clinical course. TOF patients with chronic kidney disease are not exceptional, although the currently available information regarding the association between TOF and renal failure severe enough to require dialysis treatment is limited. We also discuss the complex processes of how and why PD was selected as a mode of chronic renal replacement therapy in this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/3c/PMC4648563.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2744234", "abstract": "Eczema herpeticum can clinically resemble smallpox. On the basis of the algorithm for rapid evaluation of patients with an acute generalized vesiculopustular rash illness, our patient met criteria for high risk for smallpox. The Tzanck preparation was critical for rapid diagnosis of herpetic infection and exclusion of smallpox.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d7/6f/PMC2744234.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3395381", "abstract": " Purpose. In vivo gene therapy directed at tissues of mesenchymal origin could potentially augment healing. We aimed to assess the duration and magnitude of transene expression in vivo in mice and ex vivo in human tissues. Methods. Using bioluminescence imaging, plasmid and adenoviral vector-based transgene expression in murine quadriceps in vivo was examined. Temporal control was assessed using a doxycycline-inducible system. An ex vivo model was developed and optimised using murine tissue, and applied in ex vivo human tissue. Results. In vivo plasmid-based transgene expression did not silence in murine muscle, unlike in liver. Although maximum luciferase expression was higher in muscle with adenoviral delivery compared with plasmid, expression reduced over time. The inducible promoter cassette successfully regulated gene expression with maximum levels a factor of 11 greater than baseline. Expression was re-induced to a similar level on a temporal basis. Luciferase expression was readily detected ex vivo in human muscle and tendon. Conclusions. Plasmid constructs resulted in long-term in vivo gene expression in skeletal muscle, in a controllable fashion utilising an inducible promoter in combination with oral agents. Successful plasmid gene transfection in human ex vivo mesenchymal tissue was demonstrated for the first time.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/11/PMC3395381.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2192928", "abstract": "Polymeric immunoglobulins provide immunological protection at mucosal surfaces to which they are specifically transported by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Using a panel of human IgA1/IgG1 constant region “domain swap” mutants, the binding site for the pIgR on dimeric IgA (dIgA) was localized to the Cα3 domain. Selection of random peptides for pIgR binding and comparison with the IgA sequence suggested amino acids 402–410 (QEPSQGTTT), in a predicted exposed loop of the Cα3 domain, as a potential binding site. Alanine substitution of two groups of amino acids in this area abrogated the binding of dIgA to pIgR, whereas adjacent substitutions in a β-strand immediately NH2-terminal to this loop had no effect. All pIgR binding IgA sequences contain a conserved three amino acid insertion, not present in IgG, at this position. These data localize the pIgR binding site on dimeric human IgA to this loop structure in the Cα3 domain, which directs mucosal secretion of polymeric antibodies. We propose that it may be possible to use a pIgR binding motif to deliver antigen-specific dIgA and small-molecule drugs to mucosal epithelia for therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/ed/98-1925.PMC2192928.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5376541", "abstract": "Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to various cardiovascular disorders (CVD) such as hypertension. There is no documented data about this relationship among the Iranian population. The aim of this study was to obtain comprehensive information about the severity of OSA as a cause of CVD and its relationship with other important risk factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, we studied patients with OSA and apnea/hypopnea index of 5 or more. The data were collected from the patients’ polysomnography report and medical files. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 18. Results: The majority of patients were males (71.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/22/PMC5376541.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3683934", "abstract": "Despite the considerable progress made in the stent development in the last decades, cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of death in western countries. Beside the benefits offered by the development of different drug-eluting stents, the coronary revascularization bears also the life-threatening risks of in-stent thrombosis and restenosis. Research on new therapeutic strategies is impaired by the lack of appropriate methods to study stent implantation and restenosis processes. Here, we describe a rapid and accessible procedure of stent implantation in mouse carotid artery, which offers the possibility to study in a convenient way the molecular mechanisms of vessel remodeling and the effects of different drug coatings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/a6/jove-75-50233.PMC3683934.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4672594", "abstract": "A 75-year-old man suffering from opioid-refractory due to an advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma was treated with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) combined to EUS-guided tumor ablation. No major complications were recorded during the procedure. In the days following the procedure, mild diarrhea and fever were the only minor complications experienced by the patient. Complete tumor devascularization was assessed by means of computed tomography (CT) 48 h after the procedure. The patient remained pain-free without need of opioid, and was treated only with paracetamol for 20 weeks. Our results were optimal in terms of pain relief and immediate tumor response (assessed by means of CT and tumor marker levels). The present case demonstrates that the combined approach (EUS-guided ethanol ablation and CPN) may be a valuable option in patients with pancreatic cancer. Randomized-controlled trials are needed to confirm this result.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/86/EUS-4-342.PMC4672594.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2377327", "abstract": "Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is considered to be a promising tool for revealing the anatomical basis of functional networks. In this study, we investigate the potential of DTI to provide the anatomical basis of paths that are used in studies of effective connectivity, using structural equation modeling. We have taken regions of interest from eight previously published studies, and examined the connectivity as defined by DTI-based fiber tractography between these regions. The resulting fiber tracts were then compared with the paths proposed in the original studies. For a substantial number of connections, we found fiber tracts that corresponded to the proposed paths. More importantly, we have also identified a number of cases in which tractography suggested direct connections which were not included in the original analyses. We therefore conclude that DTI-based fiber tractography can be a valuable tool to study the anatomical basis of functional networks.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/26/PMC2377327.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3640172", "abstract": "The occurrences of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are rare, but considered to be potentially life-threatening conditions in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia. Tracheobronchial rupture may results in serious complications, such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. It may occur accidentally by endotracheal tube when the patient's neck is flexed or extended. We report the case of a 48-year-old female patient who developed massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum seven hours after functional endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/fb/kjae-64-367.PMC3640172.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3686131", "abstract": " Purpose. Somatosensory (SSA) and pharyngolaryngeal auras (PLA) may suggest an extratemporal onset (e.g., insula, second somatosensory area). We sought to determine the prognostic significance of SSA and PLA in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. Methods. Retrospective review of all patients operated for refractory TLE at our institution between January 1980 and July 2007 comparing outcome between patients with SSA/PLA to those without. Results. 158 patients underwent surgery for pharmacoresistant TLE in our institution. Eleven (7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/de/PMC3686131.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3867861", "abstract": "Astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and play a role in the formation of new memories, long-term potentiation (LTP), and functional synaptic plasticity. Specifically, astroglial release of glutamate, ATP, and cytokines likely alters the survivability and functioning of newly formed connections. Among these pathways, regulation of glutamate appears to be most directly related to the promotion of LTP, which is highly dependent on the synchronization of synaptic receptors through the regulation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Moreover, regulation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, particularly AMPA receptors, is dependent on signaling by ATP synthesized in astrocytes. Finally, cytokine signaling is also implicated in regulating LTP, but is likely most important in plasticity following tissue damage. Despite the role of these signaling factors in regulating LTP and functional plasticity, an integrative model of these factors has not yet been elucidated. In this review, we seek to summarize the current body of evidence on astrocytic mechanisms for regulation of LTP and functional plasticity, and provide an integrative model of the processes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/5a/PMC3867861.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2935167", "abstract": "Peripheral microvascular impairment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be  easily detected and scored in a safe noninvasive way by nailfold  videocapillaroscopy (NVC). The paper highlights clinical conditions related to SSc in which NVC may represent an outcome measure of therapeutical interventions, by elaborating  on their already assessed relationship with the NVC patterns and eventually  scores. The 3 important biological/clinical conditions are: the positivity for  SSc-specific serum autoantibodies, the presence of SSc skin digital ulcers  (DUs) and of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) SSc associated.  In conclusion, to the question if capillaroscopy (NVC) may represent in SSc  an outcome measure for clinical trials on the peripheral vasculopathy, based  on the growing evidence and our detailed studies, the answer is positive.  Recent therapeutic trials in SSc are confirming this role, and the experience is  growing rapidly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/c9/PMC2935167.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3312226", "abstract": "Mitochondria play an essential role in oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, and the regulation of apoptosis. However, this organelle also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that continually inflict oxidative damage on mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and lipids, which causes further production of ROS. To oppose this oxidative stress, mitochondria possess quality control systems that include antioxidant enzymes and the repair or degradation of damaged mitochondrial DNA and proteins. If the oxidative stress exceeds the capacity of the mitochondrial quality control system, it seems that autophagy degrades the damaged mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis. Indeed, recent evidence from yeast to mammals indicates that the autophagy-dependent degradation of mitochondria (mitophagy) contributes to eliminate dysfunctional, aged, or excess mitochondria. In this paper, we describe the molecular processes and regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy in yeast and mammalian cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c4/74/PMC3312226.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327451", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of biomechanical preparation using different irrigating solutions. Seventy-eight root canals from premolars of four dogs were used. After experimental induction of periapical lesions, the root canals were prepared using the following solutions for irrigation: Group 1) 2.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/df/1678-7757-jaos-14-02-0105.PMC4327451.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4407742", "abstract": "A 7-year-old boy had a case of congenital ptosis of the right eye and has undergone frontalis sling surgery using Gore-tex material. There was no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complication. However, the patient defaulted his follow-up and presented with right eye preseptal abscess secondary to infected surgical wound 1 month after surgery. He was treated with multiple antibiotics and underwent repeated incision and drainage procedures. However, there was still no resolution of the right eye preseptal abscess. The patient’s condition subsequently improved after removal of the Gore-tex material and treatment with an antibiotic combination of ceftazidime and amikacin. Microbiological analysis finally isolated the multidrug resistant Acinetobacter species. At 6 months follow-up, his right upper eyelid was healed with scarring, but without ptosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/34/opth-9-721.PMC4407742.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905829", "abstract": "In general, the nasal cavity of turtles is divided into two chambers: the upper chamber, lined with the olfactory epithelium containing ciliated olfactory receptor cells, and the lower chamber, lined with the vomeronasal epithelium containing microvillous receptor cells. In the nasal cavity of soft-shelled turtles, however, differences between the upper and lower chamber epithelia are unclear due to the presence of ciliated receptor cells in both epithelia. In the olfactory organ of vertebrates, the surface of sensory epithelium is covered with secretory products of associated glands and supporting cells, playing important roles in the olfaction by dissolving odorants and transporting them to the olfactory receptors. Here, the associated glands and supporting cells in the olfactory organ of soft-shelled turtles were analyzed histochemically and ultrastructurally. The upper chamber epithelium possessed associated glands, constituted by cells containing serous secretory granules; whereas, the lower chamber epithelium did not. In the upper chamber epithelium, secretory granules filled the supranuclear region of supporting cells, while most of the granules were distributed near the free border of supporting cells in the lower chamber epithelium. The secretory granules in the supporting cells of both epithelia were seromucous, but alcian blue stained them differently from each other. In addition, distinct expression of carbohydrates was suggested by the differences in lectin binding. These data indicate the quantitative and qualitative differences in the secretory properties between the upper and lower chamber epithelia, suggesting their distinct roles in the olfaction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/52/jvms-78-769.PMC4905829.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4276567", "abstract": "Introduction: Afatinib is an effective first-line treatment in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has shown activity in patients progressing on EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). First-line afatinib is also effective in patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastasis. Here we report on outcomes of pretreated NSCLC patients with CNS metastasis who received afatinib within a compassionate use program. Methods: Patients with NSCLC progressing after at least one line of chemotherapy and one line of EGFR-TKI treatment received afatinib. Medical history, patient demographics, EGFR mutational status, and adverse events including tumor progression were documented. Results: From 2010 to 2013, 573 patients were enrolled and 541 treated with afatinib. One hundred patients (66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/bf/PMC4276567.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3364423", "abstract": "The modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA A) receptors activity was observed in several chronic hepatitis failures, including hepatitis C. The expression of GABA A receptor subunits α1 and β3 was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) originated from healthy donors. The aim of the study was to evaluate if GABA A α1 and β3 expression can also be observed in PBMCs from chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and to evaluate a possible association between their expression and the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. GABA A α1- and β3-specific mRNAs presence and a protein expression in PBMCs from healthy donors and CHC patients were screened by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. In patients, HCV RNA was determined in sera and PBMCs. It was shown that GABA A α1 and β3 expression was significantly different in PBMCs from CHC patients and healthy donors. In comparison to healthy donors, CHC patients were found to present an increase in the expression of GABA A α1 subunit and a decrease in the expression of β3 subunit in their PBMCs. The modulation of α1 and β3 GABA A receptors subunits expression in PBMCs may be associated with ongoing or past HCV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/e6/10096_2011_Article_1475.PMC3364423.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3388339", "abstract": "Cardiovascular disease has reached near epidemic proportion in sub-Saharan Africa, and systemic hypertension (SH) remains the driver of cardiovascular complications. We studied hypertension-related admissions and their outcome at the Abubaker Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria. Records of all patients admitted into the medical wards between 1st November 2010 and 31st October 2011 were studied, and case files of those managed for SH complications were selected for detailed examination. Of the total 3108 admissions, 735 (23.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/93/PMC3388339.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3529887", "abstract": "Background and aims  Childhood obesity has been associated with high refined sugar intake. The relationship between sucrose intake and development of dental caries has been established. The aim of this study was to determine the association between age-specific body mass index (BMI-for-age) and dental caries in children.  Materials and methods  In this cross-sectional study a total of 1003 children were screened. Weight, height, BMI-for-age and dental caries of 633 (317 boys, 316 girls) 6-11-year-old children were clinically examined for dental caries using the World Health Organization criteria by a dentist on a dental chair. Decayed and filled teeth (DFT/dft) indices were used. BMI-for-age and dental caries were analyzed with multiple linear regression, chi-square, and t-tests using SPSS computer software.  Results  The findings showed that 16", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/ce/PMC3529887.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4905159", "abstract": "This study evaluated nutrition and growth in relation to plasma adipokine levels in 21 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) children with radiographic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 19 VLBW controls, and 19 term controls with a median age of 11.3 years. We took anthropometric measurements; assessed plasma levels of adipsin, resistin, adiponectin, and leptin; and analyzed the children’s 3-day food records. Children with BPD had a smaller age-adjusted head circumference and more microcephaly but no other significant growth differences. Daily recommended nutritional intake levels were poorly met but did not differ between the groups. Leptin levels correlated positively with the body mass index standard deviation score in VLBW children. No other associations between adipokine concentrations and growth were found. There were negative correlations between leptin concentrations and fat intake, resistin levels and carbohydrate intake, and adiponectin, adipsin, and leptin levels and energy intake.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/62/10.1177_2333794X16637290.PMC4905159.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3770875", "abstract": "This study describes the first record of Bourgelatia diducta (Nematoda: Chabertiidae) from wild boars in the Republic of Korea (=South Korea). Gastrointestinal tracts of 87 Korean wild boars (Sus scrofa coreanus) hunted in mountains in the south-western part of South Korea between 2009 and 2012 were examined for their visceral helminths. B. diducta, as identified by morphological characteristics of the head and tail, were recovered from the large intestine of 47 (54", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/46/kjp-51-441.PMC3770875.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3700963", "abstract": "We present a rare fatal case of relapsing pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis after only two injections of adalimumab. A 78-year-old Japanese woman with a 14-year history of rheumatoid arthritis was prescribed adalimumab because her disease activity remained high. However, 8 days after her second injection of adalimumab, she was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia caused by L. pneumophila. Following intravenous antibiotic therapy, she recovered completely from pneumonia and was discharged on day 10, but pneumonia relapsed, resulting in death 79 days after the first episode of pneumonia. L. pneumophila can lead to recurrence of pneumonia that can ultimately prove fatal, similar to the present case. A review of the pertinent literature is also presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/a0/PMC3700963.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3818893", "abstract": "Recent data suggest that apart from its well-known role in the regulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, AhR is also involved in inflammation. However, the influence of inflammation on AhR expression remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that proinflammatory conditions induced by either PMA or IL-1β enhance AhR expression in Caco-2 cells. This was associated with an increase in AhR promoter activity. By means of directed mutagenesis experiments and the use of proteasome inhibitors, we demonstrated that inflammation-induced AhR expression involved the NFκB pathway but not AP-1. Moreover, conditioned media from PMA-treated Caco-2 cells were also able to induce AhR expression, and this induction was repressed by anti-IL-1β blocking antibodies. Similar results were obtained with conditioned media from PMA-treated THP-1 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that AhR could be involved in vivo in an inflammatory loop. AhR was recently suspected to be implicated in inflammatory bowel disease. Our results support this hypothesis and suggest that AhR could be a new target for inflammatory bowel disease patient management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/21/PMC3818893.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4576808", "abstract": "Aim: The fight against infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistances needs the exploration of new active compounds with new proprieties like disrupting quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, which is a cell-to-cell communication that regulates bacterial virulence factors. In this work, leaves and root barks extracts of a Congolese medicinal plant, Cordia gilletii, were investigated for their effect on the production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa major virulence factors regulated by QS. Materials and Methods: The effect of C. gilletii extracts on virulence factors of P. aeruginosa PAO1 was studied by the evaluation of the production of pyocyanine, elastase and biofilm; and by the measurement of the expression of QS-related genes. Results: The dichloromethane extract from root barks was found to quench the production of pyocyanin, a QS-dependent virulence factor in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Moreover, this extract specifically inhibits the expression of several QS-regulated genes (i.e. lasB, rhlA, lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR) and reduces biofilm formation by PAO1. Conclusion: This study contributes to explain the efficacy of C. gilletii in the traditional treatment of infectious diseases caused by P. aeruginosa.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/01/JIE-3-138.PMC4576808.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4926031", "abstract": "We set out to carry out a case-control evaluation of psychological distress and emotional pain among adult attendees of a Nigerian dental clinic. A total of 201 subjects, made up of 101 dental patients (test group) matched with age and sex with 100 normal subjects (controls), was recruited into the study. All participants completed a designed socio-demographic questionnaire. General Health Question naire and Psyche ache Assessment Schedule were also administered to assess psychological distress based on cut-off scores ≥3 and emotional pain based on cut-off scores ≥28 respectively. The mean ages of study and control group were 33 (±12) and 36 (±13) years respectively, and both study and control groups were not significantly different in all the assessed socio-demographic parameters. Overall, 21.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/c1/mi-2016-1-6006.PMC4926031.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4441735", "abstract": "Purpose Cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs) are currently used in care settings to assist survivors during the transition from treatment to survivorship. In this paper, the experiences of cancer survivors are examined to provide their perspective of how survivorship care plans are used in practice. Methods A systematic review and critical review of the qualitative literature regarding the experiences of cancer survivors using survivorship care plans was completed. Databases reviewed included CINAHL, AMED, Embase, MEDLINE, Informit, ProQuest, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Scopus and Web of Science from 2000 to 2014. Results Eleven qualitative studies were appraised for methodological quality and content. They revealed four key themes: stakeholders agreed that SCPs should be used as a key strategy for cancer survivors; there was a lack of consensus on the format, content and who should develop the SCP; cancer survivors do not consistently receive SCPs; and there was a lack of evidence to support the use of SCPs in practice. Conclusions There is great potential for SCPs to assist cancer survivors and this is supported by the range of qualitative literature examined in this study. Further research is required to examine the many practical issues relating to the delivery of SCPs and how they may be used across a variety of care contexts as well as providing further evidence to support their use. Implications for Cancer Survivors With further research, refinement and contributions made by survivors, health researchers and health care professionals, the survivorship care plan is proposed to be a useful and practical tool aimed at supporting the survivorship continuum of care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/32/PMC4441735.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4645779", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to conduct a sero-epidemiological survey in Isfahan City and suburb areas, central Iran to detect the rate of human hydatidosis using ELISA test. Methods: Overall, 635 serum samples were collected from subjects referred to different health centers in urban and rural regions of the city. Sera were analyzed using Ag-B ELISA test. Ten μg/ml antigens, serum dilutions of 1:500 and conjugate anti-human coombs with 1:10000 dilutions were utilized to perform the test. All subjects filled out a questionnaire and an informed consent. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 18 software. Cut-off was calculated as X+3 SD. Results: Cut-off value was calculated 0.19. Seven cases (1.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/e0/PMC4645779.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5451342", "abstract": "The presence of circulating plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma is considered a marker for highly proliferative disease. In the study herein, the impact of circulating plasma cells assessed by cytology on survival of patients with multiple myeloma was analyzed. Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears of 482 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma or plasma cell leukemia were reviewed and patients were classified into 4 categories according to the percentage of circulating plasma cells: 0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/42/1021099.PMC5451342.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3270293", "abstract": "A 70-year-old male visited urgent care due to coughing for 1 month and left chest pain. He had no history of trauma. The initial chest computed tomography (CT) showed the 7th left intercostal lung herniation. A follow-up CT showed an intercostal lung herniation combined with a bowl herniation, which had developed due to a Morgagni's hernia. An emergency operation was performed due to the incarceration of the bowl and lung. The primary repair of the diaphragm was performed and the direct approximation of the 7th intercostal space was determined. We concluded that the defect of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscle was a congenital lesion, and the recurrent coughing was the aggravating factor of herniation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/d8/kjtcs-44-455.PMC3270293.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054705", "abstract": "Analysis of images obtained from two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) is a topic of utmost importance in bioinformatics research, since commercial and academic software available currently has proven to be neither completely effective nor fully automatic, often requiring manual revision and refinement of computer generated matches. In this work, we present an effective technique for the detection and the reconstruction of over-saturated protein spots. Firstly, the algorithm reveals overexposed areas, where spots may be truncated, and plateau regions caused by smeared and overlapping spots. Next, it reconstructs the correct distribution of pixel values in these overexposed areas and plateau regions, using a two-dimensional least-squares fitting based on a generalized Gaussian distribution. Pixel correction in saturated and smeared spots allows more accurate quantification, providing more reliable image analysis results. The method is validated for processing highly exposed 2D-GE images, comparing reconstructed spots with the corresponding non-saturated image, demonstrating that the algorithm enables correct spot quantification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/3f/main.PMC5054705.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4551784", "abstract": "PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading and screw retightening on reverse torque value (RTV) in external and internal type implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cement-retained abutments were connected with 30 Ncm torque to external and internal type implants. Experimental groups were classified according to implant connection type and retightening/loading protocol. In groups with no retightening, RTV was evaluated after cyclic loading for 100,000 cycles. In groups with retightening, RTV was measured after 3, 10, 100 cycles as well as every 20,000 cycles until 100,000 cycles of loading. RESULTS Every group showed decreased RTV after cyclic loading. Before and after cyclic loading, external type implants had significantly higher RTVs than internal type implants. In external type implants, retightening did not affect the decrease in RTV. In contrast, retightening 5 times and retightening after 10 cycles of dynamic loading was effective for maintaining RTV in internal type implants. CONCLUSION Retightening of screws is more effective in internal type implants than external type implants. Retightening of screws is recommended in the early stage of functional loading.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/1b/jap-7-288.PMC4551784.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4681932", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation on neglect and activities of daily living in stroke patients with unilateral neglect. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three stroke patients with unilateral neglect were recruited from a local university hospital, and were divided into two groups. The experimental group received an intervention consisting of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation on the neglected side, while the control group received cyclic electrical stimulation at the same site. In addition, both groups received an identical intervention of conventional occupational and physical therapy. [Results] After the intervention, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the line bisection test result, star cancellation test result, and Catherine Bergego Scale scores. The control group showed a significant improvement only in the line bisection test result. [Conclusion] These data suggest that mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation is an effective, novel treatment for reducing unilateral neglect in stroke patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/dd/jpts-27-3499.PMC4681932.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3178810", "abstract": "Background SOX9 is a widely expressed transcription factor playing several relevant functions during development and essential for testes differentiation. It is considered to be the direct target gene of the protein encoded by SRY and its overexpression in an XX murine gonad can lead to male development in the absence of Sry. Recently, a family was reported with a 178 kb duplication in the gene desert region ending about 500 kb upstream of SOX9 in which 46,XY duplicated persons were completely normal and fertile whereas the 46,XX ones were males who came to clinical attention because of infertility. Methods and results We report a family with two azoospermic brothers, both 46,XX, SRY negative, having a 96 kb triplication 500 kb upstream of SOX9. Both subjects have been analyzed trough oligonucleotide array-CGH and the triplication was confirmed and characterised through qPCR, defining the minimal region of amplification upstream of SOX9 associated with 46,XX infertile males, SRY negative. Conclusions Our results confirm that even in absence of SRY, complete male differentiation may occur, possibly driven by overexpression of SOX9 in the gonadal ridge, as a consequence of the amplification of a gene desert region. We hypothesize that this region contains gonadal specific long-range regulation elements whose alteration may impair the normal sex development. Our data show that normal XX males, with alteration in copy number or, possibly, in the critical sequence upstream to SOX9 are a new category of infertility inherited in a dominant way with expression limited to the XX background.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/f9/jmedgenet-2011-100036.PMC3178810.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2682380", "abstract": "Osteoporosis most commonly affects postmenopausal women, placing them at a significant risk of fractures. In particular, hip fractures are an important cause of mortality and morbidity among postmenopausal women. Anti-resorptive therapies that produce greater decreases in bone turnover markers together with greater increases in bone mineral density (BMD) are associated with greater reductions in fracture risk, especially at sites primarily composed of cortical bone such as the hip. Thus, treatment with potent anti-resorptive drugs like alendronate is a strategy for preventing hip fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the efficacy of alendronate against hip fractures and the mechanism for this anti-fracture efficacy in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has shown that alendronate reduces the risk of hip fractures by 55", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/5f/PMC2682380.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5407333", "abstract": "Introduction Use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) within flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for the management of kidney and ureteral stones has shown improvements in its effectiveness, but it is also associated with increased risk of ureteral injury. Use of ureteral stent (US) after fURS is recommended by some authors, because of its role in reducing postoperative pain and preventing complications. Our objective is to determine if postoperative stenting is necessary in pre-stented patients that underwent fURS using UAS. Material and methods A retrospective history review of patients who underwent fURS using UAS at our hospital between July 1st 2013 and May 31st 2016 was performed. Only pre-stented patients were included. All procedures were performed using the same UAS (Boston Navigator TM., 11–13 Fr.). Patients were separated according to the use or not of postoperative US. The same US (26 cm 6 Fr percuflex, Boston Scienfic) was used for all stented patients. Clinical parameters, stone demographics, operative time and postoperative events were analyzed. Results Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean stone size was 8.5 mm (SD 7.06), 68.49", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/a7/CEJU-70-00919.PMC5407333.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2874925", "abstract": "Recent evidence supports a longstanding hypothesis that chronic stress can influence tumor growth and progression. It has been shown that sympathetic neurotransmitters, such as catecholamines and neuropeptides, can affect both cancer cell growth and tumor vascularization. Depending on neurotransmitter and type of tumor, these effects can be both stimulatory and inhibitory. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) are potent stimulators of vascularization, acting both by inducing the release of angiogenic factors from tumor cells and directly on endothelial cell (EC) functions. As a result, activation of the adrenergic system increases growth of various types of tumors and has been shown to mediate stress-induced augmentation of tumor progression. Dopamine (DA), on the other hand, interferes with VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, blocks its angiogenic functions and inhibits tumor growth. Another sympathetic neurotransmitter coreleased with NE, neuropeptide Y (NPY), directly stimulates angiogenesis. However, proangiogenic actions of NPY can be altered by its direct effect on tumor cell proliferation and survival. In consequence, NPY can either stimulate or inhibit tumor growth, depending on tumor type. Hence, sympathetic neurotransmitters are powerful modulators of tumor growth and can become new targets in cancer therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/7c/PMC2874925.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4385565", "abstract": "Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an increase of bone mass due to defective osteoclast function. Patients typically displayed spontaneous fractures, anemia, and in the most severe forms hepatosplenomegaly and compression of cranial facial nerves leading to deafness and blindness. Osteopetrosis comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases as several forms are known with different models of inheritance and severity from asymptomatic to lethal. This review summarizes the genetic and clinical features of osteopetrosis, emphasizing how recent studies of this disease have contributed to understanding the central role of the skeleton in the whole body physiology. In particular, the interplay of bone with the stomach, insulin metabolism, male fertility, the immune system, bone marrow, and fat is described.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/af/PMC4385565.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2948295", "abstract": "In well-resourced areas of the world anesthesia has become safer over the past decades, and anesthesia mortality does seem to be reducing. However, there is a lack of international agreement over definitions of anesthetic mortality and, therefore, difficulty in knowing exactly what the rate of anesthetic mortality is. Avoidable harm from error is still a problem, and sophisticated analysis suggests that more deaths than generally appreciated may be attributable to factors under the control of anesthetists. Mortality rates in low income areas of the world are unacceptably high. There is more to be done if anesthesia is to become truly safe for all patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/6f/1757-5931-0001-0000000069.PMC2948295.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4983364", "abstract": " Background. Sepsis-induced immunosuppression may result in higher mortality rates in patients. Methods. We examined the relationship of cytokine responses from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression (days 1 and 7) with low-dose steroid therapy in 29 septic patients. Patients were treated according to the guidelines. Thirty healthy controls were enrolled for validation. Results. Eighteen patients were prescribed low-dose steroids and 11 were not. Interleukin- (IL-) 12 responses in patients without low-dose steroid therapy on days 1 and 7 were higher than those with low-dose steroid therapy. Compared to day 1, IL-12 responses significantly increased on day 7 in patients without low-dose steroid therapy. After regression analysis, the change in the IL-12 response from day 7 to day 1 was found to be independently associated with the low-dose steroid therapy. There was no difference in monocyte HLA-DR expression between patients treated with and without low-dose steroid on day 1 or 7. No change in monocyte HLA-DR expression from day 7 to day 1 was observed in patients with or without low-dose steroid therapy. Conclusion. Decreased IL-12 response was associated with the low-dose steroid therapy in PBMCs of septic patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/42/PMC4983364.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3539560", "abstract": "Summary Background Total body irradiation is a protocol used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in patients prior to bone marrow transplant. It is involved in the treatment of the whole body using a large radiation field with extended source-skin distance. Therefore measuring and monitoring the skin dose during the treatment is important. Two kinds of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (OneDose MOSFET and mobile MOSEFT) dosimeter are used during the treatment delivery to measure the skin dose to specific points and compare it with the target prescribed dose. The objective of this study was to compare the variation of skin dose in patients with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) treated with total body irradiation (TBI) using OneDose MOSFET detectors and Mobile MOSFET, and then compare both results with the target prescribed dose. Material/Methods The measurements involved 32 patient’s (16 males, 16 females), aged between 14–30 years, with an average age of 22.41 years. One-Dose MOSFET and Mobile MOSFET dosimetry were performed at 10 different anatomical sites on every patient. Results The results showed there was no variation between skin dose measured with OneDose MOSFET and Mobile MOSFET in all patients. Furthermore, the results showed for every anatomical site selected there was no significant difference in the dose delivered using either OneDose MOSFET detector or Mobile MOSFET as compared to the prescribed dose. Conclusions The study concludes that One-Dose MOSFET detectors and Mobile MOSFET both give a direct read-out immediately after the treatment; therefore both detectors are suitable options when measuring skin dose for total body irradiation treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8a/ac/PMC3539560.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5036600", "abstract": "Objective To conduct a blind study of quantitative electroencephalogram-band amplitudes in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy controls. Methods Twenty-one patients with AN and 24 controls were examined with eyes-closed 16-channel electroencephalogram. Main variables were absolute alpha, theta, and delta amplitudes in frontal, temporal, and posterior regions. Results There were no significant differences between the AN patients and controls regarding absolute regional band amplitudes in μV. Borderline significance was found for anterior theta (P=0.051). Significantly increased left and right frontal electrode theta amplitude was found in AN patients (F3, P=0.014; F4, P=0.038) compared to controls. Significant differences were also observed for secondary variables: lower values for relative parietooccipital delta and frontocentral alpha activity among AN patients than among controls. Conclusion We observed slight excess frontal theta and lower relative alpha and delta amplitudes among AN patients than among controls. This pattern is possibly related to a slight frontal lobe dysfunction in AN, or it may reflect increased attention/vigilance or another state-related change in patients with AN compared to healthy controls.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/37/ndt-12-2419.PMC5036600.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3073755", "abstract": "Psoriasis is a chronic immunologically-based inflammatory skin disease. B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a form of leukemia characterized by the slow and progressive accumulation of monoclonal CD5+ B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes and other organs. A T-helper 1 cytokine-mediated pathway is involved in these disorders in which tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a central role. TNF-α is involved in physiological phenomena, such as host defense, inflammation and cell differentiation, and in many pathological conditions, such as fever and some malignant neoplasms. TNF-α involvement in psoriasis has been well validated by the clinical success of anti-TNF-α therapy. TNF-α has been well studied in the pathogenesis of B-CLL, suggesting it as a target in B-CLL therapy. We present the case of a patient suffering from plaque psoriasis and B-CLL. Since TNF-α is reported as a common link between psoriasis and B-CLL, the patient was treated with etanercept followed by infliximab, two anti-TNF-α drugs. During 3 years of therapy, the patient did not show significant modifications of lymphocyte levels, indicating no progression of B-CLL. We report this case to highlight the possibility to administer anti-TNF-α treatment in psoriatic patients affected by concomitant B-CLL.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/cc/cde0003-0060.PMC3073755.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3551515", "abstract": "Congenital anomalous bands at the proximal jejunum resulting in obstruction have been described sporadically in the literature and are otherwise rare. We present a case of an 8 year-old girl with a nine-month history of intermittent vomiting and no history of prior surgery. The imaging workup includes an abdominal ultrasound, a single contrast upper gastrointestinal series, and a dual contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. Surgical intervention revealed the presence of dense bands at the proximal jejunum without evidence of malrotation. Our report reviews the embryology and radiologic findings of this entity using different imaging modalities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/5a/JCIS-2-78.PMC3551515.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5010880", "abstract": "Background Generalized ligamentous laxity is defined as an increased range of joint motion compared to that of the general population. It is a predisposing factor for sports injuries, especially in the lower extremities. Nevertheless, there is little evidence about the relationship between generalized ligamentous laxity and sports injuries in the upper extremities. Objectives To evaluate the relationship of generalized ligamentous laxity with acute and chronic shoulder injuries in athletes. Patients and Methods Our study comprised 118 volunteer athletes with a history of at least six months of sports activities and a shoulder injury in the three years prior to participation in our study. The athletes were divided into two groups: those with or without generalized ligamentous laxity. Acute and chronic shoulder injuries, shoulder pain, shoulder instability, and functional status assessed via the QuickDASH measure were determined and compared between the two groups. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Group A (with ligamentous laxity) consisted of 43 participants (36.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/53/ircmj-18-06-38903.PMC5010880.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2798791", "abstract": "Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the 12 month clinical performances of two different posterior composites in Class I and Class II restorations. Methods: Thirty-one patients (10 male, 21 female) were recruited into the study. A total of 82 Class I and Class II cavities were restored with either a nanohybrid composite (Grandio) or a low-shrinkage composite (Quixfil), using their self etch adhesives (Futura Bond and Xeno III) according to manufacturers’ instructions. The restorations were clinically evaluated 1 week after placement as baseline, and after 6 and 12 months post-operatively using modified USPHS criteria by two previously calibrated operators. Statistical analysis were performed using Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact Test (P<.05). Results: All patients attended the 12-month recall. Lack of retention was not observed in any of the restorations. With respect to color match, marginal adaptation, secondary caries and surface texture, no significant differences were found between two restorative materials tested after 12 months (P>.05). None of the restorations had marginal discoloration and anatomic form loss on the 12 month follow-up. Restorations did not exhibit post-operative sensitivity at any evaluation period. Conclusions: Clinical assessment of nanohybrid (Grandio) and low-shrinkage posterior composite (Quixfil) exhibited good clinical results with predominating alpha scores after 12 months. However; further evaluations are necessary for the long-term clinical performance of these materials.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/62/PMC2798791.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4232074", "abstract": "The current excitement surrounding cancer immunotherapy stems particularly from clinical data involving agents mediating immune checkpoint receptor blockade, which have induced unprecedented efficacy against a range of tumours compared with previous immunotherapeutic approaches. However, an important consideration in targeting checkpoint receptors has been the emergence of associated toxicities termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In light of the clinical benefits observed after co-blockade of checkpoint receptors and data from preclinical mouse models, there is now a strong rationale to combine different checkpoint receptors together, with other immunotherapies or more conventional therapies to assess if clinical benefits to cancer patients can be further improved. However, one may predict the frequency and severity of irAEs will increase with combinations, which may result in premature therapy cessation, thus limiting the realization of such an approach. In addition, there is a limit to how many different combination therapies that can be tested in a timely manner given the legal, regulatory and budgetary issues associated with conducting clinical trials. Thus, there is a need to develop preclinical mouse models that more accurately inform us as to which immunotherapies might combine best to provide the optimal therapeutic index (maximal anti-tumour efficacy and low level irAEs) in different cancer settings. In this review we will discuss the irAEs observed in patients after checkpoint blockade and discuss which mouse models of cancer can be appropriate to assess the development of tumour immunity and irAEs following combination cancer immunotherapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d7/a0/cti201418a.PMC4232074.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3291063", "abstract": "We previously reported that cattle were affected by a prion disorder that differed from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) by showing distinct molecular features of disease-associated protease-resistant prion protein (PrPres). We show that intracerebral injection of such isolates into C57BL/6 mice produces a disease with preservation of PrPres molecular features distinct from BSE.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/0e/PMC3291063.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3595644", "abstract": "Background: In the recent years, advances in medical technologies for end stage cancer patients’ care have affected the end-of-life decision-making in clinical practice and exposed oncologists to serious ethical dilemmas. But little is known about oncologists’ viewpoints in our country regarding their ethical problems in this mention. We aimed to clarify the ethical dilemmas which Iranian oncologists may face in our health care setting and to determine factors influencing decision-making process. Methods: In this qualitative study, a phenomenological approach was used. We interviewed 8 cancer specialists in teaching hospitals in Iran and used content analysis to identify codes and categorize themes in the data. Results: During the process of analysis, three main themes emerged about ethical dilemmas in end of life care for advanced cancer patients: illness factors, socio-cultural context and patient-physician relationship. Cancer specialists identified ethical problems on several main issues, the most important of which were telling the truth in Iranian cultural context, uncertainty in end stage definition, multidisciplinary team working and cost consideration in Iranian health care system. Conclusion: Health care and insurance system in Iran face to end of life care challenges; therefore, health care providers and policy makers need to allocate appropriate resources and programs to improve quality of care in terminal stages. Appropriate physicians’ communication skills training, multidisciplinary team working and supplementary insurance services that provide essential health care can improve the quality of care of patients with end stages of cancer. The findings of this study can help us to provide ethical policies for decision-making in end-of-life care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/32/ijph-42-188.PMC3595644.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2916711", "abstract": "We present an implicit solvent model based on the extended reference interaction site model (XRISM) integral equation theory, which is a molecular theory of solvation. The solvation free energy is composed of additive potentials of mean force (PMF) of various functional groups. The XRISM theory is applied to determine the PMF of each group in water and NaBr electrolyte solutions. The method has been coupled to Brownian dynamics (BD) and is illustrated here on alanine dipeptide. The results of the method are compared with those obtained by explicit water simulations and other popular implicit solvent models for detailed discussion. The comparison of our model with other methods indicates that the intramolecular correlation and the solvation structure influence the stability of the PII and αR conformers. The results of NaBr electrolyte solutions show that the concentration of electrolyte also has a substantial effect on the favored conformations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/d7/PMC2916711.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5337457", "abstract": "Although autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is frequently complicated with chronic thyroiditis or other autoimmune disorders, reports on its association with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are scarce. We herein describe a case of AIH associated with ITP. A 75-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital due to increased aminotransferase levels and severe thrombocytopenia. Elevated serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected, and tests for platelet-associated IgG and anti-nuclear antibody were positive. Following the diagnosis of AIH-associated ITP, prednisolone treatment of 0.6 mg/kg/day resulted in a decrease in the aminotransferase levels and an increased platelet count. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/5e/1349-7235-56-0143.PMC5337457.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3367594", "abstract": "Emergence of the newly identified 16S rRNA methylases RmtA, RmtB, and ArmA in pathogenic gram-negative bacilli has been a growing concern. ArmA, which had been identified exclusively in Europe, was also found in several gram-negative pathogenic bacilli isolated in Japan, suggesting global dissemination of hazardous multiple aminoglycoside resistance genes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/37/7e/PMC3367594.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4498869", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Deep brain stimulation in an awake patient presents several unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. It is important to understand the various stages of the procedure and the complexities of anesthetic management in order to have a successful surgical outcome and provide a safe environment for the patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/ea/ccr30003-0492.PMC4498869.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4272505", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Background: Aeroallergens are the most common causes of allergy. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in patients with nasobronchial allergy.  Methods: This retrospective population study included 2254 patients with nasobronchial allergy, from late adolescents to adults. Their response to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick tests. Results: More patients had rhinitis (72.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/ee/MA-68-86.PMC4272505.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3491448", "abstract": "Growing evidence proposes an important role for pro-inflammatory cytokines during tumor development. Several experimental and clinical studies have linked the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) to the pathogenesis of sporadic and inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (CRC). Increased IL-6 expression has been related to advanced stage of disease and decreased survival in CRC patients. According to experimental studies, these effects are mediated through IL-6 trans-signaling promoting tumor cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis through gp130 activation on tumor cells with subsequent signaling through Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). During recent years, several therapeutics targeting the IL-6/STAT3 pathway have been developed and pose a promising strategy for the treatment of CRC. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets involved in IL-6 signaling in CRC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/7b/ijbsv08p1248.PMC3491448.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3949488", "abstract": "Recently, clinical application of autogenous tooth bone-graft materials has been reported. Autogenous tooth bone graft has been used in implant surgery. Familial tooth bone graft is a more advanced procedure than autogenous teeth bone graft in that extracted teeth can be used for bone graft materials of implant and teeth donation between siblings is possible. We used autogenous tooth and familial tooth bone-graft materials for ridge augmentation and sinus bone graft and obtained satisfactory results. The cases are presented herein.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/2c/jkaoms-40-37.PMC3949488.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3474556", "abstract": "Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three dentine bonding agents (G-Bond, Clearfil S3 Bond and Clearfil SE Bond X) in cell-culture perfusion. Methods: In this experiment, 8×104 TCPC SV40 cells (bovine-pulp-derived cells transfected with simian virus 40 large T-antigen) in MEM-alpha media, 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/4b/PMC3474556.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4608345", "abstract": "Introduction:  Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications after minor head trauma that increases the risk of intracranial pressure rising. Therefore, the present study was aimed to compare the antiemetic effects of metoclopramide and ondansetron in the treatment of post-traumatic nausea and vomiting.  Methods: The study was a controlled, randomized, double blind clinical trial, which was conducted in the first 6 months of 2014 in emergency department Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The patients with minor head trauma associated with nausea and vomiting were randomly divided into 2 groups: treatment with metoclopramide (10mg/2ml, slow injection) and treatment with ondansetron (4mg/2ml, slow injection). The comparison between the 2 groups was done regarding antiemetic efficacy and side effects using SPSS 21 statistical software.  Results: 120 patients with minor head trauma were distributed and studied into two groups of 60 patients (mean age 35.6±14.1 years; 50.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/f0/emerg-3-137.PMC4608345.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4440938", "abstract": "Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to yield α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) with production of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Dysfunctional IDH leads to reduced production of α-KG and NADH and increased production of 2-hydroxyglutarate, an oncometabolite. This results in increased oxidative damage and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor α, causing cells to be prone to tumorigenesis. Methods: This study investigated IDH mutations in 61 Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs), using a pentose nucleic acid clamping method and direct sequencing. Results: We identified four cases of ESFTs harboring IDH mutations. The number of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations was equal and the subtype of IDH mutations was variable. Clinicopathologic analysis according to IDH mutation status did not reveal significant results. Conclusions: This study is the first to report IDH mutations in ESFTs. The results indicate that ESFTs can harbor IDH mutations in previously known hot-spot regions, although their incidence is rare. Further validation with a larger case-based study would establish more reliable and significant data on prevalence rate and the biological significance of IDH mutations in ESFTs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/e5/jptm-49-3-257.PMC4440938.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4993920", "abstract": "The Commission Regulation 574/2011/EC set up maximum levels of coccidiostats and histomonostats in nonmedicated feed as a consequence of carry-over during manufacturing. Carry-over takes place from medicated to nonmedicated feed during feed production. Similar contamination could also occur for other pharmaceuticals such as tetracyclines, a group of antibiotics commonly employed in food production animal. The objective of this work is to present a simple and fast method for the simultaneous detection of four tetracyclines (chlortetracycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline) in nontarget feed at a μg/kg level. Validation of the method was performed according to the guideline included in the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC for official method. The validated method was successfully applied to 50 feed samples collected from different milk farms and 25 samples obtained from feed manufacturers. While oxytetracycline was the tetracycline most frequently detected, chlortetracycline was the analyte measured at the highest concentration 15.14 mg/Kg. From 75 nonmedicated feed analysed 15", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/a2/PMC4993920.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357237", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To examine whether there is a difference in the association between high pulse pressure and proteinuria, independent of other blood pressure (BP) indices, such as systolic or diastolic BP, among subjects with diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose tolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using a nationwide health checkup database of 228,778 Japanese aged ≥20 years (mean 63.2 years; 39.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/25/1310.PMC3357237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4522307", "abstract": "Background: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of this parasite in rabbits and humans in China Methods: Overall, 300 serum samples each from clinically healthy rabbit and human were collected from three regions of China (Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality and Jilin Province) from January to September 2013 and tested for anti-E. Cuniculi antibodies using an ELISA. Results: An overall seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was recorded as 56/300 (18.76", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/e1/PMC4522307.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3159121", "abstract": "Homeostatic plasticity ensures that appropriate levels of activity are maintained through compensatory adjustments in synaptic strength and cellular excitability. For instance, excitatory glutamatergic synapses are strengthened following activity blockade and weakened following increases in spiking activity. This form of plasticity has been described in a wide array of networks at several different stages of development, but most work and reviews have focussed on the excitatory inputs of excitatory neurons. Here we review homeostatic plasticity of GABAergic neurons and their synaptic connections. We propose a simplistic model for homeostatic plasticity of GABAergic components of the circuitry (GABAergic synapses onto excitatory neurons, excitatory connections onto GABAergic neurons, cellular excitability of GABAergic neurons): following chronic activity blockade there is a weakening of GABAergic inhibition, and following chronic increases in network activity there is a strengthening of GABAergic inhibition. Previous work on GABAergic homeostatic plasticity supports certain aspects of the model, but it is clear that the model cannot fully account for some results which do not appear to fit any simplistic rule. We consider potential reasons for these discrepancies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/ca/PMC3159121.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3405300", "abstract": "Retinal vasculature changes in diabetic patients are most common cause of blindness among eye diseases. Numerous studies have explored the role of the agiogenic factors in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The balance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors has a determining role in the DR progression. Current treatment modalities include laser photocoagulation, intravitreal drug application, and pars plana vitrectomy (ppv). These maneuvers are employed with occurrence of advanced retinal changes. New diagnostic approaches can provide better information for the initial retinal changes thereby requiring a new DR classification and treatment guidelines. The results that are expected from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR) are at the level where prediction and prevention can not be made. Innovative molecular-imaging technology, can pave the way for application of novel clinical approaches. Identification of pathology-specific biomarkers and their application to diagnosis and treatment, support the individualized treatment algorithms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0d/53/PMC3405300.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4754570", "abstract": "Objectives: This study aimed to compare the microleakage beneath metallic brackets following two different methods of enamel preparation and light curing. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 bovine deciduous lower incisors were randomly divided into four groups of 30 teeth. The preparations were as follows: Group I: Acid etching + Transbond XT primer + direct illumination, group II: acid etching + Transbond XT primer + transillumination, group III: Transbond XT self-etching primer + direct illumination and Group IV: Transbond XT self-etching primer + transillumination. Dye penetration was used as the method of microleakage evaluation. Sections made at the enamel-adhesive and adhesive-bracket interfaces were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: All groups showed greater microleakage at the gingival in comparison to the incisal margin and the differences were significant among groups with transillumination (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in the microleakage scores at the gingival and incisal margins in any of the interfaces (P>0.05). Mesiodistal margins of the self-etching group with direct illumination showed significantly lower scores in comparison with acid etched group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Use of self-etching primers for bonding of orthodontic brackets yields acceptable results if all bracket margins are cured directly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/0b/PMC4754570.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2193103", "abstract": "A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a ligand of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family that stimulates tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Expression of APRIL is highly upregulated in many tumors including colon and prostate carcinomas. Here we identify B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML) interactor (TACI), two predicted members of the TNF receptor family, as receptors for APRIL. APRIL binds BCMA with higher affinity than TACI. A soluble form of BCMA, which inhibits the proliferative activity of APRIL in vitro, decreases tumor cell proliferation in nude mice. Growth of HT29 colon carcinoma cells is blocked when mice are treated once per week with the soluble receptor. These results suggest an important role for APRIL in tumorigenesis and point towards a novel anticancer strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/8e/001047.PMC2193103.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4335917", "abstract": "Intestinal perforation is an extremely rare complication of hemangioma of the small intestine in the neonatal period. This is a case report of a 27-days-old male infant who presented with signs and symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy findings revealed intestinal perforation due to solitary hemangioma in the ileum, which led to obstruction from peritoneal reaction and adhesions. There are two reported cases in the literature presenting with ileal perforation in the pediatric age group, but only one previous report mentioned in the neonatal period. Because there are other more common causes of perforation in the neonatal period, intestinal hemangioma in spite of its rarity should be included in the differential diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9e/47/PMC4335917.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4310882", "abstract": "Introduction Prostate cancer is a common health problem that in the majority of cases starts to develop at the age of 50 years, reaching its peak at 60–70 years of age. A variation in its incidence and prevalence exists between western, Asian and Arabic populations. The aim of our work was to report the pattern of prostate cancer presentation in Alexandria University that as a tertiary referral center provides care for uro–oncology cases. Material and methods Data collection for all patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at Alexandria University in Egypt through the year 2012 was done. Results The mean age of the patients was 67. Mean serum total PSA, prostate volume and PSAd were 149 ng/ml, 63 grams and 3.1 ng/ml/gm respectively. 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/f9/CEJU-67-00392.PMC4310882.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3048597", "abstract": "Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is characterized by recurrent well-defined lesions in the same location each time the responsible drug is taken. We report here a case of multiple FDE induced by atenolol in a 48-year-old woman confirmed by positive patch test in previously affected sites. Beta-blockers-induced FDE are very rare. Only two cases had been reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of atenolol-induced FDE confirmed by a positive patch test.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/0f/PMC3048597.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3020351", "abstract": "OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of hot water extracts of Chlorella vulgaris on hepatoma cell line HepG2. INTRODUCTION: The search for food and spices that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells has been a major study interest in the last decade. Chlorella vulgaris, a unicellular green algae, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti‐cancer properties. However, its chemopreventive effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells have not been studied in great detail. METHODS: HepG2 liver cancer cells and WRL68 normal liver cells were treated with various concentrations (0‐4 mg/ml) of hot water extract of C. vulgaris after 24 hours incubation. Apoptosis rate was evaluated by TUNEL assay while DNA damage was assessed by Comet assay. Apoptosis proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Chlorella vulgaris decreased the number of viable HepG2 cells in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05), with an IC50 of 1.6 mg/ml. DNA damage as measured by Comet assay was increased in HepG2 cells at all concentrations of Chlorella vulgaris tested. Evaluation of apoptosis by TUNEL assay showed that Chlorella vulgaris induced a higher apoptotic rate (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/3a/cln-65-12-1371.PMC3020351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4543149", "abstract": "Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder shows excellent results. However, there is a risk of device embolization after deployment. We report the case of a 33-year-old man in whom an embolized Amplatzer device was retrieved from the right pulmonary artery by a percutaneous method. We also review this uncommon severe complication and offer technical tips for percutaneous removal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/1c/cmj-51-106.PMC4543149.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4497393", "abstract": "Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was recently introduced to the field of gynecologic malignancies; however, its value is not yet validated. A clinical trial is in preparation to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of IMRT for postoperative cervical cancer. The object of this study was to perform a surveillance study of IMRT for post-operative cervical cancer. A questionnaire regarding the precise methods of conducting IMRT was sent to six institutions that had already introduced IMRT for post-operative cervical cancer, and the data were analyzed. Half of the institutions used static IMRT and the others used volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Most institutions used body-immobilizing devices for patient fixation. Most institutions instructed patients to fill their bladder before undergoing planning CT or daily treatment. While one institution inserted metallic markers and another one used radio-contrast–soaked gauze to visualize the vaginal cuff, the other institutions used nothing for vaginal cuff visualization. Most institutions defined the clinical target volumes according to the Japan Clinical Oncology Group or the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guidelines. Only one institution used a prescribed dose based on 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/c9/rrv020.PMC4497393.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4706939", "abstract": "Maternal depression has been shown to negatively impact offspring development. Investigation into the impact of maternal depression and offspring behavior has relied on correlative studies in humans. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms has been hindered by the lack of useful animal models. We previously characterized a mouse model which exhibits depression-like behaviors restricted to the postpartum period and abnormal/fragmented maternal care (Gabrd −/− mice). Here we utilized this unique mouse model to investigate the mechanism(s) through which maternal depression-like behaviors adversely impact offspring development. Cross-fostering experiments reveal increased anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in mice reared by Gabrd −/− mothers. Wild type and Gabrd −/− mice subjected to unpredictable stress during late pregnancy exhibit decreased pup survival and depression-like behavior in the postpartum period. Exogenous corticosterone treatment in wild type mice during late pregnancy is sufficient to decrease pup survival and induce anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in the offspring. Further, the abnormal behaviors in juvenile mice reared by Gabrd −/− mice are alleviated by treatment of the mothers with the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) antagonist, Antalarmin. These studies suggest that hyperresponsiveness of the HPA axis is associated with postpartum depression and may mediate the adverse effects of maternal depression on offspring behavior.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/f5/PMC4706939.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3227400", "abstract": "The purpose of this paper is to further elucidate the importance of social relationships and social connectedness with aging in place and in developing elder-friendly communities. The process used in this study was inclusive of younger adults (age 40–65) as well as older adults (65+) in order to further understand how they envision a community that could support their own aging in place. A community forum, using the World Café format, was conducted in order to engage community members, 40 years and older, in conversation about the importance of social connectedness in elder-friendly communities. A second purpose of this forum was to obtain data on what would keep aging boomers in their community as they age. Three major themes emerged from qualitative analysis of the forum: social reciprocity, meaningful interactions, and structural needs/barriers. The results of this study reinforce the importance of social connectedness in creating and maintaining elder-friendly communities for older adults, as well as soon-to-be retired individuals, wishing to maintain life connectedness to their community. The study suggests the possibility of using more nontraditional research techniques (such as the World Café process) for gathering community level data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/7b/PMC3227400.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745554", "abstract": "Consumer preferences in east Asian part of the world pave the way for consumption of lotus stem starch (LSS) in preparations such as breakfast meals, fast foods, and traditional confectioneries. The present study envisaged the investigation and optimization of additives, that is, acacia gum, sodium chloride (NaCl), and sucrose, on water absorption (WA), water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI) of LSS employing response surface methodology (RSM). Acacia gum resulted in increased water uptake and swelling of starch; however, NaCl reduced the swelling power of starch by making water unavailable to starch and also due to starch-ion electrostatic interaction. Sucrose restricted the water absorption by binding free water and decreased amylose leaching by building bridges with starch chains and thus forming rigid structure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/f7/PMC4745554.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4131786", "abstract": "A non-controlled longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunogenicity in 150 children vaccinated in the routine of three health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008-2009, without other vaccines administered during the period from 30 days before to 30 days after vaccination. A previous study conducted in Brazil in 2007, in 1,769 children ranging from 12-15 months of age vaccinated against yellow fever and MMR simultaneously or at intervals of 30 days or more between doses, had shown low seroconversion for mumps regardless of the interval between administration of the two vaccines. The current study showed 89.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/a8/0074-0276-mioc-109-03-00335.PMC4131786.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2768583", "abstract": "Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an important device-based, non-pharmacological approach that has shown, in large randomized trials, to improve left ventricular (LV) function and reduce both morbidity and mortality rates in selected patients affected by advanced heart failure (HF): New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III–IV, reduced LV systolic function with an ejection fraction (EF) ≤35", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/ee/eup273.PMC2768583.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3249321", "abstract": "A 53-year-old man presenting with dyspnea and chest pain was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction secondary to occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Urgent revascularization by percutaneous stenting was successfully performed. However, the post-echocardiography revealed a ruptured papillary muscle that was causing severe mitral regurgitation and aggravation of congestive heart failure. The patient subsequently underwent mitral valve repair with papillary muscle re-implantation. Postoperative echocardiography showed a competent mitral valve without residual stenosis or regurgitation. The patient was discharged from the hospital with an uneventful recovery and has been doing well on outpatient follow up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/e2/kjtcs-44-285.PMC3249321.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085038", "abstract": "The patient was a 63-year-old man who was referred to our hospital as an emergency case with the chief complaint of abdominal pain. An abdominal CT revealed a right retroperitoneal tumor of 15 cm and retroperitoneal bleeding. After a transcatheter arterial embolization was performed, the patient was transferred to our department. There was no infective focus. The white blood cell (WBC) count (37,820/μl, normal range <8 pg/ml) and the serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) level (2,670 pg/ml, normal range <8 pg/ml) were high. Bone marrow biopsy revealed little fat, significant hyperplasia, and predominantly increased neutrophils, but no findings of bone metastasis or bone marrow involvement. A G-CSF-producing tumor was diagnosed and right nephrectomy and retroperitoneal tumorectomy were performed. However, the tumor had infiltrated into the inferior vena cava, diaphragm and abdominal wall, and only part of the tumor could be removed. In histopathological tests, hematoxylin-eosin staining showed malignant fibrous histiocytoma-like findings mixed with those for well-differentiated liposarcoma, and the case was diagnosed as dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Preoperative 18F-FDG-PET computed tomography showed diffuse 18F-FDG uptake throughout the bone marrow and elevated uptake at the tumor site. However, since bone biopsy and bone scintigraphy indicated no bone metastasis or bone marrow involvement, we concluded that PET/CT imaging gave false-positive results in the bone marrow. This is the first report of PET/CT imaging of a G-CSF-producing tumor in a urological disease. The imaging results may be useful for differential diagnosis for this tumor in patients with high WBC counts without infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/11/cro0004-0236.PMC3085038.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5183644", "abstract": "Purpose In cervical intracavitary brachytherapy, it is mandatory to evaluate if the doses to bladder and rectum are within tolerance limits. In this study, an effort has been made to evaluate the effect of respiration on the doses to bladder and rectum in patients undergoing brachytherapy. Material and methods Fifteen patients with cervix cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by intracavitary brachytherapy were included in this study. At the time of brachytherapy, all patients underwent 4D computed tomography (CT) imaging. Five out of fifteen patients were scanned with empty bladder while the rest had full bladder during sectional imaging. Four sets of pelvic CT image datasets with applicators in place were acquired at equal interval in a complete respiratory cycle. Treatment plans were generated for all the CT datasets on a PlatoTM Sunrise planning system. A dose of 7 Gy was prescribed to Point A. Doses to ICRU (Report No.38) bladder (IBRP) and rectal (IRRP) reference points were calculated in all the CT datasets. Results The mean of maximum dose to IBRP at four different respiratory phases for full and empty bladder were 53.38 ± 19.20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/47/JCB-2-14482.PMC5183644.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4327511", "abstract": "There are several studies about the cytotoxic effects of dental materials in contact with the pulp tissue, such as calcium hydroxide (CH), adhesive systems, resin composite and glass ionomer cements. The aim of this review article was to summarize and discuss the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of materials used for protection of the dentin-pulp complex, some components of resin composites and adhesive systems when placed in direct or indirect contact with the pulp tissue. A large number of dental materials present cytotoxic effects when applied close or directly to the pulp, and the only material that seems to stimulate early pulp repair and dentin hard tissue barrier formation is CH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/0b/1678-7757-jaos-17-06-0544.PMC4327511.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4017022", "abstract": "Background Infarct of the anterior spinal artery is the most common subtype of spinal cord infarct, and is characterized by bilateral motor deficits with spinothalamic sensory deficits. We experienced a case with atypical anterior-spinal-artery infarct that presented with bilateral hand weakness but without sensory deficits. Case Report A 29-year-old man presented with sudden neck pain and bilateral weakness of the hands. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain did not reveal any lesion. His motor symptoms improved rapidly except for mild weakness in his left wrist and fingers. Magnetic resonance angiography showed proximal occlusion of the left vertebral artery; a spine MRI revealed left cervical cord infarction. Conclusions Bilateral or unilateral hand weakness can be the sole symptom of a cervical cord infarct.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/b2/jcn-10-171.PMC4017022.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3196898", "abstract": "Myosin-Binding protein-C (MyBP-C) is a family of accessory proteins of striated muscles that contributes to the assembly and stabilization of thick filaments, and regulates the formation of actomyosin cross-bridges, via direct interactions with both thick myosin and thin actin filaments. Three distinct MyBP-C isoforms have been characterized; cardiac, slow skeletal, and fast skeletal. Numerous mutations in the gene for cardiac MyBP-C (cMyBP-C) have been associated with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) and have led to increased interest in the regulation and roles of the cardiac isoform. This review will summarize our current knowledge on MyBP-C and its role in modulating contractility, focusing on its interactions with both myosin and actin filaments in cardiac and skeletal muscles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/d0/PMC3196898.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5097818", "abstract": "A single-nucleotide polymorphism at the LHPP gene (rs35936514) has been reported in genome-wide association studies to be associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the neural system effects of rs35936514 that mediate the association are unknown. The present work explores whether the LHPP rs35936514 polymorphism moderates brain regional activity in MDD. A total of 160 subjects were studied: a CC group homozygous for the C allele (23 individuals with MDD and 57 controls) and a T-carrier group carrying the high risk T allele (CT/TT genotypes; 22 MDD and 58 controls). All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning. Brain activity was assessed using the amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF). MDD patients showed a significant increased ALFF in the left middle temporal gyrus and occipital cortex. The T-carrier group showed increased ALFF in the left superior temporal gyrus. Significant diagnosis × genotype interaction was noted in the bilateral lingual gyri, bilateral dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (P < 0.05, corrected). Results demonstrated that MDD patients with LHPP rs35936514 CT/TT genotype may influence the regional brain activity. These findings implicate the effects of the rs35936514 variation on the neural system in MDD. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/24/PMC5097818.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3342828", "abstract": "Objective The philosophy of chiropractic can be framed as an attempt to correct the problems inherited from the Western Enlightenment. Its origins can be found in the long tradition of Western philosophy. The purpose of this article is to describe in a broad context chiropractic’s roots in premodernity and establish the structural and hermeneutical differences between chiropractic’s original philosophical ideas and those of premodern philosophers. Discussion The worldview or cultural mindset the philosophy arose from must be situated in the context of its time, the birth of the unique postmodern worldview, aperspectival consciousness, and the modern sense of self. This is accomplished by exploring several metatheories about the development of the self through history, with an emphasis on the premodern roots to the chiropractic terms; Universal Intelligence and Innate Intelligence. By contextualizing the philosophy of chiropractic in terms of a structural genealogy of the self and of ideas, a new approach to philosophy in chiropractic emerges. Conclusion Without accounting for chiropractic’s origins as a reflection of the unique time, place, and culture, in terms of the evolution of worldviews through history, any approach to construct or reconstruct a philosophy of chiropractic will potentially miss the seminal feature of chiropractic’s emergence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/49/b3/PMC3342828.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3430407", "abstract": "Objective This study was conducted to compare the personal well-being among the wives of Iranian veterans living in the city of Qom. Method A sample of 300 was randomly selected from a database containing the addresses of veteran's families at Iran's Veterans Foundation in Qom (Bonyad-e-Shahid va Omoore Isargaran). The veterans' wives were divided into three groups: wives of martyrs (killed veterans), wives of prisoners of war, and wives of disabled veterans. The Persian translation of Personal Well-being Index and Stress Symptoms Checklist (SSC) were administered for data collection. Four women chose not to respond to Personal Well-being Index. Data were then analyzed using linear multivariate regression (stepwise method), analysis of variance, and by computing the correlation between variables. Results Results showed a negative correlation between well-being and stress symptoms. However, each group demonstrated different levels of stress symptoms. Furthermore, multivariate linear regression in the 3 groups showed that overall satisfaction of life and personal well-being (total score and its domains) could be predicted by different symptoms. Conclusion Each group experienced different challenges and thus different stress symptoms. Therefore, although they all need help, each group needs to be helped in a different way.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/b3/IJPS-5-28.PMC3430407.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3838832", "abstract": " Background. Recent studies confirmed cardioprotective role of intravenous magnesium for the prevention of cardiac events, but effect of dietary intake of this mineral via recommended dietary regimens on control and inhibition of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors has been questioned. The aim of the present study was to determine effect of Mediterranean dietary approach on serum magnesium concentration among Iranian patients with CAD. Method. Baseline characteristics and clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of CAD and candidates for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were entered into the study. Laboratory parameters especially serum magnesium concentration were measured after 12–14 h of overnight fasting and before operation. Nutritional status was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and the diet score was calculated on the basis of Mediterranean diet quality index (Med-DQI). Results. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of albumin, last fasting blood sugar, last creatinine, and lipid profiles between the groups with Mediterranean dietary score < 5 and the group with higher dietary score; however, serum magnesium concentration in the first group was higher than that in the group with higher dietary score. Linear multivariate regression analysis showed that the lower Mediterranean dietary score was a predictor for serum magnesium concentration after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion. Taking Mediterranean dietary regimen can be associated with increased level of serum magnesium concentration, and thus this regimen can be cardioprotective because of its effects on serum magnesium.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/14/PMC3838832.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3159014", "abstract": " Objective. To evaluate associations between common vaginal infections and human papillomavirus (HPV). Study Design. Data from up to 15 visits on 756 HIV-infected women and 380 high-risk HIV-uninfected women enrolled in the HIV Epidemiology Research Study (HERS) were evaluated for associations of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vaginal Candida colonization with prevalent HPV, incident HPV, and clearance of HPV in multivariate analysis. Results. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was associated with increased odds for prevalent (aOR = 1.14, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/60/PMC3159014.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4307961", "abstract": "A recent review of psychobehavioral therapy for epilepsy recommends case reports as a research design to explore specific psychological mediators of psychobehavioral interventions for epilepsy that address the bidirectional relationship between psychological states and seizures. The report was prepared according to the consensus-based CARE guidelines for standardized clinical case reporting. This is a case of a 16-year-old male individual with a diagnosed seizure disorder and learning disability who continued to have daytime and nighttime seizures on a regular basis despite exhausting of available conventional treatment options. A psychological assessment led to the working hypothesis that cognitive dissonance between fear of failure and high expectations of self had led to a “broken” self-image and active avoidance of responsibility that resulted in intense emotional distress which correlated with the occurrence of seizures. This working hypothesis resulted in a treatment plan that employed the acquisition of self-organizational skills and relaxation techniques as the main therapeutic strategy. Motivational strategies were employed to facilitate the regulation of lifestyle-related seizure precipitants. In this case, the acquisition of self-organizational skills and the development of seizure interruption techniques correlated with a clinically significant decrease of seizures. Methodological limitations of the interpretation of the presented data are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/fa/main.PMC4307961.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3108712", "abstract": "The introduction of the atypical antipsychotic drugs represents an important advance in the treatment of schizophrenia, because the therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, and safety profiles of these agents seem to be superior to that of the classical neuroleptics. As would be predicted from the pharmacologic profile of a pure D2/D3 receptor blocker, amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic agent, effective for positive and negative symptoms, which can bring about additional improvement in the social functioning and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Amisulpride is effective in acute schizophrenia as determined by Clinical Global Impression scores. The major concern regarding the safety of the atypical antipsychotics is related to their propensity to induce weight gain and alter glucose and lipid metabolism. Amisulpride has one of the lowest potentials for weight gain of all the antipsychotic agents, and is associated with clearly lower use of antiparkinsonian medication and with fewer dropouts due to adverse events than conventional antipsychotics. Amisulpride is well tolerated with regard to anxiety and insomnia, and not notably different from placebo. Amisulpride has a pronounced prolactin-elevating effect which appears to be independent of dosage and duration of administration. Hyperprolactinemia rapidly reverses following amisulpride discontinuation. Amisulpride benefits patients with negative symptoms, and is the only antipsychotic to demonstrate efficacy in patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Amisulpride maintains its efficacy when used for medium/long-term treatment, as demonstrated in studies of up to 12 months. In terms of relevance of the effects, superiority is observed for quality of life, social adaptation, and functioning, as measured by the Quality of Life and Functional Status Questionnaire scales. In conclusion, amisulpride is an antipsychotic agent with proven efficacy and good tolerability. Moreover, this drug can help people with schizophrenia to attain social reinsertion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/ee/PMC3108712.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4519538", "abstract": " Objective. To describe the current epidemiological features of syphilis and congenital syphilis in Trinidad, 2009–2012. Methods. All laboratory confirmed syphilis cases diagnosed through a vertical program in the Ministry of Health, between 1/1/2009 and 31/12/2012, were identified. All relevant data were collected including address which was geocoded and mapped using ArcGIS 10.0 (Esri). Both spatial techniques and standardized incidence ratios were used to determine hot spots. Results. The annual cumulative incidence rate for syphilis remains high varying from 39 per 100 000 population in 2009 to 29 per 100 000 in 2012. We identified 3 “hot spots,” in urban areas of Trinidad. Young men and particularly young women in childbearing age 15–35 living in urban high density populations were commonly infected groups. Conclusion. The incidence of syphilis continues to be very high in Trinidad. New initiatives will have to be formulated in order to attain the global initiative to eradicate syphilis by 2015.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/75/PMC4519538.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4135209", "abstract": " [Purpose] A number of different stimulation devices are used in basic and clinical research studies, and their frequencies of use vary. However, whether or not they are equally effective has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate neural activity in the brain during the illusion of motion evoked by stimulating the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles using various vibration devices. [Subjects] Twelve right-handed university students with no history of nervous system disorder or orthopedic disease participated in the study. [Methods] The wrist extensor tendon was stimulated using 3 different devices: 1) a vibration stimulation device (SL-0105 LP; Asahi Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan), frequency 80 Hz; 2) a handy massager (YCM-20; Yamazen Corporation, Osaka, Japan), frequency 70 Hz; and 3) a handy massager (Thrive MD-01; Thrive Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan), frequency 91.7 Hz. Brain activity was recorded during stimulation by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. [Results] Increased neural activity was observed in both the premotor cortices and the parietal region in both hemispheres in all 3 cases. The level and localization of neural activity was comparable for all 3 stimulation devices used. [Conclusion] This suggests that subjects experience the illusion of motion while the tendon is being stimulated using any vibration device.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/3c/jpts-26-1115.PMC4135209.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5124673", "abstract": "The new type implantable Collamer lens with a central hole (V4c-ICL) is widely used to treat myopia. However, halos occur in some patients after surgery. The aim is to evaluate the effect of V4c-ICL implantation on vision-related daily activities. This retrospective study included 42 patients. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and vault were recorded and vision-related daily activities were evaluated at 3 months after operation. The average spherical equivalent was −0.12 ± 0.33 D at 3 months after operation. UCVA equal to or better than preoperative BCVA occurred in 98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/5e/PMC5124673.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2780653", "abstract": "This paper uses metropolitan data to test empirically if health insurers possess monopsony or monopoly-busting power on the buyer-side of the hospital services market. According to theory, monopsony power is indicated by a fall in output, whereas, monopoly-busting power is shown by an increase in output when buyer concentration rises. The empirical results provide evidence that greater health insurer buyer concentration is not associated with monopsony power. Instead, some evidence is found to suggest that higher health insurer concentration translates into increased monopoly-busting power. That is, metropolitan hospitals offer increased services when the buyer-side of the hospitals services market is more highly concentrated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/80/PMC2780653.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4885167", "abstract": "Abstract Biochemical or clinical changes of hyperandrogenism are important elements of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is currently no consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria of hyperandrogenism in PCOS. The aim of this study was to investigate the complex symptoms of hyperandrogenic disorders and the correlations between metabolism and hyperandrogenism in patients with PCOS from an outpatient reproductive medicine clinic in China. We conducted a case control study of 125 PCOS patients and 130 controls to evaluate differences in body mass index (BMI), total testosterone (TT), modified Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and free androgen index (FAI) between PCOS patients and controls and subgroups of PCOS. The prevalence of acne and hirsutism did not differ significantly between the hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic subgroup. Patients with signs of hyperandrogenism had significantly higher BMI (P < 0.05), but differences in TT, SHBG, FAI and waist/hip ratio were insignificant. The odds ratio of overweight was calculated for all PCOS patients. Our results suggest that PCOS patients with high BMI tend to have functional disorders of androgen excess; therefore, BMI may be a strong predictor of hyperandrogenism in PCOS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/37/PMC4885167.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4923605", "abstract": "Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease with damage to multiple organs. Leukocyte recruitment into the inflamed kidney is a critical step to promote LN progression, and the chemokine/chemokine receptor system is necessary for leukocyte recruitment. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the development of LN and discuss the potential and hurdles of developing novel, chemokine-based drugs to treat LN.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/1a/PMC4923605.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2988924", "abstract": "A 34-year-old woman presented with pain during menstruation and was diagnosed with endometriosis of the lower rectum. Despite treatment with an LH-RH agonist, she was unable to become pregnant and surgical removal of her endometriosis was recommended. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed endometriosis localized between the neck of the uterus and rectum with indentation and scuffing. Laparoscopically assisted low anterior resection was performed. Exfoliation was started from the right side of the rectum to the presacral and retrorectal space, and the rectococcygeus ligament was transected. Exfoliation of the retrorectal space was continued to the levator ani muscle and mobilization of the right side of the rectum was performed. In front of the rectum, exfoliation was started posterior to the wall of the vagina, but layers became unclear near the tumor as the tissue was solid in this region. The left hypogastric nerve close to the tumor was inflamed and it was cut. The layer of the exfoliation was connected to the right side of the rectum, the tumor was isolated from the vagina, and the lower rectum was transected at a point 1 cm distal to the tumor with a 60-mm linear stapler. Reconstruction with a 31-mm circular stapler was performed using the double stapling technique. Operative time was 520 min with a blood loss of 320 ml. On the 9th post operative day, a rectovaginal fistula occurred, and ileostomy was performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 25th postoperative day, and 4 months later, stoma closure was performed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/d2/crg0003-0318.PMC2988924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4929798", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message There is currently minimal clinical experience regarding retreatment options for patients failing direct‐acting antiviral combination regimens. Here, we report the outcomes of a HCV genotype 1b‐infected patient with virologic failure following treatment with daclatasvir and asunaprevir, who was successfully retreated with sofosbuvir plus simeprevir.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/20/CCR3-4-653.PMC4929798.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3352186", "abstract": "Background Once metastasized, despite a variety of therapeutic options, the prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma (MM) is still poor. Therefore, the search for reliable markers to identify patients with high risk of disease progression is of high clinical importance. We have recently shown that TT genotypes of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) T393C in the gene GNAS1 are significantly associated with better outcome in a variety of carcinomas. Patients In the present study we assessed whether the T393C SNP is also related to the clinical course in MM. 328 patients with MM were retrospectively genotyped and genotypes were correlated with clinical outcome. Results While the allele frequency in the MM group (fC 0.52) did not significantly differ from that of healthy blood donors, the T393C SNP was associated with tumor progression of MM. Carriers of the C-allele showed a significantly more severe tumor progression as estimated from the time period to develop metastasis (HR 2.2, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c7/9d/PMC3352186.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3426322", "abstract": "Antibiotic resistance has been increasing along with antibiotic use. At the same time, the supply of new drugs to replace those rendered inefficient by the development has been dwindling, leading to concerns that we may soon lack efficient means to treat bacterial infections. Though the problem has received considerable interest, there are no indications that the situation is about to change. The present review maintains that this is because the two objectives - preserving the efficiency of existing drugs and increasing the supply of new ones - are partly opposing. Hence, creating an incentive structure compatible with both of them is not easy. Nevertheless, it is suggested that levying a fee on the use of antibiotics, and earmarking the proceeds from this fee for subsidizing development of new antibiotics, would be an important step towards increasing incentives for a better antibiotic stewardship while preserving incentives to develop new substances.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/51/IEE-2-18165.PMC3426322.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2948310", "abstract": "The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signal transduction pathway appears to play a key role in the development and proliferation of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. Integration of anti-IGF-1 receptor therapy into the standard treatment for these patients is a novel approach that will likely be incorporated into future treatment to determine whether such agents will improve the outcome for patients with this malignancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/4b/1757-5931-0001-0000000062.PMC2948310.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4918539", "abstract": "Telomeres are specific DNA regions positioned at the ends of chromosomes and composed of functional non-coding repeats. Upon cell division, the telomeres decrease in length by a preordained amount. When the telomeres become critically short, cells lose the ability to divide and enter a specific functioning mode designated as 'cellular senescence'. However, human tissues express an enzyme that deters the shrinking of the telomeres, the telomerase. Due to its ability to maintain telomere length, the telomerase slows down and possibly suspends the aging of the cells. In regard to this, solid evidence demonstrates that female human fertility decreases with increased maternal age and that various adverse factors, including alterations in telomerase activity, can contribute to age-associated infertility in women. The fact that telomerase activity is regulated in a time- and location-dependent manner in both embryo and placental tissues, highlights it potential importance to the successful completion of pregnancy. Since maternal age is a crucial determining factor for the success of in vitro and in vivo fertilization, numerous studies have focused on telomerase activity and its correlation with mammalian fertilization, as well as the following cleavage and pre-implantation developmental processes. Associations between telomerase activity and pregnancy complications have been previously observed. Our aim in this review was to summarize and critically discuss evidence correlating telomerase activity with pregnancy complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/6c/mmr-14-01-0016.PMC4918539.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3163406", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tBackground. We aimed to explore (i) the short-term retention of intramedullary implanted mesenchymal stem cells BMSCs and (ii) their impact on the bone blood flow and metabolism in a rat model of hindlimb irradiation. Methods. Three months after 30 Gy irradiation, fourteen animals were referred into 2 groups: a sham-operated group (n = 6) and a treated group (n = 8) in which 111In-labelled BMSCs (2 × 106 cells) were injected in irradiated tibias. Bone blood flow and metabolism were assessed by serial 99mTc-HDP scintigraphy and 1-wk cell retention by recordings of 99mTc/111In activities. Results. The amount of intramedullary implanted BMSCs was of 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/a4/PMC3163406.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3860126", "abstract": "Apnoea of prematurity is treated with noninvasive respiratory therapy and methylxanthines. For therapy unresponsive apnoea doxapram is often prescibed in preterm neonates. The duration, dosage and route of administration of doxapram together with its efficacy was evaluated in two Dutch neonatal intensive care. Outcome concerning short-term safety and neonatal morbidity were evaluated. During 5 years, 122 of 1,501 admitted newborns <32 weeks of gestational age received doxapram. 64.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/00/PMC3860126.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4719372", "abstract": "Introduction: The management of patients with coagulopathic disorders undergoing orthopaedic surgery requires a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team with detailed perioperative planning. Bernard-Soulier Syndrome (BSS) is an extremely rare disorder, affecting 1 in 1 million individuals worldwide. It is caused by a deficiency in glycoprotein 1b-V-IX which is required for normal platelet-mediated clot formation. The deficiency results in prolonged bleeding time with high risk of spontaneous bleeds. Few reports exist in the clinical literature of BSS patients undergoing major surgery. Case Report: A 40 year old, female with known BSS and developmental dysplasia of her left hip (DDH) was referred to us for consideration of left total hip arthroplasty (THA). Consultation with her Haematologist for pre-operative optimization of platelets and related clotting times together with detailed discussions of her intended anaesthesia protocol and surgery resulted in a successful operation with less than anticipated blood loss. She entered our rehabilitation program just one week after surgery. Conclusion: BSS is an extremely rare bleeding disorder that puts patients at very high risk of blood loss following surgery. This is the first report that we are aware of describing a BSS patient undergoing a THA. A cohesive, highly specialized, multi-disciplinary team is crucial to the success of these patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/62/JOCR-4-38.PMC4719372.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5055104", "abstract": "Purpose We compared the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with eosinophilic and neutrophilic COPD exacerbations requiring hospital admission. Patients and methods This was a retrospective multicenter study performed between January 2010 and December 2014. In all, 1,688 COPD patients admitted via the outpatient clinics or emergency departments of six university hospitals were enrolled. The patients were grouped by complete blood counts: eosinophilic group, >2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/17/copd-11-2467.PMC5055104.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4188849", "abstract": "Introduction Survival benefit from ICD implantation is relatively low in primary prevention patients. Better patient selection is important to maintain maximum survival benefit while reducing the number of unnecessary implants. Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is a promising risk marker. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of MTWA in ICD patients. Methods and results This study was a substudy of the Twente ICD Cohort Study (TICS). Patients with ischaemic or non-ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction who received an ICD following current ESC guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Exercise-MTWA was performed and classified as non-negative or negative. The primary endpoint was the composite of mortality and appropriate shock therapy. Analysis was performed in 134 patients (81 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/63/PMC4188849.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3665260", "abstract": " Purpose. To compare color fundus photography (FP), fluorescein angiography (FA), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) for the detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), and CNV activity. Methods. FPs, FAs, and SDOCT volume scans from 120 eyes of 66 AMD and control patients were randomly collected. Control eyes were required to show no AMD, but other retinal pathology was allowed. The presence of drusen, pigmentary changes, CNV, and signs for CNV activity was independently analyzed for all imaging modalities. Results. AMD was diagnosed based on FP in 75 eyes. SDOCT and FA showed sensitivity (specificity) of 89", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/e4/PMC3665260.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2277490", "abstract": "Interactions between proteins and genes are considered essential in the description of biomolecular phenomena, and networks of interactions are applied in a system's biology approach. Recently, many studies have sought to extract information from biomolecular text using natural language processing technology. Previous studies have asserted that linguistic information is useful for improving the detection of gene interactions. In particular, syntactic relations among linguistic information are good for detecting gene interactions. However, previous systems give a reasonably good precision but poor recall. To improve recall without sacrificing precision, this paper proposes a three-phase method for detecting gene interactions based on syntactic relations. In the first phase, we retrieve syntactic encapsulation categories for each candidate agent and target. In the second phase, we construct a verb list that indicates the nature of the interaction between pairs of genes. In the last phase, we determine direction rules to detect which of two genes is the agent or target. Even without biomolecular knowledge, our method performs reasonably well using a small training dataset. While the first phase contributes to improve recall, the second and third phases contribute to improve precision. In the experimental results using ICML 05 Workshop on Learning Language in Logic (LLL05) data, our proposed method gave an F-measure of 67.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/88/PMC2277490.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3687650", "abstract": "Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT-DSD) is a rare disorder of sexual differentiation in which the gonads of an individual are characterized by the presence of both mature ovarian and testicular tissues. The objective of this paper is to report the clinical, cytogenetic and histopathological findings in Sri Lankan patients diagnosed with OT-DSD who were referred to the Human Genetics Unit for cytogenetic evaluation during 2005 to 2011. Five patients had histopathologically confirmed OT-DSD. Their ages at presentation ranged from 2 mo to 47 yr. Clinical symptoms varied from ambiguous genitalia and inguinal hernias at birth to a lower abdominal mass presenting in adulthood. All 5 were reared as phenotypic males. An ovotestis was detected in all cases except one, and the predominant karyotype was 46,XY. The findings in this series of predominantly 46,XY karyotype are in contrast to previously published reports that have reported 46,XX as being the predominant karyotype. It is therefore recommended that individuals with ambiguous genitalia who have the 46,XY karyotype should be thoroughly investigated by ultrasonographic or laparoscopic assessment to determine the exact nature of their internal genital organs. OT-DSD should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/14/cpe-21-069.PMC3687650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709628", "abstract": " Objective. To assess knowledge and awareness of oral cancer in the early identification of risk factors among undergraduate dental students. Methods. A total of 162 undergraduate (third, fourth, and fifth year) dental students at International Islamic University, Malaysia, were approached to participate in the study, and those who agreed were administered. A 9-item pretested questionnaire contains questions on oral examination, oral cancer risk factors, and requests for further information. Descriptive statistics were conducted using chi-square testing. Results. The response rate of the study was 70.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/61/PMC4709628.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3259692", "abstract": "Calciphylaxis is a disabling and life-threatening complication that primarily affects patients who are dialysis dependent. Reports have grown in the literature of cases occurring in those who have advanced chronic kidney disease (pre-end-stage renal disease) or in the setting of transplantation. There are also a few reports of cases occurring in those without any form of chronic kidney disease but with primary hyperparathyroidism. This disease entity is characterized by calcification, intimal hypertrophy, and thrombosis of small vessels that result in necrotizing, nonhealing ulcers – many of which are life threatening. Although several strategies aimed at treating and preventing this affliction have been reported in the literature, the outcome for most patients with calciphylaxis remains quite poor. We describe a patient with comparatively early stage-3 chronic kidney disease who developed calciphylaxis in the setting of both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Predictably, after subtotal parathyroidectomy, her wounds did not completely heal and her biochemical markers of hyperparathyroidism did not completely normalize until her underlying secondary hyperparathyroidism was treated medically. It was only after initiating cinacalcet that the patient experienced complete wound healing and resolution of her calciphylaxis. It also supports other authors’ findings that cinacalcet may be an important adjunct in the treatment of calciphylaxis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/42/PMC3259692.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4210395", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study examined the effect of wearing a brassiere on upper trapezius (UT) region pain and EMG activity during arm elevation by women. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy women were recruited. Surface EMG data were collected from the UT muscles during arm elevation. Pressure pain in the UT region was measured using a baseline dolorimeter. [Results] The EMG activity of the UT increased significantly when a brassiere was worn compared to without. UT region pain showed no significant difference between with and without wearing a brassiere. [Conclusion] This suggests that wearing a brassiere increases the muscle activation of the UT in women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/1b/jpts-26-1551.PMC4210395.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3237000", "abstract": "Orthotopic liver transplantation is an important treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Advances in surgical technique, along with improvements in organ preservation and immunosuppression have improved patient outcomes. Post-operative complications, however, can limit this success. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of hepatic transplants, providing real-time information about vascular flow in the graft. Graft vascular complications are not uncommon, and their prompt recognition is crucial to allow for timely graft salvage. A multimodality approach including CT angiography, MRI, or conventional angiography may be necessary in cases of complex transplant vascular anatomy or when sonography and Doppler are inconclusive to diagnose the etiologies of these complications. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the normal post-transplant vascular anatomy and the imaging appearances of the major vascular complications that may occur within the hepatic artery, portal vein, and venous outflow tract, with an emphasis on ultrasound.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/e2/JCIS-1-50.PMC3237000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4303284", "abstract": "Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare entities which causes expansile and destructive bone lesions characterized by reactive proliferation of connective tissue. They usually grow rapidly with hypervascularity. In clinical practice they can be easily misdiagnosed due to the rare occurance and having no such typical findings as radiologically. Most cases have uncommon pain symptoms, but rarely, if fractures occur, neurological findings can be seen and the surgical treatment, if needed, could be difficult. We will discuss our evaluations to two cases that we experienced in our clinic in this report.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/4f/kjs-11-249.PMC4303284.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054189", "abstract": "Subcutaneous implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device is the standard method. Occasionally, subpectoral cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation via axillary incisions is performed in young female patients for cosmetic purposes. Because subpectoral CIED implantation and augmentation mammoplasty involve the same layer, it is feasible to perform both procedures simultaneously. We report a case of combined subpectoral implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and augmentation mammoplasty via the axillary approach in a young female patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and small breasts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/e0/kcj-46-734.PMC5054189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3976017", "abstract": " [Purpose] We with respect to their effects on the compared hippotherapy with a horseback riding simulator (JOBA, Panasonic Inc. JP) static and dynamic balance of children with cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-six children were randomly divided into two groups: a hippotherapy group that included 13 children, and a horseback riding simulator (JOBA, Panasonic Inc., Japan) group, which was also composed of 13 children. The two groups participated in 1 hour of exercise per day, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks. The subjects’ static balance ability was measured using BPM (software 5.3, SMS Healthcare Inc., UK) as the center of pressure sway length while standing for 30 seconds with their eyes open and looking to the front. Dynamic balance ability was measured using the PBS (Pediatric Balance Scale). [Results] Both groups showed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance but significant differences between the two groups were not found. [Conclusion] The horseback riding simulator could be a useful alternative to hippotherapy for the improvement of static and dynamic balance of children with CP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/38/jpts-26-423.PMC3976017.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4971274", "abstract": "We present the case of a 74-year-old patient with three synchronous primary lung cancers within the same lung lobe. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography investigations revealed two suspicious nodular lesions in the upper lobe of the left lung. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed that one of the lesions was non-small cell lung cancer. The patient was qualified for surgical treatment, and left upper lobectomy plus lymphadenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of three primary cancers in the left lung: keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and acinar adenocarcinoma, localized within the same lung lobe. The patient was classified as having stage T3N1M0 lung cancer (stage IIIA) according to the latest, 7th edition of the TNM classification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/80/KITP-13-27929.PMC4971274.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5095625", "abstract": "Pavlovian fear conditioning is an experimental procedure in which a conditioned stimulus (CS) acquires an ability to elicit fear responses. This type of conditioning depends on the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) and/or central amygdala (CeA). We previously found that rats showed reduced fear responses to an auditory CS when they were subjected to a pre-training chemical lesion of the entire right amygdala as compared with the left amygdala. Based on this finding, we hypothesize that the BLA and/or CeA in the right hemisphere will be more strongly activated by an auditory CS than those in the left hemisphere. To test this hypothesis, we re-exposed fear-conditioned and non-conditioned rats to an auditory CS 1 day after fear conditioning. We assessed Fos expression in the BLA and CeA in each hemisphere. We found that fear-conditioned subjects showed fear responses, such as increased freezing and decreased walking, as well as increased Fos expression in the BLA and CeA. When we compared Fos expression between hemispheres, Fos expression in the CeA, but not the BLA, was greater in the right hemisphere compared with the left hemisphere. These results suggest that the right CeA is more strongly activated by the auditory CS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/1f/jvms-78-1563.PMC5095625.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4995181", "abstract": "Obesity resulting from the delivery of an excess amount of energy to adipose tissue from glucose or free fatty acids is associated with insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as contributors to both the onset and the progression of insulin resistance. ROS can be generated by overloading the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system, and also by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOX) produced by either adipocytes, which only produce NOX4, or by macrophages, which produce mainly NOX2. The source of the ROS might differ in the early, intermediate and late stages of obesity, switching from NOX4-dependence in the early phases to NOX2-dependence, in the intermediate phase, and transiting to mitochondria-dependence later in the time course of obesity. Thus, depending on the stage of obesity, ROS can be generated by three distinct mechanisms: i.e., NOX4, NOX2, and mitochondria. In this review, we will discuss whether NOX4-, NOX2-, and/or mitochondria-derived ROS is/are causal in the onset of adipocyte insulin resistance as obesity progresses. Moreover, we will review the pathophysiological roles of NOX4, NOX2, and mitochondria-derived ROS on adipose tissue inflammation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/0b/dmj-40-272.PMC4995181.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5382743", "abstract": "The proportion of US food that is imported is increasing; most seafood and half of fruits are imported. We identified a small but increasing number of foodborne disease outbreaks associated with imported foods, most commonly fish and produce. New outbreak investigation tools and federal regulatory authority are key to maintaining food safety.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/93/PMC5382743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4535960", "abstract": "The intestinal protistan parasite Blastocystis is characterized by an extensive genetic variability with 17 subtypes (ST1–ST17) described to date. Only the whole genome of a human ST7 isolate was previously sequenced. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Blastocystis ST4-WR1 isolated from a laboratory rodent at Singapore.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/5e/main.PMC4535960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3938440", "abstract": "Acquired factor V inhibitor is a rare hemostatic disorder that presents with hemorrhagic manifestations in the vast majority of patients. Factor V inhibitor may develop through a variety of mechanisms involving development of alloantibodies or autoantibodies specific to Factor V. Autoantibodies, in particular, have been reported in a number of conditions. In this report, we describe a case of acquired factor V inhibitor in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma who presented with hematuria. Seven weeks after diagnosis and successful management, the patient developed deep vein thrombosis in the right lower extremity. The patient’s factor V levels were normalized, and the inhibitor was successfully eradicated using corticosteroids. Here, we discuss this rare disorder, its unusual manifestation, and provide a mini-review of the current literature regarding factor V inhibitors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/9d/imcrj-7-027.PMC3938440.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4274135", "abstract": "Purpose Prophylaxis with von Willebrand factor (VWF)/factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates is a potential approach for patients with severe von Willebrand disease (VWD). As far as we are aware, to date there have been no pharmacoeconomic analyses in order to assess the economic impact of treatments for severe VWD. The analysis presented here estimates the cost–benefit ratio of VWF with a low FVIII content when compared with VWF/FVIII concentrates currently used in Italy for long-term prophylaxis in patients with severe VWD. Methods A cost–consequence analysis was undertaken to assess the economic impact of the treatment of severe VWD from the perspective both of the Italian National Health Service and society. The analysis was based on four case reports of long-term prophylaxis with VWD with VWF/FVIII concentrates and VWF with a low FVIII content. The costs per patient included direct and indirect costs for each treatment. Results Considering the four case reports, health care costs (without cost of treatment) and indirect costs per patient per year were lower with VWF with a low FVIII content than VWF/FVIII concentrates. The total health care costs (without cost of treatment) and indirect costs avoided with VWF with a low FVIII content per patient per year ranged from €2,295 to €17,530 and from €1,867 to €4,978, respectively. Conclusion VWF with a low FVIII content seems to be a cost-effective treatment option for patients with severe VWD. Although the drug cost per se is higher, the use of VWF with a low FVIII content is associated with decreased consumption of hospital resources and fewer lost working days due to bleedings and consequently with an improvement of the quality of life of the patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/8c/ceor-7-017.PMC4274135.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3490114", "abstract": "Castleman's disease is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder that frequently affects lymph nodes of the mediastinal thorax and the neck. It very rarely affects the renal sinus. We report a case of Castleman's disease arising in the renal sinus in a 64-year-old man. The patient visited the hospital with the chief complaint of hematuria. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a homogeneous mass in the sinus of the left kidney, radiologically interpreted as a malignant urothelial tumor. Subsequently, nephroureterectomy was performed, after which microscopic examination of the specimen revealed a diffuse lymphoproliferative lesion with reactive lymphoid follicles of various sizes and prominent plasma cell infiltration of interfollicular spaces, highlighted by immunohistochemical staining for CD138. The lesion was diagnosed as Castleman's disease of the plasma cell type. Although preoperative diagnosis of Castleman's disease is difficult and the incidence is exceedingly rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal sinus tumors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/08/kjpathol-46-503.PMC3490114.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3017360", "abstract": "The two major limitations of Golgi–Cox method are that staining takes very long time and it is inconsistent. In this paper we describe a modification of the Golgi–Cox method, in which the tissue blocks were maintained at 37 ± 1°C during chromation for only 24 h and consistent staining of neurons in rat brain sections were observed. The method is simple, reproducible, rapid, inexpensive, and provides uniform staining with very good resolution of neuronal soma, dendrites as well as spines.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/f9/PMC3017360.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2254655", "abstract": "The incidence, aetiology and pathophysiology of pneumomediastinum (PM), an uncommon and potentially serious disease in neonates and children, were evaluated. A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with PM who were hospitalised in the intensive care unit of the University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Switzerland, from 2000 to 2006, was preformed. We analysed the incidence, severity and causes of PM and investigated the possible differences between neonatal and non-neonatal cases. Seven children and nine neonates were identified with PM. All patients had a good outcome. Six cases of PM in the group of children older than 4 weeks were deemed to be caused by trauma, infection and sports, whereas one case was idiopathic. All nine neonatal cases presented with symptoms of respiratory distress. We were able to attribute four cases of neonatal PM to pulmonary infection, immature lungs and ventilatory support. Five neonatal cases remained unexplained after careful review of the hospital records. In conclusion, PM in children and neonates has a good prognosis. Mostly, it is associated with extrapulmonary air at other sites. It is diagnosed by chest X-ray alone. We identified mechanical events leading to the airway rupture in most children >4 weeks of life, whereas we were unable to identify a cause in half of the neonates studied (idiopathic PM).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/db/PMC2254655.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2802416", "abstract": "Dark adaptometry may be a useful diagnostic test and clinical trial endpoint for age-related maculopathy (ARM) because impaired night vision is a hallmark of early ARM. A novel dark adaptometer, the AdaptDx, was evaluated for the detection of ARM. The AdaptDx incorporates a 20-minute protocol optimized for the detection of ARM. ARM patients (N = 17) exhibited substantial dark adaptation impairment compared with normal adults (N = 17). The diagnostic sensitivity was 88", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/f2/PMC2802416.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3134186", "abstract": " Background. Severe malaria is prevalent globally, yet it is an uncommon disease posing a challenge to education in nonendemic countries. High-fidelity simulation (sim) may be well suited to teaching its management. Objective. To develop and evaluate a teaching tool for severe malaria, using sim. Methods. A severe malaria sim scenario was developed based on 5 learning objectives. Sim sessions, conducted at an academic center, utilized METI ECS mannequin. After sim, participants received standardized debriefing and completed a test assessing learning and a survey assessing views on sim efficacy. Results. 29 participants included 3rd year medical students (65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ad/7b/PMC3134186.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3496968", "abstract": "Objective: To increase awareness of the limitations of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) laboratory-developed testing (LDT) widely used in US cervical cancer screening. Methods and results: A young woman in her 30s was diagnosed and treated for stage 1B1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma in which HPV 16 DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction testing. Both 1 month before and 42 months before cervical cancer diagnosis, the patient had highly abnormal cytology findings; however, residual SurePath™ (Becton, Dickson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ) vial fluid yielded negative Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen NV, Hilden, Germany) hrHPV LDT results from each of the two specimens. This prompted questions to be asked concerning the performance characteristics of hrHPV LDT. A review of the available data indicates that (1) purification of DNA from SurePath specimens requires complex sample preparation due to formaldehyde crosslinking of proteins and nucleic acids, (2) HC2–SurePath hrHPV testing had not been Food and Drug Administration-approved after multiple premarket approval submissions, (3) detectible hrHPV DNA in the SurePath vial decreases over time, and (4) US laboratories performing HC2–SurePath hrHPV LDT testing are not using a standardized manufacturer-endorsed procedure. Conclusion: Recently updated cervical screening guidelines in the US recommend against the use of hrHPV LDT in cervical screening, including widely used HC2 testing from the SurePath vial. The manufacturer recently issued a technical bulletin specifically warning that use of SurePath samples with the HC2 hrHPV test may provide false negative results and potentially compromise patient safety. Co-collection using a Food and Drug Administration-approved hrHPV test medium is recommended for HPV testing of patients undergoing cervical screening using SurePath samples.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/30/07/PMC3496968.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4222303", "abstract": "A 21-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a 5-day history of recurrent vomiting and decreased urine output. History revealed ingestion of ibuprofen. During the diagnostic workup, the following was identified: white blood cell count 13.4 (×10(3)/mcL), hemoglobin 11.9 (×10(6)/mcL) with an MCV of 73 fL, hematocrit 34", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/6a/PMC4222303.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3447296", "abstract": "An avian influenza virus (AIV), A/turkey/Israel/09 subtype H6N1, was isolated from turkey poults exhibiting typical pathology associated with AIV infection. The virus was characterized by RT-PCR using AIV subtype-specific primers and by the haemagglutination inhibition test using AIV subtype-specific antisera. The virus has an intravenous pathogenicity index of 0 and possessed a nucleotide sequence at the cleavage site of the hemagglutinin gene, PQIETR*GLF, associated with avian influenza viruses of low pathogenicity. Unlike the two previous H6N2 isolates originating from domestic ducks and mallard, the A/turkey/Israel/09 (H6N1) was isolated from turkeys. The gene sequences of the A/turkey/Israel/09 (H6N1) virus show divergence from the former Israeli H6 isolates.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/29/PMC3447296.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4514581", "abstract": "An improved sample preparation procedure for trace-levels of lanthanides in uranium-bearing samples was developed. The method involves a simple co-precipitation using Fe(III) carrier in ammonium carbonate medium to remove the uranium matrix. The procedure is an effective initial pre-concentration step for the subsequent extraction chromatographic separations. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the measurement of REE pattern and 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio in uranium ore concentrate samples.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/20/PMC4514581.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2693864", "abstract": "Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare disease in which necrosis of fat in the panniculus and other distant foci occurs in the setting of pancreatic diseases; these diseases include acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, pseudocyst, and other pancreatic diseases. This malady is manifested as tender erythematous nodules on the legs, buttock, or trunk. Histopathologically, it shows the pathognomonic findings of focal subcutaneous fat necrosis and ghost-like anucleated cells with a thick shadowy wall. We herein report a case of fatal pancreatic panniculitis that was associated with acute pancreatitis in a 50-yr-old man. He presented with a 3-week history of multiple tender skin nodules, abdominal pain and distension. Laboratory and radiologic findings revealed acute pancreatitis, and skin biopsy showed pancreatic panniculitis. Despite intensive medical care, he died of multi-organ failure 3 weeks after presentation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/65/jkms-22-914.PMC2693864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3431103", "abstract": "The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a clinical complication of severe acute lung injury (ALI) in humans, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Despite decades of research, few therapeutic strategies for clinical ARDS have emerged. Here we carefully evaluated the effect of progranulin (PGRN) in treatment of ARDS using the murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. We reported that administration of PGRN maintained the body weight and survival of ALI mice. We revealed that administration of PGRN significantly reduced LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, as reflected by reductions in total cell and neutrophil counts, proinflammatory cytokines, as well as chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Furthermore, administration of PGRN resulted in remarkable reversal of LPS-induced increases in lung permeability as assessed by reductions in total protein, albumin, and IgM in BAL fluid. Consistently, we revealed a significant reduction of histopathology changes of lung in mice received PGRN treatment. Finally, we showed that PGRN/TNFR2 interaction was crucial for the protective effect of PGRN on the LPS-induced ALI. Our findings strongly demonstrated that PGRN could effectively ameliorate the LPS-induced ALI in mice, suggesting a potential application for PGRN-based therapy to treat clinical ARDS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/16/PMC3431103.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3677808", "abstract": "Purpose This validation study aims to examine Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) items in terms of the agreement found between residents and caregivers, and also to compare alternative models of the Thai version of the CSDD. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of 84 elderly residents (46 women, 38 men, age range 60–94 years) in a long-term residential home setting in Thailand between March and June 2011. The selected residents went through a comprehensive geriatric assessment that included use of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and CSDD instruments. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was calculated in order to establish the level of agreement between the residents and caregivers, in light of the residents’ cognitive status. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was adopted to evaluate the alternative CSDD models. Results The CSDD yielded a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and moderate agreement between residents and caregivers (ICC = 0.55); however, it was stronger in cognitively impaired subjects (ICC = 0.71). CFA revealed that there was no difference between the four-factor model, in which factors A (mood-related signs) and E (ideational disturbance) were collapsed into a single factor, and the five-factor model as per the original theoretical construct. Both models were found to be similar, and displayed a poor fit. Conclusion The CSDD demonstrated a moderate level of interrater agreement between residents and caregivers, and was more reliable when used with cognitively impaired residents. CFA indicated a poorly fitting model in this sample.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/26/PMC3677808.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4133967", "abstract": "Objective Many interventions to reduce allergen levels in the home are recommended to asthma and allergy patients. One that is readily available and can be highly effective is the use of high performing filters in forced air ventilation systems. Methods We conducted a modeling analysis of the effectiveness of filter-based interventions in the home to reduce airborne asthma and allergy triggers. This work used “each pass removal efficiency” applied to health-relevant size fractions of particles to assess filter performance. We assessed effectiveness for key allergy and asthma triggers based on applicable particle sizes for cat allergen, indoor and outdoor sources of particles <2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), and airborne influenza and rhinovirus. Results Our analysis finds that higher performing filters can have significant impacts on indoor particle pollutant levels. Filters with removal efficiencies of >70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/5e/JAS-51-585.PMC4133967.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3354466", "abstract": "Myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STE) on electrocardiography (ECG) is a common presentation in emergency rooms across the world. Myocardial injury and necrosis are infrequently the initial presentation in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A 48-year-old woman presented with STE myocardial infarction from outside hospital for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, her clinical picture was not consistent. Rapid evaluation revealed symptoms associated with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury with waxing and waning mental status. A diagnosis of TTP was made with low ADAMST-13 activity. Plasmapheresis was initiated along with intravenous steroid therapy. The patient had a full recovery and went home after full recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction and normal myocardial perfusion studies. Rapid evaluation is needed to identify infrequent causes of STE myocardial infarction. As swift protocols are activated in the emergency room and catheterization laboratories to ensure quality control, it is equally important to integrate all aspects of the patient's clinical and objective data to detect unusual disease entities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/62/JCDR-3-167.PMC3354466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4347033", "abstract": "In the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, patients with trismus can be easily identified. If the cause of trismus is infection of the masticatory space near the pterygoid plexus, the possibility of cavernous sinus thrombosis should be considered. We report the case of a patient who presented with limited mouth opening and progressed to cavernous sinus thrombosis, along with a review of the relevant literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/26/jkaoms-41-43.PMC4347033.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2941636", "abstract": "Levels of urinary albumin excretion that are below the usual limit of detection by qualitative testing, but are above normal levels (microalbuminuria; MA), can be readily identified by simple measures, such as the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio in untimed urine samples. Such measurements, particularly when combined with assessment of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), have utility as biomarkers for enhanced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, progressive chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. However, it is controversial whether “isolated” MA (MA in the absence of a clear reduction in eGFR, urine sediment abnormalities, or structural renal disease) should be regarded as kidney disease. Such MA could also be regarded as a manifestation of a diffuse endothelial (microvascular) injury and thereby collateral kidney damage. This article reviews the current evidence concerning MA as a marker of kidney disease or kidney damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/8d/11906_2010_Article_133.PMC2941636.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4427766", "abstract": "Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder affecting a large number of people worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that DM can cause damage to multiple systems, leading to complications such as heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disorders. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that DM is closely associated with dementia and cognition dysfunction, with recent research focusing on the role of DM-mediated cerebrovascular damage in dementia. Despite the therapeutic benefits of antidiabetic agents for the treatment of DM-mediated cognitive dysfunction, most of these pharmaceutical agents are associated with various undesirable side-effects and their long-term benefits are therefore in doubt. Early evidence exists to support the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions, which tend to have minimal toxicity and side-effects. More importantly, these TCM interventions appear to offer significant effects in reducing DM-related complications beyond blood glucose control. However, more research is needed to further validate these claims and to explore their relevant mechanisms of action. The aims of this paper are (1) to provide an updated overview on the association between DM and cognitive dysfunction and (2) to review the scientific evidence underpinning the use of TCM interventions for the treatment and prevention of DM-induced cognitive dysfunction and dementia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/d9/PMC4427766.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4535474", "abstract": "A recent catalogue of the rich ant fauna of Morocco included 214 species, with later studies adding an additional 12 species. Following recent fieldwork in the north of Morocco, we report five new records for the country (Plagiolepis pygmaea Latreille, 1798, Ponera testacea Emery, 1895, Strumigenys tenuipilis Emery, 1915, Temnothorax pardoi Tinaut, 1987, and Tetramorium parvioculum Guillem     Bensusan, 2009) and we present new data on the distribution and natural history of six additional species. This work brings the total number of ants known from Morocco to 233, taking into account two species which were omitted in the list of Cagniant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/2e/PMC4535474.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3529649", "abstract": "Purpose Due to the efficient bioconjugation and highly photothermal effect, gold nanoparticles can stain receptor-overexpressing cancer cells through specific targeting of ligands to receptors, strongly absorb specific light and efficiently convert it into heat based on the property of surface plasmon resonance, and then induce the localized protein denaturation and cell death. Methods Two gold nanoparticle–antibody conjugates, gold-BerH2 antibody (anti-CD30 receptor) and gold-ACT1 antibody (anti-CD25-receptor), were synthesized. Gold-BerH2 conjugates can specifically bind to the surface of L-428 Hodgkin’s cells, and gold-ACT1 conjugates were used for the control. The gold nanoparticle-induced L-428 cell-killing experiments were implemented with different experimental parameters. Results At a relatively low concentration of gold and short incubation time, the influence of cytotoxicity of gold on cell viability can be overlooked. Under laser irradiation at suitable power, the high killing efficiency of gold-targeted L-428 cells was achieved, but little damage was done to nontargeted cancer cells. Conclusion Gold nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy provides a relatively safe therapeutic technique for cancer treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/98/23/PMC3529649.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3072208", "abstract": "Objective: Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) modified human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been investigated. Methods: Human IgG was modified by hydroxyl-radicals. Immunogenicity of native and modified human IgG was probed by inducing polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Cross-reactions of induced antibodies with nucleic acid, chromatin, different blood proteins and their ROS modified conformers were determined by competitive inhibition ELISA. The binding characteristics of circulating autoantibodies in SLE patients (n = 72) against native and modified IgG were screened by direct binding and competition ELISA and the results were compared with healthy age-matched controls (n = 39). Results: Induced antibodies against ROS-modified human IgG exhibited diverse antigen binding characteristics. Native DNA, native chromatin and their ROS-modified conformers were found to be effective inhibitors of induced antibody-immunogen interaction. Induced antibodies against native human IgG showed negligible binding to the above mentioned nucleic acid antigens. SLE sera (48.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/02/PMC3072208.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4152931", "abstract": " Objective. To determine if primary circulating prostate cells (CPCs) are found in all men with prostate cancer. Methods and Patients. A prospective study, to analyze all men with an elevated PSA between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL undergoing initial biopsy. Primary CPCs were obtained by differential gel centrifugation and detected using standard immunocytochemistry using anti-PSA; positive samples underwent a second process with anti-P504S. A malignant primary CPC was defined as PSA (+) P504S (+) and a test positive if 1 cell/4 mL was detected. Biopsy results were registered as cancer/no-cancer, number of cores positive, and percent infiltration of the cores. Results. 328/1123 (29.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5d/71/PMC4152931.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5332991", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency (RF), electroacupuncture (EA), and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which are used in physical therapies, on facial wrinkles and moisture. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 female participants aged 30–55 years participated in this study and the results will be used as a reference for further development of skin physical therapy. Thirty adult females were assigned to an LLLT (n=10), EA (n=10), or RF group (n=10). The intervention was performed in two 15-minute sessions per week for six weeks. Subjects’ skin tone and pigmentation were observed before and after the intervention. [Results] Treatment of the under eye area showed that wrinkles were significantly decreased on both sides after RF, EA, and LLLT. Treatment of the eye rims indicated that wrinkles significantly decreased on the right side after RF, EA, and LLLT. [Conclusion] The application of LLLT, EA, and RF had positive effects on wrinkle and moisture content of adult women’s faces.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/6f/jpts-29-290.PMC5332991.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2672177", "abstract": "Objective We wanted to evaluate the impact of two reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) on the image quality and the accuracy of measuring the severity of coronary stenoses by using a pulsating cardiac phantom with different heart rates (HRs). Materials and Methods Simulated coronary arteries with different stenotic severities (25, 50, 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/c8/kjr-10-227.PMC2672177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2837250", "abstract": "This study aimed to obtain insight in the effect of expert feedback during a basic laparoscopic skills training course for residents. A questionnaire was held among participants regarding provided feedback and the self-perceived laparoscopic skills improvement. The participants (n = 24) who completed the questionnaire were in their first to fifth postgraduate year. Most feedback was directed at intracorporeal knot tying (47", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/83/10397_2009_Article_486.PMC2837250.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4602423", "abstract": "Abstract Ordinal-scale strength assessment methods currently used in Paralympic athletics classification prevent the development of evidence-based classification systems. This study evaluated a battery of 7, ratio-scale, isometric tests with the aim of facilitating the development of evidence-based methods of classification. This study aimed to report sex-specific normal performance ranges, evaluate test–retest reliability, and evaluate the relationship between the measures and body mass. Body mass and strength measures were obtained from 118 participants—63 males and 55 females—ages 23.2 years ± 3.7 (mean ± SD). Seventeen participants completed the battery twice to evaluate test–retest reliability. The body mass–strength relationship was evaluated using Pearson correlations and allometric exponents. Conventional patterns of force production were observed. Reliability was acceptable (mean intraclass correlation = 0.85). Eight measures had moderate significant correlations with body size (r = 0.30–61). Allometric exponents were higher in males than in females (mean 0.99 vs 0.30). Results indicate that this comprehensive and parsimonious battery is an important methodological advance because it has psychometric properties critical for the development of evidence-based classification. Measures were interrelated with body size, indicating further research is required to determine whether raw measures require normalization in order to be validly applied in classification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/02/medi-93-e31.PMC4602423.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3893326", "abstract": "Purpose The degree of benefit from palliative chemotherapy differs widely among patients with metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (MESCC). The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict survival and aid physicians and patients in the decision-making process regarding treatment options. Materials and Methods Clinicopathologic variables and treatment outcomes of 239 patients who were diagnosed with MESCC and received either fluorouracil/cisplatin (FP) or capecitabine/cisplatin (XP) as first-line chemotherapy were reviewed. A nomogram was developed as a prognostic scoring system incorporating significant clinical and laboratory variables based on a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. An independent series of 61 MESCC patients treated with FP served as an independent data set for nomogram validation. Results No difference in response rate was observed between the FP group (44.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/8d/crt-45-285.PMC3893326.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649177", "abstract": "Food allergy is an emerging epidemic that affects all age groups, with the highest prevalence rates being reported amongst Western countries such as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. The development of animal models to test various food allergies has been beneficial in allowing more rapid and extensive investigations into the mechanisms involved in the allergic pathway, such as predicting possible triggers as well as the testing of novel treatments for food allergy. Traditionally, small animal models have been used to characterise immunological pathways, providing the foundation for the development of numerous allergy models. Larger animals also merit consideration as models for food allergy as they are thought to more closely reflect the human allergic state due to their physiology and outbred nature. This paper will discuss the use of animal models for the investigation of the major food allergens; cow's milk, hen's egg, and peanut/other tree nuts, highlight the distinguishing features of each of these models, and provide an overview of how the results from these trials have improved our understanding of these specific allergens and food allergy in general.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/79/PMC3649177.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3402002", "abstract": "Background Dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis is thought to underlie stress-related psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some studies have reported HPA-axis dysregulation in trauma-exposed (TE) adults in the absence of psychiatric morbidity. In this dissertation we set out to unravel part of the mechanism that underlies the complex relations between trauma exposure, stress regulation, and psychopathology. Method Mentally healthy TE subjects were compared with non-trauma-exposed (NE) healthy controls. To distinguish between the potential effects of childhood trauma and adulthood trauma, we included women exposed to childhood trauma as well as men who were exposed to trauma during adulthood. Basal HPA-axis functioning was assessed with salivary cortisol samples. HPA-axis reactivity was assessed with the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test. Results The results show that childhood trauma exposure is associated with an attenuated cortisol response after the Dex/CRH challenge test in women. In contrast, trauma exposure during adulthood was not associated with alterations in HPA-axis regulation after the Dex/CRH test. Neither childhood trauma nor adulthood trauma were associated with basal HPA-axis functioning. Conclusion Childhood trauma rather than adulthood trauma may chronically affect HPA-axis functioning. Since the association between adulthood trauma and resilience to psychopathology cannot be explained by HPA-axis functioning alone, other factors must play a role.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/9a/EJPT-1-5844.PMC3402002.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4294154", "abstract": "Hemopericardium is a common finding at autopsy, but it may represent a challenge for the forensic pathologist when the etiopathological relationship in causing death is requested. Hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade can be evaluated in living people using radiological techniques, in particular computer tomography (CT). Only a few studies are reported in literature involving post-mortem (PM) cases, where PMCT imaging has been used in order to investigate acute hemopericardium, and they have shown a good accuracy of this technique. Here we report a case involving a 70-year-old white male found dead on the beach, with a medical history of hepatitis C and chronic hypertension with a poor pharmacological response. A PMCT was performed about 3 h after the discovery of the body. The PMCT examination showed an intrapericardial aortic dissection associated to a periaortic hematoma, a sickle-shaped intramural hematoma, a false lumen, and a hemopericardium consisting in fluid and clotted blood. In this case, the PMCT was able to identify the cause of death, even though a traditional autopsy was required to confirm the radiological findings. PMCT is a reliable technique, which in chosen cases, can be performed without the need for a traditional autopsy to be carried out.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/c8/jgc-11-04-363.PMC4294154.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4749419", "abstract": "During endodontic treatment, clinicians may face endodontic procedural mishaps such as broken instruments, which is a complex situation especially when the file breaks beyond the apex. This condition is associated with potential risk of contamination, which compromises the healing process. Management of a broken instrument beyond the apex is difficult and time consuming and requires creativity as well as clinical knowledge and skills. Several devices and techniques have been developed to retrieve the fractured instruments, but none are consistently successful. This case report describes a technique using modern ultrasonic tips for retrieval of broken instruments separated beyond the apex.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/d3/PMC4749419.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4060396", "abstract": "Increasing rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are now seen in populations where it was once uncommon. The pattern of IBD in children of Middle Eastern descent in Australia has never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the burden of IBD in children of Middle Eastern descent at the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCHR). The SCHR IBD database was used to identify patients of self-reported Middle Eastern ethnicity diagnosed between 1987 and 2011. Demographic, diagnosis, and management data was collected for all Middle Eastern children and an age and gender matched non-Middle Eastern IBD control group. Twenty-four patients of Middle Eastern descent were identified. Middle Eastern Crohn's disease patients had higher disease activity at diagnosis, higher use of thiopurines, and less restricted colonic disease than controls. Although there were limitations with this dataset, we estimated a higher prevalence of IBD in Middle Eastern children and they had a different disease phenotype and behavior compared to the control group, with less disease restricted to the colon and likely a more active disease course.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/1f/PMC4060396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3143912", "abstract": "This paper presents a web service named MAGIIC-PRO, which aims to discover functional signatures of a query protein by sequential pattern mining. Automatic discovery of patterns from unaligned biological sequences is an important problem in molecular biology. MAGIIC-PRO is different from several previously established methods performing similar tasks in two major ways. The first remarkable feature of MAGIIC-PRO is its efficiency in delivering long patterns. With incorporating a new type of gap constraints and some of the state-of-the art data mining techniques, MAGIIC-PRO usually identifies satisfied patterns within an acceptable response time. The efficiency of MAGIIC-PRO enables the users to quickly discover functional signatures of which the residues are not from only one region of the protein sequences or are only conserved in few members of a protein family. The second remarkable feature of MAGIIC-PRO is its effort in refining the mining results. Considering large flexible gaps improves the completeness of the derived functional signatures. The users can be directly guided to the patterns with as many blocks as that are conserved simultaneously. In this paper, we show by experiments that MAGIIC-PRO is efficient and effective in identifying ligand-binding sites and hot regions in protein–protein interactions directly from sequences. The web service is available at http://biominer.bime.ntu.edu.tw/magiicpro and a mirror site at http://biominer.cse.yzu.edu.tw/magiicpro.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/39/gkm717.PMC3143912.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3261632", "abstract": "There is growing evidence that much more of the genome than previously thought is required to explain the heritability of complex phenotypes. Recent studies have demonstrated that numerous common variants from across the genome explain portions of genetic variability, spawning various avenues of research directed at explaining the remaining heritability. This polygenic structure is also the motivation for the growing application of pathway and gene set enrichment techniques, which have yielded promising results. These findings suggest that the coordination of genes in pathways that are known to occur at the gene regulatory level also can be detected at the population level. Although genes in these networks interact in complex ways, most population studies have focused on the additive contribution of common variants and the potential of rare variants to explain additional variation. In this brief review, we discuss the potential to explain additional genetic variation through the agglomeration of multiple gene–gene interactions as well as main effects of common variants in terms of a network paradigm. Just as is the case for single-locus contributions, we expect each gene–gene interaction edge in the network to have a small effect, but these effects may be reinforced through hubs and other connectivity structures in the network. We discuss some of the opportunities and challenges of network methods for analyzing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) such as the study of hubs and motifs, and integrating other types of variation and environmental interactions. Such network approaches may unveil hidden variation in GWAS, improve understanding of mechanisms of disease, and possibly fit into a network paradigm of evolutionary genetics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/dc/fgene-02-00109.PMC3261632.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4395826", "abstract": "Toxoplasmosis is the most common opportunistic infection of the central nervous system in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Clinical presentation of cerebral toxoplasmosis in these patients includes headache, focal neurological deficits and seizures. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy results in rapid clinical and radiological improvement as well as good outcome for patients. In this article, we report two cases with stroke-like presentation of cerebral toxoplasmosis in the setting of HIV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/03/cee-0005-0028.PMC4395826.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5045953", "abstract": " Introduction: Pregnancy can be associated with different psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. These problems are often neglected and left untreated. This study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on depression and anxiety among pregnant women.   Methods: A convenient sample of 80 pregnant women were selected. Participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental or the control groups. Participants in the experimental group received mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy while women in the control group only received routine prenatal care services. A demographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics measures such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation as well as the repeated-measures analysis of variance test were used for data analysis.   Results: After the study intervention, the mean scores of anxiety and depression in the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group.   Conclusion: Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy can significantly alleviate pregnant women’s depression and anxiety. So implementation of this method alongside with other prenatal care services is recommended.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/ad/jcs-5-195.PMC5045953.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3010638", "abstract": " Introduction. Pleomorphic giant cell pancreatic cancer is a very rare and aggressive pancreatic neoplasm. A case of pleomorphic giant cell pancreatic cancer presenting as a cystic lesion and in association with a serous cystadenoma presents a unique case which has not been described before. Case Presentation. A 44-year-old alcoholic man presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. Initially, imaging suspected a pancreatic pseudocyst measuring 4.2 cm. Endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided fine-needle aspiration revealed a serous cystadenoma. With conservative intervention only (fluid resuscitation, analgesia, and antiemetics) the patient improved and was discharged under close observation. Follow-up scan at four months revealed minimal change. Three months later, he was admitted acutely. Repeat scans demonstrated mild cyst enlargement with new liver lesions. Laparoscopic biopsy revealed pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma with the organ of origin the pancreas. Conclusion. This unusual case highlights the challenges in managing pancreatic cystic lesions and emphasizes the importance of considering less common forms of pancreatic cystic masses when the findings are atypical for the presentation. Surgical excision in these cases over conservative steps may be the most appropriate management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/82/PMC3010638.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4385721", "abstract": "Background: Local anesthetic agents are more commonly used in dentistry to have painless procedure during surgical intervention in bone and soft tissue. There are many local anesthetic agents available with the wide selection of vaso-constrictive agents that improve the clinical efficacy and the duration of local anesthesia. Most commonly lignocaine with adrenaline is used in various concentrations. Systemically adrenaline like drugs can cause a number of cardiovascular disturbances while most are short lived, permanent injury or even death may follow in drug induced ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction or cerebro-vascular accidents. This study compared the efficacy and cardiovascular effects with the use of 2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/a6/JIOH-7-24.PMC4385721.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3897632", "abstract": "Purpose A nationwide survey was conducted of Korean urologists to illustrate physicians' perceptions and real practical patterns regarding Peyronie disease (PD). Materials and Methods A specially designed questionnaire exploring practice characteristics and attitudes regarding PD, as well as patient satisfaction with each treatment modality, was e-mailed to 2,421 randomly selected urologists. Results Responses were received from 385 practicing urologists (15.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/61/kju-55-57.PMC3897632.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3065569", "abstract": "Introduction: We report a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with a cecocentral scotoma caused by a septic embolus from subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). Methods: A 67-year-old man presented with sudden, painless decreased vision in the left eye. A dilated fundoscopic exam, Humphrey visual field test, transthoracic echocardiogram, abdominal computed tomography (CT), and blood cultures were all performed. Results: A dilated fundoscopic exam revealed temporal segmental optic disc pallor on the left, and Humphrey visual field testing demonstrated a dense left cecocentral scotoma. When the patient developed fever (103. 9°F) and palpitations, transthoracic echocardiogram revealed valvular vegetations, and contrast CT of the abdomen revealed an abscess in the dome of the liver likely due to an infectious thrombus. Blood cultures grew viridians group streptococci in three separate peripheral collections. Conclusion: This case illustrates that a sudden cecocentral scotoma may be the initial manifestation of SBE.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/7c/PMC3065569.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4584097", "abstract": "A simple, accurate, and highly sensitive analytical method was developed for determining the paclobutrazol residue in potato and soil, the dynamics dissipation in soil. Extraction was carried out by low temperature partitioning and analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). For a favor extraction yield, the parameters such as temperature and solvent were optimized. The result showed that sample would be easily frozen and separated using acetonitrile under −20°C for 10 min. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.5 μg/kg, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2 and 5 μg/kg for potato and soil, respectively. The influence of paclobutrazol residue in potato was evaluated. The possible contamination of paclobutrazol from surface can be rinsed by distilled water or peeled off, but the paclobutrazol in potato harvest comes mainly from absorption and transport, which could not be removed by peeling. The half-life of paclobutrazol in soil was 20.64 days, and the residue was below 0.22 mg/kg on 50th day after spraying. According to the risk assessment with Need Maximum Daily Intake (NEDI) and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of paclobutrazol in potato was recommended as 1.0 mg/kg.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/70/38/PMC4584097.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3742353", "abstract": "Objectives Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is useful for treating gastric tumors. Several trials have shown the efficacy of 4 or 8 weeks of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration for post-ESD ulcers. However, if the size of the post-ESD ulcer is larger than predicted, PPI administration alone might not be sufficient for the ulcer to heal within 4 weeks. There is no report about the efficacy of post-ESD gastric ulcers by esomeprazole. We examined retrospectively the efficacy of a combination therapy of esomeprazole plus rebamipide, a mucosal-protective antiulcer drug, on the acceleration of post-ESD ulcer healing comparing with omeprazole plus rebamipide. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent ESD for gastric neoplasia. We conducted a case-control study to compare the healing rates within 4 weeks effected by esomeprazole plus rebamipide (group E) and omeprazole plus rebamipide (group O). The sizes of the artificial ulcers were divided into normal-sized or large-sized. Results: The baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups except age and sex. Stage S1 disease was observed in 27.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/1f/PMC3742353.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3710924", "abstract": "This guideline contains the recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents in Korea by the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the Korean Pediatric Society, updated in March 2013. It also includes a catch-up immunization schedule for children and adolescents who are behind the recommended schedule. These schedules are a minor revision of the corresponding parts of immunization guideline, 7th edition, of the Korean Pediatric Society, released in 2012. Tables of this paper are published with quotation approval of immunization schedule English version of Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Publication of the Korean Pediatric Society.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/48/cevr-2-144.PMC3710924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4657396", "abstract": "Introduction Sprained ankle is a very common injury in children. Proper treatment of ligament injuries enables full recovery. X-ray and US examinations are commonly available diagnostic methods. Material and methods Two hundred and six children (113 girls and 93 boys, mean age 10.6) with recent ankle joint sprain (up to 7 days of injury) were subject to a retrospective analysis. All patients underwent an X-ray and US examination of the ankle joint within 7 days of injury. In 19 patients, anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction was conducted. Results X-ray failed to visualize a pathology in 129 children (63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3c/0c/PMC4657396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3829232", "abstract": "Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a common inherited muscular dystrophy presented clinically with slowly progressive weakness and wasting of facial and limb muscles and rare bulbar muscle involvement. We present herein a 70-year-old man who was a known case of FSHD with complaint of 15-day history of progressive difficulty in chewing and dysarthria and was found to have myasthenia gravis. Related literatures have been also reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/69/IJNL-11-028.PMC3829232.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3823388", "abstract": "We present a case of a 70-year-old male who was referred for a technetium-99m methylene-diphosphonate bone scan for mild left hip pain and an elevated alkaline phosphatase level of 770 units/L. No additional information was provided and the patient's history was limited due to a language barrier. We were able to ascertain that the patient had a remote history of prostate cancer, which had been treated with radiation. Originally, we felt the bone scan was compatible with Paget's disease; however, further work-up revealed the presence of osteosarcoma, which was potentially radiation-induced.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/09/JCIS-3-46.PMC3823388.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4248580", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and exposure to rural environments. Studies were identified through OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE search up to September 2013 using as keywords rural residence, farmers, and pesticide exposure. Twenty-two studies were included for this meta-analysis. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effect model by type of exposure index, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to study design, gender, region, case ascertainment, and exposure assessment. The risk of ALS was significantly increased with pesticide exposure (OR, 1.44; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/6f/jkms-29-1610.PMC4248580.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3417519", "abstract": "Objectives To examine the benefits, limitations and ethical issues associated with conducting participatory research on tobacco use using youth to research other youth. Study design Community-based participatory research. Methods Research on tobacco use was conducted with students in the K’àlemì Dene School and Kaw Tay Whee School in the Northwest Territories, Canada, using PhotoVoice. The Grade 9–12 students acted as researchers. Researcher reflections and observations were assessed using “member checking,” whereby students, teachers and community partners could agree or disagree with the researcher's interpretation. The students and teachers were further asked informally to share their own reflections and observations on this process. Results and conclusions Using youth to research other youth within a participatory research framework had many benefits for the quality of the research, the youth researchers and the community. The research was perceived by the researchers and participants to be more valid and credible. The approach was more appropriate for the students, and the youth researchers gained valuable research experience and a sense of ownership of both the research process and results. Viewing smoking through their children's eyes was seen by the community to be a powerful and effective means of creating awareness of the community environment. Limitations of the approach were residual response bias of participants, the short period of time to conduct the research and failure to fully explore student motivations to smoke or not to smoke. Ethical considerations included conducting research with minors, difficulties in obtaining written parental consent, decisions on cameras (disposable versus digital) and representation of all participants in the final research product.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/f2/IJCH-71-18415.PMC3417519.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4373136", "abstract": "Daily June-July melt fraction variations over the Greenland ice sheet (GIS) derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (2000–2013) are associated with atmospheric blocking forming an omega-shape ridge over the GIS at 500 hPa height. Blocking activity with a range of time scales, from synoptic waves breaking poleward (<5 days) to full-fledged blocks (≥5 days), brings warm subtropical air masses over the GIS controlling daily surface temperatures and melt. The temperature anomaly of these subtropical air mass intrusions is also important for melting. Based on the years with the greatest melt (2002 and 2012) during the MODIS era, the area-average temperature anomaly of 2 standard deviations above the 14 year June-July mean results in a melt fraction of 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/28/grl0041-1600.PMC4373136.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5295246", "abstract": "Abstract. Previous animal studies have indicated that excessive prenatal circulating glucocorticoid (GC) levels induced by the antenatal administration of synthetic GC (sGC) significantly alter neuronal development in the cerebellar and hippocampal neurons of the offspring. However, it is unknown whether antenatal sGC administration results in long-term neocortical pyramidal cell impairment. In the current study, we examined whether an equivalent therapeutic dose of antenatal betamethasone phosphate (BET) in pregnant rats alters the Golgi-stained basilar dendritic length and histochemical expression of dendritic microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) of neocortical pyramidal cells in infant, adolescent, and young adult offspring. The results obtained showed that in utero BET exposure resulted in a significant reduction in the basilar dendritic length per neuron and a transient reduction in histochemical MAP2 immunoreactivity. Consistent with previous hippocampal and cerebellar data, the present findings suggest that prenatal BET administration alters the dendritic growth of cerebrocortical pyramidal cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/ba/cpe-26-009.PMC5295246.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2994670", "abstract": "STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Qualitative and semi-quantitative methods have been developed for TMJ sound classification, but the criteria presented are completely inhomogeneous. Thus, to develop more objective criteria for defining TMJ sounds, electroacoustical systems have been developed. We used Joint vibration analysis in the BioPAK system (Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA) as the electrovibratography. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the TMJ sounds with repect to frequency spectra patterns and the integral > 300 Hz /< 300 Hz ratios via six-months follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was done before and after the six-months recordings with 20 dental school students showed anterior disk displacement with reduction. Joint vibrations were analyzed using a mathematical technique known as the Fast Fourier Transform. RESULTS In this study Group I and Group II showed varied integral > 300 /< 300 ratios before and after the six-months recordings. Also, by the comparative study between the integral > 300 /< 300 ratios and the frequency spectrums, it was conceivable that the frequency spectrums showed similar patterns at the same location that the joint sound occurred before and after the six-months recordings. while the frequency spectrums showed varied patterns at the different locations that the joint sound occurred before and after six-month recordings, it would possibly be due to the differences in the degree of internal derangement and/or in the shape of the disc. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that clinicians consider the integral > 300 /< 300 ratios as well as the frequency spectrums to decide the starting-point of the treatment for TMJ sounds.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/91/jap-1-26.PMC2994670.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4146482", "abstract": " Purpose. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been demonstrated to stiffen cornea and halt progression of ectasia. The original protocol requires debridement of central corneal epithelium to facilitate diffusion of a riboflavin solution to stroma. Recently, transepithelial CXL has been proposed to reduce risk of complications associated with epithelial removal. Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of various transepithelial riboflavin delivery protocols on corneal epithelium in regard to pain and epithelial integrity in the early postoperative period. Methods. One hundred and sixty six eyes of 104 subjects affected by progressive keratoconus underwent transepithelial CXL using 6 different riboflavin application protocols. Postoperatively, epithelial integrity was evaluated at slit lamp and patients were queried regarding their ocular pain level. Results. One eye had a corneal infection associated with an epithelial defect. No other adverse event including endothelial decompensation or endothelial damage was observed, except for epithelial damages. Incidence of epithelial defects varied from 0 to 63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/7c/PMC4146482.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4886839", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of six-weeks of endurance swim training and short-term intake of Rg1 on the expression of related proteins as well as improvement of aerobic exercise capacity in 8-week-old male SD rats. [Methods] The groups were divided into placebo (NP, n=6), Rg1 (NRG, n=6), exercise+placebo (EP, n=7), and exercise+Rg1 (ERG, n=7). On completion of the 6-week swimming exercise, Rg1-intake groups were treated with acute uptakes (3 times within 24hrs) of Rg1. After the treatment, all groups were subjected to a swim to exhaustion test, and then the mass of muscle tissue, mRNA expression level and activity of citrate synthase (CS) were analyzed on plantaris. [Results] There were no differences in the effect of 6-week swimming exercise and short-term intake of Rg1 on body weight and muscle mass between groups. Although the CS mRNA expression was elevated in the exercise group and combined treatment group, there was no significant difference in CS activity. Acute uptakes of Rg1 did not affect swimming time to exhaustion, but it was increased by 235", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/af/PMC4886839.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327602", "abstract": "This ex vivo study evaluated the quality of digital radiographic images obtained with the photostimulable phosphor plate system (Digora) according to the processing delay and maintenance of optical plates in either opaque (supplied with the system) or transparent protective plastic cases during this period. Five radiographs were obtained from the mandibular molar region of a dry human mandible using optical plates. These plates were placed in the protective plastic cases before obtaining the radiographs and were processed immediately or after processing delays of 5, 60 and 120 min, when the case was removed. The results revealed a reduction in image quality when processing was delay 120 min compared to the other times. The opaque case provided better protection to the sensor than the transparent case. In conclusion, a 120-min processing delay for the Digora system caused a reduction in image quality, yet without interfering with the quality of diagnosis. The opaque case supplied by the system's manufacturer provided better protection to the optical plate than the transparent case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/da/1678-7757-jaos-16-05-0350.PMC4327602.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3092518", "abstract": "A gram-positive, nonmotile, irregular, short, rod-shaped new strain of Weissella confusa bacterium was isolated from fermented cabbage. The isolate was physiologically and biochemically characterised. The 16S rDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolate was identified as Weissella confusa (GenBank accession number: GU138518.1) based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis. The isolate produces glucansucrase when grown in sucrose-supplemented culture medium which catalyses glucan formation. This novel isolate possesses high capacity of industrial use due to its high productivity of glucan (34 mg/mL) as compared to other strains reported. The optimum temperature for glucansucrase production was 25°C. The shaking condition gave an enzyme activity of 6.1 U/mL which was 1.5 times higher than that given by static condition (4.1 U/mL). The temperature  35°C, pH 5.4, and ionic strength 10–20 mM were optimum for enzyme assay. This investigation unraveled the abundance of industrially valuable microflora of the north east India.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/db/d9/PMC3092518.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2671958", "abstract": "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a large number of children. For decades, the stimulants have been the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for ADHD. Dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH), the d-isomer of the traditional racemic mixtures of d,l-threo-(R,R)-MPH, was recently introduced as another potential option in the stimulant class of medications. This paper reviews and summarizes the available research literature on d-MPH regarding pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, chemical structure, receptor binding, toxicology, and clinical perspectives. d-MPH potentially may offer some advantages in the realms of absorption and duration of action compared with its racemic counterpart. The differences in pharmacokinetics and clinical implications of the immediate-release and extended-release forms of d-MPH are also compared and contrasted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/10/PMC2671958.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3218713", "abstract": "In a retrospective case series study, medical records were evaluated for all male patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosed over a one-year period with foot fractures (n = 30) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging at a Los Angeles outpatient private practice rheumatology clinic. Proportionally more patients had received tenofovir prefracture (17 [57", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0b/f9/PMC3218713.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3173671", "abstract": "Paravalvular abscess is a serious complication of infective endocarditis. The aortic valve and its adjacent ring are more susceptible to abscess formation and paravalvular extension than the mitral valve. A 15-years old patient with bicuspid aortic valve presented with staphylococcal tricuspid valve endocarditis complicated by para-aortic abscess that ruptured into the aortic sinus. We report the clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic features and treatment of this patient and conduct a literature review on this subject.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/dd/kcj-41-482.PMC3173671.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3120174", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to examine trajectories of blood pressure (BP) in adults with diabetes and investigate the association of trajectory patterns with mortality. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A nonconcurrent longitudinal design was used to monitor 3,766 Medicare patients with diabetes from 2005 through 2008. Data were extracted from a registry of Medicare beneficiaries, which was developed by a large academic practice that participated in the Physician Group Practice Medicare Demonstration. The relationship between BP trajectories and all-cause mortality was modeled using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression. RESULTS During the 4-year study period, 10.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/11/1534.PMC3120174.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4037270", "abstract": "Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on the bond strength of quartz fiber posts to root canal dentin after different surface treatments of different regions of root canal dentin. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight single-rooted human teeth were selected. Post spaces were prepared and then the teeth were divided into four groups: G1: no treatment (control); G2: irrigation with a chemical solvent; G3: etching with 37", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/7d/jod-11-85.PMC4037270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4584075", "abstract": "Background: Physical activity and mental health could be affected by osteoporosis and various therapeutic options such as calcitonin may influence Quality Of Life (QOL) of these patients with Low Bone Density (LBD). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nasal calcitonin on QOL in post menopause women with LBD. Patients and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on one hundred and fifteen menopause women with LBD less than 1 SD in Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2009 - 2010. They were assigned to receive 200 IU calcitonin nasal spray along with calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU) for 6 months. Quality of life was assessed by Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire (Persian-validated version). Results: The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 58.75 ± 8.15 years. Intranasal spray of calcitonin increased QOL scores significantly (88.05 ± 15.63 vs. 92.15 ± 13.22, P value = 0.000). Bone mineral density of spine was increased from 0.834 ± 0.11 to 0.12 ± 0.852 and this difference in BMD of lumbar spine was statistically significant (P value: 0.003) but not significant in femur’s BMD (P value = 0.061). In comparison with BMD indexes, The QOL scores especially Mental Health domain changes had only a significant correlation with the changes of total T score in BMD (P = 0.031, Coefficient Correlation = 0.248). Conclusions: It seems that nasal spray of calcitonin can effectively improve QOL of women with LBD and QOL changes were not influenced by clinical or para-clinical alteration. Mental health domain must be more considered in further studies as a predicting domain for Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) changes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/60/ircmj-17-07-6613.PMC4584075.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1615244", "abstract": "Fifty Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) strains isolated from the coffee berry borer were used to develop a novel screening method aimed at selecting strains with the highest biocontrol potential. The screening method is based on percent insect mortality, average survival time, mortality distribution, percent spore germination, fungal life cycle duration, and spore production on the insect. Based on these parameters, only 11 strains merited further study. The use of a sound scientific protocol for the selection of promising fungal entomopathogens should lead to more efficient use of time, labor, and financial resources in biological control programs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/aa/71/PMC1615244.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2603107", "abstract": "From February through April 2007, avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in poultry in 4 of 34 Afghan provinces. A survey conducted in 2 affected and 3 unaffected provinces found that greater knowledge about reducing exposure was associated with higher socioeconomic status, residence in affected provinces, and not owning backyard poultry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/c5/PMC2603107.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4427775", "abstract": " Background.  Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, including those in good glycemic control, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Maintaining good glycemic control may reduce long-term CVD risk. However, other risk factors such as elevated vascular sympathetic tone and/or endothelial dysfunction may be stronger potentiators of CVD. This study evaluated the impact of bromocriptine-QR, a sympatholytic dopamine D2 receptor agonist, on progression of metabolic disease and CVD in T2DM subjects in good glycemic control (HbA1c ≤7.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/d2/PMC4427775.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2893321", "abstract": "We report here a case of pentastomiasis infection in a 3-year-old girl who had high fever, abdominal pain, abdominal tension and anemia. Ultrasound scanning of the abdomen revealed disseminated hyperechoic nodules in the liver and a small amount of ascites. Abdominal MRI showed marked hepatomegaly with disseminated miliary nodules of high signal intensity throughout the hepatic parenchyma on T2-weighted images; retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and disseminated miliary nodules on the peritoneum were also noted. Chest CT showed scattered small hyperdense nodules on both sides of the lungs. The laparoscopy demonstrated diffuse white nodules on the liver surface and the peritoneum. After the small intestinal wall and peritoneal biopsy, histological examination revealed parenchymal tubercles containing several larvae of pentastomids and a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration around them. The pathological diagnosis was parasitic granuloma from pentastomiasis infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/30/kjr-11-480.PMC2893321.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4603323", "abstract": " Objective. To estimate level of adherence to oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation as well as bisphosphonate amongst patients with PMR and GCA treated with glucocorticoids. Method. A total of 138 patients with the diagnosis of PMR and/or GCA registered in our department in December 2013. In this cross-sectional study we interviewed all the patients to measure level of adherence to calcium and vitamin D, as well as bisphosphonates. Results. Out of the 118 included patients, 88.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/99/PMC4603323.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357535", "abstract": "The use of iodine as a catalyst and either acetic or trifluoroacetic acid as a derivatizing reagent for determining the enantiomeric composition of acyclic and cyclic aliphatic chiral alcohols was investigated. Optimal conditions were selected according to the molar ratio of alcohol to acid, the reaction time, and the reaction temperature. Afterwards, chiral stability of chiral carbons was studied. Although no isomerization was observed when acetic acid was used, partial isomerization was detected with the trifluoroacetic acid. A series of chiral alcohols of a widely varying structural type were then derivatized with acetic acid using the optimal conditions. The resolution of the enantiomeric esters and the free chiral alcohols was measured using a capillary gas chromatograph equipped with a CP Chirasil-DEX CB column. The best resolutions were obtained with 2-pentyl acetates (α = 3.00) and 2-hexyl acetates (α = 1.95). This method provides a very simple and efficient experimental workup procedure for analyzing chiral alcohols by chiral-phase GC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/4a/PMC3357535.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3025386", "abstract": "Modifiable behavioral risk factors are major contributing causes of death, but whether the effects are maintained in older adults is uncertain. We explored the association of smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, physical activity, and body mass index on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in 13,296 older adults and calculated risk estimates using Cox regression analysis in four age groups (<70, 70–74, 75–79, and 80+ years). The most important factor was current smoking, which increased risk in all age-sex groups. In women, alcohol consumption (≤3 drinks/day) was related to decreased (15–30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/6a/PMC3025386.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3647545", "abstract": "Endomorphins (EMs) have a very important bridge-function in cardiovascular, endocrinological, and neurological systems. This study is to investigate the effects of EMs on the synthesis and secretion of vasoactive substances induced by advanced glycation end products in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Firstly, HUVECs were stimulated with AGEs-bovine serum albumin (AGEs-BSA), bovine serum albumin (BSA), or both AGEs-BSA and EMs together, respectively. Then, HUVEC survival rate was calculated by MTT assay, the levels of NO, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by colorimetric analysis, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by ELISA. The mRNA levels of eNOS and ET-1 were measured by RT-PCR. The expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was detected by immunofluorescence assay. The results showed that the mRNA expression and secretion of eNOS were significantly enhanced after incubation with EMs compared to those with AGEs-BSA, while the secretion of NO and iNOS, mRNA expression, and secretion of ET-1 had opposite changes. The fluorescence intensity of p38MAPK in nuclear was decreased after pretreatment with EMs compared to incubation with AGEs-BSA. Conclusion. The present study suggests that EMs have certain protection effect on AGEs-BSA-induced injury in HUVEC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ad/45/PMC3647545.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3913362", "abstract": " Aim. To provide national estimates of obesity among US adults aged 20 years and older in 2011-2012 and track its trends from 1999 to 2012. Methods. Measured weight/height from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2012 waves was used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and prevalence measures. Piecewise logistic regressions were conducted to test the differential trends before and after 2010. Results. In 2011-2012, the age-adjusted prevalence of overweight and obesity combined (BMI ≥ 25) was 71.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/00/PMC3913362.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3150187", "abstract": " Background. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important patient safety issue, and safety climate is an important organizational factor. This study explores perceptions of infection preventionists (IPs) and quality directors (QDs) regarding two safety microclimates, Senior Management Engagement (SME) and Leadership on Patient Safety (LOPS), across California hospitals. Methods. This was an analysis of two cross-sectional surveys. We conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank test, univariate analyses, and a multivariate ordinary least square regression. Results. There were 322 eligible hospitals; 149 hospitals (46.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/11/PMC3150187.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3422112", "abstract": "Background Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Experimental animal studies suggest that mothers deficient in iron during pregnancy are more likely to have offspring who become obese with high blood pressure. C282Y mutation carriers are more likely to have higher iron stores. Methods We undertook an instrumental variable (IV) analysis, using maternal C282Y as an indicator for the mother’s iron status, to examine its association with offspring blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI), and compared the results to that of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Offspring of a sub-cohort of mothers from the UK Women’s Cohort Study (UKWCS) were recruited in 2009–2010 (n = 348, mean age = 41 years). Their blood pressure, height, and weight were measured at their local general medical practice, and they were asked to self-measure their waist circumference. About half were offspring of C282Y carriers. Maternal ferritin was used as a biomarker of maternal iron status. Results Maternal C282Y was strongly associated with maternal ferritin (mean difference per allele = 84 g/L, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/86/PMC3422112.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3184676", "abstract": "The diagnostic value of the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in discovering vasovagal syndrome depends on the pre-test probability. An accurate anamnesis and clinical examination screens the patients indicated for the HUTT. In patients with unexplained syncope, the R-test is an alternative procedure to discover its cause. In our study, we evaluated the diagnostic significance of the HUTT in a group of 211 patients and of the R-test in a subgroup of 45 patients with negative HUTT results and with negative traditional Holter ECG monitoring (24 hr).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/73/PMC3184676.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4165415", "abstract": "Background Although familial susceptibility to glioma is known, the genetic basis for this susceptibility remains unidentified in the majority of glioma-specific families. An alternative approach to identifying such genes is to examine cancer pedigrees, which include glioma as one of several cancer phenotypes, to determine whether common chromosomal modifications might account for the familial aggregation of glioma and other cancers. Methods Germline rearrangements in 146 glioma families (from the Gliogene Consortium; http://www.gliogene.org/) were examined using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. These families all had at least 2 verified glioma cases and a third reported or verified glioma case in the same family or 2 glioma cases in the family with at least one family member affected with melanoma, colon, or breast cancer.The genomic areas covering TP53, CDKN2A, MLH1, and MSH2 were selected because these genes have been previously reported to be associated with cancer pedigrees known to include glioma. Results We detected a single structural rearrangement, a deletion of exons 1-6 in MSH2, in the proband of one family with 3 cases with glioma and one relative with colon cancer. Conclusions Large deletions and duplications are rare events in familial glioma cases, even in families with a strong family history of cancers that may be involved in known cancer syndromes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/cc/nou052.PMC4165415.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3059664", "abstract": "A computationally rich algorithm of synaptic plasticity has been proposed based on the experimental observation that the sign and amplitude of the change in synaptic weight is dictated by the temporal order and temporal contiguity between pre- and postsynaptic activities. For more than a decade, this spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) has been studied mainly in brain slices of different brain structures and cultured neurons. Although not yet compelling, evidences for the STDP rule in the intact brain, including primary sensory cortices, have been provided lastly. From insects to mammals, the presentation of precisely timed sensory inputs drives synaptic and functional plasticity in the intact central nervous system, with similar timing requirements than the in vitro defined STDP rule. The convergent evolution of this plasticity rule in species belonging to so distant phylogenic groups points to the efficiency of STDP, as a mechanism for modifying synaptic weights, as the basis of activity-dependent development, learning and memory. In spite of the ubiquity of STDP phenomena, a number of significant variations of the rule are observed in different structures, neuronal types and even synapses on the same neuron, as well as between in vitro and in vivo conditions. In addition, the state of the neuronal network, its ongoing activity and the activation of ascending neuromodulatory systems in different behavioral conditions have dramatic consequences on the expression of spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity, and should be further explored.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/d4/PMC3059664.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3964688", "abstract": " Purpose. To analyze the clinical findings associated with involutional entropion and ectropion and compare them to each other and to age-matched controls. Methods. Prospective, age-matched cohort study involving 30 lids with involutional entropion, 30 lids with involutional ectropion, and 52 age-matched control lids. Results. The statistically significant differences associated with both the entropion and ectropion groups compared to the control group were presence of a retractor dehiscence, presence of a “white line,” occurrence of orbital fat prolapse in the cul-de-sac, decreased lower lid excursion, increased lid laxity by the snapback test, and an increased lower lid distraction. Entropion also differed from the control group with an increased lid crease height and decreased lateral canthal excursion. Statistically significant differences associated with entropion compared to ectropion were presence of a retractor dehiscence, decreased lateral canthal excursion, and less laxity in the snapback test. Conclusion. Entropic and ectropic lids demonstrate clinically and statistically significant anatomical and functional differences from normal, age-matched lids. Many clinical findings associated with entropion are also present in ectropion. Entropion is more likely to develop with a pronounced retractor deficiency. Ectropion is more likely to develop with diminished elasticity as measured by the snapback test.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d2/c4/PMC3964688.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3440501", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to describe a single center's experience in the management of craniopharyngiomas in children over a 15-year period. Methods The clinical records of pediatric patients treated for craniopharyngiomas between December 1995 and February 2011 were reviewed. Thirty-five pediatric patients diagnosed with craniopharyngioma were treated, and their medical records and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively. Results The mean follow-up duration was 76 months (range, 10-195). Overall survival and local control rates at 10 years were 94.7±5.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/05/jkns-52-37.PMC3440501.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4674601", "abstract": "Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients present hypergammaglobulinemia, periportal CD8+ cytotoxic T cell infiltration, and cirrhosis. Autoantibody profile defines AIH types 1 and 2 in addition to strong association with HLA-DRB1. We previously detected increased IgE serum levels and sought to compare clinical and histological features according to IgE levels in AIH (n = 74, ages 1–14 years) patients. Additionally, we typed 117 patients and 227 controls for functional polymorphisms of IL4, IL13, IL5, and IL4RA genes involved in IgE switching and eosinophil maturation that might contribute to overall genetic susceptibility to AIH. Serum IgE levels were high in 55", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/66/PMC4674601.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3780701", "abstract": "The increased morbidity, mortality, and ineffective treatment associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have generated much research interest. The key role is played by phospholipases from the A2 superfamily: enzymes which are involved in inflammation through participation in pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators production and have an impact on many immunocompetent cells. The 30 members of the A2 superfamily are divided into 7 groups. Their role in asthma and COPD has been studied in vitro and in vivo (animal models, cell cultures, and patients). This paper contains complete and updated information about the involvement of particular enzymes in the etiology and course of asthma and COPD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/7e/PMC3780701.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4539169", "abstract": "Although Src-like adaptor proteins (SLAP-1 and SLAP-2) were mainly studied in lymphocytes, where they act as negative regulators and provide fine control of receptor signaling, recently, several other functions of these proteins were discovered. In addition to the well-characterized immunoregulatory functions, SLAP proteins appear to have an essential role in the pathogenesis of type I hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, and numerous malignant diseases. Both adaptor proteins are expressed in a wide variety of tissues, where they have mostly inhibitory effects on multiple intracellular signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the diverse effects of SLAP proteins.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/60/PMC4539169.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3042014", "abstract": "A 56-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of erythematous plaques covered by scales and limited to the right side of her body. The plaques were arranged along Blaschko's lines with a marked mid-line cutoff. The histopathologic analysis of a skin biopsy in conjunction with the anamnesis allowed the diagnosis of linear psoriasis. Our patient showed a good clinical response to antipsoriatic treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/eb/cde0003-0008.PMC3042014.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4610890", "abstract": "The routine use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography scans for staging and assessment of treatment response for cancer has resulted in a large number of thyroid abnormalities being detected as incidental findings (“incidentalomas”). Since most PET/CT scans are performed in the setting of a known nonthyroid malignancy, the need for “incidentalomas” to be further investigated and managed depends on the stage, prognosis, and current treatment plan for the known malignancy. We present a case describing the management of an incidental F-fluorodeoxyglucose-avid thyroid nodule detected in a patient with known metastatic colorectal cancer. On the basis of this case, we discuss the management of incidental PET-detected thyroid nodules in patients with metastatic cancer. Thyroid “incidentalomas” must be seen in the context of the prognosis and treatment plan for the known malignancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/6e/imcrj-8-247.PMC4610890.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4049025", "abstract": "Tumors of the accessory parotid gland (APG) are rare, and pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign APG tumor subtype. Myoepithelioma of the APG is much rarer than PA, and to date, only 5 cases have been sporadically reported in the English literature. We describe the clinicopathological and MRI findings of an epithelioid myoepithelioma of the APG that was treated in our hospital. The patient's only clinical symptom was a slow-growing and painless mid-cheek mass. The tumor was suspected to be PA before surgery based on the following MRI findings: (1) a well-circumscribed and lobulated contour, (2) isointensity and hyperintensity relative to the muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images (WIs), respectively, (3) good enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-WIs, (4) peripheral hypointensity on T2-WIs, and (5) a gradual time-signal intensity curve enhancement pattern on gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MRI. The tumor was completely resected via a standard parotidectomy approach, and the postoperative pathological examination of the tumor, including immunohistochemistry, confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid myoepithelioma. As it is hardly possible to distinguish myoepithelioma from PA and low-grade malignant tumors preoperatively, a pathological examination using frozen sections is helpful for surgical strategy-related decisions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/dc/cro-0007-0310.PMC4049025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4052189", "abstract": "The evolution of the fovea centralis, the most central part of the retina and the area of the highest visual accuracy, requires humans to shift their gaze rapidly (saccades) to bring some object of interest within the visual field onto the fovea. In addition, humans are equipped with the ability to rotate the eye ball continuously in a highly predicting manner (smooth pursuit) to hold a moving target steadily upon the retina. The functional deficits in neurodegenerative movement disorders (e.g., Parkinsonian syndromes) involve the basal ganglia that are critical in all aspects of movement control. Moreover, neocortical structures, the cerebellum, and the midbrain may become affected by the pathological process. A broad spectrum of eye movement alterations may result, comprising smooth pursuit disturbance (e.g., interrupting saccades), saccadic dysfunction (e.g., hypometric saccades), and abnormal attempted fixation (e.g., pathological nystagmus and square wave jerks). On clinical grounds, videooculography is a sensitive noninvasive in vivo technique to classify oculomotion function alterations. Eye movements are a valuable window into the integrity of central nervous system structures and their changes in defined neurodegenerative conditions, that is, the oculomotor nuclei in the brainstem together with their directly activating supranuclear centers and the basal ganglia as well as cortical areas of higher cognitive control of attention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9e/e1/PMC4052189.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3350027", "abstract": "Interruption of the dentato-olivary projections, interconnecting the dentate nucleus (DN) and the contralateral inferior olivary nucleus (ION), is predicted to interfere with the DN’ role in estimating direction of gravity. In a patient with pendular nystagmus due to hypertrophy of the ION secondary to predominantly right-sided ponto-mesencephalic hemorrhage, perceived vertical shifted from clockwise to counter-clockwise deviations within 4 months. We hypothesize that synchronized oscillations of ION neurons induce a loss of inhibitory control, leading to hyperactivity of the contralateral DN and, as a result, to perceived vertical roll–tilt to the side of the over-active DN.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/a4/fneur-03-00079.PMC3350027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085467", "abstract": "High-throughput sequencing technologies enable metagenome profiling, simultaneous sequencing of multiple microbial species present within an environmental sample. Since metagenomic data includes sequence fragments (“reads”) from organisms that are absent from any database, new algorithms must be developed for the identification and annotation of novel sequence fragments. Homology-based techniques have been modified to detect novel species and genera, but, composition-based methods, have not been adapted. We develop a detection technique that can discriminate between “known” and “unknown” taxa, which can be used with composition-based methods, as well as a hybrid method. Unlike previous studies, we rigorously evaluate all algorithms for their ability to detect novel taxa.  First, we show that the integration of a detector with a composition-based method performs significantly better than homology-based methods for the detection of novel species and genera, with best performance at finer taxonomic resolutions. Most importantly, we evaluate all the algorithms by introducing an “unknown” class and show that the modified version of PhymmBL has similar or better overall classification performance than the other modified algorithms, especially for the species-level and ultrashort reads. Finally, we evaluate the performance of several algorithms on a real acid mine drainage dataset.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/1e/PMC3085467.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2946040", "abstract": "An 18-year-old male with huge anterior mediastinum mass was scheduled for thoracotomic incisional biopsy under general anesthesia after failed fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous needle biopsy. Under propofol and succinylcholine anesthesia, intubation was successfully achieved using a Univent tube. However, when we changed the patient's position from supine to right lateral decubitus, oxygen saturation declined. He was then positioned supine, but hypoxemia did not improve. Because the tumor expanded toward the left thoracic field, we considered that the left lateral decubitus position might help relieve the mass effect on the main bronchus. His position was changed accordingly and soon after, hypoxemia improved and surgery was undertaken under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The biopsy was successfully performed under CPB without complication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/cb/kjae-59-206.PMC2946040.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3278599", "abstract": "Using three Austrian case studies, the variegated applications of molecular typing in today's public health laboratories are discussed to help illustrate preventive management strategies relying on DNA subtyping. DNA macrorestriction analysis by pulsed field gel electrophoresis has become the gold standard for subtyping of food borne pathogens like listeria, salmonella, campylobacter and Bacillus cereus. Using a Salmonella Mbandaka outbreak from the year 2010 as example, it is shown how the comparison of patterns from human isolates, food isolates, animal isolates and feed isolates can allow to identify and confirm a source of disease. An epidemiological connection between the simultaneous occurrence of tuberculosis in cattle and deer with cases of human tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium caprae in 2010 was excluded using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units variable-number tandem repeats subtyping. Also in 2010, multilocus sequence typing with nonselective housekeeping genes, the so-called sequence based typing protocol, was used to elucidate connections between an environmental source (a hospital drinking water system) and a case of legionellosis. During the last decades, molecular typing has evolved to become a routine tool in the daily work of public health laboratories. The challenge is now no longer to simply type microorganisms, but to type them in a way that allows for data exchange between public health laboratories all over the world.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/c7/jpmph-45-1.PMC3278599.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3219089", "abstract": "Mitochondrial dysfunction often leads to cell death and disease. We can now draw correlations between the dysfunction of one of the most important mitochondrial enzymes, NADH:ubiquinone reductase or complex I, and its structural organization thanks to the recent advances in the X-ray structure of its bacterial homologs. The new structural information on bacterial complex I provide essential clues to finally understand how complex I may work. However, the same information remains difficult to interpret for many scientists working on mitochondrial complex I from different angles, especially in the field of cell death. Here, we present a novel way of interpreting the bacterial structural information in accessible terms. On the basis of the analogy to semi-automatic shotguns, we propose a novel functional model that incorporates recent structural information with previous evidence derived from studies on mitochondrial diseases, as well as functional bioenergetics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/dd/cddis2011107a.PMC3219089.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1175897", "abstract": "Acute lung injury is a syndrome of inflammation and of increased permeability of the blood–gas barrier. Endothelins are thought to exert proinflammatory effects. Kuklin and colleagues show that the endothelin receptor antagonist tezosentan reduces pulmonary edema in endotoxemic sheep, in parallel with a prevention of protein kinase C-α activation. In turn, the level of some cytokines increased after tezosentan treatment. Whether these contrasting effects of endothelin blockade on inflammatory mechanisms have clinical relevance and whether these agents might benefit patients with acute lung injury is unknown.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/65/PMC1175897.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3712806", "abstract": "Chemotherapy drugs can affect the skin and its appendages. Several clinical presentations can be observed, depending on the affected structure. The most common dermatological side effect is chromonychia. The main causative agents are: (1) cyclophosphamide, which can provoke a diffuse, black pigmentation, longitudinal striae and dark grey pigmentation located proximally on the nails; (2) doxorubicin, which promotes dark brown bands alternating with white striae and dark brown pigmentation in transverse bands, and (3) hydroxyurea, which produces a distal, diffuse, dark brown pigmentation. In the majority of cases, the effects are reversible after the suspension of the causative agent for a few months. We report a patient who developed chromonychia while undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, methotrexate and cytarabine for acute lymphocytic leukemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/eb/cde-0005-0163.PMC3712806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4739459", "abstract": "Several highly prevalent human diseases are associated with immunopathology. Alterations in the immune system are found in such life-threatening disorders as cancer and atherosclerosis. Monocyte activation followed by macrophage polarization is an important step in normal immune response to pathogens and other relevant stimuli. Depending on the nature of the activation signal, macrophages can acquire pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes that are characterized by the expression of distinct patterns of secreted cytokines and surface antigens. This process is disturbed in immunopathologies resulting in abnormal monocyte activation and/or bias of macrophage polarization towards one or the other phenotype. Such alterations could be used as important diagnostic markers and also as possible targets for the development of immunomodulating therapy. Recently developed cellular tests are designed to analyze the phenotype and activity of living cells circulating in patient's bloodstream. Monocyte/macrophage activation test is a successful example of cellular test relevant for atherosclerosis and oncopathology. This test demonstrated changes in macrophage activation in subclinical atherosclerosis and breast cancer and could also be used for screening a panel of natural agents with immunomodulatory activity. Further development of cellular tests will allow broadening the scope of their clinical implication. Such tests may become useful tools for drug research and therapy optimization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/ca/PMC4739459.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3786647", "abstract": "Background This study examined the impact of transportation infrastructure at intersection and non-intersection locations on bicycling injury risk. Methods In Vancouver and Toronto, we studied adult cyclists who were injured and treated at a hospital emergency department. A case–crossover design compared the infrastructure of injury and control sites within each injured bicyclist's route. Intersection injury sites (N=210) were compared to randomly selected intersection control sites (N=272). Non-intersection injury sites (N=478) were compared to randomly selected non-intersection control sites (N=801). Results At intersections, the types of routes meeting and the intersection design influenced safety. Intersections of two local streets (no demarcated traffic lanes) had approximately one-fifth the risk (adjusted OR 0.19, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/f9/injuryprev-2012-040561.PMC3786647.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2992208", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE While glucose tolerance abnormalities are common in cystic fibrosis (CF), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) has scarcely been explored. No studies have examined the relation between IFG and clinical status. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were retrieved from the University of Minnesota CF database on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed in 1996–2005. Subjects were identified as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or CF–related diabetes without fasting hyperglycemia (CFRD FH−). Patients with fasting hyperglycemia were excluded. The presence of IFG was assessed within each category. In a separate case-control cohort study, subjects with IFG were matched to CF control subjects by age, sex, and OGTT class to explore outcomes. RESULTS For the total population (n = 310), the prevalence of IFG was 22", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/2d/zdc2660.PMC2992208.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2730271", "abstract": "The first human rabies case in Chile since 1972 occurred in March 1996 in a patient without history of known exposure. Antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies isolate indicated that its reservoir was the insectivorous bat Tadarida brasiliensis. This is the first human rabies case caused by an insectivorous bat rabies virus variant reported in Latin America.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e7/b7/PMC2730271.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4859420", "abstract": "Background We examined the effects of psychological and behavioral intervention on health-related quality of life and mental health among patients suffering from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) treated with postoperative radioactive iodine-131 (RAI). Methods Sixty patients with DTC, undergoing RAI, were randomly assigned to receive either conventional nursing (n=30) or a 1-year psychological and behavioral intervention based on conventional nursing (n=30). Health-related quality of life and mental health issues, depression, and anxiety were measured using the Quality of Life Core Questionnaire, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Self-rating Anxiety Score, respectively. Results After RAI treatment, patients in both groups showed improved functional capacities (ie, physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social) and global quality of life, along with reduced depression and anxiety (P<0.05). At 1-year follow-up, compared with patients in the routine nursing group, those in the psychological and behavioral intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in functional capacities, global quality of life, and depression and anxiety symptoms (P<0.05). Conclusion Psychological and behavioral interventions for patients with DTC undergoing RAI facilitated positive outcomes, suggesting that nursing care models that include psychological and behavioral interventions may be a complementary strategy for this patient population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/13/ndt-12-1055.PMC4859420.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2916106", "abstract": "A 39-year-old man with poliosis of his lower eyelid lashes visited our clinic. He reported that his symptoms began with a few central lashes and then spread along the adjacent lashes during the ensuing 2 weeks. A pigmented nevus, approximately 4 mm in diameter, was identified just above the white lashes without surrounding skin depigmentation. No specific findings were identified with regard to the patient's general health or serologic and radiologic testing. Excisional biopsy of the pigmented nevus was performed. On histopathologic examination, infiltration of the dermis by numerous lymphocytes and melanophages was observed. The poliosis was ultimately diagnosed as a presenting sign of the halo phenomenon in the regressive stage of a melanocytic nevus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/83/kjo-24-237.PMC2916106.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3026643", "abstract": "Certain forms of inflammation of an allograft are highly detrimental to the induction and maintenance of transplant tolerance as they foster stable commitment to graft-destructive, not graft-protective, forms of T-cell immunity. Hence, a reduction in adverse tissue inflammation may prove crucial in facilitating the induction and maintenance of a long-lasting state of transplant tolerance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/8f/biolrep-02-83.PMC3026643.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4327711", "abstract": "Streptococcus mutans has been considered one of the main etiological agents of dental caries and the genotypic diversity rather than its salivary counts may be considered as a virulence factor of this bacterium. For genotyping with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with arbitrary primers, several primers have been used in order to improve complexity and specificity of amplicon patterns. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of agreement of genotypic identification among AP-PCR reactions performed with 5 distinct arbitrary primers of S. mutans isolated from saliva. Stimulated saliva was collected from 11 adult volunteers for isolation of S. mutans, and a total of 88 isolates were genotyped with arbitrary primers OPA 02, 03, 05, 13 and 18. Fourteen distinct genotypes were identified in the saliva samples. Most volunteers (9 out of 11) presented only one genotype. The results of the present study suggest that primers OPA 02, 03, 05 and 13 were suitable for genotypic identification of S. mutans isolates of saliva from adult volunteers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/2e/1678-7757-jaos-16-06-0403.PMC4327711.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3623428", "abstract": " Objectives. We aimed to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in obese children and their nonobese peers. Materials and Methods. Included in the study group were 188 obese children (aged 9–15 years), and 68 age- and gender-matched healthy children of normal weight as control group. Anthropomorphic data were collected on patients and fasting serum glucose, insulin, serum lipids, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and 25-OHD were measured. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated in both groups. Results. The levels of 25-OHD in the obese group were significantly lower than those of the nonobese (P = 0.002). HOMA-IR, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and ALT levels in the obese group were significantly higher than values of control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, resp.). In the obese group, vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency (25-OHD < 10 ng/dl, < 20, >10 ng/dl; > 20 ng/dl, resp.) were not correlated with HOMA-IR (r : −0.008, P = 0.935). HOMA-IR was negatively correlated with BMI, BMI SDS, and BMI", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/92/PMC3623428.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2995221", "abstract": "Individuals at ultra-high-risk (UHR) for psychosis have become a major focus for research designed to explore markers for early detection of and clinical intervention in schizophrenia. In particular, structural magnetic resonance imaging studies in UHR individuals have provided important insight into the neurobiological basis of psychosis and have shown the brain changes associated with clinical risk factors. In this review, we describe the structural brain abnormalities in magnetic resonance images in UHR individuals. The current accumulated data demonstrate that abnormalities in the prefrontal and temporal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex occur before illness onset. These regions are compatible with the regions of structural deficits found in schizophrenia and first-episode patients. In addition, the burgeoning evidence suggests that such structural abnormalities are potential markers for the transition to psychosis. However, most findings to date are limited because they are from cross-sectional rather than longitudinal studies. Recently, researchers have emphasized neurodevelopmental considerations with respect to brain structural alterations in UHR individuals. Future studies should be conducted to characterize the differences in the brain developmental trajectory between UHR individuals and healthy controls using a longitudinal design. These new studies should contribute to early detection and management as well as provide more predictive markers of later psychosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/9b/jkms-25-1700.PMC2995221.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3148454", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare respiratory responses, focusing on the time-domain variability of ventilatory components during progressive cardiopulmonary exercise tests performed on cycle or arm ergometers. METHODS: The cardiopulmonary exercise tests were conducted on twelve healthy volunteers on either a cycle ergometer or an arm ergometer following a ramp protocol. The time-domain variabilities (the standard deviations and root mean squares of the successive differences) of the minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory rate were calculated and normalized to the number of breaths. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the timing of breathing throughout the exercise when the cycle and arm ergometer measurements were compared. However, the arm exercise time-domain variabilities for the minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory rate were significantly greater than the equivalent values obtained during leg exercise. CONCLUSION: Although the type of exercise does not influence the timing of breathing when dynamic arm and leg exercises are compared, it does influence time-domain ventilatory variability of young, healthy individuals. The mechanisms that influence ventilatory variability during exercise remain to be studied.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/b8/cln-66-07-1137.PMC3148454.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5334119", "abstract": "A symbiotic relationship between humans and the microbiota is critical for the maintenance of our health, including development of the immune system, enhancement of the epithelial barrier, and acquisition of nutrients. Recent research has shown that the microbiota impacts immune cell development and differentiation. These findings suggest that the microbiota may also influence adjuvant and vaccine efficacy. Indeed, several factors such as malnutrition and poor sanitation, which affect gut microbiota composition, impair the efficacy of vaccines. Although there is little evidence that microbiota alters vaccine efficacy, further understanding of human immune system-microbiota interactions may lead to the effective development of adjuvants and vaccines for the treatment of diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/41/in-17-20.PMC5334119.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3551380", "abstract": "Purpose To compare intracavitary brachytherapy dose estimation for organs at risk (bladder and rectum) based on semi-orthogonal reconstruction of radiographs on non-isocentric X-ray unit and Computed Tomography (CT) – based volumetric planning in cervical cancer. Material and methods Bladder and rectal points as per International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) report 38, were retrospectively evaluated on 15 high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy applications for cervical cancer cases. With the same source configuration as obtained during planning on radiographs performed on a non-isocentric X-ray unit, the mean doses to 2cc of most irradiated part of bladder and rectum were computed by CT planning and these estimates were compared with the doses at ICRU bladder and rectal points. Results The mean ICRU point dose for bladder was 3.08 Gy (1.9-5.9 Gy) and mean dose to 2 cc (D2cc) bladder was 6.91 Gy (2.9-12.2 Gy). ICRU rectal dose was 3.8 Gy (2.4-4.45 Gy) and was comparable with D2cc rectum dose 4.2 Gy (2.8-5.9 Gy). Comparison of mean total dose (ICRU point vs. D2cc) for each patient was found to be significantly different for bladder (p = 0.000), but not for rectum (p = 0.08). Conclusions On comparison of ICRU point based planning with volumetric planning on CT, it was found that bladder doses were underestimated by the film based method. However, the rectal doses were found to be similar to the D2cc doses. The results with non isocentric film based treatment planning were similar to the existing literature on orthogonal film based simulator planning.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/f6/JCB-4-19358.PMC3551380.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5123724", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of epidural morphine and bupivacaine in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular neuropathic pain after the cessation of treatment. Methods Twenty-two patients with chronic lumbosacral pain with neuropathic features were enrolled. An indwelling catheter was placed into the epidural space, and each patient received an epidural injection of morphine chlorhydrate and bupivacaine up to three times a day. The medication was administered for 4 weeks. The pain intensity score on a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS), the total pain rating index rank (PRIr-T), and its coefficients were evaluated before treatment and 1 month after catheter removal. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results NRS and PRIr-T were significantly reduced at follow-up (P=0.001 and P=0.03, respectively), whereas the parallel evolution of the two scores (r=0.75 and P<0.001, respectively) confirmed significant pain relief lasting up to 1 month after treatment cessation. None of the four pain rating coefficients was significantly modified compared to the others in either responders or nonresponders. Successful clinical outcome (pain reduction >30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/02/jpr-9-1081.PMC5123724.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3558656", "abstract": "The vasovagal response is characterized by an inappropriate combination of bradycardia and paradoxical vasodilation. During a general or neuraxial anesthesia-induced sympathectomy, a sudden vagal activation and/or an acute reduction in sympathetic tone can cause serious vasovagal responses. Neuraxial anesthesia for Cesarean section may trigger vasovagal response, due to multiple risk factors; high neuraxial block, sudden hemorrhage, aortocarval compression, peritoneal manipulation, and emotional stress. A 39-year-old pregnant woman, at 38 weeks of gestation with episodes of non-sustained ventricular arrhythmia and newly developed vasovagal syncope during pregnancy, was scheduled to undergo a spinal anesthesia for an elective Cesarean section. Immediately after the placental expulsion, a sudden severe bradycardia, followed by a cardiac arrest occurred. The patient fully recovered after prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation with chest compression, manual ventilation with oxygen, rapid injection of epinephrine and hydration. This case illustrates a serious potential risk of vasovagal response superimposed on neuraxial anesthesia, during a Cesarean section, especially during placental expulsion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/39/kjae-64-77.PMC3558656.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4483254", "abstract": "Background To evaluate the effectiveness of endolaser photocoagulation by a two-port pars plana nonvitrectomy approach for treating Coats’ disease with shallow exudative retinal detachment. Methods This study included 24 patients (23 boys with an age range of 2–17 years, and one girl, age 6 years) with stage 3 Coats’ disease (25 eyes) from December 2012 and May 2014 at a single center. All of the 25 eyes were complicated with serous or total retinal detachment and received none-vitrectomized endolaser: two (23- or 25-gauge) incisions were routinely made 3 mm posterior to the corneal limbus and a laser was applied directly on the abnormal blood vessels. Additional treatments included subretinal fluid drainage (five eyes), intravitreal triamcinolone injection (seven eyes), and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection (17 eyes). Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and fundus and abnormal vascular changes were recorded to determine therapeutic effects. Results Twenty-four out of the 25 treated eyes (96 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fe/01/PMC4483254.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3936551", "abstract": "Congenital anomaly of the oval window with an abnormal facial nerve course is an uncommon embryological defect, which is related to the underdevelopment of second branchial arch derivatives. Some treatments for improving hearing levels are available; these include hearing aids, vestibulotomy, neo-oval window formation, and stapes surgeries, including incudostapedotomy and malleostapedotomy. However, surgery for congenital anomalies of the oval window has rarely been described, usually in very small series of patients. We describe two cases of congenital anomalies of the oval window with aberrant facial nerve courses. One was a 40-year-old male diagnosed with unilateral congenital oval window atresia; the other was a 10-year-old male diagnosed with bilateral congenital oval window atresia. We also describe the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of malleostapedotomy for congenital anomalies of the oval window with aberrant facial nerve courses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/d5/kja-17-152.PMC3936551.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4835333", "abstract": " Introduction The diode laser has been frequently used in the management of laryngeal disorders. The portability and functional diversity of this tool make it a reasonable alternative to conventional lasers. However, whether diode laser has been applied in transoral laser microsurgery, the ideal parameters, outcomes, and adverse effects remain unclear.  Objective The main objective of this systematic review is to provide a reliable evaluation of the use of diode laser in laryngeal diseases, trying to clarify its ideal parameters in the larynx, as well as its outcomes and complications.  Data Synthesis We included eleven studies in the final analysis. From the included articles, we collected data on patient and lesion characteristics, treatment (diode laser's parameters used in surgery), and outcomes related to the laser surgery performed. Only two studies were prospective and there were no randomized controlled trials. Most of the evidence suggests that the diode laser can be a useful tool for treatment of different pathologies in the larynx. In this sense, the parameters must be set depending on the goal (vaporization, section, or coagulation) and the clinical problem.  Conclusion: The literature lacks studies on the ideal parameters of the diode laser in laryngeal surgery. The available data indicate that diode laser is a useful tool that should be considered in laryngeal surgeries. Thus, large, well-designed studies correlated with diode compared with other lasers are needed to better estimate its effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/a8/PMC4835333.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327170", "abstract": "This in vivo study evaluated the sealing ability of a resin-based sealer (AH Plus) and a zinc oxide-eugenol sealer (Endofill) in dogs' teeth, exposed to the oral environment for 45 and 90 days. Forty eight lower incisors from 8 dogs were endodonticaly treated. A stratified randomization determined the sealer use in each root canal. All canals were filled using the lateral condensation technique. The excess filling material at the cervical portion of the root canal was sectioned, leaving a 10-mm obturation length inside the canal. Teeth were provisionally sealed with glass ionomer cement for 24 h and the canals were exposed to the oral environment for either 45 or 90 days. Therefore, the experimental groups were as follows: A45- AH Plus for 45 days; A90- AH Plus for 90 days; E45- Endofill for 45 days; and E90- Endofill for 90 days (n=12). After the experimental period, the dogs were killed and the lower jaw was removed. The incisors were extracted and the roots were covered with two coats of nail varnish. The teeth were immersed in India ink for 96 h and submitted to diaphanization. Dye leakage (in mm) was measured using stereomicroscopy (10x magnification). The results were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons (á = 0.05). Group E90 (2.03±0.94) showed significantly higher mean leakage value than all other groups (p<0.001). None of the sealers, in both study conditions, were able to prevent dye leakage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/2a/1678-7757-jaos-14-01-0043.PMC4327170.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3470068", "abstract": " Background: The touch preparation technique is an accurate and rapid method, and when used as intraoperative consultation examination technique it preserves a good amount of tissue for paraffin embedded sections. This study aimed at examining the accuracy of the touch preparation technique by comparing its diagnosis with that of final pathological diagnosis made by microscopic examinations.  Methods: The diagnoses of 139 central nervous system lesions by touch preparation technique and paraffin-embedded sections were compared.  Results: Touch preparation technique diagnosed correctly 118 (84", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/8b/PMC3470068.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4492420", "abstract": "Tai Chi is a low-impact and moderate intensity exercise that has shown positive effects in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Recently have been developed clinical studies on the benefits of Tai Chi techniques combined with hydrotherapy. Both types of treatment include physical training of balance, mobility, strength, coordination and sensory input that could complement each other. This report aims to present the current evidence about the benefits of the combination of water based Tai Chi in musculoskeletal diseases in order to establish whether the combined intervention is better than Tai Chi or hydrotherapy alone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/d9/jer-11-3-120.PMC4492420.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3026975", "abstract": "Phosphocreatine (PCr) is an endogenous compound containing high-energy phosphate bonds. It has been confirmed that PCr is effective in preventing and treating cardiac and renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury models were constructed. Apoptotic cells in the cortex region were measured by TUNEL method. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was detected by chromatometry, and calmodulin (CaM) activity was detected by ELISA. Compared with sham-operated group (sham group), TUNEL-positive cells, MDA, and level of CaM activity increased in ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group) and PCr preconditioning group (PCr group); compared with I/R group, TUNEL-positive cells, MDA content, and level of CaM activity decreased in PCr group. This study indicated that PCr can decrease the morphological damage and the neuron apoptosis of the ischemia-reperfusion injury brain through attenuating abnormalities of calcium balance and production of oxygen free radicals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a4/b3/PMC3026975.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4105646", "abstract": "Purpose Currently, there are two described methods of catheter insertion for women undergoing multicatheter interstitial accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). These are a volume based template approach (template) and a non-template ultrasound guidance freehand approach (non-template). We aim to compare dosimetric endpoints between the template and non-template approach. Material and methods Twenty patients, who received adjuvant multicatheter interstitial APBI between August 2008 to March 2010 formed the study cohort. Dosimetric planning was based on the RTOG 04-13 protocol. For standardization, the planning target volume evaluation (PTV-Eval) and organs at risk were contoured with the assistance of the attending surgeon. Dosimetric endpoints include D90 of the PTV-Eval, Dose Homogeneity Index (DHI), V200, maximum skin dose (MSD), and maximum chest wall dose (MCD). A median of 18 catheters was used per patient. The dose prescribed was 34 Gy in 10 fractions BID over 5 days. Results The average breast volume was 846 cm3 (526-1384) for the entire cohort and there was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.6). Insertion time was significantly longer for the non-template approach (mean 150 minutes) compared to the template approach (mean: 90 minutes) (p = 0.02). The planning time was also significantly longer for the non-template approach (mean: 240 minutes) compared to the template approach (mean: 150 minutes) (p < 0.01). The template approach yielded a higher D90 (mean: 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/13/JCB-6-22882.PMC4105646.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3631862", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To quantitatively assess the strength and shape of the association between blood 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and incident risk of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases and a hand search of references from original reports were conducted up to 31 October 2012. Prospective observational studies that assessed the association between blood levels of 25(OH)D and risk of incident type 2 diabetes were included for meta-analysis. DerSimonian and Laird’s random-effects model was used. A quadratic spline regression analysis was used to examine the shape of the association with a generalized least-squares trend test performed for the dose-response relation. RESULTS A total of 21 prospective studies involving 76,220 participants and 4,996 incident type 2 diabetes cases were included for meta-analysis. Comparing the highest to the lowest category of 25(OH)D levels, the summary relative risk for type 2 diabetes was 0.62 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/96/1422.PMC3631862.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4664713", "abstract": "The dataset described in this article pertains to the article by Hue et al. (2015) entitled “Primary bovine extra-embryonic cultured cells: A new resource for the study of in vivo peri-implanting phenotypes and mesoderm formation”. In mammals, extra-embryonic tissues are essential to support not only embryo patterning but also embryo survival, especially in late implanting species. These tissues are composed of three cell types: trophoblast (bTCs), endoderm (bXECs) and mesoderm (bXMCs). Until now, it is unclear how these cells interact. In this study, we have established primary cell cultures of extra-embryonic tissues from bovine embryos collected at day-18 after artificial insemination. We used our homemade bovine 10K array (GPL7417) to analyze the gene expression profiles of these primary extra-embryonic cultured cells compared to the corresponding cells from in vivo micro-dissected embryos. Here, we described the experimental design, the isolation of bovine extra-embryonic cell types as well as the microarray expression analysis. The dataset has been deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (accession number GSE52967). Finally, these primary cell cultures were a powerful tool to start studying their cellular properties, and will further allow in vitro studies on cellular interactions among extra-embryonic tissues, and potentially between extra-embryonic vs embryonic tissues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/43/main.PMC4664713.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4013342", "abstract": "Proteins fold into their functional 3-dimensional structures from a linear amino acid sequence. In vitro this process is spontaneous; while in vivo it is orchestrated by a specialized set of proteins, called chaperones. Protein folding is an ongoing cellular process, as cellular proteins constantly undergo synthesis and degradation. Here emerging links between this process and cancer are reviewed. This perspective both yields insights into the current struggle to develop novel cancer chemotherapeutics and has implications for future chemotherapy discovery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/a6/cjc-30-02-124.PMC4013342.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5288612", "abstract": "Introduction: Although fracture diaphyseal femur is commonly seen in orthopedic practice, its association with ipsilateral resection arthroplasty of hip/pseudarthrosis of neck is rare. The technique of excision arthroplasty has undergone modification with emphasis on preserving as much bone as possible. However, it is not always possible to preserve bone while removing the earlier prosthesis and cement. This often leads to extensive proximal bone loss. Associated ipsilateral fracture femur presents a unique scenario. Till date, only one case report is published highlighting its surgical management. Case Report: We report two cases of diaphyseal fracture femur associated with resection arthroplasty of hip at subtrochanteric level with greater trochanter as a separate fragment (Case 1) and other with pseudarthrosis of the neck of femur with intact greater trochanter (Case 2). The first case was operated with surface fixation, whereas the second was operated with closed antegrade intramedullary nail. Conclusion: Decision-making and formulating treatment plan includes taking various factors into account such as level of resection arthroplasty of hip/pseudarthrosis of neck, status of greater trochanter (intact or separate fragment), osteoporosis, and post-operative ambulation and rehabilitation. In this report, we highlight the unusual occurrence, probable mechanism of injury, risk factors for fracture, and decision-making in the surgical management of such a condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/c0/JOCR-6-111.PMC5288612.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3676922", "abstract": "Cellulose hydrolyzing bacteria were isolated from rhinoceros dung and tested for clear zone formation around the colonies on the agar plates containing the medium amended with carboxymethylcellulose as a sole carbon source. Isolates were further screened on the basis of carboxymethylcellulase production in liquid medium. Out of 36 isolates, isolate no. 35 exhibited maximum enzyme activity of 0.079 U/mL and was selected for further identification by using conventional biochemical tests and phylogenetic analyses. This was a Gram-positive, spore forming bacterium with rod-shaped cells. The isolate was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SS35 based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA and gyrase A gene sequences.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/f2/PMC3676922.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4170086", "abstract": "Paget's disease (PD) of bone is characterized by increase of bone resorption by atypical osteoclasts, followed by rapid new bone formation resulting in a disorganized mosaic bone. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, bisphosphonate, which is a potent anti-resorptive agent for treatment of osteoporosis, have been the most effective agents available for the treatment of PD. We report a case of PD of bone in a 49-year-old woman patient, who was treated with intravenous zoledronate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/2f/jbm-21-223.PMC4170086.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897714", "abstract": "Th (T helper) cells are differentiated into either Th1 or Th2 phenotype. It is generally considered that Th1 phenotype is proinflammatory, whereas Th2 phenotype exerts anti-inflammatory or protective effects. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with a decreased Th1 phenotype, whereas macrosomia is marked with high expression of Th1 cytokines. Besides, these two pathological situations are marked with high concentrations of inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), known to play a pivotal role in insulin resistance. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may exert a beneficial effect by shifting Th1/Th2 balance to a Th2 phenotype and increasing insulin sensitivity. In this paper, we shed light on the role of T-cell malfunction that leads to an inflammatory and pathophysiological state, related to insulin resistance in GDM and macrosomia. We will also discuss the nutritional management of these pathologies by dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/ae/PMC4897714.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2725827", "abstract": "Acinetobacter infections have increased and gained attention because of the organism’s prolonged environmental survival and propensity to develop antimicrobial drug resistance. The effect of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter infection on clinical outcomes has not been reported. A retrospective, matched cohort investigation was performed at 2 Baltimore hospitals to examine outcomes of patients with MDR Acinetobacter infection compared with patients with susceptible Acinetobacter infections and patients without Acinetobacter infections. Multivariable analysis controlling for severity of illness and underlying disease identified an independent association between patients with MDR Acinetobacter infection (n = 96) and increased hospital and intensive care unit length of stay compared with 91 patients with susceptible Acinetobacter infection (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/af/PMC2725827.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3467955", "abstract": "A double left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery emerging from the left and right coronary arteries is classified among rare coronary anomalies. We herein report a 73-year-old man presenting with acute coronary syndrome (posterolateral myocardial infarction). He was admitted with typical chest pain, and due to his progressive ischemic changes on electrocardiography (ECG) and elevated cardiac enzyme, he was candidated for cardiac catheterization. The coronary angiography revealed an anomalous LAD from the right sinus of Valsalva. The unusual coronary anatomy was perfectly matched with the distribution of ischemia and its clinical evidence on echocardiography and ECG. The culprit lesion was stented, and the patient was discharged in good physical condition from the hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/f4/jthc-6-217.PMC3467955.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4915105", "abstract": "Foot fractures vary in severity with complex midfoot fractures having poor morbidity rates and high amputation rates. Complex midfoot fractures are rarely reported since they are uncommon and only treated in specialist centres. Given the important role of the midfoot in foot function, reconstruction is preferable. Soft tissue management on the dorsal aspect of the foot poses further challenges to reconstructive surgeons. We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who sustained an open 3C Gustilo–Anderson fracture that was initially treated with open reduction internal fixation and free flap. She subsequently developed flap and internal fixation failure with osteomyelitis of the talus. We report a good outcome using primary limb shortening with a talectomy, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using external fixation and a combination of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate and intravenous antibiotics in our patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/33/rjw081.PMC4915105.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088125", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aims of this study were to verify the effects on upper limb circumferences and total body extracellular water of 10 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) and Walking (W), both alone and combined with a series of exercises created for breast cancer survivors, the ISA method. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to 4 different training groups and evaluated for upper limb circumferences, total body and extracellular water. [Results] The breast cancer survivors who performed NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method (but not alone) showed significantly reduced arm and forearm circumferences homolateral to the surgical intervention. [Conclusion] For breast cancer survivors, NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method should be prescribed to prevent the onset and to treat light forms of upper limb lymphedema because Walking training practiced alone had no significant effect on upper limb circumference reduction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/dd/jpts-28-2778.PMC5088125.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3986510", "abstract": "In most people with type 2 diabetes, progression from obesity to diabetes is accompanied by elevated tissue exposures to a variety of lipids. Among these lipid species, ceramides and more complex sphingolipids have gained recent attention as being pathophysiologically relevant for the development of insulin resistance and impaired glycemic control. Upon excess intake of saturated fat, ceramides accumulate in insulin sensitive tissues either as a consequence of de novo synthesis or through mobilization from complex sphingolipids. Clinical studies have confirmed positive correlation between plasma and tissue levels of several ceramide species and insulin resistance. At the cellular level, it has been demonstrated that ceramides impair insulin signaling and intracellular handling of glucose and lipids with resulting deleterious effects on cellular metabolism. Hence, we are reviewing whether therapeutic interventions aiming at reducing tissue exposure to ceramides or other sphingolipids represent viable therapeutic approaches to improve glucose metabolism in people with diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/f4/main.PMC3986510.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2768178", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE In a genome-wide association scan, the rs738409 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the patatin-like phospholipase 3 gene (PNPLA3) was strongly associated with increased liver fat but not with insulin resistance estimated from fasting values. We investigated whether the SNP determines liver fat independently of visceral adiposity and whether it may even play a role in protecting from insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Liver fat was measured by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and total and visceral fat by magnetic resonance tomography in 330 subjects. Insulin sensitivity was estimated during an oral glucose tolerance test and the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (n = 222). PNPLA3 and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA and triglyceride content were measured in liver biopsies from 16 subjects. RESULTS Liver fat correlated strongly with insulin sensitivity (P < 0.0001) independently of age, sex, total fat, and visceral fat. G allele carriers of the SNP rs738409 had higher liver fat (P < 0.0001) and an odds ratio of 2.38 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/ef/zdb2616.PMC2768178.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988920", "abstract": "Schwannomas are neoplasms originating from Schwann cells, which are the cells forming nerve sheaths. These neoplasms generally involve peripheral nerves. They rarely affect the gastrointestinal tract and primary colon involvement is extremely rare. The objective of the present paper was to present a case of primary schwannoma of the sigmoid colon, unassociated with von Recklinghausen disease, that was histopathologically confirmed by means of an immunohistochemical panel. The patient was a 71-year-old woman who had had rectal bleeding when evacuating, with pain and tenesmus, for 4 months. She underwent colonoscopy, which identified a raised submucous lesion of 2.8 cm in diameter, located in the sigmoid colon, 30 cm from the anal margin. During examination, loop polypectomy with lesion excision was performed. Histopathological evaluation showed that this was a tumor of stromal origin. Its resection margins were compromised by neoplasia, and colon resection by means of videolaparoscopy was indicated. Conventional histopathological examination using the hematoxylin-eosin technique suggested that the neoplasm was of mesenchymal origin. An immunohistochemical panel was run for etiological confirmation, using anti-CD34 antibodies, desmin, cytokeratins (AE1/AE3), cKit, chromogranin and S-100 protein. The panel showed intense immunoexpression of S-100 protein. Investigation of the proliferative activity rate using Ki-67 antibodies showed that there was a low rate of mitotic activity, thus confirming the diagnosis of primary benign schwannoma of the colon. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful and she remains in good health, without signs of tumor recurrence, 15 months after surgical excision.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/16/crg0003-0293.PMC2988920.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4690199", "abstract": "During the last decade the use of ω-transaminases has been identified as a very powerful method for the preparation of optically pure amines from the corresponding ketones. Their immense potential for the preparation of chiral amines, together with their ease of use in combination with existing biocatalytic methods, have made these biocatalysts a competitor to any chemical methodology for (asymmetric) amination. An increasing number of examples, especially from industry, shows that this biocatalytic technology outmaneuvers existing chemical processes by its simple and flexible nature. In the last few years numerous publications and patents on synthetic routes, mainly to pharmaceuticals, involving ω-transaminases have been published. The review gives an overview of the application of ω-transaminases in organic synthesis with a focus on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and the developments during the last few years.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/2b/ejoc2015-6965.PMC4690199.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649619", "abstract": "A case is presented of a healthy 57 year old female who slipped and fell awkwardly into what is known in athletic terms as the front splits. As a result of her fall she sustained bilateral crescent and superior and inferior rami pelvic fractures. Successful operative fixation was undertaken by a combination of open and percutaneous techniques. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of bilateral crescent fractures, and of a pelvic fracture as a result of this mechanism of injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/9d/PMC3649619.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4590939", "abstract": "Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) course revealed differences between men and women. Male gender and postmenopausal women are thought to be of the critical factors affecting HCV infection progression. The study aimed to assess female sex hormones and their relation to disease severity and treatment in HCV infected females. Subjects were divided to 2 groups: 44 CHC female patients and 44 controls. Both groups were classified to premenopausal and postmenopausal females. Serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (PRG), and total testosterone (TT) were assessed using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Our results showed that menopausal patients had significantly higher levels of estradiol, total testosterone, and progesterone compared to controls (P < 0.001). Reproductive aged patients had lower level of total testosterone compared to menopausal patients (P < 0.001). HCV infected females of reproductive age had higher level of progesterone compared to menopausal HCV infected females (P = 0.0014). Indicators of disease severity and treatment response were significantly worse in menopausal women compared to reproductive aged women (fibrosis: P < 0.001, activity: P = 0.045, and treatment: P < 0.001). We observed that lower estradiol level may be related to fibrosis severity in CHC females. Higher total testosterone and progesterone levels may be related to fibrosis severity and poor response to treatment in CHC menopausal females only.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/ee/PMC4590939.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3692084", "abstract": "The results of differential expression analyses provide scientists with hundreds to thousands of differentially expressed genes that need to be interpreted in light of the biology of the specific system under study. This requires mapping the genes to functional classifications that can be, for example, the KEGG pathways or InterPro families they belong to, their GO Molecular Function, Biological Process or Cellular Component. A statistically significant overrepresentation of one or more category terms in the set of differentially expressed genes is an essential step for the interpretation of the biological significance of the results. Ideally, the analysis should be performed by scientists who are well acquainted with the biological problem, as they have a wealth of knowledge about the system and can, more easily than a bioinformatician, discover less obvious and, therefore, more interesting relationships. To allow experimentalists to explore their data in an easy and at the same time exhaustive fashion within a single tool and to test their hypothesis quickly and effortlessly, we developed FIDEA. The FIDEA server is located at http://www.biocomputing.it/fidea; it is free and open to all users, and there is no login requirement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/41/gkt516.PMC3692084.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3701812", "abstract": "In a recent issue of Nature, an article appeared discussing the issue of “Sizing up a slow assault on Cancer” (Nature 2013;496:14-15). This article attempted to clarify various approaches that the clinician might employ in bringing cancer under control. It also discussed the role of the immune system with regard to its capability for controlling tumor growth. In addition, it covered possible directions that might be taken to improve present responses to immunotherapy based on utilizing T-cell activity directed against the tumor. While there is some validity to the concept that cell mediated immunity is utilized by the host in its attempt to control evolving malignancy, this process actually represents only a minor role taken by the hosts immune system to accomplish what is needed for tumor control. Clinical studies at Precision Biologics have demonstrated that for tumor growth to be effected properly by the hosts immune system, expression of a specific humoral IgG1 response directed against immunogenic tumor glycoproteins on the cell surface membrane, constitutes the primary method needed for tumor control. Failure to obtain significant levels of the needed IgG response almost invariably results in recurrence and progression of disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/0b/jcav04p0427.PMC3701812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3972433", "abstract": "The mechanical characteristics of endothelial cells reveal four distinct compartments, namely glycocalyx, cell cortex, cytoplasm and nucleus. There is accumulating evidence that endothelial nanomechanics of these individual compartments control vascular physiology. Depending on protein composition, filament formation and interaction with cross-linker proteins, these four compartments determine endothelial stiffness. Structural organization and mechanical properties directly influence physiological processes such as endothelial barrier function, nitric oxide release and gene expression. This review will focus on endothelial nanomechanics and its impact on vascular function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7d/ee/PMC3972433.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3852797", "abstract": "Umbilical hernia in the cirrhotic patient is frequently seen in the setting of refractory ascites. This article reports a rare case of spontaneous rupture of a recurrent umbilical hernia in a patient with persistent ascites, following an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure, leading to bowel evisceration. This case highlights a potentially fatal complication of umbilical hernia in the setting of chronic ascites, which was successfully managed with prompt surgical intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/63/rjt073.PMC3852797.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4189062", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Spinal metastases are frequently encountered in patients with breast cancer. Because of recent improvements in oncologic therapies a growing incidence of symptomatic leptomeningeal metastases (LM) should be expected. The differential diagnosis of LM comprises a wide range of conditions, including neurinoma. The radiologic discrimination between metastases and neurinomas is primarily based on distinct neuroimaging features, particularly number, size and growth pattern. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report the first case of a solitary leptomeningeal metastasis of a cervical nerve-root, which mimicked a benign dumbbell-shaped neurinoma, using neuroimaging and visualized intraoperatively. The tumor was successfully treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT). DISCUSSION While the patient history directs towards a metastasis, the localization, growth pattern and MRI signal were concordant with a cervical neurinoma. The current literature is not conclusive concerning the optimal choice of treatment; the therapy is strictly palliative and indications for surgery remain individual decisions. However, due to recent improvements in survival of patients with LM require reconsideration of established strategies. CONCLUSION The present case report and the reviewed literature point towards a growing clinical relevance of symptomatic LM in cancer patients and their possible atypical presentations and locations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/af/main.PMC4189062.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4910439", "abstract": "Summary We describe the burden of influenza B infections in Italy over a 12-year study period. Influenza A and B viruses co-circulated throughout the period, with numbers of influenza B cases approaching or exceeding those of influenza A during three influenza seasons. Influenza B virus infections led to fewer admissions to an intensive care unit (ICU) and a lower mortality rate than influenza A from 2010 to 2015. However, only 16", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/27/2421-4248-57-E23.PMC4910439.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4500296", "abstract": "Introduction: The most frequent sites of bleeding in patients with haemophilia are the soft tissues, the joints, the urinary tract, but much more rarely the gastrointestinal tract. The complications of intramural bleeding are acute intestinal obstruction, but also rupture of the haematoma in the lumen or the peritoneal space. Case report: We present the case of a haemophiliac patient who was admitted as an emergency due to distended abdomen, nausea, vomiting and the clinical picture of ileus. The native abdomen in a standing position presented air fluid levels with moderate distension of the accompanying bowel loops. A nasal probe was inserted and the symptoms of ileus disappeared, but after taking food by mouth, the picture of ileus returned. CT of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which showed circular, high density thickening of the walls in places in the area of the jejunum, indicating haemorrhage, but also the formation of haematoma in the wall structure. After administering factor VIII, the symptoms of ileus ceased, and the patient recovered completely. Conclusion: This unusual presentation of haemophilia with bleeding in the wall of the small intestine is very rare and has only been seen in a few cases in the world. CT diagnosis defined the cause of the obstruction and saved the patient from an unnecessary surgical procedure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/99/87/MA-69-206.PMC4500296.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3108635", "abstract": "Although proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have a record of remarkable effectiveness and safety in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), several treatment challenges with PPI have emerged. Dexlansoprazole MR is the (R)-enantiomer of lansoprazole contained in a formulation that produces two distinct releases of drug and significantly extends the duration of active plasma concentrations and ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/d1/PMC3108635.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3205747", "abstract": "Serum amyloid A (SAA) acts as a major acute phase protein and represents a sensitive and accurate marker of inflammation. Besides its hepatic origin, as the main source of serum SAA, this protein is also produced extrahepatically. The mRNA levels of SAA become significantly elevated following proinflammatory stimuli, as well as, are induced through their own positive feedback in human primary coronary artery endothelial cells. However, the intracellular functions of SAA are so far unknown. Colocalization of SAA with cytoskeletal filaments has previously been proposed, so we analyzed the colocalization of SAA with all three cytoskeletal elements: actin filaments, vimentin filaments, and microtubules. Immunofluorescent double-labeling analyses confirmed by PLA method revealed a strict colocalization of  SAA with microtubules and a very infrequent attachment to vimentin while the distribution of actin filaments appeared clearly separated from SAA staining. Also, no significant colocalization was found between SAA and endomembranes labeled with the fluorescent lipid stain DiO6. However, SAA appears to be located also unbound in the cytosol, as well as inside the nucleus and within nanotubes extending from the cells or bridging neighboring cells. These different locations of SAA in endothelial cells strongly indicate multiple potential functions of this protein.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/01/PMC3205747.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4860453", "abstract": "Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly causing aortic regurgitation usually in the fifth to sixth decade of life. Earlier, the diagnosis was mostly during postmortem or intraoperative, but now with the advent of better imaging techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, more cases are being diagnosed in asymptomatic patients. We present a case of a 39-year-old male who was found to have QAV, with the help of TEE, while undergoing evaluation for a diastolic murmur. The patient was found to have Type B QAV with moderate aortic regurgitation. We also present a brief review of classification, pathophysiology, and embryological basis of this rare congenital anomaly. The importance of diagnosing QAV lies in the fact that majority of these patients will require surgery for aortic regurgitation and close follow-up so that aortic valve replacement/repair is done before the left ventricular decompensation occurs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/10/JCIS-6-10.PMC4860453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3723097", "abstract": "Epigenetics is the study of alterations in the function of genes that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Within the critical care literature, it is a relatively new and exciting avenue of research in describing pathology, clinical course, and developing targeted therapies to improve outcomes. In this paper, we highlight current research relative to critical care that is focused within the major epigenetic mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA regulation, and composite epigenetic scoring. Within this emerging body of research it is quite clear that the novel therapies of the future will require clinicians to understand and navigate an even more complex and multivariate relationship between genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms in conjunction with clinical presentation and course in order to significantly improve outcomes within the acute and critically ill population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/03/PMC3723097.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3791796", "abstract": " Background. Orthotopic lung transplantation is now widely performed in patients with advanced lung disease. Patients with moderate or severe ventricular systolic dysfunction are typically excluded from lung transplantation; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the prognostic significance of abnormal left ventricular diastolic function and elevated pretransplant pulmonary pressures. Methods. We reviewed the characteristics of 111 patients who underwent bilateral and unilateral lung transplants from 200 to 2009 in order to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative markers of diastolic function, including invasively measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and echocardiographic variables of diastolic dysfunction including mitral A > E and A′ > E′. Results. Out of 111 patients, 62 were male (56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/a4/PMC3791796.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3108767", "abstract": "A relatively large body of evidence supports the notion that glomerular capillary wall and mesangial alterations in diabetic nephropathy involve biochemical alterations of glycoproteins in these structures. Evidence in experimental animals rendered diabetic reveals that the administration of heparin and other anionic glycoproteins can effectively prevent the biochemical alterations that promote albuminuria. Moreover, angiotensin II inhibits heparan sulfate synthesis, while heparins modulate angiotensin II signaling in glomerular cells, inhibiting aldosterone synthesis and lowering proteinuria in diabetes patients. Sulodexide, a mixture of heparin and dermatan sulfate, appears to be a promising treatment for diabetic proteinuria partially resistant to renin–angiotensin system blocking agents. Sulodexide prevents heparan sulfate degradation, thus allowing reconstruction of heparan sulfate content and restoration of glomerular basement membrane ionic permselectivity. The antiproteinuric effect appears to be mainly related to the basal proteinuria and consequently to the duration of treatment in a relatively large number of small clinical trials. On the other hand, several sulodexide pharmacodynamic properties could improve the prognosis of chronic kidney disease patients, also independently from its antiproteinuric effect. However, sulodexide development as an antiproteinuric drug needs to be continued, in order to define which kind of patients could better respond to this treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/1a/PMC3108767.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5140788", "abstract": "[Purpose] To examine the clinical effectiveness of scapular stability exercise on shoulder stability and rehabilitative ultrasound images in office workers. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-eight subjects were randomly divided into a scapular stability exercise group (n=19) and a manual therapy group (n=19). Subjects in the scapular stability exercise group performed a scapular stability exercise designed to correct the abnormal location of the scapula, at 40 minutes per session, two times per week, for 6 weeks. Forward head horizontal distance, rounded shoulder posture, stability of the upper limb for the shoulder, and rehabilitative ultrasound images were evaluated before and after 6 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, both groups showed significantly decreased forward head horizontal distance and rounded shoulder posture, with significantly improved stability of the upper limb and rehabilitative ultrasound images. Forward head horizontal distance, rounded shoulder posture, stability of the upper limb, and rehabilitative ultrasound images showed greater improvements in the shoulder stability exercise group than in the manual therapy group. [Conclusion] Scapular stability exercise can improve shoulder stability and the thickness of the lower trapezius in rehabilitative ultrasound images of office workers, and could be useful in clinical rehabilitation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/e4/jpts-28-2999.PMC5140788.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698108", "abstract": "The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which is defined as a plot of test sensitivity as the y coordinate versus its 1-specificity or false positive rate (FPR) as the x coordinate, is an effective method of evaluating the performance of diagnostic tests. The purpose of this article is to provide a nonmathematical introduction to ROC analysis. Important concepts involved in the correct use and interpretation of this analysis, such as smooth and empirical ROC curves, parametric and nonparametric methods, the area under the ROC curve and its 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/1d/kjr-5-11.PMC2698108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3180687", "abstract": "Selenium is an antioxidant trace element linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Although diet is a major source, relatively little else is known about independent determinants of selenium levels in free-living humans. In this study, we aimed to investigate the independent demographic, lifestyle, and dietary determinants of selenium levels in 1,997 men and 1,905 women in two large prospective U.S. cohorts. Toenail selenium levels were quantified using neutron activation analysis. Diet, geographic residence, demographic, and environmental factors were assessed by validated self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate generalized linear models were conducted to assess the independent relations of these factors with toenail selenium levels, correcting for measurement error in the diet. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, independent predictors of higher selenium were male gender (6.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/32/nrp-5-357.PMC3180687.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3696960", "abstract": "Background: Endometriosis is defined as the existence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Diagnosis of endometriosis is a challenging theme. Despite the broad search for innovative laboratory tests and advances in imaging technologies, there are still no easy, non-invasive diagnostic tests available. Due to inflammatory process of endometriosis, still C-reactive protein (CRP) level may be the target of initial screening. The aim of this study was to investigate CRP levels as a marker of inflammatory process in serum and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, 179 patients with endometriosis (N = 90) and without endometriosis (N = 89) were evaluated. The venous blood samples were obtained from all patients before laparoscopy and the peritoneal fluid samples were collected from pelvis before any manipulation. Student’s t-test was applied to compare the parameters between two groups. Findings: There was no significant difference between the CRP serum level in patients with endometriosis and infertile women without endometriosis. There was a significant difference in peritoneal level of CRP between case and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggested that measurement of this marker in patients’ serum or plasma cannot be used to diagnose endometriosis. It is further recommended that a combination of different markers might be helpful in this regard that could be studied in future.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/97/IJNMR-17-115.PMC3696960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3917129", "abstract": "Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy associated disorder characterized by hyper-tension and proteinuria. The first 2 stages of PE cause dysfunction in uteroplacental perfusion and oxidative stress while the third stage of PE is due to the release of inflammatory and angiogenic factors, which could lead to maternal endothelial damage and systemic inflammatory response. In this study, we compared the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in PE and normotensive women. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 84 pregnant women (44 PE and 40 normotensive) were evaluated for TNF-α, IL-15 and IL-10 by sandwich ELISA assay. Results: The women with PE showed significantly higher serum levels of TNF-α and IL-15 (P = 0.001 and 0.01 respectively) in comparison with normotensive pregnant women. Conversely, the serum levels of IL-10 in normotensive women were significantly higher compared to PE patients (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that inflammatory T helper 1-type responses are increased in PE women compared to normotensive pregnant women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/27/IJNMR-18-463.PMC3917129.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3681343", "abstract": "Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a pre-renal azotemia-like acute renal failure occurring in patients with end-stage cirrhosis. HRS results from arteriolar vasodilatation, arteriolar underfilling, and intense renal vasoconstriction. By definition, it is not responsive to volume expansion, and the prognosis is especially poor even with the use of terlipressin or albumin dialysis or both. It may be difficult, on the basis of the current criteria, to clearly differentiate HRS from other causes of acute renal failure in cirrhosis. In addition, patients with HRS frequently have underlying chronic kidney changes that may not be reversible after transplantation. In the previous issue of Critical Care, a group of experts proposed a new classification of acute, acute-on-chronic, or chronic renal impairment in cirrhosis on the basis of the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage kidney disease) criteria. The group proposed the term 'hepatorenal disorder' to define patients with advanced cirrhosis and kidney dysfunction at an earlier stage, regardless of the mechanisms. As stated by the authors, more data are needed to clearly identify, by non-invasive means, those with a potential for improvement with liver transplantation and those who can undergo a combined liver and kidney transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/e8/PMC3681343.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3466862", "abstract": "A pulmonary embolus clogs the artery that provides blood supply to a part of the lung. The embolus not only prevents the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide but also decreases blood supply to the lung tissue itself, potentially causing the tissue to die (infarct). A 52-year-old man presented with syncope and anxiety. He had sinus tachycardia and dilated right ventricle with trabeculations. A differential diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and pulmonary embolism prompted CT angiography, which revealed a bilateral massive pulmonary embolism. The patient was treated successfully with thrombolytic drugs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/5a/jthc-6-41.PMC3466862.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4211253", "abstract": " Aim. To report vitamin D status and its impact on metabolic parameters in people in the United Arab Emirates with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methodology. This cross-sectional study included 309 individuals with obesity and T2D who were randomly selected based on study criteria. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (s-25(OH)D), calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, glycemic profile, and cardiometabolic parameters were assessed in fasting blood samples, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Results. Vitamin D deficiency (s-25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was observed in 83.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/e7/PMC4211253.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5146786", "abstract": "Background: Continuous negative pressure drainage (CNPD) is widely used after lower lumbar internal fixation; however, it may cause tremendous blood loss and lead to postoperative hemorrhagic anemia. The present study explored the efficacy and safety of improved intermittent-clamped drainage (ICD) for lower lumbar internal fixation. Methods: This was a prospective study that included 156 patients with decompression of the spinal canal and internal fixation for the first time from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients were randomly divided into ICD group and CNPD group, and each group had 78 cases. A drainage tube was placed under the deep fascia in all patients within 10 min after the commencement of wound closure. The postoperative drainage amount at different time points, the hemoglobin level, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used in this study. Results: The drainage amount was significantly reduced in the ICD group, as compared with the CNPD group (Z = 10.74, P < 0.01). The mean total drainage amount (in ml) of the single-segment and two-segment procedures was significantly greater in the CNPD group than the ICD group (Z = 10.63 and 10.75, respectively; P < 0.01). For the adverse events, there was no significant difference in postoperative temperature, wound problem, and complications between the two groups. Conclusions: The present study showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative drainage amount between ICD and CNPD groups, and ICD is an effective, convenient, and safe method for routine use in lower lumbar surgery. It is essential to focus on the effect of clamping drainage with long-segment surgical procedure and complex lumbar disease in the further investigation, as well as the effect of clamping on long-term functional outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/e7/CMJ-129-2804.PMC5146786.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4478300", "abstract": "Purpose We describe an unusual clinical finding of a free-floating iris cyst in a patient with recurrent iritis. Method The clinical finding of a free-floating iris cyst was recorded using slit-lamp photography. Results A 39-year-old male with a 5-year history of recurrent right iritis was found to have a small mobile iris cyst within his right anterior chamber, first identified 3 years ago. The patient did not experience any discomfort or visual symptoms resulting from the cyst. Conclusion Surgical removal is not indicated for asymptomatic non-progressive free-floating iris cysts. The significance of a free-floating iris cyst in the setting of recurrent iritis remains unknown.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/32/cop-0006-0176.PMC4478300.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4475582", "abstract": " Aim. To evaluate the frequency of atypical and malignant meningiomas and analyze recurrence rate; to study the morbidity and mortality of these tumors compared to benign meningiomas. Methods. During 1992–2007, 16 patients with malignant and 16 patients with atypical meningioma were operated in Neurosurgery Department of Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou Hospital. We analyzed tumor histology, location, and extent of surgical resection with respect to tumor reappearance and patients' outcome and compared the behavior of benign versus nonbenign meningiomas. Results. Malignant meningiomas accounted for 4.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/e6/PMC4475582.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5362135", "abstract": "The Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma (GSP) is an extreme region, a hypersaline environment from marine origin and a unique area of the Salt National Wild Refuge in the north-central region of Oklahoma. In this study we analyzed the diversity and distribution of bacteria in two habitats; vegetated areas (GAB) and salt flat areas (GAS) in the sediments of GSP using the high-throughput techniques of 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V1-V2 regions) metagenomics-454 pyrosequencing. The filtered sequences resulted to a total of 303,723 paired end reads were generated, assigned into 1646 numbers of OTUs and 56.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/a1/main.PMC5362135.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4428455", "abstract": "Objective: To investigate the mechanical properties of different classifications of composites indicated for posterior application as functions of the storage condition and of the energy dose. Material and Methods: Specimens (8x2x2 mm) were obtained according to the factors: I) Composites (3M ESPE): Filtek P60, Filtek Z350XT, and Filtek Silorane; II) Syringe storage conditions: room temperature, aged, oven, refrigerator, and freezer; and III) Energy dose: 24 J/cm2 and 48 J/cm2. After photoactivation, the specimens were stored at 37ºC for 24 h. After storage, a three-point bending test was carried out in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Flexural strength (S) and flexural modulus (E) were calculated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: Different storage conditions significantly affected the silorane composite for S; conversely, no effects were noted in terms of E. The accelerated aging protocol significantly increased the S of Filtek P60 and Filtek Silorane, whereas storage in the oven significantly decreased the S for all of the composites tested. Filtek P60 was the only composite not affected by the lower storage temperatures tested for S, whereas for the silorane this parameter was impacted at the same conditions. The factor \"dose\" was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The syringe storage at different temperature conditions proved to influence mostly the flexural strength, a clinically important characteristic considering the posterior indication of the materials tested. The silorane composite should not be stored at lower temperatures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/19/1678-7757-jaos-23-2-0120.PMC4428455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3883270", "abstract": "Neonatal terminal ileum volvulus in the absence of malrotation has never been reported before in English literature. However, another similar rare entity known as neonatal primary segmental volvulus without malrotation has been reported before. Volvulus, in general, is an extreme emergency and cases not diagnosed in time lead to death. The main diagnosis is based on radiological features seen on imaging. We present a case of volvulus of terminal ileum that was diagnosed and surgically treated at age of 15 h ensuring the newborn survived. The definitive diagnosis was based mainly on ultrasonographic findings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/31/JCIS-3-50.PMC3883270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5347359", "abstract": "Hospitals are awash with patient experience data, much of it collected with the ostensible purpose of improving the quality of patient care. However, there has been comparatively little consideration of the nature and capacities of data itself. Using insights from actor-network theory, we propose that paying attention to patient experience data as having agency in particular hospital interactions allows us to better trace how and in what circumstances data lead (or fail to lead) to quality improvement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/be/10.1177_1355819616685349.PMC5347359.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4219191", "abstract": "Objective To identify the accuracy and efficiency of the computed tomographic (CT)-based navigation system on upper cervical instrumentation, particularly C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation compared to previous reports. Methods Between May 2005 and March 2014, 25 patients underwent upper cervical instrumentation via a CT-based navigation system. Seven patients were excluded, while 18 patients were involved. There were 13 males and five females; resulting in four degenerative cervical diseases and 14 trauma cases. A CT-based navigation system and lateral fluoroscopy were used during the screw instrumentation procedure. Among the 58 screws inserted as C1-2 screws fixation, their precise positions were evaluated by postoperative CT scans and classified into three categories : in-pedicle, non-critical breach, and critical breach. Results Postoperatively, the precise positions of the C1-2 screws fixation were 81.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/d5/jkns-56-330.PMC4219191.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2453684", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE—To determine the time course of changes in glucagon and insulin secretion in children with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Glucagon and C-peptide concentrations were determined in response to standard mixed meals in 23 patients with type 1 diabetes aged 9.4 ± 4.6 years, beginning within 6 weeks of diagnosis, and every 3 months thereafter for 1 year. RESULTS—Glucagon secretion in response to a physiologic stimulus (mixed meal) increased by 37", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/d5/1403.PMC2453684.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2889761", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Depletion of body fat stores during uncontrolled, insulin-deficient diabetes (uDM) results in markedly reduced plasma leptin levels. This study investigated the role of leptin deficiency in the genesis of severe insulin resistance and related metabolic and neuroendocrine derangements induced by uDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adult male Wistar rats remained nondiabetic or were injected with the β-cell toxin, streptozotocin (STZ) to induce uDM and subsequently underwent subcutaneous implantation of an osmotic minipump containing either vehicle or leptin at a dose (150 μg/kg/day) designed to replace leptin at nondiabetic plasma levels. To control for leptin effects on food intake, another group of STZ-injected animals were pair fed to the intake of those receiving leptin. Food intake, body weight, and blood glucose levels were measured daily, with body composition and indirect calorimetry performed on day 11, and an insulin tolerance test to measure insulin sensitivity performed on day 16. Plasma hormone and substrate levels, hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression, and measures of tissue insulin signal transduction were also measured. RESULTS Physiologic leptin replacement prevented insulin resistance in uDM via a mechanism unrelated to changes in food intake or body weight. This effect was associated with reduced total body fat and hepatic triglyceride content, preservation of lean mass, and improved insulin signal transduction via the insulin receptor substrate–phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxy kinase pathway in the liver, but not in skeletal muscle or adipose tissue. Although physiologic leptin replacement lowered blood glucose levels only slightly, it fully normalized elevated plasma glucagon and corticosterone levels and reversed the increased hepatic expression of gluconeogenic enzymes characteristic of rats with uDM. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that leptin deficiency plays a key role in the pathogenesis of severe insulin resistance and related endocrine disorders in uDM. Treatment of diabetes in humans may benefit from correction of leptin deficiency as well as insulin deficiency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/16/zdb1626.PMC2889761.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649335", "abstract": "A pelvic digit is a rare congenital anomaly and often an incidental radiographic finding. Here we present the first reported case of a 57-year-old Caucasian female with a pelvic digit and a chief complaint of dyspareunia. Radiographic studies and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a stable bony excrescence from the inferior left ischium impinging on the pelvic floor. The patient underwent surgical removal of the pelvic digit without complications. Accurate diagnosis of pelvic lesions is necessary to guide treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/4f/PMC3649335.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3352605", "abstract": "Amniotic band syndrome is characterized by a build-up of bands and strings of fibrous tissue that adhere to the fetus and can compress parts of the fetus, thus causing malformations and even limb amputation while the fetus is still in the uterus. The clinical manifestations are extremely variable and their extent may range from a single abnormality, like a constriction ring, to multiple abnormalities. Such abnormalities are generally diagnosed at the end of the first or the beginning of the second trimester using two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS). Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in rendering mode allows spatial analysis of the fetus and amniotic band, thus enabling better comprehension of this pathological condition and better counseling for the parents. There has not previously been any evidence to show that 3DUS would be useful in cases of late diagnosis (third trimester) of amniotic band syndrome. In the present case, a primigravid woman underwent her second obstetric ultrasound scan in the 34th week, from which we observed two bands in contact with the right forearm, but with normal movement of this limb and its fingers. 3DUS made it possible to see the spatial relationship of these bands to the fetal body, thereby confirming their adherence to the limb. After the birth, the prenatal diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome without limb constriction was confirmed. A surgical procedure was carried out on the third day after birth to excise the bands, and the newborn was then discharged in a good general condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/89/JCIS-2-22.PMC3352605.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4760207", "abstract": "Background COPD is a frequent but underdiagnosed disease whose diagnosis relies on the spirometric demonstration of bronchial obstruction. Spirometry use by general practitioners could represent the first line in COPD diagnosis. Objective Because duration of spirometry is retarding its development in primary care, we decided to measure the time it requires in the primary-care context in France. Methods Ten volunteer general practitioners were trained during two 3-hour theoretical and practical continuing education sessions. Then, from October 2013 to May 2014, they included patients without any known respiratory disease but at risk of developing COPD (age: ≥40 years, smoker: ≥20 pack-years). The duration of spirometry and its quality were evaluated according to the following acceptability criteria: 1) expiration ≥6 seconds or reaching a plateau; 2) good start with an early peak flow, curve peaked on top and not flat; 3) no artifacts; and 4) reproducibility criteria, ie, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity differences between the two best spirometry curves ≤0.15 L. Quality of the spirograms was defined as optimal when all the criteria were met and acceptable when all the criteria were satisfied except the reproducibility criterion, otherwise, it was unacceptable. Results For the 152 patients included, the 142 assessable spirometries lasted for 15.2±5.9 minutes. Acceptability criteria 1–3, respectively, were satisfied for 90.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/24/copd-11-335.PMC4760207.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4513767", "abstract": "Dentofacial asymmetry is quite common and when sufficiently severe can require surgical orthodontic intervention. Asymmetries can be classified according to the structures involved into skeletal, dental and functional. In diagnosing asymmetries, a thorough clinical examination and radiographic survey are essential to determine the extent of soft tissue, skeletal, dental and functional involvement. Dental asymmetries, as well as a variety of functional deviations, can be managed orthodontically, whereas significant structural facial asymmetries require a comprehensive orthodontic and orthognathic management. With less severe dental, skeletal and soft tissue deviations the advisability of treatment should be carefully considered. The following article also contains a case report highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis in treatment plan for management of dentofacial asymmetry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/cd/JIOH-7-128.PMC4513767.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4527503", "abstract": "We measured the plasma levels of amino acids at various reproductive stages in female rats, including the estrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation, and compared the resulting amino acid profiles using two- or three-dimensional figures. These figures revealed that the amino acid profiles of pregnant and lactating dams differed considerably from those during the estrous cycle or in male rats. The plasma levels of individual amino acids were almost the same between proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus, and their profiles did not differ significantly. However, the amino acid profiles changed during pregnancy and lactation in dams. The plasma Ser level decreased significantly in mid and late pregnancy, whereas Tyr, Gly and His decreased significantly in the late and end stages of pregnancy, and Trp and Lys significantly decreased and increased at the end of pregnancy, respectively. Much larger changes in amino acid profiles were observed during lactation, when the levels of many amino acids increased significantly, and none showed a significant decrease. Plasma Pro, Ser and Gly levels increased continuously from day 1 until day 15 of lactation, whereas Asn and Met increased significantly from days 1 and 5 respectively until the end of lactation. These results suggest that the profiles of plasma amino acids show characteristic changes according to reproductive stage and that it may be necessary to consider such differences when performing amino acid-based diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/b3/jvms-77-815.PMC4527503.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4706407", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message A 24‐year‐old male presented with abdominal pain, fever, and palpable splenomegaly. His differential count revealed myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and nucleated red cells. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of hepatosplenic gamma delta T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma. We describe here our center's diagnostic and treatment approach for this rare leukemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/66/CCR3-4-067.PMC4706407.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5407033", "abstract": "Background: Patients on hemodialysis have a high-mortality risk. This study analyzed factors associated with death in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). While some studies used baseline data of MHD patients, this study used the most recent data obtained from patients just prior to either a primary endpoint or the end of the study period to find the characteristics of patients preceding death. Methods: Participants were selected from 16 blood purification centers in China from January 2012 to December 2014. Patients’ data were collected retrospectively. Based on survival status, the participants were divided into two groups: survival group and the death group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with all-cause mortality. Results: In total, 4104 patients (57.58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/89/CMJ-130-885.PMC5407033.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437332", "abstract": " Objective. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex is classified as one of the tauopathies. Methods. The total tau, phosphorylated tau, and amyloid β42 levels were assayed in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Kii amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (n = 12), Alzheimer's disease (n = 9), Parkinson's disease (n = 9), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 11), and controls (n = 5) using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results. Total tau and phosphorylated tau did not increase and amyloid β42 was relatively reduced in Kii amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex. Relatively reduced amyloid β42 might discriminate Kii amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, and the ratios of phosphorylated-tau to amyloid β42 could discriminate Kii amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex from Alzheimer's disease. Conclusions. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be useful to differentiate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex from Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/ac/PMC4437332.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4206961", "abstract": "Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy known as Rosai-Dorfman disease is characterized by painless bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Extranodal manifestations are uncommon and spinal involvement is rare. A 15-year-old man presented with intermittent midthoracic back pain only. He had no specific findings on neurologic examinations, hematologic and biochemical laboratory tests. Radiological examination of thoracic spine revealed collapse of T6 vertebrae with thoracic kyphosis and osteolytic lesion of T12 vertebra body. He underwent a removal of bone tumor, anterior reconstruction with mesh and pedicle screw fixation via posterior approach for pathologic confirmation and stabilization. Histopathologic study of the lesion revealed focal infiltration of large histiocytes showing emperipolesis. Immunochemistry stain of histiocytes was positive for CD68 and S-100 but negative for CD1a. This report presents a rare case and literature review of extranodal Rosai-dorfman disease in thoracic spine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/f0/kjs-11-198.PMC4206961.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4450162", "abstract": "Background: Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after kidney transplantation are difficult to differentiate most of the times and both play important roles in kidney allograft loss. Common treatment strategies of these two conditions include plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and rituximab. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of routine treatment of AMR/TMA in Iranian kidney transplant recipients, which comprises of plasmapheresis and IVIG. Patients and Methods: This one-year cross-sectional study was performed in the Kidney Transplantation Ward of Imam-Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran. All kidney transplant recipients who were administered plasmapheresis and IVIG to treat definite or suggested AMR or TMA were assessed clinically and also evaluated on laboratory data. Results: During 2014, we encountered five patients with suspicious AMR or TMA at our kidney transplant center. Renal biopsy was performed for two of them, suggesting AMR for one patient and TMA for another patient. All patients were treated with plasmapheresis plus IVIG. In this center, as a routine practice, the cumulative dose of 2 g/kg of IVIG was divided to 300 - 400 mg/kg after each plasmapheresis. Only one out of the five patients showed response, albeit not completely. Conclusions: Due to daily plasmapheresis within the first several days after AMR or TMA, administering high amounts of the cumulative dose of IVIG after plasmapheresis may result in high amounts of IVIG withdrawal by plasmapheresis and response failure. Our suggestion is to reduce the IVIG dose after each plasmapheresis to 100 mg/kg (i.e. replacement dose) to reach a cumulative dose of 2 g/Kg. If plasmapheresis treatment is initiated sooner than the completion of the IVIG cumulative dose of 2 g/kg, the remaining dose can be administered during one injection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/e9/num-07-03-27073.PMC4450162.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3388353", "abstract": "Gene duplication followed by divergence is an important mechanism that leads to molecular innovation. Divergence of paralogous genes can be achieved at functional and regulatory levels. Whereas regulatory divergence at the transcriptional level is well documented, little is known about divergence of posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Protein phosphorylation, one of the most important PTMs, has recently been shown to be an important determinant of the retention of paralogous genes. Here we test whether gains and losses of phosphorylated amino acids after gene duplication may specifically modify the regulation of these duplicated proteins. We show that when phosphosites are lost in one paralog, transitions from phosphorylated serines and threonines are significantly biased toward negatively charged amino acids, which can mimic their phosphorylated status in a constitutive manner. Our analyses support the hypothesis that divergence between paralogs can be generated by a loss of the posttranslational regulatory control on a function rather than by the complete loss of the function itself. Surprisingly, these favoured transitions cannot be reached by single mutational steps, which suggests that the function of a phosphosite needs to be completely abolished before it is restored through substitution by these phosphomimetic residues. We conclude by discussing how gene duplication could facilitate the transitions between phosphorylated and phosphomimetic amino acids.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/74/PMC3388353.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4086664", "abstract": "Background Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a rare mitochondrial cytopathy, first described at Mayo Clinic in 1958. Aims We aimed to define patient and disease characteristics in a large group of adult and pediatric patients with KSS. Methods We retrospectively searched the Mayo Clinic medical index patient database for the records of patients with KSS between 1976 and 2009. The 35 patients identified with KSS were analyzed in terms of demographic characteristics, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic features, clinical evolution, and associations between disease features and the development of disability. Results The mean (standard [SD]) age at KSS presentation was 17 (10) years, but the mean age at diagnosis was 26 (15) years. Ophthalmologic symptoms developed in all patients, and neurologic and cardiac involvement was common. Only four patients (11", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/a6/ijgm-7-325.PMC4086664.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2963803", "abstract": "Valproic Acid (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that holds promise for cancer therapy. Here, we investigate whether VPA treatment induces neuroendocrine differentiation of Prostate Cancer (PCa). A tissue microarray of VPA-treated and untreated tumor xenografts and cell lines of human PCa (LNCaP, C4-2, DU145, and PC-3) were generated  and were analyzed by immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) for NE markers chromogranin A (CgA), synaptophysin, and NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule). Western blot analysis for CgA was performed to confirm the results of the TMA. IHC analysis did not reveal any induction of CgA, synaptophysin, or NCAM in any xenograft after VPA treatment in vivo. In vitro, VPA treatment induced little synaptophysin expression in C4-2 and PC-3 cells and NCAM expression in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. In the case of CgA, VPA treatment decreased its expression in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by western blot analysis. Thus our data demonstrates that VPA does not induce NE differentiation of PCa cells in the physiologically relevant in vivo setting.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/d7/PMC2963803.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3666157", "abstract": "Stargardt’s disease is an inherited macular dystrophy that is transmitted in an autosomal recessive or dominant pattern. The disorder is typically characterized by impairment of central vision, with onset around the first 10–20 years of life. Stargardt’s disease is rare in sub-Saharan Africa. This is probably the first reported case in the subregion. We present two siblings with the disease. Presentation, pathophysiology, and management modalities are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/ed/PMC3666157.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4438405", "abstract": "Hypertensive crises in children or adolescents are rare, but chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for occurrence. Vesicoureteral reflux nephropathy is a common cause of pediatric renal failure and is associated with hypertension. Aggressive blood pressure (BP) control has been shown to delay progression of CKD and treatment is targeted for the 50th percentile for height when compared with a target below the 90th percentile for the general pediatric hypertensive patient. We present a case of an adolescent presenting with seizures and renal failure due to a hypertensive crisis. Hypertension was thought to be secondary to CKD as she had scarred echogenic kidneys due to known reflux nephropathy. However, aggressive BP treatment improved kidney function which is inconsistent with CKD from reflux nephropathy. Secondly, aggressive BP control caused transient neurological symptoms. Further imaging identified moyamoya disease. We present this case to highlight the consideration of moyamoya as a diagnosis in the setting of renal failure and hypertensive crisis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/a8/sft090.PMC4438405.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3518714", "abstract": "Percutaneous device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is an alternative treatment to surgery. The main advantages of the percutaneous approach include avoidance of surgery, short procedure time and hospital length, in addition to comparable rates of complications. However, percutaneous device closure is associated with infrequent early and late complications including device embolization, air embolism, cardiac tamponade and thrombotic complications. We report a rare complication of silent and late device embolization of the ASD occluder device into the right pulmonary artery, three months after implantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/a9/kcj-42-781.PMC3518714.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4946818", "abstract": "Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is an extremely aggressive and rare tumor. Even though small cell carcinoma most commonly arises from the lungs there are several reports of small cell carcinoma in extrapulmonary sites. Due to its low frequency there is no well-established management for this disease. We report the case of a 61 year-old man with small cell carcinoma of the bladder who underwent radical cystectomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We also reviewed the literature for the optimal treatment strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/c4/1679-4508-eins-13-1-114.PMC4946818.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4500006", "abstract": "[Purpose] To test the hypothesis that toe grasping strength is associated with daily physical activity in older adults. [Subjects] Fifty-seven Japanese women, aged 52–78 years, volunteered. [Methods] Toe grasping and knee extension strength were measured. Physical activity was also measured, using an accelerometer, and the total duration of each level of exercise intensity (light, moderate, and vigorous) and average step counts were calculated. Subjects were separated into two groups on the basis of accelerometer-determined step counts: LOW (n=28, <8000 steps/day) and HIGH (n=29, ≥8000 steps/day). [Results] Body mass index and body composition (", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/16/jpts-27-1893.PMC4500006.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4295135", "abstract": " Background. Although individual metabolic risk factors are reported to be associated with breast cancer risk, controversy surrounds risk of breast cancer from metabolic syndrome (MS). We report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between MS and breast cancer risk in all adult females. Methods. Studies were retrieved by searching four electronic reference databases [PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and ProQuest through June 30, 2012] and cross-referencing retrieved articles. Eligible for inclusion were longitudinal studies reporting associations between MS and breast cancer risk among females aged 18 years and older. Relative risks and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/03/PMC4295135.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2916107", "abstract": "Considering the popular use of antibiotic-containing eyedrops in Korea, it is important to know the emerging antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria before treating infectious eye diseases. This is especially important in high-risk groups because of the high incidence of resistant infections and the subsequent treatment requirements. We report two cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) corneal ulcers in high-risk groups. The first case involved a patient who had keratitis after using antibiotic- and steroid-containing eyedrops to treat a corneal opacity that developed after repeated penetrating keratoplasty. The second case involved a patient who used antibiotic-containing eyedrops and a topical lubricant on a regular basis for >1 month to treat exposure keratitis due to lagophthalmos. The second patient's problems, which included a persistent superficial infiltration, developed after brain tumor surgery. Both cases showed MRSA on corneal culture, and the corneal ulcers improved in both patients after the application of vancomycin-containing eyedrops. In conclusion, MRSA infection should be considered in corneal ulcers that have a round shape, mild superficial infiltration, and slow progression, especially in high-risk groups. This report includes descriptions of the characteristic features, antibiotic sensitivities, prevention, and successful treatment with vancomycin-containing eyedrops for MRSA corneal ulcers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/6a/kjo-24-240.PMC2916107.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3789578", "abstract": "Gastric cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death in the world and also causes much morbidity. The acquired resistance of cancer cells to drug reagents is becoming a major obstacle for successful cancer therapy. Recently, many studies have revealed that macroautophagy (here referred to as autophagy) may be a prosurvival factor and protect the cancer cell from the development of drug-induced death. Thus, we propose that autophagy may play an important role in the resistance of gastric cancer to therapy. Although the exact role of autophagy in tumor cells is still unclear and further studies are needed to prove the role of autophagy in gastric cancer, recent research findings suggest a new direction in investigating the mechanism underlying resistance of gastric cancer to therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/b5/PMC3789578.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4452841", "abstract": " Objective. To compare the real-world effectiveness of everolimus-based therapy and chemotherapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive/human-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Methods. This retrospective chart review examined a nationwide sample of postmenopausal HR+/HER2− mBC women in community-based oncology practices. Patients received everolimus-based therapy or chemotherapy for mBC between 07/01/2012 and 04/15/2013, after failure of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time on treatment (TOT) were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for line of therapy and baseline characteristics. Results. 234 and 137 patients received everolimus-based therapy and chemotherapy. Patients treated with everolimus-based therapy tended to have less aggressive mBC than patients treated with chemotherapy. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models showed that everolimus-based therapy was associated with significantly longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/52/PMC4452841.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3833322", "abstract": " Objective. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week program of therapeutic Tai Chi on the motor function and physical function of idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients (PDs). Methods. The participants were 22 clinically stable PDs in Hoehn-Yahr stages 1-2 randomly assigned to a therapeutic Tai Chi group (TTC, N = 11) or a control group (CON, N = 9). Two subjects in control group did not complete the study for personal reasons. TTC was performed three days a week (60 min/session). Motor symptoms by the UPDRS were assessed, and tests of physical function were administered before and after the 12-week trial. Results. The TTC group, as compared to the CON group, showed changes in the mentation, behavior, mood, and motor scales of the UPDRS (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, resp.), with no significant main effects on the activities of daily living scale (ADL). However, there was a significant interaction between the time and intervention group on ADL (P < 0.05). There were no significant main effects for any of the physical function variables. There were significant interaction effects in balance and agility (P < 0.05, resp.). Conclusions. This study showed that TTC training had modest positive effects on the functional status of Parkinson's disease patients.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/6c/PMC3833322.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2817384", "abstract": "The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between GHRH-induced GH secretion in obese premenopausal women and cardiovascular risk markers or insulin resistance.  Premenopausal obese women, aged 35–52 years, were studied. GH secretion, IGF-I, serum cardiovascular risk markers, insulin, leptin, mid-waist and hip circumference, total body fat, and truncal fat were measured. Subjects were classified as meeting the criteria for GH deficiency (GHD) when peak GH after stimulation with GHRH was ≤3 μg/L. Mean total and LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were all higher, in subjects who would have been classified as GH-deficient compared with GH-sufficient. Peak GH secretion after stimulation was inversely associated with fasting insulin (R = −0.650, P = .012), HOMA-IR (R = −0.846, P = .001), total cholesterol (R = −0.532, P = .034), and LDL cholesterol (R = −0.692, P = .006) and positively associated with HDL cholesterol (R = 0.561, P = .037).  These data strongly suggest a role for insulin resistance in the decreased GH secretion of obesity and that the blunted GH secretion of central obesity could be the pituitary expression of the metabolic syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/7a/PMC2817384.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3262373", "abstract": "Background Beta1 (B1) selective blockers have been widely used for the treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope though clinical trials have shown conflicting degrees of efficacy. Objective To study the clinical efficacy of B1 selective blockers compared to placebo in the treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope. Methods Four placebo controlled randomized studies were identified after search of existing English language literature. Review Manager (RevMan version 5, Oxford, England) was used for statistical calculations. Both random and fixed effects models were used for analysis. Results There was no demonstrable efficacy of B1 blockers compared to placebo even after a pre-specified sensitivity analysis. There was a trend towards more adverse events in the beta blocker group compared to placebo (OR = 2.03 CI = 0.83–3.95, p = 0.12). Conclusion There is no clinical evidence for justifying the use of B1 selective blockers in the treatment of adult neurocardiogenic syncope. These agents may in fact lead to a higher rate of adverse events compared to placebo.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/5d/PMC3262373.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5146203", "abstract": "Emotional arousal can have a profound impact on various learning and memory processes. For example, unconditioned emotional stimuli (e.g., predator odor or anxiogenic drugs) enhance dorsolateral striatum (DLS)-dependent habit memory. These effects critically depend on a modulatory role of the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA). Recent work indicates that, like unconditioned emotional stimuli, exposure to an aversive conditioned stimulus (CS) (i.e., a tone previously paired with shock) can also enhance consolidation of DLS-dependent habit memory. The present experiments examined whether noradrenergic activity, particularly within the BLA, is required for a fear CS to enhance habit memory consolidation. First, rats underwent a fear conditioning procedure in which a tone CS was paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus. Over the course of the next five days, rats received training in a DLS-dependent water plus-maze task, in which rats were reinforced to make a consistent body-turn response to reach a hidden escape platform. Immediately after training on days 1–3, rats received post-training systemic (Experiment 1) or intra-BLA (Experiment 2) administration of the β-adrenoreceptor antagonist, propranolol. Immediately after drug administration, half of the rats were re-exposed to the tone CS in the conditioning context (without shock). Post-training CS exposure enhanced consolidation of habit memory in vehicle-treated rats, and this effect was blocked by peripheral (Experiment 1) or intra-BLA (Experiment 2) propranolol administration. The present findings reveal that noradrenergic activity within the BLA is critical for the enhancement of DLS-dependent habit memory as a result of exposure to conditioned emotional stimuli.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/24/main.PMC5146203.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3078323", "abstract": "Over the last several years significant interest has arisen in bifurcation stenting, in particular stimulated by the European Bifurcation Club. Traditional straight vessel analysis by QCA does not satisfy the requirements for such complex morphologies anymore. To come up with practical solutions, we have developed two models, a Y-shape and a T-shape model, suitable for bifurcation QCA analysis depending on the specific anatomy of the coronary bifurcation. The principles of these models are described in this paper, as well as the results of validation studies carried out on clinical materials. It can be concluded that the accuracy, precision and applicability of these new bifurcation analyses are conform the general guidelines that have been set many years ago for conventional QCA-analyses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/12/10554_2010_Article_9795.PMC3078323.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5095896", "abstract": "Background: In Japan, the number of beds and average length of stay in a psychiatric ward are greater than in other developed countries. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the association between family variables and the length of stay of patients with mental and behavioural disorders in a private psychiatric hospital in Japan. Methods: The medical records of patients discharged during a one-year period (n=56: men 50.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/25/CPEMH-12-87.PMC5095896.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3797950", "abstract": "Colonic lipoma, a very rare form of benign tumor, is typically detected incidentally in asymptomatic patients. The size of lipoma is reported variously from 2 mm to 30 cm, with higher likelihood of symptoms as the size is bigger. Cases with symptom or bigger lesion are surgically resected in principle; endoscopic resection, which has developed recently with groundbreaking advance of endoscopic excision technology, is being used more often but with rare report of success due to high chance of complications such as bowel perforation or bleeding. The authors report here, together with a literature review, our experiences of three cases of giant colonic lipomas showing complete remission after aggressive unroofing technique, at certain intervals, using snare catheter at the origin of the lipoma so that the remaining lipoma could be drained out of the exposed surface spontaneously, in order to reduce complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/f0/ce-46-586.PMC3797950.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4536512", "abstract": "The clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains suboptimal in some patients. One of the factors that might hinder improved functionality may be postoperative limb length discrepancy due to increase in limb length of the operative limb. The objective of this cross-sectional prospective study was to examine the extent to which limb length change occurs after TKA and to compare the change in limb length to the degree of valgus or varus joint position preoperatively. The role of body mass index and Kellgren-Lawrence grade in limb length change was also assessed. The data of 137 TKAs were analyzed and separated into categories to compare change in limb length pre- versus postoperatively. In all, 59.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/53/PMC4536512.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4341370", "abstract": "Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of polygenic etiology. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) microsatellite as a proinflammatory cytokine is believed to play an important role in the etiology of this disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of TNF-α microsatellite sequence variation in patients with MS and its risk factor in the southern Iranian population. Patients and Methods: This polymorphism was investigated in an Iranian population of 163 native southern people [81 patients with MS according to the poser criteria and 82 healthy controls (HC) with the same age, sex, social, ethnical and geographical features (Hormozgan and Fars provinces)]. All the controls were nonimmunological, neurological patients. All the cases and controls were chosen randomly and genotyped for polymorphism of TNF-α microsatellite. Results: The frequencies of TNF-α*11 (0.25, P < 0.005) and TNF-α*10 (P < 0.005) alleles increased in patients with MS compared with controls, showing a significant difference among the studied population. Conclusions: The current study adds evidence to the association of TNF-α gene polymorphism and MS in this southern south Iranian population which is consistent with the genetic analysis of MS in Europeans (GAMES) project reports and these two alleles reported in this study may be one of the genetic risk factor for MS. Furthermore, this data can be used to build the Iranian gene bank for future studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/dd/ircmj-17-01-18247.PMC4341370.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4808550", "abstract": "It is known that thyroid hormone is an important regulator of cancer development and metastasis. What is more, changes across the genome, as well as alternative splicing, may affect the activity of the thyroid hormone receptors. Mechanism of action of the thyroid hormone is different in every cancer; therefore in this review thyroid hormone and its receptor are presented as a regulator of renal cell carcinoma. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/20/PMC4808550.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3937208", "abstract": "Alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission have long been associated with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders (PNDD), but only recent advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing have allowed interrogation of the prevalence of mutations in glutamate receptors (GluR) among afflicted individuals. In this review we discuss recent work describing GluR mutations in the context of PNDDs. Although there are no strict relationships between receptor subunit or type and disease, some interesting preliminary conclusions have arisen. Mutations in genes coding for ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits, which are central to synaptic transmission and plasticity, are mostly associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. In contrast, mutations of metabotropic GluRs, having a role on modulating neural transmission, are preferentially associated with psychiatric disorders. Also, the prevalence of mutations among GluRs is highly heterogeneous, suggesting a critical role of certain subunits in PNDD pathophysiology. The emerging bias between GluR subtypes and specific PNDDs may have clinical implications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/b7/cib-7-e27887.PMC3937208.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3626369", "abstract": "Purpose To investigate whether gender affects therapeutic response by exenatide twice a day (BID) in type 2 diabetes by using a database concerning patients monitored by five outpatient clinics in Tuscany, Italy. Patients and methods We considered a cohort of 315 (154 male/161 female) patients experiencing therapeutic failure while on oral therapy (metformin, or combination therapy metformin + sulphonylureas), who were given exenatide (10 μg/BID) and who fully completed 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months of follow-ups. Results Among patients stratified by gender and well matched for age, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), it was found that the length of disease was longer in females than in males (12 ± 8 years versus 10 ± 7 years; P = 0.037), and the ratio of patients on metformin to those on combination therapy was higher in men (P = 0.018). Target glycemic response (1-year HbA1c ≤ 7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/8c/PMC3626369.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3777128", "abstract": " Objective. To study whether gender influences outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods. Cohort study of 245 consecutive adults presenting to the emergency department with spontaneous ICH from January 2006 to December 2008. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, extradural hemorrhage, and recurrence of hemorrhage were excluded. Results. There were no differences noted between genders in stroke severity (NIHSS) at presentation, ICH volume, or intraventricular extension (IVE) of hemorrhage. Despite this, females had 1.94 times higher odds of having a bad outcome (modified Rankin score (mRs) ≥3) as compared to males (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/4c/PMC3777128.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2998804", "abstract": "Purpose A Phase I dose-escalation study was performed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the immunotoxin VB4-845 in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) refractory to or intolerant of bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG). Secondary objectives included evaluation of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and efficacy of VB4-845. Patients and methods Sixty-four patients with Grade 2 or 3, stage Ta or T1 transitional cell carcinoma or in situ carcinoma, either refractory to or intolerant of BCG therapy, were enrolled. Treatment was administered in ascending dose cohorts ranging from 0.1 to 30.16 mg. After receiving weekly instillations of VB4-845 to the bladder via catheter for 6 consecutive weeks, patients were followed for 4–6 weeks post-therapy and assessed at week 12. Results An MTD was not determined, as a dose-limiting toxicity was not identified over the dose range tested. VB4-845 therapy was safe and well tolerated with most adverse events reported as mild; as a result, no patients were removed from the study in response to toxicity. By the end of the study, the majority of patients had developed antibodies to the exotoxin portion of VB4-845. A complete response was achieved in 39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/23/PMC2998804.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4632178", "abstract": " Background. Efforts to reduce child mortality especially in Africa must as a necessity aim to decrease mortality due to pneumonia. To achieve this, preventive strategies such as expanding vaccination coverage are key. However once a child develops pneumonia prompt treatment which is essential to survival is dependent on mothers and caregiver recognition of the symptoms and danger signs of pneumonia. Methods. This community based cross-sectional study enrolled four hundred and sixty-six caregivers in Enugu state. It aimed to determine knowledge of caregivers about danger signs of pneumonia and the sociodemographic factors that influence knowledge and care seeking behaviour of caregivers. Results. There is poor knowledge of the aetiology and danger signs of pneumonia among caregivers. Higher maternal educational attainment and residence in semiurban area were significantly associated with knowledge of aetiology, danger signs, and vaccination of their children against pneumonia. Fast breathing and difficulty in breathing were the commonest known and experienced WHO recognized danger signs while fever was the commonest perceived danger sign among caregivers. Conclusion. Knowledge of danger signs and health seeking behaviour among caregivers is inadequate. There is need for intensified public and hospital based interventions targeted at mothers to improve their knowledge about pneumonia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/b9/PMC4632178.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4975798", "abstract": "A pyramid has expressed the idea of hierarchy of medical evidence for so long, that not all evidence is the same. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been placed at the top of this pyramid for several good reasons. However, there are several counterarguments to this placement. We suggest another way of looking at the evidence-based medicine pyramid and explain how systematic reviews and meta-analyses are tools for consuming evidence—that is, appraising, synthesising and applying evidence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/4d/ebmed-2016-110401.PMC4975798.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4323505", "abstract": "Usually fungal infections caused by opportunistic and pathogenic fungi had been an important cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. However clinical data and investigations for immunocompetent pathogenic fungal infections had been rare and neglected into clinical studies. Especially Cryptococcal brainstem abscess cases mimicking brain tumors were also much more rare. So we report this unusual case. This 47-year-old man presented with a history of progressively worsening headache and nausea for 1 month and several days of vomituritions before admission. Neurological and laboratory examinations performed demonstrated no abnormal findings. Previously he was healthy and did not have any significant medical illnesses. A CT and MRI scan revealed enhancing 1.8×1.7×2.0 cm mass lesion in the left pons having central necrosis and peripheral edema compressing the fourth ventricle. And also positron emission tomogram scan demonstrated a hot uptake of fluoro-deoxy-glucose on the brainstem lesion without any evidences of systemic metastasis. Gross total mass resection was achieved with lateral suboccipital approach with neuronavigation system. Postoperatively he recovered without any neurological deficits. Pathologic report confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans and he was successively treated with antifungal medications. This is a previously unreported rare case of brainstem Cryptococcal abscess mimicking brain tumors in immunocompetent host without having any apparent typical meningeal symptoms and signs with resultant good neurosurgical recovery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/e6/jkns-57-50.PMC4323505.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3484929", "abstract": "Several prostheses are available to replace degenerative diseased aortic valves with unique advantages and disadvantages. Bioprotheses show excellent hemodynamic behavior and low risk of thromboembolic complications, but are limited by tissue deterioration. Mechanical heart valves have extended durability, but permanent anticoagulation is mandatory. Tissue engineering created a new generation heart valve, which overcome limitations of biological and mechanical heart valves due to remodelling, regeneration and growth potential. Several publications are available in using tissue engineered heart valves in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Limited experiences are available on these heart valves implanted into the systemic circulation. This overview shows the current state on the development of tissue engineered aortic heart valves.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/7f/hsrp-04-089.PMC3484929.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4085247", "abstract": "PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling and mechanical loading on the biaxial flexural strength and the phase transformation of one Ce-TZP/Al2O3 and two Y-TZP core materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty disc-shaped specimens were obtained from each material. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (control, thermocycled, and mechanically loaded). Thermocycling was subjected in distilled water for 10000 cycles. Mechanical loading was subjected with 200 N loads at a frequency of 2 Hz for 100000 times. The mean biaxial flexural strength and phase transformation of the specimens were tested. The Weibull modulus, characteristic strength, 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/32/jap-6-224.PMC4085247.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4449893", "abstract": "Background: Salep is used for various purposes in food industries and traditional medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effect on the liver seems to be necessary. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess salep effect on liver. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, various concentrations of Salep were intraperitoneally administered to five groups of Wistar rats (control, placebo and 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg salep). After one month, liver enzymes and liver tissue were evaluated and compared between different groups. Results: Significant decreased level of liver enzymes, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and TOC (Total Oxidation Capacity) were found in various concentrations of salep administration. On the other hand, a significant increase was found in TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) level with various doses of salep. Conclusions: Elevated level of total protein and albumin and decreased level of liver enzyme by salep extract were found in this study. Therefore, this plant may be a useful medicine for patients with liver diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/98/hepatmon-15-04-28137.PMC4449893.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2659155", "abstract": "BACKGROUND Despite vigorous national debate between 1999–2001 the federal patients’ bill of rights (PBOR) was not enacted. However, states have enacted legislation and the Joint Commission defined an accreditation standard to present patients with their rights. Because such initiatives can be undermined by overly complex language, we surveyed the readability of hospital PBOR documents as well as texts mandated by state law. METHODS State Web sites and codes were searched to identify PBOR statutes for general patient populations. The rights addressed were compared with the 12 themes presented in the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) PBOR text of 2002. In addition, we obtained PBOR texts from a sample of hospitals in each state. Readability was evaluated using Prose, a software program which reports an average of eight readability formulas. RESULTS Of 23 states with a PBOR statute for the general public, all establish a grievance policy, four protect a private right of action, and one stipulates fines for violations. These laws address an average of 7.4 of the 12 AHA themes. Nine states’ statutes specify PBOR text for distribution to patients. These documents have an average readability of 15th grade (range, 11.6, New York, to 17.0, Minnesota). PBOR documents from 240 US hospitals have an average readability of 14th grade (range, 8.2 to 17.0). CONCLUSIONS While the average U.S. adult reads at an 8th grade reading level, an advanced college reading level is routinely required to read PBOR documents. Patients are not likely to learn about their rights from documents they cannot read.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/56/PMC2659155.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4355431", "abstract": "Purpose Single-agent interferon (IFN) is no longer regarded as a standard option for first-line systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Western countries. However, some patients with favorable-risk RCC may still achieve complete and long-lasting remission in response to IFN treatment. The present study compared favorable-risk Japanese patients with metastatic RCC Japanese patients who had been treated with IFN or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy as a first-line systemic therapy. Materials and Methods From 1995 to 2014, a total of 48 patients with favorable risk as defined by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center criteria who did not receive adjuvant systemic therapy were retrospectively enrolled in this study. We assessed the tumor response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results The objective response rate for first-line therapy was 29", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/29/kju-56-205.PMC4355431.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2627174", "abstract": "Objective To provide reference ranges of the fetal gall bladder in the Korean population. Materials and Methods Fetal gall bladder development was evaluated in well-dated, non-anomalous fetuses in the Korean population between February and April 2003 and the visualization rate and reference values were determined from the obtained data. Results The visualization rate of the fetal gall bladder increased as gestation advanced to a plateau above 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/20/kjr-9-54.PMC2627174.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2896632", "abstract": "The KRAS gene (Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) is an oncogene that encodes a small GTPase transductor protein called KRAS. KRAS is involved in the regulation of cell division as a result of its ability to relay external signals to the cell nucleus. Activating mutations in the KRAS gene impair the ability of the KRAS protein to switch between active and inactive states, leading to cell transformation and increased resistance to chemotherapy and biological therapies targeting epidermal growth factor receptors. This review highlights some of the features of the KRAS gene and the KRAS protein and summarizes current knowledge of the mechanism of KRAS gene regulation. It also underlines the importance of activating mutations in the KRAS gene in relation to carcinogenesis and their importance as diagnostic biomarkers, providing clues regarding human cancer patients' prognosis and indicating potential therapeutic approaches.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/f2/PMC2896632.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4749420", "abstract": "Palisaded encapsulated (solitary circumscribed) neuromas (PENs) are relatively common intraoral neurogenic tumors, which occur most frequently on the hard palate. Herein, we describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a palisaded encapsulated neuroma of the tongue. This tumor was an exophytic sessile mass measuring 0.3× 0.4 cm with rubbery consistency on the anterior one-third of the dorsum of the tongue. The tumor was excised under the impression of a pyogenic granuloma (PG). No recurrence was reported at 12 months postoperatively. Histopathological examination showed a well-circumscribed mass that composed of interlacing fascicles of spindle cells. The cells were S-100 positive. The nuclei, showing parallel orientation within the fascicles, were wavy and pointed and showed no sign of mitotic activity. Giemsa staining revealed no mast cells within the stroma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/be/PMC4749420.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4793795", "abstract": "We report on siblings who suffer from EEC syndrome and show our experiences of the \"Basel concept\" of cleft lip/palate repair based on the early, one-stage closure of all components. It is performed in the age of 3–4 months to provide early normal conditions for anatomy and muscle function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/40/icrp-2-63.PMC4793795.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3972835", "abstract": " Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in pregnant and nonpregnant women, testing the correlation between DNA of the viruses with colposcopic and/or cytological changes, and evaluate association with sociodemographic characteristics and sexual activity. Methods. Included in this study were 106 pregnant and 130 nonpregnant women treated at primary health care units of Natal, Brazil, in the period 2010-2011. The patients were examined by colposcopy, and two cervical specimens were collected: one for cytology examination and another for analysis by PCR for detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Results. HSV-1 alone was detected in 16.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/fd/PMC3972835.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897469", "abstract": "Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in spite of being the single most important under-five morbidity have not been studied adequately in peri-urban settings in India. We conducted this study prospectively on a cohort of 106 children in a peri-urban area of Delhi. The overall 2-week prevalence of all types of ARI was 34.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/07/PMC4897469.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4934533", "abstract": "Background Patients with COPD have had a lower tendency to quit smoking compared to patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). We wanted to investigate if this is still true in a Norwegian population. Methods Our data came from the fifth and sixth Tromsø surveys, which took place in 2001–2002 and 2007–2008. The predictors of smoking cessation were evaluated in a cohort of 4,497 participants who had stated their smoking status in both surveys. Results Of the 4,497 subjects in the cohort, 1,150 (25.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/d9/copd-11-1453.PMC4934533.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3196993", "abstract": "The extremely poor outcome from pancreas cancer is well known. However, its aetiology less well appreciated, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. Tobacco usage is one of the strongest risk factors for this disease, and this is a completely avoidable hazard. In addition, there are well described hereditary diseases which predispose, and familial pancreas cancer. We have sought here to summarise the role of tobacco-derived carcinogens and the mode of their tumorigenic action on the pancreas. There is compelling evidence from animal and human studies (laboratory including cell line studies and epidemiologic) that tobacco derived carcinogens cause pancreas cancer. However, the manner in which they do so is not entirely apparent. There is also compelling evidence that synergism with genetic and other life-style factors—like diet obesity—results in a multifactorial causation of the disease. Ascertaining the role of tobacco carcinogens in the development of this cancer and their interaction with other risk factors will enable novel therapeutic and preventative strategies to improve outcome from this appalling malignancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/56/PMC3196993.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4157508", "abstract": "Percutaneous extracorporeal life support (P-ECLS) is a useful modality for the management of refractory cardiac or pulmonary failure. However, venoarterial P-ECLS may result in a complication of left ventricular distension. In this case report, we discuss a patient with drug-induced dilated cardiomyopathy managed with venoarterial P-ECLS and a left atrial vent catheter. The venoarterial P-ECLS was modified to a paracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) by removing the femoral venous cannula. After 28 days of hospitalization, the patient was successfully weaned from the paracorporeal LVAD and discharged home from the hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/dd/kjtcvs-47-409.PMC4157508.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015781", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed pediatric surgical operations. Several pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair techniques have been introduced. But debate is unresolved regarding the feasibility of laparoscopy for treating pediatric inguinal hernias. Methods: A retrospective cohort study enrolled 33 patients who underwent congenital inguinal hernia repair by either the new laparoscopic flip-flap technique or conventional open repair. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of surgery: Group A included those who underwent the new laparoscopic technique, and Group B included those who underwent conventional open repair. Results: Group A comprised 15 patients (mean age, 39 months), and group B comprised 18 (mean age, 44 months). Mean operative time was 47.5 minutes for Group A versus 27.5 minutes for Group B. Intraoperative complications for Group A included 1 case (7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/17/jsls-11-1-90.PMC3015781.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2699853", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Prevention of diabetic retinopathy would benefit from availability of drugs that preempt the effects of hyperglycemia on retinal vessels. We aimed to identify candidate drug targets by investigating the molecular effects of drugs that prevent retinal capillary demise in the diabetic rat. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined the gene expression profile of retinal vessels isolated from rats with 6 months of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and compared it with that of control rats. We then tested whether the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil and aspirin, which have different mechanisms of action, prevented common molecular abnormalities induced by diabetes. The Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 array was complemented by real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The retinal vessels of diabetic rats showed differential expression of 20 genes of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway, in addition to genes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular remodeling, and apoptosis. The complete loop of TGF-β signaling, including Smad2 phosphorylation, was enhanced in the retinal vessels, but not in the neural retina. Sorbinil normalized the expression of 71", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/70/zdb1659.PMC2699853.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5198535", "abstract": "Objective: The arrival of precision medicine plan brings new opportunities and challenges for patients undergoing precision diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. With the development of medical imaging, information on different modality imaging can be integrated and comprehensively analyzed by imaging fusion system. This review aimed to update the application of multimodality imaging fusion technology in the precise diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors under the precision medicine plan. We introduced several multimodality imaging fusion technologies and their application to the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors in clinical practice. Date Sources: The data cited in this review were obtained mainly from the PubMed database from 1996 to 2016, using the keywords of “precision medicine”, “fusion imaging”, “multimodality”, and “tumor diagnosis and treatment”. Study Selection: Original articles, clinical practice, reviews, and other relevant literatures published in English were reviewed. Papers focusing on precision medicine, fusion imaging, multimodality, and tumor diagnosis and treatment were selected. Duplicated papers were excluded. Results: Multimodality imaging fusion technology plays an important role in tumor diagnosis and treatment under the precision medicine plan, such as accurate location, qualitative diagnosis, tumor staging, treatment plan design, and real-time intraoperative monitoring. Multimodality imaging fusion systems could provide more imaging information of tumors from different dimensions and angles, thereby offing strong technical support for the implementation of precision oncology. Conclusion: Under the precision medicine plan, personalized treatment of tumors is a distinct possibility. We believe that multimodality imaging fusion technology will find an increasingly wide application in clinical practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/80/CMJ-129-2991.PMC5198535.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3655600", "abstract": "Adult-onset hearing loss is insidious and typically diagnosed and managed several years after onset. Often, this is after the loss having led to multiple negative consequences including effects on employment, depressive symptoms, and increased risk of mortality. In contrast, the use of hearing aids is associated with reduced depression, longer life expectancy, and retention in the workplace. Despite this, several studies indicate high levels of unmet need for hearing health services in older adults and poor use of prescribed hearing aids, often leading to their abandonment. In Australia, the largest component of financial cost of hearing loss (excluding the loss of well-being) is due to lost workplace productivity. Nonetheless, the Australian public health system does not have an effective and sustainable hearing screening strategy to tackle the problem of poor detection of adult-onset hearing loss. Given the increasing prevalence and disease burden of hearing impairment in adults, two key areas are not adequately met in the Australian healthcare system: (1) early identification of persons with chronic hearing impairment; (2) appropriate and targeted referral of these patients to hearing health service providers. This paper reviews the current literature, including population-based data from the Blue Mountains Hearing Study, and suggests different models for early detection of adult-onset hearing loss.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/ff/PMC3655600.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327464", "abstract": "This study evaluated the sealing ability of apical plugs made of white and gray MTA-Angelus® and white Portland cement placed via the root canal and having different thicknesses (2, 5 and 7 mm). Ninety extracted human single-rooted teeth were instrumented using a size 40 K-file to standardize the foraminal opening by the stepback technique. The teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n=30), according to the material used for fabrication of the apical plugs: A = gray MTA; B = white MTA; C = white Portland cement. The groups were subdivided into groups of 10 teeth each according to the apical plug thickness (2, 5 and 7 mm). Marginal apical dye leakage was assessed using 0.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/f1/1678-7757-jaos-15-03-0181.PMC4327464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2928351", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term cardiovascular risk differs in type 2 diabetic patients compared with first acute myocardial infarction patients in a Mediterranean region, considering therapy, diabetes duration, and glycemic control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective population-based cohort study with 10-year follow-up was performed in 4,410 patients aged 30–74 years: 2,260 with type 2 diabetes without coronary heart disease recruited in 53 primary health care centers and 2,150 with first acute myocardial infarction without diabetes recruited in 10 hospitals. We compared coronary heart disease incidence and cardiovascular mortality rates in myocardial infarction patients and diabetic patients, including subgroups by diabetes treatment, duration, and A1C. RESULTS The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for 10-year coronary heart disease incidence and for cardiovascular mortality were significantly lower in men and women with diabetes than in myocardial infarction patients: HR 0.54 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/77/zdc2004.PMC2928351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4599407", "abstract": "Background Elevated serum phosphorus might aggravate the effect of hypertension on mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the joint effect of hypertension and serum phosphorus on the risk of mortality. Methods and Results A large prospective (n=15 833), population-based cohort of participants from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III was examined to test potential synergism between hypertension, elevated serum phosphorus, and the risk of mortality. Interaction on additive scale and multiplicative scale was estimated. After a median follow-up of 14.3 years, 1691 cases of cardiovascular mortality and 3875 cases of all-cause mortality were identified. Interaction was observed between hypertension and elevated serum phosphorus on the additive scale for cardiovascular mortality (relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.99, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/d0/jah30004-e001706.PMC4599407.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3440564", "abstract": "Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is described as the sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Knowing the potential causes of TrPs is important to prevent their development and recurrence, but also to inactivate and eliminate existing TrPs. There is general agreement that muscle overuse or direct trauma to the muscle can lead to the development of TrPs. Muscle overload is hypothesized to be the result of sustained or repetitive low-level muscle contractions, eccentric muscle contractions, and maximal or submaximal concentric muscle contractions. TrPs may develop during occupational, recreational, or sports activities when muscle use exceeds muscle capacity and normal recovery is disturbed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/90/PMC3440564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2931350", "abstract": "Background. Primary ovarian carcinoma with metastasis to the breast is rare, with only 39 cases reported in the current literature. Ovarian metastasis to the breast presenting as inflammatory breast carcinoma is even more infrequent, with only 6 cases reported. Case. We present a patient who developed metastatic inflammatory cancer of the breast from a stage IIIC papillary serous ovarian adenocarcinoma approximately 1 year after the original diagnosis. Pathologic analysis confirmed the origin of the tumor: a high-grade adenocarcinoma morphologically similar to the previously diagnosed ovarian cancer. In addition, the tumor was strongly positive on immunohistochemistry for CA-125, identical to the ovarian primary. The patient died of diffuse metastasis 5 months after the breast tumor was noted. Conclusion. Although ovarian metastasis to the breast presenting as inflammatory breast cancer is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis for any patient with a personal history of ovarian cancer. Accurate differentiation is necessary because treatment differs significantly for patients with ovarian metastasis to the breast, as compared with patients with primary inflammatory breast cancer. Ovarian metastasis to the breast confers a poor prognosis: patient survival ranged from 3 to 18 months, with a median survival of 6 months after the diagnosis of the breast metastasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/71/jcav01p0027.PMC2931350.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4194859", "abstract": "The findings show that with the development of a multitude of safe and effective drugs during the later part of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, drugs are, as never before, a true mainstay of medical treatment. CMS continues to monitor drug utilization and expenditures in all of its programs in order to ensure that care is rendered in a cost-effective manner that is beneficial to the patient. This highlight summarizes trends in drug expenditures and utilization in the Medicaid Program.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/97/PMC4194859.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3413168", "abstract": "Background Laminectomy/laminotomy and foraminotomy are well established surgical techniques for treatment of symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. However, these procedures have significant limitations, including limited access to lateral and foraminal compression and postoperative instability. The purpose of this cadaver study was to compare bone, ligament, and soft tissue morphology following lumbar decompression using a minimally invasive MicroBlade Shaver® instrument versus hemilaminotomy with foraminotomy (HL). Methods The iO-Flex® system utilizes a flexible over-the-wire MicroBlade Shaver instrument designed for facet-sparing, minimally invasive “inside-out” decompression of the lumbar spine. Unilateral decompression was performed at 36 levels in nine human cadaver specimens, six with age-appropriate degenerative changes and three with radiographically confirmed multilevel stenosis. The iO-Flex system was utilized on alternating sides from L2/3 to L5/S1, and HL was performed on the opposite side at each level by the same investigator. Spinal canal, facet joint, lateral recess, and foraminal morphology were assessed using computed tomography. Results Similar increases in soft tissue canal area and decreases in ligamentum flavum area were noted in nondiseased specimens, although HL required removal of 83", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/44/PMC3413168.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3202145", "abstract": "Vaginal microbicides that reduce or eliminate the risk of HIV-1 sexual transmission must do so safely without adversely affecting the integrity of the cervicovaginal epithelium. The present studies were performed to assess the safety of the biguanide-based antiviral compound NB325 in a formulation suitable for topical application. Experiments were performed using a mouse model of cervicovaginal microbicide application, which was previously shown to be predictive of topical agent toxicity revealed in microbicide clinical trials. Mice were exposed vaginally to unformulated NB325 or NB325 formulated in the hydroxyethyl cellulose “universal placebo.” Following exposures to formulated 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/4c/PMC3202145.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3177090", "abstract": " Study Objective. To identify sensitive and specific histological criteria for endometritis in women with laparoscopically-confirmed acute salpingitis. Methods. Women, age 18–40 years of age presenting with complaints of lower abdominal pain ≤2 weeks and no antibiotics use in past two weeks, were enrolled. They underwent clinical examination, screening for HIV; other sexually transmitted infections plus endometrial biopsy sampling for histopathology. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of acute salpingitis. Controls were women undergoing tubal ligation and HIV-1 infected women asymptomatic for genital tract infection. Results. Of 125 women with laparoscopically-confirmed salpingitis, 38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/eb/PMC3177090.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4283988", "abstract": "Purpose We aimed to compare the rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) achieved with peginterferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2a and alfa-2b in combination with ribavinin (RBV) for chronic hepatitis C, using a large database of hepatitis cases to improve the generalizability of these results. Methods We identified patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with PEG-IFN alfa-2a or alfa-2b and RBV, from the Japanese Interferon Database, between December 2009 and April 2013. This database contains the medical records of IFN treatment collected from 36 prefectures in Japan. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to compare SVR rates obtained with PEG-IFN alfa-2a and alfa-2b, in combination with RBV. Results A total of 16,349 patients were recorded in the Japanese Interferon Database. After application of the exclusion criteria, 12,706 patients (3,578 [1,710 males, 1,868 females] on PEG-IFN alfa-2a; and 9,128 [4,652 males, 4,476 females] on PEG-IFN alfa-2b) were included in this analysis. The SVR rate in the PEG-IFN alfa-2b group was 62.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/59/dddt-9-283.PMC4283988.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4829794", "abstract": "This paper mainly studies the Laplacian-energy-like invariants of the modified hexagonal lattice, modified Union Jack lattice, and honeycomb lattice. By utilizing the tensor product of matrices and the diagonalization of block circulant matrices, we derive closed-form formulas expressing the Laplacian-energy-like invariants of these lattices. In addition, we obtain explicit asymptotic values of these invariants with software-aided computations of some integrals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/e3/PMC4829794.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2836137", "abstract": "Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with elevated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) and altered peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) function. Therefore, we tested whether CT-1 induces TNFα in PBMC of healthy volunteers.  CT-1 induced in PBMC TNFα protein in the supernatant and TNFα mRNA in a concentration- and time-dependent manner determined by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Maximal TNFα protein was achieved with 100 ng/mL CT-1 after 3–6 hours and maximal TNFα mRNA induction after 1 hour. ELISA data were confirmed using immunofluorescent flow cytometry. Inhibitor studies with actinomycin D and brefeldin A showed that both protein synthesis and intracellular transport are essential for CT-1 induced TNFα expression. CT-1 caused a dose dependent nuclear factor (NF) κB translocation. Parthenolide inhibited both NFκB translocation and TNFα protein expression indicating that NFκB seems to be necessary.  We revealed a new mechanism for elevated serum TNFα concentrations and PBMC activation in CHF besides the hypothesis of PBMC activation by bacterial translocation from the gut.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/e1/PMC2836137.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3843903", "abstract": "We report this case of secondary amyloidosis associated with Castleman's disease. A 51-year-old man presented with systemic symptoms of generalized weakness, fatigue, unintended weight loss, anorexia and progressively worsening abdominal distension. On examination he was found to have an indurated right-sided submandibular mass and tense ascites. He was found to have multiorgan dysfunction with deranged liver function tests and renal failure. Ascitic fluid analysis revealed evidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Biopsy of the submandibular mass revealed angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia consistent with a diagnosis of Castleman's disease. A subsequent liver biopsy showed extensive deposition of amyloid protein. Bone marrow biopsy also showed the presence of amyloid and increased kappa light chain-restricted plasma cells. The patient was not considered a candidate for chemotherapy or solid organ transplantation in view of active sepsis and poor physical condition. Secondary systemic amyloidosis complicating Castleman's disease is very rare. Untreated secondary systemic amyloidosis often has a rapidly fatal course, such as seen in our patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/c9/crg-0007-0476.PMC3843903.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3168786", "abstract": "The shewanellae are ubiquitous in aquatic and sedimentary systems that are chemically stratified on a permanent or seasonal basis. In addition to their ability to utilize a diverse array of terminal electron acceptors, the microorganisms have evolved both common and unique responding mechanisms to cope with various stresses. This paper focuses on the response and adaptive mechanism of the shewanellae, largely based on transcriptional data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/00/PMC3168786.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3713553", "abstract": "Objectives Discussion of a rare case of angioleiomyoma involving the geniculate ganglion and the intratemporal facial nerve segment and its surgical treatment. Design Case report. Setting Presence of an expansive lesion englobing the geniculate ganglion without any lesion to the cerebellopontine angle. Participants A 45-year-old man with a grade III facial paralysis according to the House-Brackmann scale of evaluation. Main Outcomes Measure Surgical pathology, radiologic appearance, histological features, and postoperative facial function. Results Removal of the entire lesion was achieved, preserving the anatomic integrity of the nerve; no nerve graft was necessary. Postoperative histology and immunohistochemical studies revealed features indicative of solid vascular leiomyoma. Conclusion Angioleiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of geniculate ganglion lesions. Optimal postoperative facial function is possible only by preserving the anatomical and functional integrity of the facial nerve.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4c/1c/PMC3713553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3630934", "abstract": "Insomnia affects a significant proportion of the general population and an even greater proportion of patients seen in general medical care. Insomnia has multiple negative effects on health status, decreases quality of life, and is associated with increased health care costs. Current treatments for insomnia include pharmacologic and behavioral strategies. Pharmacologic treatments may be effective for short-term and middle-of-the-night (MOTN) insomnia, but the usefulness of many sleep medications is limited by the residual daytime sedation with which they are associated. This problem is especially important in the case of MOTN insomnia, when only a few hours may elapse between the time a patient takes the medication and when he or she must rise. The development of sublingual and low-dose formulations of zolpidem raises the possibility that pharmacologic therapy may allow patients with MOTN insomnia to be effectively treated with a decreased risk of residual daytime sedation. Current studies of this strategy are promising, and several formulations are in the process of being brought to market.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/2a/PMC3630934.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3227472", "abstract": " Background. There are limited data on sleep duration and diabetes from developing countries. We therefore examined the relationship between reported hours of sleep, diabetes prevalence and glucose control in Jamaican adults. Methods. Data on reported hours of sleep and diabetes (based on glucose measurement and medication use) from a national survey of 15–74-year-old Jamaicans were analyzed. Results. The 2,432 participants (31", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/89/PMC3227472.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3885193", "abstract": " Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 is a seawater-dependent antibiotic producer, previously isolated and characterised from an Indian coastal solar saltern. This paper reports replacement of seawater with a defined salt formulation in production medium and subsequent statistical media optimization to ensure consistent as well as improved antibiotic production by Streptomyces sp. JAJ06. This strain was observed to be proficient to produce antibiotic compound with incorporation of chemically defined sodium-chloride-based salt formulation instead of seawater into the production medium. Plackett-Burman design experiment was applied, and three media constituents, starch, KBr, and CaCO3, were recognised to have significant effect on the antibiotic production of Streptomyces JAJ06 at their individual levels. Subsequently, Response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize these influencing medium constituents for the improved antibiotic production of Streptomyces sp. JAJ06. A total of 17 experiments were conducted towards the construction of a quadratic model and a second-order polynomial equation. Optimum levels of medium constituents were obtained by analysis of the model and numerical optimization method. When the strain JAJ06 was cultivated in the optimized medium, the antibiotic activity was increased to 173.3 U/mL, 26.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/5b/PMC3885193.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4004913", "abstract": "The present study was designed to determine the plasma level of orexin and its relationship with other metabolic and anthropometric markers in obese children. Forty-seven obese Japanese children, consisting of 31 boys and 16 girls, were enrolled in the study. Their ages were 10.4 ± 0.5 (mean ± s.e.m.) yr, and their percentage overweight was 42.9 ± 1.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/49/cpe-13-047.PMC4004913.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2915524", "abstract": "Background: Chronic renal failure is strongly associated with poor pregnancy outcome. Women dependent on hemodialysis before conception rarely achieve a successful live birth. Case presentation: A 31-year-old multiparous Turkish woman was scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia at 37 weeks and five days’ gestation because of hemorrhage due to secondary placenta previa. Spinal anesthesia with 8 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine was successfully performed. Invasive blood pressure, central venous pressure, and heart rate were stable during the surgery. The mother returned to regular hemodialysis on the first postoperative day. Conclusion: Pregnancy is uncommon in women with chronic renal failure requiring chronic dialysis. Rates of maternal hypertension, pre-eclampsia, anemia, and infection in the pregnant chronic dialysis patient are high. However, our findings suggest that with careful, close, and effective monitoring preoperatively and intraoperatively, spinal anesthesia can be safely performed for cesarean section in patients undergoing hemodialysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/8c/PMC2915524.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3295996", "abstract": "Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and widely used to treat osteoporosis. Extensive studies have shown that therapy with bisphosphonates improves bone density and decreases fracture risk. However, concerns have been raised about potential over-suppression of bone turnover during long-term use of bisphosphonates, resulting in increased susceptibility to and delayed healing of non-spinal fractures. We report a patient who sustained non-traumatic stress fractures in bilateral femoral shafts with delayed healing after long-term bisphosphonate therapy. She underwent open reduction and surgical internal fixation. Although bisphosphonates effectively prevent vertebral fractures, and their safety has been tested in randomized trials, we must emphasize the need for awareness of the possibility that long-term suppression of bone turnover with bisphosphonates may eventually lead to an accumulation of fatigue-induced damage and adverse skeletal effects such as delayed fracture healing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/79/kjim-27-98.PMC3295996.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4927642", "abstract": "Rothia aeria is a Rothia species from the Micrococcaceae family. We report here the first French R. aeria endocarditis complicated by brain haemorrhage and femoral mycotic aneurysms. Altogether, severity and antimicrobial susceptibility should make us consider the management of R. aeria endocarditis as Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-susceptible endocarditis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/32/main.PMC4927642.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3491218", "abstract": "Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rarely encountered. In particular, due to frequent anatomic complexity and the presence of nearby critical structures, PICA origin aneurysms are difficult to treat. However, recent reports of anecdotal cases using advanced endovascular instruments and skills have made the results of endovascular treatment rather outstanding. PICA preservation is the key to a successful endovascular treatment, based on the premise that a PICA origin aneurysm is well occluded. To secure PICA flow, stenting into the PICA would be the best method, however, it is nearly impossible technically via the ipsilateral vertebral artery (VA) if the PICA arose at an acute angle from the sac. In such a case, a bilateral approach for stent-assisted coiling can be a creative method for achievement of two goals of both aneurysm occlusion and PICA preservation: ipsilateral approach for coil delivery and contralateral cross-over approach for stent delivery via a retrograde smooth path into the PICA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/0a/jcen-14-223.PMC3491218.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3376048", "abstract": "Comparative cognition aims at unfolding the cognitive processes underlying animal behavior and their evolution, and is concerned with testing hypotheses about the evolution of the brain and intelligence in general. It is a developing field still challenged by conceptual and methodological issues. Systematic cross-species comparisons of cognitive abilities, taking both phylogeny and ecology into account are still scarce. One major reason for this is that it is very hard to find universally applicable paradigms that can be used to investigate the same cognitive ability or ‘general intelligence’ in several species. Many comparative paradigms have not paid sufficient attention to interspecific differences in anatomical, behavioral and perceptual features, besides psychological variables such as motivation, attentiveness or neophobia, thus potentially producing misrepresentative results. A new stance for future comparative research may be to establish behavioral and psychological profiles prior or alongside to comparing specific cognitive skills across species. Potentially revealing profiles could be obtained from examining species differences in how novel experimental (extractive foraging) tasks are explored and approached, how solutions are discovered and which ones are preferred, how flexibly multiple solutions are used and how much individual variation occurs, before proceeding to more detailed tests. Such new comparative approach is the Multi-Access-Box. It presents the animal with a novel problem that can be solved in several ways thus offering the possibility to examine species differences in all the above, and extract behavioral and perceptual determinants of their performance. Simultaneously, it is a suitable paradigm to collect comparative data about flexibility, innovativeness and problem solving ability, i.e., theoretical covariates of ‘general intelligence’, in a standardized manner.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/92/cib-5-140.PMC3376048.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5058980", "abstract": "Abstract Structural deficiencies and functional abnormalities of heart valves represent an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and a number of diseases, such as aortic stenosis, have been recently associated with infectious agents. This study aimed to analyze oral bacteria in dental plaque, saliva, and cardiac valves of patients with cardiovascular disease. Samples of supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque, saliva, and cardiac valve tissue were collected from 42 patients with heart valve disease. Molecular analysis of Streptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola was performed through real-time PCR. The micro-organism most frequently detected in heart valve samples was the S. mutans (89.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/49/medi-94-e2067.PMC5058980.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3998802", "abstract": "Even with the assistance of many cellular factors, a significant fraction of newly synthesized proteins ends up misfolded. Cells evolved protein quality control systems to ensure that these potentially toxic species are detected and eliminated. The best characterized of these pathways, the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD), monitors the folding of membrane and secretory proteins whose biogenesis takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). There is also increasing evidence that ERAD controls other ER-related functions through regulated degradation of certain folded ER proteins, further highlighting the role of ERAD in cellular homeostasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/4f/JCB_201312042.PMC3998802.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3853234", "abstract": "Primary spinal epidural Hodgkin's lymphoma is very rare. We will discuss the clinical features and treatment of primary spinal epidural Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this paper, a 30-year-old male patient who presented with spinal epidural tumor at the T9–11 level is reported. Subtotal resection of the tumor was performed and the histological examination of the tumor specimen revealed Hodgkin's lymphoma. All other examinations were negative for an occult disease. Six courses of chemotheraphy containing adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine were given to the patient. Surgery is the first therapeutic approach in malignancies compressing the spinal cord. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a very chemo- and radio-sensitive tumor. The indications for surgery were reduced and limited to laminectomy or even biopsy only, leaving the major role to chemo- and radiotheraphy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/d8/rjt090.PMC3853234.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4020392", "abstract": "Human leukocyte Antigen (HLA) mismatching leads to severe complications after solid-organ transplantation and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. The alloreactive responses underlying the posttransplantation complications include both direct recognition of allogeneic HLA by HLA-specific alloantibodies and T cells and indirect T-cell recognition. However, the immunogenicity of HLA mismatches is highly variable; some HLA mismatches lead to severe clinical B-cell- and T-cell-mediated alloreactivity, whereas others are well tolerated. Definition of the permissibility of HLA mismatches prior to transplantation allows selection of donor-recipient combinations that will have a reduced chance to develop deleterious host-versus-graft responses after solid-organ transplantation and graft-versus-host responses after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Therefore, several methods have been developed to predict permissible HLA-mismatch combinations. In this review we aim to give a comprehensive overview about the current knowledge regarding HLA-directed alloreactivity and several developed in vitro and in silico tools that aim to predict direct and indirect alloreactivity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/61/PMC4020392.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3970610", "abstract": "A new species of Pseudascarophis (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae) found in the stomach of Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus) (Kyphosidae), off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is described. The new species can be differentiated from the other congeners by the presence of lateral alae, distinct but inconspicuous cephalic papillae at the anterior end, three pairs of precloacal and one pair of adcloacal papillae in males, egg morphology and morphometry of glandular oesophagus and spicules. Pseudascarophis tropica is transferred to Ascarophis as Ascarophis tropica (Solov'eva) comb. n. due to its ambiguous diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/b4/0074-0276-mioc-108-04-476.PMC3970610.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897231", "abstract": "Genomic islands (GIs) are chunks of genomic fragments that are acquired from nongenealogical organisms through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Current researches on studying donor-recipient relationships for HGT are limited at a gene level. As more GIs have been identified and verified, the way of studying donor-recipient relationships can be better modeled by using GIs rather than individual genes. In this paper, we report the development of a computational framework for detecting origins of GIs. The main idea of our computational framework is to identify GIs in a query genome, search candidate genomes that contain genomic regions similar to those GIs in the query genome by BLAST search, and then filter out some candidate genomes if those similar genomic regions are also alien (detected by GI detection tools). We have applied our framework in finding the GI origins for Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans, and three Thermoanaerobacter species. The predicted results were used to establish the donor-recipient network relationships and visualized by Gephi. Our studies have shown that donor genomes detected by our computational approach were mainly consistent with previous studies. Our framework was implemented with Perl and executed on Windows operating system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/25/PMC4897231.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3335257", "abstract": "Omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (e.g., arachidonic acid (AA)) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) are precursors to potent lipid mediator signalling molecules, termed “eicosanoids,” which have important roles in the regulation of inflammation. In general, eicosanoids derived from n-6 PUFA are proinflammatory while eicosanoids derived from n-3 PUFA are anti-inflammatory. Dietary changes over the past few decades in the intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFA show striking increases in the (n-6) to (n-3) ratio ( 15 : 1), which are associated with greater metabolism of the n-6 PUFA compared with n-3 PUFA. Coinciding with this increase in the ratio of (n-6) : (n-3) PUFA are increases in chronic inflammatory diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). By increasing the ratio of (n-3) : (n-6) PUFA in the Western diet, reductions may be achieved in the incidence of these chronic inflammatory diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/cc/PMC3335257.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2918821", "abstract": "The development of acute myeloid leukaemia after low-dose radioiodine therapy and its presentation as a myeloid sarcoma of the uterine cervix are both rare events. We report a case of acute myeloid leukaemia revealed by a myeloid sarcoma of the uterine cervix in a 48-year-old woman, 17 months after receiving a total dose of 100 mCi 131I for papillary thyroid cancer. A strict hematological follow-up of patients treated with any dose of 131I is recommended to accurately detect any hematological complications which might have been underestimated. Unusual presentations, such as chloroma of the uterine cervix, may reveal myeloid malignancy and should be kept in mind.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/88/cro0002-0001.PMC2918821.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2894244", "abstract": "We investigate quantum interference effects in a double-Aharonov-Bohm (AB) interferometer consisting of five quantum dots sandwiched between two metallic electrodes in the case of symmetric dot-electrode couplings by the use of the Green’s function equation of motion method. The analytical expression for the linear conductance at zero temperature is derived to interpret numerical results. A three-peak structure in the linear conductance spectrum may evolve into a double-peak structure, and two Fano dips (zero conductance points) may appear in the quantum system when the energy levels of quantum dots in arms are not aligned with one another. The AB oscillation for the magnetic flux threading the double-AB interferometer is also investigated in this paper. Our results show the period of AB oscillation can be converted from 2π to π by controlling the difference of the magnetic fluxes threading the two quantum rings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/85/1556-276X-5-1228.PMC2894244.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4722547", "abstract": "Introduction: Brown Sequard syndrome resulting from compression due to an epidural hematoma is a relatively rare occurrence, more so with a spontaneous history. We report one such case. Case Report: We present a 65yr old female presenting with hemiplegia with contralateral anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a hematoma in the epidural space in the C3-C4 region. She underwent an open door laminoplasty for evacuation of the hematoma. Following surgery the patient responded rapidly and currently at 18 months follow up she is neurologically grade 5/5 with normal sensations. Conclusions: In the emergency room when a patient is clinically diagnosed as a case of Brown Sequard syndrome it is important to ask for an MRI scan of the cervical spine. Hematoma in the cervical epidural space should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Brown Sequard syndrome especially in the elderly with history of doubtful trivial trauma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/f5/JOCR-2-23.PMC4722547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4659885", "abstract": "Objectives Remote medical services have been expanding globally, and this is expansion is steadily increasing. It has had many positive effects, including medical access convenience, timeliness of service, and cost reduction. The speed of research and development in remote medical technology has been gradually accelerating. Therefore, it is expected to expand to enable various high-tech information and communications technology (ICT)-based remote medical services. However, the current state lacks an appropriate security framework that can resolve security issues centered on the Internet of things (IoT) environment that will be utilized significantly in telemedicine. Methods This study developed a medical service-oriented frame work for secure remote medical services, possessing flexibility regarding new service and security elements through its service-oriented structure. First, the common architecture of remote medical services is defined. Next medical-oriented secu rity threats and requirements within the IoT environment are identified. Finally, we propose a \"service-oriented security frame work for remote medical services\" based on previous work and requirements for secure remote medical services in the IoT. Results The proposed framework is a secure framework based on service-oriented cases in the medical environment. A com parative analysis focusing on the security elements (confidentiality, integrity, availability, privacy) was conducted, and the analysis results demonstrate the security of the proposed framework for remote medical services with IoT. Conclusions The proposed framework is service-oriented structure. It can support dynamic security elements in accordance with demands related to new remote medical services which will be diversely generated in the IoT environment. We anticipate that it will enable secure services to be provided that can guarantee confidentiality, integrity, and availability for all, including patients, non-patients, and medical staff.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/db/hir-21-271.PMC4659885.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2732506", "abstract": "The 2000 Hajj (March 15–18) was followed by an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis W135 2a: P1.2,5 in Europe. From March 18 to July 31, 2000, some 90 cases of meningococcal infection were reported from nine countries, mostly the United Kingdom (UK) and France; 14 cases were fatal. Although most early cases were in pilgrims, the outbreak spread to their contacts and then to those with no known pilgrim contact. In France and the UK, the outbreak case-fatality rate was compared with the rate reported from national surveillance. The risk of dying during this outbreak was higher in France and the UK, although the difference was not statistically significant. Prophylaxis for all pilgrims and their household contacts was offered in France; in the UK and other European countries, prophylaxis was recommended only for close contacts. No difference in transmission rates following intervention was detected between France and the UK.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/38/PMC2732506.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4687615", "abstract": "It has been clearly shown that iron overload adds progressively significant morbidity and mortality in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The lack of physiological mechanisms to eliminate the excess of iron requires effective iron chelation therapy. The reduced compliance to deferoxamine and the risk of severe hematological adverse events during deferiprone treatment have limited the use of both these drugs to correct iron imbalance in NTDT. According to the principles of evidence-based medicine, following the demonstration of the effectiveness and the safety of deferasirox (Exjade®) in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, deferasirox was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2013 for the treatment of iron overload associated with NTDT. This review, assessing the available scientific literature, will focus on the profile of DFX in the treatment of non-transfusional hemosiderosis in patients with NTDT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/06/dddt-9-6475.PMC4687615.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3135313", "abstract": "The situation of exposure in a copper works facility in Germany enabled early lead-induced neurotoxic effects to be investigated in the workers. The aim of the investigation was to study the long-term effects of small doses of lead on psychometric/psychophysiological performance of workers. The study involved 70 male lead exposed workers and 27 male controls with no neurotoxic exposure. All test persons were subjected to the method of investigation involving performance data, physiological strain data, and the subjective state.  It was found that of the psychometric performance parameters, only the mainly motor performance parameters had a potential for being neurotoxic early indicators. Preferably centrally influenced performance parameters were found to be less suitable early indicators. The lead-exposed subjects exhibited a slowed poststrain resetting behaviour of the vegetative nervous system, which correlated with the individual blood lead level. This was attributed to vagus depression, which had already started in the prevailing situation of exposure and was reflected by diminished cardiac phase duration variability. Our results indicate that it is necessary to more critically choose the lead level standards in the air on the working area. Heart rate variability may be affected even at small lead concentration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/91/PMC3135313.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4033356", "abstract": "Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) are generally described to have mild liver disease. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and histological features in HCV-infected patients with PNALT and elevated ALT. Patients presenting to the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, who had biopsy proven HCV, an ALT measurement at the time of liver biopsy, at least one additional ALT measurement over the next 12 months, and liver biopsy slides available for review were identified. PNALT was defined as ALT ≤ 30 on at least 2 different occasions over 12 months. Of 1200 patients with HCV, 243 met the study criteria. 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/bc/PMC4033356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2844595", "abstract": "To clarify the characteristics of the virulence factors (VFs) of ciprofloxacin resistant Escherichia coli (CFRE) with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC), we determined the VFs and the phylogenetic background of all 54 CFRE strains and the 55 randomly selected ciprofloxacin sensitive E. coli strains (CFSE) from patients with AUC in 22 Korean hospitals. The prevalence of the VFs was as follows: fimA, papEF, papGIII, sfaI, dafaBC, cnf1, and hlyA were presented in 96", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/fc/jkms-25-602.PMC2844595.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4279785", "abstract": " Aims. Increasing evidence shows that imbalanced suppressive drive prior to binocular combination may be the key factor in amblyopia. We described a novel binocular approach, interocular shift of visual attention (ISVA), for treatment of amblyopia in adult patients. Methods. Visual stimuli were presented anaglyphically on a computer screen. A square target resembling Landolt C had 2 openings, one in red and one in cyan color. Through blue-red goggles, each eye could only see one of the two openings. The patient was required to report the location of the opening presented to the amblyopic eye. It started at an opening size of 800 sec of arc, went up and down in 160 sec of arc step, and stopped when reaching the 5th reversals. Ten patients with anisometropic amblyopia older than age 14 (average age: 26.7) were recruited and received ISVA treatment for 6 weeks, with 2 training sessions per day. Results. Both Titmus stereopsis (z = −2.809, P = 0.005) and Random-dot stereopsis (z = −2.317, P = 0.018) were significantly improved. Average improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.74 line (t = 5.842, P < 0.001). Conclusions. The ISVA treatment may be effective in treating amblyopia and restoring stereoscopic function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/e2/PMC4279785.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3887159", "abstract": "Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination can be used to verify the presence of primary malignancies as well as cases of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis. Because of its importance, there have been several studies concerning the sensitivity of CSF cytology. To determine the practical use and reproducibility of diagnoses based on CSF cytology, we evaluated this test by analyzing cytology results from consecutive CSF samples. Methods Between July 2010 and June 2013, 385 CSF cytology samples from 42 patients were collected. The samples were gathered using a ventricular catheter and reservoir. CSF cytology of all patients was examined more than two times with immunocytochemistry for cytokeratin. Results Primary neoplastic sites and histologic types of patients' metastatic cancer were diverse. The overall sensitivity for detecting malignancy was 41.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/14/kjpathol-47-563.PMC3887159.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3858094", "abstract": "There is little consensus on how to optimally reconstruct the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the natural history of injured PCL is also unclear. The graft material (autograft vs. allograft), the type of tibial fixation (tibial inlay vs. transtibial tunnel), the femoral tunnel position within the femoral footprint (isometric, central, or eccentric), and the number of bundles in the reconstruction (1 bundle vs. 2 bundles) are among the many decisions that a surgeon must make in a PCL reconstruction. In addition, there is a paucity of information on rehabilitation after reconstruction of the PCL and posterolateral structures. This article focused on the conflicting issues regarding the PCL, and the scientific rationales behind some critical points are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/38/cios-5-256.PMC3858094.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4172693", "abstract": "Background Competition of probiotic bacteria with other species from the intestinal microbiota involves different mechanisms that occur regardless of probiotics’ viability. The objective of this paper was to assess the cytokine serum levels in holoxenic mice after oral administration of non-viable components (NVC) of Enterococcus faecium probiotic culture stimulated with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus in comparison to NVC of unstimulated E. faecium probiotic culture. Methods Probiotic E. faecium CMGb 16 culture, grown in the presence of heat-inactivated cultures of E. coli and B. cereus CMGB 102, was subsequently separated into supernatant (SN) and heat-inactivated cellular sediment (CS) fractions by centrifugation. Each NVC was orally administered to holoxenic mice (balb C mouse strain), in three doses, given at 24 hours. Blood samples were collected from the retinal artery, at 7, 14, and 21 days after the first administration of the NVC. The serum concentrations of IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) interleukins were assessed by ELISA method. Results After the oral administration of SN component obtained from the probiotic culture stimulated with heat-inactivated cultures of B. cereus CMGB 102 and E. coli O28, the serum concentrations of IL-12 were maintained higher in the samples collected at 7 and 14 days post-administration. No specific TNF-α profile could be established, depending on stimulated or non-stimulated probiotic culture, NVC fraction, or harvesting time. Conclusion The obtained results demonstrate that non-viable fractions of probiotic bacteria, stimulated by other bacterial species, could induce immunostimulatory effects mediated by cytokines and act, therefore, as immunological adjuvants.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/9f/MEHD-25-23239.PMC4172693.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5446627", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Prostatic leiomyoma is a benign and rare condition of the prostate. Robotic surgery is increasingly being applied in the surgical management of prostate cancer. Case Presentation: Herein, a mass lesion that was located in the posterior part of the prostate between seminal vesicles that was identified during robotic surgery is presented. This lesion further challenged the console surgeon during performing a robotic radical prostatectomy procedure for a 200 g large prostate with prostate cancer. Conclusion: Prostatic leiomyomas that are benign mesenchymal smooth muscle tumors might present as a posteriorly located mass lesion between seminal vesicles that could challenge the surgeon during surgery, which should be kept in mind.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/12/PMC5446627.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3064031", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To perform the first comprehensive psychometric evaluation of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II), a measure of the behavioral and affective dimensions of fear of hypoglycemia, using modern test-theory methods, including item-response theory (IRT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Surveys completed in four previous studies by 777 adults with type 1 diabetes were aggregated for analysis, with 289 subjects completing both subscales of the HFS-II and 488 subjects completing only the Worry subscale. The aggregated sample (53.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/d9/801.PMC3064031.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088153", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of exercise on the recovery of spinal cord nerve cells damaged due to pain signals which are a major symptom of osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40) were used and induction of osteoarthritis by monosodium iodoacetate. Injected rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham control group without MIA injection (SG), control group with injected MIA (CG), OA without exercise (NEG), OA with exercise (EG). Sham control group was injected normal cell line instead of MIA. The exercise group was submitted to 4-week training program on a treadmill for 5 days/week, 30 min/day, 16 m/min velocity, then spinal cord were removed and measured the GAP-43 expression by immunohistochemistry analysis. [Results] In this study, a results of measuring the expression of GAP-43. GAP-43 was observed in all groups, showed that the significant difference in each group. [Conclusion] It could be seen that exercise increased the GAP-43 expression in the spinal cord to promote the recovery of spinal cord nerve cells damaged due to chronic osteoarthritis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/1b/jpts-28-2921.PMC5088153.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2901950", "abstract": "In the United States, most reported cases of babesiosis have been caused by Babesia microti and acquired in the northeast. Although three cases of babesiosis acquired in New Jersey were recently described by others, babesiosis has not been widely known to be endemic in New Jersey. We describe a case of babesiosis acquired in New Jersey in 1999 in an otherwise healthy 53-year-old woman who developed life-threatening disease. We also provide composite data on 40 cases of babesiosis acquired from 1993 through 2001 in New Jersey. The 40 cases include the one we describe, the three cases previously described, and 36 other cases reported to public health agencies. The 40 cases were acquired in eight (38.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/77/PMC2901950.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2556754", "abstract": "Mechanotransduction holds the underlying mechanisms of ventilator-induced lung injury. Research on this subject, however, could be difficult for clinicians, especially when results are controversial. A recent study by Li and co-workers is used as an example, to explain how to critically read literatures related to basic science and how to understand the limitation of experimental studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/20/PMC2556754.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5018326", "abstract": "Dyspnea is common in many cardiorespiratory diseases. Already the anticipation of this aversive symptom elicits fear in many patients resulting in unfavorable health behaviors such as activity avoidance and sedentary lifestyle. This study investigated brain mechanisms underlying these anticipatory processes. We induced dyspnea using resistive-load breathing in healthy subjects during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Blocks of severe and mild dyspnea alternated, each preceded by anticipation periods. Severe dyspnea activated a network of sensorimotor, cerebellar, and limbic areas. The left insular, parietal opercular, and cerebellar cortices showed increased activation already during dyspnea anticipation. Left insular and parietal opercular cortex showed increased connectivity with right insular and anterior cingulate cortex when severe dyspnea was anticipated, while the cerebellum showed increased connectivity with the amygdala. Notably, insular activation during dyspnea perception was positively correlated with midbrain activation during anticipation. Moreover, anticipatory fear was positively correlated with anticipatory activation in right insular and anterior cingulate cortex. The results demonstrate that dyspnea anticipation activates brain areas involved in dyspnea perception. The involvement of emotion-related areas such as insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala during dyspnea anticipation most likely reflects anticipatory fear and might underlie the development of unfavorable health behaviors in patients suffering from dyspnea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/1b/PMC5018326.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897570", "abstract": "Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder that impairs glucose homeostasis resulting in severe diabetic complications including retinopathy, angiopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy causing neurological disorders due to perturbation in utilization of glucose. Hypoglycemic activity was detected in aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis, a traditionally used medicinal plant, using streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic rat model. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis to diabetic rats for 30 days resulted in a decrease in blood glucose. The diabetic rats had decreased levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio as compared to control rats. In addition, the activities of hepatic and renal markers were significantly elevated in diabetic rats as compared to control rats. Treatment with aqueous fruit extract of P. ligularis and glibenclamide reversed these parameters to near normal. Extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg given orally for 30 days showed significant elevation in enzymatic (SOD, catalase, and Gpx) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione). Plant extract treated groups showed significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO). Aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis fruit can decrease the blood glucose and reduce the oxidative stress by removing free radicals in diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/49/PMC4897570.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC149429", "abstract": "Background Biochemical markers for liver fibrosis (FibroTest) and necroinflammatory features (ActiTest) are an alternative to liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Our aim was to assess the inter-laboratory variability of these tests, and their 6 components (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, α2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A1, and total bilirubin) and to identify factors associated with this variability. Results Serum of 24 patients with chronic hepatitis C or severe alcoholic liver disease were prospectively recorded and analyzed in one reference center and in 8 additional laboratories. When γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminotransferase were expressed in international units, there was no significant difference between laboratories in the results of FibroTest or ActiTest; kappa statistics were greater than 0.50 with only 0.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/f8/PMC149429.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3647488", "abstract": "We investigated Bacillus cereus–positive tracheal aspirates from infants on ventilators in a neonatal intensive care unit. Multilocus sequence typing determined a genetic match between strains isolated from samples from a case-patient and from the air flow sensor in the ventilator. Changing the sterilization method for sensors to steam autoclaving stopped transmission.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/bb/PMC3647488.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4312650", "abstract": " Background. The objective of our study was to ascertain racial/ethnic disparities in Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes based on various tumor characteristics and treatment modalities. Method. SEER database identified invasive NSCLC cases from 2004 to 2010. Variables included American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 7, tumor grade, tumor size, histology, age, marital status, radiation, surgery, and reason for no surgery. The Kruskall-Wallis test and the Z test were used to examine differences between races/ethnicities and the referent, non-Hispanic white (NHW). Multivariate Cox proportional analyses were used to establish the weight of the prognostic significance contributing to disease-specific survival (DSS) in each AJCC stage. Result. Improved DSS was seen in API across stage I (HR: 0.78), stage II (HR: 0.79), and stage IV (HR: 0.86), respectively, compared to the referent NHW (P < 0.01). Prognosis was improved by being married, being female gender, AIS histology, and birth outside the US (P < 0.01). Conclusion. We have demonstrated improved survival among API in early stage and stage IV NSCLC. Further research is necessary to clarify the role of lifestyle and tumor biology for these differences.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/6f/PMC4312650.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3642943", "abstract": " Background:  The dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes and its associated complications require a natural and safe solution to control and delay such complications. The present study tested the hypothesis that probiotics may affect biochemical indices of diabetic patients   Methods: Thirty four types 2 diabetic patients aged between 25 to 65 years, and diagnosed with diabetes for less than 15 years were selected for this single- blinded clinical trial. Using balanced block random sampling, the patients were divided into two groups of intervention (probiotics) and placebo. Blood samples tested for baseline glucose, insulin, TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, malondialdehyde, high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) and IL-6. After six weeks of experiment, fasting blood samples were re-tested and the data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software.   Results: There were no significant differences between anthropometric data including body mass index and waist to hip ratio in placebo and treatment groups. There was no significant difference in FBS, Serum TG concentration total cholesterol and LDL-C levels between placebo and treatment groups. HDL-C levels were slightly elevated after probiotic treatment, which were not statistically significant. Insulin, MDA and IL-6 levels were reduced and high sensitive CRP hs.CRP levels were elevated, although, not statistically significant.   Conclusion: The result of this study indicates a non- significant declining trend in the level of TG, MDA and IL-6 and insulin resistance after consumption of probiotics. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/19/PMC3642943.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4919944", "abstract": "Editor’s Note: “Holy Grail” is a well-known metaphor for the eternal spiritual pursuit for truth and wisdom. It suggests that in order for us to find what no one has found, we must search where few have looked. In 2013, a group led by Helen Mayberg published a groundbreaking paper that sought an answer to one of the most discussed conundrums in psychiatry and neuroscience: Can specific patterns of brain activity indicate how a depressed person will respond to treatment with medication or psychotherapy? Our author examines the findings and discusses their potential impact on treatment for a public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/0c/PMC4919944.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4929339", "abstract": "X-ray imaging applications in medical and material sciences are frequently limited by the number of tomographic projections collected. The inversion of the limited projection data is an ill-posed problem and needs regularization. Traditional spatial regularization is not well adapted to the dynamic nature of time-lapse tomography since it discards the redundancy of the temporal information. In this paper, we propose a novel iterative reconstruction algorithm with a nonlocal regularization term to account for time-evolving datasets. The aim of the proposed nonlocal penalty is to collect the maximum relevant information in the spatial and temporal domains. With the proposed sparsity seeking approach in the temporal space, the computational complexity of the classical nonlocal regularizer is substantially reduced (at least by one order of magnitude). The presented reconstruction method can be directly applied to various big data 4D (x, y, z+time) tomographic experiments in many fields. We apply the proposed technique to modelled data and to real dynamic X-ray microtomography (XMT) data of high resolution. Compared to the classical spatio-temporal nonlocal regularization approach, the proposed method delivers reconstructed images of improved resolution and higher contrast while remaining significantly less computationally demanding.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4c/a4/xst-24-xst546.PMC4929339.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5404807", "abstract": "Background Massage therapy is an important element of rehabilitation in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). The objective of this study was to determine the relative efficacy of massage therapy between traditional massage and a new massage approach for CLBP. We also examined whether any reduction in pain was linked to interoceptive awareness and parasympathetic activation. Methods A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of 51 patients who were allocated into a traditional massage therapy group (TMG; N=24, mean age: 50.54±9.13 years) or experimental massage therapy group (SMG; N=27, mean age: 50.77±6.80 years). The primary outcome was the reduction in pain per the visual analog scale (VAS); the secondary outcome measures were multidimensional pain intensity on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, pain-related disability per the Waddel Disability Index, interoceptive awareness per the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire, quality of life per the Short Form - 12 Health Survey, and heart rate variability, expressed as the coherence ratio (CR) by photoplethysmography. The following outcome measures were assessed at baseline, at the end of the treatment program, and at the 3-month follow-up. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous data. Mann–Whitney U test was used to perform between-group comparisons, Friedman’s analysis was used for data on the 3 assessment times in each group, and Spearman’s R coefficient was used to analyze correlations. Results Both approaches had a positive result on pain, an effect that was more acute in the SMG versus TMG for all pain scales, with better maintenance at the 3-month follow-up (VAS p=0.005 and p=0.098; Waddell Index p=0.034 and 0.044; McGill total p=0.000 and 0.003). In the SMG, CR scores were significant at baseline and at the end of the treatment program (p=0.000 and 0.002). Conclusion The new massage approach with a preparatory phase that is pleasant to the touch was more effective than the traditional approach for CLBP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/a6/jpr-10-941.PMC5404807.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4140161", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To assess the association of birth weight with incident type 2 diabetes, and the possible mediating influence of obesity, in a large cohort of U.S. black women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Black Women’s Health Study is an ongoing prospective study. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/8d/PMC4140161.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4377751", "abstract": "Our understanding of Gitelman syndrome (GS) and Bartter syndrome has continued to evolve with the use of genetic testing to more precisely define the tubular defects responsible. GS is caused by mutations in the SLC12A3 gene encoding the Na+–Cl− co-transporter of the distal convoluted tubule (NCCT) and tends to be associated with a milder salt-losing phenotype. We describe two female siblings presenting in infancy with a severe salt-losing tubulopathy and failure to thrive due to compound heterozygous mutations in the SLC12A3 gene encoding the NCCT. Both children were treated with indomethacin resulting in improved linear growth and polyuria. Some atypical biochemical findings in our cases are discussed including raised urinary prostaglandin (PGE2) excretion that normalized with intravenous fluid repletion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/aa/sfu029.PMC4377751.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3017904", "abstract": "The ineffective short-term control of feeding behavior compromises energy homeostasis and can lead to obesity. The gastrointestinal tract secretes several regulatory peptides. However, little is known about the stomach peptide contribution to the acute regulation of intake. In an attempt to identify new gastric signals, the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method was used for the transcription profiling of stomach mucosa in 7 groups of mice: fasting and sacrificed 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours after a low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) ad libitum meal. In total, 35 genes were differentially modulated by LF and HF meals compared to fasting, including 15 mRNAs coding for digestive enzymes/secretory proteins, and 10 novel transcripts. Although the basic expression profile did not undergo substantial variations, both LF and HF meals influenced the transcription. This study represents the first global analysis of stomach transcriptome as induced by different nutritional stimuli. Further studies including the characterization of novel genes may help to identify new targets for the therapy and prevention of obesity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/31/PMC3017904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897255", "abstract": " Objective. To report our contemporary experience with partial cystectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods. Retrospective review of patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and partial cystectomy for urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 1995 to 2013. Log-rank test and Cox regression models were used to analyze variables possibly associated with recurrence-free, advanced recurrence-free (free from recurrence beyond salvage with intravesical therapy or radical cystectomy), and overall survival. Results. All 36 patients had a solitary tumor <5 cm in size. Twenty-one patients (58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/dc/PMC4897255.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4025596", "abstract": "Background In 2000, the Department of Health for England recommended the creation of crisis resolution and home treatment teams (CRHTs) in order to reduce the number and length of psychiatric hospital admissions. Central to this was the role of gate-keeping all potential admissions. Aim To examine the interface between crisis resolution and home treatment and other mental health services. Methods Semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals (n = 25) at eight sites within one Strategic Health Authority region. Results Despite wide variation in approach and provision, all teams were confronting common issues related to tensions at both ends of the service user trajectory – on initial assessment and on discharge. Conclusion The CRHT model is likely to be most effective when there is low staff turnover, flexibility in inter-team working arrangements and senior practitioners have both acute and community experience. Rather than being seen primarily as gatekeeper to the acute service, it would be better to take a system approach and view the CRHT as a resource for clients awaiting discharge or seeking to avoid hospital admission that is equally available to both acute and community services.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/be/JMH-23-130.PMC4025596.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5140796", "abstract": "[Purpose] Physical activity is important for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. White-collar workers can be inherently predisposed to chronic diseases, as their jobs are primarily sedentary. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in male white-collar workers. [Subjects and Methods] Physical activity and metabolic syndrome factors were measured in 331 male public office workers. Physical activity was classified as high (N=101), moderate (N=115), or low (N=111) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program’s standard was used. [Results] Waist circumference and triglyceride levels, factors of metabolic syndrome, were significantly higher in the low physical activity group than in the moderate or high activity group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the low physical activity group than in the moderate or high activity group. Waist circumference and fasting glucose were negatively correlated with physical activity level, and HDL cholesterol showed a positive correlation with waist circumference. The odds ratios for metabolic syndrome were 2.03 times higher (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/13/jpts-28-3041.PMC5140796.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4087229", "abstract": "Insulin resistance (IR) in dogs is suspected when hyperglycemia is present despite administration of insulin doses greater than 1.0 to 1.5 UI/kg. IR is caused by increases in counter regulatory hormones concentrations (glucagon, glucocorticoids, catecholamines and growth hormone). This study was conducted to investigate the use of aglepristone (RU 46534), a P4 receptor antagonist, for the treatment of IR diabetes mellitus in bitches during the luteal phase. All animals were treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin) and aglepristone (Alizin) 10 mg/kg subcutaneously at day 1, 2, 9 and 17 from diagnosis. At day 5, no significant variation in glycemia was shown. At day 12 and 20, serum glucose concentrations were significant lower (p < 0.05). From day 12 the insulin dose was reduced to 0.8 IU BID. Insulin was reduced in the following weeks and glycemia was controlled.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/c7/jvs-15-267.PMC4087229.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3477744", "abstract": " Background. Untreated Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women can result in disease sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ultimately culminating in tubal occlusion and infertility. While nucleic acid amplification tests can effectively diagnose uncomplicated lower genital tract infections, they are not suitable for diagnosing upper genital tract pathological sequelae. Objective. The purpose of this paper was to provide a comprehensive review of new molecular factors associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of PID. Material and Methods. The literature was searched using the key words “Chlamydia trachomatis infections,” “pelvic inflammatory disease,” and “molecular factors” in the PubMed database. Relevant articles published between 1996 and 2012 were evaluated. Conclusions. The use of new molecular factors could potentially facilitate earlier diagnosis and prognosis in women with PID due to C. trachomatis infection.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/d1/PMC3477744.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3588607", "abstract": "Histoplasmosis is a common endemic mycosis. The majority of infections involving this dimorphic fungus are asymptomatic. Manifestations in symptomatic patients are diverse, ranging from flu-like illness to a more serious disseminated disease. We present here a case of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis mimicking a metastatic cancer. We reviewed the literature for cases of disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with hypercalcemia, focusing particularly on clinical presentation, risk factors predisposing for fungal infection, and outcome. We report a case of a 65-year-old diabetic male who presented with unexplained weight loss and hypercalcemia. Multiple brain space-occupying lesions and bilateral adrenal enlargement were evident on imaging studies. Biopsies showed caseating granulomas with budding yeast, consistent with histoplasmosis. The patient’s symptoms resolved after liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole therapy. Granulomatous diseases, including fungal infections, should be considered alongside malignancies, in patients with similar presentation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0b/52/PMC3588607.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3609509", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it remains unclear whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) provides additional information about cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality beyond the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 1,123 T2DM participants, ages 34–86 years, in the Diabetes Heart Study followed up for an average of 7.4 years were separated using baseline computed tomography scans of CAC (0–9, 10–99, 100–299, 300–999, and ≥1,000). Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between CAC and CVD mortality adjusting for FRS. Areas under the curve (AUC) with and without CAC were compared. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) compared FRS (model 1) versus FRS+CAC (model 2) using 7.4-year CVD mortality risk categories 0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/f5/972.PMC3609509.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5386609", "abstract": "Background Clinical studies of patients with type 2 diabetes show that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of placebo- and active-controlled randomized trials to assess the comparative effectiveness of liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide twice daily and once weekly, with a focus on glycemic control. Materials and methods We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to December 2014) for core registration programs for US-approved GLP-1 RAs. Patients reaching an A1C target of <7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/b9/dmso-10-111.PMC5386609.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437341", "abstract": "We examined whether people with Parkinson disease (PD) have difficulty negotiating a gait obstruction in threatening (gait path and obstacle raised above floor) and nonthreatening (gait path and obstacle at floor level) contexts. Ten PD patients were tested in both Meds OFF and Meds ON states, along with 10 age-matched controls. Participants completed 18 gait trials, walking 4.7 m at a self-selected speed while attempting to cross an obstacle 0.15 m in height placed near the centre point of the walkway. Kinematic and kinetic parameters were measured, and obstacle contact errors were tallied. Results indicated that PD patients made more obstacle contacts than control participants in the threatening context. Successful crossings by PD patients in the threatening condition also exhibited kinematic differences, with Meds OFF PD patients making shorter crossing steps, with decreased initiation and crossing velocities. The findings from this study lend support to the theory that PD patients rely on directed attention to initiate and control movement, while providing indication that the motor improvements provided by current PD pharmacotherapy may be limited by contextual interference. These movement patterns may be placing PD patients at risk of obstacle contact and falling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/8d/PMC4437341.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3417877", "abstract": "Background Cellulose masks obtained from natural sources such as bacteria are of interest as cosmetic devices for the treatment of dry skin because they not only improve hydration of the skin, but have low toxicity and are biodegradable. The aims of this study were to determine the in vivo effects of a cellulose mask obtained from Acetobacter xylinum on skin characteristics and to evaluate user satisfaction with the product. Methods Thirty healthy Thai volunteers aged 21–40 years participated in the study. The volunteers were randomly separated into a control group and an experimental group. For the control group, volunteers were assigned to apply moist towels to the face for 25 minutes. For the experimental group, the volunteers were assigned to apply the masks, ie, translucent patches which could be fitted onto the face for the same period. The following week, the groups were changed over to the alternative treatment. Skin moisture, sebum, elasticity, texture, dullness, and desquamation levels were assessed using a system used for routine skin counseling before applying the trial product and five minutes after its removal. Degree of satisfaction with use of the cellulose mask was investigated using a five-point rating scale. Results The cellulose mask increased moisture levels in the skin significantly more than moist towels (P < 0.05) after a single application. No obvious effects on other skin characteristics were found. The cellulose mask product rated around 4/5 on the satisfaction rating scale. Conclusions A single application of the trial cellulose mask enhanced moisture uptake by facial skin. Users also reported being satisfied with the trial product.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/b7/PMC3417877.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3385124", "abstract": "In contrast to the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial genome does not follow Mendelian laws of inheritance. The nuclear genome of meiotic progeny comes from the recombination of both parental genomes, whereas the meiotic progeny could inherit mitochondria from one, the other, or both parents. In fact, one fascinating phenomenon is that mitochondrial DNA in the majority of eukaryotes is inherited from only one particular parent. Typically, such unidirectional and uniparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA can be explained by the size of the gametes involved in mating, with the larger gamete contributing towards mitochondrial DNA inheritance. However, in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, bisexual mating involves the fusion of two isogamous cells of mating type (MAT) a and MATα, yet the mitochondrial DNA is inherited predominantly from the MATa parent. Although the exact mechanism underlying such uniparental mitochondrial inheritance in this fungus is still unclear, various hypotheses have been proposed. Elucidating the mechanism of mitochondrial inheritance in this clinically important and genetically amenable eukaryotic microbe will yield insights into general mechanisms that are likely conserved in higher eukaryotes. In this review, we highlight studies on Cryptococcus mitochondrial inheritance and point out some important questions that need to be addressed in the future.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/f0/mb-39-235.PMC3385124.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4929383", "abstract": "Chronic diarrhoeal illnesses with nausea and weight loss are a common indication for gastroenterology review. While many such cases have intra-luminal aetiologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease or other malabsorptive conditions, with many other cases due to functional gut disorders or systemic malignancy, clinicians must also keep vascular disorders in mind. Here we report a patient with a delayed diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischaemia after 6 months of gastrointestinal symptoms strongly mimicking an alternative diagnosis such as inflammatory bowel disease due an atypical predominance of nausea and diarrhoea rather than pain. We briefly review the literature on treatment of this condition but also discuss with particular attention the sequence of cognitive errors made by clinicians that led to a diagnostic delay, inviting readers to thus reflect on how such errors can be minimised in their practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/9d/crg-0010-0068.PMC4929383.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5300862", "abstract": "A 73-year-old man with history of pulmonary sarcoidosis was found to have runs of non-sustained bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT) with two different QRS morphologies on a Holter monitor. Cardiac magnetic resonance delayed gadolinium imaging revealed a region of patchy mid-myocardial enhancement within the left ventricular basal inferolateral myocardium. An 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed increased uptake in the same area, consistent with active sarcoid, with no septal involvement. Follow-up FDG-PET one year later showed disease progression with new septal involvement. Cardiac sarcoidosis, characterized by myocardial inflammation and interstitial fibrosis that can lead to conduction system disturbance and macro re-entrant arrhythmias, should be considered in differential diagnosis of BVT. BVT may indicate septal involvement with sarcoidosis before the lesions are large enough to be detected radiologically.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/78/main.PMC5300862.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4614638", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Neonatal diabetes is a monogenic form of diabetes. Herein, we report on a newborn presenting diabetic ketoacidosis at 17 days of life. A KCNJ11 mutation was identified. In such cases, insulin can be replaced by sulfonylurea with a successful metabolic control, as an example of how molecular diagnosis may influence the clinical management of the disorder.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/c5/ccr30003-0781.PMC4614638.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3891179", "abstract": "Background: AmrutBhallatak (ABFN02), a ‘rasayana’ drug from Ayurveda is indicated in degenerative diseases and arthritis. Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of ABFN02 in osteoarthritis (OA) and compare it with Glucosamine sulphate (GS) Materials and Methods: This was a randomized open comparative study. Ambulant OPD patients of OA knees (n = 112) were enrolled for 24 weeks. Tablets (750mg each) of GS and ABFN02 were matched. Three groups of patients: (A) GS, one tablet × twice/day × 24 weeks. (B) ABFN02, incremental pulse dosage (one tablet x twice/day × two weeks, two tablets × twice/day × two weeks, three tablets × twice/day × two weeks), two such cycles of drug and non-drug phases alternately for six weeks each (C) ABFN02 continuous dosage akin to GS. Pain visual analogue score (Pain-VAS) and Western Ontario and Mc-Master University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures were Health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), paracetamol consumption, 50 feet walking, physician and patient global assessment, knee stiffness, knee status, urinary CTX II, serum TNFa-SRI, SRII and MRI knee in randomly selected patients. Results: ABFNO2 and GS demonstrated, adherence to treatment 87.75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/db/JAIM-4-229.PMC3891179.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4492425", "abstract": "The fear of falling is a common psychological consequence of falling, especially for elderly individuals. Fear of falling can lead to activity restriction and medical problems. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between fall efficacy and physical fitness factors in elderly women. We assessed physical fitness factors and investigated the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (KFES-I) in 173 participants. We investigated the correlation between physical fitness factors and fall efficacy. When the subjects were divided into four groups according to physical fitness level, subjects with high 6-m walk, 30-s chair stand test, 30-s arm curl test, chair sit and reach test, 8-foot up and go test scores and high grip strength had low fall efficacy. Physical fitness factors were strongly associated with decreased fall fear, suggesting that physical fitness improvements play an important role in preventing or reducing the fear of falling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/5b/jer-11-3-151.PMC4492425.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4132604", "abstract": "Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been an excellent option for the management of kidney stones. There have been many complications in regards to solid organ injury during PCNL. Here we discuss an interesting case of 45-year-old woman, who underwent PCNL for right renal staghorn calculus, and had an accidental puncture of the gall bladder. Post operatively, the patient was conservatively managed and recovered well. A small number of cases has been reported until now in literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/9b/CEJU-67-00370.PMC4132604.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3184426", "abstract": "Voluntary physical activities are known to modulate anxiety and depressive/like behaviors in both animals and humans. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), has been reported to be elevated following exercise. BDNF, as well as type 2 corticotrophin releasing factor receptor (CRFR) 2, has been shown to mediate anxiety-like behavior. In the present study we examined the effects of long-term voluntary exercise on the transcripts for BDNF and CRFR2 in the lateral septum (LS) and for CRF in the central amygdala (CeA) in female mice. Thus, increased activity of CRF in the CeA is associated with anxiety-like behavior. Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to measure levels of mRNA in punch biopsies from LS and CeA. In addition, measurements of the concentration of corticosterone and leptin in plasma were employed. In the LS, we found a three-fold increase of BDNF mRNA (P < 0.05) but no significant change in CRFR2 mRNA. No changes in CRF in the amygdala were observed but we found a decrease in the levels of plasma corticosterone. Plasma leptin and the weight of perigonadal fat pads were decreased following exercise. In conclusion, these data show that BDNF gene expression in the LS is influenced by long-term exercise in females but not CRFR2.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/6b/PMC3184426.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4395689", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated a brain wave and visual perception changes in stroke subjects using neurofeedback (NFB) training. [Subjects] Twenty-seven stroke subjects were randomly allocated to the NFB (n = 13) group and the control group (n=14). [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the NFB and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30 thirst-minute sessions over the course of 6 weeks. NFB training was provided only to the NFB group. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after the 6-week intervention, a brain wave test and motor free visual perception test (MVPT) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant differences in their relative beta wave values and attention concentration quotients. Moreover, the NFB group showed a significant difference in MVPT visual discrimination, form constancy, visual memory, visual closure, spatial relation, raw score, and processing time. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that NFB training is more effective for increasing concentration and visual perception changes than traditional rehabilitation. In further studies, detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the number and characteristics of subjects, and the NFB training period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/a8/jpts-27-673.PMC4395689.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3573812", "abstract": "We present the case of a 44-year-old nulliparous woman who experienced irregular menstrual cycles for about 10 years and developed both pituitary prolactinoma and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. In premenopausal women, hyperprolactinemia causes hypogonadism by inhibiting secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and thus suppressing luteinizing hormone levels, which can cause menstrual disorders ranging from amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and chronic anovulatory cycle to short luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A chronic anovulatory menstrual cycle is the most common cause of long-term exposure of the endometrium to endogenous estrogen without adequate opposition from progestins, which can lead to endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. In this case, pituitary prolactinoma may have caused the chronic anovulatory cycle and indirectly led to the endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. In patients for whom the cause of irregular menstruation and chronic anovulatory cycle is suspected to be hyperprolactinemia, explorations of both the hypophysis and endometrium are essential.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/11/cro-0006-0025.PMC3573812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3470075", "abstract": "Nephrogenic adenoma is a rare benign lesion of bladder that may be confused with malignant lesions. There is a strong relation with urinary tract irritation and intravesicle instrumentations. Nephrogenic adenoma was initially thought to originate from urothelial metaplasia; however, no solid proof is available. We present a case of 55-year-old lady with urinary problem. Cystocopic examination showed a sessile mass, and biopsy revealed circumscribed proliferation of tubules, cysts, and papillae that were lined by low cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells. Nephrogenic adenoma can be a significant diagnostic pitfall due to the presence of certain histological features such as the presence of enlarged nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemistery study was strongly positive for CK7, P504S, CD10, and EMA, but negative for CK20, PSA, and P63. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/fa/PMC3470075.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3310233", "abstract": "Genetic risk factors for major psychiatric disorders play key roles in neurodevelopment. Thus, exploring the molecular pathways of risk genes is important not only for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development, but also to decipher how genetic disturbances affect brain maturation and functioning relevant to major mental illnesses. During the last decade, there has been significant progress in determining the mechanisms whereby risk genes impact brain development. Nonetheless, given that the majority of psychiatric disorders have etiological complexities encompassing multiple risk genes and environmental factors, the biological mechanisms of these diseases remain poorly understood. How can we move forward to our research for discovery of the biological markers and novel therapeutic targets for major mental disorders? Here we review recent progress in the neurobiology of disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), a major risk gene for major mental disorders, with a particular focus on its roles in cerebral cortex development. Convergent findings implicate DISC1 as part of a large, multi-step pathway implicated in various cellular processes and signal transduction. We discuss links between the DISC1 pathway and environmental factors, such as immune/inflammatory responses, which may suggest novel therapeutic targets. Existing treatments for major mental disorders are hampered by a limited number of pharmacological targets. Consequently, elucidation of the DISC1 pathway, and its association with neuropsychiatric disorders, may offer hope for novel treatment interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/43/fpsyt-03-00025.PMC3310233.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2858842", "abstract": "Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a relatively common developmental anomaly in infants and children and has a good prognosis. In contrast, a malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) is one of the most lethal neoplasms of early life. However, the presentation of such a lethal tumor combined with multicystic dysplasia has not been reported to date. In this report, we describe a case of MRTK in a 5-yr-old girl who also had multicystic dysplasia. She was previously diagnosed with MCDK at birth due to a huge palpable mass on the right side of the abdomen. The right kidney was extensively replaced by numerous grossly dilated, variable-sized cysts. Microscopically, the tumor cells show a diffusely infiltrative growth pattern, which revealed large non-cohesive, round-to-polygonal tumor cells with vesicular nuclei. Some tumor cells had eccentric nuclei and large, round, eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. There were metanephrons present, with the central ureteric bud and peripheral branches surrounded by condensing mesenchyma, immature glomeruli, and metaplastic cartilage in the adjacent parenchyma. To our knowledge, this is the first combined case of the two aforementioned diseases and this case may, in fact, suggest a new disease entity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/19/jkms-25-785.PMC2858842.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3772285", "abstract": "Objective Density of the chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is variable. It often appears to be mixed density. Multiple densities of cSDH may result from multiple episodes of trauma. We investigated the frequency of mixed density and the causes of head injuries representing each density. Methods We could collect 242 cases of chronic SDH. The cSDHs were classified into four groups; hypodensity, homogeneous isodensity, layered type, and mixed type on the basis of CT scans. Results The density of cSDH was isodense in 115 patients, hypodense in 31 patients, mixed in 79 cases, and layered in 17 cases. The cSDH was on the left side in 115 patients, on the right side in 70 patients, and bilateral in 40 patients. The history of trauma was identifiable in 122 patients. The etiology could be identified in 67.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/67/jkns-54-38.PMC3772285.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3861854", "abstract": "Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and are predominant in the stomach and intestine but rare in the esophagus. Here, we report a case of esophageal GIST which presented as a mediastinal mass on chest X-ray and dyspnea. The case was initially diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma, which could create a diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, recognizing this uncommon presentation as a mediastinal mass with esophageal GIST is important in the differential diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/e5/cro-0006-0579.PMC3861854.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3459225", "abstract": "Movement disorders are neurological conditions affecting speed, fluency, quality, and ease of movement. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat advanced Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Possible target sites for DBS include the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, the globus pallidus internus, and the subthalamic nucleus. High-frequency DBS leads to a kind of functional deafferentation of the stimulated structure and to the modulation of cortical activity. This has a profound effect on the efficiency of movement. Indications for the use of DBS include the need to improve function, reduce medication dependency, and avoid ablative neurosurgery. Appropriate patient selection is critical for success. The implantation technique is briefly described. Programming stimulation parameters are performed via telemetry. The adverse effects of DBS are discussed. The future should see the development of “closed-loop” systems. Its use has promoted interdisciplinary team work and provided an improved understanding of the complex neurocircuitry associated with these disorders. DBS is a highly effective, safe, and reversible surgical treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonia. It is a useful therapeutic option in carefully selected patients that significantly improves motor symptoms, functional status, and quality of life.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c5/23/PMC3459225.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3464065", "abstract": "Background The quality of health care depends on the competence and motivation of the health workers that provide it. In the West, several tools exist to measure worker motivation, and some have been applied to the health sector. However, none have been validated for use in sub-Saharan Africa. The complexity of such tools has also led to concerns about their application at primary care level. Objective To develop a common instrument to monitor any changes in maternal and neonatal health (MNH) care provider motivation resulting from the introduction of pilot interventions in rural, primary level facilities in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Design Initially, a conceptual framework was developed. Based upon this, a literature review and preliminary qualitative research, an English-language instrument was developed and validated in an iterative process with experts from the three countries involved. The instrument was then piloted in Ghana. Reliability testing and exploratory factor analysis were used to produce a final, parsimonious version. Results and discussion This paper describes the actual process of developing the instrument. Consequently, the concepts and items that did not perform well psychometrically at pre-test are first presented and discussed. The final version of the instrument, which comprises 42 items for self-assessment and eight for peer-assessment, is then shown. This is followed by a presentation and discussion of the findings from first use of the instrument with MNH providers from 12 rural, primary level facilities in each of the three countries. Conclusions It is possible to undertake work of this nature at primary health care level, particularly if the instruments are kept as straightforward as possible and well introduced. However, their development requires very lengthy preparatory periods. The effort needed to adapt such instruments for use in different countries within the region of sub-Saharan Africa should not be underestimated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/b9/GHA-5-19120.PMC3464065.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2738524", "abstract": "A mass immunization campaign for 18-month to 19-year-olds was undertaken in Spain in 1996–1997 because of an epidemic of serogroup C meningococcal disease associated with a C:2b:P1.2,5 strain belonging to the A4 lineage. Surveillance for the “capsule-switching” phenomenon producing B:2b:P1.2,5 isolates was undertaken. Of 2,975 meningococci characterized, B:2b:P1.2,5 and B:2b:P1.2 antigenic combinations were found in 18 isolates; 15 meningococci were defined as serogroup B belonging to the A4 lineage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/e6/PMC2738524.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4395682", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of strengthening exercises for the hip extensors on the gait performance and stability of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were fifteen stroke patients (ten males, five females). The experimental subjects performed a hip extensor strengthening exercise (HESE) program for a total of four weeks. [Results] The experimental subjects showed significant improvements after the HESE program. Especially, walking speed and the affected side stance phase time significantly increased after the HESE program. Furthermore, the affected side stride length and symmetry index in the stance phase significantly increased after HESE program. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the HESE program may, in part, help to improve gait performance ability and stabilize physical disability after stroke.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/7a/jpts-27-641.PMC4395682.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3263567", "abstract": "A low-cost resource approach to ADHD therapy would be a practical approach to treating children in developing countries. Research has shown that ADHD is prevalent in all areas of the world, and yet treatment for children in more impoverished countries is still lacking. The approach taken was to combine yoga and meditation combined with multimodal behavioral therapy program for children ageing 6 to 11. The program was kept low cost by using trained high school volunteers and integrating the program within the public school. After 6 weeks of the program, 90.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/66/PMC3263567.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5049727", "abstract": "AGE severity is linked to etiology, and Rotavirus (RV) accounts for most of severe cases. In 2009 the World Health Organization recommended RV vaccination for all children. Worldwide a number of Countries implemented RV vaccination in their pediatric immunisation programmes, but only a limited number in Europe. This study was designed to estimate the proportion of RVGE among children aged <6 y who were diagnosed with AGE and admitted to hospitals in Italy during the years 2005–2012. A total of 334,982 hospital discharge forms were collected, being 79,344 hospitalizations associated with RV. The average hospitalization rate (HR) was 146/100,000 children for RVGE in primary diagnosis (PD) and 150/100,000 children for RVGE in secondary diagnosis (SD). Since 2008 the RVGE hospitalization figures and rates (HRs) in SD exceed those in PD. The majority of RVGE hospitalizations (33.67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/88/khvi-12-02-1081726.PMC5049727.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4895041", "abstract": "Due to its inherent complexity such as limited work volume and degree of freedom, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is ergonomically challenging to surgeons compared to traditional open surgery. Specifically, MIS can expose performing surgeons to excessive ergonomic risks including muscle fatigue that may lead to critical errors in surgical procedures. Therefore, detecting the vulnerable muscles and time-to-fatigue during MIS is of great importance in order to prevent these errors. The main goal of this study is to propose and test a novel measure that can be efficiently used to detect muscle fatigue. In this study, surface electromyography was used to record muscle activations of five subjects while they performed fifteen various laparoscopic operations. The muscle activation data was then reconstructed using recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) to detect possible signs of muscle fatigue on eight muscle groups (bicep, triceps, deltoid, and trapezius). The results showed that RQA detects the fatigue sign on bilateral trapezius at 47.5 minutes (average) and bilateral deltoid at 57.5 minutes after the start of operations. No sign of fatigue was detected for bicep and triceps muscles of any subject. According to the results, the proposed novel measure can be efficiently used to detect muscle fatigue and eventually improve the quality of MIS procedures with reducing errors that may result from overlooked muscle fatigue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/7e/PMC4895041.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2853827", "abstract": "Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of refrigeration at 4°C and post-refrigeration times (immediate, 5, 10, 15, or 20 min) on the viscosity and conversion kinetics of adhesive bonding resins. Methods: Scotchbond Dual-Cure (3M ESPE) and Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray) were tested. Control samples were kept at 25°C for 24 h. At each post-refrigeration time, the temperature was checked with a K-type thermocouple. Viscosity measurements as a function of temperature were performed using a cone-plate viscometer. Real-time polymerization was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Degree of conversion (DC) was calculated for each second during polymerization, and the rate of polymerization analyzed. Data were separately submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (P<.05). Results: Clearfil presented faster increase in temperature after exposure to room temperature than Scotchbond. A continuous decrease in viscosity (Pa.s) was observed for both Scotchbond (0.49, 0.34, 0.30, 0.26, 0.23, 0.23) and Clearfil (0.38, 0.37, 0.34, 0.25, 0.24, 0.22). For Scotchbond, higher final DC was detected for the control (62.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/46/PMC2853827.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3982179", "abstract": "Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET-CT in differentiating soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) from benign fluid collections (BFs). Materials and methods:  Four readers independently reviewed 100 lesions on 18F-FDG PET-CT and subjectively classified each lesion as an STS or BF and scored the spatial pattern of 18F-FDG avidity (SP) of each on a 4-point ordered scale (thin, moderate, thick, solid). Results: Subjective assessment by readers allowed sensitive (91", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/4a/jcav05p0328.PMC3982179.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3682282", "abstract": "Does metformin-associated lactic acidosis really exist? Despite an old controversy, there is no doubt about it. But do we understand what is going on? Laboratory findings raised several hypotheses explaining the pathophysiology of this disease. The main cause could be an inhibition of either gluconeogenesis or mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. From bench to bedside, one hypothesis is now confirmed in humans. Metformin poisoning involves, at least partially, a mitochondrial dysfunction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/b9/PMC3682282.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4892199", "abstract": "Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of cardiac injury, and subsequent reperfusion further enhances the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses and cell death programs. Therefore, inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration are the hallmarks of MI and reperfusion injury. Ischemic cardiac injury activates the innate immune response via toll-like receptors and upregulates chemokine and cytokine expressions in the infarcted heart. The recruitment of inflammatory cells is a dynamic and superbly orchestrated process. Sequential infiltration of the injured myocardium with neutrophils, monocytes and their descendant macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes contributes to the initiation and resolution of inflammation, infarct healing, angiogenesis, and ventricular remodeling. Both detrimental effects and a beneficial role in the pathophysiology of MI and reperfusion injury may be attributed to the subset heterogeneity and functional diversity of these inflammatory cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/c2/PMC4892199.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4451848", "abstract": "Background Interdisciplinary team working could facilitate the efficient provision and coordination of increasingly diverse health services, thereby improving the quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge of interdisciplinary team working among obstetricians and gynecologists in two teaching hospitals in South East Nigeria and to determine their attitude toward an interdisciplinary collaborative approach to patient care in these institutions. Methods This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 17.0 for Windows. Results In total, 116 doctors participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 31.9±7.0 (range 22–51) years. Approximately 74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/6a/jmdh-8-237.PMC4451848.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4822390", "abstract": "Background: Kidney transplantation is the best alternative treatment for end-stage renal disease. Several studies have been devoted to investigate predisposing factors of graft rejection. However, there is inconsistency between the results. The objective of the present study was to utilize an intuitive and robust approach for variable selection, random survival forests (RSF), and to identify important risk factors in kidney transplantation patients. Methods: The data set included 378 patients with kidney transplantation obtained through a historical cohort study in Hamadan, western Iran, from 1994 to 2011. The event of interest was chronic nonreversible graft rejection and the duration between kidney transplantation and rejection was considered as the survival time. RSF method was used to identify important risk factors for survival of the patients among the potential predictors of graft rejection. Results: The mean survival time was 7.35±4.62 yr. Thirty-seven episodes of rejection were occurred. The most important predictors of survival were cold ischemic time, recipient’s age, creatinine level at discharge, donors’ age and duration of hospitalization. RSF method predicted survival better than the conventional Cox-proportional hazards model (out-of-bag C-index of 0.965 for RSF vs. 0.766 for Cox model and integrated Brier score of 0.081 for RSF vs. 0.088 for Cox model). Conclusion: A RSF model in the kidney transplantation patients outperformed traditional Cox-proportional hazard model. RSF is a promising method that may serve as a more intuitive approach to identify important risk factors for graft rejection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/31/PMC4822390.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4246534", "abstract": "Workplace design and upkeep, or human factors, are frequently advanced for explaining so-called Occupational Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents (OSTFAs). Despite scientific progress, these accidents, and more broadly Occupational Accidents with Movement Disturbance (OAMDs), are also commonly considered to be “simple”. This paper aims to stimulate changes in such perceptions by focusing on organisational factors that often combine with other accident factors to cause movement disturbance and injury in work situations. These factors frequently lead to arbitration between production and safety, which involves implementation of controls by workers. These controls can lead to greater worker exposure to OAMD risk. We propose a model that focuses on such controls to account specifically for the need to confront production and safety logics within a company and to enhance the potential for appropriate prevention action. These are then integrated into the set of controls highlighted by work organisation model developed by the NIOSH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/00/indhealth-52-393.PMC4246534.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5023889", "abstract": "Abstract Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with increased risks of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes differ depending on the glucose values among GDM patients. For accurate and effective prenatal counseling, it is necessary to understand the relationship between different maternal hyperglycemia values and the severity of adverse outcomes. With this objective, this study reexamines the relationship between maternal hyperglycemia versus maternal and perinatal outcomes in GDM patients. For this study, maternal hyperglycemia was diagnosed using the 2-step diagnostic approach. Medical records of 3434 pregnant women, who received the 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) between March 2001 and April 2013, were reviewed. As a result, 307 patients were diagnosed with GDM, and they were divided into 2 groups according to their fasting glucose levels. A total of 171 patients had normal fasting glucose level (<95 mg/dL), and 136 patients had abnormal fasting glucose level (≥95 mg/dL). The 50-g GCT results were subdivided by 20-unit increments (140–159, n = 123; 160–179, n = 84; 180–199, n = 50; and ≥200, n = 50), and the maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared against the normal 50-g GCT group (n = 307). Maternal fasting blood glucose (FBG) level showed clear association with adverse perinatal outcomes. The odds ratio (OR) of macrosomia was 6.72 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/40/medi-95-e4712.PMC5023889.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3987757", "abstract": "Treatment with Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become a mainstay of therapy for patients with CD who are unresponsive to conventional medical management. Currently there are three anti-TNFα antibodies that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CD, namely infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol (CZP). Several double blind placebo controlled trials determined that CZP is effective as induction and maintenance treatment in adult patients with CD regardless of their prior exposure to other anti-TNFα antibodies. This review discusses the efficacy of CZP and adherence to therapy with anti-TNFα antibodies in patients with CD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/7e/PMC3987757.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3484587", "abstract": "Introduction Procalcitonin concentrations are considered as a component of the inflammatory response and as an acute-phase marker, after shock or tissue injury (i.e. burn, trauma, surgery) or infections and sepsis. No data are so far available on the dynamics of procalcitonin levels in patients with cardiogenic shock following ST-elevation myocardial infarction, with no clinical or laboratory sign of infection. Methods We evaluated procalcitonin values every day during intensive cardiac care staying in ten cardiogenic shock patients admitted to our intensive cardiac care unit. NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide, C Reactive Protein and APACHE II score were also assessed. Results Six patients survived, whereas 4 patients died. A progressive reduction in procalcitonin values was observed in cardiogenic shock patients who survived, whereas the lack of changes in procalcitonin concentrations was documented in cardiogenic shock patients who died (survivors: slope = -3.76; dead: slope = -0.81, p=0.004). Furthermore, higher values of glycemia, NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide and C Reactive Protein (as well as higher APACHE II scores) were detectable in dead patients in respect to survivors. Conclusions In our preliminary study we observed that in patients with cardiogenic shock and no sign of infections a reduction of procalcitonin levels was detectable only in survivors. Moreover, higher values of NT- Brain Natriuretic Peptide, a marked systemic inflammation (higher values of C Reactive Protein) and higher severity score (as depicted by APACHE II) are associated with an ominous prognosis in cardiogenic shock patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/99/d0/hsrp-02-201.PMC3484587.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658543", "abstract": " Escherichia coli is commonly found in intestine of human, and any changes in their adaptation or evolution may affect the human body. The relationship between E. coli and food additives is less studied as compared to antibiotics. E. coli within our human gut are consistently interacting with the food additives; thus, it is important to investigate this relationship. In this paper, we observed the evolution of E. coli cultured in different concentration of food additives (sodium chloride, benzoic acid, and monosodium glutamate), singly or in combination, over 70 passages. Adaptability over time was estimated by generation time and cell density at stationary phase. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragments length polymorphism (RFLP) using 3 primers and restriction endonucleases, each was used to characterize adaptation/evolution at genomic level. The amplification and digestion profiles were tabulated and analyzed by Nei-Li dissimilarity index. Our results demonstrate that E. coli in every treatment had adapted over 465 generations. The types of stress were discovered to be different even though different concentrations of same additives were used. However, RFLP shows a convergence of genetic distances, suggesting the presence of global stress response. In addition, monosodium glutamate may be a nutrient source and support acid resistance in E. coli.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/c3/PMC3658543.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015508", "abstract": "Laparoscopic surgery has become a durable alternative for both gynecologic and general surgical procedures, but reported complications are increasing. We describe the case of a 70-year-old male undergoing routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis who developed asystolic cardiac arrest intraoperatively. A review of the literature revealed 2 cases of asystolic cardiac arrest during laparoscopy: one was during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and one was during diagnostic laparoscopy for gynecologic evaluation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/dd/jsls-8-1-65.PMC3015508.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3663409", "abstract": "Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a highly specific blocker of voltage-gated sodium channels. The dissociation constant of block varies with different channel isoforms. Until recently, channel resistance was thought to be primarily imparted by amino acid substitutions at a single position in domain I. Recent work reveals a novel site for tetrodotoxin resistance in the P-region of domain IV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/b2/PMC3663409.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4353034", "abstract": "Background: Over the past two decades, there has been a growing trend in using oral hygienic products originating from natural resources such as essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts. Seven aromatic plants used in this study are among popular traditional Iranian medicinal plants with potential application in modern medicine as anti-oral infectious diseases. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from seven medicinal plants against pathogens causing oral infections. Materials and Methods: The chemical compositions of EOs distilled from seven plants were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These plants included Satureja khuzestanica, S. bachtiarica, Ocimum sanctum, Artemisia sieberi, Zataria multiflora, Carum copticum and Oliveria decumbens. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated by broth micro-dilution in 96 well plates as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Results: The tested EOs inhibited the growth of examined oral pathogens at concentrations of 0.015-16 µL/mL. Among the examined oral pathogens, Enterococcus faecalis had the highest Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Microbicidal Concentrations (MMCs). Of the examined EOs, S. khuzestanica, Z. multiflora and S. bachtiarica, showed the highest antimicrobial activities, respectively, while Artemisia sieberi exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: The excellent antimicrobial activities of the tested EOs might be due to their major phenolic or alcoholic monoterpenes with known antimicrobial activities. Hence, these EOs can be possibly used as an antimicrobial agent in treatment and control of oral pathogens.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/f8/jjm-08-02-17766.PMC4353034.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4325695", "abstract": "Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor with a high local recurrence rate. Atrophic DFSP is a rare variant of DFSP characterized by a non-protuberant lesion. We report on a 23-year-old female, who presented with an atrophic, asymptomatic macule on the right side of her back 2 cm in diameter. Dermatoscopic examination revealed homogenous pigment network on a purplish erythematous background. The histopathological finding of the incisional biopsy material was consistent with DFSP. To our knowledge, this is the second case of atrophic DFSP discussing the dermatoscopic features of this relatively rare condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/2d/PMC4325695.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4845270", "abstract": "Background Heart failure (HF) patients have high rates of hospitalization and rehospitalization. Methods and Results A protocol‐driven clinic staffed by an allied health care team was designed for patients discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of congestive HF. The clinic provided follow‐up visits 1 week and 4 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge. One‐hundred and fourteen patients were observed at least 1 time, and 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/55/JAH3-4-e002296.PMC4845270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3794084", "abstract": "The introduction of metagenomics into the field of virology has facilitated the exploration of viral communities in various natural habitats. Understanding the viral ecology of a variety of sample types throughout the biosphere is important per se, but it also has potential applications in clinical and diagnostic virology. However, the procedures used by viral metagenomics may produce technical errors, such as amplification bias, while public viral databases are very limited, which may hamper the determination of the viral diversity in samples. This review considers the current state of viral metagenomics, based on examples from Korean viral metagenomic studies-i.e., rice paddy soil, fermented foods, human gut, seawater, and the near-surface atmosphere. Viral metagenomics has become widespread due to various methodological developments, and much attention has been focused on studies that consider the intrinsic role of viruses that interact with their hosts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/f2/gni-11-121.PMC3794084.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5124473", "abstract": "Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) increases morbidity and mortality after surgery. But the underlying mechanism is not clear yet. While age is now accepted as the top one risk factor for POCD, results from studies investigating postoperative cognitive functions in adults have been controversial, and data about the very young adult individuals are lacking. The present study investigated the spatial reference memory, IL-1β, IL-6, and microglia activation changes in the hippocampus in 2-month-old mice after anesthesia and surgery. We found that hippocampal IL-1β and IL-6 increased at 6 hours after surgery. Microglia were profoundly activated in the hippocampus 6 to 24 hours after surgery. However, no significant behavior changes were found in these mice. These results indicate that although anesthesia and surgery led to neuroinflammation, the latter was insufficient to impair the spatial reference memory of young adult mice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ec/09/PMC5124473.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5290718", "abstract": "Disulfiram is the commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence. It’s major metabolite (diethyldithiocarbamate) is an inhibitor of dopamine-betahydroxylase, an enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of dopamine to norepinephrine resulting in psychosis. We recommend that disulfiram should be used at the lowest effective dose, possibly 250 mg daily and caution should be taken while prescribing disulfiram for patients with personal and familial antecedents of psychosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/01/cpn-15-068.PMC5290718.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3976874", "abstract": "The chemokine fractalkine is considered as unique since it exists both as membrane-bound adhesion molecule and as shed soluble chemoattractant. Here the hypothesis was tested whether placental fractalkine can be shed and released into the maternal circulation. Immunohistochemical staining of human first trimester and term placenta sections localized fractalkine at the apical microvillous plasma membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast. Gene expression analysis revealed abundant upregulation in placental fractalkine at term, compared to first trimester. Fractalkine expression and release were detected in the trophoblast cell line BeWo, in primary term trophoblasts and placental explants. Incubation of BeWo cells and placental explants with metalloprotease inhibitor Batimastat inhibited the release of soluble fractalkine and at the same time increased the membrane-bound form. These results demonstrate that human placenta is a source for fractalkine, which is expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast and can be released into the maternal circulation by constitutive metalloprotease dependent shedding. Increased expression and release of placental fractalkine may contribute to low grade systemic inflammatory responses in third trimester of normal pregnancy. Aberrant placental metalloprotease activity may not only affect the release of placenta derived fractalkine but may at the same time affect the abundance of the membrane-bound form of the chemokine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/13/PMC3976874.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4245705", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Surgery is the only treatment option for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Aim of surgery in FAP is to minimize colorectal cancer risk without need for permanent stoma. There are especially two operation options; Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and total proctocolectomy with ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). We report here a patient with FAP who had resection via rectal eversion just over the dentate line under direct visualization and ileoanal-J pouch anastomosis by double-stapler technique. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 40 yr. old female patient with FAP underwent surgery. Firstly, colon and the rectum mobilized completely, and then from the 10 cm. proximal to the ileo-caecal valve to the recto-sigmoid junction total colectomy was performed. Rectum was everted by a grasping forceps which was introduced through the anus and then resection was performed by a linear stapler just over the dentate line. A stapled J-shaped ileal reservoir construction followed by intraluminal stapler-facilitated ileoanal anastomosis. Follow up at six months anal sphincter function was found normal. DISCUSSION There is only surgical management option for FAP patients up to now. Total colectomy with IRA and restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is surgical options for FAP patients that avoid the need for a permanent stoma. Anorectal eversion may be used in the surgical treatment of FAP, chronic ulcerative colitis and early stage distal rectal cancer patients. CONCLUSION J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis can safely be performed by rectal eversion and double stapler technique in FAP patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/cb/main.PMC4245705.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5435664", "abstract": "Background The results of operative treatments for symptomatic accessory navicular are debatable. In some cases, recurrent pain may develop after the Kidner procedure. The purpose of this study is to review the reasons for recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure and to suggest possible options for revision surgery. Methods We reviewed the clinical and radiological outcomes in 9 patients who underwent revision surgery for recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure. During the revision surgery, the tibialis posterior tendon was reattached to the navicular either by advancing the tendon in 4 patients or by lengthening the tendon in another 4 patients. In the other 1 patient, the flexor digitorum longus tendon was transferred. Surgeries for the accompanying deformities were performed simultaneously in all patients. The results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score and a visual analog scale. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 1 to 5 years). Results The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 71.25 to 81.50 in the advancement group, and 71.75 to 90.00 in the lengthening group. The mean visual analog scale improved from 7.75 to 4.25 in the advancement group and from 7.50 to 1.75 in the lengthening group. Conclusions Recurrent pain after the Kidner procedure was associated with pes planovalgus or hindfoot valgus deformity. In revision surgery, correction of the associated deformities and reattachment of the tibialis posterior tendon after lengthening may need to be considered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/3a/cios-9-232.PMC5435664.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4423321", "abstract": "In order to expand the availability of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), measures to facilitate the procedure are necessary. When bleeding occurs, the examiner’s field of vision is critically impaired, and ESD becomes less efficient and more hazardous because of the presence of submucosal hematoma and covered blood clot. We propose the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) irrigation as a simple and effective measure to improve visibility during submucosal dissection, particularly when bleeding occurs. PEG irrigation facilitates further dissection by allowing a better recognition of the submucosal fibers and muscularis propria layer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/83/PMC4423321.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3631792", "abstract": "Arterial adventitial cystic disease is an uncommon type of non-atherosclerotic peripheral vessel disease. Most cases of arterial adventitial cystic disease occur in the popliteal arteries; however, fewer cases have been reported in the femoral arteries. A 59-year-old male patient visited the hospital with a complaint of a swelling on the lower extremity that had begun two months earlier. Suspecting deep vein thrombosis based on a physical examination and ultrasonography from another hospital, tests were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for exact diagnosis because venous adventitial cystic disease was suspected by computed tomography venography. The MRI indicated venous adventitial cystic disease as well. Thus, a cystic mass excision was performed. In the end, a cystic mass compressing the common femoral vein that originated from the common femoral artery was diagnosed based on the macroscopic findings. This case is reported because blood circulation in the vein was impeded due to arterial adventitial cystic disease, and the symptoms improved after the cystic mass excision and polytetrafluoroethylene roofing angioplasty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/b9/kjtcs-46-150.PMC3631792.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3874356", "abstract": " Objective. During the course of HIV infection, progressive immune deficiency occurs. The aim of this prospective substudy was to evaluate the recovery of functional immunity in a subset of patients from the GRACE (Gender, Race, And Clinical Experience) study treated with a DRV/r-based regimen. Methods. The recovery of functional immunity with a darunavir/ritonavir-based regimen was assessed in a subset of treatment-experienced, HIV-1 infected patients from the GRACE study. Results. 19/32 patients (59", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/84/PMC3874356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4041255", "abstract": " Background. Key factors for the effective chronic disease management (CDM) include the availability of practical and effective computer tools and continuing professional development/education. This study tested the effectiveness of a computer assisted chronic disease management tool, a broadband-based service known as cdmNet in increasing the development of care plans for patients with chronic disease in general practice. Methodology. Mixed methods are the breakthrough series methodology (workshops and plan-do-study-act cycles) and semistructured interviews. Results. Throughout the intervention period a pattern emerged suggesting GPs use of cdmNet initially increased, then plateaued practice nurses' and practice managers' roles expanded as they became more involved in using cdmNet. Seven main messages emerged from the GP interviews. Discussion. The overall use of cdmNet by participating GPs varied from “no change” to “significant change and developing many the GPMPs (general practice management plans) using cdmNet.” The variation may be due to several factors, not the least, allowing GPs adequate time to familiarise themselves with the software and recognising the benefit of the team approach. Conclusion. The breakthrough series methodology facilitated upskilling GPs' management of patients diagnosed with a chronic disease and learning how to use the broadband-based service cdmNet.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/0d/PMC4041255.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4983155", "abstract": "Background Many methods have been used for preventing and reducing recurrences of bladder cancers. In recent years, some investigators have examined the use of metformin for this purpose. First lines of evidence have shown that metformin inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents cancer occurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Objectives This study is designed to assess metformin usage in the prevention of bladder cancer recurrence after the trans-urethral resection of a bladder tumor (TUR-T). Patients and Methods In the present study, metformin was administered in the treatment of 32 patients with a history of bladder cancer, and their results were compared with those of 33 patients with bladder cancer recurrence (placebo group). Patients in the metformin group received 1000 mg metformin (2 tablets 500 mg) for 1 year. Frequency of tumor recurrence was calculated and compared with the placebo group. Results There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups with respect to the recurrence rate (P > 0.05). Although the recurrence interval was longer for the metformin group, this increase was not statistical significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, tumor recurrence had no correlation with sex or the grade of the tumors. Conclusions According to our findings, it seems that metformin has no considerable inhibitory effect on the recurrence rate of bladder cancer, but that it can delay tumor recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/8c/num-08-03-30261.PMC4983155.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4261957", "abstract": "Temperature changes influence the reaction rates of all biological processes, which can pose dramatic challenges to cold-blooded organisms, and the capability to adapt to temperature fluctuations is crucial for the survival of these animals. In order to understand the roles that neuropeptides play in the temperature stress response, we employed a mass spectrometry-based approach to investigate the neuropeptide changes associated with acute temperature elevation in three neural tissues from the Jonah crab Cancer borealis. At high temperature, members from two neuropeptide families, including RFamide and RYamide, were observed to be significantly reduced in one of the neuroendocrine structures, the pericardial organ, while several orcokinin peptides were detected to be decreased in another major neuroendocrine organ, the sinus gland. These results implicate that the observed neuropeptides may be involved with temperature perturbation response via hormonal regulation. Furthermore, a temperature stress marker peptide with the primary sequence of SFRRMGGKAQ (m/z 1137.7) was detected and de novo sequenced in the circulating fluid (hemolymph) from animals under thermal perturbation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/d1/PMC4261957.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3952310", "abstract": "Encephalitis is caused by multiple organisms, but rarely by the hepatitis A virus. A 27-year-old man visited our hospital because of fever, altered consciousness, and seizures. On physical exam, a stuporous mentality and neck stiffness were found. On laboratory exam, elevated liver enzymes and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, including pleocytosis and elevated protein levels were observed. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgM antibody was also detected. We conclude that these findings were compatible with encephalitis associated with HAV and discuss the pathomechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/70/er-1-1-27-5.PMC3952310.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4304532", "abstract": "Background Hypertension is a global concern and is one of the key preventable risk factors for cardiovascular events, resulting in unnecessary morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prescribing, dispensing and patient use pattern of antihypertensive drugs among patients attending Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital outpatient department. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital on assessment of the prescribing, dispensing, and patient use pattern of antihypertensive drugs among patients who were above the age of 18 years and attending outpatient department from April 1–May 31, 2013. Data collection was conducted by reviewing the record of patients and direct observation of the dispensing process of randomly selected patients to measure average dispensing time, and direct interview with the patients. Results A total of 400 patients met the inclusion criteria; out of the 400 patients studied, 63.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/ed/dddt-9-519.PMC4304532.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4689817", "abstract": "This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the formative program evaluation on the continuous improvement of a clinical training program for Lao health professionals. The training program was conducted 4 times consecutively for total 48 health professionals, and the formative program evaluation was carried out during the whole process. To evaluate the satisfaction and the transfer of the trainees, the questionnaire survey, the focus group interview, and the trainees' medical records were used. After the end of each batch of the program, the evaluation data were analyzed, and its results were shared with the training management committee and the trainers, who, based on the results, reached a consensus on how to improve the program. The evaluation results and the comparison of them among the four batches of the program showed that there was a continuous increase of the satisfaction and the transfer of the trainees, especially in the early period of the program. The formative program evaluation which was conducted during the whole process of the clinical training program had a positive effect on the improvement of the program, especially in the early phase, by increasing the satisfaction and transfer of the trainees. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/15/jkms-30-1743.PMC4689817.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2651649", "abstract": "Peptidyl prolyl cis−trans isomerases (PPIases) are ubiquitous enzymes in biology that catalyze the cis−trans isomerization of the proline imide peptide bond in many cell signaling pathways. The local change of the isomeric state of the prolyl peptide bond acts as a switching mechanism in altering the conformation of proteins. A complete understanding of the mechanism of PPIases is still lacking, and current experimental techniques have not been able to provide a detailed atomistic picture. Here we have carried out several accelerated molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent, and we have provided a detailed description of cis−trans isomerization of the free and cyclophilin A-catalyzed process. We show that the catalytic mechanism of cyclophilin is due mainly to the stabilization and preferential binding of the transition state that is achieved by a favorable hydrogen bond interaction with a backbone NH group. We also show that the substrate in the transition state interacts more favorably with the enzyme than the cis isomer, which in turn interacts more favorably than the trans isomer. The stability of the enzyme−substrate complex is directly correlated with the interaction the substrate makes with a highly conserved arginine residue. Finally, we show that catalysis is achieved through the rotation of the carbonyl oxygen on the N-terminal of the prolyl peptide bond in a predominately unidirectional fashion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/93/PMC2651649.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4550743", "abstract": " Introduction. An altered endothelial function (EF) could be associated with preeclampsia (PE). However, more specific and complementary analyses are required to confirm this topic. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC), and hyperemic-related changes in carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWVcr) offer complementary information about “recruitability” of EF. Objectives. To evaluate, in healthy and hypertensive pregnant women (with and without PE), central arterial parameters in conjunction with “basal and recruitable” EF. Methods. Nonhypertensive (HP) and hypertensive pregnant women (gestational hypertension, GH; preeclampsia, PE) were included. Aortic blood pressure (BP), wave reflection parameters (AIx@75), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) and PWVcr, and brachial and common carotid stiffness and intima-media thickness were measured. Brachial FMD and L-FMC and hyperemic-related change in PWVcr were measured. Results. Aortic BP and AIx@75 were elevated in PE. PE showed stiffer elastic but not muscular arteries. After cuff deflation, PWVcr decreased in HP, while GH showed a blunted PWVcr response and PE showed a tendency to increase. Maximal FMD and L-FMC were observed in HP followed by GH; PE did not reach significant arterial constriction. Conclusion. Aortic BP and wave reflections as well as elastic arteries stiffness are increased in PE. PE showed both “resting and recruitable” endothelial dysfunctions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/85/PMC4550743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4336433", "abstract": "Introduction Retention of barium in the vermiform appendix for more than 72 h following barium meal study is uncommon. It may produce undue concern for increased risk for appendicitis and even prophylactic appendectomies have been performed for this. Presentation of case We encountered one such patient who presented with X-ray plate suggestive of tubular radio-opacity in the right iliac fossa region. The patient had episodes of severe pain in the right lower abdomen for which he underwent barium meal study. Further evaluation and investigations established the diagnosis as, a case of recurrent right ureteric colic with retained barium in the appendix. Discussion Review of the literature suggests that, in absence of acute appendicitis there is no role of appendectomy, even in a case of retained barium in the appendix. Conclusion If atypical presentation is there, they should be appropriately further investigated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/6d/main.PMC4336433.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2767238", "abstract": "Background: A central element in establishing maximum amount of micronutrients in fortified foods and supplements is to reach to an agreement on how to estimate high intakes of vitamins and minerals from the European diet. Objective: To examine whether ratios between the 95th percentile and mean intakes of vitamins and minerals show similarities across different countries independent of dietary habits and survey methods and if so, to suggest a simple and pragmatic way to calculate common estimates of high micronutrient intakes from foods. Design: Intake data of selected vitamins and minerals from nine European countries were examined for adult females and males and for children aged 4–10 and 11–17 years. The ratios between the 95th percentile and mean intakes were calculated for each micronutrient, country, and age group. Results: The ratios for each micronutrient follow a fairly regular pattern across countries and survey methods with differences between age groups. The nutrients fall into three categories: nutrients with ratios between 1.45 and 1.58 – energy, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, vitamin B6, niacin, and folate; nutrients with ratios between 1.67 and 1.79 – calcium, selenium, vitamin E, iodine, and copper; nutrients with ratios between 2.08 and 2.32 – vitamin A, vitamin D, and retinol. Conclusion: Sufficiently precise estimates of high micronutrient intakes across European countries can be reached by multiplying the overall average of ratios (P95/mean intakes) for each micronutrient with the corresponding mean intakes from all available dietary surveys in Europe. This approach is a simple and pragmatic way to create common European estimates of high micronutrient intakes from foods.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/76/FNR-53-1898.PMC2767238.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4383407", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate the long-term safety and clinical outcome of phakic Visian toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) insertion after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus. Methods. This was a retrospective study of 30 eyes (19 patients), with progressive keratoconus, who underwent sequential CXL followed by Visian toric ICL implantation after 6 months. Results. At baseline, 6 eyes had stage I, 14 eyes stage II, and 10 eyes stage III keratoconus graded by Amsler-Krumeich classification. At 6 months after CXL, only K (steep) and K (max) decreased significantly from baseline, with no change in visual acuity or refraction. Flattening in keratometric readings was stable thereafter. There was significant improvement in mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (1.57 ± 0.56 to 0.17 ± 0.06 logMAR, P < 0.001) and mean corrected distance visual acuity (0.17 ± 0.08 to 0.11 ± 0.05 logMAR, P < 0.001) at 12 months after ICL implantation that was maintained at the 2-year follow-up. Mean cylinder power and mean spherical equivalent (SE) also decreased significantly after ICL implantation. A small hyperopic shift in SE (+0.25 D) was observed at 2 years that did not alter visual outcomes. Conclusions. Visian toric ICL implantation following CXL is an effective option for improving visual acuity in patients with keratoconus up to 2 years.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/a3/PMC4383407.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2894111", "abstract": "In this study, a novel and facile approach for the synthesis of ternary boron carbonitride (B–C–N) nanotubes was reported. Growth occurred by heating simple starting materials of boron powder, zinc oxide powder, and ethanol absolute at 1150 °C under a mixture gas flow of nitrogen and hydrogen. As substrate, commercial stainless steel foil with a typical thickness of 0.05 mm played an additional role of catalyst during the growth of nanotubes. The nanotubes were characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, and EELS. The results indicate that the synthesized B–C–N nanotubes exhibit a bamboo-like morphology and B, C, and N elements are homogeneously distributed in the nanotubes. A catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism was proposed for the growth of the nanotubes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/a1/PMC2894111.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5080149", "abstract": "[Purpose] To compare measurements of knee extensor and flexor muscle strength performed using a hand-held dynamometer and an isokinetic dynamometer in apparently healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty adult volunteers underwent knee muscle strength evaluation using an isokinetic or a hand-held dynamometer. [Results] Strong positive correlations were found between the 2 methods, with correlation coefficients r ranging from 0.72 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/88/jpts-28-2445.PMC5080149.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2779903", "abstract": "Abstract Variations in GC content between genomes have been extensively documented. Genomes with comparable GC contents can, however, still differ in the apportionment of the G and C nucleotides between the two DNA strands. This asymmetric strand bias is known as GC skew. Here, we have investigated the impact of differences in nucleotide skew on the amino acid composition of the encoded proteins. We compared orthologous genes between animal mitochondrial genomes that show large differences in GC and AT skews. Specifically, we compared the mitochondrial genomes of mammals, which are characterized by a negative GC skew and a positive AT skew, to those of flatworms, which show the opposite skews for both GC and AT base pairs. We found that the mammalian proteins are highly enriched in amino acids encoded by CA-rich codons (as predicted by their negative GC and positive AT skews), whereas their flatworm orthologs were enriched in amino acids encoded by GT-rich codons (also as predicted from their skews). We found that these differences in mitochondrial strand asymmetry (measured as GC and AT skews) can have very large, predictable effects on the composition of the encoded proteins.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/53/dnares-14-201.PMC2779903.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4862314", "abstract": "Tumor movements should be accurately predicted to improve delivery accuracy and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissue during radiotherapy. The tumor movements pertaining to respiration are divided into intra-fractional variation occurring in a single treatment session and inter-fractional variation arising between different sessions. Most studies of patients’ respiration movements deal with intra-fractional variation. Previous studies on inter-fractional variation are hardly mathematized and cannot predict movements well due to inconstant variation. Moreover, the computation time of the prediction should be reduced. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new predictor for intra- and inter-fractional data variation, called intra- and inter-fraction fuzzy deep learning (IIFDL), where FDL, equipped with breathing clustering, predicts the movement accurately and decreases the computation time. Through the experimental results, we validated that the IIFDL improved root-mean-square error (RMSE) by 29.98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/f3/PMC4862314.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3541560", "abstract": " Background. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is widely used in high risk patients (pts) with aortic stenosis. Underlying chronic kidney disease implicates a high risk of postprocedural acute kidney injury (AKI). We analyzed its occurrence, impact on hospital stay, and mortality. Methods. 150 consecutive pts underwent TAVI in our institution (mean age 81 ± 7 years; logistic EuroSCORE 24 ± 15", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/1c/PMC3541560.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4005534", "abstract": "In this study, we analysed the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) and evaluated mutagen-induced sensitivity in the lymphocytes of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). In total, 49 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (28 HBV-infected and 21 HCV-infected patients) and 33 healthy, non-infected blood donor controls were investigated. The frequencies (‰) of MN, NPBs and NBUDs in the controls were 4.41 ± 2.15, 1.15 ± 0.97 and 2.98 ± 1.31, respectively. The frequencies of MN and NPBs were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in the patient group (7.01 ± 3.23 and 2.76 ± 2.08, respectively) compared with the control group. When considered separately, the HBV-infected patients (7.18 ± 3.57) and HCV-infected patients (3.27 ± 2.40) each had greater numbers of MN than did the controls (p < 0.0001). The HCV-infected patients displayed high numbers of NPBs (2.09 ± 1.33) and NBUDs (4.38 ± 3.28), but only the HBV-infected patients exhibited a significant difference (NPBs = 3.27 ± 2.40, p < 0.0001 and NBUDs = 4.71 ± 2.79, p = 0.03) in comparison with the controls. Similar results were obtained for males, but not for females, when all patients or the HBV-infected group was compared with the controls. The lymphocytes of the infected patients did not exhibit sensitivity to mutagen in comparison with the lymphocytes of the controls (p = 0.06). These results showed that the lymphocytes of patients who were chronically infected with HBV or HCV presented greater chromosomal instability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/b9/0074-0276-mioc-109-01-00015.PMC4005534.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3672735", "abstract": "Dopexamine is a dopamine analog that has been used for hemodynamic optimization in a number of clinical settings. This animal investigation showed anti-inflammatory effects of dopexamine in a rat endotoxin model without effects on global or regional flow, but it is not time to dispense with hemodynamics altogether just yet. Rather, an integrative approach to the effects of catecholamines, considering both inflammatory and hemodynamic effects, including those on the microcirculation, can help clinicians best understand how to employ them in clinical practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/3b/PMC3672735.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3324140", "abstract": "The development of the central nervous system is complex and includes dorsal and ventral induction, neuronal proliferation, and neuronal migration, organization, and myelination. Migration occurs in humans in early fetal life. Pathogenesis of malformations of the central nervous system includes both genetic and environmental factors. Few epidemiological studies have addressed the impact of prenatal exposures. All infants born alive and included in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 1980–1999 were included in the study. By linkage to the Patient Register, 820 children with a diagnosis related to a neuronal migration abnormality were identified. Through copies of referrals for computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, the diagnosis was confirmed in 17 children. Median age of the mothers was 29 years. At the start of pregnancy, four out of 17 women smoked. Almost half of the women had a body mass index that is low or in the lower range of average. All infants were born at term with normal birth weights. Thirteen infants had one or more concomitant diseases or malformations. Two infants were born with rubella syndrome. The impact of low maternal body mass index and congenital infections on neuronal migration disorders in infants should be addressed in future studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/51/PMC3324140.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4540825", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify biochemical markers related to breast density. The study was performed with 200 patients who received mammography and biochemical marker testing between March 1, 2014 to October 1, 2014. [Subjects and Methods] Following the American College of Radiology, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS), breast parenchymal pattern density from mammography was categorized into four grades: grade 1, almost entirely fat; grade 2, fibroglandular densities; grade 3, heterogeneously dense; and grade 4, extremely dense. Regarding biochemical markers, subjects underwent blood and urine tests after a 12-h fast. We analyzed correlations among breast density, general characteristics, and biochemical markers. [Results] Breast density-related factors were age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hematocrit, MCH, RDW, AST, ALT, ALP, uric acid, γGT, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. [Conclusion] The results can be used as basic and comparative data for the prevention and early control of breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/80/jpts-27-2097.PMC4540825.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5440139", "abstract": "Abstract Background: The development of targeted therapies benefits patients with certain markers in the treatment of breast cancer. Pertuzumab is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) dimerization. The Food and Drug Administration has approved pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Methods: To assess the safety and efficacy profile of pertuzumab, we searched PubMed and Embase (articles from January 1966 to January 2015) using the keyword “pertuzumab”. Results: Fourteen eligible studies were included in our final analysis. From the results of our analysis, diarrhea (56.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/6b/medi-96-e6870.PMC5440139.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3013637", "abstract": "RNA helicases are ubiquitous and essential enzymes that function in nearly all aspects of RNA metabolism. The RNA helicase database (www.rnahelicase.org) integrates the wealth of accumulating information on RNA helicases in a readily accessible format. The database is a portal that allows straightforward retrieval of comprehensive information on sequence, structure and on biochemical and cellular functions of all RNA helicases from the most widely used model organisms Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, mouse and human. Also included are RNA helicases from other organisms that are subject to specific investigation. The database is structured according to the most recent helicase classification into helicase superfamilies (SFs) and families, and thus emphasizes phyologenetic relations between RNA helicases as well. Information on individual RNA helicases can be accessed through various browsing routes or through text-based searches of the database.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d1/6e/gkq1002.PMC3013637.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2686421", "abstract": "Ergotamine-induced limb ischemia is an extremely rare case. We present a case of a 64-year-old man, who developed ischemia on the right upper extremity due to long-term use of Ergot for migraine headache. Angiography revealed diffused, smooth, and tapered narrowing of the brachial artery. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous nitroprusside.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/0e/kjr-6-130.PMC2686421.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4185359", "abstract": "Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is a rare anomaly that is commonly associated with inguinal hernia. Most of the reported cases are in children with very few reported cases in adults. We report a case of 42 years, fertile male, who presented with left reducible inguinal hernia. During surgery, he was found to have a left indirect inguinal hernia with TTE with both testes on the left side. Hernioplasty and bilateral orchidopexy were performed. He had an uneventful recovery. Most of these cases are diagnosed intraoperatively, but imaging (ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging) has emerged as a promising tool for preoperative diagnosis although ultrasound missed it in this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/1c/rju097.PMC4185359.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4441938", "abstract": "Abstract Background Dietary notifications have been introduced recently for Alzheimer Disease (AD). In Iranian old medical manuscripts, there are some nutritional recommendations related to Nesyan (AD equivalent). The aim of this article was to compare dietary recommendations of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) with novel medical outcomes. Methods 1) Searching for dietary recommendations and abstinences described in ITM credible manuscripts; 2) Extracting fatty components of ITM diet according to the database of the Department of Agriculture of the USA; 3) Statistical analysis of fatty elements of traditionally recommended foods via Mann-Whitney Test in comparison with elements of the abstinent ones; 4) Searching for AD dietary recommendations and abstinences which currently published in medical journals; 5) Comparing traditional and new dietary suggestions with each other. Results 1) Traditionally recommended foods are fattier than abstinent ones (P<0.001). There are meaningful differences between unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (P<0.001), saturated fatty acids (P<0.001), and cholesterol (P<0.05) of recommended foods and abstinent ones. 2) Traditionally recommended diet is also fattier than the abstinent diet (4.5 times); UFAs of the recommended diet is 11 times more than that of the abstinent one; it is the same story for cholesterol (1.4 times); 3) Recent studies show that diets with high amounts of UFAs have positive effects on AD; a considerable number of papers emphasizes on probable positive role of cholesterol on AD; 4) Traditional recommended diet is in agreement with recent studies. Conclusion ITM recommended diet which is full of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol can be utilized for complementary treatment of AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/d0/PMC4441938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3835711", "abstract": "Calmodulin II (CALM2) gene polymorphism might be responsible for the variation in the left ventricular mass amongst healthy individuals. The aim was to evaluate the correlation between left ventricular mass (LVM) and g.474955027G>A (rs7565161) polymorphism adjacent to the CALM2 gene.  Healthy Polish newborns (n = 206) were recruited. Two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography was used to assess LVM. Polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing analyses.  The carriers of the G allele of the CALM2 polymorphism had significantly higher left ventricular mass/weight (LVM/BW) values, when compared with newborns homozygous for the A allele (3.1 g/m2 versus 2.5 g/m2, P adjusted = 0.036). The AG genotype of CALM2 was associated with the highest values of LVM/BW, exhibiting a pattern of overdominance (2.9 g/kg versus 3.1 g/kg versus 2.5 g/kg, P adjusted = 0.037).  The results of this study suggest that G>A CALM2 polymorphism may account for subtle variation in LVM at birth.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/d6/PMC3835711.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2844809", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Acylated ghrelin (AG) is a diabetogenic and orexigenic gastric polypeptide. These properties are not shared by the most abundant circulating form, which is unacylated (UAG). An altered UAG/AG profile together with an impairment of circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) bioavailability were found in diabetes. Based on previous evidence for the beneficial cardiovascular effects of AG and UAG, we investigated their potential to revert diabetes-associated defects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Healthy human subjects, individuals with type 2 diabetes, and ob/ob mice were AG or UAG infused. EPC mobilization in patients and mice was evaluated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in bone marrow stromal cells. Recovered EPCs were also evaluated for the activity of senescence regulatory pathways and for NADPH oxidase activation by knocking down p47phox and Rac1. Finally, UAG modulation of human EPC vasculogenic potential was investigated in an in vivo mouse model. RESULTS Neither AG nor UAG had any effect in healthy subjects. However, systemic administration of UAG, but not AG, prevented diabetes-induced EPC damage by modulating the NADPH oxidase regulatory protein Rac1 and improved the vasculogenic potential both in individuals with type 2 diabetes and in ob/ob mice. In addition, unlike AG, UAG facilitated the recovery of bone marrow EPC mobilization. Crucial to EPC mobilization by UAG was the rescue of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation by Akt, as UAG treatment was ineffective in eNOS knockout mice. Consistently, EPCs expressed specific UAG-binding sites, not recognized by AG. CONCLUSIONS These data provide the rationale for clinical applications of UAG in pathologic settings where AG fails.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/86/zdb1016.PMC2844809.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3427838", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the risk factors for overactive bladder (OAB) in a population aged 40 years and over in the community. Materials and Methods We conducted a community-based survey of OAB in a population aged 40 years and over in Guri City and Yangpyeong County, South Korea, by use of the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) questionnaire. A total of 926 subjects were included in the final analysis. The definition of OAB was more than 2 points for the urgency score and 3 points for the sum of scores. In addition, the subjects were asked about age, dwelling place, marital status, educational status, behavioral factors (smoking, drinking, etc), and medical history. Categorical variables were analyzed by using the logistic regression model and were adjusted for age by using the logistic regression model. Results Overall OAB prevalence was 14.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/5e/kju-53-541.PMC3427838.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2946669", "abstract": "Acute phlegmonous infection of the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by purulent inflammation of the submucosa and muscular layer with sparing of the mucosa. The authors report a rare case of acute diffuse phlegmonous esophagogastritis, which was well diagnosed based on the typical chest computed tomographic (CT) findings and was successfully treated. A 48-yr-old man presented with left chest pain and dyspnea for three days. Chest radiograph on admission showed mediastinal widening and bilateral pleural effusion. The patient became febrile and the amount of left pleural effusion is increased on follow-up chest radiograph. Left closed thoracostomy was performed with pus drainage. A CT diagnosis of acute phlegmonous esophagogastritis was suggested and a surgery was decided due to worsening of clinical condition of the patient and radiologic findings. Esophageal myotomies were performed and the submucosal layer was filled with thick, cheesy materials. The patient was successfully discharged with no postoperative complication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/89/jkms-25-1532.PMC2946669.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4928238", "abstract": "Background: Older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or insulin-using type 2 diabetes (iT2D) are at high risk for severe hypoglycemic episodes. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) in this population may reduce this risk, but when patients switch to Medicare at age 65, RT-CGM is no longer a covered benefit. We developed a survey to examine health and quality of life (QOL) benefits of RT-CGM in seniors (age ≥ 65). Methods: Two groups of seniors with T1D or iT2D—current RT-CGM users (n = 210) and RT-CGM “hopefuls” (patients who wanted but could not obtain RT-CGM due to lack of insurance coverage; n = 75)—completed an online survey. The survey examined history of hypoglycemic experiences as well as current quality of life (QOL), including generic and diabetes-specific measures. Results: Current users reported fewer moderate (P < .01) and fewer severe hypoglycemic episodes (P < .01) over the past 6 months than “hopefuls” and greater reductions over time in hypoglycemic events requiring the assistance of another, ER visits, and paramedic visits to the home (in all cases, P < .01). Regarding QOL, current users reported significantly better well-being (P < .001), less hypoglycemic fear (P < .05), and less diabetes distress (P < .05) than “hopefuls.” Conclusions: These data suggest that RT-CGM use in seniors is associated with reductions in episodes of severe hypoglycemia and improved QOL, suggesting that restrictive access to RT-CGM in the Medicare age population may have deleterious health, economic, and QOL consequences.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/4e/10.1177_1932296816643542.PMC4928238.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3179889", "abstract": "The ultimate goal of any dental treatment is the regeneration of lost tissues and alveolar bone. Under the appropriate culture conditions, periosteal cells secrete extracellular matrix and form a membranous structure. The periosteum can be easily harvested from the patient's own oral cavity, where the resulting donor site wound is invisible. Owing to the above reasons, the periosteum offers a rich cell source for bone tissue engineering; hence, the regenerative potential of periosteum is immense. Although the use of periosteum as a regenerative tool has been extensive in general medical field, the regenerative potential of periosteum is highly underestimated in dentistry; therefore, the present paper reviews the current literature related to the regenerative potential of periosteum and gives an insight to the future use of periosteum in dentistry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/aa/PMC3179889.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3915428", "abstract": "Background Vancomycin is used abundantly in patients undergoing HSCT, especially during neutropenic fever. Despite its widespread use little is known about vancomycin pharmacokinetics in HSCT patients. We conducted this study to investigate vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in our HSCT patients and to evaluate current dosing regimen based on trough vancomycin concentrations measurement. Methods Vancomycin serum concentration at steady-state was determined prospectively in 46 adult HSCT patients who received vancomycin as empirical treatment of neutropenic fever. Individual steady-steady pharmacokinetic parameters were also determined in 20 patients who had two vancomycin levels from an administered dose, assuming one-compartment model. Acute kidney injury was also evaluated in our patients during vancomycin therapy. Results Mean (±SD) apparent volume of distribution (L/kg) and clearance (mL/min) were 0.6 (± 0.33) and 109.7 (± 57.5) respectively. With mean (±SD) total daily dose of vancomycin 31.9 (±10.5) mg/kg/day that was administered, more than 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/40/IJHOSCR-7-001.PMC3915428.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4764960", "abstract": "Background: This study assessed the relationship between working memory capacity and auditory stream segregation by using the concurrent minimum audible angle in children with a diagnosed auditory processing disorder (APD). Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional, comparative study were 20 typically developing children and 15 children with a diagnosed APD (age, 9–11 years) according to the subtests of multiple-processing auditory assessment. Auditory stream segregation was investigated using the concurrent minimum audible angle. Working memory capacity was evaluated using the non-word repetition and forward and backward digit span tasks. Nonparametric statistics were utilized to compare the between-group differences. The Pearson correlation was employed to measure the degree of association between working memory capacity and the localization tests between the 2 groups. Results: The group with APD had significantly lower scores than did the typically developing subjects in auditory stream segregation and working memory capacity. There were significant negative correlations between working memory capacity and the concurrent minimum audible angle in the most frontal reference location (0° azimuth) and lower negative correlations in the most lateral reference location (60° azimuth) in the children with APD. Conclusion: The study revealed a relationship between working memory capacity and auditory stream segregation in children with APD. The research suggests that lower working memory capacity in children with APD may be the possible cause of the inability to segregate and group incoming information.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/72/IJMS-41-110.PMC4764960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3692056", "abstract": "The webPDBinder (http://pdbinder.bio.uniroma2.it/PDBinder) is a web server for the identification of small ligand-binding sites in a protein structure. webPDBinder searches a protein structure against a library of known binding sites and a collection of control non-binding pockets. The number of similarities identified with the residues in the two sets is then used to derive a propensity value for each residue of the query protein associated to the likelihood that the residue is part of a ligand binding site. The predicted binding residues can be further refined using conservation scores derived from the multiple alignment of the PFAM protein family. webPDBinder correctly identifies residues belonging to the binding site in 77", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/b0/gkt457.PMC3692056.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3348609", "abstract": "One of the main treatments currently used in humans to fight cancer is chemotherapy. A huge number of compounds with antitumor activity are present in nature, and many of their derivatives are produced by microorganisms. However, the search for new drugs still represents a main objective for cancer therapy, due to drug toxicity and resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. In animal models, a short-time oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induces colitis, which exhibits several clinical and histological features similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the pathogenic factors responsible for DSS-induced colitis and the subsequent colon cancer also remain unclear. We investigated the effect of FR91, a standardized lysate of microbial cells belonging to the Bacillus genus which has been previously shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects, against intestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced in mice during 5 weeks by oral administration 2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/84/0d/PMC3348609.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4478427", "abstract": "Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficiency and practicality of seven trapping methods for adult phlebotominae sand flies. The results of this investigation provide information to determine the species composition and nocturnal activity pattern of different sand fly species. Methods: The study was carried out in both plain region (about 5km far from northeast) and mountainous region (about 40km far from southwest of Kashan City). Seven traps were selected as sampling methods and sand flies were collected during 5 interval times starting July to September 2011 and from 8:00PM to 6:00AM in outdoors habitats. The traps include: sticky traps (4 papers for 2 hours), Disney trap, Malaise, CDC and CO2 light traps, Shannon traps (black and white nets) and animal-baited trap. Results: A total of 1445 sand flies belonging to 15 species of Phlebotomus spp. and five of Sergentomyia spp. were collected. Females and males comprised 44.91", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/9b/PMC4478427.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733733", "abstract": "Background: The expression of TES, a novel tumor suppressor gene, is found to be down-regulated in the left anterior descending aorta of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with non-CAD subjects. This study aimed to investigate the expression of TES during the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) groups. Body weight and serum lipid levels were measured at 0, 4, and 12 weeks after diet treatment. The degree of atherosclerosis in thoracic aortas was analyzed by histological examinations. The expression of Testin in the tissue samples was inspected via immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Real time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the expression of TES/Testin at mRNA and protein levels in the aortic tissues. Results: After 12 weeks postenrollment, rabbits in HFD group had a higher level of serum lipids and atherosclerotic plaque compared to ND group (P < 0.05). Testin expression was detected at high levels in the endothelium and a weak expression on the subendothelium area. The expression of TES mRNA was markedly reduced by 10-fold in the aortic tissues in the HFD group compared with the ND group (P = 0.015), and the protein level was also significantly decreased in the HFD group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Reduced TES/Testin expression is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, implicating a potentially important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/52/CMJ-128-1662.PMC4733733.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4567609", "abstract": "Castleman’s disease, giant lymph node hyperplasia, is a kind of benign lymphoproliferative disease with gentle behavior. Its etiology and prevalence are unclear. This rare disease is usually found in mediastinal area asymptomatically and incidentally. It is also rare to see this tumor in the retroperitoneum. In this study, we have introduced a 34-year-old woman who referred just with occasional abdominal pain caused by compressive symptoms. Laboratory findings only reported microcytic anemia (MCH: 18.5, MCV: 63, Hemoglobin 10.2 g/dl). Chest and abdominal X-ray imaging showed no remarkable point. In abdominal ultrasonography, a solid and firm tumor with 12.2×5.3×6.6 cm was reported in patient’s retroperitoneum. Patient’s surgery was done and the tumor (covered by a fibrous thick capsule, with no bizarre appearance and bleeding) was completely removed. Pathologic examination indicated a Castleman’s tumor, type of unicentric and hyaline-vascular. This item had been one of the rare reported items of Castleman’s disease in the retroperitoneal space.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/b4/IJMS-40-469.PMC4567609.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3583177", "abstract": "The integrity of the sperm genome and epigenome are critical for normal embryonic development. The advent of assisted reproductive technology has led to an increased understanding of the role of sperm in fertilization and embryogenesis. During fertilization, the sperm transmits not only nuclear DNA to the oocyte but also activation factor, centrosomes, and a host of messenger RNA and microRNAs. This complex complement of microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs is believed to modify important post-fertilization events. Thus, the health of the sperm genome and epigenome is critical for improving assisted conception rates and the birth of healthy offspring.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/ef/cln-68-s1-005.PMC3583177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3021855", "abstract": "Breast cancer survival in the USA has continually improved over the last six decades and has largely been accredited to the use of mammography, advanced surgical procedures, and adjuvant therapies. Data indicate, however, that there were substantial improvements in survival in the USA even prior to these technological and diagnostic advances, suggesting important opportunities for early detection and treatment in low- and middle-income countries where these options are often unavailable and/or unaffordable. Thus, while continuing to strive for increased access to more advanced technology, improving survival in these settings should be more immediately achievable through increased awareness of breast cancer and of the potential for successful treatment, a high-quality primary care system without economic or cultural barriers to access, and a well-functioning referral system for basic surgical and hormonal treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/88/PMC3021855.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3180142", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: Because autonomic dysfunction has been found to lead to cardiometabolic disorders and because studies have reported that simvastatin treatment has neuroprotective effects, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin treatment on cardiovascular and autonomic changes in fructose-fed female rats. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: controls (n = 8), fructose (n = 8), and fructose+simvastatin (n = 8). Fructose overload was induced by supplementing the drinking water with fructose (100 mg/L, 18 wks). Simvastatin treatment (5 mg/kg/day for 2 wks) was performed by gavage. The arterial pressure was recorded using a data acquisition system. Autonomic control was evaluated by pharmacological blockade. RESULTS: Fructose overload induced an increase in the fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels and insulin resistance. The constant rate of glucose disappearance during the insulin intolerance test was reduced in the fructose group (3.4±0.32", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/51/cln-66-10-1793.PMC3180142.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3132517", "abstract": "The unpublished in the literature FAB mass spectral fragmentation of seven oxosparteines (i.e., 2-oxosparteine, 15-oxosparteine, 17-oxosparteine, 2,17-dioxosparteine, 2,13-dioxosparteine, 2-oxo-13-hydroxysparteine, and 2-oxo-17-hydroxysparteine) is investigated. Fragmentation pathways, elucidation of which was assisted by FAB/collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra measurements, are discussed. The data obtained create the basis for distinguishing positional isomers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/b2/PMC3132517.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4944073", "abstract": "Uveal melanoma management is challenging due to its metastatic propensity. DecisionDx-UM is a prospectively validated molecular test that interrogates primary tumor biology to provide objective information about metastatic potential that can be used in determining appropriate patient care. To evaluate the continued clinical validity and utility of DecisionDx-UM, beginning March 2010, 70 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, IRB-approved study to document patient management differences and clinical outcomes associated with low-risk Class 1 and high-risk Class 2 results indicated by DecisionDx-UM testing. Thirty-seven patients in the prospective study were Class 1 and 33 were Class 2. Class 1 patients had 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/7f/PMC4944073.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4040645", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study is to provide accurate understanding of clinical presentations and surgical outcomes as well as to identify the unique characteristics of lower lumbar osteoporotic compression fracture (OCF). Methods Clinical data were collected from 120 patients who had L3, L4 or L5 percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) performed from 2008 to 2012 at the single institute. L4 or L5 PVP patients were classified into group 1 and group 2 was for L3 PVP patients. Medical records were retrospectively investigated at 1 month after PVP. Long term follow-up results were obtained at a median value of 22 months after PVP. Results 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/38/kjs-10-221.PMC4040645.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3764959", "abstract": "We report on a patient who presented with cranial nerve VI bilateral paresis, absence of pharyngeal reflex, dysarthria, right tongue deviation, and right facial paralysis. Imaging studies showed an expansive process in the cranial base with clivus and petrous apex osteolysis. A biopsy confirmed the presence of clear cell adenocarcinoma and suspicion of renal tumor metastases. Abdominal imaging studies revealed a mass in the right kidney. Consequently, radiotherapy was performed, and the patient was enrolled in a palliative care and pain control program.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/fc/cro-0006-0416.PMC3764959.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4064137", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Hemorrhagic diarrhea in poultry is caused by Eimeria tenella, the most pathogenic avian coccidian parasite, and new approaches to treat the disease are continually being sought. Although eimeripain, a cathepsin B-like cysteine protease from E. tenella, has recently been identified as a novel anticoccidial drug target, its localization during the intracellular development of parasites remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the expression of eimeripain during asexual and sexual development of E. tenella in vivo. Promature eimeripain was detected only in the early immature second generation of schizonts. In contrast, the mature eimeripain was most strongly detected in the middle-sized immature second generation of schizonts. Both promature and mature eimeripain disappeared depending on the maturation level of second generation of schizonts, but were strongly expressed again in the third generation of schizonts. In the sexual stage, both promature and mature eimeripain were detected in the cytoplasm of micro- and macro-gametocytes and zygotes, but expression became weak in zoites forming oocysts. Collectively, our findings suggest that eimeripain might play a key role in the differentiation of intracellular zoites in the ceca and could be an interesting candidate to develop a novel, effective anti-coccidian drug.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/c2/jvms-76-531.PMC4064137.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3906654", "abstract": "Vascular malformations are congenital lesions that are present at birth and do not regress. However, they often present later in life. They are subdivided into two categories: (1) slow- or low-flow and (2) fast- or high-flow malformations. Low-flow malformations contain combinations of capillary, venous, and lymphatic components. Venous malformations can occur anywhere in the body, but are most frequently seen in the head and neck (40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/e9/JCIS-3-13.PMC3906654.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4223787", "abstract": "During post preparation, the root canal is exposed to the oral cavity, and endodontic treatment may fail because of coronal leakage, bacterial infection and sealing inability of the luting cement. Objective this study quantified the interfacial continuity produced with conventional dual-cure and self-adhesive resin cements in the cervical (C), medium (M) and apical (A) thirds of the root.  Material and methods Forty single-rooted human teeth were restored using Reforpost # 01 conical glass-fiber posts and different materials (N=10 per group): group AC=Adper™ ScotchBond™ Multi-purpose Plus + AllCem; group ARC=Adper™ ScotchBond™ Multi-purpose Plus + RelyX ARC; group U100=RelyX U100; and group MXC=Maxcem Elite. After being kept in 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/74/jaos-19-04-0355.PMC4223787.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3197173", "abstract": "An 80-year-old female presented with an incidental finding of a retrosternal mass on magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound demonstrated a mediastinal lesion adjacent to but separate from the inferior pole of the right thyroid lobe. Fine needle aspiration cytology demonstrated colloid and follicular cells. At surgery, the right thyroid lobe was found to be normal. A discrete 5 cm nodule was found in the anterior mediastinum separate from the thyroid and just anterior and to the right of the trachea and thymus. The nodule had a vascular pedicle arising from the mediastinum. The differential diagnosis included metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Histology was consistent with a benign ectopic sequestered thyroid nodule. Extensive investigations demonstrated no sign of a thyroid malignancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/4e/PMC3197173.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045453", "abstract": " Objective. To assess the effects of the inactivated influenza virus vaccine on influenza outcomes in pregnant women and their infants.  Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature. We searched for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies in the MEDLINE, Embase, and other relevant databases (inception to September 2013). Two researchers selected studies and extracted the data independently. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the quality of the evidence. Results. We included eight studies out of 1,967 retrieved records. Influenza vaccination in pregnant women significantly reduced the incidence of influenza-like illness in mothers and their infants when compared with control groups (high-quality evidence) and reduced the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza in infants (moderate-quality evidence). No difference was found with regard to influenza-like illness with fever higher than 38°C (moderate-quality evidence) or upper respiratory infection (very-low-quality evidence) in mothers and infants. Conclusions. Maternal vaccination against influenza was shown to prevent influenza-like illness in women and infants; no differences were found for other outcomes. As the quality of evidence was not high overall, further research is needed to increase confidence and could possibly change these estimates.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/d4/PMC4045453.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3169995", "abstract": "Recently, we created IntOGen, a resource to integrate a large amount of cancer genomic data. IntOGen aims at facilitating the detection of the most recurrent alterations that drive tumorigenesis. It collates, annotates and analyzes high-throughput data about transcriptional, genomic and mutational changes taking place in tumors from different studies annotated with specific cancer types. Currently, it contains 118 studies for mRNA expression profiling and 188 studies for genomic alterations covering in total 64 different tumor topographies. In this article, we describe the Biomart portal for IntOGen. The portal provides easy access to different types of data and facilitates the bulk download of all the analysis results. Here, we describe the general features of IntOGen and give example queries to demonstrate its use. Database URL: www.intogen.org.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/66/bar039.PMC3169995.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4359355", "abstract": "Most clinicians throughout the world are probably unaware of the existence of masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH), potentially leading to misdiagnoses such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Here, we introduce this disease from the viewpoint of education. In February 2013, a 39-year-old woman presented with limited mouth opening. Her facial configuration was characterized by a square mandible. There was no evidence of TMD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral enlargement of the masseter muscles. Additionally, a ‘thick’ aponeurosis of the anterior aspect of the masseter muscle was noted bilaterally. On maximal mouth opening, intraoral palpation along the anterior border of the masseter muscle confirmed a hard cord-like structure, consistent with the findings on MRI. MMTAH was diagnosed. When clinicians notice limited mouth opening on oral examination, they should be knowledgeable about diseases associated with limited mouth opening and a square mandibular configuration, such as MMTAH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/36/rjv020.PMC4359355.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3347743", "abstract": "Paper Spray Ionization is an atmospheric pressure ionization technique that utilizes an offline electro-osmotic flow to generate ions off a paper medium. This technique can be performed on a Bruker SolariX Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer by modifying the existing nanospray source. High-resolution paper spray spectra were obtained for both organic and biological samples to demonstrate the benefit of linking the technique with a high-resolution mass analyzer. Error values in the range 0.23 to 2.14 ppm were obtained for calf lung surfactant extract with broadband mass resolving power (m/Δm50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/e9/PMC3347743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5107641", "abstract": "Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) is a major cause of invasive disease in neonates and pregnant women, but has also recently been observed among non-pregnant adults, especially elderly persons or persons with underlying chronic disease. S. agalactiae is also a rare cause of infective endocarditis, and most cases require early surgery. We report the case of a 43-year-old previously healthy man who experienced rapid progressive culture-negative infective endocarditis with aortic valve vegetation and severe aortic regurgitation, which was complicated by lumbar spondylodiscitis. Emergency aortic valve replacement was performed on the day of his admission, which revealed a congenital bicuspid aortic valve was ruptured by the vegetation. The resected aortic valve specimen was submitted for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, which revealed that the pathogen was S. agalactiae. Therefore, S. agalactiae should be considered a potentially causative pathogen in cases of rapid progressive infective endocarditis, even if it occurs in a non-pregnant immunocompetent adult.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/f4/main.PMC5107641.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2897732", "abstract": "The Golgi complex is a central processing station for proteins traversing the secretory pathway, yet we are still learning how this compartment is constructed and how cargo moves through it. Recent experiments suggest a key role for Ras-like Rab GTPases and provide important new ideas for how the Golgi may function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/fd/1757-594X-0002-0000000032.PMC2897732.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3945142", "abstract": "Umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been introduced as a possible therapy in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This case history is reported of a 59-yr-old man who was treated with MSCs in the course of ARDS and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. He received a long period of mechanical ventilation and weaning proved difficult. On hospital day 114, he underwent the intratracheal administration of UCB-derived MSCs at a dose of 1 × 106/kg. After cell infusion, an immediate improvement was shown in his mental status, his lung compliance (from 22.7 mL/cmH2O to 27.9 mL/cmH2O), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (from 191 mmHg to 334 mmHg) and his chest radiography over the course of three days. Even though he finally died of repeated pulmonary infection, our current findings suggest the possibility of using MSCs therapy in an ARDS patient. It is the first clinical case of UCB-derived MSCs therapy ever reported.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/1f/jkms-29-438.PMC3945142.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3640784", "abstract": "Background Computable general equilibrium models are known as a powerful instrument in economic analyses and widely have been used in order to evaluate trade liberalization effects. The purpose of this study was to provide the impacts of trade openness on pharmaceutical industry using CGE model. Methods: Using a computable general equilibrium model in this study, the effects of decrease in tariffs as a symbol of trade liberalization on key variables of Iranian pharmaceutical products were studied. Simulation was performed via two scenarios in this study. The first scenario was the effect of decrease in tariffs of pharmaceutical products as 10, 30, 50, and 100 on key drug variables, and the second was the effect of decrease in other sectors except pharmaceutical products on vital and economic variables of pharmaceutical products. The required data were obtained and the model parameters were calibrated according to the social accounting matrix of Iran in 2006. Results: The results associated with simulation demonstrated that the first scenario has increased import, export, drug supply to markets and household consumption, while import, export, supply of product to market, and household consumption of pharmaceutical products would averagely decrease in the second scenario. Ultimately, society welfare would improve in all scenarios. Conclusion: We presents and synthesizes the CGE model which could be used to analyze trade liberalization policy issue in developing countries (like Iran), and thus provides information that policymakers can use to improve the pharmacy economics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/47/ijph-41-66.PMC3640784.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649314", "abstract": "An 80 year old man presented with a twelve month history of progressive multiple unilateral cranial nerve palsies. A gadolinium enhanced MRI scan of his head and neck was performed. This showed an extra-axial enhancing lesion, which enveloped the hemi-mandible at the level of the left inferior alveolar nerve, and a dumbbell shaped lesion within the cerebellopontine angle. An incisional biopsy was performed to gain a tissue diagnosis, which demonstrated a Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The combination of signs, symptoms and radiological findings enabled a diagnosis of Garcin’s Syndrome secondary to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/c4/PMC3649314.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4877477", "abstract": "Allergic rhinitis (AR) is prevalent in Nigeria, though little information exists on the allergen. We assessed the clinical features of AR patients in our environment based on the allergic rhinitis impact on asthma (ARIA) classification. Only patients with positive skin prick test (SPT) were recruited. Seventy-four patients participated in the study. AR and asthma comorbidity were observed in 13.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/75/PMC4877477.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5410489", "abstract": "A 71-year-old man was admitted because of nausea and abdominal pain. He was receiving an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for anemia and dysregulated iron metabolism due to stage G5 chronic kidney disease. He had a history of raw fish intake and was diagnosed with infectious enterocolitis, which worsened and led to septic shock. Shewanella putrefaciens grew in the blood culture, but Shewanella algae was identified in a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. We herein report a case of S. algae bacteremia believed to have been transmitted orally. We also reviewed previous case reports on Shewanella infection in end-stage renal disease patients. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/29/1349-7235-56-0729.PMC5410489.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4594478", "abstract": "Cytoskeletal polymers are organized into a wide variety of higher-order structures in cells. The yeast BAR domain protein Pil1 self-assembles into tubules in vitro, and forms linear polymers at cortical eisosomes in cells. In the fission yeast S. pombe, over-expressed Pil1 forms thick rods that detach from the plasma membrane. In this study, we used thin-section electron microscopy to determine the ultrastructure of these cytoplasmic Pil1 rods. We found that cytoplasmic rods contained crosslinked Pil1 tubules that displayed regular, hexagonal spacing. These bundles were stained by filipin, a sterol-binding fluorescent dye, suggesting that they contained lipids. Cytoplasmic Pil1 rods were present but less abundant in sle1Δ and fhn1Δ mutant cells. We also found that endogenous Pil1 formed thick rods under saturated growth conditions. Taken together, our findings suggest the presence of cellular mechanisms that assemble Pil1 tubules into higher-order structures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/ef/kcib-08-01-990848.PMC4594478.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2894356", "abstract": "Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were covalently modified by fluorescence ligand (glycine-N-8-quinolylamide) and formed a hybrid material which could be used as a selective probe for metal ions detection. The anchoring to the surface of the CNTs was carried out by the reaction between the precursor and the carboxyl groups available on the surface of the support. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) unambiguously proved the existence of covalent bonds between CNTs and functional ligands. Fluorescence characterization shows that the obtained organic–inorganic hybrid composite is highly selective and sensitive (0.2 μM) to Zn(II) detection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/b8/PMC2894356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3901775", "abstract": "Background Early identification of patients with a prolonged stay due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may reduce risk of adverse event and treatment costs. This study aimed to identify predictors of prolonged stay after acute exacerbation of COPD based on variables on admission; the study also looked to establish a prediction model for length of stay (LOS). Methods We extracted demographic and clinical data from the medical records of 599 patients discharged after an acute exacerbation of COPD between March 2006 and December 2008 at Oslo University Hospital, Aker. We used logistic regression analyses to assess predictors of a length of stay above the 75th percentile and assessed the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve to evaluate the model’s performance. Results We included 590 patients (54", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/9c/copd-9-099.PMC3901775.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3020302", "abstract": "This study examined trends in US obesity and overweight prevalence and body mass index (BMI) among 30 immigrant groups, stratified by race/ethnicity and length of immigration, and among detailed education, occupation, and income/poverty groups from 1976 to 2008. Using 1976–2008 National Health Interview Surveys, differentials in obesity, overweight, and BMI, based on self-reported height and weight, were analyzed by using disparity indices, logistic, and linear regression. The obesity prevalence for the US population aged ≥18 tripled from 8.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/5a/10900_2010_Article_9287.PMC3020302.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5348465", "abstract": "A 64-year-old Japanese man with multiple myeloma was admitted to our institute due to fever and hypotension. He had received multiple courses of chemotherapy just before his febrile episode. Blood culturing detected Morganella morganii. At the time of the diagnosis, his laboratory findings revealed massive rhabdomyolysis with a significantly increased creatinine kinase level (CK; 3,582 U/L); 98.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/5b/1349-7235-56-0369.PMC5348465.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4548401", "abstract": "Background: The treatment of onychomycosis is a challenge and infections are typically more severe and difficult to treat in toenails than in fingernails. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the fungicidal effect of ultraviolet radiation on the growth of dermatophytes isolated from nails. Patients and Methods: Samples from patients with clinical manifestations of onychomycosis were inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 30°C for 14 days. Isolated species were identified by specific laboratory examinations; UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light were used to irradiate two strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Colony count, size and growth rate of the isolated fungi were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Results: Trichophyton rubrum type 1 was less sensitive to UV-A and UV-C, and more sensitive to UV-B than type 2. T. mentagrophytes type 2 was slightly responsive to UV-A therapy, although no decrease in colony count was observed. Increased doses of UV-B and UV-C irradiation decreased the counts. The effect of radiation on colony size was dependent on the dose and type of irradiation. Conclusions: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light seem to be effective in decreasing colony growth of the most prevalent fungi, which caused onychomycosis in the current study samples. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of ultraviolet light therapy, identify possible side effects, and establish appropriate dosages for the antifungal effect of this therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/e7/jjm-08-06-18158.PMC4548401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2872582", "abstract": "Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in pregnancy has traditionally been considered to be a rare event, but the combination of normal physiological changes of pregnancy and more prevalent cardiovascular risk factors are increasing its incidence in this population. The present report describes a 39 year-old woman that is seven weeks pregnant presenting with a non ST elevation myocardial infarction. The incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology and management of ACS in pregnancy are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/12/PMC2872582.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3236468", "abstract": "Paediatric clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated nonoperatively. Recent studies have recommended operative management for displaced midshaft fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of all clavicle fractures in children aged one to sixteen over a two-year period. We classified fractures and evaluated followup and clinical outcome. We identified 190 fractures. There were 135 boys and 55 girls. 65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/6d/PMC3236468.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4191144", "abstract": "This paper investigates the extent to which private supplementary insurance and Medicaid, which vitiate the effect of Medicare cost-sharing, encourage elderly beneficiaries to seek additional medical care. A multivariate model of health services utilization is estimated with the Tobit technique, using the 1976 Health Interview Survey. We find that either private or public supplementation induces greater use of hospital and physician services, though in amounts that vary considerably according to health status. The paper closes with observations on cost savings brought about by Medicare cost-sharing and some implications for equity among beneficiaries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/77/PMC4191144.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2784986", "abstract": "A 31-year-old man presented with a dry cough and exertional dyspnea. The chest X-ray showed multiple nodular opacities throughout the entire lung field. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed variable-sized nodules with a peribronchiolar or centrilobular distribution, some of which revealed thick-walled cavitary change. Based on the chest CT findings, it was initially assumed that metastatic lung nodules with hematogenous spread were present; therefore, we performed an open lung biopsy. On microscopic examination, several compact cellular interstitial infiltrates composed of Langerhans' cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes were observed. Immunochemically, the Langerhans' cells showed strong cytoplasmic staining for S-100 protein. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the lung. High-resolution CT of the chest is a useful, sensitive tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (PLCH). A typical radiologic finding of PLCH is irregularly shaped cysts. The radiological finding in this case of nodular opacities throughout the lung fields only without cysts is rare in PLCH. We report a case of PLCH with atypical multiple nodules mimicking hematogenous metastatic lung nodules.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/bc/PMC2784986.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3084039", "abstract": "Thrombolytic therapy is not recommended for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients under the age of 18 and published experience is limited. In this case report, we describe two children treated with systemic thrombolytic therapy. One child received additional mechanical revascularization and achieved a good clinical outcome. The differences in the fibrinolytic system and the different etiology of AIS in childhood may limit a simple extrapolation of the adult guidelines for systemic thrombolytic therapy. Acute multimodal imaging to clarify the etiology of AIS might help to select the most appropriate treatment modality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/bf/crn0003-0091.PMC3084039.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2792849", "abstract": "During 5 months in 2004–2005, buffalopoxvirus infection, confirmed by virus isolation and limited nucleic acid sequencing, spread between 5 burns units in Karachi, Pakistan. The outbreak was related to movement of patients between units. Control measures reduced transmission, but sporadic cases continued due to the admission of new patients with community-acquired infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/5f/PMC2792849.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3619950", "abstract": "What are the implications for population health of the demographic trend toward increasing paternal age at conception (PAC) in modern societies? We propose that the effects of older PAC are likely to be broad and harmful in some domains of health but beneficial in others. Harmful effects of older PAC have received the most attention. Thus, for example, older PAC is associated with an increased risk of offspring having rare conditions such as achondroplasia and Marfan syndrome, as well as with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. However, newly emerging evidence in the telomere field suggests potentially beneficial effects, since older PAC is associated with a longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in offspring, and a longer LTL is associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerosis and with increased survival in the elderly. Thus, older PAC may cumulatively increase resistance to atherosclerosis and lengthen lifespan in successive generations of modern humans. In this paper we: (i) introduce these novel findings; (ii) discuss potential explanations for the effect of older PAC on offspring LTL; (iii) draw implications for population health and for life course; (iv) put forth an evolutionary perspective as a context for the multigenerational effects of PAC; and (v) call for broad and intensive research to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of PAC. We draw together work across a range of disciplines to offer an integrated perspective of this issue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/ad/dys236.PMC3619950.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4466419", "abstract": "Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication in oral surgery. In most cases, it resolves spontaneously. However, air might disperse into deeper facial spaces causing life-threatening complications such as compression of the tracheobronchial tree or the development of pneumomediastinum. Moreover, microorganisms might spread from the oral cavity into deeper spaces. Hence, rapid diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema is important. Characteristic signs are both a shiftable swelling and crepitation. In this case report, a 30-year-old man, suffering from the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, with a distinct subcutaneous emphysema after bilateral surgical wisdom tooth extraction is presented. Induced by a specific motor tic, air accumulated from the periorbital through to the parapharyngeal region. Applying a 10-cm-long Redon drainage tube as air valve, 10 days after wisdom teeth extraction, the patient was asymptomatic with complete resolution of the emphysema.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/59/rjv068.PMC4466419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5098747", "abstract": "Background The environment of spaceflight may elevate an astronaut’s clinical risk for specific diseases. The purpose of this study was to derive, as accurately as currently possible, an assessment of in-flight clinical “incidence” data, based on observed clinical symptoms in astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS). Methods Electronic medical records were examined from 46 long-duration ISS crew members, each serving approximately a 6-month mission on board the ISS, constituting 20.57 total flight years. Incidence for immunological-related adverse health events or relevant clinical symptoms was tabulated in a non-identifiable fashion. Event categories included infectious diseases, allergies, and rashes/hypersensitivities. A subsequent re-evaluation of more notable events, either of prolonged duration or unresponsive to treatment, was performed. Results For the disease/symptom categories used in this evaluation, the ISS incidence rate was 3.40 events per flight year. Skin rashes were the most reported event (1.12/flight year) followed by upper respiratory symptoms (0.97/flight year) and various other (non-respiratory) infectious processes. During flight, 46", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/b5/ijgm-9-383.PMC5098747.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4111942", "abstract": " Study Design Case report and review of the literature.  Objectives Case report of a traumatic dissection of all major brain-supplying arteries resulting from a horseback-riding accident. Overview of the literature on diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.  Methods Case presentation. For the discussion, handpicked articles and PubMed database research with the keywords “dissection,” “vertebral artery,” “spine trauma,” “computed tomography,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” and “angiography” were used.  Results Despite high-energy induced acute lesion of all four cervical arteries, this 45-year-old patient did not demonstrate signs of microemboli nor suffer from stroke.  Conclusion In case of high-energy trauma of the head and/or the neck, emergency physicians must consider traumatic cervical artery dissection (TCAD). Thus, emergency care algorithms should routinely include computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Although the incidence of TCAD-induced stroke is low, antiplatelet therapy is recommended in the presence of TCAD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/d6/PMC4111942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2771783", "abstract": "Background and Objectives It is known that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ACEIs and ARBs, respectively) are effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) in high-risk patients. However, it is not known whether ACEIs and ARBs are effective in preventing the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation. Subjects and Methods One hundred fifty-two patients (mean age, 57±10 years; M : F=94 : 58) who underwent catheter ablation due to drug-refractory paroxysmal (mean age, 57±10 years; M : F=58 : 43) or persistent AF (mean age, 56±10 years; M : F=36 : 15) were enrolled. We compared the recurrence rates between the groups with and without ACEIs or ARBs use in paroxysmal and persistent AF. The mean duration of follow-up was 18±14 months. Results The overall recurrence rate after ablation therapy was 26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/b0/kcj-39-185.PMC2771783.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5097448", "abstract": "Background Preliminary evidence supports the role of neuroticism, experiential avoidance and emotion regulation in anxiety and depression; however, the mechanism of these relationships is not known well. Objectives The present study mainly aimed to assess the mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between neuroticism and experiential avoidance and anxiety and depression symptoms. Materials and Methods By convenient sampling, 316 students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences and University of Tehran were selected and measures of experiential avoidance, neuroticism, emotion regulation, worry, anxiety and depression were administered among them, 2014-2015. Path analysis via regression according to Baron and Kenny evaluative criteria was used for data analysis. Results Experiential avoidance and neuroticism predicted anxiety, and depression symptoms and the predictions were mediated by emotion regulation and worry. Conclusions Emotion regulation deficits have an outstanding role in the mechanism of anxiety and depression which are so comorbid and further studies are needed to evaluate emotion regulation with more advanced methods and along with other transdiagnostic components.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/b4/ijpbs-10-03-5047.PMC5097448.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3259620", "abstract": "Various neuroimaging investigations have revealed that perception of emotional pictures is associated with greater visual cortex activity than their neutral counterparts. It has further been proposed that threat-related information is rapidly processed, suggesting that the modulation of visual cortex activity should occur at an early stage. Additional studies have demonstrated that oscillatory activity in the gamma band range (40–100 Hz) is associated with threat processing. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) was used to investigate such activity during perception of task-irrelevant, threat-related versus neutral facial expressions. Our results demonstrated a bilateral reduction in gamma band activity for expressions of threat, specifically anger, compared with neutral faces in extrastriate visual cortex (BA 18) within 50–250 ms of stimulus onset. These results suggest that gamma activity in visual cortex may play a role in affective modulation of visual processing, in particular with the perception of threat cues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/5c/PMC3259620.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4744640", "abstract": "Background: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is one of the most common causes of renal dysfunction. There is increasing evidence about the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these injuries and endogenous antioxidants seem to have an important role in decreasing the renal tissue injury. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on renal IR injury. Materials and Methods: Twenty four male Wistar rats were allocated into four experimental groups: sham-operated, IR, EPO + IR, and IPC + IR. Rats were underwent 50 minutes bilateral ischemia followed by 24 hours reperfusion. Erythropoietin (5000 IU/kg, i.p) was administered 30 minutes before onset of ischemia. Ischemic preconditioning was performed by three cycles of 3 minutes ischemia followed by 3 minutes reperfusion. Plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine were measured. Kidney samples were taken for reactive oxidative species (ROS) measurement including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) contents, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: Compared to the sham group, IR led to renal dysfunction as evidenced by significantly higher plasma urea and creatinine. Treatment with EPO or IPC decreased urea, creatinine, and renal MDA levels and increased SOD activity and GSH contents in the kidney. Conclusions: Pretreatment with EPO and application of IPC significantly ameliorated the renal injury induced by bilateral renal IR. However, both treatments attenuated renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in kidney tissues. There were no significant differences between pretreatment with EPO or application of IPC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/84/num-07-06-31152.PMC4744640.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2847199", "abstract": "Oxygen-sensing mechanisms are often dysfunctional in tumours. Oxygen sensing is mediated partly via prolyl hydroxylation. The EglN prolyl hydroxylases are well characterized in regulating the hypoxia inducible factor α (HIF-α) hypoxic response, but also are implicated in HIF-independent processes. EglN3 executes apoptosis in neural precursors during development and failure of EglN3 developmental apoptosis can lead to certain forms of sympathetic nervous system tumours. Mutations in metabolic/mitochondrial enzymes (SDH, FH, IDH) impair EglN activity and predisposes to certain cancers. This is because the EglNs not only require molecular oxygen to execute hydroxylation, but also equally require the electron donor α-ketoglutarate, a metabolite from the Krebs cycle. Therefore EglN enzymes are considered oxygen, and also, metabolic sensors. α-Ketoglutarate is crucial for EglN hydroxylation activity, whereas the metabolites succinate and fumarate are inhibitors of the EglN enzymes. Since EglN activity is dependent upon metabolites that take part in the Krebs cycle, these enzymes are directly tied into the cellular metabolic network. Cancer cells tend to convert most glucose to lactate regardless of whether oxygen is present (aerobic glycolysis), an observation that was first made by Otto Warburg in 1924. Despite the striking difference in ATP production, cancer cells might favour aerobic glycolysis to escape from EglN hydroxylation, resulting in the accumulation of oncogenic HIFα and/or resistance to EglN3-mediated apoptosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/b2/PMC2847199.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3549359", "abstract": "The compilation of comprehensive, worldwide epidemiologic data can inform hypotheses on cancer etiology and guide future drug development. These statistics are reported by a multitude of sources using varying methods; thus, compiling a complete database of these statistics is a challenge. To this end, this paper examined the usefulness of a novel, multisource approach—extracting data from the peer-reviewed literature, online reports, and query systems from cancer registries and health agencies and directly contacting cancer registry personnel—for building a comprehensive, multinational epidemiologic cancer database. The major B-cell malignancies were chosen as the cancer subtype to test this approach largely because their epidemiology has not been well characterized in the peer-reviewed literature. We found that a multisource approach yields a more comprehensive epidemiologic database than what would have been possible with the use of literature searches alone. In addition, our paper revealed that cancer registries vary considerably in their methodology, comprehensiveness, and ability to gather information on specific B-cell malignancy subtypes. Collectively, this paper demonstrates the feasibility and value of a multisource approach to gathering epidemiologic data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/72/PMC3549359.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2809430", "abstract": "Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) has been most commonly associated with diseases like multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, primary systemic amyloidosis, HIV, and other lymphoproliferative disorders. There has been an isolated report of MGUS in patients coinfected with HIV and Hepatitis B, as the work by Amara et al. in 2006. Here, we report a case of IgA-kappa light chain gammopathy secondary to Hepatitis B infection, which resolved after liver transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M protein spike seen in the context of Hepatitis B infection only.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/99/PMC2809430.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3388428", "abstract": "Orbital IgG4-related disease, which can occur in adults of any age, is characterized by IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrations in ocular adnexal tissues. The signs and symptoms include chronic noninflammatory lid swelling and proptosis. Patients often have a history of allergic disease and elevated serum levels of IgG4 and IgE as well as hypergammaglobulinemia. Orbital IgG4-related disease must be differentiated from idiopathic orbital inflammation and ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma to ensure appropriate and effective treatment. Systemic steroid therapy decreases the size of the lesions, but relapse often occurs when systemic steroid therapy is discontinued.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/f2/PMC3388428.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4553170", "abstract": "Background: Individuals with certain personality disorders, especially the antisocial and borderline personality disorders, are more prone to substance use disorders. Objectives: Regarding the importance of substance use disorders, this study aimed to explore the association between personality disorders and types of used drugs (narcotics and stimulants) in Iranian male substance users. Patients and Methods: The current study was a correlation study. We evaluated 285 male substance users and excluded 25 according to exclusion criteria. A total of 130 narcotic users and 130 stimulant users were recruited randomly in several phases from January 2013 to October 2013. All participants were referred to Substance Dependency Treatment Clinics in Tehran, Iran. Data collection process was accomplished by means of clinical interview based on DSM-V criteria for substance use disorders, Iranian version of addiction severity index (ASI), and Millon clinical multi-axial inventory-III (MCMI-III). Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression, the. Results: There was a significant correlation between stimulant use and histrionic personality disorder (P < 0.001) and antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders (P < 0.05). In addition, correlation between avoidant, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders (P < 0.05) and depressed, antisocial, and borderline personality disorders (P < 0.001) with narcotics consumption were significant. In clusters, there was a significant correlation between cluster B personality disorders, and narcotic and stimulants consumption (P < 0.001). In addition, this association was explored between cluster C personality disorder and narcotics (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study in terms of personality disorders and types of used drugs were in accordance with the previous studies results. It is necessary to design appropriate treatment plans for medical treatment of those with personality disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/fc/ircmj-17-06-23038.PMC4553170.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2997608", "abstract": "Myocardial infarction is associated with inflammatory reaction leading to tissue remodeling. We compared tissue remodeling between cryoinfarction (cMI) and reperfused myocardial infarction (MI) in order to better understand the local environment where we apply cell therapies. Models of closed-chest one-hour ischemia/reperfusion MI and cMI were used in C57/Bl6-mice. The reperfused MI showed rapid development of granulation tissue and compacted scar formation after 7 days. In contrast, cMI hearts showed persistent cardiomyocyte debris and cellular infiltration after 7 days and partially compacted scar formation accompanied by persistent macrophages and myofibroblasts after 14 days. The mRNA of proinflammatory mediators was transiently induced in MI and persistently upregulated in cMI. Tenascin C and osteopontin-1 showed delayed induction in cMI. In conclusion, the cryoinfarction was associated with prolonged inflammation and active myocardial remodeling when compared to the reperfused MI. These substantial differences in remodeling may influence cellular engraftment and should be considered in cell therapy studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6e/be/PMC2997608.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3229814", "abstract": "Background Previous observational studies have indicated that green tea (GT) consumption is associated with reduced mortality from cerebral infarction but not with mortality from cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, we hypothesized that GT exerts a direct antiatherosclerotic effect without any effect on hypertension. To investigate this hypothesis, we focused on adiponectin that seems to be among the several key players in atherosclerosis. Objective The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess whether the consumption of catechin-enriched GT affects serum adiponectin levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among apparently healthy subjects. Design A total of 51 individuals participated in the study. Eligible participants were randomly assigned into GT consumption groups with either high catechin (400 mg/day) or low catechin (100 mg/day). The study participants were asked to stop GT consumption for 2 weeks (washout period), following which they were to start drinking the provided GT beverages everyday for 9 weeks. The outcome measures were changes in the adiponectin levels and CVD risk factors (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose, as well as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, uric acid, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein). Results After intervention for 9 weeks, we found no significant difference between the high- and low catechin group with respect to changes in the serum adiponectin level: 0.35 µg/ml (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7f/c4/FNR-55-8326.PMC3229814.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2374602", "abstract": "Evidence is emerging that elevated concentrations of the intermediates of the citric acid cycle may contribute to unmeasured anions in critical illness. Both the anion gap and the strong ion gap are used as scanning tools for recognition of these anions. The mechanisms underlying these elevations and their significance require further clarification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/ce/PMC2374602.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3671717", "abstract": " Background. The objective of this study is to assess the accuracy of pre- and posttherapeutic staging of endolaryngeal cancer involving anterior commissure. Materials and Methods. 127 patients were included in this retrospective study, and laryngectomy (partial or radical) was achieved in all of them. Initial radioclinical evaluation (cT) was performed (endoscopy-CT scan) and compared with postoperative histopathological findings. Results. 24,6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/12/PMC3671717.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4672611", "abstract": "Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by an intraerythrocytic parasite, and is commonly seen in developing countries. Approximately 1500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year, mostly in travelers and immigrants returning from endemic areas. There are many different regimens used to treat malaria, some of which are not approved in the USA. The side effects of these medications may not be familiar to physicians in the USA. We report a case of a returning traveler from Nigeria presenting with fever and hemolytic anemia caused by a delayed response to artesunate given 3 weeks earlier while in Nigeria. To our knowledge, there are few cases reported in the United States of hemolytic anemia secondary to artesunate therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/cf/main.PMC4672611.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4329691", "abstract": "Osteomalacia in neurofibromatosis is a rare entity and distinct from more common dysplastic skeletal affections of this disease. As a rule, it is characterized by later onset in adulthood. There is renal phosphate loss with hypophosphatemia and multiple pseudofractures in the typical cases. The hypophosphatemic conditions that interfere in bone mineralization comprise many hereditary or acquired diseases, all of them sharing the same pathophysiological mechanism-reduction in phosphate reabsorption by the renal tubuli. This process leads to chronic hyperphosphaturia and hypophosphatemia, associated with inappropriately normal or low levels of calcitriol, causing rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/ae/IJRI-25-63.PMC4329691.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4938148", "abstract": "Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) applications and technologies are fast advancing. New SCS technologies are being used increasingly in the clinical environment, but often there is a lag period between the clinical application and the publishing of high-quality evidence on safety and efficacy. Recent developments will undoubtedly expand the applicability of SCS, allowing more effective and individualized treatment for patients, and may have the potential to salvage patients who have previously failed neuromodulation. Already, high-level evidence exists for the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness (Level I–II) of traditional SCS therapies in the treatment of chronic refractory low back with predominant limb pain (regardless of surgical history). More than half of all patients with chronic painful conditions experience sustained and significant levels of pain reduction following SCS treatment. Although only limited evidence exists for burst stimulation, there is now Level I evidence for both dorsal root ganglion SCS and high-frequency SCS that demonstrates compelling results compared with traditional therapies. The body of evidence built on traditional SCS research may be redundant, with newer iterations of SCS therapies such as dorsal root ganglion SCS, high-frequency SCS, and burst SCS. A number of variables have been identified that can affect SCS efficacy: implanter experience, appropriate patient selection, etiologies of patient pain, existence of comorbidities, including psychiatric illness, smoking status, and delay to SCS implant following pain onset. Overall, scientific literature demonstrates SCS to be a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment option for many chronic pain etiologies. Video abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/61/jpr-9-481.PMC4938148.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4869572", "abstract": "Purpose To assess the prevalence of intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) in patients with concurrent testis tumor and its correlation with histologic features and serum tumor markers. Materials and Methods From 2003 to 2015, 179 patients underwent radical orchiectomy due to testicular mass. Tissue specimens were evaluated by an expert uro-pathologist using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, in addition to light microscopy, to identify presence of ITGCN. Patients' demographic characteristics, histologic subtypes, pathologic stage of tumor and serum tumor markers were gathered and analyzed. Results Eighty-five out of 179 patients (47.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/7c/icu-57-191.PMC4869572.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4315087", "abstract": "Humerus fracture is very rarely associated with ipsilateral shoulder dislocation. Here, we have reported probably the first case of compound fracture of humerus associated with a two-part fracture dislocation of ipsilateral shoulder. A 30-year-old female presented to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. The vehicle in which she was travelling skidded off the road and she got trapped. She had degloving injury over her left arm with a fracture of left humerus and anterior dislocation of ipsilateral shoulder and greater tuberosity fracture. She was managed initially with wound debridement, external fixation over humerus, closed reduction of shoulder dislocation, and open reduction and internal fixation of greater tuberosity fracture. Skin grafting was done over the wound later on. Fracture united at 4 months with a good range of movement at shoulder at the final follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/5f/rju153.PMC4315087.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2963318", "abstract": "Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major disease affecting nearly 280 million people worldwide. Whilst the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to disease are poorly understood, dysfunction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells is key event for disease development. Monitoring the gene expression profiles of pancreatic beta-cells under several genetic or chemical perturbations has shed light on genes and pathways involved in T2DM. The EuroDia database has been established to build a unique collection of gene expression measurements performed on beta-cells of three organisms, namely human, mouse and rat. The Gene Expression Data Analysis Interface (GEDAI) has been developed to support this database. The quality of each dataset is assessed by a series of quality control procedures to detect putative hybridization outliers. The system integrates a web interface to several standard analysis functions from R/Bioconductor to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways. It also allows the combination of multiple experiments performed on different array platforms of the same technology. The design of this system enables each user to rapidly design a custom analysis pipeline and thus produce their own list of genes and pathways. Raw and normalized data can be downloaded for each experiment. The flexible engine of this database (GEDAI) is currently used to handle gene expression data from several laboratory-run projects dealing with different organisms and platforms. Database URL: http://eurodia.vital-it.ch", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/92/baq024.PMC2963318.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4634830", "abstract": "The peripheral nerve is composed of several layers of fascia tissue, which can become a source of pain if the way they slide is impeded. It is only recently that fascial osteopathy research has been aimed at understanding what happens to the fascia following treatment, and as a result of previous studies, we are able to highlight some of the benefits, including a reduction in local pain and inflammation. The osteopathic approach to the fascial system of the peripheral nerve does not have a grounding in scientific research, being based instead on the clinical experience of individual operators, despite peripheral nerve palpation being used as a method to evaluate and test its function. The authors wish to encourage the initiation of new research in the fields of academic and clinical osteopathy that is aimed at quantifying the possible benefits a patient may derive from osteopathic treatment of the peripheral nerve.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/2c/jpr-8-735.PMC4634830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4089812", "abstract": "We recently reported fibroblast growth factor receptor-type 1 (FGFR1) amplification to be associated with therapeutically tractable FGFR1 dependency in squamous cell lung cancer. This makes FGFR1 a novel target for directed therapy in these tumors. To reproducibly identify patients for clinical studies, we developed a standardized reading and evaluation strategy for FGFR1 fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and propose evaluation criteria, describe different patterns of low- and high-level amplifications and report on the prevalence of FGFR1 amplifications in pulmonary carcinomas. A total of 420 lung cancer patients including 307 squamous carcinomas, 100 adenocarcinomas of the lung and 13 carcinomas of other types were analyzed for FGFR1 amplification using a dual color FISH. We found heterogeneous and different patterns of gene copy numbers. FGFR1 amplifications were observed in 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/90/modpathol2012102a.PMC4089812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3273874", "abstract": "Affective neuroscience has helped guide research and theory development in judgment and decision-making by revealing the role of emotional processes in choice behavior, especially when risk is involved. Evidence is emerging that qualitatively and quantitatively different processes may be involved in risky decision-making for gains and losses. We start by reviewing behavioral work by Kahneman and Tversky and others, which shows that risk-taking differs for potential gains and potential losses. We then turn to the literature in decision neuroscience to support the gain versus loss distinction. Relying in part on data from a new task that separates risky decision-making for gains and losses, we test a neural model that assigns unique mechanisms for risky decision-making involving potential losses. Included are studies using patients with lesions to brain areas specified as important in the model and studies with healthy individuals whose brains are scanned to reveal activation in these and other areas during risky decision-making. In some cases, there is evidence that gains and losses are processed in different regions of the brain, while in other cases the same region appears to process risk in a different manner for gains and losses. At a more general level, we provide strong support for the notion that decisions involving risk-taking for gains and decisions involving risk-taking for losses represent different psychological processes. At a deeper level, we present mounting evidence that different neural structures play different roles in guiding risky choices in these different domains. Some structures are differentially activated by risky gains and risky losses while others respond uniquely in one domain or the other. Taken together, these studies support a clear functional dissociation between risk-taking for gains and risk-taking for losses, and further dissociation at the neural level.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/d5/fnins-06-00015.PMC3273874.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317104", "abstract": "While it is generally accepted that Subcutaneous Injection Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) are both efficacious, there is not yet a significant amount of information regarding their comparative efficacy. In this paper, we performed a retrospective chart review and compared treatment results in two groups of patients (both with nasal allergies with or without asthma) that were treated either with SCIT or SLIT. Both treatment modalities were found to be of similar efficacy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/8f/PMC3317104.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4553319", "abstract": " Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative pathogen that actively invades its human host and leads to the development of life-threatening pathologies. One of the leading causes of death in the world, N. meningitidis can be responsible for nearly 1,000 new infections per 100,000 subjects during an epidemic period. The bacterial species are classified into 12 serogroups, five of which (A, B, C, W, and Y) cause the majority of meningitides. The three purified protein conjugate vaccines currently available target serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Serogroup B has long been a challenge but the discovery of the complete genome sequence of an MenB strain has allowed the development of a specific four-component vaccine (4CMenB). This review describes the pathogenetic role of N. meningitidis and the recent literature concerning the new meningococcal vaccine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/b9/PMC4553319.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4639369", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION: Tinea corporis (B35.6) caused by Microsporum canis which is fungal species that causes numerous forms of disease. It is part of a group of fungi known as Dermatophytes. Though mostly well known for ringworm in pets, it is also known to infect humans. This fact makes this pathogen both anthrophilic and zoophilic in nature. Microsporum canis is a communicable pathogen. Case report: We will report about a case, 22-year-old female, residing in a village, with typical changes of a mycotic infection caused by M. Canis. Dermatological description can be summarized with polymorphic erythematous, papulosquamous changes, erosions mainly on genital organ and spread to the thighs and lower abdomen which are accompanied with itching and burning. Diagnosis B35.6 was determined on the basis of clinical appearance complemented with anamnesis, microscopic examination and culture. The patient was treated successfully with general and local antimycotics and antibiotics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/69/MA-69-345.PMC4639369.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970600", "abstract": "We aimed to evaluate whether the occurrence of cryptic species of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, S1, PS2, PS3 and Paracoccidioides lutzii, has implications in the immunodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Small quantities of the antigen gp43 were found in culture filtrates of P. lutzii strains and this molecule appeared to be more variable within P. lutzii because the synonymous-nonsynonymous mutation rate was lower, indicating an evolutionary process different from that of the remaining genotypes. The production of gp43 also varied between isolates belonging to the same species, indicating that speciation events are important, but not sufficient to fully explain the diversity in the production of this antigen. The culture filtrate antigen AgEpm83, which was obtained from a PS3 isolate, showed large quantities of gp43 and reactivity by immunodiffusion assays, similar to the standard antigen (AgB-339) from an S1 isolate. Furthermore, AgEpm83 was capable of serologically differentiating five serum samples from patients from the Botucatu and Jundiaí regions. These patients had confirmed PCM but, were non-reactive to the standard antigen, thus demonstrating an alternative for serological diagnosis in regions in which S1 and PS2 occur. We also emphasise that it is not advisable to use a single antigen preparation to diagnose PCM, a disease that is caused by highly diverse pathogens.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/0a/0074-0276-mioc-108-05-637.PMC3970600.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3945180", "abstract": " Objectives. To test applicability of the new surgical concept for labioreduction of the labia minora. Study Design. The observational, prospective, case series study was designed. Subjects. Three consecutive subjects were included. Methods. The application of new surgical intervention was tested. Main Outcome Measures. A primary outcome measured applicability of the fenestration labioplasty and secondary measures was used to evaluate surgical resolution of medical, emotional, and social symptoms; aesthetic outcomes; and potential complications. Results. Symptomatic, asymmetrical, and enlarged labia minora were associated with aesthetic dissatisfaction from deformations of the labia minora. The new operation was applied easily and without complications. The procedure reduced height and length, accomplished symmetries, preserved natural color and contour, and accomplished the labium minus expected appearance. Postoperatively, physical, emotional, social symptoms and signs resolved, pleasing surgical outcomes exceeded subjects' aesthetic expectations. Meaningfully, self-image and self-confidence improved in all subjects. No feelings of regrets were reported. Emotional tensions were reduced, social openness improved, intimate interaction increased, and their body image perception improved following the operation. Conclusion. In this study group, fenestration labioreduction with inferior flap transposition was easy to execute without complications and the method was reproducible; the new operation achieves pleasing aesthetic results and the procedure improves physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/62/PMC3945180.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4063161", "abstract": " Introduction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome in competitive level athletes at 5 years after ACL reconstruction with regard to return to sports and the factors or reasons in those who either stopped sports or showed a fall in their sporting levels. Methods. 48 competitive athletes who had undergone arthroscopic assisted ACL reconstruction with a minimum follow up of at least 5 years were successfully recalled and were analyzed. Results. 22 patients had returned to the preinjury levels of sports and 18 showed a decrease in their sporting levels. Of the 18 patients, 12 referred to fear of reinjuring the same or contra-lateral knee as the prime reason for the same while 6 patients reported persisting knee pain and instability as reasons for a fall in their sporting abilities. The difference in the scores of these groups was statistically significant. 8 patients out of the 48 had left sports completely due to reasons other than sports, even though they had good knee outcome scores. Conclusion. Fear of reinjury and psychosocial issues that are relevant to the social milieu of the athlete are very important and affect the overall results of the surgery with respect to return to sports.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/e3/PMC4063161.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3543924", "abstract": "Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex metabolic disorder of pregnancy that is suspected to have a strong genetic predisposition. It is associated with poor perinatal outcome, and both GDM women and their offspring are at increased risk of future development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). During the past several years, there has been progress in finding the genetic risk factors of GDM in relation to T2DM. Some of the genetic variants that were proven to be significantly associated with T2DM are also genetic risk factors of GDM. Recently, a genome-wide association study of GDM was performed and reported that genetic variants in CDKAL1 and MTNR1B were associated with GDM at a genome-wide significance level. Current investigations using next-generation sequencing will improve our insight into the pathophysiology of GDM. It would be important to know whether genetic information revealed from these studies could improve our prediction of GDM and the future development of T2DM. We hope further research on the genetics of GDM would ultimately lead us to personalized genomic medicine and improved patient care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/59/gni-10-239.PMC3543924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1402218", "abstract": "In the past several years, the concept of tissue-selective nuclear receptor ligands has emerged. This concept has come to fruition with estrogens, with the successful marketing of drugs such as raloxifene. The discovery of raloxifene and other selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) has raised the possibility of generating selective compounds for other pathways, including androgens (that is, selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/3e/PMC1402218.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3952313", "abstract": "Background and Purpose: We investigated the clinical and criminal characteristics of patients with epilepsy who had committed violent crimes in order to understand the mechanism of violence and to prevent future criminal activity. Methods: We reviewed medical and legal reports of criminals with epilepsy who were incarcerated in the Korean National Forensic Hospital between October 2007 and September 2008. Results: Of 761 criminals admitted to the National Forensic Hospital, 17 patients (2.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/91/er-1-1-13-3.PMC3952313.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4540752", "abstract": "Background Predicting novel drug–target associations is important not only for developing new drugs, but also for furthering biological knowledge by understanding how drugs work and their modes of action. As more data about drugs, targets, and their interactions becomes available, computational approaches have become an indispensible part of drug target association discovery. In this paper we apply random walk with restart (RWR) method to a heterogeneous network of drugs and targets compiled from DrugBank database and investigate the performance of the method under parameter variation and choice of chemical fingerprint methods. Results We show that choice of chemical fingerprint does not affect the performance of the method when the parameters are tuned to optimal values. We use a subset of the ChEMBL15 dataset that contains 2,763 associations between 544 drugs and 467 target proteins to evaluate our method, and we extracted datasets of bioactivity ≤1 and ≤10 μM activity cutoff. For 1 μM bioactivity cutoff, we find that our method can correctly predict nearly 47, 55, 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/ef/PMC4540752.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4516198", "abstract": "Objective To estimate the accuracy of claims-based pneumonia diagnoses in COPD patients using clinical information in medical records as the reference standard. Methods Selecting from a repository containing members’ data from 14 regional United States health plans, this validation study identified pneumonia diagnoses within a group of patients initiating treatment for COPD between March 1, 2009 and March 31, 2012. Patients with ≥1 claim for pneumonia (International Classification of Diseases Version 9-CM code 480.xx–486.xx) were identified during the 12 months following treatment initiation. A subset of 800 patients was randomly selected to abstract medical record data (paper based and electronic) for a target sample of 400 patients, to estimate validity within 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/5a/copd-10-1417.PMC4516198.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2810838", "abstract": "Drug discovery projects often involve organizing compounds in the form of a hierarchical tree, where each node is a substructure fragment shared by all of its descendent nodes. A method is described for producing 2D depiction layout coordinates for each of the nodes in such a tree, ensuring that common fragments within molecular structures are drawn in an identical way, and arranged with a consistent orientation. This is achieved by first deriving a common numbering scheme for common fragments, then using this scheme to redepict each of the molecules, one fragment at a time, so that common fragments have common depiction motifs. Once complete, the distinct root branches can be overlaid onto each other, after which all of the fragments and whole molecules have a common layout and orientation. Several methods are described for preparing visual representations of molecular structure hierarchies alongside activity information. Combining high level tree display and structure depiction showing common features readily facilitates insight into structure−activity relationships.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/da/PMC2810838.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5179487", "abstract": "PURPOSE The aim of this study was to test the modulus of elasticity (E) across the interfaces of yttria stabilized zirconia (YTZP) / veneer multilayers using nanoindentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS YTZP core material (KaVo-Everest, Germany) specimens were either coated with a liner (IPS e.max ZirLiner, Ivoclar-Vivadent) (Type-1) or left as-sintered (Type-2) and subsequently veneered with a pressable glass-ceramic (IPS e.max ZirPress, Ivoclar-Vivadent). A 5 µm (nominal tip diameter) spherical indenter was used with a UMIS CSIRO 2000 (ASI, Canberra, Australia) nanoindenter system to test E across the exposed and polished interfaces of both specimen types. The multiple point load – partial unload method was used for E determination. All materials used were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X – ray powder diffraction (XRD). E mappings of the areas tested were produced from the nanoindentation data. RESULTS A significantly (P<.05) lower E value between Type-1 and Type-2 specimens at a distance of 40 µm in the veneer material was associated with the liner. XRD and SEM characterization of the zirconia sample showed a fine grained bulk tetragonal phase. IPS e-max ZirPress and IPS e-max ZirLiner materials were characterized as amorphous. CONCLUSION The liner between the YTZP core and the heat pressed veneer may act as a weak link in this dental multilayer due to its significantly (P<.05) lower E. The present study has shown nanoindentation using spherical indentation and the multiple point load - partial unload method to be reliable predictors of E and useful evaluation tools for layered dental ceramic interfaces.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/22/jap-8-479.PMC5179487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4749096", "abstract": "Objectives: Early diagnosis of incipient and non-cavitated carious lesions is crucial for performing preventive treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three diagnostic methods of bitewing radiography, DIAGNOdent, and visual examination in diagnosing incipient occlusal caries of permanent first molars. Materials and Methods: In this diagnostic cross-sectional study, 109 permanent first molar teeth of 31 patients aged 7–13 years were examined visually, on bitewing radiographs, and using DIAGNOdent. Scoring of visual and radiographic examinations was based on Ekstrand’s classification. Visual examination after pit and fissure opening served as the gold standard. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to define the best cutoff point for DIAGNOdent compared with the gold standard. Inter-examiner reproducibility of visual and radiographic examinations was assessed using Kappa test and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for DIAGNOdent values. Results: The sensitivity of detecting caries that had extended into the enamel was 81.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/aa/49/PMC4749096.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4300367", "abstract": "This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of vincristine and their correlation with its clinical effects in dogs with transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). Dogs with TVT were intravenously administered vincristine sulfate at a dose of 0.7 mg/m2 of body surface area. Blood samples were collected starting from 5 min to 48 hr after drug administration. The plasma concentration of vincristine was determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters of vincristine were characterized using a two-compartmental pharmacokinetic model. The volume of distribution, distribution half-life, elimination half-life and plasma clearance were 0.660 ± 0.210 l/kg, 21.5 ± 6.90 min, 47.6 ± 14.2 min and 0.010 ± 0.001 l/min/kg, respectively. Tumor regression was determined at weekly interval by a physical examination and histopathological analysis. In our study, three to eight administrations of vincristine at a dose of 0.7 mg/m2 were able to induce a complete tumor regression without any evidence of gross lesion of disease. Therefore, this investigation provides the pharmacokinetic characteristics of vincristine in dogs with TVT, which may be used as an integration tool to gain a better understanding of the disposition properties of the drug and the correlation of these properties with the drug’s clinical effects. In addition, we validated the LC-MS/MS method and found that it is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of vincristine in dog plasma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/0e/jvms-76-1549.PMC4300367.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2764042", "abstract": "ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Given the persistence of health and health-care disparities among Latinos in the United States and evidence that discrimination affects health and health care, an investigation of the relationship between perceived discrimination and quality of health care among Latinos is warranted. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship of perceived discrimination (in general and in regard to doctors and medical personnel) with self-reported quality of health care and doctor-patient communication in a nationally representative Latino population sample. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 1,067 Latino adults aged ≥18 years living in the US selected via random-digit dialing. Telephone interviews were conducted in 2008 during Wave 2 of the Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Hispanic Healthcare Survey. RESULTS US-born Latinos were twice as likely to report general discrimination as foreign born: 0.32 SD versus −0.23 SD (P < 0.001) on the Detroit Area Survey (DAS) discrimination scale. Higher DAS discrimination was associated with lower self-reported quality of care in US-born Latinos [OR = 0.5; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/e7/PMC2764042.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3132985", "abstract": " Inverse inference has recently become a popular approach for analyzing neuroimaging data, by quantifying the amount of information contained in brain images on perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral parameters. As it outlines brain regions that convey information for an accurate prediction of the parameter of interest, it allows to understand how the corresponding information is encoded in the brain. However, it relies on a prediction function that is plagued by the curse of dimensionality, as there are far more features (voxels) than samples (images), and dimension reduction is thus a mandatory step. We introduce in this paper a new model, called Multiclass Sparse Bayesian Regression (MCBR), that, unlike classical alternatives, automatically adapts the amount of regularization to the available data. MCBR consists in grouping features into several classes and then regularizing each class differently in order to apply an adaptive and efficient regularization. We detail these framework and validate our algorithm on simulated and real neuroimaging data sets, showing that it performs better than reference methods while yielding interpretable clusters of features.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/bb/PMC3132985.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2570068", "abstract": "Despite decades of societal investment in artificial learning systems, truly “intelligent” systems have yet to be realized. These traditional models are based on input-output pattern optimization and/or cognitive production rule modeling. One response has been social robotics, using the interaction of human and robot to capture important cognitive dynamics such as cooperation and emotion; to date, these systems still incorporate traditional learning algorithms. More recently, investigators are focusing on the core assumptions of the brain “algorithm” itself—trying to replicate uniquely “neuromorphic” dynamics such as action potential spiking and synaptic learning. Only now are large-scale neuromorphic models becoming feasible, due to the availability of powerful supercomputers and an expanding supply of parameters derived from research into the brain's interdependent electrophysiological, metabolomic and genomic networks. Personal computer technology has also led to the acceptance of computer-generated humanoid images, or “avatars”, to represent intelligent actors in virtual realities. In a recent paper, we proposed a method of virtual neurorobotics (VNR) in which the approaches above (social-emotional robotics, neuromorphic brain architectures, and virtual reality projection) are hybridized to rapidly forward-engineer and develop increasingly complex, intrinsically intelligent systems. In this paper, we synthesize our research and related work in the field and provide a framework for VNR, with wider implications for research and practical applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/7f/PMC2570068.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5276746", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a pelvic belt on the activities of trunk and lower extremity muscles in normal adults. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 normal individuals without a history of orthopedic problems. The pelvic compression belt (The Com-Pressor, OPTP, Minneapolis, MN, USA) was an adjustable body belt with four elastic compression bands that provide stabilizing pressure and was designed to adjust the amount of force applied and to alter sites of compression. The body belt was placed below the anterior superior iliac spine, and stabilizing pressure was applied to the belt using the elastic compression bands in the bridge position after confirming the site of compression. [Results] The subjects showed a significant decrease in muscle activation in the erector spinae, oblique internus abdominis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris while wearing the pelvic belt. [Conclusion] The use of a pelvic compression belt with external pelvic compression might improve pelvic joint stability and alter neuromotor control of the lumbopelvic and thigh muscles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/e4/jpts-28-3293.PMC5276746.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897162", "abstract": "The prediction of mine accident is the basis of aviation safety assessment and decision making. Gray prediction is suitable for such kinds of system objects with few data, short time, and little fluctuation, and Markov chain theory is just suitable for forecasting stochastic fluctuating dynamic process. Analyzing the coal mine accident human error cause, combining the advantages of both Gray prediction and Markov theory, an amended Gray Markov SCGM(1,1)c model is proposed. The gray SCGM(1,1)c model is applied to imitate the development tendency of the mine safety accident, and adopt the amended model to improve prediction accuracy, while Markov prediction is used to predict the fluctuation along the tendency. Finally, the new model is applied to forecast the mine safety accident deaths from 1990 to 2010 in China, and, 2011–2014 coal accidents deaths were predicted. The results show that the new model not only discovers the trend of the mine human error accident death toll but also overcomes the random fluctuation of data affecting precision. It possesses stronger engineering application.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/2f/PMC4897162.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5034395", "abstract": "Our (2014) model for the regulation of cognitive enhancement devices (CEDs) received a great deal of interest from those involved in European device regulation and from academic commentators. Further, since the publication of our recommendations, the number of manufacturers of brain stimulation devices for non-medical purposes has increased, underscoring the need for a regulatory response. In this paper, we clarify aspects of our original proposal and address additional regulatory issues beyond our original focus on the sale of devices. We begin with theoretical points pertaining to the definition of a CED and the distinction between treatment and enhancement. We then respond to practical challenges raised by the prospect of implementing our regulatory framework. Next, we address some wider societal considerations relating to users and other stakeholders. Finally, we revisit the broader regulatory context within which the various discussions are situated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/d6/lsv029.PMC5034395.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3817746", "abstract": " Background. Graft pretreatment to limit postoperative damage has the advantage of overcoming a current issue in liver transplantation (LT). The strategic potential of graft pretreatment in vivo by a specific agonist for γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) was investigated in the rat LT model with a small-for-size graft (SFSG). Methods. Recipient rats were divided into three groups according to donor treatments and recipient surgeries: (i) saline and laparotomy, (ii) saline and split orthotopic liver transplantation (SOLT) with 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/7a/PMC3817746.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2816235", "abstract": "Bronchial provocation testing uses a variety of direct and indirect inhalational challenges to evaluate airway hyperreactivity. Mannitol, a simple, easy-to-administer hypertonic stimulus available in many countries, is currently under review by the FDA in the US. Healthy subjects show no airway response to inhaled mannitol; asthmatic patients respond with airway narrowing similar to challenges with hypertonic saline and exercise. Mannitol challenge also has a tussive effect that is independent of bronchoconstriction, suggesting different physiologic pathways. Patients with chronic cough show increased sensitivity to mannitol, and mannitol testing may be useful for evaluating heterogeneity in the cough response.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/f4/408_2009_Article_9174.PMC2816235.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4414779", "abstract": "We report a case of a paradoxical response of a tuberculoma in the brain mimicking a brain tumor. A 76-year-old woman presented with a 2 week history of headache, dysarthia, and orthopnea. Brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed two rim-enhancing lesions on the pons and occipital lobe, and chest computed tomography showed randomly distributed miliary nodules. The tentative diagnosis was tuberculosis (TB) of the brain and lung. She complained of right hemiparesis and worsening general weakness after taking the anti-TB medication. On the monthly follow-up images, the enhanced lesions were enlarged with increased perfusion and choline/creatinine ratio, suggesting a high grade glioma. A surgical resection was completed to diagnose the occipital lesion, and the tuberculoma was pathologically confirmed by a positive TB-polymerase chain reaction. The anti-TB medication was continued for 13 months. A follow-up MRI showed decreased size of the brain lesions associated with perilesional edema, and the clinical symptoms had improved. Brain tuberculoma could be aggravated mimicking brain malignancy during administration of anti-TB medication. This paradoxical response can be effectively managed by continuing the anti-TB drugs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/6a/jkns-57-307.PMC4414779.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4580704", "abstract": "Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy with morphologic characteristics of two distinct myocardial layers i.e., thin compacted epicardial and thick noncompacted endocardial layers. The noncompacted myocardium consists of prominent ventricular trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses. It can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure or systemic embolisms. Electrocardiographic patterns of patients with LVNC are various and non-specific; however, the most common findings are intraventricular conduction delay, left ventricular hypertrophy, and repolarization abnormalities. We reported the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a 29-year-old man who had recent cerebral infarction and incidental LVNC with spontaneous left atrial standstill.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/6f/kcj-45-432.PMC4580704.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3005552", "abstract": "In recent years, new anticancer therapies have accompanied the classical approaches of surgery and radio- and chemotherapy. These new forms of treatment aim to inhibit specific molecular targets namely altered or deregulated proteins, which offer the possibility of individualized therapies. The specificity and efficiency of these new approaches, however, bring about a number of challenges. First of all, it is essential to specifically identify and quantify protein targets in tumor tissues for the reasonable use of such targeted therapies. Additionally, it has become even more obvious in recent years that the presence of a target protein is not always sufficient to predict the outcome of targeted therapies. The deregulation of downstream signaling molecules might also play an important role in the success of such therapeutic approaches. For these reasons, the analysis of tumor-specific protein expression profiles prior to therapy has been suggested as the most effective way to predict possible therapeutic results. To further elucidate signaling networks underlying cancer development and to identify new targets, it is necessary to implement tools that allow the rapid, precise, inexpensive and simultaneous analysis of many network components while requiring only a small amount of clinical material. Reverse phase protein microarray (RPPA) is a promising technology that meets these requirements while enabling the quantitative measurement of proteins. Together with recently developed protocols for the extraction of proteins from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, RPPA may provide the means to quantify therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers in the near future and reliably screen for new protein targets. With the possibility to quantitatively analyze DNA, RNA and protein from a single FFPE tissue sample, the methods are available for integrated patient profiling at all levels of gene expression, thus allowing optimal patient stratification for individualized therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/7c/jcav02p0026.PMC3005552.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5133665", "abstract": "Constitutional biological processes involve the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The production of such breaks and their subsequent resolution are also highly relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, in which extensive DNA fragmentation has been described Stephens et al. (2011), Blondet et al. (2001). Tchurikov et al. Tchurikov et al. (2011, 2013) have reported previously that frequent sites of DSBs occur in chromosomal domains involved in the co-ordinated expression of genes. This group report that hot spots of DSBs in human HEK293T cells often coincide with H3K4me3 marks, associated with active transcription Kravatsky et al. (2015) and that frequent sites of DNA double-strand breakage are likely to be relevant to cancer genomics Tchurikov et al. (2013, 2016) . Recently, they applied a RAFT (rapid amplification of forum termini) protocol that selects for blunt-ended DSB sites and mapped these to the human genome within defined co-ordinate ‘windows’. In this paper, we re-analyse public RAFT data to derive sites of DSBs at the single-nucleotide level across the built genome for human HEK293T cells (https://figshare.com/s/35220b2b79eaaaf64ed8). This refined mapping, combined with accessory ENCODE data tracks and ribosomal DNA-related sequence annotations, will likely be of value for the design of clinically relevant targeted assays such as those for cancer susceptibility, diagnosis, treatment-matching and prognostication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/5d/main.PMC5133665.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3312293", "abstract": "Atelocollagen is a major animal protein that is used as a highly biocompatible biomaterial. To date, atelocollagen has been used as an effective drug delivery technology to sustain the release of antitumor proteins and to enhance the antitumor activity of oligonucleotides in in vivo models. However, the biological effects of this technology are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of atelocollagen on endothelial paracellular barrier function. An atelocollagen formulation containing oligonucleotides specifically increased the permeability of two types of endothelial cells, and the change was dependent on the molecular size, structure of the oligonucleotides used and the concentrations of the oligonucleotide and atelocollagen in the formulation. An immunohistochemical examination revealed that the formulation had effects on the cellular skeleton and intercellular structure although it did not affect the expression of adherens junction or tight junction proteins. These changes were induced through p38 MAP kinase signaling. It is important to elucidate the biological functions of atelocollagen in order to be able to exploit its drug delivery properties.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/f8/PMC3312293.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3595691", "abstract": " Objective. Frequent insufficient sleep, defined as ≥14 days/past 30 days in which an adult did not get enough rest or sleep, is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Little is known about the prevalence of frequent insufficient sleep among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Methods. We assessed racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of frequent insufficient sleep from the combined 2009-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey among 810,168 respondents who self-identified as non-Hispanic white (NHW, n = 671,448), non-Hispanic black (NHB, n = 67,685), Hispanic (n = 59,528), or AI/AN (n = 11,507). Results. We found significantly higher unadjusted prevalences (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3e/61/PMC3595691.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5412518", "abstract": "Chronic inflammation is a well-established background process in many age-related diseases. Many recent studies investigate the use of various inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 as predictors of physical and cognitive performance among elders. The phenotype of frailty has also been associated with underlying inflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this article was to review the literature referring to the correlation of CRP serum levels and frailty in older individuals. We tried to identify all relevant publications regarding the relation of CRP as an index of frailty in the elderly and its potential use. Although many studies in the recent medical literature positively associate serum CRP levels and frailty in older individuals, some do not, and some raise some interesting questions and set the basis for future studies. The association of CRP and frailty in elder patients should be considered when clinicians interpret inflammatory biomarkers in various clinical settings in such patients. Well-designed, prospective clinical trials are warranted to better assess the role and pathophysiology of frailty in the elderly and its mechanisms as also the exact role of CRP as an inflammatory marker and as a prognostic index in this syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/43/jocmr-06-461.PMC5412518.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3091414", "abstract": "Osteopoikilosis is a rare asymptomatic sclerosing bony dysplasia of benign origin. It is usually found incidentally on radiological examinations. Familial occurrence indicates a genetic milieu with autosomal dominant pattern. Here, we present a case report of a young woman suffering from pelvic pain due to osteopoikilosis (OPK). The same disorder was later found in her son and daughter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/18/PMC3091414.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5373846", "abstract": "Background Clinical epidemiology research studies, including pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacovigilance studies, use routinely collected health data, such as diagnoses recorded in national health and administrative registries, to assess clinical effectiveness and safety of treatments. We estimated positive predictive values (PPVs) of International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes for primary diagnoses of dermatologic events and hypersensitivity recorded at hospitalization or emergency room visit in the national patient registries of Denmark and Sweden among women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). Methods This validation study included women with PMO identified from the Danish and Swedish national patient registries (2005–2014). Medical charts of the potential cases served as the gold standard for the diagnosis confirmation and were reviewed and adjudicated by physicians. Results We obtained and reviewed 189 of 221 sampled medical records (86", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/36/clep-9-179.PMC5373846.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5337827", "abstract": "Primary plasma cell leukemia (PPCL) is a rare aggressive variant of plasma cell disorder and frequently presents with extramedullary disease. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement with PPCL has an extremely poor prognosis. We describe a 46-year-old man with PPCL treated with a combination of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone as induction therapy following upfront allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Despite achieving a very good partial response, the patient suffered from an isolated CNS relapse 12 months after allo-SCT. He was immediately started on concurrent intrathecal chemotherapy (IT) and cranial irradiation (RT). Subsequently, pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (Pd) were given as maintenance therapy. He has been without CNS recurrence for more than 18 months. Our case suggests that concurrent IT and RT followed by Pd maintenance therapy may be an effective option to control CNS relapse of PPCL after allo-SCT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/fe/hr-2017-1-6986.PMC5337827.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2213035", "abstract": "Microorganisms that cause persistent infection often exhibit specific adaptations that allow them to avoid the adaptive immune response. Recently, several bacterial toxins have been shown in vitro to disrupt immune cell functions. However, it remains to be established whether these activities are relevant during infection and whether these toxins have specifically evolved to disrupt the adaptive immune system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/e0/20050080.PMC2213035.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5172438", "abstract": "There is a large gap between the number of membrane protein (MP) sequences and that of their decoded 3D structures, especially high-resolution structures, due to difficulties in crystal preparation of MPs. However, detailed knowledge of the 3D structure is required for the fundamental understanding of the function of an MP and the interactions between the protein and its inhibitors or activators. In this paper, some computational approaches that have been used to predict MP structures are discussed and compared.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/ea/main.PMC5172438.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2689395", "abstract": "Background High-level adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with favourable patient outcomes. In resource-constrained settings, however, there are few validated measures. We examined the correlation between clinical outcomes and the medication possession ratio (MPR), a pharmacy-based measure of adherence. Methods We analysed data from a large programmatic cohort across 18 primary care centres providing ART in Lusaka, Zambia. Patients were stratified into three categories based on MPR-calculated adherence over the first 12 months: optimal (≥95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/e1/PMC2689395.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2365684", "abstract": "We have recently isolated four new melophlins P (1), Q (2), R (3), and S (4) together with seven known melophlins A (5), D (6), E (7), G (8), H (9), I (10), and O (11) from two marine sponges of the genus Melophlus collected in Palau. In this study, the influence of these compounds on the colony formation of Chinese hamster V79 cells and the production of IL-8 in PMA-stimulated HL-60 cells were examined. These 11 compounds did not show any effect on IL-8 production. The EC50 values of compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 against V79 cells were 44.0, 13.3, 16.7, 27.2, 19.8, 8.5, 23.1, and 9.6 μM, respectively. The linear-chain-type compounds (1, 6, and 8) were not active against V79 cells at 50 μM. Although the growth inhibitory activity of these melophlins was not remarkable, some structure-activity relationships of these compounds against V79 and murine leukemia L1210 cells were observed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/51/PMC2365684.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3675283", "abstract": "PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the span length on the fit of zirconia framework fabricated using CAD/CAM system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Abutments for single, 4-unit and 6-unit fixed partial prostheses were fabricated. Ten zirconia frameworks were fabricated for each group. The marginal and internal gap were presented by means of replica technique and measured by measuring microscope (AXIO®, Carl Zeiss, Rochester, NY) and software (I-solution®, IMT i-solution Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada). The results were statistically analyzed by multivariate analysis test and Dunnett T3 test for post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS There were statistically significant differences at 2, 4, 7, 8 points (mesio-distal section) and b, d, e, f, g (labio-lingual section). In some marginal reference points of 6-unit group (P<.05), the marginal gap were larger than 120 µm. CONCLUSION Span length of zirconia core may have an influence on marginal and internal fit. Within the limitation of this study, the increase of span length of zirconia framework of 6 or more-unit fixed partial denture may decrease the marginal and internal fit.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/7e/jap-5-118.PMC3675283.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC305352", "abstract": "Background The intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent human malaria parasite involves asexual and gametocyte stages. There has been a significant increase in disparate datasets derived from genomic and post-genomic analysis of the parasite that necessitates delivery of integrated analysis from which biological processes important to the survival of the parasite can be determined. Methods In order to resolve genes associated with stage differentially expressed transcripts, we have developed and implemented an integrative approach that combines evidence from P. falciparum expressed sequence tags (ESTs), genomic, microarray, proteomic and gene ontology data. Results A total of 143 gametocyte-overexpressed and 51 asexual-overexpressed transcripts were identified. A subset of 74 genes associated with these transcripts showed evidence of stage-correlated protein expression, of which 53 have not been experimentally characterised. Our study has revealed (1) possible regulatory mechanisms in malaria parasites' gametocyte maturation, (2) correlation between EST and microarray data for a P. falciparum gene family to present unique EST-derived information, (3) candidate drug and antigenic targets on which computational and experimental studies can be performed, and (4) the need for more empirical studies on gene and protein expression in malaria parasites. Conclusion Applying different domains of data to the same underlying gene set has yielded novel insights into the biology of the parasite and presents an approach to appraise critically the data quality of post-genomic datasets from malaria parasites.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/57/PMC305352.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3885834", "abstract": " [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar flexion angle and electromyography (EMG) measurements of trunk muscle activity in individuals with and without limited hip flexion range of motion (ROM) during visual display terminal (VDT) work with cross-legged sitting. [Subjects] The 15 participants included a control group with sufficient hip flexion ROM (n = 7) and an experimental group with limited hip flexion ROM (n = 8). [Methods] All subjects performed VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The lumbar flexion angle was measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system, and the trunk muscle activity was recorded using a surface EMG system during VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The differences in trunk flexion angle and trunk muscle activity between the two groups were analyzed using independent t-tests. [Results] The lumbar flexion angle was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group, although trunk muscle activity did not differ between the two groups. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that limited hip flexion leads to greater lumbar flexion during cross-legged sitting.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/5f/jpts-25-1537.PMC3885834.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015899", "abstract": "Recent results from metaanalyses and observational studies have suggested that total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) is superior to laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) for the treatment of benign gynecologic conditions. However, because LSH is associated with fewer intraoperative complications, shorter operative time, and preserves patient anatomy and sexual function in comparison with TAH, clinicians should reconsider the benefits of LSH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/29/jsls-13-1-19.PMC3015899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3573168", "abstract": "A 76-year-old woman with hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complaints of chest pain and dyspnea. An echocardiogram and pulmonary computed tomography angiography showed right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. An operation to resect the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism was recommended; however, the patient refused and was discharged with anticoagulation therapy. Two years later, she developed dyspnea. Radiological studies and echocardiography showed similar results with the previous findings. The patient underwent mediastinotomy with resection of the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolectomy. As there are few reports on right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary embolism, we report a successful case of surgical removal of right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d9/f1/kjtcs-46-63.PMC3573168.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2915886", "abstract": "G-quadruplexes are four stranded nucleic acid structures formed around a core of guanines, arranged in squares with mutual hydrogen bonding. Many of these structures are highly thermally stable, especially in the presence of monovalent cations, such as those found under physiological conditions. Understanding of their physiological roles is expanding rapidly, and they have been implicated in regulating gene transcription and translation among other functions. We have built a community-focused website to act as a repository for the information that is now being developed. At its core, this site has a detailed database (QuadDB) of predicted G-quadruplexes in the human and other genomes, together with the predictive algorithm used to identify them. We also provide a QuadPredict server, which predicts thermal stability and acts as a repository for experimental data from all researchers. There are also a number of other data sources with computational predictions. We anticipate that the wide availability of this information will be of use both to researchers already active in this exciting field and to those who wish to investigate a particular gene hypothesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/93/PMC2915886.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4129921", "abstract": "Millennium development goal target on infant mortality (MDG4) by 2015 would not be realised in some low-resource countries. This was in part due to unsustainable high-tech ideas that have been poorly executed. Prudent but high impact techniques could have been synthesised in these countries. A collaborative outreach was initiated to devise frugal measures that could reduce neonatal deaths in Nigeria. Prevailing issues of concern that could militate against neonatal survival within care centres were identified and remedies were proffered. These included application of (i) recycled incubator technology (RIT) as a measure of providing affordable incubator sufficiency, (ii) facility-based research groups, (iii) elective training courses for clinicians/nurses, (iv) independent local artisans on spare parts production, (v) power-banking and apnoea-monitoring schemes, and (v) 1/2 yearly failure-preventive maintenance and auditing system. Through a retrospective data analyses 4 outreach centres and one “control” were assessed. Average neonatal mortality of centres reduced from 254/1000 to 114/1000 whilst control remained at 250/1000. There was higher relative influx of incubator-dependent-neonates at outreach centres. It was found that 43", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/c7/PMC4129921.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3579368", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE C-peptide is a proinsulin cleavage product released from the pancreas in amounts equimolar to insulin, and elevated levels of C-peptide have been found in patients with insulin resistance and early type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent data suggest that C-peptide could play a causal role in the pathophysiology of vascular disease, but nothing is known about the prognostic value of C-peptide concentrations in the circulation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined whether C-peptide is associated with cardiovascular and total mortality in 2,306 patients from the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study who underwent coronary angiography at baseline (1997–2000). RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 7.6 years, 440 deaths (19.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/d7/708.PMC3579368.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4784608", "abstract": "Objective. A study to determine the efficacy of chloroethane spray compared to normal saline in the treatment of spastic torticollis in children and adolescents. Hypothesis. Chloroethane spray is more superior to normal saline for the treatment of spastic torticollis in children and adolescents in the pediatric emergency room. Design. Prospective randomized study. Setting. Urban inner-city hospital pediatric emergency department. Methods and Results. All children and adolescents (between the ages of 1 and 16 years) presenting to the author with the complaint of stiff neck were enrolled in the study. A total of 132 patients were enrolled. After complete evaluation to rule out cervical spine injury, a central neurological cause, patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty-six patients were treated with chloroethane spray to the neck and the other 66 were given normal saline as placebo. Sixty-three out of 66 patients treated with chloroethane spray achieved relief in 5 minutes as demonstrated by painless and free movement of the head and neck. No adverse effects were observed. The patients treated with placebo have no relief in 5 minutes. To test the null hypothesis that the percentages improved in the 2 groups equally, we calculated the Z statistic. The Z statistic of 24 corresponded to a P value of <.0001, whether the test is 1-sided or 2-sided. Chloroethane spray treatment was superior to placebo with a high statistical significance. Conclusion. For children and adolescents with spastic torticollis chloroethane spray was more superior to normal saline in the pediatric emergency room.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/c1/10.1177_2333794X15591567.PMC4784608.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4644758", "abstract": "Thyroid cancer may have small adipose structures detected by microscopy. However, there are no reports of thyroid cancer with gross fat evaluated by radiological methods. We reported a case of a 58-year-old woman with a fat containing thyroid mass. The mass was hyperechoic and ovoid in shape with a smooth margin on ultrasonography. On computed tomography, the mass had markedly low attenuation suggestive of fat, and fine reticular and thick septa-like structures. The patient underwent a right lobectomy. The mass was finally diagnosed as a follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer with massive stromal fat.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/bb/kjr-16-1349.PMC4644758.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4881275", "abstract": "Balloon cell malignant melanoma (BCMM) is a very rare malignant melanoma subtype. The clinical appearance of BCMM varies; it may be nodular, ulcerated, polypoid, papillomatous and often non-pigmented. The tumor cells histologically appear large, polygonal or round and contain abundant granular or vacuolated cytoplasm. We herein report the case of a 32-year-old female who presented with a focal eccentric pigmented mass in the left lumbar region of 15 mm in diameter that had been present for several years. She underwent tumor excision. The histopathological analysis showed epithelioid melanocytes with clear cytoplasm. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the cells were positive for HMB-45 and S-100 protein and negative for cytokeratin. The balloon cell component stained negative for Fontana-Masson. A month later, the patient underwent excision of the bilateral inguinal lymph nodes and metastatic BCMM was revealed. The lymph node metastases showed the complete replacement of lymph nodes by balloon cells. A diagnosis of BCMM (Breslow depth 10 mm, Clark level V) without ulcer was rendered. Staining with Ki-67 was positive in almost 44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/24/cro-0009-0262.PMC4881275.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5385282", "abstract": "Mouse is a commonly used animal in life science studies and is classified as outbred if genetically diverse and inbred if genetically homogeneous. Outbred mouse stocks, are used in toxicology, oncology, infection and pharmacology research. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS; former the Korea National Institute of Health) have bred ICR mice for more than 50 years. We investigated to provide users with information and promote accountability to the Korl:ICR. To secure the indigenous data, biological characteristics of Korl:ICR were identified by comparing with other ICR stocks. This domestic ICR stock was denominated as ‘Korl:ICR’. Phylogenetic analysis using SNPs indicated that the population stratification of the Korl:ICR was allocated different area with other ICR. In addition, we measured litter size, body weight, body length, various organ weight, hematology and clinical blood chemistry of the Korl:ICR compared to other ICR. Otherwise, there are no significant differences among the biological phenotypes of Korl:ICR and other ICR. These results suggest that as a genetically indigenous source colony, the Korl:ICR is seperated (or independent) stock with other ICR. Also, we confirmed that there is no difference among the Korl:ICR and other ICR on biological phenotypes. Therefore, the Korl:ICR source colony might be a new stock in distinction from other ICR, it is a good milestone in securing ownership of the national laboratory animal resource. The NIFDS expects that the Korl:ICR mice will be useful animal resource for our domestic researchers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/a2/lar-33-8.PMC5385282.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4155802", "abstract": "Antibiotic resistance is an increasing public health concern around the world. Rapid increase in the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has been the target of extensive research efforts to develop a novel class of antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small cationic amphiphilic peptides, which play an important role in the defense against bacterial infections through disruption of their membranes. They have been regarded as a potential source of future antibiotics, owing to a remarkable set of advantageous properties such as broad-spectrum activity, and they do not readily induce drug-resistance. However, AMPs have some intrinsic drawbacks, such as susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, toxicity, and high production cost. Currently, a new class of AMPs termed “peptidomimetics” have been developed, which can mimic the bactericidal mechanism of AMPs, while being stable to enzymatic degradation and displaying potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This review will focus on current findings of antimicrobial peptidomimetics. The potential future directions in the development of more potent analogs of peptidomimetics as a new generation of antimicrobial agents are also presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/82/idr-7-229.PMC4155802.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3212666", "abstract": "Purpose Our purpose was to conduct a screening test for urethritis or cervicitis as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Trichomonas vaginalis in asymptomatic people. Materials and Methods From July 2010 to December 2010, 709 persons who came to the hospital for a general checkup were tested. Multiplex PCR assays were done with first voided urine samples or endocervical swabs by use of the Seeplex® STD6 ACE Detection kit. Results The mean age in this study was 45.4±8.1 years. Among the 709 persons, 229 (32.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/ad/kju-52-703.PMC3212666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4477763", "abstract": "Background: Improving the quality of healthcare services is considered as the main strategy to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Providing appropriate healthcare for mothers and their newborn children is facilitated significantly by considering the mothers’ health and welfare before pregnancy occurs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the quality of preconception care provided to women of reproductive age provided by five health centers in Mashhad in 2012 and 2013. Methods: Multi-stage sampling was used to select the participants in this descriptive study. As a result, 360 women of reproductive age and 39 healthcare providers from 24 healthcare centers in Mashhad were selected to participate. The data gathering tool was a checklist based on the Donabedian model that includes the three dimensions of structure, process, and outcome. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5), Kruskal-Wallis tests, ANOVA, and Spearman rank correlation. Results: The results showed that preconception care at the 24 healthcare centers had essentially the same conditions. But in the process and outcome components, the quality of the preconception care at five of the health centers was significantly different (p=0.008). The highest quality of care processes was identified at health center number 3. The difference in the component of outcomes being followed up by the healthcare providers at five of the health centers was statistically significant (p=0.000); however, there were no significant differences found among the satisfaction and awareness of the women who participated at the five health centers. Conclusion: The results showed that the performance of health personnel in providing preconception care and providing follow-up care was not satisfactory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/43/epj-07-1039.PMC4477763.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3813680", "abstract": "Obturator hernia is a rare pelvic hernia that occurs primarily in multiparous, elderly (>70 years of age), thin females. This case highlights the successful laparoscopic mesh repair of an incarcerated obturator hernia in an octogenarian. The authors report a case of an incarcerated obturator hernia in an elderly female with subsequent high-grade small bowel and its successful laparoscopic operative management. A review of the relevant literature was also performed following a search on the online literature databases such as PUBMED and EMBASE. Laparoscopic mesh repair of the incarcerated obturator hernia and an ipsilateral femoral hernia found incidentally was successfully performed. A review of the literature showed a significant burden of morbidity and mortality associated with obturator hernias. Laparoscopic mesh repair has been previously shown to be a safe therapeutic modality. Small bowel obstruction and leg pain in a thin elderly lady should arouse suspicion for an incarcerated obturator hernia. Laparoscopic management of an incarcerated obturator hernia is a feasible and safe therapeutic option.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/8c/rjt050.PMC3813680.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4337262", "abstract": "Dexamethasone is a type of steroidal medications that is prescribed in many cases. In this study, a new reaction system using kinetic spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of dexamethasone is proposed. The method is based on the catalytic effect of dexamethasone on the oxidation of Orange G by bromate in acidic media. The change in absorbance as a criterion of the oxidation reaction progress was followed spectrophotometrically. To obtain the maximum sensitivity, the effective reaction variables were optimized. Under optimized experimental conditions, calibration graph was linear over the range 0.2–54.0 mg L−1. The calculated detection limit (3s b/m) was 0.14 mg L−1 for six replicate determinations of blank signal. The interfering effect of various species was also investigated. The present method was successfully applied for the determination of dexamethasone in pharmaceutical and biological samples satisfactorily.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/88/PMC4337262.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045525", "abstract": " Purpose. Our purpose was to combine the results of the MDCT (multidetector computed tomography) morphological data and the SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) data using hybrid imaging to overcome the limits of the MDCT in the evaluation of coronary stenosis in diabetic patients with large amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. Method and Materials. 120 diabetic patients underwent MDCT examination and SPECT examination. We evaluated 324 coronary arteries. After the examinations, we merged CT and SPECT images. Results. CT evaluation: 52 (32.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/58/PMC4045525.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2972594", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: To contrast the efficacy of two exercise programs, segmental stabilization and strengthening of abdominal and trunk muscles, on pain, functional disability, and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA), in individuals with chronic low back pain. DESIGN: Our sample consisted of 30 individuals, randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: segmental stabilization, where exercises focused on the TrA and lumbar multifidus muscles, and superficial strengthening, where exercises focused on the rectus abdominis, abdominus obliquus internus, abdominus obliquus externus, and erector spinae. Groups were examined to discovere whether the exercises created contrasts regarding pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire), and TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit  =  PBU). The program lasted 6 weeks, and 30‐minute sessions occurred twice a week. Analysis of variance was used for inter‐ and intra‐group comparisons. The significance level was established at 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e3/63/cln-65-10-1013.PMC2972594.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745521", "abstract": "Fermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) seed is a successful and well studied seasoning and snack in parts of Western Africa. GC-MS analysis of fermenting seeds revealed a mixture of several volatile aroma compounds which changed with time and starter organism. During natural mixed culture process 36 volatile compounds including 12 hydrocarbons, 10 esters, 5 alcohols, 2 phenols, 2 ketones, and one each of furan, amine, acid, thiophene, and lactone were identified. When Bacillus subtilis was used in pure culture, 30 compounds comprising 10 hydrocarbons, 8 esters, 3 alcohols, 2 amines, 2 sulfur compounds, and one of each of acid, aldehyde, phenol, ketone, and furan were identified. Sample fermented with B. megaterium produced 29 aroma compounds comprising 9 hydrocarbons, 10 esters, 2 nitrogenous compounds, 2 ketones, 3 alcohols, and one of each of lactone, aldehyde, furan, and amine. Methyl esters of various long chain fatty acids may be key aroma compounds, based on consistency and persistence. Qualitative or quantitative contribution of individual compounds may only be determined following flavour threshold analysis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/32/PMC4745521.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4421457", "abstract": "Thrice weekly in-center hemodialysis is the standard of care for dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there is ongoing debate as to whether more frequent hemodialysis, with its readier management of both toxin and fluid removal, benefits patients. New evidence from recent studies, both in center dialysis and in home haemodialysis patients, adds further confirmation of improved cardiovascular outcome and quality of life in patients undergoing short daily hemodialysis. A paradigm shift in ESRD care delivery may be facilitated due to new technology enabling daily therapy at home.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/b5/sfr122.PMC4421457.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4025115", "abstract": "Despite remarkable progression in the treatment and classification system of neuroendocrine tumor (NET), some questions have remained unanswered. The lack of an established treatment strategy for gastric NET is one of the problems. Because of its paucity, gastric NET is not discussed in independent, large-scaled prospective studies and tends to be excluded from clinical trials. Moreover, a separate classification system and some distinguished clinical features render the treatment of gastric NET more complicated. Here, we present a case of a female gastric NET patient with G2 proliferation index and multiple liver metastases. Based on the histologic grade and a high serum gastrin level, we initially treated her with somatostatin analogue. However, the patient did not respond. After that, cytotoxic chemotherapy with the etoposide plus cisplatin regimen only showed response in the short-term period. However, combination therapy with octreotide and interferon brought about significant regression of the tumor. Herein, we present our case together with a literature review of the treatment of metastatic gastric NET.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/15/cro-0007-0266.PMC4025115.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4516855", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objectives Oral leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion of the oral mucosa. The upregulation of Ki67 and cyclooxygenase-2 has been reported in both dysplastic and non-dysplastic tissues. The aim of this clinicopathological study was to investigate the prognostic value of Ki67 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression for oral leukoplakia. Material and Methods A total of 50 samples were investigated and the study group consisted of 30 oral leukoplakia samples. Samples of 10 intact oral mucosa and 10 squamous cell carcinoma were included as negative and positive control groups, respectively. Epithelial dysplasia was defined as oral intraepithelial neoplasia (OIN) and classified into subgroups 1 - 3. Tissue samples were assessed immunohistochemically for Ki67 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Clinicopathological correlations of oral leukoplakia patients were also investigated. Results All OIN 3 patients were non-smokers (P < 0.05), and homogeneous oral leukoplakia lesions also presented OIN. Both cyclooxygenase-2 and Ki67 expression increased with the severity of lesions, which defined different subgroups (P < 0.05), except there was no significant difference between the hyperkeratosis and OIN groups for Ki67 expression. Conclusions Cyclooxygenase-2 and Ki67 expression may have a prognostic value for the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/c6/jomr-06-e3.PMC4516855.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5285732", "abstract": "Background Readiness of the cervix is required for successful induction of labor, and there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess whether taking saffron orally could have an effect on the cervical readiness (primary outcome) and some delivery and neonatal outcomes (secondary outcomes) in women in the stage of term pregnancy. Patients and Methods In this double-blind trial, 50 women with a gestational age of 39 to 41 weeks, no indication of cesarean section, a Bishop’s score of less than 4, who had plan to have vaginal delivery at Shohada hospital of Bonab, Iran were randomized into two groups receiving three 250mg saffron or placebo pills in 24 hours. The readiness of the cervix was assessed using the Bishop’s score. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the scores between the groups. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the Bishop’s score at the baseline (P = 0.792) and 10-12 hours after starting the intervention (P = 0.159). The Bishop’s score was significantly higher in the saffron group 20 - 24 hours after the intervention was started (P = 0.029) and just after onset of active uterine contractions (P = 0.003). In the saffron group, there was no cesarean section and 1 meconium staining of the fetus, but 3 and 4, respectively, in the placebo group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the timing of the onset of spontaneous active uterine contractions, the duration of the first and second stages of labor, the need for delivery augmentation, and the first and fifth minutes of neonatal Apgar (P > 0.05). No adverse event was reported in any of the groups. Conclusions Saffron can increase the readiness of the cervix in term pregnancies. However, the study limitations do not allow for any definite conclusions for its use in clinical practice, and more research is needed to assess its effect on delivery and neonatal outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/c4/ircmj-18-10-27241.PMC5285732.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3636423", "abstract": "It is now privately acknowledged that there may be little if any perceptible impact of the national Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination program on disease prevalence, despite the extensive coverage of the newborn infant population and likely benefit in the early years of life. A better preventive vaccine than BCG is now being sought by Chinese researchers. Urgency has been added to the control problem by the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Furthermore, expensive second-line drugs seem unlikely to be made available by the government to treat drug-resistant cases, so attention in addition has turned to the potential of immunotherapy as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Research trends are summarized here.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/38/emi20123a.PMC3636423.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4998032", "abstract": "Purpose Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common disorder of the reproductive tract that is frequently misdiagnosed and inadequately treated. PID and its complications, such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain, are preventable by screening asymptomatic patients for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promptly treating individuals with STIs and PID. Recent findings The rates of adverse outcomes in women with PID are high and disproportionately affect young minority women. There are key opportunities for prevention including improving provider adherence with national screening guidelines for STIs and PID treatment recommendations and patient medication adherence. Nearly half of all eligible women are not screened for STIs according to national quality standards, which may increase the risk of both acute and subclinical PID. Moreover, in clinical practice, providers poorly adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for treatment of PID. Additionally, patients with PID struggle to adhere to the current management strategies in the outpatient setting. Conclusion Novel evidence-based clinical and public health interventions to further reduce the rates of PID and to improve outcomes for affected women are warranted. We propose potential cost-effective approaches that could be employed in real-world settings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/da/idr-9-191.PMC4998032.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4386075", "abstract": "Background: Based on many studies, otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the major causes of childhood hearing loss, social malformation and medical costs. The pathogenesis still remains unclear, though it is known that this complication is closely related to bacterial infections. Alloiococcus otitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common bacterial pathogens isolated from middle ear effusions (MEEs). Objectives: Due to the prevalence of OME in children, we decided to investigate bacterial agents that cause diseases such as A. otitidis, H. influenzae, S. pneumonia and M. catarrhalis in these subjects. Patients and Methods: Forty-five children between one and 15 years of age were selected for this study. Seventy specimens were collected from MEE by myringotomy and inoculated in PBS buffer. Conventional culture and PCR methods were used for identification of bacterial agents. Results: The bacterial cultures in 8.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/36/jjm-08-03-17985.PMC4386075.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088142", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Wiihabilitation on the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio in adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to two equal groups (experimental and control). Participants in the experimental group received a Wiihabilitation training program for six weeks. Data were collected using a Biodex system 3 Isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torques of the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors were measured at an angular velocity of 60°/sec which in turn were used to derive the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio. [Results] The mean values of the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio decreased significantly between before and after the training in the experimental group, meanwhile there was no significant difference between before and after the training period in the control group . [Conclusion] Wiihabilitation has an impact on the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio, so it can be considered an effective training tool in terms of the ankle strength ratio. Thus, it could be recommended for both prevention and rehabilitation of ankle instability patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/4c/jpts-28-2862.PMC5088142.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3043436", "abstract": "Reusable trocars have the advantage of being more cost-effective than disposable trocars. However, the reusable trocar does lose its sharpness on insertion with repetitive insertion. Nonreusable trocars are expensive, but the sharpness of the knife facilitates insertion. Nonreusable trocars have a safety shield system designed to decrease abdominal organ injury, though the potential problem of bleeding from the abdominal wall port site has yet to be resolved. We therefore developed a novel ultrasonic vibrating trocar that does not lose its sharpness even with repetitive insertion. This trocar prevents bleeding by means of an ultrasonic cavitation effect. The ultrasonic vibrating trocar has the advantage of ease of insertion, and the force required for new reusable trocar insertion was only 34", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/76/0c/PMC3043436.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4437383", "abstract": " Background. During routine donor screening in the blood bank, it is not uncommon to find isolated reactivity for anti-HBc in the absence of detectable HBV DNA in a first donation but absence of reactivity to anti-HBc in subsequent donations, suggesting a false-positive result for anti-HBc. Study Design and Methods. The blood donor population was screened between January 2010 and October 2011. We selected 2,126 donations positive only for anti-HBc from a total of 125,068 donations. During the process, OBI donors were identified, and their HBcAg-specific T-cell response was analyzed and compared to donors with chronic (HBsAg positive) and recovered (anti-HBc only) infection. We analyzed correlations between signal levels (Co/s) in the competitive assay for anti-HBc and HBV DNA detection. Results. In the 21-month study period, 21 blood donors with anti-HBc alone were identified as OBI (1 in each 5955 donors). The relevant finding was the observation that anti-HBc only subjects with Co/s ≥ 0.1 did not have either HBcAg-specific T-cells or detectable HBV DNA and OBI subjects presented with Co/s ≤ 0.1 and HBcAg T-cell response. In the subset of 21 OBI subjects, 9 donors remained positive for HBcAg T-cell response after four collections. In all 9 samples, we observed HBV DNA fluctuation. Conclusion. Our data suggest that HBcAg-specific T-cell response could be used to confirm anti-HBc serological status, distinguishing previous exposure to Hepatitis B virus from anti-HBc false-positive results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/63/PMC4437383.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5031376", "abstract": "Older adults with disability might have been increasing due to the rapid aging of society. Many studies showed that physical activity is an essential part for improving quality of life in later lives. Regular physical activity is an efficient means that has roles of primary prevention and secondary prevention. However, there were few studies regarding older adults with disability and physical activity participation. The purpose of this current study was to investigate restriction factors to regularly participate older adults with disability in physical activity by employing keyword network analysis. Two hundred twenty-nine older adults with disability who were over 65 including aging with disability and disability with aging in type of physical disability and brain lesions defined by disabled person welfare law partook in the open questionnaire assessing barriers to participate in physical activity. The results showed that the keyword the most often used was ‘Traffic’ which was total of 21 times (3.47", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/ab/jer-12-4-373.PMC5031376.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4946399", "abstract": "Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated chronic liver disease characterized by hepatocellular inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and fulminant hepatic failure. The standard treatment for AIH includes corticosteroids alone or in combination with azathioprine. Although most patients achieve remission using the standard regimen, some patients do not respond due to either drug intolerance or refractory disease; in such cases alternative immunosuppressive agents should be explored. The second-line therapies are cyclophilin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A or tacrolimus, and nowadays mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is widely used if azathioprine-based therapies are not tolerated. Although these are recommended as an alternative to the first-line regimen, there is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of second-line therapies, with the evidence based mainly on expert opinion. Therefore, we report an AIH patient receiving the standard regimen in whom remission did not occur due to side effects to azathioprine, but was successfully treated with MMF in combination with corticosteroids as an alternative to the standard regimen.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/fc/cmh-2015-0040.PMC4946399.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4492341", "abstract": "Malaria remains a major public health challenge with almost half of the world's population exposed to the risk of contracting the illness. Prompt, effective and well tolerated treatment remains one of the cornerstones in the disease management, with artemisinin-based combination therapy the recommended option for non-severe malaria in endemic areas with predominant Plasmodium falciparum infections. Recent experience has been obtained at the European Medicines Agency with regulatory approval of two such antimalarial fixed combination products. For these cases, two different regulatory pathways were applied. As such, the present contribution describes this experience, emphasising main differences and applicability offered by these regulatory choices.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/9d/ihv017.PMC4492341.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2744885", "abstract": "Hepatitus B virus (HBV) is a major cause of the development of hepatpcellular carcinoma (HCC). One of the significant characteristics of tumor progression is cell migration which is reflective of cytoskeletal dynamics. The Rho GTPases contribute to a multiple cellular processes, including the cellular cytoskeletal reorganization and motility. It has been found that some Rho GTPases have oncogenic activity and can promote cancer cell invasion. Here we discuss one of the Rho GTPases, Rac1 can be activated by HBV replication and such activation results in the high motility of HBV-replicating cells. The enhanced cell motility can be interestingly alleviated by the mutation at the sites of proline rich domain located in HBX. Our findings may provide new insights on the mechanism of HCC development associated with chronic HBV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/59/PMC2744885.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5010066", "abstract": "Introduction: Bronchopneumonia is the most common clinical manifestation of pneumonia in pediatric population and leading infectious cause of mortality in children under 5 years. Evaluation of treatment involves diagnostic procedures, assessment of disease severity and treatment for disease with an emphasis on vulnerability of the population. Aim: To determine the most commonly used antibiotics at the Pediatric Clinic in Sarajevo and concomitant therapy in the treatment of bronchopneumonia. Patients and Methods: The study was retrospective and included a total of 104 patients, hospitalized in pulmonary department of the Pediatric Clinic in the period from July to December 2014. The treatment of bronchopneumonia at the Pediatric Clinic was empirical and it conformed to the guidelines and recommendations of British Thoracic Society. Results and Discussion: First and third generation of cephalosporins and penicillin antibiotics were the most widely used antimicrobials, with parenteral route of administration and average duration of treatment of 4.3 days. Concomitant therapy included antipyretics, corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, agonists of β2 adrenergic receptor. In addition to pharmacotherapy, hospitalized patients were subjected to a diet with controlled intake of sodium, which included probiotic-rich foods and adequate hydration. Recommendations for further antimicrobial treatment include oral administration of first-generation cephalosporins and penicillin antibiotics. Conclusion: Results of the drug treatment of bronchopneumonia at the Pediatric Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo are comparable to the guidelines of the British Thoracic Society. It is necessary to establish a system for rational use of antimicrobial agents in order to reduce bacterial resistance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/ff/MA-70-177.PMC5010066.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4355561", "abstract": "Asthma is the consequence of allergic inflammation in the lung compartments and lung-draining lymph nodes. Dendritic cells initiate and promote T cell response and drive it to immunity or allergy. However, their modes of action during asthma are poorly understood. In this study, an allergic inflammation with ovalbumin was induced in 38 mice versus 42 control animals. After ovalbumin aerosol challenge, conventional dendritic cells (CD11c/MHCII/CD8) were isolated from the lungs and the draining lymph nodes by means of magnetic cell sorting followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. A comparative transcriptional analysis was performed using gene arrays. In general, many transcripts are up- and downregulated in the CD8− dendritic cells of the allergic inflamed lung tissue, whereas few genes are regulated in CD8+ dendritic cells. The dendritic cells of the lymph nodes also showed minor transcriptional changes. The data support the relevance of the CD8− conventional dendritic cells but do not exclude distinct functions of the small population of CD8+ dendritic cells, such as cross presentation of external antigen. So far, this is the first approach performing gene arrays in dendritic cells obtained from lung tissue and lung-draining lymph nodes of asthmatic-like mice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/5b/PMC4355561.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5116506", "abstract": "The role of cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown. Pathologically confirmed cases of SCC (n = 150) enrolled in a previously conducted case-control study were included in a retrospective cohort study to examine the association of cutaneous HPV at the time of SCC diagnosis with the risk of subsequent SCC development. Data on HPV seropositivity, HPV DNA in eyebrow hairs (EB) and SCC tumors were available from the parent study. Incidence of subsequent SCC was estimated using person-years of follow up. Cox Proportional Hazards ratios were estimated to evaluate the associations of both, HPV seropositivity and HPV DNA positivity with subsequent SCC. The five year cumulative incidence of subsequent SCC was 72", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/ff/PMC5116506.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4308658", "abstract": "The US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (USCACA) teamed up with Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) to host a joint session at the17th CSCO Annual Meeting on September 20th, 2014 in Xiamen, China. With a focus on breakthrough cancer medicines, the session featured innovative approaches to evaluate breakthrough agents and established a platform to interactively share successful experiences from case studies of 6 novel agents from both the United States and China. The goal of the session is to inspire scientific and practical considerations for clinical trial design and strategy to expedite cancer drug development in China. A panel discussion further provided in-depth advice on advancing both early and full development of novel cancer medicines in China.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/10/cjc-33-12-620.PMC4308658.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2710489", "abstract": "Introduction Portal vein embolization is an accepted method to increase the future remnant liver preoperatively. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative portal vein embolization on liver volume and function 3 months after major liver resection. Materials and methods This is a retrospective case-control study. Data were collected of patients who underwent portal vein embolization prior to (extended) right hemihepatectomy and of control patients who underwent the same type of resection without prior portal vein embolization. Liver volumes were measured by computed tomography volumetry before portal vein embolization, before liver resection, and 3 months after liver resection. Liver function was assessed by hepatobiliary scintigraphy before and 3 months after liver resection. Results Ten patients were included in the embolization group and 13 in the control group. Groups were comparable for gender, age, and number of patients with a compromised liver. The mean future remnant liver volume was 33.0 ± 8.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/e5/11605_2009_Article_929.PMC2710489.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4776557", "abstract": "Background: Attention to different aspects of self-efficacy leads to actual evaluation of self-efficacy about physical activity. This study was carried out in order to design and determine psychometric characteristics of a questionnaire for evaluation of self-efficacy about leisure time physical activity (SELPA) among Iranian adolescent boys, with an emphasis on regulatory self-efficacy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive–analytic study was conducted in 734 male adolescents aged 15–19 years in Isfahan. After item generation and item selection based on review of literature and other questionnaires, content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were determined and items were modified employing the opinions of expert panel (N = 10). Comprehensibility of the questionnaire was determined by members of target group (N = 35). Exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was operated on sample 1 (N1 = 325) and confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) on sample 2 (N2 = 347). Reliability of SELPA was estimated via internal consistency method. Results: According to EFA, barrier self-efficacy and scheduling self-efficacy are the two main aspects of SELPA with the total variance of 65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/b8/IJNMR-21-20.PMC4776557.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3545484", "abstract": "During a ‘Well London’ study, residents were asked about their neighbourhood and its environment. Above all other complaints, ‘dog poo’ was mentioned as a key concern. Despite low rates of infection and disease among the human population resulting from contact with canine faecal matter, the concerns of the public continue to rate it as a serious public health issue. Most public health studies, therefore, seek to identify processes of transmission and disease pathology as a method of addressing the problem. This study approaches the issue through a contextualised analysis of residents’ complaints, using anthropological theory to examine the symbolic representation of ‘dog poo’. Analysis of the interviews shows that these specific complaints were located among less easily defined or articulated experiences of social and environmental neglect, where neighbours were estranged from one another and local authorities seen as negligent. This approach has important implications for public health, as it provides not only a strong indicator of the level of dissatisfaction within some of London's more disadvantaged neighbourhoods, but also identifies a need for policies that are grounded in cross-disciplinary research into the relationship between health, ‘wellbeing’ and experiences of marginalisation among urban populations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/70/8b/PMC3545484.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5172410", "abstract": "Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are spliceosomal macromolecular assemblages and thus actively participate in pre-mRNA metabolism. They are composed of evolutionarily conserved and tandemly repeated motifs, where both RNA-binding and protein-protein recognition occur to achieve cellular activities. By yet unknown mechanisms, these ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles are targeted by autoantibodies and hence play significant role in a variety of human systemic autoimmune diseases. This feature makes them important prognostic markers in terms of molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Since RNP domain is one of the most conserved and widespread scaffolds, evolutionary analyses of these RNA-binding domains can provide further clues on disease-specific epitope formation. The study presented herein represents a sequence comparison of RNA-recognition regions of recently cloned and characterized human hnRNP A3 with those of other relevant hnRNP A/B-type proteins. Their implications in human autoimmunity are particularly emphasized.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/c1/main.PMC5172410.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3945151", "abstract": "Periodontal disease is accompanied by inflammation of the gingiva and destruction of periodontal tissues, leading to alveolar bone loss in severe clinical cases. The chemical mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-)6 and IL-8 have been known to play important roles in inflammatory responses and tissue degradation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a kampo medicine, kakkonto (TJ-1), on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, and IL-8 by human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Kakkonto concentration dependently suppressed LPS-induced PGE2 production but did not alter basal PGE2 levels. In contrast, kakkonto significantly increased LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. Kakkonto decreased cyclooxygenase- (COX-)1 activity to approximately 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f8/a4/PMC3945151.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4578537", "abstract": "Background: Functional renal failure and cardiovascular dysfunction are common complications of liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate cardiac performance, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and fluid status in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis either with or without functional renal failure. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed as having decompensated liver cirrhosis were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 30 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis with ascites and with creatinine values ≤ 1.5 mg/dl. Group 2 included 30 azotemic decompensated cirrhotic patients with diagnostic criteria of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Also, 20 healthy subjects, of matched age and sex to the Group 1 and Group 2 patients, were included in the study as the control group. All patients and normal controls were subjected to clinical examination, laboratory evaluation, ECG, abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiographic studies. Results: The echocardiographic and ECG data showed significant increase in LAD (P<0.01, P<0.01), AoD (P<0.05, P<0.01), interventricular septum thickness (IVST) (P<0.01, P<0.01), posterior wall thickness (PWT) (P<0.01, P<0.01), EDD (P<0.01, P<0.01), ESD (P<0.05, P<0.01), left ventricular (LV) mass (P<0.01, P<0.01), and Corrected QT (QTc) (P<0.01, P<0.01) interval with significant decrease in SVR (P<0.01, P<0.01). Additionally, there was significant decrease in IVC diameter in both patients groups compared to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.01). Conclusion: Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis have low SVR, and Doppler echocardiography provides an easy noninvasive tool to assess this finding. Also, these patients demonstrate small inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter with normal collapsibility, which indicates low effective plasma volume. Measuring IVC diameter and collapsibility are of value in the prediction of intravascular fluid status in liver cirrhosis. This is especially true with renal dysfunction. Early addition of oral vasoconstrictors in decompensated patients may correct the SVR and circulatory dysfunction and hinder HRS occurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/71/epj-07-1174.PMC4578537.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317219", "abstract": " Background. Bevacizumab (BEV), a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF has demonstrated activity against recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGG) in phase II clinical trials. Patients and Methods. Data were collected from patients with recurrent HGG who initiated treatment with BEV outside a clinical trial protocol at two Belgian university hospitals. Results. 19 patients (11 M/8 F) were administered a total of 138 cycles of BEV (median 4, range 1–31). Tumor response assessment by MRI was available for 15 patients; 2 complete responses and 3 partial responses for an objective response rate of 26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/09/PMC3317219.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4847165", "abstract": "Objectives: Biomechanical preparation and irrigation with antimicrobial solutions are necessary to disinfect the root canal space. This in vitro study aimed to examine the antifungal effect of green tea extract on Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. Materials and Methods: Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentration at which 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/eb/23/PMC4847165.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5400455", "abstract": "Abstract Intussusception in adults lacks specific symptoms and is often diagnosed emergently when they present with obstruction. Though intussusception certainly varies in size and location, the increased likelihood of ischemia or obstruction make large intussusceptions very rare in the literature. A patient admitted to our facility for small bowel obstruction was found to have extensive intussusception from the right lower quadrant to the splenic flexure, where a lead point was identified. Histopathology revealed multiple satellite lesions surrounding the lead point tumor, which was found to be invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ileocecal valve. While malignancy is found in 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/b4/rjx030.PMC5400455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4508082", "abstract": "Purpose Negative attitudes from doctors and the resulting stigmatization have a strong impact on psychiatric patients’ poor access to treatment. There are various studies centering on doctors’ attitudes toward psychiatric patients, but rarely focusing on the attitudes to specific disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This research aimed to focus on psychiatrists’ attitudes toward OCD patients. Patients and methods The participants were actual psychiatrists who signed a form of consent. The main tool used in this study was a questionnaire developed from a focus group interview of ten psychiatrists about their attitudes toward OCD patients. Results More than 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/dd/ndt-11-1703.PMC4508082.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4130954", "abstract": "Autonomic dysreflexia is a clinical emergency syndrome of uncontrolled sympathetic output that can occur in patients who have a history of spinal cord injury. Despite its frequency in spinal cord injury patients, central nervous system complications are very rare. We report a man with traumatic high level incomplete spinal cord injury who suffered hypertensive right thalamic hemorrhage secondary to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. Prompt recognition and removal of the triggering factor, the suprapubic catheter obstruction which led to hypertensive attack, the patient had a favorable functional outcome after the resorption of the hematoma and effective rehabilitation programme.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/3d/jkns-55-277.PMC4130954.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4590860", "abstract": "The aim of the study was to compare two laparotomy approaches (flank and midventral). Ten (n = 10) apparently healthy goats of different breeds and sex, average age of 12 ± 2.1 months, and average weight of 13.4 ± 2 kg were used for the investigation. The goats were randomly divided into flank and midventral groups, each group comprising five goats (n = 5). Standard aseptic laparotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with mild sedation. Postsurgical wound score showed significant difference (P < 0.05) in erythema at 18–24 hours and 10–14 days after surgery between the two approaches; significant difference of dehiscence between the two groups was also recorded at 10–14 days after surgery. Total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes counts were significantly different (P < 0.05) at the first and second week after surgery. There was significant difference of platelets critical value and platelets dimension width at the first and second week after surgery. Significant difference of packed cells volume between the two approaches was also recorded one week after surgery. It was concluded that midventral laparotomy approach can be conveniently and safely performed under aseptic precautions without fear of intra- and postoperative clinical problems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/59/PMC4590860.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211172", "abstract": " Objective. To determine the role of imaging-cytology correlation in reducing false negative results of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) at thyroid nodules.  Methods. This retrospective study included 667 nodules 1 cm or larger in 649 patients diagnosed as benign at initial cytologic evaluation and that underwent follow-up ultrasound (US) or FNA following a radiologist's opinion on concordance between imaging and cytologic results. We compared the risk of malignancy of nodules classified into subgroups according to the initial US features and imaging-cytology correlation.  Results. Among included nodules, 11 nodules were proven to be malignant (1.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/ab/PMC4211172.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3030024", "abstract": "The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is a very rare technique performed in cases of fetal congenital malformations. The EXIT procedure increases the rate of survival at delivery by maintaining the uteroplacental circulation until the airway of the fetus is secured. To maintain the uteroplacental circulation, a higher dose of inhalational anesthetics and/or intravenous nitroglycerin can be used as compared to conventional Cesarean section. The aim of this report is to share our anesthetic experience during the EXIT procedure with members of the Korean society of anesthesiology for the first time, and to highlight the maternal implications of the use of inhalational anesthetics and nitroglycerin during Cesarean section for the EXIT procedure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/34/kjae-59-S154.PMC3030024.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3365852", "abstract": "The family Reoviridae is one of the largest virus families with genomes composed of 9–12 double-stranded RNA segments. It includes members infecting organisms from protists to humans. It is well known that reovirus genomes are prone to various types of genome alterations including intragenic rearrangement and reassortment under laboratory and natural conditions. Recently distinct genetic alterations were reported for members of the genus Mycoreovirus, Mycoreovirus 1 (MyRV1), and MyRV3 with 11 (S1–S11) and 12 genome segments (S1–S12), respectively. While MyRV3 S8 is lost during subculturing of infected host fungal strains, MyRV1 rearrangements undergo alterations spontaneously and inducibly. The inducible MyRV1 rearrangements are different from any other previous examples of reovirus rearrangements in their dependence on an unrelated virus factor, a multifunctional protein, p29, encoded by a distinct virus Cryphonectria parasitica hypovirus 1 (CHV1). A total of 5 MyRV1 variants with genome rearranged segments (S1–S3, S6 and S10) are generated in the background of a single viral strain in the presence of CHV1 p29 supplied either transgenically or by coinfection. MyRV1 S4 and S10 are rearranged, albeit very infrequently, in a CHV1 p29 independent fashion. A variant of MyRV1 with substantial deletions in both S4 and S10, generated through a combined reassortment and rearrangement approach, shows comparable replication levels to the wild-type MyRV1. In vivo and in vitro interactions of CHV1 p29 and MyRV1 VP9 are implicated in the induction of MyRV1 rearrangements. However, the mechanism underlying p29-mediated rearrangements remains largely unknown. MyRV1 S4 rearrangements spontaneously occurred independently of CHV1 p29. In the absence of reverse genetics systems for mycoreoviruses, molecular and biological characterization of these MyRV1 and MyRV3 variants contribute to functional analyses of the protein products encoded by those rearranged segments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/c0/fmicb-03-00186.PMC3365852.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3263702", "abstract": "The sellar and parasellar (SPS) region is a complex area rich in vital neurovascular structures and as such may be the location of first manifestation of a systemic malignancy. Metastases to this region are rare; breast cancer is the most common source among those that metastasize to the SPS region. Ophthalmoplegia, headache, retroorbital or facial pain, diabetes insipidus, and visual field defects are the most commonly reported symptoms. Lack of specific clinical and radiological features renders SPS metastases difficult to differentiate from the other frequently encountered lesions in this area, especially when there is no known history of a primary disease. Currently accepted management is multimodality therapy that includes biopsy and/or palliative surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Although no significant survival benefits have been shown by the surgical series, surgical resection may improve quality of life. Here we review the relevant literature and present six illustrative cases from our own institution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/39/PMC3263702.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3491436", "abstract": "Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin which modulates neuronal survival and proliferation. Recently, plasma BDNF is associated with inflammatory conditions. The present study was to investigate the changes of the plasma BDNF level in hemodialysis patients and to evaluate the relationship between the plasma BDNF and uremic inflammation. Method: We measured the plasma BDNF, serum IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α in hemodialysis patients and control subjects. In addition, we investigated the associations of the plasma BDNF with clinical or biochemical parameters. Results: The plasma BDNF level was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients than in the control subjects (median, 312.3 vs. 630.3 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, hemodialysis patients with diabetes showed higher values of the plasma BDNF than the patients without diabetes. However, there were no significant differences in age and gender subgroups of the hemodialysis patients. The logBDNF was positively correlated with hs-CRP and IFN-γ, and negatively correlated with serum albumin. In multivariate regression analysis, the logBDNF was independently associated with the presence of diabetes (β-coefficient = 0.399, p = 0.041) and IFN-γ (β-coefficient = 0.538, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The plasma BDNF may increase in hemodialysis patients, and more prominently in the patients with diabetes. Furthermore, the plasma BDNF might reflect inflammatory condition in hemodialysis patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/52/ijmsv09p0772.PMC3491436.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3703791", "abstract": "The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis still remains unknown. Recent data provide new valuable information concerning the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of the disease. It has been proved that levels of different lipid peroxidation end products are increased in both peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of endometriotic patients. We assessed the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in PF of 110 women with different stages of endometriosis and 119 women with serous (n = 78) or dermoid (n = 41) ovarian cysts, as the reference groups. PF oxLDL levels were evaluated by ELISA. We found that concentrations of oxLDL in PF of endometriotic women were significantly higher compared to women with serous but not dermoid ovarian cysts. Interestingly, by analyzing concentrations of oxLDL in women with different stages of the disease, it was noted that they are significantly higher only in the subgroup of patients with stage IV endometriosis as compared to women with ovarian serous cysts. In case of minimal, mild, and moderate disease, PF oxLDL levels were similar to those noted in reference groups. Our results indicate that disrupted oxidative status in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of advanced stages of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/96/70/PMC3703791.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4949204", "abstract": "POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome and there are few reports of polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy associated with kidney dysfunction. Here, we report a case of POEMS syndrome with recurrent acute kidney injury (AKI). A 52-year-old man presented with bilateral aggravating paresthesia and latermotor weakness of the lower extremities accompanied by repeated elevation of serum creatinine. The patient was finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome on the basis of fulfilling the two mandatory major criteria (polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy), one other major criterion (sclerotic bone lesion), and several minor criteria. A renal biopsy was performed to clarify the cause of AKI and showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis-like lesions with mesangiolysis and endothelial cell injury. This case illustrates that renal manifestations, not included in the diagnostic criteria for POEMS, can be apparent before various other systemic symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/f4/ebp-14-5.PMC4949204.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4644612", "abstract": "Background: While the role of some personality traits has been comprehensively explored, scientific study of others, such as patience has been neglected. Psychologists have paid scant attention to patience as a personality trait, character strength or virtue. Objectives: The current study examined the relationship between patience and life satisfaction, mental health, and personality. Materials and Methods: A sample of 252 Iranian college students (129 females and 123 males) completed the 3-factor patience scale, satisfaction with life scale, general health questionnaire, anxiety and depression scales and mini international personality item pool-big five. Results: The three types of patience (interpersonal, life hardship, and daily hassles) were associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of depression, anxiety and psychological dysfunction. Patience also showed moderate relationship with the Big-Five factors of personality. After controlling the personality factors, patience managed to explain additional unique variance in life satisfaction and mental health indicators. Conclusions: Patience is a unique predictor of mental well-being. It is suggested that long-term patience is more important for depression and general health, whereas short-term patience is more beneficial for hedonic well-being.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/61/ijpbs-09-1252.PMC4644612.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3931381", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE We explore the effect of randomized treatment, comparing intensive to standard glucose-lowering strategies on major cardiovascular outcomes, death, and severe adverse events in older versus younger participants in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 10,251) with a mean age of 62 years, a median duration of diabetes of 10 years, and a median A1C of 8.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/22/634.PMC3931381.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2855487", "abstract": "Purpose The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level decreases after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, changes in the PSA level after potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser vaporization of the prostate are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KTP laser vaporization of the prostate on PSA levels in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods Serum PSA levels were checked before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure in patients who underwent KTP laser vaporization between October 2004 and August 2008. Patients with prostate cancer, a history of urinary retention, or prostatitis during the follow-up period were excluded. The results for 278 patients were studied. Results The mean age of the patients was 69.0±6.7 years (range, 50-91 years) and the mean preoperative PSA level was 2.72±2.93 ng/ml. The PSA level tended to be increased at 1 month after the operation (3.18±3.23 ng/ml, p=0.032) but decreased within 3 months and became stabilized after 6 months at 1.79±1.82 ng/ml (p<0.001). Conclusions PSA levels may increase after KTP laser vaporization for a certain period of time, but eventually decrease and become stabilized after 6 months. Therefore, it may be appropriate to wait up to 3 months if the PSA level rises after the procedure, and further investigation should be considered if the PSA level still remains high after 6 months.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/03/kju-51-111.PMC2855487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894951", "abstract": "Purpose Somatization is a common symptom among the elderly, and even though personality disorders have been found to be associated with somatization, personality traits have not yet been explored with regard to this symptom. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between personality traits and somatization, and social inhibition. Patients and methods As part of a cross-sectional study of a community sample, 126 elderly Thais aged 60 years or over completed self-reporting questionnaires related to somatization and personality traits. Somatization was elicited from the somatization subscale when using the Symptom Checklist SCL-90 instrument. Personality traits were drawn from the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and social inhibition was identified when using the inventory of interpersonal problems. In addition, path analysis was used to establish the influence of personality traits on somatization and social inhibition. Results Of the 126 participants, 51", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/64/cia-9-157.PMC3894951.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2150598", "abstract": "Persons with multiple chronic conditions are a large and growing segment of the US population. However, little is known about how chronic conditions cluster, and the ramifications of having specific combinations of chronic conditions. Clinical guidelines and disease management programs focus on single conditions, and clinical research often excludes persons with multiple chronic conditions. Understanding how conditions in combination impact the burden of disease and the costs and quality of care received is critical to improving care for the 1 in 5 Americans with multiple chronic conditions. This Medline review of publications examining somatic chronic conditions co-occurring with 1 or more additional specific chronic illness between January 2000 and March 2007 summarizes the state of our understanding of the prevalence and health challenges of multiple chronic conditions and the implications for quality, care management, and costs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/61/PMC2150598.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3206111", "abstract": "Bronchiectasis refers to dilated and thickened airways due to chronic inflammation and infections, with anatomic distortion of the bronchi. Here, we describe a 29-year-old man with a history of multiple hospitalizations for lung infection who presented to the pulmonary clinic with a complaint of worsening chronic productive cough in the previous year. This case presentation prompted a review of the etiologies of bronchiectasis in 291 recent cases admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/d7/PMC3206111.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3324155", "abstract": "Parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays have evolved continuously for the last 50 years. Since the first radioimmunoassay was described in 1963, several assays based on immunological identification have been published (first generation assays). The routine assays used nowadays are immunometric “sandwich-type”. They are based on two different monoclonal antibodies, one amino-terminal and the other carboxyl terminal specific. These second generation assays are widely available and adapted to most of the automation platforms. The specificity of the amino terminal antibody defines if the immunometric assay measures only the bioactive PTH circulating form (including the first amino terminal amino acids) or the “intact” PTH, which includes, besides bioactive PTH, other “long” carboxyl-terminal forms, for example, 7–84-PTH. Assays for “intact” PTH are the most commonly available and the potential advantage of the bioactive PTH assays is still debatable. Next generation of assays will be based on different principles, mainly mass spectrometry in samples submitted to a prior purification and fragmentation steps. These assays will provide information about the whole spectra of PTH peptides in circulation, with a significant increase of the information regarding this biologically important peptide hormone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/74/PMC3324155.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4681919", "abstract": "[Purpose] The present study investigated differences in the kinematics of the neck and activation of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle during neck rotation between subjects with and without forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight subjects participated in the study (14 with FHP, 14 without FHP). Subjects performed neck rotation in two directions, left and right. The kinematics of rotation-lateral flexion movement patterns were recorded using motion analysis. Activity in the bilateral SCM muscles was measured using surface electromyography. Differences in neck kinematics and activation of SCM between the groups were analyzed by independent t-tests. [Results] Maintaining FHP increased the rotation-lateral flexion ratio significantly in both directions. The FHP group had significantly faster onset time for lateral flexion movement in both directions during neck rotation. Regarding the electromyography of the SCM muscles during neck rotation in both directions, the activity values of subjects with FHP were greater than those of subjects without FHP for the contralateral SCM muscles. [Conclusion] FHP can induce changes in movement in the frontal plane and SCM muscle activation during neck rotation. Thus, clinicians should consider movement in the frontal plane as well as in the sagittal plane when assessing and treating patients with forward head posture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/f4/jpts-27-3425.PMC4681919.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2734941", "abstract": "Autophagy (or self eating), a cellular recycling mechanism, became the center of interest and subject of intensive research in recent years. Development of new molecular techniques allowed the study of this biological phenomenon in various model organisms ranging from yeast to plants and mammals. Accumulating data provide evidence that autophagy is involved in a spectrum of biological mechanisms including plant growth, development, response to stress, and defense against pathogens. In this review, we briefly summarize general and plant-related autophagy studies, and explain techniques commonly used to study autophagy. We also try to extrapolate how autophagy techniques used in other organisms may be adapted to plant studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/0e/PMC2734941.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433969", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated brain wave, memory and attention changes in adult stroke patients using computer assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR). [Subjects] Twenty-five stroke patients were randomly allocated to either the CACR group (n=12) or the control group (n=13). [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the CACR group and the control group with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly, for 6 weeks. CACR was provided only to the CACR group. The control group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after the 6 weeks of intervention, electroencephalography (EEG) and a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT) were performed, and the results were analyzed. [Results] After the intervention, the CACR group showed significant differences in the frontal lobe (Fp1, Fp2, and F4) and in the parietal lobe (P3 and P4), and also showed significant differences in CNT memory (DST and VST forward/backward test) and attention (VCPT correct responses), but no notable changes were observed in the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that CACR is feasible and suitable for individuals with stroke. Detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the numbers and characteristics of subjects, and the limitations affecting the CACR training period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/54/jpts-27-1029.PMC4433969.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4837261", "abstract": " Purpose. The objective of the present study is to determine whether the success rate in transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL DCR) is influenced by the variant septal deviation (SD). Methods. Patients were divided into two groups: one including operated lacrimal pathways (LP) with no anatomical nasosinusal variants and the other group of LP with SD. This study began on January 1, 2008, and ended on December 31, 2010, at Morales Meseguer Hospital. Variables were compared by means of ANOVA and a logistic regression model (LOGIT). Results. Out of the 159 LP operated on, 102 had no nasosinusal anatomic variant, but 39 LP were associated with SD. The first group evidenced a success rate of 67.64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/b3/PMC4837261.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4550663", "abstract": "Nine million cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in 2013, with a further 1.5 million deaths attributed to the disease. When delivered as an intradermal (i.d.) injection, the Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine provides limited protection, whereas aerosol delivery has been shown to enhance efficacy in experimental models. In this study, we used the rhesus macaque model to characterize the mucosal and systemic immune response induced by aerosol-delivered BCG vaccine. Aerosol delivery of BCG induced both Th1 and Th17 cytokine responses. Polyfunctional CD4 T cells were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) 8 weeks following vaccination in a dose-dependent manner. A similar trend was seen in peripheral gamma interferon (IFN-γ) spot-forming units measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay and serum anti-purified protein derivative (PPD) IgG levels. CD8 T cells predominantly expressed cytokines individually, with pronounced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production by BAL fluid cells. T-cell memory phenotype analysis revealed that CD4 and CD8 populations isolated from BAL fluid samples were polarized toward an effector memory phenotype, whereas the frequencies of peripheral central memory T cells increased significantly and remained elevated following aerosol vaccination. Expression patterns of the α4β1 integrin lung homing markers remained consistently high on CD4 and CD8 T cells isolated from BAL fluid and varied on peripheral T cells. This characterization of aerosol BCG vaccination highlights features of the resulting mycobacterium-specific immune response that may contribute to the enhanced protection previously reported in aerosol BCG vaccination studies and will inform future studies involving vaccines delivered to the mucosal surfaces of the lung.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/46/zcd992.PMC4550663.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4298716", "abstract": "Objective Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Frequent and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms create high levels of distress for patients and caregivers, decreasing their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate neuropsychiatric symptoms that may contribute to increased caregiver burden in PDD patients. Methods Forty-eight PDD patients were assessed using the 12-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to determine the frequency and severity of mental and behavioral problems. The Burden Interview and Caregiver Burden Inventory were used to evaluate caregiver burden. Results All but one patient showed one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms. The three most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms were apathy (70.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/8a/PMC4298716.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3155793", "abstract": "Natural Killer (NK) cells are endowed with cell-structure-sensing receptors providing inhibitory protection from self-destruction (inhibitory NK receptors, iNKRs, including killer inhibitory receptors and other molecules) and rapid triggering potential leading to functional cell activation by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokine receptors, and activating NK cell receptors including natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs, i.e., NKp46, NKp46, and NKp44). NCR and NKG2D recognize ligands on infected cells which may be endogenous or may directly bind to some structures derived from invading pathogens. In this paper, we address the known direct or indirect interactions between activating receptors and pathogens and their expression during chronic HIV and HCV infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e8/93/PMC3155793.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2827705", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To investigate whether early weaning constitutes a risk factor for overweight at preschool age and to identify other factors that affect this association. METHODS This was a case-control study of 366 children aged 2 to 6 years (176 boys and 190 girls) from three cities. The case group comprised overweight children, as defined by body mass index (BMI) for age greater than or equal to the 85th percentile. The main exposure analyzed was early weaning (exclusive or predominant breastfeeding for less than four months). RESULTS Early weaning was a significant risk factor for overweight in univariate analysis (OR = 1.69; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/5f/PMC2827705.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3359764", "abstract": "Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant which bioaccumulates in marine biota. Fish constitute an important part of a balanced human diet contributing with health beneficial nutrients but may also contain contaminants such as MeHg. Interactions between the marine n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) with MeHg-induced toxicity were investigated. Different toxic and metabolic responses were studied in Atlantic salmon kidney (ASK) cell line and the mammalian kidney-derived HEK293 cell line. Both cell lines were preincubated with DHA or EPA prior to MeHg-exposure, and cell toxicity was assessed differently in the cell lines by MeHg-uptake in cells (ASK and HEK293), proliferation (HEK293 and ASK), apoptosis (ASK), oxidation of the red-ox probe roGFP (HEK293), and regulation of selected toxicological and metabolic transcriptional markers (ASK). DHA was observed to decrease the uptake of MeHg in HEK293, but not in ASK cells. DHA also increased, while EPA decreased, MeHg-induced apoptosis in ASK. MeHg exposure induced changes in selected metabolic and known MeHg biomarkers in ASK cells. Both DHA and MeHg, but not EPA, oxidized roGFP in HEK293 cells. In conclusion, marine n-3 fatty acids may ameliorate MeHg toxicity, either by decreasing apoptosis (EPA) or by reducing MeHg uptake (DHA). However, DHA can also augment MeHg toxicity by increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis when combined with MeHg.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/b8/PMC3359764.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3725770", "abstract": "Polyethoxylated nonylphenols, with different ethoxylation degrees (NPEOx), are incorporated into many commercial and industrial products such as detergents, domestic disinfectants, emulsifiers, cosmetics, and pesticides. However, the toxic effects exerted by their degradation products, which are persistent in natural environments, have been demonstrated in several animal and invertebrate aquatic species. Therefore, it seems appropriate to look for indigenous bacteria capable of degrading native NPEOx and its derivatives. In this paper, the isolation of five bacterial strains, capable of using NPEO15, as unique carbon source, is described. The most efficient NPEO15 degrader bacterial strains were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens (strain Yas2) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (strain Yas1). Maximal growth rates were reached at pH 8, 27°C in a 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/7e/PMC3725770.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2935544", "abstract": " Dunaliella salina is a halotolerant green alga that is well known for its carotenoid producing capacity. The produced carotenoids are mainly stored in lipid globules. For various research purposes, such as production and extraction kinetics, we would like to determine and/or localise the carotenoid globules in vivo. In this study, we show that the carotenoid-rich globules emit clear green fluorescence, which can be used in, for example, fluorescence microscopy (e.g. CLSM) to obtain pictures of the cells and their carotenoid content.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/f6/10811_2010_Article_9505.PMC2935544.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4499560", "abstract": "Objective The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) in fluorine-18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) was evaluated as a preoperative predictor of pathologic grade and survival rate. Materials and Methods Twenty-three patients who underwent preoperative PET/CT and complete resection for PMEC were enrolled. The optimal cut-off SUVmax for tumor grade was calculated as 6.5 by receiver operating characteristic curve. The patients were divided into a high SUV group (n = 7) and a low SUV group (n = 16). Clinicopathologic features were compared between the groups by χ2 test and overall survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results The mean SUVmax was 15.4 ± 11.5 in the high SUV group and 3.9 ± 1.3 in the low SUV group. All patients except one from the low SUV group had low grade tumors and all had no nodal metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity of SUVmax from PET/CT for predicting tumor grade was 85.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/8e/kjr-16-929.PMC4499560.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5006132", "abstract": "Objective Store operated calcium channels (SOCCs) and Receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs) are important pathways participating in regulation of intracellular Ca2 + concentration in various cell types. The purpose of our study is to determine whether genetic variations in key components of SOCCs and ROCCs are associated with lung cancer risk. Methods We identified 236 tagSNPs in 9 key genes related to SOCCs and ROCCs (TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC6, TRPC7, ORAI1, ORAI2, STIM1, and STIM2) and evaluated their association with lung cancer risk in a two-stage case-control study with a total of 2433 lung cancer cases and 2433 cancer-free controls using Illumina high throughput genotyping platform. Results We found consistently significant associations of TRPC4 rs9547991 and rs978156, and TRPC7 rs11748198 with increased risk of lung cancer among the three kinds of sources of populations (additive model in combined population: adjusted OR = 1.33, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/74/PMC5006132.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5086487", "abstract": "Purpose In this study two different pre-planning methods (2D vs. 3D) were compared in respect to the implant quality as judged by volumetric and dose parameters of the treatment plans. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the imaging modalities used for pre-planning purpose to the treatment plan quality. Material and methods Twenty-four patients treated with HDR multicatheter implants were randomly selected for experiment. All patients underwent breast conserving surgery. Flexible catheters were implanted into the breast through the template. Inter-catheter distance, number of planes and catheters were adjusted, in respect to the size and location of the target. Pre-planning was used to evaluate the implant geometry in respect to the target. Needles number and position were modified if necessary. There were two experimental subgroups consisted of 12 patients each. Different pre-planning procedure was employed in each group. In the first group 2D X-ray imaging system was used. In the second one the 3D pre-planning method based on CT was performed. Treatment plans were evaluated with parameters calculated based on dose-volume histograms (DVHs). Volumetric and dose parameters were used for comparison of the dose distribution between the two experimental subgroups. Results The mean value of target coverage VPTV100 is higher for 3D pre-planning than for 2D (91.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/52/JCB-1-14041.PMC5086487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988898", "abstract": "The diagnosis of neuroendocrine malignant tumor in the small bowel is difficult [J Oncol 2008;2008:212067]. It is usually found intraoperatively during intestinal resection and confirmed by subsequent histological examination. We reported a case of jejunum neoplasm which was misdiagnosed as Crohn's disease by capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy was stuck in the jejunum stricture and was removed with a snare under double-balloon enteroscopy. The pathology of the biopsy was jejunum small cell malignant carcinoma tending to neuroendocrine malignant tumor. The immunohistochemical result revealed that CD99 and Ki-67 were positive. The patient underwent intestinal resection and the diagnosis of neuroendocrine malignant tumor was confirmed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/ee/crg0004-0052.PMC2988898.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3478786", "abstract": "The treatment of patients with hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPSCs) to reconstitute hematopoiesis after myeloablative therapy or to repair ischemia after myocardial infarction has significantly improved clinical outcomes. Successful blood or bone marrow transplants require a sufficient number of HPSCs capable of homing to the injured site to regenerate tissue. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is widely used clinically for stem cell mobilization. However, in some patients the response is poor, thus a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying G-CSF-regulated stem cell mobilization is needed. The pasminogen (Plg) system is the primary fibrinolytic pathway responsible for clot dissolution after thrombosis. Recent evidence suggests that Plg plays a pivotal role in stem cell mobilization from the bone marrow to the peripheral circulation, particularly in HPSC mobilization in response to G-CSF. This paper will discuss the potential mechanisms by which the Plg system regulates stem cell mobilization, focusing on stepwise proteolysis and signal transduction during HPSC egress from their bone marrow niche. Clear elucidation of the underlying mechanisms may lead to the development of new Plg-based therapeutic strategies to improve stem cell mobilization in treating hematological and cardiovascular diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/e5/PMC3478786.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4271272", "abstract": "Posterior elbow dislocation with vascular injury is rarely encountered, but it is crucial for every emergency physician to diagnose it. Missing these injuries can result in neurovascular compromise, which in turn can lead to limb ischemia, compartment syndrome and potential limb loss. Having a normal X-ray on presentation makes this injury more difficult to diagnose. In this study, we present a case of occult posterior elbow dislocation with an intimal injury of the brachial artery. The rarity of these cases, the diagnostic modalities and the treatment options will be reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/96/4a/rju140.PMC4271272.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5368119", "abstract": "In recent studies, the reported prevalence of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has been higher than in previous reports. Although cascade genetic screening is a good option for efficient identification of affected patients, diagnosis using only clinical criteria is more common in real clinical practice. Cardiovascular risk is much higher in FH patients due to longstanding low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) burden and is also influenced by other risk factors. Although guidelines emphasize aggressive LDL-C reduction, the majority of patients cannot reach the LDL-C goal by conventional pharmacotherapy. Novel therapeutics such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have shown strong lipid lowering efficacy and are expected to improve treatment results in FH patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/0a/enm-32-36.PMC5368119.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1550843", "abstract": "When communications are needed the most desperately and most urgently, the difficulty of effecting the desired communications increases exponentially. Recent natural disasters in different parts of the world have provided eloquent testament to this. The history of disaster or emergency communications can provide us with a foundation for understanding the problems encountered today, and can offer us insight into how we might improve the systems and processes for communications. The first applications of communication technology that allowed messages to be sent more rapidly than the fastest form of transportation were mainly military in origin. This review takes us from the days of optical or visual telegraphy, through the early development of mobile and radio communications, and up to the current sophisticated technologies. We pay particular attention to the use of amateur radio operators in times of emergency, and relate their activities to those of the most effective military communications. The germane assumption made in this discussion is that any emergency or disaster communications would necessarily be involved in response and resolution of medical aspects of those emergencies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/d4/PMC1550843.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4687985", "abstract": "Aim The aim of this study was to assess the effect of continuous and intermittent electrical transcutaneous nerve stimulation on the perception of pain in patients with burns of different types. Materials and methods A pilot study was conducted in 14 patients (age 30.9±7.5 years) with second- and third-degree burns of different types. The burn types included electrical, fire/flame, and chemical. All patients received continuous and intermittent electrical transcutaneous nerve stimulation sessions three times per week for 4 weeks. Each session had a duration of 30 minutes. A pair of electrodes were placed around the burn. The primary efficacy endpoint was the perception of pain assessed by a visual analog scale at baseline and at the 30th day. Results A significant reduction of pain perception was reported (8.0±1.7 vs 1.0±0.5; P=0.027) by all patients after electrical stimulation therapy. There were no reports of adverse events during the intervention period. Conclusion Electrical stimulation could be a potential nonpharmacological therapeutic option for pain management in burn patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/96/lra-8-119.PMC4687985.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3739499", "abstract": "Campylobacter­ spp.–related gastroenteritis in diners at a catering college restaurant was associated with consumption of duck liver pâté. Population genetic analysis indicated that isolates from duck samples were typical of isolates from farmed poultry. Campylobacter spp. contamination of duck liver may present a hazard similar to the increasingly recognized contamination of chicken liver.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d2/be/PMC3739499.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5080171", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on facial muscle strength and oral function in stroke patients with facial palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Nine subjects received the electrical stimulation and traditional dysphagia therapy. Electrical stimulation was applied to stimulate each subject’s facial muscles 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. [Results] Subjects showed significant improvement in cheek and lip strength and oral function after the intervention. [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that electrical stimulation improves facial muscle strength and oral function in stroke patients with dysphagia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/48/jpts-28-2541.PMC5080171.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3803120", "abstract": " A brief report on the nature and epidemiology of T. gondii infection is firstly presented. The importance of the specific IgG avidity test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for toxoplasmosis is discussed, along with their significance and importance as auxiliary methods for determining the most likely time for the initial infection by this coccidian and for defining the therapeutic strategy. Lastly, practical comments are made in relation to the classical therapeutic regimens, with special attention to the indications for fetal treatment, when this is necessary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/00/PMC3803120.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2657333", "abstract": "The natural history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is generally thought to be one of progressive deterioration if no intervention is undertaken. However, it is unknown whether surgical intervention is beneficial for patients with a small region of osteonecrosis. We observed rapid improvement of MRI findings after rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) was performed in a young patient with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The band-like low signal area on T2-weighted images almost resolved by six months after surgery. He returned to work as an electrician by six months after surgery. Early surgical intervention such as RAO that alters the mechanical force acting on the necrotic region of the femoral head may accelerate the recovery of osteonecrosis and the improvement of symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ec/0e/PMC2657333.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4861525", "abstract": "We describe 2 fatal cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clonal complex 398 septicemia in persons who had no contact with livestock. Whole-genome sequencing of the isolated MRSA strains strongly suggest that both were of animal origin and that the patients had been infected through 2 independent person-to-person transmission chains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/b7/PMC4861525.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4537785", "abstract": "Background: The relationship between decreased activity/neuropathic pain and gene expression alterations in soleus muscle has remained elusive. Objectives: In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of decreased activity in neuropathic pain form on Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 β (GSK-3β) gene expression in soleus muscle of rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve (SNL: n = 4); (2) sham surgery (Sham: n = 4), and (3) control (C: n = 4). The threshold to produce a withdrawal response to a mechanical and thermal stimulus was measured using von Frey filaments and radiation heat apparatus, respectively. Following 4 weeks after surgery, the left soleus muscle was removed and mRNA levels were determined by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Compared to control animals, L5 ligated animals developed mechanical and heat hypersensitivity during total period of study. Soleus muscle weight as well as CDK5 mRNA levels (less than   0.4 fold) was decreased and GSK-3β mRNA levels (up to   7 folds) increased in L5 ligated animals. Conclusions: These results showed enhanced muscle atrophy processes following peripheral nerve damage and might provide a useful approach to study underlying muscle mechanisms associated with clinical neuropathic pain syndromes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/3a/ircmj-17-06-23324.PMC4537785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5019920", "abstract": " Objective. To determine the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency and low bone mineral density in Egyptian children with forearm fractures. Methods. A case control study of 46 children aged 3 to 10 years with or without forearm fractures. Validated questionnaires were used to assess calcium and vitamin D intake as well as sun exposure. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D were collected. Bone mineral density was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. Compared to the Control group, calcium and vitamin D intake was lower in the Cases group (p = 0.03). Cases had higher Body Mass Index than Controls, p = 0.01. Children in the Cases group had lower mean serum calcium values 8.3 ± 1.4 compared to 9.3 ± 1.1 in Controls (p = 0.01). Alkaline phosphatase was higher in Cases 265 ± 65.8 than Controls 226 ± 54.6 (p = 0.03). Vitamin D and bone mineral density scores were significantly lower in the Cases group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our data shows an increased rate of vitamin D deficiency and decreased bone mineral density in Egyptian children with forearm fractures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/59/PMC5019920.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4728099", "abstract": "Intramuscular myxoma (IM) is a benign neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. We report a rare case of IM which was located in the lumbosacral paraspinal muscles. A 62-year-old female patient presented with progressive low back pain for 2 months, and the radiologic findings showed a large mass (4.0×3.5×6.5 cm) in the right lumbosacral paraspinal area. Total resection of the tumor was performed and the symptom was nearly resolved after surgery. Although the immuno-histopathological analysis was consistent with IM, there were some different findings from typical pathological characteristics of IM in this case. Firstly, the symptomatic change of the mass took relatively short time (less than 3 months), and this change was accompanied by partial calcification inside the mass. Moreover, iatrogenic interruption of paravertebral muscle by the other previous operation might be the promoting factor of the fibrous dysplasia, which can explain the pathogenesis of IM. To our knowledge, this is the eighth case of the lumbar paraspinal myxoma reported in the literatures and the first case in Asian population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/ee/jkns-58-566.PMC4728099.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897045", "abstract": " Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of transmigrated canines in a north Indian population and association with gender, side, associated pathologies, and dental anomalies. Subjects and methods. The prospective study consisted of panoramic radiographs of 3000 patients from two dental colleges in north India. The panoramic radiographs were screened for radiographically identified position of the transmigrated tooth, retained canine, and other coexisting dental anomalies. Results. The overall prevalence of transmigrated canines (15 mandibular and 5 maxillary) was 0.66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/45/PMC4897045.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3321762", "abstract": "International travel and a global expansion of dengue fever have the potential to increase the incidence of dengue in the United States. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of trends in dengue among hospitalized patients by using the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2007); the number of cases more than tripled (p<0.0001).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/4c/PMC3321762.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897430", "abstract": "This paper presents the study of convective heat and mass transfer characteristics of an incompressible MHD viscoelastic fluid past an infinite vertical plate immersed in a porous medium with chemical reaction and ion slip effects. Highly nondimensional governing equations are solved analytically by perturbation scheme. The analytical expressions for velocity, shearing stress, temperature, concentration, rate of heat transfer, and mass transfer are obtained. Also, graphical representations have been carried out for velocity field and shearing stress to investigate the effects of viscoelasticity and the effects of ion slip on the fluid flow in combination with other physical parameters involved in the solution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/8e/PMC4897430.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4720196", "abstract": "Background We here describe the construction of the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurement (SCREAM) cohort and assess its coverage/representativeness of the Stockholm county in Sweden. SCREAM has the principal aims to estimate the burden and consequences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to identify inappropriate drug use (prescription of nephrotoxic, contraindicated or ill-dosed drugs). Methods SCREAM is a repository of laboratory data of individuals, residing or accessing healthcare in the region of Stockholm, who underwent creatinine assessments between 2006–11. Laboratory tests were linked to administrative databases with complete information on socioeconomic status, demographic data, healthcare utilization, diagnoses, vital status and dispensed prescription medicines. Results SCREAM identified 1 118 507 adult Stockholm citizens with available creatinine tests between 2006–11. This corresponded to 66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/5b/sfv117.PMC4720196.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3899633", "abstract": "Purpose To analyse early toxicity of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) boost for prostate cancer using 3 fractionation schemes. Material and methods From February 2009 to May 2012, after the first course of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT 46 Gy/23 f), 124 patients underwent HDRB boost for low (7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/2c/JCB-5-21671.PMC3899633.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3430505", "abstract": "Objective Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. Children with ADHD may experience significant functional problems. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of ADHD and its subtypes in Iran. Methods Pubmed, ISI web of science, psychinfo, Iranpsych, Iranmedex, Irandoc were searched. Irandoc, Iranmedex and Iranpsych are Iranian databases of which the last one is especially for psychiatry and psychology literature. Inclusion criteria were: conducting studies by random sampling, using valid instruments to assess ADHD diagnosis or symptoms,and presenting a prevalence of ADHD or attention deficit and / or hyperactivity symptoms. Results After quality assessment, 16 studies were accepted. Their estimation of prevalence was different as different scales were used. Hyperactive type was more prevalent in boys, and inattentive type was more prevalent in girls. Conclusion Being aware of the epidemiology of ADHD in Iran helps us to make improvements in planning the allocation of funds for mental health services. Using one instrument in studying the prevalence of ADHD in a population may lead to more precise estimations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/ab/IJPS-5-88.PMC3430505.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5053467", "abstract": "Introduction Radiosensitivity is an inherent trait, associated with a raised reaction to ionizing radiation on the human body. In radiotherapy and radiation protection fields, individualization of the patient’s treatment is one of the main topics. With the goal of determining biomarkers capable of anticipating normal tissue side reactions, we studied the association between the Rh factor and radiosensitivity. Methods This experimental study was carried out from January to June 2014 among 50 normal responders with A blood group (25Rh+ and 25Rh−) between the ages of 22 and 23 in Babol, Iran. Human peripheral blood samples were taken from subjects and, using CBMN assay, the biological effects of gamma irradiation, including the frequency of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear division index (NDI), were measured. A data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18 to determine the independent and paired samples t-tests. Results A significant increment occurred in the frequency of MN in group Rh+ (196 ± 18.23) compared with Rh- (169 ± 17.11) following irradiation (p<0.001). Conclusions The Rh factor might be a predicting marker in an individual’s radiosensitivity to ionizing radiations. However, we believe that additional investigations are needed to prove this hypothesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/3e/epj-08-2828.PMC5053467.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4402981", "abstract": "Background: Poor interaction of treatment personnel with patients’ families leads to informational contrast in families, which may ultimately increase the tension and pressure in these conditions. Considering the necessity of caregivers’ contribution for an optimized treatment, continuation of care, and supporting patients, and with regard to caregivers’ important role, and also considering the emphasis placed by previous studies on the significance of the caregivers’ experiences and as there are a limited number of studies on eastern countries, the present study attempts to justify caregivers’ understanding of their own needs for interaction with the treatment team. Materials and Methods: This study is a qualitative research conducted through a content analysis method with an inductive approach. 23 familial caregivers of breast cancer patients from Seyed-Al-Shohada and ayat- ollah khan sari Hospital of Isfahan and Arak were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and field notes. The content was read for several iterations and units of meaning and primary codes were extracted, and then categories were extracted based on the centrality and similarity of meanings. Results: Four categories were extracted: a) caregivers’ contribution and acknowledging them in the treatment system, b) training in efficient caregiving, c) efficient interaction of the medical team with caregivers, and d) easy and dynamic access to the medical services. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that family caregivers should cooperate and interact with the medical team. They also need training from the medical team on caregiving to cancer patients. An understanding of caregivers’ experiences and needs in their interaction with the medical team and identifying their needs as an important aspect in cancer care system assists in designing evidence-based healthcare interventions and a comprehensive family-cantered care program.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/b0/IJNMR-19-83.PMC4402981.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3283790", "abstract": "The inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is known as an effective and safe method for preventing fatal pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis. Usually, the remaining IVC filters are asymptomatic and do not cause clinical problems. We report a case of duodenal perforation caused by a remaining IVC filter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/07/kjtcs-45-69.PMC3283790.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4513774", "abstract": "Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of two irrigating techniques - static and dynamic (passive ultrasonic instrumentation) irrigation in the elimination of bacterial biofilm. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human permanent maxillary central incisors teeth with straight roots and single canals, were randomly allocated to two groups for static irrigation and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). The root canal irrigant used was 2.5 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/4a/JIOH-7-42.PMC4513774.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3252659", "abstract": "The increasing number of people who are colonized or infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria imposes a high economic burden on society which includes the negative impact on health status as an intangible cost. An economic analysis leads to the conclusion that currently too little is done to prevent or control infections. The reasons include insufficient incentives for health care providers, a lack of reliable data on both the prevalence and the effects of infection, and a lack of coordination among the different branches of the health care sector. A regional management of multidrugresistant bacteria which does not focus on a single branch but rather on the health care sector overall can achieve a substantial reduction in the number of infected people and of the associated economic cost for society.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/9e/KHI-06-23.PMC3252659.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4877547", "abstract": "Craniosynostosis has a varied clinical spectrum, ranging from isolated single suture involvement to multi-sutural fusions. Greater understanding of the pathogenesis of craniosynostosis has led to the development of practical treatment protocols. Three stages of growth have determined the approach to managing craniosynostosis : the early period, up to 12 months; the intermediate period, from 1 to 10 years; and the late period, beginning at 10 years. This review discusses current surgical management and future perspectives in craniosynostosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/db/jkns-59-247.PMC4877547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4645728", "abstract": "Background: China has become an aging society, and the mental health problem of the elderly is increasingly becoming prominent. This paper aimed to analyze the effect of air pollution and rural-urban difference on mental health of the elderly in China. Methods: Using the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS, 2013), after controlling the social demography variable via Tobit and Probit, a regression analysis of the effect of air pollution and rural-urban difference on mental health and psychological disorder was conducted on 6,630 old people (≧60 yr old) of China from February to April 2015. Mental health and psychological disorder of the elderly were measured by the CES-D score of respondents. Air pollution degree of counties and cities (n=123) were measured by SO2 emission. Results: 27.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/00/PMC4645728.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3268645", "abstract": "ncRNAs are key genes in many human diseases including cancer and viral infection, as well as providing critical functions in pathogenic organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protists. Until now the identification and characterization of ncRNAs associated with disease has been slow or inaccurate requiring many years of testing to understand complicated RNA and protein gene relationships. High-throughput sequencing now offers the opportunity to characterize miRNAs, siRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), and long ncRNAs on a genomic scale, making it faster and easier to clarify how these ncRNAs contribute to the disease state. However, this technology is still relatively new, and ncRNA discovery is not an application of high priority for streamlined bioinformatics. Here we summarize background concepts and practical approaches for ncRNA analysis using high-throughput sequencing, and how it relates to understanding human disease. As a case study, we focus on the parasitic protists Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis, where large evolutionary distance has meant difficulties in comparing ncRNAs with those from model eukaryotes. A combination of biological, computational, and sequencing approaches has enabled easier classification of ncRNA classes such as snoRNAs, but has also aided the identification of novel classes. It is hoped that a higher level of understanding of ncRNA expression and interaction may aid in the development of less harsh treatment for protist-based diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/e6/fgene-02-00096.PMC3268645.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3811800", "abstract": "Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy has been used as a treatment option for Graves' disease, and it has been widely accepted to be safe. On the other hand, some evidence suggests that RAI therapy is possibly associated with a small increased risk of thyroid cancer. Herein, we report a rare case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) associated with Graves' disease, following RAI treatment. A 42-year-old woman had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and although she was treated with an antithyroid drug, she remained in a hyperthyroid state, which led to two RAI treatments. More than 10 years later, the patient revisited our clinic due to hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea, which had lasted for 2 months. Neck computed tomography suggested thyroid carcinoma and a lymph node biopsy showed metastatic papillary carcinoma. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and was finally diagnosed as having an ATC. It is not clear if the occurrence of ATC reported here was influenced by the RAI therapy or alternatively, it may only represent the delayed recognition of a rare change in the natural history of Graves' disease. Nevertheless, this report is worthwhile since it presents a very rare case of ATC that occurred eleven years after the RAI therapy for Graves' disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/b8/enm-28-61.PMC3811800.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3726438", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the effect of immunotherapy on response, survival, and certain immune markers in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who are receiving chemotherapy. Patients and methods Patients with SCLC (n = 164) were assigned to receive either chemotherapy alone (group A) or a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy as follows: interferon α (IFN-α; 3 million IU) 3 times per week (group B); IFN-γ (3 million IU) 3 times per week (group C); and IFN-α and IFN-γ (1.5 million IU of each) 3 times per week (group D). Chemotherapy was the same for all groups and consisted of eight cycles with carboplatin 5.5 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, ifosfamide 3.5 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, and etoposide 200 mg/m2 total dose taken orally on days 1 through 3, every 28 days. Patients completing chemotherapy were restaged, and those who were found to have limited disease received primary site and prophylactic cranial irradiation. Immunotherapy was continued throughout these treatments and during the follow-up period. Blood was taken before each course of chemotherapy and during follow-up to measure CD3+ lymphocytes, CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes, CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells. Results Differences in response and survival were not significantly different when all patients were considered. However, among patients with limited disease, Kaplan–Meier analysis disclosed a survival benefit for group B (P , 0.05). The analysis of immunologic measurements revealed that the improvement of immune markers was always accompanied by clinical improvement, whereas deterioration of all markers was accompanied by disease progression (result not statistically significant except for group C; P , 0.05). Conclusion Among cytokines used in the study, only IFN-α seems to confer a survival benefit to patients with SCLC with limited disease. However, immunotherapy remains a challenge in the treatment of lung neoplasms and should be further explored.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/c9/PMC3726438.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2951747", "abstract": "Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare but debilitating pediatric epileptic encephalopathy characterized by multiple intractable seizure types. Treatment of LGS is challenging because of the small number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) which are effective for this syndrome, as well as the need for polytherapy in the majority of patients. This review focuses on the treatment of LGS with rufinamide, a recently approved third-generation AED with reported efficacy as adjunctive therapy for LGS. All relevant papers identified through a PubMed search on the treatment of LGS with rufinamide were reviewed. To date, the literature suggests improvements in seizure frequency for pediatric patients with LGS on rufinamide. Rufinamide appears to be especially effective for atonic or drop attack seizures. Rufinamide also displays a favorable adverse event profile compared with the older anticonvulsants, as well as a minimal number of drug interactions, making it a promising option for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with LGS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/c7/PMC2951747.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3541330", "abstract": "Deficiency in the retromer sorting pathway is known to be associated with the onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), and has been suggested to involve regulation of Amyloid precursor protein (APP) trafficking. Absence of the APP sorting receptor sorLA is also associated to AD, as amyloidogenic processing of APP is increased due to missorting. Reduced activity of either retromer or sorLA thus both lead to enhanced amyloidogenic APP processing, and these pathways are therefore important factors for understanding the development of AD. It is therefore key to outline the neuronal APP trafficking in order to determine the mechanisms that influence AD onset.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/1e/cib-5-616.PMC3541330.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5178358", "abstract": " Background. Despite the increasing trends suggesting that hypertension is a growing public health problem in developing countries, studies on its prevalence, associated risk factors, and extent of blood pressure control have been inequitably done in urban and rural communities in these countries. We therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and extent of blood pressure control in rural Cameroon. Methods. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in rural Cameroon (the Moliwe Health Area). Participants aged 21 years and above were recruited by a probability proportional to size multistage sampling method, using systematic sampling for household selection and random sampling for participant selection. Blood pressure, weight, and height were measured by standard methods. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Results. The prevalence of hypertension among the 733 participants recruited was 31.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/59/PMC5178358.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4685200", "abstract": "Objective This article describes the origins and rationale for the McAndrews Leadership Lecture and explains why the American Chiropractic Association honors George and Jerome McAndrews. Discussion George and Jerome McAndrews’ backgrounds demonstrate their leadership contributions to the chiropractic profession. Jerome McAndrews, a chiropractor, held substantial leadership roles in the chiropractic profession. George McAndrews, a lawyer, administered a permanent injunction forbidding the American Medical Association’s restraint of trade toward the chiropractic profession. Conclusion The American Chiropractic Association has established the McAndrews Leadership Lecture to honor their contributions to the chiropractic profession.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/8d/PMC4685200.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3725881", "abstract": "This study investigates the inhibitory effects of Korean mistletoe extract (KME) on adipogenic factors in 3T3-L1 cells and obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57Bl/6 mice fed a high-fat diet were treated with KME (3 g/kg/day) for 15 weeks for the antiobesity and NAFLD experiments. Body weight and daily food intake were measured regularly during the experimental period. The epididymal pad was measured and liver histology was observed. The effects of KME on thermogenesis and endurance capacity were measured. The effects of KME on adipogenic factors were examined in 3T3-L1 cells. Body and epididymal fat pad weights were reduced in KME-treated mice, and histological examination showed an amelioration of fatty liver in KME-treated mice, without an effect on food consumption. KME potently induces mitochondrial activity by activating thermogenesis and improving endurance capacity. KME also inhibited adipogenic factors in vitro. These results demonstrate the inhibitory effects of KME on obesity and NAFLD in mice fed a high-fat diet. The effects appear to be mediated through an enhanced mitochondrial activity. Therefore, KME may be an effective therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and fatty liver caused by a high-fat diet.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/87/PMC3725881.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4975290", "abstract": "Point-of-care testing (POCT) is growing in popularity, and with this growth comes an increased chance of errors. Risk management is a way to reduce errors. Originally developed for the manufacturing industry, risk management principles have application for improving the quality of test results in the clinical laboratory. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), EP23-A Laboratory Quality Control based on Risk Management guideline, introduces risk management to the clinical laboratory and describes how to build and implement a quality control plan for a laboratory test. A simple, unit-use blood gas analyzer is utilized as an example for developing a laboratory quality control plan. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the Clinical and Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) interpretive guidelines to provide a new quality control option, individualized quality control plans (IQCP), for decreasing the frequency of analyzing liquid controls from two levels each day of testing to manufacturer recommended frequencies in conjunction with a device’s built-in internal control processes and the risk of error when testing with that device. IQCPs have the advantage of allowing laboratories the flexibility to adopt alternative control processes in concert with traditional liquid controls to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness while providing optimal quality POCT results for patient care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ea/99/ejifcc-25-154.PMC4975290.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4599466", "abstract": "Background Patients with acute heart failure (AHF) frequently have atrial fibrillation (AF), but how this affects patient-reported outcomes has not been well characterized. Methods and Results We examined dyspnea improvement and clinical outcomes in 7007 patients in the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial. At baseline, 2677 (38.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/86/jah30004-e002092.PMC4599466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5298302", "abstract": "Objectives The objective of this study is to describe the real-world treatment patterns and burden of suspected or confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Methods A retrospective chart review study evaluated 2011–2012 data from hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Patients were included if they had been discharged with a diagnosis of MRSA pneumonia, which was culture proven or suspected based on clinical criteria. Hospital data were abstracted for a random sample of patients to capture demographics (eg, age and comorbidities), treatment patterns (eg, timing and use of antimicrobials), hospital resource utilization (eg, length of stay), and clinical outcomes (eg, clinical status at discharge and mortality). Descriptive results were reported using frequencies or proportions for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results Chart-level data were collected for 93 patients with MRSA pneumonia, 50 in Saudi Arabia and 43 in Lebanon. The average age of the patients was 56 years, and 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/e6/idr-10-049.PMC5298302.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4851222", "abstract": "The treatment of full thickness skin wounds commonly associated with large burns continues to represent a challenging clinical entity. The current treatment for large TBSA burns is split thickness autologous skin grafting; however, this treatment often results in poor textural durability, hypertrophic scarring, and fibrotic contractures. In this case report, we describe our experience and long-term follow-up results after the application of fetal bovine collagen (FBC) matrix (PriMatrix, TEI Biosciences, Boston, MA) to burn wounds clinically assessed as full thickness that healed without the need for subsequent skin grafting. The patient presented with 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/92/bcr-37-e292.PMC4851222.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3461303", "abstract": "Evidence from both epidemiological and experimental observations has fuelled the belief that the high consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and phytochemicals may help prevent cancer and heart disease in humans. This concept has been drastically simplified from the dietary approaches to the use of single bioactive components both as a single supplement or in functional foods to manipulate xenobiotic metabolism. These procedures, which aim to induce mutagen/carcinogen detoxification or inhibit their bioactivation, fail to take into account the multiple and paradoxical biological outcomes of enzyme modulators that make their effects unpredictable. Here, we show that the idea that the physiological roles of specific catalysts may be easily manipulated by regular long-term administration of isolated nutrients and other chemicals derived from food plants is not viable. In contrast, we claim that the consumption of healthy diets is most likely to reduce mutagenesis and cancer risk, and that both research endeavours and dietary recommendations should be redirected away from single molecules to dietary patterns as a main strategy for public health policy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/01/PMC3461303.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3272805", "abstract": " Background. Infertility is both a clinical and a public problem, affecting the life of the couple, the healthcare services, and social environment. Standard semen analysis is the surrogate measure of male fertility in clinical practice.  Objective. To provide information about the relationship between semen parameters and spontaneous conception. Methods. We evaluated retrospectively 453 pregnancies that occurred among 2935 infertile couples evaluated at an infertility clinic of a tertiary-care university hospital, between 2004 and 2009. Results. Normal semen analysis was present only in 158 patients; 295 subfertile patients showed alterations in at least one seminal parameter. A reduction in all seminal parameters was observed in 41 patients. Etiological causes of male infertility were identified in 314 patients.  Conclusion. Our data highlights the possibility of a spontaneous conception with semen parameters below WHO reference values. Therefore, we support the importance of defining reference values on a population of fertile men. Finally, we analyzed the related ethical issues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c8/7a/PMC3272805.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3216395", "abstract": " Background. Allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is considered a causal treatment of respiratory allergies. Compliance to the SLIT is an important aspect for a positive clinical outcome. Study Aim. To evaluate if compliance with grass Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet (AIT) can be increased by providing an electronic compliance device (CED) (Memozax; a tablet-container with a programmable daily acoustic alarm). Patients and Methods. 261 patients with grass allergy were enrolled and randomized (1 : 1) to 1-year treatment with AIT (Grazax) using a CED (group A; n = 122) or without (Group B, n = 139). Compliance was measured through tablet count at each visit. Results. The 12-month compliance, mean (SD), in group A was 83", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/76/9d/PMC3216395.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3085329", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tPurpose. This study was to develop an efficient synthesis of 99mTc-O-[3-(1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclohexadecane)-propyl]-α-methyl tyrosine (99mTc-N4-AMT) and evaluate its potential in cancer imaging. Methods. N4-AMT was synthesized by reacting N4-oxalate and 3-bromopropyl AMT (N-BOC, ethyl ester). In vitro cellular uptake kinetics of 99mTc-N4-AMT was assessed in rat mammary tumor cells. Tissue distribution of the radiotracer was determined in normal rats at 0.5–4 h, while planar imaging was performed in mammary tumor-bearing rats at 30–120 min. Results. The total synthesis yield of N4-AMT was 14", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/cc/PMC3085329.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4345937", "abstract": "Purpose To examine the annual rate and cumulative prevalence of statin use in Denmark 2004–10, including adherence of use and attainment of cholesterol targets. Methods We included all individuals aged 18–86 years with a first statin prescription in Northern Denmark in 2004–10. We calculated the annual rate and cumulative prevalence of statin use. We examined cholesterol values before and after start of statins and the proportion reaching targets according to European guidelines and cardiovascular risk group. Results The study population consisted of 161,646 new statin users (51", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/f4/clep-7-213.PMC4345937.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4500806", "abstract": "Purpose The objective was to investigate the impact of statin use on prognosis after radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Materials and Methods A retrospective review of medical records identified 277 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for primary UTUC at Asan Medical Center between January 2006 and December 2011. Information on preoperative statin use was obtained from patient charts in an electronic database. We assessed the impact of statin use on recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Results Of these 277 patients, 62 (22.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/0c/kju-56-498.PMC4500806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4831240", "abstract": "ABSTRACT This study retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with brain abscesses. Half of the patients were diagnosed inaccurately in the initial stage, and 7.2 days were required to achieve the final diagnosis of brain abscess. The patients presented only with a moderately elevated leukocyte count, serum CRP levels, or body temperatures during the initial stage. These markers changed, first with an increase in the leukocyte count, followed by the CRP and body temperature. The degree of elevation tended to be less prominent, and the time for each inflammatory index to reach its maximum value tended to be longer in the patients without ventriculitis than in those with it. The causative organisms of a brain abscess were detected in 10 cases. The primary causative organisms from dental caries were Streptococcus viridians or milleri, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Nocardia sp. or farcinica were common when the abscess was found in other regions. The primary causative organisms of unrecognized sources of infection were Streptococcus milleri and Prolionibacterium sp. Nocardia is resistant to many antibiotics. However, carbapenem, tetracycline and quinolone were effective for Nocardia as well as many other kinds of bacteria. In summary, the brain abscesses presented with only mildly elevated inflammatory markers of body temperature, leukocyte and CRP. These inflammatory markers were less obvious in the patients without ventriculitis and/or meningitis. The source of infection tended to suggest some specific primary causative organism. It was reasonable to initiate therapy with carbapenem.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/9e/2186-3326-74-0313.PMC4831240.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4158121", "abstract": "Increasing evidence has demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces oxidative stress and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS), a well-known ROS scavenger, has been shown to possess therapeutic benefit on AP in many animal experiments. Recent findings have indicated that the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an intracellular multiprotein complex required for the maturation of interleukin- (IL-) 1β, may probably be a potential target of HRS in the treatment of AP. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and meanwhile assessed the degree of oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades, as well as the histological alterations in mice suffering from cerulein-induced AP after the treatment of HRS. The results showed that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in AP mice was substantially inhibited following the administration of HRS, which was paralleled with the decreased NF-κB activity and cytokines production, attenuated oxidative stress and the amelioration of pancreatic tissue damage. In conclusion, our study has, for the first time, revealed that inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome probably contributed to the therapeutic potential of HRS in AP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/ec/PMC4158121.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4284938", "abstract": "Lysosomes play a critical role in the degradation of both extracellular and intracellular material. These dynamic organelles also contribute to nutrient sensing and cell signaling pathways. Macrophages represent a heterogeneous group of phagocytic cells that contribute to tissue homeostasis and inflammation. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the role of macrophage autophagy and lysosome function in health and disease. Thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal and bone marrow-derived macrophages are commonly used ex vivo systems to study primary macrophage function. In this study, we reveal dramatic baseline differences in the lysosome morphology and function between these macrophage populations and provide evidence that these differences can be functionally relevant. Our results provide important insights into the diversity of lysosomes in primary macrophages and illustrate the importance of accounting for this in data interpretation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/db/fc/PMC4284938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3713989", "abstract": "Acute Q fever is an emergent and severe disease in French Guiana. We obtained 5 Coxiella burnetii isolates from samples of patients from Cayenne and found an epidemic clone circulating in Cayenne. This clone has caused pneumonia and endocarditis and seems to be more virulent than previously described strains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/01/PMC3713989.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4168547", "abstract": "We present a case of a pathologically proven multinodular diffuse hepatic hemangiomatosis (DHH) with no extra-hepatic involvement in a 68-year-old male. Cavernous hemangioma is the most common hepatic tumor. However, DHH, which is characterized by extensive replacement of liver parenchyma with hemangiomatous lesions, has been rarely reported in adults. The etiology and clinical course are not completely understood because of its rareness, although the diagnosis might be suggested by the magnetic resonance imaging findings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/c2/JCIS-4-43.PMC4168547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3525885", "abstract": "Actinic keratosis is one of the most commonly treated skin conditions. A number of studies have recently been published on the treatment of this ailment using photodynamic therapy. The authors of this letter are concerned about the interpretation of some of these studies and would like to outline possible misinterpretations which may arise due to an incomplete analysis of the study reports available. Clearly, the “ideal” therapy for actinic keratosis should be a carefully chosen compromise between undesired side-effects and therapeutic efficacy and needs to be based on a consideration of all of the relevant clinical studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/2b/GMS-10-17.PMC3525885.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2924554", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic renal cryoablation (LRC) of small endophytic renal cell carcinoma, for which surgical treatment is technically difficult. Materials and Methods We enrolled patients with endophytic tumors from a prospectively collected database of 45 renal tumors in 39 patients who had undergone LRC from June 2005 to May 2009. An endophytic tumor was defined as less than 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/3d/kju-51-518.PMC2924554.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4387235", "abstract": "Objective(s): The use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its dose-dependent cardio toxicity in which reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play an important role in the pathological process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of three medicinal plants, Nigella sativa (N), Glycyrrhiza glabra (G) and Zingiber officinale (Z), and their combination (NGZ), against DOX-induced apoptosis and death in H9c2 cells. Materials and Methods: The cells were incubated with different concentrations of each extract or NGZ for 4 hr which continued in the presence or absence of 5µM doxorubicin for 24 hr. Cell viability and the apoptotic rate were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) and propidium iodide (PI) staining assays, respectively. The level of ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by fluorimetric methods. Results: Treatment with doxorubicin increased ROS generation, enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and induced apoptosis. Co-treatment of the cells with each herb extract increased viability of cells dose-dependently with a maximum protection effect of about 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/d1/IJBMS-17-993.PMC4387235.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3767061", "abstract": "Light therapy is still used to treat a number of common diseases in Russia. The practice is firmly anchored in history: Soviet clinical practice was divorced from the emerging field of evidence-based medicine. Medical researchers were cut off from international medical research and scientific literature, with much Soviet scientific activity based on a particular socialist ideology. In this study, the use of light therapy serves as a case study to explore tensions between international evidence-based medicine and practices developed in isolation under the Soviet Union, the legacy of which is to the detriment of many patients today. We used four different search methods to uncover scientific and grey literature, both historical and contemporary. We assessed the changing frequency of publications over time and contrasted the volume of literature on light therapy with more orthodox treatments such as statins and painkillers. Our search found an increasing number and comparatively large body of scientific publications on light therapy in the Russian language, and many publications emanating from prestigious Russian institutions. Combined with our analysis of the historical literature and our appraisal of 22 full text articles, this leads us to suggest that light therapy entered mainstream Soviet medical practice before the Stalinist period and still occupies an important position in contemporary Russian clinical practice. We propose that this outdated treatment survives in Russia in part due to the political, economic and social forces that helped to popularize it during Soviet times, and by the seeming justification offered by poorly executed studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/11/10.1177_2042533313476697.PMC3767061.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4635089", "abstract": "Objective:  To look for correlations between lung function and cardiac dimension variables in morbidly obese patients, in order to test the hypothesis that the relative size of the small airways is independently correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy.  Methods:  This was a retrospective study involving 192 medical records containing a clinical protocol employed in candidates for bariatric surgery between January of 2006 and December of 2010.  Results:  Of the 192 patients evaluated, 39 (10 males and 29 females) met the inclusion criteria. The mean BMI of the patients was 49.2 ± 7.6 kg/m2, and the mean age was 35.5 ± 7.7 years. The FEF25-75/FVC, ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/19/1806-3713-jbpneu-41-05-00427.PMC4635089.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5445201", "abstract": "Background Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a histopathologically distinctive neoplasm of children and young adults. According to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is an intermediate-grade tumor, with potential for recurrence and rare metastasis. There are no definite histopathologic, molecular, or cytogenetic features to predict malignant transformation, recurrence, or metastasis. Methods A 5-year retrospective study of histopathologically diagnosed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of various anatomic sites was conducted to correlate anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1) expression with histological atypia, multicentric origin of tumor, recurrence, and metastasis. Clinical details of all the cases were noted from the clinical work station. Immunohistochemical stains for ALK-1 and other antibodies were performed. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher exact test. Results A total of 18 cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors were found during the study period, of which 14 were classical. The female-male ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 23.8 years. Histologically atypical (four cases) and multifocal tumors (three cases, multicentric in origin) were noted. Recurrence was noted in 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/63/jptm-2017-01-12.PMC5445201.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2797471", "abstract": "Abstract The last few years have seen a rapid expansion in the use and availability of ablation techniques with hundreds of papers published. Radiofrequency remains the front-runner in terms of cost, ease of set-up, versatility and flexibility but other techniques are catching up. Ablation with cryotherapy and microwave, which were previously only available at open laparotomy due to the large size of the probes, are now readily performed percutaneously, with a predictable reduction in morbidity. Ablation is now accepted as the first line of treatment in patients with limited volume hepatocellular carcinoma who are not candidates for transplantation. There is continuing debate in most other areas but the evidence is increasing for an important role in liver metastases, renal carcinoma, inoperable lung tumours and some bone tumours.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7d/88/PMC2797471.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4736797", "abstract": "Fyn, a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, is a key regulator in cytoskeletal remodeling in a variety of cell types. Recent studies have demonstrated that Fyn is responsible for nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation, which will result in polymerization of actin filaments and podocyte damage. Thus detailed involvement of Fyn in podocytes is to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of Fyn/ROCK signaling and its interactions with paxillin. Our results presented that high glucose led to filamentous actin (F-actin) rearrangement in podocytes, accompanied by paxillin phosphorylation and increased cell motility, during which Fyn and ROCK were markedly activated. Gene knockdown of Fyn by siRNA showed a reversal effect on high glucose-induced podocyte damage and ROCK activation; however, inhibition of ROCK had no significant effects on Fyn phosphorylation. These observations demonstrate that in vitro Fyn mediates high glucose-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling of podocytes via promoting ROCK activation and paxillin phosphorylation. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/e7/PMC4736797.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3884745", "abstract": "Background: In this era of comparative effectiveness research, new, advanced techniques are being investigated by the research community to overcome the limitations of existing data sources. We describe the approach of probabilistic data linkage as a means to address this critical issue. Methods: We employed a historical retrospective cohort design. Patients aged 40 and older with a principal or secondary diagnosis of COPD (ICD-9-CM codes 491.xx, 492.xx, and 496) and at least 3 years of continuous enrollment between January 1, 2004 and April 30, 2009 were selected from two US-based commercial administrative claims databases. The index date was designated as the date of the first claim (defined by a 12-month wash-out pre-index period) for the study drugs, for illustration purposes referred to as Treatment 1 or Treatment 2. The primary effectiveness measure was risk of any COPD-related exacerbation observed in the 12-month post-index period, with baseline characteristics being identified in the 12-month pre-index period. Results: The percentage of the study sample receiving Treatment 1 at index who had an exacerbation was 39.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6d/3f/PMC3884745.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5018270", "abstract": "1-[4-(2-Alkylaminoethoxy) phenylcarbonyl]-3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones are a novel class of potent cytotoxic agents. These compounds demonstrate low micromolar to submicromolar IC50 values against human Molt 4/C8 and CEM T-lymphocytes and murine leukemia L1210 cells. In this study, a comparative QSAR investigation was performed on a series of 3,5-bis (arylidene)-4-piperidones using different chemometric tools to develop the best predictive models for further development of analogs with improved cytotoxicity. All the QSAR models were validated by internal validation tests. The QSAR models obtained by GA-PLS method were considered the best as compared to MLR method. The best QSAR model obtained by GA-PLS analysis on L1210, CEM and Molt4/C8 demonstrated good predictively with R2pred values ranging from 0.94-0.80. Molecular density, topological (X2A) and geometrical indices of the molecules were found to be the most important factors for determining cytotoxic properties. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/cc/PMC5018270.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3694553", "abstract": "Transportation planning and public health have important historical roots. To address common challenges, including road traffic fatalities, integration of theories and methods from both disciplines is required. This paper presents an overview of Geoffrey Rose's strategy of preventive medicine applied to road traffic fatalities. One of the basic principles of Rose's strategy is that a large number of people exposed to a small risk can generate more cases than a small number exposed to a high risk. Thus, interventions should address the large number of people exposed to the fundamental causes of diseases. Exposure to moving vehicles could be considered a fundamental cause of road traffic deaths and injuries. A global reduction in the amount of kilometers driven would result in a reduction of the likelihood of collisions for all road users. Public health and transportation research must critically appraise their practice and engage in informed dialogue with the objective of improving mobility and productivity while simultaneously reducing the public health burden of road deaths and injuries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/a2/PMC3694553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2809469", "abstract": " Objective. Discuss complex interplay of pathophysiological effects of cerebellar space occupying lesions on the vestibular pathway. Discuss challenges of diagnosis and referral along with differential and final diagnosis of unusual presentation. Case Report. We describe the case of a patient with vertiginous symptoms complicated by neurological features, namely, head titubation and tremor. The patient also had signs of oscillopsia and possible impairment of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. The resulting symptom and sign complex made for a difficult diagnosis, as the interplay of the pathophysiology of these signs, were unusual. Conclusion. The discussion has revealed that the cerebellar lesions themselves may have simultaneously caused head tremor and an inability for the vestibulo-ocular reflex to compensate, resulting in vertigo. However, whether the vertigo was a result of an oscillopsia, nystagmus, or central cause, the referral route should initially be via a general physician to rule out such a life threatening cause as a tumour.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f2/e1/PMC2809469.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3980036", "abstract": "The ability to adapt to cycles of feast and famine is critical for survival. Communication between multiple metabolic organs must be integrated to properly metabolise nutrients. By controlling networks of genes in major metabolic organs, nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) play central roles in regulating metabolism in a tissue-specific manner. NHRs also establish daily rhythmicity by controlling the expression of core clock genes both centrally and peripherally. Recent findings show that many of the metabolic effects of NHRs are mediated through certain members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. This review focuses on the roles of NHRs in critical metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, liver and muscle, during the fed and fasted states, as well as their roles in circadian metabolism and downstream regulation of FGFs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/a1/PMC3980036.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3161224", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION: Although previous studies have been performed on cartilage explant cultures, the generalized dynamics of cartilage metabolism after extraction from the host are still poorly understood due to differences in the experimental setups across studies, which in turn prevent building a complete picture.  METHODS: In this study, we investigated the response of cartilage to the trauma sustained during extraction and determined the time needed for the cartilage to stabilize. Explants were extracted aseptically from bovine metacarpal-phalangeal joints and cultured for up to 17 days. RESULTS: The cell viability, cell number, proteoglycan content, and collagen content of the harvested explants were analyzed at 0, 2, 10, and 17 days after explantation. A high percentage of the cartilage explants were found to be viable. The cell density initially increased significantly but stabilized after two days. The proteoglycan content decreased gradually over time, but it did not decrease to a significant level due to leakage through the distorted peripheral collagen network and into the bathing medium. The collagen content remained stable for most of the culture period until it dropped abruptly on day 17. CONCLUSION: Overall, the tested cartilage explants were sustainable over long-term culture. They were most stable from day 2 to day 10. The degradation of the collagen on day 17 did not reach diseased levels, but it indicated the potential of the cultures to develop into degenerated cartilage. These findings have implications for the application of cartilage explants in pathophysiological fields.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/8b/cln-66-08-1431.PMC3161224.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4666010", "abstract": "Abstract Objective: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in postmenopausal women, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. However, little information regarding the relationship between NAFLD and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in postmenopausal women is available. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between NAFLD and CAC in postmenopausal women. Methods: Among 4,377 participants who underwent cardiac computed tomography in a health promotion center, 919 postmenopausal women were enrolled. Anthropometric profiles and multiple cardiovascular risk factors were measured. NAFLD was measured by ultrasonography, and CAC was evaluated by cardiac computed tomography. Odds ratios and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/b1/menop-22-1323.PMC4666010.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4335548", "abstract": "Background: Clindamycin is a frequently used antimicrobial therapeutic medicine used for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains. Resistance to this antibiotic is either constitutive or inducible. Constitutive resistance to clindamycin could be detected by standard susceptibility testing methods. Inducible clindamycin resistance could not be detected by in vitro routine tests. This type of resistance can be identified by D-test. Objectives: The outbreak of inducible resistance to clindamycin in methicillin resistant and-susceptible S. aureus isolates were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Totally 162 S. aureus isolates were evaluated for inducible clindamycin resistance by D-test in accordance with clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Inducible clindamycin resistance was detected in 8.64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/87/jjm-07-12-11868.PMC4335548.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4738713", "abstract": "Neutrophils (also named polymorphonuclear leukocytes or PMN) are essential components of the immune system, rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation, providing the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Since neutrophils can also cause tissue damage, their fine-tuned regulation at the inflammatory site is required for proper resolution of inflammation. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), also known as lipocortin-1, is an endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein, which is able to counterregulate the inflammatory events restoring homeostasis. AnxA1 and its mimetic peptides inhibit neutrophil tissue accumulation by reducing leukocyte infiltration and activating neutrophil apoptosis. AnxA1 also promotes monocyte recruitment and clearance of apoptotic leukocytes by macrophages. More recently, some evidence has suggested the ability of AnxA1 to induce macrophage reprogramming toward a resolving phenotype, resulting in reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased release of immunosuppressive and proresolving molecules. The combination of these mechanisms results in an effective resolution of inflammation, pointing to AnxA1 as a promising tool for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat inflammatory diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/88/PMC4738713.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3030032", "abstract": "Pneumocephalus is a condition which usually results from head trauma. It has been known that iatrogenic pneumocephalus can occur as a complication of positive pressure mask ventilation during induction of anesthesia or ventilatory care for head trauma patients. We report a case of mask ventilation during anesthesia induction in a 50-year-old male patient with head trauma. Initial pneumocephalus associated with cerebrospinal fluid leakage was diagnosed immediate following head injury involving facial sinuses. He was managed with emergent lumbar drainage and supportive care. Pneumocephalus recurred following positive pressure mask ventilation (PPMV) during anesthesia induction for surgery on the right arm. Recurred pneumocephalus was managed with high flow oxygen and supportive care. Anesthesiologists should be aware of pneumocephalus as a potential complication of PPMV in head trauma patients, even after resolution of previous pneumocephalus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/41/kjae-59-S183.PMC3030032.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5448650", "abstract": "The composition of genetic material in extracellular vesicles (EV) has sparked interest particularly in the potential for horizontal gene transfer by EV. Although the RNA content of EV has been studied extensively, few reports have examined the DNA content of EV. It is still unclear how DNA is packaged inside EV, and whether they are functional in recipient cells. In this review, we describe the biological significance of genetic material in EV and their possible impacts in recipient cells, with focus on DNA from cancer cell‐derived EV and the potential roles they may play in the cancer microenvironment. Another important feature of the genetic content of EV is the presence of retrotransposon elements. In this review, we discuss the possibility of an EV‐mediated mechanism for the dispersal of retrotransposon elements, and their potential involvement in the development of genetically influenced diseases. In addition to this, we discuss the potential involvement of EV in the transfer of genetic material across species, and their possible impacts in modulating genome evolution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/14/CAS-108-824.PMC5448650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4639667", "abstract": "Renal damage and hemolysis induced by malaria are associated with mortality in adult patients. It has been speculated that oxidative stress condition induced by malaria infection is involved in its pathology. Thus, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Tinospora crispa stem extract on renal damage and hemolysis during Plasmodium berghei infection. T. crispa stem extract was prepared using hot water method and used for oral treatment in mice. Groups of ICR mice were infected with 1 × 107 parasitized erythrocytes of P. berghei ANKA by intraperitoneal injection and given the extracts (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) twice a day for 4 consecutive days. To assess renal damage and hemolysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and hematocrit (", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/bb/PMC4639667.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4968848", "abstract": "Purpose This study tested the feasibility of using an upright eyedrop bottle (UEB), a device designed to assist patients with eyedrop placement without reclining their head. Patients and methods Experienced eyedrop users were enrolled who answered “yes” to the question, “Do you ever have trouble getting your eyedrops in?” After being shown a multimedia presentation and answering a questionnaire regarding eyedrop usage, participants were observed instilling eyedrops. Participants were instructed to instill a single eyedrop in each eye with both a standard bottle and the UEB. They repeated this process three times. With each trial, the amount of time taken to instill drops was recorded, as well as whether a drop landed in the eye (accuracy), if excess drops were used, and if the bottle tip was contaminated. Results Forty participants were enrolled, with an average age of 72.4±8.9 years; the majority were females (24 females). Thirty-four participants had been using eyedrops for at least 1 year. The time required to instill eyedrops was significantly less with the UEB in the second and third trials. There was no difference in accuracy between the conventional bottle and the UEB in the left or right eye in any trials. Significantly more participants used excess number of drops while using the conventional bottle in both the left and right eyes in all three trials. The bottle tip was never contaminated with the UEB. Depending on the trial and the eye, the conventional bottle was contaminated by between 42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/4d/opth-10-1411.PMC4968848.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2840579", "abstract": "This study investigates the prevalence and demographic characteristics of hypersexuality in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Impulse control disorders in PD patients have been associated with dopamine agonist therapy. Moreover, hypersexuality and pathological gambling have been associated with males, while females may be inherently thought to be more likely to participate in compulsive shopping and binge-eating behaviors. In this study, a screening mail-in survey was sent to all PD patients at a single Movement Disorders Center. One hundred forty one of 400 (35.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/a2/PMC2840579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4967724", "abstract": "Overnight fasting before elective surgery has been the routine to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Recently, several international guidelines for preoperative fasting recommend to intake carbohydrate-containing fluids up to 2 to 3 hours before the induction of anesthesia to improve postoperative recovery. Based on the recommendations, we developed a \"preoperative carbohydrate diet\" provided for the preoperative patients. The purpose of this case report is to share our experience of applying preoperative carbohydrate loading prior to surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/57/cnr-5-213.PMC4967724.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2878172", "abstract": "Adult skeletal muscle stem cells, termed satellite cells are imperative to muscle regeneration. Much work has been performed on satellite cell identification and the subsequent activation of the myogenic response but the regulation of satellite cells including its activation is not well elucidated. The purpose of this review article is to synthesize what the literature reveals in regards to the current understanding of satellite cells including their contribution to muscle repair and growth following physiological stimuli. In addition, this review article will describe the recent findings on the roles of the classic developmental signaling pathways, Notch and Wnt, to the myogenic response in various muscle injury models. This purpose of this summary is to bring awareness of the impact that muscle contraction models have on the local and systemic environment of adult muscle stem cells which will be beneficial for comprehending and treatment development for muscle -associated ailments and other organ diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/26/ijbsv06p0268.PMC2878172.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4043806", "abstract": "Purpose Malignant glaucoma, or aqueous misdirection syndrome, is a condition characterized by sudden intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, and it is usually unilateral and induced by ocular surgical intervention or by medical therapy. Here, we report a case of simultaneous bilateral malignant glaucoma in a young patient with no history of any ocular diseases. Case report A case of a 24-year-old female with no apparent previous history of ocular medical or surgical conditions was referred to our hospital because of recent bilateral IOP elevation associated with a severe drop in vision and shallow anterior chamber with no posterior segment anomalies detected by ocular ultrasound in both eyes. Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser iridotomy dropped the IOP only temporarily and the patient received topical atropine treatment with combined trabeculectomy and anterior vitrectomy. Results In this case, the patient had a typical presentation of bilateral malignant glaucoma and her IOP dropped only temporarily following laser iridotomy to rise again shortly thereafter. Also, deepening of the anterior chamber and IOP decrease after topical atropine was very supportive of the diagnosis of malignant glaucoma. Successful management with trabeculectomy and limited vitrectomy also affirmed the diagnosis of malignant glaucoma. Conclusion This is a very rare case of bilateral malignant glaucoma in a young adult without any prior eye conditions; only one similar case has been reported in the literature. We propose our own theory regarding this simultaneous occurrence of the pathology based on previously published studies about the presence of communication between the two eyes along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/19/opth-8-1047.PMC4043806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5156969", "abstract": "Objectives: To study the conventional coronary angiogram ( CA) findings in patients with high coronary calcium on multidetector computed tomogram. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with coronary calcium high enough in its extent and location to interfere with the interpretation of a contrast-filled coronary artery for a significant lesion were studied with conventional CA. Framingham risk score (FRS), computed tomography (CT) coronary calcium score (CCS), and SYNTAX score (SS) from the CA were calculated by separate investigators who were blinded to other scores. Effectively, 250 coronary arteries (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery and posterior descending artery in each subject) with calcium scores were studied for lesions on CA. Results: Thirty-five subjects had high FRS, 10 had intermediate FRS, and 5 had low FRS. Eight subjects of 25 (32", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/ef/JCIS-6-46.PMC5156969.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1940316", "abstract": "An important goal of software development in the medical field is the design of methods which are able to integrate information obtained from various imaging and nonimaging modalities into a cohesive framework in order to understand the results of qualitatively different measurements in a larger context. Moreover, it is essential to assess the various features of the data quantitatively so that relationships in anatomical and functional domains between complementing modalities can be expressed mathematically. This paper presents a clinically feasible software environment for the quantitative assessment of the relationship among biochemical functions as assessed by PET imaging and electrophysiological parameters derived from intracranial EEG. Based on the developed software tools, quantitative results obtained from individual modalities can be merged into a data structure allowing a consistent framework for advanced data mining techniques and 3D visualization. Moreover, an effort was made to derive quantitative variables (such as the spatial proximity index, SPI) characterizing the relationship between complementing modalities on a more generic level as a prerequisite for efficient data mining strategies. We describe the implementation of this software environment in twelve children (mean age 5.2 ± 4.3 years) with medically intractable partial epilepsy who underwent both high-resolution structural MR and functional PET imaging. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and might ultimately have an impact on treatment. Moreover, our software environment holds promise to be useful in many other neurological disorders, where integration of multimodality data is crucial for a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/b4/PMC1940316.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3964990", "abstract": "Rice is the most important staple food for a large part of the world’s human population and also a key model organism for biological studies of crops as well as other related plants. Here we present RiceWiki (http://ricewiki.big.ac.cn), a wiki-based, publicly editable and open-content platform for community curation of rice genes. Most existing related biological databases are based on expert curation; with the exponentially exploding volume of rice knowledge and other relevant data, however, expert curation becomes increasingly laborious and time-consuming to keep knowledge up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive, struggling with the flood of data and requiring a large number of people getting involved in rice knowledge curation. Unlike extant relevant databases, RiceWiki features harnessing collective intelligence in community curation of rice genes, quantifying users' contributions in each curated gene and providing explicit authorship for each contributor in any given gene, with the aim to exploit the full potential of the scientific community for rice knowledge curation. Based on community curation, RiceWiki bears the potential to make it possible to build a rice encyclopedia by and for the scientific community that harnesses community intelligence for collaborative knowledge curation, covers all aspects of biological knowledge and keeps evolving with novel knowledge.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/6b/gkt926.PMC3964990.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3272557", "abstract": "Purpose We aimed to reduce unnecessary prostatic biopsy in patients with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by consideration of prostatic inflammation. Materials and Methods The investigation was conducted prospectively in 413 patients with a PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/ml from January 2004 to December 2009. All patients underwent the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) or voided bladder urine 3 (VB3) test to be classified into two groups: positive group and negative group. Patients with a positive result on the EPS or VB3 test were treated with antibiotics for 2 months, and in cases in which the PSA level remained high, we performed prostate biopsy. In patients with a negative result on the VB3 test, we performed prostate biopsy directly. Results Of the 413 study patients, 215 (52", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/de/kju-53-50.PMC3272557.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2686862", "abstract": "A 32-year-old man was transferred to an intensive care unit due to respiratory difficulties with a 4-day history of progressive areflexic quadriparesis following acute hepatitis A. A nerve-conduction study revealed inexcitability of most nerves. The cerebrospinal fluid showed albuminocytologic dissociation, suggesting Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The patient appeared brain dead on day 4, showing absent brainstem reflexes, respiratory failure, and fully dilated and fixed pupils. This case is an example of how GBS can evolve and simulate a brain-dead state from fulminant deafferentation following acute hepatitis A.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/6f/PMC2686862.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3546097", "abstract": "Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma (CIF) is a rare soft-tissue tumor in the pediatric age group and seldom involves the gastrointestinal tract. A 2-day-old boy was transferred to our hospital with a pneumpoperitoneum. After emergency operation, we could find a solid mass wrapping around a sigmoid colon and performed a segmental resection of sigmoid colon including a mass. Histopathologic examination showed an infantile fibrosarcoma origining from the muscular layer of colon. The baby was discharged on the 17th hospital day and followed for 1 yr without recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/9e/jkms-28-160.PMC3546097.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC137365", "abstract": "The survey of how Canadian intensive care units (ICUs) prevent and diagnose venous thromboembolism (VTE) presented in this issue of Critical Care illustrates considerable variability. Lack of optimal patient care reflects how VTE is rated in ICUs. The discussion should no longer focus on the incidence of thrombosis, but rather on its prevention. Unfractionated heparin remains the most commonly used agent to prevent VTE, despite the recognized efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in the ICU setting. In addition, too few ICU directors consider the use of mechanical prophylactic measures, such as graded elastic stockings and venous foot pump. The present situation calls for large randomized controlled trials in either medical or surgical ICU patients, and for new education programmes in order to modify the care of ICU patients with regard to VTE.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/0f/PMC137365.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3303569", "abstract": " Objective. Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and sarcopenia may adversely impact mobility function and physical activity. This study determined the association of locomotor muscle structure and function with mobility function in older adults. Method. 109 older adults with a variety of comorbid disease conditions were examined for thigh muscle composition via MRI, knee extensor strength via isometric dynamometry, and mobility function. The contribution of strength, quadriceps lean tissue, and IMAT to explaining the variability in mobility function was examined using multivariate linear regression models. Results. The predictors as a group contributed 27–45", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/bb/PMC3303569.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4938134", "abstract": "A 68-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with loss of vision in the lower half of her left eye that lasted <5 minutes. No abnormalities were found on ocular or physical exam. Computed tomography angiography and carotid ultrasound were performed, which confirmed the diagnosis as amaurosis fugax with two abnormalities leading to the transient retinal vessel occlusion. First, it was found that the patient has a congenital vascular anomaly, which consisted most notably of a right-sided aortic arch. This vascular anomaly also consisted of abnormal branching of the left subclavian and common carotid arteries, predisposing the patient to turbulent blood flow and increased risk of the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque at the origin of the common carotid artery. This is an abnormal location for a plaque leading to amaurosis fugax compared to the most common location at the carotid bifurcation. Endarterectomy was not performed because of the difficult location of the plaque and tortuosity of the vessel. Rather, medical intervention with antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy was initiated to lower the risk of future retinal or cerebral thromboembolic events.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/93/imcrj-9-169.PMC4938134.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5110911", "abstract": "Multiple primary or secondary malignancies after anticancer therapy were recently reported to be increasing in frequency. The authors describe a case of metachronous metastatic pulmonary basaloid carcinoma to the central nervous system that was discovered after chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cervical uterine carcinoma. Two different types of cancer developed within some interval. There's the possibility that a secondary pulmonary neoplasm developed after the chemotherapy and radiotherapy conducted as cervical cancer treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/59/ee/kjn-12-167.PMC5110911.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3135322", "abstract": "The mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) is a bacterial tension-driven osmolyte release valve with homologues in many walled eukaryotic organisms. When stimulated by steps of tension in excised patches, Escherichia coli MscS exhibits transient opening followed by reversible adaptation and then complete inactivation. Here, we study properties of the inactivation transition, which renders MscS nonconductive and tension insensitive. Using special pressure protocols we demonstrate that adaptation and inactivation are sequential processes with opposite tension dependencies. In contrast to many eukaryotic channels, which inactivate from the open state, MscS inactivates primarily from the closed state because full openings by preconditioning pulses do not influence the degree of inactivation, and saturating tensions keeping channels open prevent inactivation. The easily opened A98S mutant lacks inactivation completely, whereas the L111S mutant with a right-shifted activation curve inactivates silently before reaching the threshold for opening. This suggests that opening and inactivation are two independent tension-driven pathways, both starting from the closed state. Analysis of tension dependencies for inactivation and recovery rates estimated the in-plane expansion (ΔA) associated with inactivation as 8.5 nm2, which is about half of the area change for opening. Given that the interhelical contact between the outer TM1–TM2 pairs and the core TM3s is the force-transmitting path from the periphery to the gate, the determined ΔA now can be used as a constraining parameter for the models of the inactivated state in which the lipid-facing TM1–TM2 pairs are displaced and uncoupled from the gate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/fa/JGP_201110606.PMC3135322.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4417945", "abstract": "Background: Blastocystis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite living in the digestive system of some vertebrates. This parasite has some subtypes, pathogenicity status of which has still remained controversial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the subtype of Blastocystis in infected cattle. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 196 isolates from cattle stool samples collected from slaughterhouse in Khorramabad city, Iran, in 2012. Genomic DNA was extracted and to determine the Blastocystis subtype, seven pairs of sequence-tagged sites (STS) primers were used. Results: Of 196 specimens, 19 (9.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/fc/jjm-08-03-14810.PMC4417945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3376473", "abstract": "Total pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical operation, involving en bloc resection of pelvic organs, including reproductive structures, bladder, and rectosigmoid. In gynecologic oncology, it is most commonly indicated for the treatment of advanced primary or locally recurrent cancer. Careful patient selection and counseling are of paramount importance when considering someone for PE. Part of the evaluation process includes comprehensive assessment to exclude unresectable or metastatic disease. PE can be curative for carefully selected patients with gynecologic cancers. Major complications can be seen in as many as 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/dc/PMC3376473.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3573801", "abstract": "We present the case of a 67-year-old patient with a BRCA1 mutation and breast cancer who underwent prophylactic oophorectomy. After 6 years, an abdominal computed tomography revealed a pelvic mass which proved to be a poorly differentiated serous carcinoma originating from the right residual tube which previously had not been removed during prophylactic surgery. This case report suggests that much effort should be made during prophylactic oophorectomy to completely remove the tubes, especially in light of the recent pathologic theories on the tubal origin of ovarian cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/af/cro-0006-0021.PMC3573801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4683792", "abstract": "We present percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using radial approach in a rare case of single coronary artery originating from the right sinus. Although these anomalies and stenosis of anomalous vessels have been described previously, treatment of atherosclerotic lesions by PCI has rarely been reported. There is a definite procedural risk during PCI in patients with a single ostium because dissection with the guiding catheter would result in a catastrophic event. Additionally, technical difficulties may occur due to the ostial configuration and course of the branch to be stented. The patient suffered an acute coronary syndrome-inferior wall STEMI, and was thrombolysed elsewhere within a window period of 4 h. He had post myocardial infarction (MI) angina and was referred to our center after 3 days of thrombolysis. We present this technically challenging and rare case in which PCI of right coronary artery was performed through the radial route.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/b5/JCIS-5-65.PMC4683792.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5015491", "abstract": "Background: Storage of serum and other blood products is often necessary in laboratories because of technical issues or to preserve samples for subsequent research purposes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the stability of biochemical analytes is affected by storage conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 biochemical analytes in the sera of ten patients were examined following storage. Subsequent to determining the baseline measurements, the serum of each patient was aliquoted and stored at −20°C for 7, 15, and 30 days and then analyzed for stability. The results were compared with the initial analysis measurements obtained from fresh samples. Mean changes compared to baseline (T0) concentrations were evaluated both statistically and clinically. Results: Our results show that sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total calcium, phosphorus, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were stable under all conditions. Serum amylase was the only analyte demonstrating instability following prolonged storage; amylase levels changed significantly (both statistically and clinically) at 7, 15, and 30 days (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Most common biochemical analytes, except for amylase, showed adequate stability in serum following 30 days of storage at −20­C. Serum amylase analysis should be conducted on the same day that the sample is received in the laboratory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/5b/JLP-9-11.PMC5015491.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2737374", "abstract": "Reconstructing the 'Tree of Life' is complicated by extensive horizontal gene transfer between diverse groups of organisms. While numerous conceptual and technical obstacles remain, a report in this issue of Journal of Biology from Koonin and colleagues on the largest-scale prokaryotic genomic reconstruction yet attempted shows that such a tree is discernible, although its branches cannot be traced.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/1b/PMC2737374.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4884848", "abstract": "Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) measures the complexity of a glucose time series obtained by means of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) and has proven to be a sensitive marker of glucoregulatory dysfunction. Furthermore, some authors have observed a crossover point in the DFA, signalling a change of dynamics, arguably dependent on the beta-insular function. We investigate whether the characteristics of this crossover point have any influence on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To this end we recruited 206 patients at increased risk of T2DM (because of obesity, essential hypertension, or a first-degree relative with T2DM). A CGMS time series was obtained, from which the DFA and the crossover point were calculated. Patients were then followed up every 6 months for a mean of 17.5 months, controlling for the appearance of T2DM diagnostic criteria. The time to crossover point was a significant predictor risk of developing T2DM, even after adjusting for other variables. The angle of the crossover was not predictive by itself but became significantly protective when the model also considered the crossover point. In summary, both a delay and a blunting of the crossover point predict the development of T2DM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/ef/PMC4884848.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3114644", "abstract": "Vomeronasal sensitivity is important for detecting intraspecific pheromonal cues as well as environmental odorants and is involved in mating, social interaction, and other daily activities of many vertebrates. Two large families of seven-transmembrane G-protein–coupled receptors, V1rs and V2rs, bind to various ligands to initiate vomeronasal signal transduction. Although the macroevolution of V1r and V2r genes has been well characterized throughout vertebrates, especially mammals, little is known about their microevolutionary patterns, which hampers a clear understanding of the evolutionary forces behind the rapid evolutionary turnover of V1r and V2r genes and the great diversity in receptor repertoire across species. Furthermore, the role of divergent vomeronasal perception in enhancing premating isolation and maintaining species identity has not been evaluated. Here we sequenced 44 V1r genes and 25 presumably neutral noncoding regions in 14 wild-caught mice belonging to Mus musculus and M. domesticus, two closely related species with strong yet incomplete reproductive isolation. We found that nucleotide changes in V1rs are generally under weak purifying selection and that only ∼5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/3b/evr039.PMC3114644.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3698888", "abstract": "Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is considered as a comprehensive imaging modality for many neuroendocrine tumors. Multiple radiotracers using combinations of gamma or positron emitting radionuclides and tracers are now available. Newer radiopharmaceuticals using 99mTc labeled with TOC, TATE, NOC are good alternatives to the 68 - Gallium radiotracers where the PET facility is not available. The pictoral depicts the role of SRS using 99m TC – HYNIC –TOC radiotracers in staging and treatment planning of NETs. Characterization of the tumor biology using combined SRS and FDG PET/CT is also demonstrated with a proposed categorization method. The emerging role of SRS in tailored targeted radionuclide therapy is outlined in brief.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/b5/IJRI-22-267.PMC3698888.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4371511", "abstract": "Whether one reads Computerworld or Institute of Medicine issue briefs, it’s clear that most now accept the idea that existing electronic clinical data (ECD) and other health records can be used to manage and improve the processes, outcomes, and the quality of health care. Indeed the increasing popularity of the term “learning healthcare system” signals the broad acceptance of the idea that routinely collected clinical data can – indeed should – be used to advance knowledge and support continuous learning. But despite what the big data enthusiasts say, none of this is easy without the appropriate analytical methods. This commentary introduces the seven papers in eGEMs’ second special issue, which are the result of invitations to researchers who have participated in EDM Forum activities as well as an open call for paper in early summer 2013. These papers offer a beginning snapshot of the ways innovative thinkers across the country are developing methodology to advance the national dialogue on the use of ECD to conduct CER, support QI, and generally to improve outcomes in a learning healthcare system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/0a/egems1055.PMC4371511.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4599473", "abstract": "Background There is currently no accepted standard for reporting outcomes following cardiac surgery. The objective of this paper was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the current use and definition of perioperative outcomes reported in cardiac surgery trials. Methods and Results We reviewed 5 prominent medical and surgical journals on Medline from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2014, for randomized controlled trials involving coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. We identified 34 trials meeting inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 57 to 4752 participants (median 351). Composite end points were used as a primary outcome in 56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/f5/jah30004-e002204.PMC4599473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4622239", "abstract": "We investigated 16S rRNA methyltransferases in 38 blaNDM-1–positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates and found RmtC in 3 isolates, 1 of which also harbored RmtF. The isolates were clonally unrelated; rmtC and rmtF genes were located on a chromosome with the blaNDM-1 gene. Strategies are needed to limit the spread of such isolates.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/c7/PMC4622239.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4662844", "abstract": "Background: There is an increasing attention towards the relationship between oxidative stress and epilepsy. The effect of antiepileptic drugs on oxidant status is of major interest. Antiepileptic drugs can increase levels of free radicals, which consequently might lead to seizures. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug commonly used in childhood and adolescence. Objectives: Therefore we aimed to investigate the effects of CBZ on total antioxidant status, total oxidant stress, and oxidative stress index. Patients and Methods: The study included 40 epileptic patients and 31 healthy children between 4 and 12 years of age. Serum CBZ level, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were measured. Oxidative stress index was also calculated both in controls and patients. Results: In the epileptic group, decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity, increased total oxidative stress and oxidative stress index levels were found. Positive correlation between plasma CBZ levels and total oxidant status was observed. Conclusions: Antioxidant action could not be playing any role in antiepileptic effect of CBZ. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress induced by CBZ could be the cause of CBZ-induced seizures. Therefore combining CBZ with antioxidants could be beneficial.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/50/ijp-25-3885.PMC4662844.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3324930", "abstract": "Capsaicin, a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ligand, regulates nerve-related pain-sensitive signals, inflammation, and cancer growth. Capsaicin suppresses interleukin-1-induced osteoclast differentiation, but its roles in bone tissues and bone diseases are not known. This study examined the effects of capsaicin on inflammatory bone resorption and prostaglandin E (PGE) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and on bone mass in LPS-treated mice in vivo. Capsaicin suppressed osteoclast formation, bone resorption, and PGE production induced by LPS in vitro. Capsaicin suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and membrane-bound PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) mRNAs and PGE production induced by LPS in osteoblasts. Capsaicin may suppress PGE production by inhibiting the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in osteoblasts and LPS-induced bone resorption by TRPV1 signals because osteoblasts express TRPV1. LPS treatment markedly induced bone loss in the femur in mice, and capsaicin significantly restored the inflammatory bone loss induced by LPS in mice. TRPV1 ligands like capsaicin may therefore be potentially useful as clinical drugs targeting bone diseases associated with inflammatory bone resorption.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/e2/PMC3324930.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4293792", "abstract": "Hyperglycemia from diabetes is associated with increased risk of infection from S. aureus and increased severity of illness. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that elevated glucose (>6 mM) dramatically inhibited S. aureus-initiated complement-mediated immune effectors. Here we report in vivo studies evaluating the extent to which a hyperglycemic environment alters complement-mediated control of S. aureus infection in a rat peritonitis model. Rats were treated with streptozocin to induce diabetes or sham-treated and then inoculated i.p. with S. aureus. Rats were euthanized and had peritoneal lavage at 2 or 24 hours after infection to evaluate early and late complement-mediated effects. Hyperglycemia decreased the influx of IgG and complement components into the peritoneum in response to S. aureus infection and decreased anaphylatoxin generation. Hyperglycemia decreased C4-fragment and C3-fragment opsonization of S. aureus recovered in peritoneal fluids, compared with euglycemic or insulin-rescued rats. Hyperglycemic rats showed decreased phagocytosis efficiency compared with euglycemic rats, which correlated inversely with bacterial survival. These results suggest that hyperglycemia inhibited humoral effector recruitment, anaphylatoxin generation, and complement-mediated opsonization of S. aureus, suggesting that hyperglycemic inhibition of complement effectors may contribute to the increased risk and severity of S. aureus infections in diabetic patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/fc/PMC4293792.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4027695", "abstract": "We report a man who developed oculogyric crisis one month after disulfiram intoxication. Brain MRI showed lesions involving bilateral globus pallidus and left substantia nigra. In our patient, neuronal discharges from pathologically reorganized basal ganglia circuit to the mid-brain ocular motor center might lead to tonic deviation of the eyes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/9f/jmd-2-1-48-13.PMC4027695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4681938", "abstract": "[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stationary cycling exercise on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-two chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=16) or a control group (n=16). [Methods] All of the subjects received the standard rehabilitation program for 30 minutes, while the experimental group additionally participated in a daily session of stationary cycling exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. To assess balance function, the Berg Balance Scale and timed up-and-go test were used. The 10-m walking test was conducted to assess gait function. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvements in balance and gait abilities. The improvements in the Berg Balance Scale and timed up-and-go test scores (balance), and 10-m walking test score (gait) in the stationary cycling exercise group were significantly greater than those in the control group. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that stationary cycling exercise training is an effective intervention for increasing the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. Therefore, we suggest that stationary cycling training is suitable for stroke rehabilitation and may be used in clinical practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/0e/jpts-27-3529.PMC4681938.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4531205", "abstract": " Thais clavigera, as function food, is distributed widely along the coasts of China. To compare and tap its potentially nutritional and functional values, hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triplequadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was used for simultaneous identification and quantification of amino acids, nucleosides, and nucleobases in the extracts of T. clavigera from 19 sea areas in China, and a PCA was further performed for comparing their content variation in different distribution regions. The total contents of amino acids varied from 116.74 mg/g to 298.58 mg/g being higher than contents of nucleosides and nucleobases that varied from 2.65 mg/g and 20.49 mg/g. Among the habitats, Hainan province had content advantages on others. By PCA, samples collected from different regions were classified into three groups. For specific constituents, lysine accounted for large part of essential amino acids; glycine and taurine also play important roles in the delicate taste and health care function of it. Inosine takes up most of total contents of nucleosides and nucleobases. These results provided good data for establishing quality standard of T. clavigera related products and their further development and utilization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/09/PMC4531205.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4395666", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to evaluate the change in muscle function induced by a Kinesio Tape application with no or moderate tension, to the dominant and non-dominant arms. [Subjects and Methods] This research was a quantitative study, in which 75 women participated. The subjects, aged 18–30 years, were divided into 3 groups, Kinesio, Kinesio without Tension, and Control, and they were assessed before the taping intervention and after 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours of taping. [Results] The Kinesio group subjects demonstrated an increase in handgrip strength after 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours of tape application compared to control. A statistically significant increase in strength was observed in the Kinesio group comparison to the Control after 24 hours and 48 hours for the right hand, and after 48 hours for the left hand. Improvement in the Kinesio group compared to the Kinesio without Tension was observed only after 24 hours of taping application, and only in the right hand. [Conclusion] The Kinesio Taping method augmented the handgrip strength of healthy women, and the increase in grip strength was maintained for 48 hours after its application; the dominant hand demonstrated the greatest strength values.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/b7/jpts-27-567.PMC4395666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4057291", "abstract": "The clinical, human and economic burden associated with sepsis is huge. Initiatives such as the Surviving Sepsis Campaign aim to effectively reduce risk of death from severe sepsis and septic shock. Nonetheless, although substantial benefits raised from the implementation of this campaign have been obtained, much work remains if we are to realise the full potential promised by this strategy. A deeper understanding of the processes leading to sepsis is necessary before we can design an effective suite of interventions. Dysregulation of the immune response to infection is acknowledged to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Production of both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokines is observed from the very first hours following diagnosis. In addition, hypogammaglobulinemia is often present in patients with septic shock. Moreover, levels of IgG, IgM and IgA at diagnosis correlate directly with survival. In turn, nonsurvivors have lower levels of C4 (a protein of the complement system) than the survivors. Natural killer cell counts and function also seem to have an important role in this disease. HLA-DR in the surface of monocytes and counts of CD4+CD25+ T-regulatory cells in blood could also be useful biomarkers for sepsis. At the genomic level, repression of networks corresponding to major histocompatibility complex antigen presentation is observed in septic shock. In consequence, cumulative evidence supports the potential role of immunological monitoring to guide measures to prevent or treat sepsis in a personalised and timely manner (early antibiotic administration, immunoglobulin replacement, immunomodulation). In conclusion, although diffuse and limited, current available information supports the development of large comprehensive studies aimed to urgently evaluate immunological monitoring as a tool to prevent sepsis, guide its treatment and, as a consequence, diminish the morbidity and mortality associated with this severe condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/6c/PMC4057291.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3373229", "abstract": "Patients with Graves’ orbitopathy have a higher probability of myasthenia gravis than does the normal population. Overlapping clinical features cause diagnostic confusion in such a situation. We herein report a patient with Graves’ orbitopathy and myasthenia gravis (GO-MG) with normal left eyelid height, but in whom upper eyelid retraction was shown after edrophonium chloride administration. Upper eyelid retraction in GO-MG is occasionally masked by a myasthenia effect. The upper eyelid height must be carefully monitored in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy to detect the presence of concomitant myasthenia gravis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/ee/PMC3373229.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3395028", "abstract": "Context Although longitudinal community-based care of patients provides opportunities for teaching patient centredness and chronic disease management, there is a paucity of literature assessing learning outcomes of these clerkships. This study examines learning outcomes among students participating in longitudinal community based follow-up of patients discharged from the hospital. Methods The authors conducted a thematic analysis of 253 student narratives written by 44 third-year medical students reflecting on their longitudinal interactions with patients with chronic medical illnesses. The narratives were written over three periods: after acute hospital encounter, after a home visit and at the end of the 10-month follow-up. Analysis involved coding of theme content and counting of aggregate themes. Results The most frequent theme was ‘chronic disease management’ (25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/b0/MEO-17-18899.PMC3395028.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3375455", "abstract": "In February 2010, dermatitis characterized by scale and self-trauma due to puritis was recognized in a group of 22 four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris Wagner, 1841) from a local pet shop in Gwangju, Korea. Microscopic examinations of skin scraping samples showed numerous mites of all developmental stages. Morphologically, pedicels of adult mites were short and unjointed. Tarsal caruncles were bell-shaped on all legs of males while they were absent on legs III and IV of females. Three long setae on the third pair of legs in both sexes were present. Adult males had posterior end of the abdomen with trilobate projection on each side, each lobe with a long seta. Based on these features, the mites were identified as Caparinia tripilis. This is the first report of caparinic mite infestation in hedgehogs from Korea. Identification keys for the family Psoroptidae and the genus Caparinia are provided.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/48/kjp-50-151.PMC3375455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5040573", "abstract": "Introduction: Shoulder dislocations are a very common entity in routine orthopaedic practice. Chronic unreduced anterior dislocations of the shoulder are not very common. Neurological and vascular complications may occur as a result of an acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder or after a while in chronic unreduced shoulder dislocation. Open reduction is indicated for most chronic shoulder dislocations. We report a case of neglected bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with bilateral displaced greater tuberosity fracture. To the best of our knowledge, only a handful cases have been reported in literature with bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with bilateral fractures. Delayed diagnosis/reporting is a scenario which makes the list even slimmer and management all the more challenging. Case Report: We report a case of a 35-year-old male who had bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation and bilateral greater tuberosity fracture post seizure and failed to report it for a period of 30 days. One side was managed conservatively with closed reduction and immobilization and the other side with open reduction. No neurovascular complications pre or post reduction of shoulder were seen. Conclusion: Shoulder dislocations should always be suspected post seizures and if found should be treated promptly. Treatment becomes difficult for any shoulder dislocation that goes untreated for considerable period of time", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/19/JOCR-6-53.PMC5040573.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905160", "abstract": "Delayed presentation of children with cancer is a significant barrier to improving the survival from children’s cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Botswana, a country of approximately 2 million people in southern Africa, has only 1 pediatric cancer treatment program, based at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in the capital of Gaborone. A pediatric cancer recognition training program was developed that reached 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/c0/10.1177_2333794X16635002.PMC4905160.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2732476", "abstract": "The impact of livestock farming on the incidence of human Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection was assessed by using several livestock density indicators (LDI) that were generated in a systematic approach. A total of 80 LDI were considered suitable proxy measures for livestock density. Multivariate Poisson regression identified several LDI as having a significant spatial association with the incidence of human STEC infection. The strongest associations with human STEC infection were the ratio of beef cattle number to human population and the application of manure to the surface of agricultural land by a solid spreader and by a liquid spreader showed. This study demonstrates the value of using a systematic approach in identifying LDI and other spatial predictors of disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/dd/PMC2732476.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4023057", "abstract": "Extramedullary pulmonary hematopoiesis is a rare entity with a limited number of case reports in the available literature only. We report the case of a 66-year-old man with known primary myelofibrosis, in whom a Technetium-99m sulfur colloid bone marrow scan with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT revealed a pulmonary hematopoiesis as the cause of pulmonary hypertension and severe tricuspid regurgitation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of Technetium-99m sulfur colloid SPECT/CT imaging in this rare condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/59/kjr-15-376.PMC4023057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3708447", "abstract": " Background. In this study antimicrobial effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Juglans regia bark in Iran was evaluated on four different oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, and Staphylococcus aureus.  Methods. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Juglans regia bark were prepared by using disk diffusion technique and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) methods. Tetracycline 30 μg and Erythromycin 15 μg were used as positive control and water as negative control in disk diffusion and MIC methods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.  Results. The results showed that S. sanguis and S. mutans were the most sensitive and the most resistant bacteria against ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Ethanolic extract had significant antibacterial effect against all tested bacteria. Aqueous extract did not show antibacterial effect on S. mutans, in contrast to ethanolic extract. Aqueous extract had significantly antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, S. salivarius, and S. sanguis compared to control (P < 0.0001), but it did not show effect on S. mutans when compared with Erythromycin. According to the obtained MIC values, ethanol extract of Juglans regia bark had the lowest rate.  Conclusion. The results may provide the basis for using natural antimicrobial substance for oral hygiene prophylaxis purposes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/06/PMC3708447.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4399542", "abstract": "Objective: Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) are dendritic cells found in lymphoid follicles, reactive follicles and in lymphomas. The goal of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of FDCs and IDCs in oral lymphomas. Material and Methods: Immunohistochemistry reactions were applied to 50 oral lymphomas using the antibodies anti-CD21, anti-CD35 and anti-caldesmon to FDCs, and anti-S100 protein to IDCs. Caldesmon+/FDCs and S100+/IDCs were quantified in Imagelab® software. Results: FDCs revealed by CD21 and CD35 were positively stained in two cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one MALT lymphoma, and in one case of mantle cell lymphoma. FDCs were immunopositive to caldesmon in all cases, as well as IDCs to S100 protein. Burkitt lymphoma presented a lower amount of caldesmon+/FDCs and S100+/IDCs than diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral mucosa type. Conclusions: The microenvironment determined by neoplastic lymphoid cells in oral lymphomas is responsible by the development and expression of dendritic cells types.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/56/1678-7757-jaos-17-03-0248.PMC4399542.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4594226", "abstract": "In a recent paper, we examined whether oxytocin in the domestic dog modulates the maintenance of close social bonds in non-reproductive contexts. We found that exogenous oxytocin promotes positive social behaviors not only toward conspecifics, but also toward human partners. Here we examined in further detail the effect that oxytocin manipulation has on social play. When sprayed with oxytocin, subjects initiated play sessions more often and played for longer periods of time than when sprayed with saline. Furthermore, after oxytocin nasal intake dogs displayed play signals more often than after saline administration, suggesting that oxytocin enhances dogs' play motivation. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that oxytocin promotes social play in the domestic dog. We use these results to hypothesize on the potential therapeutic use of oxytocin for promoting social behaviors and treating social deficits in the domestic dog.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/f6/kcib-08-03-1017157.PMC4594226.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5192323", "abstract": " Aim. C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-9 (CTRP9), a paralog of adiponectin, is expressed in adipose tissue. CTRP9 exerts protective effects against obesity and atherosclerosis in rodents. We investigated the association between plasma CTRP9 levels and atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. We included 419 patients with type 2 diabetes, 161 of whom had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fasting plasma CTRP9 and total adiponectin levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was measured with ultrasonography. Results. Plasma CTRP9 levels were higher in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group. Plasma CTRP9 levels were positively correlated with carotid IMT in the non-CKD group. Multivariate analyses revealed that plasma CTRP9 levels were positively associated with carotid IMT in the non-CKD group, independent of age, sex, body mass index, adiponectin, and other cardiovascular risk factors. However, plasma CTRP9 levels were not associated with carotid IMT in the CKD group. Conclusion. Plasma CTRP9 levels are associated with atherosclerosis in diabetic patients without CKD, independently of obesity, adiponectin, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This study indicates a potential role of CTRP9 in atherosclerosis progression in human type 2 diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/68/PMC5192323.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2945639", "abstract": "“clinical NEUroPROteomics of neurodegenerative diseases” (cNEUPRO) is a Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP) within the sixth framework program of the European Commission dedicated to the search for novel biomarker candidates for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The ultimate goal of cNEUPRO is to identify one or more valid biomarker(s) in blood and CSF applicable to support the early and differential diagnosis of dementia disorders. The consortium covers all steps required for the discovery of novel biomarker candidates such as acquisition of high quality CSF and blood samples from relevant patient groups and controls, analysis of body fluids by various methods, and finally assay development and assay validation. Here we report the standardized procedures for diagnosis and preanalytical sample-handling within the project, as well as the status of the ongoing research activities and some first results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/d4/PMC2945639.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2447797", "abstract": "Many small RNA (sRNA) genes in bacteria act as posttranscriptional regulators of target messenger RNAs. Here, we present TargetRNA, a web tool for predicting mRNA targets of sRNA action in bacteria. TargetRNA takes as input a genomic sequence that may correspond to an sRNA gene. TargetRNA then uses a dynamic programming algorithm to search each annotated message in a specified genome for mRNAs that evince basepair-binding potential to the input sRNA sequence. Based on the calculated basepair-binding potential of each message with the given sRNA regulator, TargetRNA outputs a ranked list of candidate mRNA targets along with the predicted basepairing interaction of each target to the sRNA. The predictive performance of TargetRNA has been validated experimentally in several bacterial organisms. TargetRNA is freely available at http://snowwhite.wellesley.edu/targetRNA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/93/3b/gkn264.PMC2447797.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3294683", "abstract": "Acute retroviral syndrome developed in an inmate in a detention center after he had intercourse with 2 HIV-infected inmates. Correctional facilities house a disproportionate number of HIV-infected persons, and most do not provide inmates with condoms. Correctional healthcare providers should be familiar with primary HIV infection and acute retroviral syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/3e/PMC3294683.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4592908", "abstract": "Cell wall-active antibiotics cause induction of a locus that leads to elevated synthesis of two methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA1 and MsrB) in Staphylococcus aureus. To understand the regulation of this locus, reporter strains were constructed by integrating a DNA fragment consisting of the msrA1/msrB promoter in front of a promoterless lacZ gene in the chromosome of wild-type and MsrA1-, MsrB-, MsrA1/MsrB-, and SigB-deficient methicillin-sensitive S. aureus strain SH1000 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain COL. These reporter strains were cultured in TSB and the cellular levels of β-galactosidase activity in these cultures were assayed during different growth phases. β-galactosidase activity assays demonstrated that the lack of MsrA1, MsrB, and SigB upregulated the msrA1/msrB promoter in S. aureus strain SH1000. In S. aureus strain COL, the highest level of β-galactosidase activity was observed under the conditions when both MsrA1 and MsrB proteins were absent. The data suggest that the msrA1/msrB locus, in part, is negatively regulated by MsrA1, MsrB, and SigB in S. aureus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/eb/PMC4592908.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4146352", "abstract": " Background. Delayed or recurrent profound respiratory depression, ventricular dysrhythmias, acute lung injury, and death are the major complications of MTD overdose. We aimed to clarify the prognostic factors in MTD toxicity. Materials and Methods. Retrospectively, medical files of all patients poisoned by MTD and older than 12 years of age who had presented to Loghman Hakim Poison Center between 2007 and 2012 were evaluated. The data was compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Results. Twenty-eight out of 322 patients died (mortality rate = 8.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/20/PMC4146352.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3199860", "abstract": " Background and Aims. We describe our experience of performing transumbilical single-incision laparoendoscopic cholecystectomy as standard procedure for acute and chronic gallbladder diseases. Methods. Between September 2008 and March 2010, 220 patients underwent laparoscopic single-incision surgery. A single port was used for 196 patients and two conventional 5 mm and one 10 mm port in 24 cases. All operations were performed with straight instruments. Results. Single-incision surgery was successfully performed in 215 patients (98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/90/PMC3199860.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2998743", "abstract": "This study was conducted to investigate the presence of Escherichia (E.) coli O157 and E. coli O157:H7 and stx1 and stx2 genes on cattle carcasses and in rectal samples collected from Samsun Province of Turkey. A total of 200 samples collected from cattle carcasses and the rectal contents of 100 slaughtered cattle from two commercial abattoirs were tested using the immunomagnetic separation technique and multiplex PCR methods. E. coli O157 and E. coli O157:H7 were detected in 52 of the 200 samples (26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/0c/PMC2998743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3797928", "abstract": "In colonoscopic study, benign colorectal strictures with or without symptomatic pain are not rarely encountered. Benign colorectal stricture can be caused by a number of problems, such as anastomotic stricture after surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, postendoscopic submucosal dissection, diverticular disease, ischemic colitis, and so on. There are various modalities for the management of benign colorectal stricture. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is generally considered as the primary treatment for benign colorectal stricture. In refractory benign colorectal strictures, several treatment sessions of balloon dilatation are needed for successful dilatation. The self-expandable metal stent and many combined techniques are performed at present. However, there is no specific algorithmic modality for refractory benign colorectal strictures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/fe/ce-46-472.PMC3797928.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3843337", "abstract": "Fetal endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) has been diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonography in the past few years. A typical case of isolated endocardial fibroelastosis is illustrated here, in a fetus of 22 weeks of gestational age exposed to maternal organophosphorus poisoning at 20 weeks. No other structural cardiac or other systemic anomalies were detected in this fetus. The abnormal fetal echocardiographic features mimicking endocardial fibroelastosis completely regressed after 14 weeks and a normal full-term baby was delivered. Postnatal echocardiogram showed normal cardiac parameters. The diagnostic features mimicking EFE following maternal organophosphorus poisoning at 20 weeks of gestational age and the subsequent complete reversal of these changes after 14 weeks of diagnosis are reported for the first time in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/6f/IJRI-23-262.PMC3843337.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4641222", "abstract": "Extraction of an impacted third molar is one of the most frequently performed techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Surgeons can suffer numerous external injuries while extracting a tooth, with percutaneous injuries to the hand being the most commonly reported. In this article, we present a case involving a percutaneous injury of the surgeon's femoral region caused by breakage of the fissure bur connected to the handpiece during extraction of the third molar. We also propose precautions to prevent such injuries and steps to be undertaken when they occur.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/2d/jkaoms-41-281.PMC4641222.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2651619", "abstract": "Background: The developmental origin theory of coronary heart disease proposes that undernutrition in utero permanently changes body functions and metabolism leading to an increased risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) in adult life. Some studies support this theory but others suggest that birth weight (BW) is not a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Gender differences concerning the association between BW and risk factors for CAD have been reported in some studies but not in others. In this paper we have analyzed the effect of gender and diabetes on the relationship between BW and CAD in the White population of Rome. Material and Methods: 226 subjects admitted to the Hospital for non fatal CAD from the White population of Rome were studied. 395 consecutive newborn infants studied in the same population in the years 1968-1972 were considered for comparison. Results: Among subjects with CAD, reliable information on BW was obtained in 127 subjects. The distribution of BW in CAD depends on gender (p=0.009). In females with CAD there is a tendency toward low BW, while in males with CAD there is a tendency toward high BW. These associations are very marked in non-diabetic subjects with CAD (p=.001), while no significant association is observed in diabetic subjects (p=0.557). Conclusion: Our data confirm the association between BW and CAD and suggest that the association depends on gender and is influenced by diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/b4/PMC2651619.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3463896", "abstract": "Excessive amounts of salt in food, as usually consumed worldwide, affect the vascular system, leading to high blood pressure and premature disabilities. Salt entering the vascular bed after a salty meal is transiently bound to the endothelial glycocalyx, a negatively charged biopolymer lining the inner surface of the blood vessels. This barrier protects the endothelium against salt overload. A poorly-developed glycocalyx increases the salt permeability of the vascular system and the amount of salt being deposited in the body, which affects organ function. A simple test system is now available that evaluates vascular salt sensitivity in humans and identifies individuals who are at risk of salt-induced hypertension. This short review aims to discuss how the underlying basic research can be translated into medical practice and, thus, meaningful health outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/d7/biolrep-04-20.PMC3463896.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2778352", "abstract": "Vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon even in the sunny land of India. Lack of sun exposure and inadequate oral intake are both responsible for vitamin D deficiency. This article provides a retrospective, examining the effects of Vitamin D deficiency in 71 patients. The study's inclusion criterion was low vitamin D level combined with musculoskeletal symptoms but without the presence of osteomalacia. All patients in this study were suspected to have vitamin D deficiency. The data were retrieved from the case-charts of patients seen between 1996 and 2001 at the rheumatology services of Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, India. This study found no correlation between Vitamin D levels and symptoms, or between the severity of Vitamin D deficiency and the number of symptoms displayed. Subclinical vitamin D deficiency or preosteomalacic state was the term coined for individuals with vitamin D deficiency producing nonspecific musculoskeletal symptoms in the absence of clinical osteomalacia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/49/PMC2778352.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2816883", "abstract": "Dexamethasone has been widely used in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) weighing less than 1,500 g at birth for the prevention or treatment of chronic lung disease (CLD). Recently, however the use of dexamethasone is being reduced, as its association with abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome is known. On the other hand, there have been persistent concerns about the increased risk of CLD according to the reduction of postnatal dexamethasone use. Hence, we did a retrospective cohort study to delineate the change in the incidence of CLD according to the reduction of dexamethasone use in VLBWI. The medical records of 559 VLBWI admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at Samsung Medical Center between November 1994 and December 2002 were reviewed with a focus on the use of postnatal dexamethasone and the incidence of CLD. The use of postnatal dexamethasone has significantly decreased over the study period. Especially, the use of high-dose regimen has markedly decreased. The day when postnatal dexamethasone therapy was begun has also been significantly delayed. The incidence of CLD has significantly decreased over the same period. In conclusion, the incidence of CLD has not increased despite the decreased use of postnatal dexamethasone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/df/jkms-19-514.PMC2816883.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3625542", "abstract": "In the setting of acute lung injury, levels of circulating inflammatory mediators have been correlated with adverse outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that injured, mechanically ventilated lungs represent the origin of the host inflammatory response; however, mechanisms which perpetuate systemic inflammation remain uncharacterized. We hypothesized that lung-derived mediators generated by mechanical ventilation (MV) are amplified by peripheral organs in a “feed forward” mechanism of systemic inflammation. Herein, lung-derived mediators were collected from 129X1/SVJ mice after 2 hours of MV while connected to the isolated perfused mouse lung model setup. Exposure of liver endothelial cells to lung-derived mediators resulted in a significant increase in G-CSF, IL-6, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and MCP-1 production compared to noncirculated control perfusate media (P < 0.05). Furthermore, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway significantly mitigated this response. Changes in gene transcription were confirmed using qPCR for IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2. Additionally, liver tissue obtained from mice subjected to 2 hours of in vivo MV demonstrated significant increases in hepatic gene transcription of IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2 compared to nonventilated controls. Collectively, this data demonstrates that lung-derived mediators, generated in the setting of MV, are amplified by downstream organs in a feed forward mechanism of systemic inflammation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/d8/PMC3625542.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4728294", "abstract": "This tutorial presents the application of an R package, RxODE, that facilitates quick, efficient simulations of ordinary differential equation models completely within R. Its application is illustrated through simulation of design decision effects on an adaptive dosing regimen. The package provides an efficient, versatile way to specify dosing scenarios and to perform simulation with variability with minimal custom coding. Models can be directly translated to Rshiny applications to facilitate interactive, real‐time evaluation/iteration on simulation scenarios.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/c4/PSP4-5-03.PMC4728294.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4639366", "abstract": "Aims: Determine health effects of programmed physical activities on blood fats in peripheral arterial disease of lower limbs or in examinees on medication therapy and examinees performing programmed physical activities along with the medication therapy. Methods: Overall research has been carried out at the Clinic for Vascular Disease CCUS. Before involvement into the study, examinees had to meet the inclusion criteria. Research was carried out as randomized controlled trial including 100 patients with arterial disease of lower limbs, who meet inclusion criteria: control group (CG, n=50) and test group (TG, n=50). Total level of cholesterol was used for effects assessment of 28 weeks of applied programmed activity in patients. Results: Values of total cholesterol (tCh) and triglycerides before and after treatment in patients of CG and TG showed statistically significant change of its mean values. Significant decrease were marked in tCh and triglycerides levels in TG compared to CG. Conclusion: Adequate programmed physical activities in patients with peripheral vascular disease appeared as very successful in treated patients. Results indicate statistically significant decrease of the cholesterol and triglycerides after the treatment. Physical activity used in the treatment made partial regression of arterial diseases and saved patients for undergoing to surgery. Lower level of total cholesterol represents a ten year period prevention of initial stage in progress of arterial diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/53/MA-69-311.PMC4639366.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3964487", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE We studied the utility of the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Risk Score (DPTRS) for improving the accuracy of type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk classification in TrialNet Natural History Study (TNNHS) participants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The cumulative incidence of T1D was compared between normoglycemic individuals with DPTRS values >7.00 and dysglycemic individuals in the TNNHS (n = 991). It was also compared between individuals with DPTRS values <7.00 or >7.00 among those with dysglycemia and those with multiple autoantibodies in the TNNHS. DPTRS values >7.00 were compared with dysglycemia for characterizing risk in Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) (n = 670) and TNNHS participants. The reliability of DPTRS values >7.00 was compared with dysglycemia in the TNNHS. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of T1D for normoglycemic TNNHS participants with DPTRS values >7.00 was comparable to those with dysglycemia. Among those with dysglycemia, the cumulative incidence was much higher (P < 0.001) for those with DPTRS values >7.00 than for those with values <7.00 (3-year risks: 0.16 for <7.00 and 0.46 for >7.00). Dysglycemic individuals in DPT-1 were at much higher risk for T1D than those with dysglycemia in the TNNHS (P < 0.001); there was no significant difference in risk between the studies among those with DPTRS values >7.00. The proportion in the TNNHS reverting from dysglycemia to normoglycemia at the next visit was higher than the proportion reverting from DPTRS values >7.00 to values <7.00 (36 vs. 23", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/aa/979.PMC3964487.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3581788", "abstract": "The case of a 33-day-old boy with Pierre Robin syndrome using a Cook® airway exchange catheter in laryngeal mask airway-guided fiberoptic intubation is presented. After induction with sevoflurane, classical reusable laryngeal mask airway (LMA) #1 was inserted and ultrathin fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) was passed through. A Cook® airway exchange catheter (1.6 mm ID, 2.7 mm OD) was passed through the LMA under the guidance of the FOB but failed to enter the trachea despite many trials. Then, an endotracheal tube (3.0 mm ID) was mounted on the FOB and railroaded over the FOB. After successful intubation, the Cook® airway exchange catheter was placed in the midtrachea through the lumen of the endotracheal tube. Even though the tracheal tube was accidentally displaced out of the trachea during LMA removal, the endotracheal tube could be easily railroaded over the airway exchange catheter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/92/kjae-64-168.PMC3581788.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3500978", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this study is to report a case of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection after frontalis sling surgery. Method A 65-year-old man presented with bilateral painful, erythematous lesions in the brow and upper eyelids. He had a history of frontalis sling surgery for myopathic ptosis 2 years back and all lesions were found localized to the tract of the silicone rod used in the previous frontalis sling surgery. Result Incision and drainage of the lesions with microbiological analysis revealed significant growth of coagulase negative staphylococcus and Mycobacterium fortuitum. Sensitivity-based antibiotic treatment with intravenous amikacin was started, but poor response necessitated eventual explantation of both silicone rods for relief of symptoms. Culture of the explanted rods revealed similar results of M. fortuitum infection. Five months after the acute presentation, the patient is asymptomatic. Conclusion Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection may be a delayed onset complication in frontalis sling surgery using silicone rods.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/37/PMC3500978.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3892628", "abstract": "Leuconostoc lactis is a recognised cause of infection in immunocompromised hosts. It is intrinsically resistant to multiple antibiotics and treatment options may be limited. We report a case of safe and effective use of tigecycline in the treatment of Leuconostoc catheter-related line sepsis in a neutropenic patient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful use of tigecycline for Leuconostoc bacteremia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/4a/PMC3892628.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4882464", "abstract": "Use of wearable technology to obtain various body metrics appears to be a trending phenomenon. However there is very little literature supporting the notion that these apparatuses can be used for research purposes in the field. The purpose of this study was to utilize Hexoskin wearable technology shirts (HxS) to obtain data in a pilot study using a trail hiking situation. Ten individuals (male, n = 4, female n = 6) volunteered to participate. On the first day, volunteers completed two approximately flat trail hikes at a self-preferred pace with a 15-minute rest between trials. On the second day, participants completed a strenuous uphill hike (17.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2d/f6/PMC4882464.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1802556", "abstract": "Fragile X syndrome, the most frequent form of inherited mental retardation, is due to the absence of expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein with high specificity for G-quartet RNA structure. FMRP is involved in several steps of mRNA metabolism: nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, translational control and transport along dendrites in neurons. Fragile X Related Protein 1 (FXR1P), a homologue and interactor of FMRP, has been postulated to have a function similar to FMRP, leading to the hypothesis that it can compensate for the absence of FMRP in Fragile X patients. Here we analyze the ability of three isoforms of FXR1P, expressed in different tissues, to bind G-quartet RNA structure specifically. Only the longest FXR1P isoform was found to be able to bind specifically the G-quartet RNA, albeit with a lower affinity as compared to FMRP, whereas the other two isoforms negatively regulate the affinity of FMRP for G-quartet RNA. This result is important to decipher the molecular basis of fragile X syndrome, through the understanding of FMRP action in the context of its multimolecular complex in different tissues. In addition, we show that the action of FXR1P is synergistic rather than compensatory for FMRP function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/05/gkl1021.PMC1802556.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3196976", "abstract": "In the present study we considered the histology of 51 patients who have undergone breast conservative surgery and the related 54 re-excisions that were performed in the same surgical procedure or in delayed procedures, in order to evaluate the role of intraoperative re-excisions in completing tumor removal. In 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/78/PMC3196976.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4361202", "abstract": "This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2015 and co-published as a series in Critical Care. Other articles in the series can be found online at http://ccforum.com/series/annualupdate2015. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/cd/PMC4361202.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015313", "abstract": "Although laparoscopy is one of the most common surgical procedures done today, bowel perforations can and do occur during the initial insertion of the Veress needle and/or trocar. Recent advances in microlaparoscopy have reduced the morbidity of this complication when encountered. We report a case of small bowel perforation following insertion of a Veress needle with its 2 mm trocar and our minimally invasive intra-operative and postoperative management of the patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/eb/jsls-2-3-289.PMC3015313.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2958256", "abstract": " Background. Asthma experienced during exercise and during the night is based on the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The aim of the present study was to examine whether AHR is a predictor of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and nighttime symptoms. Material. We included 793 asthmatics subjects with symptoms and a positive asthma test.  Results. Mean (SD) FEV1 was 93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/fc/PMC2958256.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5195843", "abstract": "Inflammation, an innate immune response mediated by macrophages, forms the first line of defence to protect our body from the invasion of various pathogens. Although inflammation is a defensive response, chronic inflammation has been regarded as the major cause of many types of human diseases such as inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Folate receptor (FR) is a cell surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein, and its three isoforms, FR-α, FR-β, and FR-γ, are found in humans. Interestingly, FRs are highly expressed on a variety of cells, including cancer cells and activated macrophages, whereas their expression on normal cells is undetectable, indicating that FR-targeting could be a good selective strategy for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of cancers and activated macrophage-mediated inflammatory diseases. Previous studies successfully showed FR-targeted imaging of many types of cancers in animal models as well as human patients. Recently, a number of emerging studies have found that activated macrophages, which are critical players for a variety of inflammatory diseases, highly express FRs, and selective targeting of these FR-positive activated macrophages is a good approach to diagnose and treat inflammatory diseases. In this review, we describe the characteristics and structure of FRs, and further discuss FR-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics of human diseases, in particular, activated macrophage-mediated inflammatory diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/f2/in-16-337.PMC5195843.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2919988", "abstract": "We report a case of long-term (9 years) response to 4th-line endocrine treatment with fulvestrant given for advanced breast cancer after no or poor response to prior endocrine therapies. Complete remission was achieved with full dose and maintained even after dose reduction due to unanticipated intensity of mucosal toxicity. Complete remission was temporarily lost after fulvestrant was tentatively withdrawn (63 months after treatment start), but was re-achieved after renewal of half-dose treatment and last reconfirmed 90 months after treatment start. The pharmacokinetic profile provides evidence to hypothesize a unique sensitivity to fulvestrant in this patient which might explain both: toxicity and extraordinary efficacy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/9a/cro0003-0131.PMC2919988.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4602496", "abstract": "Abstract Lateral talar process fragment excision may be followed by hindfoot instability and altered biomechanics. There is controversy regarding the ideal fragment size for internal fixation versus excision and a concern that excision of a large fragment may lead to significant instability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a simulated large lateral talar process excision on ankle and subtalar joint stability. A custom-made seesaw rig was designed to apply inversion/eversion stress loading on 7 fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower legs and investigate them in pre-excision, 5 cm3 and 10 cm3 lateral talar process fragment excision states. Anteroposterior radiographs were taken to assess ankle and subtalar joint tilt and calculate angular change from neutral hindfoot alignment to 10-kg forced inversion/eversion. Ankle joint pressures and contact areas were measured under 30-kg axial load in neutral hindfoot alignment. In comparison to the pre-excision state, no significantly different mediolateral angular change was observed in the subtalar joint after 5 and 10 cm3 lateral talar process fragment excision in inversion and eversion. With respect to the ankle joint, 10-cm3 fragment excision produced significantly bigger inversion tibiotalar tilt compared with the pre-excision state, P = .04. No significant change of the ankle joint pressure and contact area was detected after 5 and 10-cm3 excision in comparison with the pre-excison state. An excision of up to 10 cm3 of the lateral talar process does not cause a significant instability at the level of the subtalar joint but might be a destabilizing factor at the ankle joint under inversion stress. The latter could be related to extensive soft tissue dissection required for resection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/81/medi-94-e606.PMC4602496.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4915886", "abstract": "Abstract Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the thyroid gland is extremely rare. Currently, the diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation for LCH involving thyroid is a challenge. We reported a rare case of LCH involving thyroid, presenting as painless thyroid goiters, and successfully performed positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to make an accurate diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation for LCH. Although the histology or cytology is the golden standard for the diagnosis of LCH involving thyroid, the PET/CT should be keep in mind when LCH involving thyroid with inconclusive cytologic results. During the treatment of LCH, PET/CT can be performed to assess the therapeutic effect and select the most effective and reliable treatment for LCH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/81/c3/medi-94-e1891.PMC4915886.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4914811", "abstract": "Abstract Introduction International collaboration is recognised for enhancing the ability to approach complex problems from a variety of perspectives, increasing development of a wider range of research skills and techniques and improving publication and acceptance rates. The aim of this paper is to describe the current status of international collaboration in medical radiation science and compare this to other allied health occupations. Methods This study utilised a content analysis approach where co‐authorship of a journal article was used as a proxy for research collaboration and the papers were assigned to countries based on the corporate address given in the by‐line of the publication. A convenience sample method was employed and articles published in the professional medical radiation science journals in the countries represented within our research team – Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) were sampled. Physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and nursing were chosen for comparison. Results Rates of international collaboration in medical radiation science journals from Australia, the UK and the USA have steadily increased over the 3‐year period sampled. Medical radiation science demonstrated lower average rates of international collaboration than the other allied health occupations sampled. The average rate of international collaboration in nursing was far below that of the allied health occupations sampled. Overall, the UK had the highest average rate of international collaboration, followed by Australia and the USA, the lowest. Conclusion Overall, medical radiation science is lagging in international collaboration in comparison to other allied health fields.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/c4/JMRS-63-075.PMC4914811.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2939406", "abstract": "HbA1c is a standard clinical assessment of glycemia and the basis of most data relating glycemic control to complications. While daily blood glucose testing gives a picture of day-to-day fluctuations, the HbA1c test offers an overview of how well glucose has been controlled over the past 4 months. I devised an innovative mathematical model to describe novel equations governing HbA1c which enables analysis of HbA1c behavior and provides emerging new concepts in assessment of diabetes management. Linear relationship of HbA1c and mean plasma glucose along with the kinetic analysis of HbA1c formation has been used as the basic suppositions to construct this model. The main application of this devised model is prediction of mean plasma glucose at any desired point in time after a change in therapy and with great certainty. This model also appraises the pattern of HbA1c changes over time and provides a unique opportunity to address common mistakes and misconceptions in routine application of HbA1c that could have potentially important implications on diabetes control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/64/PMC2939406.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649349", "abstract": " Antimalarial drug resistance remains a major obstacle in malaria control. Evidence from Southeast Asia shows that resistance to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is inevitable. Ethnopharmacological studies have confirmed the efficacy of curcumin against Plasmodium spp. Drug interaction assays between curcumin/piperine/chloroquine and curcumin/piperine/artemisinin combinations and the potential of drug treatment to interfere with the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) were analyzed. In vivo efficacy of curcumin was studied in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi clones resistant to chloroquine and artemisinin, and drug interactions were analyzed by isobolograms. Subtherapeutic doses of curcumin, chloroquine, and artemisinin were administered to mice, and mRNA was collected following treatment for RT-PCR analysis of genes encoding deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). Curcumin was found be nontoxic in BALB/c mice. The combination of curcumin/chloroquine/piperine reduced parasitemia to 37", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/66/c7/PMC3649349.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC280692", "abstract": "In recent years many efforts of researchers and clinicians were made to improve our knowledge of cachexia syndrome. Not only cancer, but also many chronic or end-stage diseases such as AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are associated with cachexia, a condition of abnormally low weight, weakness, and general bodily decline which deteriorates quality of life and reduces the prognosis of the patients who suffer from it. In the present editorial we will focus cachexia related on cancer and provide some insight into this prognosis-limiting syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/32/PMC280692.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2664217", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To describe the degree of difficulty that HIV-infected patients have with therapy treatment. INTRODUCTION Patients’ perceptions about their treatment are a determinant factor for improved adherence and a better quality of life. METHODS Two cross-sectional analyses were conducted in public AIDS referral centers in Brazil among patients initiating treatment. Patients interviewed at baseline, after one month, and after seven months following the beginning of treatment were asked to classify and justify the degree of difficulty with treatment. Logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS Among 406 patients initiating treatment, 350 (86.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/99/PMC2664217.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2206490", "abstract": "In 2005, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines stated: Unconscious adult patients with spontaneous circulation after out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32 to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours. Patients with cardiac arrest from a non-shockable rhythm, in-hospital patients and children may also benefit from hypothermia. There is no argument to wait. We have to treat the next unconscious cardiac arrest patient with hypothermia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/91/PMC2206490.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3095185", "abstract": "Traditional herbal (Kampo) medicines have been used since ancient times to treat patients with mental disorders. In the present report, we describe four patients with dysthymia successfully treated with Kampo medicines: Kamiuntanto (KUT). These four patients fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for dysthymic disorder with easy fatigability and sleeplessness, but did not fulfill the criteria for major depressive disorder. Treatment with KUT relieved depressive status, fatigue and sleeplessness in these patients. As a result, their QOL (quality of life) was considerably improved. KUT may be useful as an additional or alternative treatment for dysthymia, especially in the field of primary health care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/2c/PMC3095185.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3680606", "abstract": "Background The role of totally implantable central venous port (TICVP) system is increasing. Implantation performed by radiologist with ultrasound-guided access of vein and fluoroscope-guided positioning of catheter is widely accepted nowadays. In this article, we summarized our experience of TICVP system by surgeon and present the success and complication rate of this surgical method. Materials and Methods Between March 2009 and December 2010, 245 ports were implanted in 242 patients by surgeon. These procedures were performed with one small skin incision and subcutaneous puncture of subclavian vein. Patient's profiles, indications of port system, early and delayed complications, and implanted period were evaluated. Results There were 82 men and 160 women with mean age of 55.74. Port system was implanted on right chest in 203, and left chest in 42 patients. There was no intraoperative complication. Early complications occurred in 11 patients (4.49", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/cf/kjtcs-46-202.PMC3680606.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3642948", "abstract": "Miliary mottling on chest radiography is seen in miliary tuberculosis, certain fungal infections, sarcoidosis, coal miner’s pneumoconiosis, silicosis, hemosiderosis, fibrosing alveolitis, acute extrinsic allergic alveolitis, pulmonary eosinophilic syndrome, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and rarely in hematogenous metastases from the primary cancers of the thyroid, kidney, trophoblasts, and some sarcomas. Although very infrequent, miliary mottling can be seen in primary lung cancers. Herein, we report the case of a 28-year-old female with chest X-ray showing miliary mottling. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) features were suggestive of tuberculoma with miliary tuberculosis. CT-guided fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis as lower-lobe, left lung non-small cell carcinoma (adenocarcinoma). It is rare for the non-small cell carcinoma of the lung to present as miliary mottling. The rarity of our case lies in the fact that a young, non-smoking female with miliary mottling was diagnosed with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/7a/PMC3642948.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5293421", "abstract": "Abstract Self-poisoning is an important medical and social problem in adolescents. We performed an observational cross-sectional retrospective study on a group of 219 adolescents admitted for voluntary intoxications at “St. Mary” Children's Emergency Hospital, Iasi during 1 year period. Epidemiological aspects and triggering factors have been analyzed. Data collected from the patients’ files were centralized in an SPSS 18.0 database and processed with confidence interval of 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/f6/medi-96-e5831.PMC5293421.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3167962", "abstract": "The transfusion-medicine specialists and physicians are often in a difficult situation when the patient has severe worsening anemia and all the blood is mismatched. This situation can arise in patients with red cell autoantibodies or alloantibodies due to previous transfusions. We report two cases of immune hemolysis – one due to warm auto antibodies and the second due to alloimmunization from multiple transfusions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/8b/JLP-1-22.PMC3167962.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3848317", "abstract": " Background. The contour of the common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow velocity waveform changes with age; CCA flow velocity increases during late systole, and this may contribute to cerebrovascular disease. Late systolic flow velocity augmentation can be quantified using the flow augmentation index (FAIx). We examined hemodynamic correlates of FAIx to gain insight into determinants of CCA flow patterns. Methods. CCA Doppler ultrasound and wave intensity analysis (WIA) were used to assess regional hemodynamics in 18 young healthy men (age 22 ± 1 years). Forward waves (W 1) and backward waves (negative area, NA) were measured and used to calculate the reflection index (NA/W 1 = RIx). Additional parameters included W 2 which is a forward travelling expansion/decompression wave of myocardial origin that produces suction, CCA single-point pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness, and CCA pressure augmentation index (AIx). Results. Primary correlates of FAIx included W 2 (r = − 0.52, P < 0.05), logRIx (r = 0.56, P < 0.05), and AIx (r = 0.60, P < 0.05). FAIx was not associated with CCA stiffness (P > 0.05). Conclusions. FAIx is a complex ventricular-vascular coupling parameter that is associated with both increased expansion wave magnitude (increased suction from the left ventricle) and increased pressure from wave reflections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/fe/PMC3848317.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3249311", "abstract": "A 43-year-old woman was diagnosed with an intravenous leiomyomatosis at a previous hospital and transferred to our hospital to undergo surgical treatment. Emergency one-stage operation for coincidental removal of intra-abdominal, right atrial, and intravenous masses were planned. Upon arriving at the operating room, she suffered a sudden onset of severe dyspnea and showed hemodynamic instability. Intraoperative TEE showed pulmonary embolization of a right atrial mass. Removal of the pulmonary artery mass and the intra-abdominal mass, and the cardiopulmonary bypass were performed without any complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/95/kjtcs-44-243.PMC3249311.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2914298", "abstract": "The broad mite is a serious pest of a variety of crops worldwide. Several phytoseiid mites have been described to control these mites. However, broad mites are still one of the major pest problems on greenhouse pepper in South-eastern Spain. The generalist predatory mite A. swirskii is widely used against other pests of pepper plants such as thrips and whiteflies, the latter being a vector of broad mites. We assessed the potential of A. swirskii to control broad mites. The oviposition rate of A. swirskii on a diet of broad mites was lower than on a diet of pollen, but higher than oviposition in the absence of food. Population-dynamical experiments with A. swirskii on single sweet pepper plants in a greenhouse compartment showed successful control of broad mites.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/ab/10493_2010_Article_9343.PMC2914298.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3114485", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Previous studies have suggested that preterm birth is associated with diabetes later in life. These studies have shown inconsistent results for late preterm births and have had various limitations, including the inability to evaluate diabetic outpatients or to estimate risk across the full range of gestational ages. Our objective was to determine whether preterm birth is associated with diabetes medication prescription in a national cohort of young adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a national cohort study of 630,090 infants born in Sweden from 1973 through 1979 (including 27,953 born preterm, gestational age <37 weeks), followed for diabetes medication prescription in 2005–2009 (ages 25.5–37.0 years). Medication data were obtained from all outpatient and inpatient pharmacies throughout Sweden. RESULTS Individuals born preterm, including those born late preterm (gestational age 35–36 weeks), had modestly increased odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes medication prescription relative to those born full term, after adjusting for fetal growth and other potential confounders. Insulin and/or oral diabetes medications were prescribed to 1.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/0e/1109.PMC3114485.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2246212", "abstract": "An evaluation of critical care outreach services was published in the previous issue of Critical Care that fails to demonstrate any important outcome benefit associated with these services. It is now time to ask some difficult questions about the future of outreach, including whether the lack of evidence should lead to disinvest-ment in such services.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/98/PMC2246212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2771802", "abstract": "A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The day after paclitaxel was administered, an acute myocardial infarction occurred. Emergency coronary angiography revealed a filling defect in the left main coronary artery and total occlusion in the distal left anterior descending coronary artery, with no luminal irregularity or narrowing. Intravascular ultrasonography showed no significant plaque in the left main coronary artery. A thrombophilia work-up was negative, and the patient was treated with tirofiban, clopidogrel, and aspirin. The follow-up coronary angiogram showed that the occlusion of the distal obtuse marginal branch and distal left anterior descending artery had cleared. Paclitaxel has been associated with acute myocardial infarction. However, the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction associated with paclitaxel is not known. This case raises the possibility that paclitaxel can induce coronary artery thrombosis, resulting in myocardial infarction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/a1/kcj-39-124.PMC2771802.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4837609", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Background Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumour that may exhibit aggressive biological behaviour with local recurrence and metastasis following initial surgical resection. Surgery is the most acceptable modality of treatment, even if a biological approach is currently on study. We report a case of maxillary ameloblastoma with development of neck and brain metastases after repeated local recurrences. Molecular analysis was performed with the aim to better characterize this neoplasm and its peculiar behaviour. Methods We investigated the status of tumour protein p53 (TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes with immunohistochemical, fluorescent in situ hybridization and/or direct sequencing in order to clarify their possible role in the development of this neoplasm and the possibility of a targeted treatment. Results The histological appearance of the tumour was the same in the primary lesion, in the recurrence and in the metastases. EGFR positivity was present in the recurrence and the brain metastasis, while HER2 was negative in all samples tested. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for EGFR showed disomy of neoplastic cells. Direct DNA sequencing of TP53 gene exons 5 - 9 was carried out in tumour samples from the infratemporal recurrence and brain metastasis, with no mutational alteration detected. Similarly, sequencing analysis of BRAF exon 15 (V600) and EGFR gene showed wild type results in all samples tested. Conclusions Further studies are needed to identify molecular pathways that may provide an opportunity of alternative treatments and/or new potential predictive markers of local and distant spread of this rare tumour.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/ba/jomr-07-e5.PMC4837609.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897151", "abstract": "Out of fifty-five Bacillus isolates obtained from ten different regional locations and sources, seven showed the ability to consistently produce specific extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) on rich as well as synthetic but nonspecific media which did not contain glutamic acid. The isolates were identified as either Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis. The EPS from all isolates was resistant to alpha protease, proteinase K, and was thus of high molecular weight. Further it was detected after SDS-PAGE by methylene blue but not by coomassie blue R staining as in case of proteins with high proportion of acidic amino acids. Cell-free EPS, after acid hydrolysis, showed absence of carbohydrates and presence of only glutamic acid. Thus the native the EPS from all seven isolates was confirmed to be gamma polyglutamic acid (PGA) and not exopolysaccharide. The Bacillus isolate T which produced maximum polymer on all media tested had higher amylase: protease activity as compared to other strains. If inoculum was developed in rich medium as compared to synthetic medium, the PGA produced increased by twofold in the subsequent synthetic production medium. Similarly, use of inoculum consisting of young and vegetative cells also increased the PGA production by twofold though amount of inoculum did not affect yield of PGA. Though PGA was produced in even in the absence of glutamic acid supplementation in the production medium by all isolates, the yield of PGA increased by fourfold in the presence glutamic acid and the maximum yield was 30 g/l for isolate K. The supplementation of glutamine instead of glutamic acid into the medium caused an increase in the viscosity of the non-Newtonian solution of PGA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/1a/PMC4897151.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4214946", "abstract": "Metastasis to the primary thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare. We report here a case of colonic adenocarcinoma metastasis to medullary thyroid carcinoma in a 53-yr old man with a history of colon cancer. He showed a nodular lesion, suggesting malignancy in the thyroid gland, in a follow-up examination after colon cancer surgery. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland showed tumor cell clusters, which was suspected to be medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy. Using several specific immunohistochemical stains, the patient was diagnosed with colonic adenocarcinoma metastasis to MTC. To the best of our knowledge, the present patient is the first case of colonic adenocarcinoma metastasizing to MTC. Although tumor-tumor metastasis to primary thyroid carcinoma is very rare, we still should consider metastasis to the thyroid gland, when a patient with a history of other malignancy presents with a new thyroid finding. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/0b/jkms-29-1432.PMC4214946.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5345496", "abstract": "Since 1957, there has been major reorganization of health care services in Malaysia. This article assesses the changes and challenges in health care delivery in Malaysia and how the management in health care processes has evolved over the years including equitable health care and health care financing. The health care service in Malaysia is changing towards wellness service as opposed to illness service. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH), being the main provider of health services, may need to manage and mobilize better health care services by providing better health care financing mechanisms. It is recommended that partnership between public and private sectors with the extension of traditional medicine complementing western medicine in medical therapy continues in the delivery of health care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/b8/jphia-2011-2-e23.PMC5345496.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5360371", "abstract": "Engaging in a physically active lifestyle relates positively to current health and reduces chances of chronic diseases in the future. Given escalating health care costs, it is paramount to reduce illnesses associated with a lack of physical activity and thus critical to identify factors that influence physical activity - especially in children, with the opportunity for a lifetime impact. One of these influencing factors may be parents/guardians. The intent of this study was to examine the relationship between children’s physical activity levels and parental factors including parental physical activity, support/encouragement, restrictiveness, and self-reported participation. Data was collected from 15 child-parent pairs with children ranging in age from 7 to 10 years. Daily physical activity levels were determined from pedometer data using a Piezo SC-Step Pedometer. Number of steps and moderate and vigorous physical activity were extracted from the pedometers and levels of support/encouragement, restrictiveness, and participation were quantified from parents’ self-reported responses to a questionnaire created for this study. Pearson Product correlation analyses were carried out between: the children’s and parent steps (r = −0.069; p = 0.597); children’s steps and parent’s self-reported encouragement/support (r = 0.045, p = 0.563); children’s steps and parents’ self-reported restrictiveness (r = −.0254, p = 0.820); and children’s steps and parents’ self-reported participation (r = −0.002, p = 0.503). The lack of significant relationships among these variables implies that more complex interactions occur between children and their parents regarding physical activity with children’s participation influenced by other factors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/29/PMC5360371.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2821648", "abstract": "Magnetization transfer imaging (MT) may have considerable promise for early detection and monitoring of subtle brain changes before they are apparent on conventional magnetic resonance images. At 3 Tesla (T), MT affords higher resolution and increased tissue contrast associated with macromolecules. The reliability and reproducibility of a new high-resolution MT strategy were assessed in brain images acquired from 9 healthy subjects. Repeated measures were taken for 12 brain regions of interest (ROIs): genu, splenium, and the left and right hemispheres of the hippocampus, caudate, putamen, thalamus, and cerebral white matter. Spearman's correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were computed. Multivariate mixed-effects regression models were used to fit the mean ROI values and to test the significance of the effects due to region, subject, observer, time, and manual repetition. A sensitivity analysis of various model specifications and the corresponding ICCs was conducted. Our statistical methods may be generalized to many similar evaluative studies of the reliability and reproducibility of various imaging modalities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/57/PMC2821648.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4178910", "abstract": "Oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. The study was aimed to assess the degree of the pro/antioxidative imbalance and estimate which antioxidant plays a role in the maintenance of pro/antioxidative balance during acute pancreatitis. The study was investigated in the blood of 32 patients with acute pancreatitis and 37 healthy subjects. IL-6 concentration as early marker of inflammation was determinated. The intensity of oxidative stress was assessed by TBARS concentration. To investigate antioxidative status, the GPx and Cu/Zn SOD activities and the levels of GSH, MT, SH groups, and TRAP were measured. The concentrations of Cu and Zn as ions participating in the maintenance of antioxidant enzymes stability and playing a role in the course of disease were determinated. The activities of GGT, AAP, NAG, and β-GD as markers of tissue damage were also measured. An increase in IL-6 concentration, which correlated with Ranson criteria, and an increase in GPx activity, levels of MT, TBARS, or GGT, and NAG activities in patients group compared to healthy subjects were demonstrated. A decrease in GSH level in patients group compared to control group was noted. The studies suggest that GPx/GSH and MT play the role of the first line of defence against oxidative stress and pro/antioxidant imbalance in the course of acute pancreatitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/c2/PMC4178910.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4513773", "abstract": "Background: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a very common complaint of patients undergoing crown and bridge restorations on vital teeth. Of the many desensitizing agents used to counter this issue, desensitizing laser treatment is emerging as one of the most successful treatment modality. However, the dentinal changes brought about by the desensitizing laser application could affect the bond strength of luting cements. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted 48 maxillary first premolars, which were intact and morphologically similar were selected for the study. The specimens were divided into two groups, an untreated the control group and a desensitizing laser-treated group, which were exposed to Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium, Selenium, Galium, Garnet laser at 0.5 W potency for 15 s. Each of the above two groups were again randomly divided into two subgroups, on to which full veneer metal crowns, which were custom fabricated were luted using glass-ionomer and resin luting cements, respectively. Tensile bond strength of the luting cements was evaluated with the help of a Universal Testing Machine. Statistical analysis of the values were done using descriptive, independent samples’ test, and two-way ANOVA test. Results: The tensile bond strength of crowns luted on desensitizing laser treated specimens using self-adhesive resin cement showed a marginal increase in bond strength though it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The self-adhesive resin cements could be recommended as the luting agent of choice for desensitizing laser treated abutment teeth, as it showed better bond strength.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/d1/JIOH-7-36.PMC4513773.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3266613", "abstract": "Hemispheric asymmetries play an important role in almost all cognitive functions. For more than a century, they were considered to be uniquely human but now an increasing number of findings in all vertebrate classes make it likely that we inherited our asymmetries from common ancestors. Thus, studying animal models could provide unique insights into the mechanisms of lateralization. We outline three such avenues of research by providing an overview of experiments on left–right differences in the connectivity of sensory systems, the embryonic determinants of brain asymmetries, and the genetics of lateralization. All these lines of studies could provide a wealth of insights into our own asymmetries that should and will be exploited by future analyses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/64/fpsyg-03-00005.PMC3266613.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3132999", "abstract": "We report a case of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) associated with optic neuropathy. The visual acuity in the right eye was suddenly reduced to no light perception on awakening in the morning. Fundus examination of both eyes on the same day showed no remarkable changes. Emergency computed tomography showed pan-sinusitis bilaterally and a partial defect of the sphenoid bone on the right side. From the clinical findings, the case was diagnosed as optic neuropathy associated with chronic sinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed on the same day, and all of the major sinuses were found to be filled with highly viscous fluid. Part of the optic canal had a defect probably due to inflammatory invasion from the adjacent sphenoid bone. Steroid therapy was started immediately postoperatively. Histopathological examination of excised polyps showed that numerous eosinophils had invaded the polyps but no hyphae were present. The patient reported that he had bronchial asthma and had had nasal polypectomy. Six months after the ESS and steroid therapy, the patient had a recurrence of the sinusitis. At that time, laboratory examination showed an elevation of total IgE and eosinophil numbers. From the clinical findings and course, this case was diagnosed as ECRS accompanied by optic neuropathy. Although ECRS rarely has ocular complications, the inflammation can spread and the optic nerve can be affected.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/3a/PMC3132999.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3275933", "abstract": " Background. We assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on malaria as well as acceptability to indoor residual spraying. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done in a community in Geita district (northwest Tanzania). Household heads (n = 366) were interviewed Results.  Knowledge on malaria transmission, prevention, and treatment was reasonable; 56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/8c/PMC3275933.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3135132", "abstract": "Oxidative stress and apoptosis are frequently cited to explain neuronal cell damage in various neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson' s disease. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are phytosterols recognized to promote stress tolerance of vegetables via modulation of the antioxidative enzyme cascade. However, their antioxidative effects on mammalian neuronal cells have never been examined so far.  We analyzed the ability of 24-epibrassinolide (24-Epi), a natural BR, to protect neuronal PC12 cells from 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- (MPP+-) induced oxidative stress and consequent apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons. Our results demonstrate that 24-Epi reduces the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and modulates superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Finally, we determined that the antioxidative properties of 24-Epi lead to the inhibition of MPP+-induced apoptosis by reducing DNA fragmentation as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio and cleaved caspase-3. This is the first time that the potent antioxidant and neuroprotective role of 24-Epi has been shown in a mammalian neuronal cell line.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ee/69/PMC3135132.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981211", "abstract": "Early diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is essential because of its associated life threatening coagulopathy and unique response to all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy. The characteristic cell morphology supplemented by cytochemistry offers the most rapid means for diagnosis. Here we describe a rare case of acute promyelocytic leukemia-hypogranular variant that poses particular diagnostic challenge.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/b2/PMC3981211.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2915857", "abstract": "Anthrax, a zoonotic disease that primarily affects herbivores, has received recent attention as a potential agent of bioterrorism. We report a patient who presented with a 4-day history of pain, watering and difficulty in opening the left upper and lower eyelids, and fever. Clinical examination revealed brawny nonpitting edema with serosanguinous discharge. The history of the death of his sheep 1 week prior to the illness provided the clue to the diagnosis. Although standard cultures of the blood and the serous fluid from the lesion were negative, probably as a result of prior treatment, the diagnosis of cutaneous anthrax was made by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test of the serous fluid. Serial photographs demonstrating resolution of the lesion with appropriate antibiotic therapy are presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/b4/PMC2915857.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4937258", "abstract": "Background Cystatin C is associated with both renal function and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We have previously shown a genetic correlation between cystatin C and prevalent ASCVD. The objective of this article is to study whether variation in cystatin C or creatinine predicts incident ASCVD when controlled for genetic factors. Methods and Results The predictive value of cystatin C and creatinine for incident ASCVD was studied in 11 402 Swedish twins, free of CVD at baseline, in an adjusted Cox‐regression model during a median follow‐up of 71 months. Twin pairs discordant for incident stroke, myocardial infarction and ASCVD during follow‐up were identified and within‐pair comparisons regarding cystatin C and creatinine levels were performed. We also investigated whether contact frequency and degree of shared environment influences were associated with similarity in cystatin C levels. In univariate analysis, cystatin C predicted incident ASCVD hazard ratio 1.57, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/c1/JAH3-5-e003085.PMC4937258.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5014459", "abstract": "Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a sight-threatening condition that is encountered in various inflammatory settings including chemical injury. We recently confirmed that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a potent angiogenic and proinflammatory factor in the cornea, and we have produced a single-stranded proline-modified short hairpin anti-ANGPTL2 RNA interference molecule that is carried in a lipid nanoparticle (ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA) for topical application. In this study, we have further examined the topical delivery and anti-ANGPTL2 activity of this molecule and have found that fluorescence-labeled ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA eye drops can penetrate all layers of the cornea and that ANGPTL2 mRNA expression was dramatically inhibited in both epithelium and stroma at 12 and 24 hours after administration. We also examined the inhibitory effect of ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA on CNV in a mouse chemical injury model and found that the area of angiogenesis was significantly decreased in corneas treated with ANGPTL2 Li-pshRNA eye drops compared to controls. Together, these findings indicate that this modified RNA interference agent is clinically viable in a topical formulation for use against CNV.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/fd/mtna20161a.PMC5014459.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5115695", "abstract": "Background Oral glucocorticoids (GCs) have been shown to be effective in reducing the inflammatory symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but their use is not supported by evidence in spondyloarthritis (SpA). Modified-release (MR) oral prednisone taken at bedtime has been shown to be more effective than immediate-release prednisone taken in the morning. The efficacy of low-dose MR prednisolone in patients with SpA is unknown. Patients and methods This single-center cohort study retrospectively assessed the effectiveness and safety of 12-week low-dose MR prednisone (5 mg daily, bedtime administration) in GC-naïve adult patients with symptomatic axial SpA. A 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/aa/dddt-10-3717.PMC5115695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3279888", "abstract": " Leishmania is a protozoan parasite belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae, which is found among 88 different countries. The parasite lives as an amastigote in vertebrate macrophages and as a promastigote in the digestive tract of sand fly. It can be cultured in the laboratory using appropriate culture media. Although the sexual cycle of Leishmania has not been observed during the promastigote and amastigote stages, it has been reported by some researchers. Leishmania has eukaryotic cell organization. Cell culture is convenient and cost effective, and because posttranslational modifications are common processes in the cultured cells, the cells are used as hosts for preparing eukaryotic recombinant proteins for research. Several transcripts of rDNA in the Leishmania genome are suitable regions for conducting gene transfer. Old World Leishmania spp. has 36 chromosomes, while New World Leishmania spp. has 34 or 35 chromosomes. The genomic organization and parasitic characteristics have been investigated. Leishmania spp. has a unique genomic organization among eukaryotes; the genes do not have introns, and the chromosomes are smaller with larger numbers of genes confined to a smaller space within the nucleus. Leishmania spp. genes are organized on one or both DNA strands and are transcribed as polycistronic (prokaryotic-like) transcripts from undefined promoters. Regulation of gene expression in the members of Trypanosomatidae differs from that in other eukaryotes. The trans-splicing phenomenon is a necessary step for mRNA processing in lower eukaryotes and is observed in Leishmania spp. Another particular feature of RNA editing in Leishmania spp. is that mitochondrial genes encoding respiratory enzymes are edited and transcribed. This review will discuss the chromosomal and mitochondrial (kinetoplast) genomes of Leishmania spp. as well as the phenomenon of RNA editing in the kinetoplast genome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/e1/IJP-6-001.PMC3279888.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5352227", "abstract": "Background This study aimed to assess undernutrition and associated factors among 24–36-month-old children in the slum areas of Bahir Dar city. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 children from May 1 to 26, 2015. The simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for analysis. The prevalence of undernutrition was computed. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were also carried out to identify the association between the independent and dependent variables and the predictors of undernutrition, respectively. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant in the final model. Result The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/e3/ijgm-10-079.PMC5352227.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3892610", "abstract": "Mycobacterium wolinskyi is a rapidly growing mycobacterium, first described in 1999 as a member of the group Mycobacterium smegmatis (Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium wolinskyi and Mycobacterium goodii). Only 19 case reports all over the world have been described on literature, none of them in Brazil. On this report, it is described one case of infection after a mammoplasty procedure performed in a private health service in the county of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2009. The mycobacteria specie was identified using biochemical tests and sequencing the specific gene rpoB. To treat the infection by Mycobacterium wolinskyi it was necessary to combine antibiotics for a long period of time associated with surgical procedures of the breast abscesses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/95/idr-2013-2-e12.PMC3892610.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4582538", "abstract": "Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has resulted in various bile duct injuries. Treatment of these injuries is usually difficult and often leads to an intractable clinical course. We herein present a case of isolated right anterior sector (RAS) duct injury induced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The bile duct injury was successfully treated by hepatic atrophy induction. Imaging studies revealed that the RAS duct was severed, probably due to rare anatomical variations. Considering the difficulty in surgical reconstruction, atrophy induction of the involved hepatic parenchyma was attempted. This treatment consisted of embolization of the RAS portal branch to inhibit bile production, induction of heavy adhesion at the bile leak site to ensure percutaneous pigtail clamping, and sequential clamping and removal of pigtail catheters. This procedure took 3 months prior to pigtail catheter removal. She was free from other complications during the first 12 months and to date. She will be followed up for 5 years overall including surveillance for hepatobiliary complications. Although this therapeutic induction of atrophy approach is not universally applicable, it can be considered to be a feasible option in unique situations such as this one.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/09/kjhbps-15-189.PMC4582538.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4399697", "abstract": "Summary  Introduction: The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a bone conduction hearing device that transmits sound directly into the inner ear. It is mainly used in patients with conductive hearing loss associated with aural atresia, but it is also used in those with mixed and sensorineural hearing loss.  Goals: To review the main indications for BAHA, to analyze the audiometric results and its benefits for patients and compare them with other treatment modalities, and to compare the literature data with our sample of 13 patients.  Method: The research was performed using a database covering works in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with no limitations in the years when the procedures were performed. We compared the literature data with our results for the 13 patients who underwent BAHA implantation between the years 2000 and 2009.  Results: Most of the studies showed that BAHA has great advantages over reconstructive surgery in terms of hearing results, complications, and disease recurrence. The postoperative results for our 13 patients were satisfactory and comparable with the results from the literature, with closure of the air-bone gap in 7 patients and achieving an air-bone gap of 10 dB in 6 patients. No postoperative complications were observed.  Conclusion: BAHA is a better treatment option than reconstructive surgery for patients with bilateral deafness. It is a relatively simple surgical procedure with few complications and good hearing results. Recent studies have examined its use in conductive and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/5e/PMC4399697.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4163301", "abstract": " Introduction. In 2000, the Dunedin School of Medicine (one of Otago Medical School's 3 clinical schools) introduced 7-week rural placement. A survey of students conducted before attending the placement showed that most students did not perceive faculty to have a positive view of rural health. In 2007, we explored whether students' perceptions had changed. Method. All 5th year medical students at Otago Medical School were surveyed using items from the original study. The perceptions of students in Dunedin were compared with those of students in the other clinical schools (no rural rotation) and with those of students in the original study. Results. In 2007, there was a significantly increased likelihood of students from Dunedin reporting perceptions of positive faculty attitudes towards rural health compared with students from the other two clinical schools and with Dunedin students from the original survey. Conclusion. The results suggest that student perceptions of faculty attitudes in the school towards rural health may be changed following the introduction of a general practice rural placement to its curriculum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/04/PMC4163301.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3030058", "abstract": "We experienced a case of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in 6-year-old boy during anesthesia induction for strabismus surgery. It has been generally reported that sevoflurane can induce the delayed onset of MH in the absence of succinylcholine. Our case of MH was elicited after about 2-3 min of sevoflurane administration with N2O, O2 and rocuronium. However, we successfully treated the patient by early recognition of his condition and administering symptomatic treatment and dantrolene.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/de/kjae-59-S6.PMC3030058.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970098", "abstract": "Objectives: Data mining algorithms have been developed for the quantitative detection of drug-associated adverse events (signals) from a large database on spontaneously reported adverse events. In the present study, the commonality of signals detected by 4 commonly used data mining algorithms was examined. Methods: A total of 2,231,029 reports were retrieved from the public release of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database between 2004 and 2009. The deletion of duplicated submissions and revision of arbitrary drug names resulted in a reduction in the number of reports to 1,644,220. Associations with adverse events were analyzed for 16 unrelated drugs, using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), information component (IC), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM). Results: All EBGM-based signals were included in the PRR-based signals as well as IC- or ROR-based ones, and PRR- and IC-based signals were included in ROR-based ones. The PRR scores of PRR-based signals were significantly larger for 15 of 16 drugs when adverse events were also detected as signals by the EBGM method, as were the IC scores of IC-based signals for all drugs; however, no such effect was observed in the ROR scores of ROR-based signals. Conclusions: The EBGM method was the most conservative among the 4 methods examined, which suggested its better suitability for pharmacoepidemiological studies. Further examinations should be performed on the reproducibility of clinical observations, especially for EBGM-based signals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/3b/ijmsv11p0461.PMC3970098.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4733315", "abstract": "Background: Negative emotions are the best predictors for psychological and physical health. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of difficulties in emotion regulation and mindfulness on psychological and somatic symptoms of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the studied sample was selected using census method. A total of 167 patients with FGID completed a demographic questionnaire, difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS), depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS), and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). To examine the relationship between studied variables, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were used. Results: The findings of the study indicate that difficulties in emotion regulation and mindfulness are significantly correlated to both increased psychological and somatic symptoms. Some factors of difficulties in emotion regulation positively predicted those symptoms. Among these factors, only lack of awareness was not significantly correlated with both symptoms as well as decreased mindfulness. Conclusions: The findings suggest some potential targets to reduce symptoms. Patients with FGID may benefit from treatments that facilitate emotional experience, functional status, and ability to control impulsive behaviors and behave according to the goals when experiencing negative emotions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/13/ijpbs-09-954.PMC4733315.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3816131", "abstract": "The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been increasing worldwide. Therefore, a novel therapeutic strategy by which to prevent T2DM is urgently required. Calorie restriction (CR) can retard the aging processes, and delay the onset of numerous age-related diseases including diabetes. Metabolic CR mimetics may be therefore included as novel therapeutic targets for T2DM. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that is induced by CR, is closely associated with lifespan elongation under CR. SIRT1 regulates glucose/lipid metabolism through its deacetylase activity on many substrates. SIRT1 in pancreatic β-cells positively regulates insulin secretion and protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, and has positive roles in the metabolic pathway via the modulation in insulin signaling. SIRT1 also regulates adiponectin secretion, inflammation, glucose production, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and circadian rhythms. Several SIRT1 activators, including resveratrol have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in animal models of insulin resistance. Therefore, SIRT1 may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of T2DM, implicating with CR. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the biological functions of SIRT1 and discuss its potential as a promising therapeutic target for T2DM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/56/dmj-37-315.PMC3816131.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4416132", "abstract": "Background Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare and highly aggressive disease with no evidence of effect from adjuvant therapy. It is further associated with the hereditary syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Silencing of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A through DNA promoter hypermethylation is known to be involved in cancer development, but its impact in MPNSTs remains unsettled. Methods The RASSF1A promoter was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR in 113 specimens, including 44 NF1-associated MPNSTs, 47 sporadic MPNSTs, 21 benign neurofibromas, and 1 nonneoplastic nerve sheath control. Results RASSF1A methylation was found only in the malignant samples (60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/b8/nou140.PMC4416132.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4052076", "abstract": " Objective. Most snakebite deaths occur prior to hospital arrival; yet inexpensive, effective, and easy to administer out-of-hospital treatments do not exist. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be therapeutic in neurotoxic envenomations when administered intravenously, but nasally delivered drugs could facilitate prehospital therapy for these patients. We tested the feasibility of this idea in experimentally envenomed mice. Methods. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of Naja naja venom 2.5 to 10 times the estimated LD50 and then received 5 μL neostigmine (0.5 mg/mL) or 5 μL normal saline by nasal administration. Animals were observed up to 12 hours and survivors were euthanized. Results. 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/26/PMC4052076.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2861933", "abstract": "Background and objective Squint surgery is frequently performed successfully in Hyderabad. However, no study in any detail has been performed on the outcome of monocular surgery for horizontal squint in the region. This study aims to determine the results of monocular surgery for horizontal trabismus. Design Retrospective/observational study. Subjects and methods The study was conducted on patients aged under 45 years, presenting with horizontal strabismus and undergoing monocular squint surgery. Anterior segment slit lamp examination, and if possible, posterior segment examination with 90 diopter (D) and 78 D fundoscopes was performed. Angle of deviation was measured. Patients were divided into two groups (esotropia and exotropia). Investigations were performed. Surgery was done under general anesthesia. A second surgical procedure was performed after six months for any residual deviations. Results After squint surgery, patients in group 1 (79", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/7f/PMC2861933.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4569772", "abstract": "A novel fluorescent reagent for determination of ammonium, 4-methoxyphthalaldehyde (MOPA), was successfully synthesized in this study. Under alkaline conditions, MOPA could reacted with ammonium rapidly at room temperature, producing fluorescent substance which had maximum excitation at 370 nm and emission wavelength at 454 nm. Based on this, a novel fluorescence analysis method was established for the determination of trace ammonium in natural water. Experimental parameters including reagent concentration, pH, reaction equilibrium time, and metal ions masking agent were optimized. The results showed that the optimized MOPA concentration was 0.12 g/L, pH was in the range of 11.2–12.0, and sulfite concentration was 0.051 g/L, respectively. Metal ions masking agent had no obvious effect on the fluorescence signal. With the reaction time of 15 minutes, linear range of this method was between 0.025 and 0.300 μmol/L, and the method detecting limit was 0.0058 μmol/L. The matrix recovery of the proposed method was in the range of 93.6–108.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/b2/PMC4569772.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045288", "abstract": " Objective. The aim of this study was to determine, by plain radiography, if there is a relationship between sacralization and low back pain. Methods. Five hundred lumbosacral radiographs of low back pain patients and 500 control groups were examined. Data collection consisted of the subject's age at the time of imaging, gender, number of lumbar vertebral bodies, and bilateral height measurement of the lowest lumbar transverse process. Dysplastic transverse processes were classified according to the Castellvi radiographic classification system. The incidence of sacralization in patients and the control groups was reported, and the anomaly was compared according to the groups. Results. Of these patients groups, 106 were classified as positive for sacralization, which resulted in an incidence of 21.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/55/PMC4045288.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3334738", "abstract": "Activated protein C (APC), a physiological coagulation inhibitor, has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with severe sepsis. APC exerts pleiotropic cytoprotection by a mechanism that requires its interaction with endothelial cell protein C receptor and protease-activated receptor-1 on target cells. In the previous issue, Pérez-Casal and colleagues elegantly demonstrate that APC, using its recombinant form (rhAPC), can communicate to target cells through release of microparticles (MPs), small membrane vesicles released from activated cells, to induce anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties that might participate in the improvement of patient outcome. Of interest is the fact that APC itself promotes the release of MPs from target cells including endothelial cells and monocytes. These MPs bear the endothelial cell protein C receptor/APC molecules and can transfer the message to target cells including those of origin to induce cytoprotection. The long-range APC signal can thus be mediated by MPs in vivo upon pharmacological treatment using rhAPC in severe septic patients. A novel pharmacological approach targeting MP production and properties could therefore be used to treat severe sepsis in addition to other well-known actions of APC via direct interaction with the cells of interest.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/98/PMC3334738.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5118213", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether predicting maturation of the midpalatal suture is possible by classifying its morphology on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to investigate relationships with other developmental age indices. Methods The morphology of the midpalatal suture was assessed by using CBCT images of 99 patients. Axial plane images of the midpalatal suture were classified into five stages according to the classification scheme. To make the assessment more accurate, the morphology and fusion of the midpalatal suture were additionally investigated on coronal cross-sectional planar images and volume-rendered images. Bone age was evaluated using the hand and wrist method (HWM) and cervical vertebrae method (CVM); dental age (Hellman's index), sex, and chronological age were also assessed. To evaluate relationships among variables, Spearman's rho rank test was performed along with crosstabs using contingency coefficients. Results The HWM and CVM showed strong correlations with the maturation stage of the midpalatal suture, while other indices showed relatively weak correlations (p < 0.01). Through crosstabs, the HWM and CVM showed high association values with CBCT stage; the HWM demonstrated slightly higher values (p < 0.0001). Based on the HWM, the midpalatal suture was not fused until stage 6 in both sexes. Conclusions Among developmental age indices, the HWM and CVM showed strong correlations and high associations, suggesting that they can be useful in assessing maturation of the midpalatal suture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/f3/kjod-46-345.PMC5118213.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4796718", "abstract": "We report an 18 year old boy with Aplastic anemia complicated by serious fungal rhinosinusitis. Despite prompt treatment and early repeated surgical debridements, he died after about more than 6 weeks of hard challenges with fungal infections. Current strategies against invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with Aplastic anemia may be inadequate for the management of serious complications. Antifungal prophylaxis is highly recommended in pre-transplant period for severe form of Aplastic anemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/e4/main.PMC4796718.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3390042", "abstract": "Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder affecting primarily young individuals. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and necessitates the exclusion of a wide range of mimicking disorders. Given the lack of solid data in regard to the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, treatment of AOSD has been for years largely empirical. Recent advances have revealed a pivotal role of several proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in disease pathogenesis, giving rise to the development of new targeted therapies aiming at optimal disease control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/0b/PMC3390042.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2873816", "abstract": "Spectral waveform analysis of blood flow velocity in the major arteries of six healthy, conscious immature micropigs was determined using Doppler ultrasonography. Doppler spectral tracings were recorded from the external iliac artery, femoral artery, and renal arcuate artery. Tracings were also taken from three parts of the common carotid artery and two parts of the abdominal aorta. Spectral Doppler parameters included peak systolic velocity, early diastolic velocity, peak systolic velocity-to-end diastolic velocity ratio, resistive index, and pulsatility index. In addition, the diameter of major arteries and indirect blood pressure were measured. These results from spectral Doppler analysis in major arteries may be useful as reference ranges in the future studies of vascular hemodynamics in immature micropigs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/0a/PMC2873816.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC528878", "abstract": "Crop traits can alter economically important interactions between plants, pests, and biological control agents. For example, a reduced waxy bloom on the surface of pea plants alters interactions between pea aphids and their natural enemies. In this study, we assess whether the effect of wax reduction extends beyond the 2 or 3 arthropod species closely associated with the plants and into the structure of the broader arthropod community of over 200 taxa at our site. We sampled arthropods on lines of peas with normal and reduced wax in Latah Co., Idaho using pitfall traps within randomly assigned pairs of 5 × 5 meter plots. During the 1998 and 1999 growing seasons, we collected 12,113 individual arthropods from 221 unambiguously identified morphospecies. The number of individuals collected from each morphospecies responded idiosyncratically to the reduced wax peas. To test whether arthropod community structure differed between the collections from plots having peas with normal or reduced wax, we performed a randomization test. The collection from peas with reduced wax had higher species evenness and thus higher community diversity despite having lower species richness. Our results demonstrate the potential of a single plant trait, epicuticular wax, to affect a community of arthropods. Two pests of peas had opposite responses to peas with reduced wax. The number of pea aphids collected was greater from peas with normal wax peas than those with reduced wax. In contrast, the number of pea leaf weevils collected was greater from peas with reduced wax.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/c5/PMC528878.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2396950", "abstract": "The embryonic programme ‘epithelial–mesenchymal transition' (EMT) is thought to promote malignant tumour progression. The transcriptional repressor zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a crucial inducer of EMT in various human tumours, and was recently shown to promote invasion and metastasis of tumour cells. Here, we report that ZEB1 directly suppresses transcription of microRNA-200 family members miR-141 and miR-200c, which strongly activate epithelial differentiation in pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancer cells. Notably, the EMT activators transforming growth factor β2 and ZEB1 are the predominant targets downregulated by these microRNAs. These results indicate that ZEB1 triggers an microRNA-mediated feedforward loop that stabilizes EMT and promotes invasion of cancer cells. Alternatively, depending on the environmental trigger, this loop might switch and induce epithelial differentiation, and thus explain the strong intratumorous heterogeneity observed in many human cancers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/bc/embor200874.PMC2396950.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1402213", "abstract": "The nuclear receptor corepressors NCoR and SMRT repress gene transcription by recruiting a histone deacetylase complex.  Their roles in PPARγ action have been controversial.  Recent evidence, however, suggests that NCoR and SMRT repress PPARγ-mediated transcriptional activity on specific promoters in the adipocyte.  In addition, by repressing PPARγ action, these corepressors inhibit the ability of adipocyte differentiation to proceed.  A further understanding of corepressor action in the adipocyte will provide insight into the balance of forces regulating adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/d7/PMC1402213.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4689249", "abstract": "Variations of arterial patterns in the upper limb have represented the most common subject of vascular anatomy. Different types of artery branching pattern of the upper limb are very important for orthopedists in angiographic and microvascular surgical practice. The brachial artery (BA) is the most important vessel in the normal vascular anatomy of the upper limb. The classical pattern of the palmar hand region distribution shows the superficial palmar arch. Normally this arch is formed by the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and completed on the lateral side by one of these arteries: the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, the princeps pollicis artery, the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery or the median artery. After the routine dissection of the right upper limb of an adult male cadaver, we found a very rare variant of the superficial arch artery – a division in a higher level brachial artery. We found this division at 10.4 cm from the beginning of the brachial artery. This superficial brachial artery became a radial artery and was not involved in the formation of the palm arch. In the forearm region, the artery variant was present with the median artery and the ulnar artery, which form the superficial palm arch.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/81/cm-88-545.PMC4689249.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2964041", "abstract": "As high-throughput biochemical screens are both expensive and labor intensive, researchers in academia and industry are turning increasingly to virtual-screening methodologies. Virtual screening relies on scoring functions to quickly assess ligand potency. Although useful for in silico ligand identification, these scoring functions generally give many false positives and negatives; indeed, a properly trained human being can often assess ligand potency by visual inspection with greater accuracy. Given the success of the human mind at protein−ligand complex characterization, we present here a scoring function based on a neural network, a computational model that attempts to simulate, albeit inadequately, the microscopic organization of the brain. Computer-aided drug design depends on fast and accurate scoring functions to aid in the identification of small-molecule ligands. The scoring function presented here, used either on its own or in conjunction with other more traditional functions, could prove useful in future drug-discovery efforts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/db/PMC2964041.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2931393", "abstract": "The role of the vascular microenvironment in the pathogenesis Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is appreciated clinically as Raynaud's syndrome with capillary nail bed change. This manifestation of vasculopathy is used diagnostically in both limited and diffuse cutaneous subsets of SSc, and is thought to precede fibrosis. The degree of subsequent fibrosis may also be determined by the vascular microenvironment. This paper describes why the vascular microenvironment might determine the degree of end-organ damage that occurs in SSc, with a focus on vascular cell senescence, endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) including multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), pericytes, and angiogenic monocytes. An explanation of the role of EPC, pericytes, and angiogenic monocytes is important to an understanding of SSc pathogenesis. An evolving understanding of the vascular microenvironment in SSc may allow directed treatment. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/c6/PMC2931393.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2911067", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate an association of HbA1c (A1C) with incident heart failure among individuals without diabetes and compare it to fasting glucose. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 11,057 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study without heart failure or diabetes at baseline and estimated hazard ratios of incident heart failure by categories of A1C (<5.0, 5.0–5.4 [reference], 5.5–5.9, and 6.0–6.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/95/zdb2020.PMC2911067.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3765763", "abstract": "Glassy carbon electrodes were coated with the film poly-(p-allyl ether benzenesulfonic acid) by an anodic procedure. Nickel, platinum, and palladium ions were introduced into the film by ion exchange of H+ with the corresponding salts. These ions were catalytically reduced to their corresponding metals using the known electroless reducing agent sodium hypophosphite. Scanning electron microcopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were carried out to demonstrate the occurrence of the catalytic process. To compare this method with another one carried out in our laboratory, the electrocatalytic reduction of H+ was studied using the same modified electrodes. A suggested mechanism for the catalysis is proposed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/dc/PMC3765763.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3013643", "abstract": "GlycomeDB integrates the structural and taxonomic data of all major public carbohydrate databases, as well as carbohydrates contained in the Protein Data Bank, which renders the database currently the most comprehensive and unified resource for carbohydrate structures worldwide. GlycomeDB retains the links to the original databases and is updated at weekly intervals with the newest structures available from the source databases. The complete database can be downloaded freely or accessed through a Web-interface (www.glycome-db.org) that provides flexible and powerful search functionalities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/49/gkq1014.PMC3013643.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4637796", "abstract": "We report on a 79-year-old woman with staghorn calculi who presented with severe hypercalcemia. She was later found to have humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy caused by a rare tumor, squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Chronic irritation, infection and inflammation from staghorn stones cause squamous metaplasia, leading to squamous cell carcinoma of the renal collecting system. The prognosis is very poor, with a 5-year survival rate of <10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/a7/cro-0008-0399.PMC4637796.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4553324", "abstract": " Aim. To evaluate the long-term effect of rheohemapheresis (RHF) treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on photoreceptor IS/OS junction status. Methods. In our study, we followed 24 patients with dry AMD and drusenoid retinal pigment epithelium detachment (DPED) for a period of more than 2.5 years. Twelve patients (22 eyes) were treated by RHF and 12 controls (18 eyes) were randomized. The treated group underwent 8 RHF standardized procedures. We evaluated best-corrected visual acuity, IS/OS junction status (SD OCT), and macular function (multifocal electroretinography) at baseline and at 2.5-year follow-up. Results. RHF caused a decrease of whole-blood viscosity/plasma viscosity at about 15/12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/24/PMC4553324.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5337465", "abstract": "Diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by hyperglycemia, anion-gap acidosis, and increased plasma ketones. After the resolution of hyperglycemia, persistent diuresis is rare. We herein report the case of a 27-year-old Asian woman with type 2 diabetes who was treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (canagliflozin) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and persistent diuresis in the absence of hyperglycemia. Physicians should consider euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in the differential diagnosis of patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/db/1349-7235-56-0187.PMC5337465.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4275701", "abstract": "ATAD2, a remarkably conserved, yet poorly characterized factor is found upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in a variety of independent cancers in human. Studies conducted on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATAD2 homologue, Yta7, are now indicating that the members of this family may primarily be regulators of chromatin dynamics and that their action on gene expression could only be one facet of their general activity. In this review, we present an overview of the literature on Yta7 and discuss the possibility of translating these findings into other organisms to further define the involvement of ATAD2 and other members of its family in regulating chromatin structure and function both in normal and pathological situations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/72/molcell-37-12-851-856.PMC4275701.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894771", "abstract": "Adequate polymerization plays an important role on the longevity of the composite resin restorations. Objectives  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing units, curing mode techniques and storage media on sorption, solubility and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of a composite resin.  Material and Methods  Two hundred and forty specimens were made of one composite resin (Esthet-X) in a stainless steel mold (2 mm x 8 mm Ø), and divided into 24 groups (n=10) established according to the 4 study factors: light-curing units: quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamp and light-emitting diodes (LED); energy densities: 16 J/cm2 and 20 J/cm2; curing modes: conventional (CM) and pulse-delay (PD); and permeants: deionized water and 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/0e/jaos-20-02-0246.PMC3894771.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4990115", "abstract": "Homologous recombination (HR) initiates double-strand break (DSB) repair by digesting 5′-termini at DSBs, the biochemical reaction called DSB resection, during which DSBs are processed by nucleases to generate 3′ single-strand DNA. Rad51 recombinase polymerizes along resected DNA, and the resulting Rad51–DNA complex undergoes homology search. Although DSB resection by the Mre11 nuclease plays a critical role in HR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it remains elusive whether DSB resection by Mre11 significantly contributes to HR-dependent DSB repair in mammalian cells. Depletion of Mre11 decreases the efficiency of DSB resection only by 2- to 3-fold in mammalian cells. We show that although Mre11 is required for efficient HR-dependent repair of ionizing-radiation–induced DSBs, Mre11 is largely dispensable for DSB resection in both chicken DT40 and human TK6 B cell lines. Moreover, a 2- to 3-fold decrease in DSB resection has virtually no impact on the efficiency of HR. Thus, although a large number of researchers have reported the vital role of Mre11-mediated DSB resection in HR, the role may not explain the very severe defect in HR in Mre11-deficient cells, including their lethality. We here show experimental evidence for the additional roles of Mre11 in (i) elimination of chemical adducts from DSB ends for subsequent DSB repair, and (ii) maintaining HR intermediates for their proper resolution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/34/rrw034.PMC4990115.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1616955", "abstract": "The DExH/D protein family is the largest group of enzymes in eukaryotic RNA metabolism. DExH/D proteins are mainly known for their ability to unwind RNA duplexes in an ATP-dependent fashion. However, it has become clear in recent years that these DExH/D RNA helicases are also involved in the ATP-dependent remodeling of RNA–protein complexes. Here we review recent studies that highlight physiological roles of DExH/D proteins in the displacement of proteins from RNA. We further discuss work with simple RNA–protein complexes in vitro, which illuminates mechanisms by which DExH/D proteins remove proteins from RNA. Although we are only beginning to understand how DExH/D proteins remodel RNA–protein complexes, these studies have shown that an ‘RNA helicase’ does not per se require cofactors to displace proteins from RNA, that protein displacement does not necessarily involve RNA duplex unwinding, and that not all DExH/D proteins are able to disassemble the same range of ribonucleoproteins.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/b4/gkl410.PMC1616955.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3728201", "abstract": "Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is characterized by the accumulation of sulfatide sphingolipids in the brain and peripheral nerves. We report metabolite alterations recorded using multi-voxel proton spectroscopy of the brain in four children with MLD. The data revealed elevated myoinositol/creatine and lactate/creatine ratios as well as decreased N-acetyl aspartate/creatine ratios. We propose that elevation in myoinositol and lactate are caused by astrocytic gliosis and may be used as biomarkers for disease progression in MLD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/1b/PMC3728201.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4294689", "abstract": "Purpose Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression and schizophrenia. However, there is a high rate of relapse after an initial response to ECT, even with antidepressant or antipsychotic maintenance therapy. This study was carried out to examine the factors that influence the risk of relapse in schizophrenic patients after a response to ECT. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 43 patients with schizophrenia who received and responded to an acute ECT course. We analyzed the associated clinical variables and relapse after response to the acute ECT. Relapse was defined as a Clinical Global Impressions Improvement score ≥6 or a psychiatric rehospitalization. Results All patients were treated with neuroleptic medication after the acute ECT course. The relapse-free rate of all 43 patients at 1 year was 57.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/0d/ndt-11-067.PMC4294689.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4595257", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy for patients diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods This retrospective, observational study included 49 patients (49 eyes) who initially presented with submacular hemorrhage associated with exudative age-related macular degeneration and who were followed-up for at least 24 months. Only eyes that were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy were included in the study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements obtained at diagnosis, six months, and the final visit were compared. The associations of BCVA at the final visit with baseline BCVA, BCVA at six months, symptom duration, hemorrhage extent, and central foveal thickness were also analyzed. Results Over the course of follow-up (mean, 32.1 ± 8.5 months), an average of 5.1 ± 2.2 anti-VEGF injections were administered. Recurrent hemorrhage was noted in 13 eyes (26.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/1c/kjo-29-315.PMC4595257.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4761569", "abstract": "Objectives To validate a critical-size mandibular bone defect model in miniature pigs. Materials and Methods Bilateral notch defects were produced in the mandible of dentally mature miniature pigs. The right mandibular defect remained untreated while the left defect received an autograft. Bone healing was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) at 4 and 16 weeks, and by micro-CT and non-decalcified histology at 16 weeks. Results In both the untreated and autograft treated groups, mineralized tissue volume was reduced significantly at 4 weeks post-surgery, but was comparable to the pre-surgery levels after 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, CT analysis indicated that significantly greater bone was regenerated in the autograft treated defect than in the untreated defect (P=0.013). Regardless of the treatment, the cortical bone was superior to the defect remodeled over 16 weeks to compensate for the notch defect. Conclusion The presence of considerable bone healing in both treated and untreated groups suggests that this model is inadequate as a critical-size defect. Despite healing and adaptation, the original bone geometry and quality of the pre-injured mandible was not obtained. On the other hand, this model is justified for evaluating accelerated healing and mitigating the bone remodeling response, which are both important considerations for dental implant restorations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/64/jkaoms-42-20.PMC4761569.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3189590", "abstract": "Pancreatic stellate cells have been investigated mostly for their activation process, supposed to support the development of pancreatic disease. Few studies have been presented on reversal of the activation process in vitro. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been used as antidiabetics and have now been reported to exert antifibrotic activity. We tested effects of natural and synthetic ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) on human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells (hPFCs) in search for specificity of action. Ciglitazone, as a prototype of TZDs, was shown to have reversible growth inhibitory effects on human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells/stellate cells. Cells treated with ciglitazone for three days showed enhanced lipid content and induction of proteins involved in lipid metabolism. Collagen synthesis was reduced in hPFC. Interaction of PPARγ with DNA binding sites upon ligand binding was shown by gel shift analysis. These findings point toward a potential for adipocyte differentiation in human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/b7/PMC3189590.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4983304", "abstract": "Objectives: Composite repair is a minimally invasive and conservative approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an additional hydrophobic resin layer on the repair shear bond strength of a silorane-based composite repaired with silorane or methacrylate-based composite. Materials and Methods: Sixty bar-shaped composite blocks were fabricated and stored in saline for 72 hours. The surface of the samples were roughened by diamond burs and etched with phosphoric acid; then, they were randomly divided into three groups according to the repairing process: Group 1: Silorane composite-silorane bonding agent-silorane composite; group 2: Silorane composite-silorane bonding agent-hydrophobic resin-silorane composite, and group 3: Silorane composite-silorane bonding agent-hydrophobic resin methacrylate-based composite. Repairing composite blocks measured 2.5×2.5×5mm. After repairing, the samples were stored in saline for 24 hours and thermocycled for 1500 cycles. The repair bond strength was measured at a strain rate of 1mm/min. Twenty additional cylindrical composite blocks (diameter: 2.5mm, height: 6mm) were also fabricated for measuring the cohesive strength of silorane-based composite. The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Results: Cohesive bond strength of silorane composite was significantly higher than the repair bond strengths in other groups (P<0.001). The repair bond strength of group 3 was significantly higher than that of group 1 (P=0.001). Conclusion: Application of an additional hydrophobic resin layer for repair of silorane-based composite with a methacrylate-based composite enhanced the repair shear bond strength.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b9/f3/PMC4983304.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4929359", "abstract": "Zygomycosis is a rare invasive opportunistic fungal infection that occurs in the setting of hematologic malignancies, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and immunosuppressive therapies. We report the first case of disseminated appendiceal zygomycosis due to Absidia spp. in a neutropenic patient who initially presented as acute appendicitis. A 63-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia presented as acute appendicitis while receiving induction chemotherapy and ultimately succumbed to overwhelming disseminated zygomycosis. Initial symptoms included loose stools and right lower abdominal pain unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Clinical examination and cross-sectional imaging suggested acute appendicitis. The final diagnosis was established by histological evaluations of the ileocecectomy specimen, which showed angioinvasive fungal organisms within the necrotic appendiceal wall with characteristics typical of zygomycetes. Fungal cultures demonstrated Absidia spp. The patient was treated with amphotericin B but expired in the setting of fungal sepsis. A diagnosis of a fungal infection, including zygomycosis, should be considered in all chemotherapy-induced neutropenic patients who present with symptoms of acute appendicitis. A high index of clinical suspicion with prompt histologic and culture diagnosis of zygomycosis may reduce the high mortality and morbidity associated with zygomycosis of the gastrointestinal tract.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/55/crg-0010-0081.PMC4929359.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3934091", "abstract": "Insertion of central venous port (CVP) catheter in the cancer population is associated with increased incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). However, trials have shown limited benefit of antithrombotic treatment to prevent catheter-related venous thrombosis. This prospective observational cohort study was designed to assess the incidence of VTE closely related to CVP implantation in patients with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, and to identify a high risk subgroup of patients. Between February 2006 and December 2011, 1097 consecutive cancer patients with first CVP implantation were included. Catheter-related VTE were defined as deep venous thrombosis in the arm, with or without pulmonary embolism (PE), or isolated PE. The incidence of CVP-associated VTE was 5.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/ac/PMC3934091.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3739543", "abstract": "Purpose To identify baseline characteristics that predict the number of treatments with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) plus laser photocoagulation needed to treat diabetic macular edema over a 2-year period. Methods Individual data from 42 eyes of 42 participants treated with IVTA plus laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema during a prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial were used for this post hoc analysis. Baseline characteristics – age, gender, best-corrected visual acuity, glycosylated hemoglobin, phakic status, intraocular pressure, and central macular thickness (CMT) – were correlated with the number of IVTA plus laser treatments received during the 2 years of this study. Results The median number of treatments received over the 2-year period was 2.5 (interquartile range 1.0–3.0), with 21 (50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ce/dc/PMC3739543.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3256999", "abstract": "Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands. However, it is a rare entity in larynx. Laryngeal cases are frequently misdiagnosed with other malignancies and they are under-reported. So, recognizing the clinical and histological features of this tumor is essential. Laryngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma can arise in supraglottis, glottis and subglottis. Generally, it presents as a submucosal mass; therefore, progressive symptoms without any identifiable lesion in laryngoscopy must be well considered. The prognosis is somehow dependent on the histological features. In high-grade tumors, recurrence is more common and radical surgery with radiotherapy is recommended. In this paper, we provide a thorough literature review on mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the larynx. The most important distinguishing features of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and its two major differential diagnoses (squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma) are clearly stated and pitfalls in true diagnosis of this tumor are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/2d/PMC3256999.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3427205", "abstract": "Considerable disparities in cancer survival rates exist between African Americans (AAs) and white Americans (WAs). Various factors such as differences in socioeconomic status (SES), cancer stage at time of diagnosis, and treatment—which this analysis considers primary explanatory factors—have accounted for many of these differences. An additional factor not usually considered is vitamin D. Previous studies have inversely correlated higher solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) doses and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations with incidence and/or mortality rates for about 20 types of cancer and improved survival rates for eight types of cancer. Because of darker skin pigmentation, AAs have 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d1/01/de-4-85.PMC3427205.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3084566", "abstract": "Background Peri-implantitis (PI) is an inflammatory disease which leads to the destruction of soft and hard tissues around osseointegrated implants. The subgingival microbiota appears to be responsible for peri-implant lesions and although the complexity of the microbiota has been reported in PI, the microbiota responsible for PI has not been identified. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the microbiota in subjects who have PI, clinically healthy implants, and periodontitis-affected teeth using 16S rRNA gene clone library analysis to clarify the microbial differences. Design Three subjects participated in this study. The conditions around the teeth and implants were evaluated based on clinical and radiographic examinations and diseased implants, clinically healthy implants, and periodontally diseased teeth were selected. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the deepest pockets using sterile paper points. Prevalence and identity of bacteria was analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene clone library technique. Results A total of 112 different species were identified from 335 clones sequenced. Among the 112 species, 51 (46", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/2f/JOM-2-5104.PMC3084566.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421686", "abstract": "Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common form of severe antibody deficiency. The disorder is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including infections and chronic lung, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases. A 29-year-old female patient has had frequent sinopulmonary infections and gastroenteritis for the last 20 years and had been given broad-spectrum antibiotics for treatment. Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were at undetectable levels. Renal biopsy was consistent with AA amyloidosis. She is now under follow-up with periodic intravenous Ig treatment without any infection during the last 10 months. CVID must be kept in mind in patients with recurrent sinopulmonary infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/af/sfq083.PMC4421686.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4318013", "abstract": "Background: The healthcare organizations need to develop and implement quality improvement plans for their survival and success. Measuring quality in the healthcare competitive environment is an undeniable necessity for these organizations and will lead to improved patient satisfaction. Objectives: This study aimed to measure the quality of provided services for patients with chronic kidney disease in Kerman in 2014. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study was performed from 23 January 2014 to 14 February 2014 in four hemodialysis centers in Kerman. All of the patients on chronic hemodialysis (n = 195) who were referred to these four centers were selected and studied using census method. The required data were collected using the SERVQUAL questionnaire, consisting of two parts: questions related to the patients' demographic characteristics, and 28 items to measure the patients' expectations and perceptions of the five dimensions of service quality, including tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 through some statistical tests, including independent-samples t test, one-way ANOVA, and paired-samples t test. Results: The results showed that the means of patients' expectations were more than their perceptions of the quality of provided services in all dimensions, which indicated that there were gaps in all dimensions. The highest and lowest means of negative gaps were related to empathy (-0.52 ± 0.48) and tangibility (-0.29 ± 0.51). In addition, among the studied patients' demographic characteristics and the five dimensions of service quality, only the difference between the patients' income levels and the gap in assurance were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, the results of the present study showed that the expectations of patients on hemodialysis were more than their perceptions of provided services. The healthcare providers and employees should pay more attention to the patients' opinions and comments and use their feedback to solve the workplace problems and improve the quality of provided services. In addition, training the health staff to meet the patients' emotional needs and expectations is suggested.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ea/b4/num-06-05-21810.PMC4318013.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3603273", "abstract": "The Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool (OST) is a clinical instrument designed to select patients at risk of osteoporosis, who would benefit from a bone mineral density measurement. The OST only takes into account the age and weight of the subject. It was developed for Asian women and later validated for European and North American white women. The performance of the OST in a sample of 4343 women from Greater Mendoza, a large metropolitan area of Argentina, was assessed. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of lumbar spine and hip were obtained. Patients were classified as either osteoporotic (N = 1830) or nonosteoporotic (n = 2513) according to their lowest T-score at any site. Osteoporotic patients had lower OST scores (P < 0.0001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an area under the curve of 71", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/67/PMC3603273.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2950053", "abstract": "Traditionally, the dose of haemodialysis or haemofiltration delivered to patients with kidney failure is assessed by urea clearance. For patients with chronic kidney disease below a critical urea clearance threshold, patient wellbeing is compromised. It was suggested, therefore, that the dose of dialysis or haemofiltration delivered could also affect outcomes for patients with acute kidney injury. Two major prospective multicentre clinical trials have recently reported that a higher intensity of renal support, by either intermittent haemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy, did not improve patient survival or recovery from dialysis. It must be recognised, however, that urea clearance is only one component of renal supportive therapy, and other aspects, including volume control, electrolyte homeostasis and acid-base balance, may be equally important targets for patients with acute kidney injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/46/1757-5931-0002-0000000033.PMC2950053.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2995237", "abstract": "This report describes clinical and parasitological findings of an 82-yr-old female patient who lived in a local rural village and suffered from severe chronic anemia for several years. She was transferred to the National Police Hospital in Seoul for management of severe dyspnea and dizziness. At admission, she showed symptoms or signs of severe anemia. Gastroduodenoscopy observed hyperemic mucosa of the duodenum and discovered numerous moving roundworms on the mucosa. Endoscopy isolated seven of them, which were identified as Necator americanus by characteristic morphology of cutting plates in the buccal cavity. The patient was treated with albendazole and supportive measures for anemia, and her physical condition much improved. This case suggests the possibility that hookworm N. americanus is still transmitted in a remote local mountainous area in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/1a/jkms-25-1802.PMC2995237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3251790", "abstract": "Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare congenital genetic disorder having autosomal recessive inheritance. It is a syndrome affecting the Amish population of Pennsylvania in USA with prevalence rate of 1/5,000 live at birth. In non-Amish population, the birth prevalence is 7/1,000,000. The syndrome is characterized by bilateral postaxial polydactyly of the hands, chondrodysplasia of long bones resulting in acromesomelic dwarfism, ectodermal dysplasia affecting nails as well as teeth and congenital heart malformation. There were very rare reports of this syndrome in dentistry. The present case focuses on the striking and constant oral findings of these patients, which are the main diagnostic features of this syndrome. Since the oral manifestations affect the esthetic, speech, and jaw growth of the child, the dentists have an important role to play in proper management of such case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/e9/isd-41-167.PMC3251790.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3227478", "abstract": "Biofilms define mono- or multispecies communities embedded in a self-produced protective matrix, which is strongly attached to surfaces. They often are considered a general threat not only in industry but also in medicine. They constitute a permanent source of contamination, and they can disturb the proper usage of the material onto which they develop. This paper relates to some of the most recent approaches that have been elaborated to eradicate Candida biofilms, based on the vast effort put in ever-improving models of biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo, including novel flow systems, high-throughput techniques and mucosal models. Mixed biofilms, sustaining antagonist or beneficial cooperation between species, and their interplay with the host immune system are also prevalent topics. Alternative strategies against biofilms include the lock therapy and immunotherapy approaches, and material coating and improvements. The host-biofilm interactions are also discussed, together with their potential applications in Candida biofilm elimination.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/b8/PMC3227478.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4298286", "abstract": "Green nails, also known as chloronychia or green nail syndrome, are characterized by green discoloration of the nail plate (greenish-yellow, greenish-brown, greenish-black), proximal chronic non-tender paronychia, and distolateral onycholysis. The cause is Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of the nail plate in persons whose hands are constantly exposed to water, soaps, and detergents or are subject to mechanical trauma, especially in the elderly. Green or black coloration of the nails should raise suspicion for Pseudomonas infection and be treated with an oral quinolone (ciprofloxacin), particularly in aged patients. We present three cases of green nails in elderly persons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/cb/cia-10-265.PMC4298286.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4635763", "abstract": "Abstract We present a case of cardiac myxoma with atypical presentations of concurrent stroke and angiography-negative myocardial infarction. The case emphasizes the importance of basic echocardiography and timely surgery in the management of cardiac myxoma. An elderly woman presented to the emergency department in an unconscious state. Electrocardiogram and elevated cardiac enzymes suggested acute myocardial infarction; however, immediate coronary angiography proved patency. Basic echocardiography revealed an oscillating left atrial myxoma obstructing inflow through the mitral valve. After regaining consciousness while in the intensive care unit, the patient developed respiratory distress and shock, and emergent en bloc resection was performed. Ataxia was noted in her postoperative course and multiple small cerebellar infarcts were found on magnetic resonance imaging. After a 1-month period of rehabilitation, the patient recovered well and continues to be followed as an outpatient. Cardiac myxoma requires timely management and may be missed if not included in the differential diagnoses. Basic echocardiography, also called focused cardiac ultrasound, may aid in the diagnosing of perplexing cardiac cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/ba/medi-94-e1602.PMC4635763.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5241006", "abstract": "Objective: To describe the features of adult patients with benign, unilateral cerebral cortical encephalitis positive for the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody. Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, after we encountered an index case of MOG antibody–positive unilateral cortical encephalitis with epileptic seizure, we tested for MOG antibody using our in-house, cell-based assay in a cohort of 24 consecutive adult patients with steroid-responsive encephalitis of unknown etiology seen at Tohoku University Hospital (2008–2014). We then analyzed the findings in MOG antibody–positive cases. Results: Three more patients, as well as the index case, were MOG antibody–positive, and all were adult men (median age 37 years, range 23–39 years). The main symptom was generalized epileptic seizure with or without abnormal behavior or consciousness disturbance. Two patients also developed unilateral benign optic neuritis (before or after seizure). In all patients, brain MRI demonstrated unilateral cerebral cortical fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions, which were swollen and corresponded to hyperperfusion on SPECT. CSF studies showed moderate mononuclear pleocytosis with some polymorphonuclear cells and mildly elevated total protein levels, but myelin basic protein was not elevated. A screening of encephalitis-associated autoantibodies, including aquaporin-4, glutamate receptor, and voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies, was negative. All patients received antiepilepsy drugs and fully recovered after high-dose methylprednisolone, and the unilateral cortical MRI lesions subsequently disappeared. No patient experienced relapse. Conclusions: These MOG antibody–positive cases represent unique benign unilateral cortical encephalitis with epileptic seizure. The pathology may be autoimmune, although the findings differ from MOG antibody–associated demyelination and Rasmussen and other known immune-mediated encephalitides.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/bc/NEURIMMINFL2016011650.PMC5241006.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3820430", "abstract": "Corneal reconstruction is among the most effective methods for curing corneal injury due to various clinical disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent cells distributed in various tissues, which can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro. MSCs are self-renewable and have the potential to transdifferentiate into other type of cells under certain conditions. More recently, the modulating angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs have been confirmed in animal models. The potential roles of MSCs are valuable for corneal reconstruction. Thus, in this review, we summarized the current understanding of the possible roles of MSCs in corneal reconstruction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/98/mv-v19-2237.PMC3820430.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4377796", "abstract": "Decompression illness is a rare but serious complication of diving caused by intravascular or extravascular gas bubble formation. We report the first case of acute kidney injury in a 27-year-old diver following three rapid ascents. He presented with transient neurological symptoms and abdominal pain followed by rapidly progressive acute kidney injury (creatinine peak 1210 µmol/L) due to arterial air emboli. He received supportive care and 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/3a/sfu048.PMC4377796.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3270396", "abstract": "The incidence of ACL tears is rising in the pediatric and adolescent populations as these individuals succumb to traumatic and nontraumatic athletic injuries. Management of this condition in the skeletally immature patient poses a challenge and is controversial. Operative reconstruction carries the concern for damage to the physis with resultant limb length inequality and angular joint deformity but provides stability to the knee and allows return of function in most patients. On the other hand, nonoperative treatment has been shown to carry an increased risk of meniscal and articular cartilage damage and is difficult from a compliance standpoint in this demographic. For the majority of skeletally immature patients, operative treatment is recommended as it has shown good clinical and functional results with minimal risk of growth disturbance. This paper aims to address the natural course of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature patient, treatment options with associated complications, and current preventative strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/14/PMC3270396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3085233", "abstract": "Acute appendicitis involving the hernia sac is infrequent but well-documented in medical literature. In most instances, it occurs within the right inguinal (Amyand’s hernia) or right femoral hernia (de Garengeot hernia). The diagnosis is always mistaken for incarcerated groin hernia. During surgery, the appendix itself, either perforated or strangulated, is most commonly encountered within the hernia sac. In very rare occasions, only appendiceal pus is found in the hernia sac. In this paper, we report the case of a 90-year-old woman with acute appendicitis and a tender mass in the right groin. Typical findings of acute appendicitis by computed tomography (CT) and incarcerated femoral hernia with groin cellulitis misled us into preoperative diagnosis of strangulated femoral hernia. Acute phlegmonous inflammation of the incarcerated femoral hernia sac containing pus only and acute suppurative appendicitis were found intraoperatively. This case presents a rare complication of acute appendicitis and the first report of CT-documented appendiceal pus-contained femoral hernia. Knowledge of this rare condition is helpful in establishing preoperative diagnosis and patient management decisions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/e6/PMC3085233.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4436463", "abstract": "Retinopathy is a severe and common complication of diabetes, representing a leading cause of blindness among working-age people in developed countries. It is estimated that the number of people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) will increase from 126.6 million in 2011 to 191 million by 2030. The pathology seems to be characterized not only by the involvement of retinal microvessels but also by a real neuropathy of central nervous system, similar to what happens to the peripheral nerves, particularly affected by diabetes. The neurophysiological techniques help to assess retinal and nervous (optic tract) function. Electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) allow a more detailed study of the visual function and of the possible effects that diabetes can have on the visual function. These techniques have an important role both in the clinic and in research: the central nervous system, in fact, has received much less attention than the peripheral one in the study of the complications of diabetes. These techniques are safe, repeatable, quick, and objective. In addition, both the ERG (especially the oscillatory potentials and the flicker-ERG) and VEP have proved to be successful tools for the early diagnosis of the disease and, potentially, for the ophthalmologic follow-up of diabetic patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/94/PMC4436463.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4072271", "abstract": "Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate changes in prescribing pattern of Dentistry students throughout academic course. Methods A case of non-complicated dental extraction was presented to all students that had completed their pharmacology coursework (from 4th semester to the last semester). The students were grouped according to year of study and were asked to prescribe paracetamol for pain control. A maximal score of 5 points was calculated from three subscores for identification of professional and patient (1.0 point), drug concentration, dosage, and quantity (1.5 points); and drug information, instructions, and warnings (2.5 points). The data were expressed as medians [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/b0/jaos-22-03-0204.PMC4072271.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4224006", "abstract": "Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a chronic familial bullous disease characterized by recurrent blisters and erosions typically at friction-prone areas of the body accompanied by acantholysis upon histologic examination. There are a number of therapies used in the management of HHD. Its symptoms have been effectively treated with antimicrobial therapies, corticosteroids and other agents such as cyclosporine and prednisone. However, such treatments are not always effective. Therefore, there is a need for new treatments for the management of HHD. In this report, a patient with long-standing HHD responsive only to high levels of prednisone is described. After the successful tapering and cessation of oral prednisone the patient began a new combination therapy of complementary doses of oral alitretinoin, and narrowband UVB therapy, which yielded a favorable response within 2-3 weeks. After 6 weeks, a mono-therapy of daily (30 mg) oral alitretinoin was sufficient to maintain successful near-complete remission of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/8a/dr-2014-1-5604.PMC4224006.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3822109", "abstract": "Objective To quantify and compare the time doctors and nurses spent on direct patient care, medication-related tasks, and interactions before and after electronic medication management system (eMMS) introduction. Methods Controlled pre–post, time and motion study of 129 doctors and nurses for 633.2 h on four wards in a 400-bed hospital in Sydney, Australia. We measured changes in proportions of time on tasks and interactions by period, intervention/control group, and profession. Results eMMS was associated with no significant change in proportions of time spent on direct care or medication-related tasks relative to control wards. In the post-period control ward, doctors spent 19.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/49/amiajnl-2012-001414.PMC3822109.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3225456", "abstract": "We report our findings for a patient with orbital apex syndrome associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Our patient was initially admitted to a neighborhood hospital because of nausea and loss of appetite of 10 days’ duration. The day after hospitalization, she developed skin vesicles along the first division of the trigeminal nerve, with severe lid swelling and conjunctival injection. On suspicion of meningoencephalitis caused by varicella zoster virus, antiviral therapy with vidarabine and betamethasone was started. Seventeen days later, complete ptosis and ophthalmoplegia developed in the right eye. The light reflex in the right eye was absent and anisocoria was present, with the right pupil larger than the left. Fat-suppressed enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images showed high intensity areas in the muscle cone, cavernous sinus, and orbital optic nerve sheath. Our patient was diagnosed with orbital apex syndrome, and because of skin vesicles in the first division of the trigeminal nerve, the orbital apex syndrome was considered to be caused by herpes zoster ophthalmicus. After the patient was transferred to our hospital, prednisolone 60 mg and vidarabine antiviral therapy was started, and fever and headaches disappeared five days later. The ophthalmoplegia and optic neuritis, but not the anisocoria, gradually resolved during tapering of oral therapy. From the clinical findings and course, the cause of the orbital apex syndrome was most likely invasion of the orbital apex and cavernous sinus by the herpes virus through the trigeminal nerve ganglia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/46/PMC3225456.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3140367", "abstract": "The 2009 Framework defines the joint Dutch national learning outcomes to be attained by medical students after completing their three-year master programme in medicine. The Framework thus helps to guarantee to society at large and to patients in particular that medical graduates who are starting out as practitioners have attained a certain professional level. This level is the aggregate of the physicians’ target profile, physicians’ (sub-) competencies to be achieved and the list of issues relating to illness and health. In addition, the Framework also defines the profile of the bachelor and the learning outcomes of the bachelor programme in medicine. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/99/59/ZMA-27-35.PMC3140367.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5012618", "abstract": "Background Self-management interventions are considered effective in patients with COPD, but trials have shown inconsistent results and it is unknown which patients benefit most. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on effectiveness of self-management interventions and identify subgroups of COPD patients who benefit most. Methods Randomized trials of self-management interventions between 1985 and 2013 were identified through a systematic literature search. Individual patient data of selected studies were requested from principal investigators and analyzed in an individual patient data meta-analysis using generalized mixed effects models. Results Fourteen trials representing 3,282 patients were included. Self-management interventions improved health-related quality of life at 12 months (standardized mean difference 0.08, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/f8/copd-11-2063.PMC5012618.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4633696", "abstract": " Background. In 2000, a Zambian private mining company reintroduced the use of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to control malaria in two districts. From 2000 to 2010, DDT had been applied in homes without any studies conducted to ascertain its fate in the environment. We aimed to quantify the presence of DDT and its metabolites in the soil and water around communities where it was recently used. Methods. We collected superficial soil and water samples from drinking sources of three study areas. DDT was extracted by QuEChERS method and solid phase extraction for soils and water, respectively. Analysis was by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A revalidated method with limits of detection ranging from 0.034 to 0.04 ppb was used. Results. Median levels of total DDT were found at 100.4 (IQR 90.9–110) and 725.4 ng/L (IQR 540–774.5) for soils and water, respectively. No DDT above detection limits was detected in the reference area. These results are clinically significant given the persistent characteristics of DDT. Conclusion. DDT presence in these media suggests possible limitations in the environmental safeguards during IRS. Such occurrence could have potential effects on humans, especially children; hence, there is a need to further examine possible associations between this exposure and humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/73/14/PMC4633696.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4193436", "abstract": "This study uses hospital records for 7,000 births in McLennan County, Texas, during the period June 1987-July 1989 to examine the association between prenatal care and birth outcome and the implications for hospital costs of newborn infants. After controlling for a variety of maternal and birth factors, a significant relationship between prenatal care and birth outcome remained. Females who failed to receive prenatal care were almost three times as likely to have a low-birth-weight infant (weighing less than 2,500 grams) than females who did. Using an ordinary least squares (OLS) estimating equation (R2 = .24), the net expected hospital cost savings for females who received prenatal care was over 1,000.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/8e/PMC4193436.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3928773", "abstract": "Objective This study assessed the muscular activity during root canal preparation through kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography (EMG).  Material and Methods The operators prepared one canal with RaCe rotary instruments and another with Flexo-files. The kinematics of the major joints was reconstructed using an optoelectronic system and electromyographic responses of the flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, brachioradialis, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius were recorded. The joint torques of the shoulder, elbow and wrist were calculated using inverse dynamics. In the kinematic analysis, angular movements of the wrist and elbow were classified as low risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. With respect to the shoulder, the classification was medium-risk.  Results There was no significant difference revealed by the kinetic reports. The EMG results showed that for the middle deltoid and upper trapezius the rotary instrumentation elicited higher values. The flexor carpi radialis and extensor carpi radialis, as well as the brachioradialis showed a higher value with the manual method.  Conclusion The muscular recruitment for accomplishment of articular movements for root canal preparation with either the rotary or manual techniques is distinct. Nevertheless, the rotary instrument presented less difficulty in the generation of the joint torque in each articulation, thus, presenting a greater uniformity of joint torques. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/8a/jaos-20-01-0057.PMC3928773.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3609951", "abstract": "These guidelines are an educational tool designed to assist the radiologist in providing effective communication and a high standard of care to patients. High quality care is heavily dependent on clear communication for thorough understanding of procedure outcomes and further treatment decisions. Radiologists should encourage communication and interaction between physicians through concise discussions to minimise the risk of communication error. The sole purpose of these guidelines is to provide helpful information to radiologists on how to conduct an effective discussion between patients, referrers, colleagues, and students.  Main Messages  • Effective communication is a critical component of diagnostic imaging. • Communication methods are dynamic and varied. • Concise communication techniques reduce error and increase coherence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/3d/13244_2013_Article_218.PMC3609951.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5077707", "abstract": " Study Design Retrospective review.  Objective To compare clinical outcomes after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with and patients without osteoporosis.  Methods We reviewed all patients with 6-month postoperative radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans for evaluation of the interbody cage. CT Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements of the instrumented vertebral body were used to determine whether patients had osteoporosis. Radiographs and CT scans were evaluated for evidence of implant subsidence, migration, interbody fusion, iatrogenic fracture, or loosening of posterior pedicle screw fixation. Medical records were reviewed for persistence of symptoms or recurrence of symptoms.  Results The final data analysis included 18 (20.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/d7/PMC5077707.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327672", "abstract": "The light-curing technique is relevant to reduce the degree of polymerization shrinkage, improving clinical and esthetic success of composite resin restorations. Objective: To evaluate in vitro the effect of four light-curing techniques on depth of cure of a composite resin. Material and Methods: Ten specimens of a composite resin were made in cylindrical cavities prepared in PVC plates (3.0 X 7.0 mm) for each light-curing technique. Four photoactivation methods were investigated: stepped, ramped, pulse-delay and traditional. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and polished for microhardness measurements (kg/mm2), which were made at 0.1, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mm from the irradiated surface. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: The effect of factors studied (curing method and distance from the surface) and the interaction of these factors was statistically significant (p<0.05). The traditional method of cure provided higher microhardness values (69.6 ± 2.5) than the stepped (63.5 ± 3.1) and pulsed (63.9 ± 3.2) methods at all depths evaluated, but it did not differ from the ramped method (66.7± 4.4) at 0.1 and 1.0 mm of depth. Conclusion: All techniques employed provided satisfactory cure of the composite resin up to the depth of 2.0 mm from the irradiated surface.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/dc/1678-7757-jaos-17-05-0446.PMC4327672.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3674755", "abstract": "Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative antibiotic commonly prescribed for acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin disorders. Minocycline turns black when oxidized, leading to discoloration of the skin, nails, bulbar conjunctiva, oral mucosa, teeth, bones, and thyroid gland. Hyperpigmentation has been reported after long-term minocycline therapy with at least 100 mg/day. Three types of minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation can result. Type I is the most common, and is associated with blue-black discoloration in areas of previous inflammation and scarring. Type II most commonly affects the legs and is characterized by blue-gray pigmentation of previously normal skin. Type III is the least common and is characterized by diffuse muddy-brown discoloration predominantly on sun exposed skin. Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation may be cosmetically disfiguring and prompt identification is essential. Without treatment, symptoms may take several months, to years to resolve, after discontinuation of the drug. However, the pigmentation may never completely disappear. In fact, there have been few reports of complete resolution associated with any therapeutic intervention. We report a case of a patient on long-term minocycline therapy utilized as an anti-inflammatory agent to control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which led to minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation of the face. To remove the blue-gray cutaneous deposits, 3 Q-switched lasers (Neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064 nm, Alexandrite 755 nm, and Ruby 694 nm) were used in test areas. The Alexandrite 755 nm laser proved to provide effective clearing of the minocycline hyperpigmentation requiring just 2 treatments, with minimal treatment discomfort and down time.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/79/b2/PMC3674755.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4668171", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between bilateral knee extension strengths and gait performance in subjects with poststroke hemiparesis and to predict gait performance by the paretic and nonparetic knee extension strength. [Subjects and Methods] This was a correlational study in which 238 consecutive inpatients with poststroke hemiparesis were enrolled. Knee extensor muscle strengths in paretic and nonparetic lower limbs were measured with a handheld dynamometer, and the presence or absence of impaired gait was also determined. [Results] The mean strength in the paretic lower limb was 0.90 Nm/kg, and that in the nonparetic lower limb was 1.24 Nm/kg. Discriminant analysis classified the difference between the possibility and impossibility of gait by knee extensor muscle strength (standardized discriminant coefficient: paretic, 1.32; nonparetic, 0.55). Thus, paretic and nonparetic knee extension strengths were integrated in the strength index. A threshold level of 2.0 provided the best balance between positive and negative predictive values for the strength index. [Conclusion] The results indicated that both paretic and nonparetic knee extension strengths were related to gait performance. The strength index deduced from bilateral knee extension strengths may serve as a clinically meaningful index for rehabilitation assessment and training.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/6c/jpts-27-3227.PMC4668171.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3346199", "abstract": "Purpose We aimed to compare the local control rates between miriplatin and epirubicin in lipiodol-based transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and methods Patients who underwent targeted TACE using miriplatin (47 patients, 66 lesions) or epirubicin (64 patients, 79 lesions) as the sole therapy were enrolled. The local control rates were compared using the Kaplan–Meier estimator with the log-rank test. The patient and tumor parameters were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results The overall local recurrence rates were 39.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/6e/PMC3346199.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4998614", "abstract": "Abstract Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/PNET) are high-grade malignant neoplasms. These malignancies present very rare tumors of thoracopulmonary area and even rarer in the mediastinum. In our knowledge, ES/PNET presented with multiple mediastinal masses has not been reported previously. We experienced a case of a 42-year-old man presented with gradual onset of left-side pleuritic chest pain. A contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed separate 2 large heterogeneously enhancing masses in each anterior and middle mediastinum of the left hemithorax. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan revealed high fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the mediastinal masses. After surgical excision for the mediastinal masses, both of the masses were diagnosed as the ES/PNET group of tumors on the histopathologic examination. The patient refused postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and came back with local tumor recurrence and distant metastasis on 4-month follow-up after surgical resection. We report this uncommon form of ES/PNET. We are to raise awareness that this rare malignancy should be considered as a differential diagnosis of the malignant mediastinal tumors and which can be manifested as multiple masses in a patient. Understanding this rare entity of extra-skeletal ES/PNET and characteristic imaging findings can help radiologists and clinicians to approach proper diagnosis and better management for this highly malignant tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/49/medi-95-e2725.PMC4998614.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5230733", "abstract": "Objective This study aimed to investigate the mortality rate after falls of rural and non-rural older people and to explore the risk factors of mortality after falls among older people. Patients and methods This population-based case–control study identified two groups from a nationwide claim database (National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan): a rural group and a non-rural group, which included 3,897 and 5,541 older people, respectively, who were hospitalized for accidental falls (The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification: E880–E888) during 2006–2009. Both groups were followed up for 4 years after falls. Four-year cumulative all-cause mortality rate after falls was calculated, and the demographic factor, comorbidity, and medications were considered as the potential risk factors of mortality after falls. Results The rural group had a significantly higher frequency of fall-related hospitalizations (7.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/d0/cia-12-097.PMC5230733.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3786513", "abstract": " Aim. GCK-MODY is an autosomal dominant form of diabetes caused by heterozygous mutations in the glucokinase gene leading to a lifelong mild hyperglycemia. The risk of macrovascular complications is considered low, but studies are limited. We, therefore, investigated the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as an indicator of macrovascular complications in a group of patients with GCK-MODY. Methods. Twenty-seven GCK mutation carriers and 24 controls recruited among their first-degree relatives were compared, all aging over 35 years. The CIMT was tested using a high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasonography. Medical history, anthropometry, and biochemical blood workup were obtained. Results. The mean CIMT was 0.707 ± 0.215 mm (mean ± SD) in GCK mutation carriers and 0.690 ± 0.180 mm in control individuals. When adjusted for age, gender, and family status, the estimated mean difference in CIMT between the two groups increased to 0.049 mm (P = 0.19). No difference was detected for other characteristics, with the exception of fasting blood glucose (GCK-MODY 7.6 mmol/L ± 1.2 (136.4 mg/dL); controls 5.3 mmol/L ± 0.3 (95.4 mg/dL); P < 0.0001) and glycated hemoglobin HbA1c (GCK-MODY 6.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/8e/PMC3786513.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4200171", "abstract": "While it is relatively well known that the prognosis of patients with lung cancer (LC) treated with surgery is worse in the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is unknown if this assessment can be extrapolated to patients with advanced disease treated with chemotherapy and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The aim of our study is to analyze the clinical characteristics and survival rates in patients with LC and COPD, and to compare these to the patients without airflow obstruction. From 471 evaluable patients, 324 (69", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/b0/copd-9-1053.PMC4200171.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2920695", "abstract": "The behavioral difficulties of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) inattentive type differ from those of children with ADHD combined or hyperactive/impulsive type. Existing evidence-based interventions primarily target the disruptive and impulsive behaviors exhibited by children with ADHD combined and hyperactive/impulsive type. A number of recent advances have been made in the non-pharmacological treatment of behavioral difficulties associated with ADHD inattentive type. Additional research using randomized controlled research designs and long-term follow-up evaluation is necessary before these interventions may be considered established evidence-based interventions for patients with ADHD inattentive type.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/be/1757-5931-0001-0000000016.PMC2920695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5400459", "abstract": "Abstract The patient was a 51-year-old lady with left flank colicky pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting for a month. Transurethral lithotripsy and ureteral stent placement was considered for the patient. The patient had a narrow ureteral lumen and while bringing the ureteroscope out, ureteral avulsion occurred at a distance approximately 4 cm from ureteropelvic junction. After bringing the uretroscope out, the avulsed ureter was observed hanging at the tip of the ureteroscope. Anastomosis of the ureter to the bladder was accomplished with Lich–Gregoir technique. A drainage tube was inserted at the site of incision and the surgical wound closed. The patient was discharged with acceptable general condition after 3 days and the drainage tube removed. The ureteral stent was removed 4 weeks later by cystoscopy. An ultrasound imaging study of the genitourinary system 8 months into the patients follow up showed normal size, echo and cortical thickness in the operated kidney after renal autotransplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/90/rjx028.PMC5400459.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4706927", "abstract": "The Cordyceps species has been a good source of compounds with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, we reported a novel compound (4-isopropyl-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol, KTH-13) with anticancer activity isolated from Cordyceps bassiana and created several derivatives to increase its pharmacological activity. In this study, we tested one of the KTH-013 derivatives, 4-isopropyl-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)aniline 1 (KTH-13-AD1), with regard to anti-inflammatory activity under macrophage-mediated inflammatory conditions. KTH-13-AD1 clearly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sodium nitroprusside- (SNP-) treated macrophage-like cells (RAW264.7 cells). Similarly, this compound also reduced mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as analyzed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Interestingly, KTH-13-AD1 strongly diminished NF-κB-mediated luciferase activities and nuclear translocation of NF-κB family proteins. In accordance, KTH-13-AD1 suppressed the upstream signaling pathway of NF-κB activation, including IκBα, IKKα/β, AKT, p85/PI3K, and Src in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The autophosphorylation of Src and NF-κB observed during the overexpression of Src was also suppressed by KTH-13-AD1. These results strongly suggest that KTH-13-AD1 has strong anti-inflammatory features mediated by suppression of the Src/NF-κB regulatory loop.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/49/ce/PMC4706927.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4214034", "abstract": "We present the results of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed in three patients with severe influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Light microscopy analysis of BAL cytocentrifugates showed the presence of characteristic large, mononuclear, plasmoblastic/plasmocytoid-like cells never described before. Via transmission electron microscopy, these cells were classified as atypical type II pneumocytes and some of them showed cytoplasmic vesicles and inclusions. We concluded that plasmoblastic/plasmocytoid-like type II pneumocytes might represent a morphologic marker of A/H1N1 influenza virus infection as well as reparative cellular activation after diffuse alveolar damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/2f/PMC4214034.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3012001", "abstract": "Chloroplast sensor kinase (CSK) is a bacterial-type sensor histidine kinase found in chloroplasts—photosynthetic plastids—in eukaryotic plants and algae. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we demonstrate recognition and interactions between: CSK, plastid transcription kinase (PTK), and a bacterial-type RNA polymerase sigma factor-1 (SIG-1). CSK interacts with itself, with SIG-1, and with PTK. PTK also interacts directly with SIG-1. PTK has previously been shown to catalyze phosphorylation of plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP), suppressing plastid transcription nonspecifically. Phospho-PTK is inactive as a PEP kinase. Here, we propose that phospho-CSK acts as a PTK kinase, releasing PTK repression of chloroplast transcription, while CSK also acts as a SIG-1 kinase, blocking transcription specifically at the gene promoter of chloroplast photosystem I. Oxidation of the photosynthetic electron carrier plastoquinone triggers phosphorylation of CSK, inducing chloroplast photosystem II while suppressing photosystem I. CSK places photosystem gene transcription under the control of photosynthetic electron transport. This redox signaling pathway has its origin in cyanobacteria, photosynthetic prokaryotes from which chloroplasts evolved. The persistence of this mechanism in cytoplasmic organelles of photosynthetic eukaryotes is in precise agreement with the CoRR hypothesis for the function of organellar genomes: the plastid genome and its primary gene products are Co-located for Redox Regulation. Genes are retained in plastids primarily in order for their expression to be subject to this rapid and robust redox regulatory transcriptional control mechanism, whereas plastid genes also encode genetic system components, such as some ribosomal proteins and RNAs, that exist in order to support this primary, redox regulatory control of photosynthesis genes. Plastid genome function permits adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to changing environmental conditions of light quantity and quality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/2c/evq073.PMC3012001.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4976907", "abstract": "Purpose Anemia is reported to be an independent predictor of hospitalizations and survival in COPD. However, little is known of its impact on short-term survival during severe COPD exacerbations. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of anemia increases the risk of death in acute respiratory failure due to severe COPD exacerbations. Patients and methods Consecutive patients with COPD exacerbation who were admitted to the intensive care unit with the diagnosis of acute respiratory failure and required either invasive or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were analyzed. Results A total of 106 patients (78.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/79/copd-11-1775.PMC4976907.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4574802", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of the study was to review the demographic, clinical, and imaging features of Egyptian patients with orbital metastases. Methods The study was a retrospective study of patients with orbital metastatic lesions over the last 15 years. Results The study included 37 patients. Male patients represented 54.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/56/opth-9-1683.PMC4574802.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3196257", "abstract": "Immunosuppressive therapy is an established therapeutic option in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). In an open nonrandomized study we serially assessed cardiac function in 30 consecutive patients with MS before, during, and after mitoxantrone therapy. Mitoxantrone (12 mg/m2) was administered intravenously at 3-month intervals. Before each infusion, cardiac function was assessed by history taking, resting electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. Whereas no patient experienced clinical signs of heart failure, left ventricular pump function decreased continuously during mitoxantrone therapy and did not recover after cessation. The presented data suggest a dose-dependent and long-lasting toxic cardiac effect of low-dose mitoxantrone therapy in MS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/d6/PMC3196257.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3446077", "abstract": "Objective Hepatic dysfunction is common in dengue infection and the degree of liver dysfunction in children varies from mild injury with elevation of transaminases to severe injury with jaundice. This study was undertaken to assess the spectrum of hepatic involvement in dengue infection. Methods 110 children with serologically positive dengue fever aged between 2 months - 14 years were studied for their hepatic functions both clinically and biochemically after excluding malaria, enteric fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B with relevant investigations. Findings All cases were grouped into DF (Dengue fever), DHF (Dengue hemorrhagic fever) and DSS (Dengue shock syndrome) according to WHO criteria. The spectrum of hepatic manifestations included hepatomegaly (79", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/8f/IJPD-22-231.PMC3446077.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5111486", "abstract": "Background and aim Approaching the convicted patient is a topical issue in terms of alignment with EU provisions and recommendations, more so in the context of year by year increase in the number of convicts and consequently, prison patients. The prison patient exhibits increased vulnerability in regard to the rest of the convicts due to his/her medical status overlapping personality changes induced, while coping with a new environment. This represents a challenge for the physicians involved in the expertise process, which must act objectively within the limits and by the principles of professional ethics, while confronting a patient influenced by the prison environment. Methods We studied the existing legal and ethical framework concerning the expertise in view of sentence postponement/interruption on medical grounds and made a comparison between the theoretical information available and the “real life” situations encountered in our experience at the Institute of Legal Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Following this step we tried to establish some principles needed to optimize health care in the penitentiary system by detecting and sanctioning situations of deceptive behavior, doubled or not by simulation and over-simulation. Results Convicts present pathologies documented in medical records, but accuse new symptoms that could suggest a new pathological condition. During the expertise, convicted patients emphasize their symptoms and/or claim new symptoms unrelated to their documented medical condition. Convicts submit repeated requests for which treatment solutions within the NAP healthcare system had been already formulated. Conclusion The patient must be properly informed about the steps to be taken and duration expected in performing a legal medicine expertise in pursuit of sentence postponement or interruption for the treatment of a medical condition that cannot be properly addressed within the NAP sanitary system. Information should come from authorized sources. Efforts to determine unauthorized sources (mainly “experienced” detainees with records of unsubstantiated demands) are surely beneficial.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/e6/cm-89-474.PMC5111486.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1474146", "abstract": "The genome of the amphioxus is on the horizon. With Linda Holland and Jeremy Gibson-Brown at the forefront, with all the amphioxus community behind, and with the Joint Genome Institute, the amphioxus genome will see the light this year, 2006. Hope that it will reflect the “prototypical” preduplicative genome of vertebrates. It may answer definitively what the human genome did not: Are we vertebrates octaploid? Will it shed light on the novelties that helped non-chordates to be chordates? And more, will amphioxus, with a simpler genome, be developed to a senior “experimental model system”, allowing the testing of molecular functions in a non-duplicated genome background and allowing genetic modification to “recapitulate” evolution? Thanks to an outstanding collaboration between labs, the laboratory culture of amphioxus is underway after years of hard work in the field. 2007 looks promising for amphioxus research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/b1/PMC1474146.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2686769", "abstract": "Teaching abroad exposes medical educators to unfamiliar teaching methods and learning styles that can enhance their overall teaching repertoire. Based on the author’s experience teaching residents for one month at a community hospital in Japan and a review of the non-English speaking background (NESB) educational literature, pedagogical principles and lessons for successful international NESB instruction are outlined. These methods include understanding the dissimilar linguistic, cultural, and academic backgrounds of the learners, emphasizing pace and clarity of speech, presenting a conceptual framework instead of detailed discourse on subjects, and regular visual reinforcement of spoken words. The limitations introduced by the language barrier and the use of interpreters are briefly discussed. As society and institutions of higher learning become more global and multicultural, clinician–educators may benefit from teaching in other countries in order to enhance their teaching skills with NESB learners, both abroad and in their own institutions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fc/d2/PMC2686769.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4908222", "abstract": "Liver is one of the organs with the highest injury rate, and in recent decades, the guidelines for the treatment of liver trauma have changed considerably. Now, there is a growing consensus that the most important step is diagnosis and depending upon the degree of severity, non-operative therapy is the main treatment method for hepatic trauma if conditions permit. For serious hepatic trauma patients such as those with hemodynamic instability, they should be operated upon as soon as possible. Regardless of the surgical options, doctors should control damage to patients and try to prevent complications. New therapies such as hepatic artery embolization and liver transplantation have been more and more used for the treatment of serious hepatic damage in clinics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/a3/main.PMC4908222.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3307376", "abstract": "Background Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in the world. However, our understanding of how the microbial community composition changes in vivo as caries develops is lacking. Objective An in vivo model was used in a longitudinal cohort study to investigate shifts in the microbial community composition associated with the development of enamel caries. Design White spot lesions were generated in vivo on human teeth predetermined to be extracted for orthodontic reasons. The bacterial microbiota on sound enamel and on developing carious lesions were identified using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM), which permits the detection of about 300 of the approximate 600 predominant bacterial species in the oral cavity. Results After only seven weeks, 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/90/JOM-4-16125.PMC3307376.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5133031", "abstract": "Introduction The uncontrolled increase in the rate of cesarean section is one of the most controversial issues, and is a primary challenge among health policy makers. This study was conducted to examine the impact of the Iranian health evolution plan on vaginal delivery rate and cesarean section. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014. Maternal health data for 2013 and 2014 were used in this study and changes in vaginal delivery and cesarean section were compared before and after the reform, using t-test and Wilkinson test. Results According to the findings of this study, 64.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/be/epj-08-3076.PMC5133031.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3272859", "abstract": "Cerebral malaria is a significant cause of childhood morbidity in our region. The challenges of effective management include time and quality of treatment. The study appraised the health care seeking behavior of caregivers of sick children who developed cerebral malaria, in Zaria, northwestern Nigeria. Caregivers indentified were parents 29 (87.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/f2/PMC3272859.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4594462", "abstract": "Cycad biology, ecology, and horticulture decisions are not supported by adequate research, and experiments in cycad physiology in particular have been deficient. Our recent report on free sugar content in a range of cycad taxa and tissues sets the stage for developing continued carbohydrate research. Growth and development of cycad pollen, mediation of the herbivory traits of specialist pollinators, and support of expensive strobilus behavioral traits are areas of cycad pollination biology that would benefit from a greater understanding of the role of carbohydrate relations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/6b/kcib-08-02-1017162.PMC4594462.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5058416", "abstract": "Clinical use of drugs is approved for specified clinical indication, route of administration, dose and population group. Off-label prescribing of a registered medicine occurs outside of these parameters and may be justified by pharmacology and physiology, as well as sufficient evidence from published clinical trials and reviews. Misoprostol and mifepristone in combination have recently been registered in Australia for medical termination of pregnancy in women of child-bearing age. There is good clinical evidence for efficacy and safety of misoprostol in uterine evacuation in both miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. The pharmacological effects of misoprostol on the uterus and clinical outcomes in both early miscarriage and abortion are comparable. Medical management of miscarriage with misoprostol in Australia is performed off-label. A woman presenting with first trimester miscarriage must be clearly informed that use of misoprostol in her case is for a non-approved indication. This raises the issue of inequity in her management compared with that of first trimester medical abortion, including being treated off-label and the potential cost of non-subsidised medication. The clinician must also be careful to use an evidence-based protocol that would withstand medicolegal challenge in the case of an adverse outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/ae/FVVinObGyn-7-261.PMC5058416.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4764284", "abstract": " Background: One of the main indexes of development is health index or the degree to which a society enjoys health and therapeutic services. The present study was done with the aim to analyze development levels in cities in Tehran regarding health infrastructural index using the standardized score and Morris’ model.   Methods: This is a descriptive and pragmatic study which ranks 14 cities in Tehran province using the standardized score and Morris’ models based on 10 selected health indexes. The required data were gathered using a researcher-made information list and the information gathered from the Statistics Center and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data were analyzed using Excel software.   Results: The development coefficient in the studied cities varies from 0.595 to -0.379 so that Rey city has the highest level of development and Pishva city has the lowest level of development among the studied cities. The more number of the cities (43", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/22/MJIRI-29-304.PMC4764284.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3325620", "abstract": "In a clinical case series, 5 patients with not-resolved central serous choroidoretinopathy (CSC) lasting more than 1 year received one intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB, 1.25 mg) injection. All patients underwent a through ophthalmic examination 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 2, and 6 months after the injection. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness were compared before and after treatment by optical coherence tomography. Mean BCVA was improved significantly (p = 0.020) from 0.60 ± 0.25 to 0.50 ± 0.18 and 0.29 ± 0.19 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution at 6 and 18 weeks, respectively. Central macular thickness was also decreased significantly (p = 0.010) from 370 ± 65 to 208 ± 23 µm at 4 months. No recurrence was occurred during follow-up. IVB injection may have beneficial effect in the treatment of refractory CSC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/94/kjo-26-139.PMC3325620.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3270472", "abstract": "The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution and population trends through time of Lutzomyia species in a long-term focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in an Atlantic Forest area, northeastern Brazil. Sand fly populations of different ecological niches were monitored spatiotemporally in 2009. To summarize vegetation characteristics and phenology, we calculated the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index from Landsat images. Using niche modeling approaches, we assessed suites of environmental factors to identify areas of transmission risk. Although 12 species were detected, L. whitmani was the most abundant and broadly distributed across the area, particularly in peridomiciliary locations, and associated negatively with denser vegetation areas. On the other hand, L. complexa, L. sordelli, and L. tupynambai were found almost exclusively in forested areas (P < 0.05), and associated positively with denser vegetation. Lutzomyia species' occurrences are related to specific environmental combinations (with contrast among species) in the region.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/b4/PMC3270472.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3200089", "abstract": "Hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery causes tissue damage. Regardless of the method of production of thermal energy, a quick and safe coagulation is essential for its clinical use. In this study we examined the tissue damage in the isolated perfused pig liver using monopolar, bipolar, cold plasma, and ultrasonic coagulation. In a minimally invasive in vitro setup, a 2-3 cm slice of the edge of the perfused pig liver was resected. After hemostasis was achieved, liver tissue of the coagulated area was given to histopathological examination. The depth of tissue necrosis, the height of tissue loss, and the time until sufficient hemostasis was reached were analyzed. The lowest risk for extensive tissue damage could be shown for the bipolar technique, combined with the highest efficiency in hemostasis. Using cold plasma, coagulation time was longer with a deeper tissue damage. Monopolar technique showed the worst results with the highest tissue damage and a long coagulation time. Ultrasonic coagulation was not useful for coagulation of large bleeding areas. In summary, bipolar technique led to less tissue damage and best coagulation results in our minimally invasive model. These results could be important to recommend bipolar coagulation for clinical use in minimally invasive surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/4c/PMC3200089.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3199912", "abstract": "Restless legs syndrome is common in patients with multiple sclerosis but has not been reported as occurring due to an acute, inflammatory, demyelinating attack. Restless legs syndrome is known to be related to low brain iron levels. Multiple sclerosis has been associated with the abnormal accumulation of iron in the chronic, progressive phase of axonal degeneration. Iron deficiency may play a role in demyelination. This suggests that restless legs syndrome may be caused by the inflammatory, demyelinating component of multiple sclerosis rather than axonal degeneration. The author presents a case of self-limited restless legs syndrome occurring as an acute attack of multiple sclerosis, supporting the notion that inflammatory demyelination is the underlying pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2d/74/PMC3199912.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3246610", "abstract": "We demonstrate multiple wavelength InGaAs quantum dot lasers using ion implantation induced intermixing. Proton implantation, followed by annealing is used to create differential interdiffusion in the active region of the devices. The characteristics (lasing-spectra, threshold currents and slope efficiencies) of the multi-wavelength devices are compared to those of as-grown devices and the differences are explained in terms of altered energy level spacing in the annealed quantum dots.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/2a/PMC3246610.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3168448", "abstract": "Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis share similarity in histopathologic findings and clinically occur in association with each other occasionally. Tuberculosis should always be ruled out before the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. But, the diagnosis is often complicated, especially in extrapulmonary cases. Here we present a case of bilateral vitreous hemorrhage with uveitis. Ocular sarcoidosis was initially diagnosed based on the characteristic ocular findings, negative results on chest radiography, tuberculosis culture, and polymerase chain reaction of aqueous, as well as simultaneous presence of panda and lambda sign on gallium-67 scans. The ocular condition improved after pars plana vitrectomy and systemic steroid therapy. However, TB lymphadenopathy but no recurrent ocular inflammation was found 6 years later. The patient received anti-TB treatment for 6 months thereafter. The eyes remained silent except cataract progression and glaucoma under two medications during this period. In conclusion, TB could occur coincidently or in association with sarcoidosis, continued follow-up is important for patients with ocular sarcoidosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/b2/PMC3168448.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2872901", "abstract": "Myocardial bridge is a congenital anomaly characterized by narrowing of some of the epicardial coronary arterial segments running in the myocardium during systole. Occasionally, the compression of a coronary artery by a myocardial bridge can be associated with the clinical manifestations of myocardial ischemia, and might even trigger a myocardial infarction or malignant ventricular arrhythmias. We report a case of ventricular fibrillation due to coronary spasm at the site of myocardial bridge. A 56-year-old man who had suffered from bronchial asthma was given remifentanil combined with sevoflurane in general anesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery. During the surgery, ventricular fibrillation occurred following coronary spasm with bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm. we found myocardial bridge that coincided with an area of coronary spasm after coronary angiography.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/57/kjae-58-99.PMC2872901.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4598902", "abstract": "Background: Delivery is one of the most important crises with mental, social, and deep emotional dimensions in women's life. Health providers’ respect to pregnant women's Bill of Rights, as an important component of providing humanistic and ethical care, is of utmost importance. This study aimed to determine health providers’ compliance with the pregnant women's Bill of Rights in labor and delivery and some of its related factors in 2013. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out on the subjects selected through census sampling (N = 257) from among the healthcare providers working in the labor rooms of four educational hospitals. The data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire whose validity and reliability were established. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The compliance with pregnant women's Bill of Rights was found to be at a very high level in 22.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/3d/IJNMR-20-565.PMC4598902.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5388347", "abstract": "In recent years, several European countries reported cases of imported chikungunya infection. We present the first imported clinically manifested chikungunya fever in Croatia. A 27-year-old woman returned to Croatia on 21 March 2016, after she stayed in Costa Rica for two months where she had noticed a mosquito bite on her left forearm. Five days after the mosquito bite she developed severe arthralgias, fever and erythematous papular rash. In next few days symptoms gradually subsided. After ten days she felt better, but arthralgias re-appeared accompanied with morning stiffness. Two weeks after the onset of the disease she visited the infectious diseases outpatient department. The physical examination revealed rash on the trunk, extremities, palms and soles. Laboratory findings showed slightly elevated liver transaminases. Serological tests performed on day 20 after disease onset showed a high titer of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) IgM and IgG antibodies which indicated CHIKV infection. CHIKV-RNA was not detected. Serology to dengue and Zika virus was negative. The patient was treated with nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol. Her symptoms ameliorated, however, three months later she still complaint of arthralgias. The presented case highlights the need for inclusion of CHIKV in the differential diagnosis of arthralgia in all travelers returning from countries with documented CHIKV transmission.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/48/imcrj-10-117.PMC5388347.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4870840", "abstract": "Background During the past several years, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported as some of the most important agents of infection in immunocompromised patients. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the ciprofloxacin susceptibility of clinical and environmental NTM species isolated from Isfahan province, Iran, using the agar dilution method, and to perform an analysis of gyrA gene-related ciprofloxacin resistance. Materials and Methods A total of 41 clinical and environmental isolates of NTM were identified by conventional and multiplex PCR techniques. The isolates were separated out of water, blood, abscess, and bronchial samples. The susceptibility of the isolates to 1 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL of ciprofloxacin concentrations was determined by the agar dilution method according to CLSI guidelines. A 120-bp area of the gyrA gene was amplified, and PCR-SSCP templates were defined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 120-bp of gyrA amplicons with different PCR-SSCP patterns were sequenced. Results The frequency of the identified isolates was as follows: Mycobacterium fortuitum, 27 cases; M. gordonae, 10 cases; M. smegmatis, one case; M. conceptionense, one case; and M. abscessus, two cases. All isolates except for M. abscessus were sensitive to all three concentrations of ciprofloxacin. The PCR-SSCP pattern of the gyrA gene of resistant M. abscessus isolates showed four different bands. The gyrA sequencing of resistant M. abscessus isolates showed 12 alterations in nucleotides compared to the M. abscessus ATCC 19977 resistant strain; however, the amino acid sequences were similar. Conclusions This study demonstrated the specificity and sensitivity of the PCR-SSCP method for finding mutations in the gyrA gene. Due to the sensitivity of most isolates to ciprofloxacin, this antibiotic should be considered an appropriate drug for the treatment of related diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/c5/jjm-09-03-30018.PMC4870840.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5364202", "abstract": "Biguanides are a drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although they can cause lactic acidosis in susceptible patients with predisposing risk factors, the incidence of lactic acidosis is reported to be very low when they are used properly. We herein present a case of biguanide-associated severe lactic acidosis complicated with thiamine deficiency that was provoked without predisposing factors for thiamine deficiency. Diabetic patients taking biguanide may be predisposed to thiamine deficiency, even when there is no evidence of risk factors, and the high-dose administration of thiamine may be essential in the treatment of this otherwise under-recognized disorder. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/fe/1349-7235-56-0455.PMC5364202.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4377776", "abstract": "It has been reported that the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)/CD26 on T-cells by DPP-4 enzymatic inhibitors suppresses lymphocyte proliferation and reduces the production of various cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. A 72-year-old female with diabetic nephropathy on hemodialysis developed multiple lung nodules following the administration of vildagliptin. A biopsy demonstrated the histology of granulomas without caseous necrosis. The discontinuation of vildagliptin resulted in the disappearance of the granulomas within 4 months. As granulomatosis often develops in patients under anti-TNF-α therapy, the accumulation of DPP-4 inhibitors or its metabolites is possibly linked to unrecognized complications, such as sarcoid-like lung granulomas.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/54/sft172.PMC4377776.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5308597", "abstract": "Objectives Recently, there has been increasing interest in preventing and managing diseases both inside and outside medical institutions, and these concerns have supported the development of the individual Personal Health Record (PHR). Thus, the current study created a mobile platform called “Mind Mirror” to evaluate psychological and physical conditions and investigated whether PHRs would be a useful tool for assessment of the dynamic relationship between the emotional and physical conditions of an individual. Methods Mind Mirror was used to collect 30 days of observational data about emotional valence and the physical states of pain and fatigue from 20 healthy participants, and these data were used to analyze the dynamic relationship between emotional and physical conditions. Additionally, based on the cross-correlations between these three parameters, a multilevel multivariate regression model (mixed linear model [MLM]) was implemented. Results The strongest cross-correlation between emotional and physical conditions was at lag 0, which implies that emotion and body condition changed concurrently. In the MLM, emotional valence was negatively associated with fatigue (β =−0.233, P<0.001), fatigue was positively associated with pain (β =0.250, P<0.001), and pain was positively associated with fatigue (β =0.398, P<0.001). Conclusion Our study showed that emotional valence and one’s physical condition negatively influenced one another, while fatigue and pain positively affected each other. These findings suggest that the mind and body interact instantaneously, in addition to providing a possible solution for the recording and management of health using a PHR on a daily basis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/61/ndt-13-411.PMC5308597.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4754573", "abstract": "Endodontic intervention in necrotic immature permanent teeth is usually a clinical challenge. With appropriate case selection, regenerative treatment can be effective, providing a desirable outcome. However, there is still no consensus on the optimal disinfection protocol or the method to achieve predictable clinical outcome. This article presents two cases of regenerative treatment in necrotic immature teeth, using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and BiodentineTM as coronal barriers and different irrigants, which led to different clinical outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/79/PMC4754573.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897521", "abstract": "High intake of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) from fish has shown to reduce metastatic progression of prostate cancer. This clinical trial investigated the influence of high n-3 FA intake (marine phospholipids, MPL) on the FA composition of blood lipids, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and on lipoproteins in prostate cancer patients and elderly men without prostate cancer. MPL supplementation resulted in a significant increase of n-3 FAs (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid) in blood lipids, while arachidonic acid (n-6 FA) decreased significantly. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased significantly, but the LDL increase was observed only in subjects with an inactive tumour. Similarly, LPC plasma concentration increased significantly only in patients without tumour. The missing increase of LDL and LPC after MPL supplementation in patients with actively growing (metastasizing) prostate cancer suggests that tumour cells have an elevated demand for LDL and LPC. Due to the MPL-induced increase of n-3 FAs in these blood lipids, it can be assumed that especially actively growing and metastasizing prostate cancer cells are provided with elevated amounts of these antimetastatic n-3 FAs. A hypothetic model explaining the lower incidence of metastatic progression in prostate cancer patients with high fish consumption is presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/f0/PMC4897521.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3996431", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to verify whether precise contraction of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) using visual feedback actually affects the thickness of abdominal muscles. [Subjects] The subjects were 29 healthy adults in their 20s who consented to participate in this study. [Methods] This study provided visual feedback on PFM using one ultrasound device and identified changes in the transversus abdominis (TRA) using another ultrasound device. Abdominal muscle thicknesses were measured by ultrasound under three conditions (rest, PFM contraction, PFM contraction with visual feedback). [Results] There were no statistically significant differences in the external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) muscles between the measurements taken at rest and during the contraction of the PFM, and between those taken at rest and during the contraction of the PFM with visual feedback. There were significant differences in the TRA. In particular, TRA thickness was highest in the order of PFM contraction, PFM contraction with visual feedback, and rest. [Conclusion] Hollowing with visual feedback is not an efficient stabilization exercise method for the PFM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/94/jpts-26-605.PMC3996431.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088540", "abstract": "Ulcerative colitis (UC) is known to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, the occurrence of non-epithelial malignancies is uncommon. An elevated lesion in the descending colon was found in a 51-year-old woman with a 30-year history of UC. Despite tumor progression, repeated biopsies showed no cancerous findings. Because the lesion was highly suspected to be a malignant tumor, a partial colectomy was performed. The pathological diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyosarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract is rare, and this is only the third known case reported in patients with UC. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/6d/1349-7235-55-2799.PMC5088540.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5133038", "abstract": "Introduction After more than three decades of network system design, epidemiological transition, as well as the change in needs and expectations of rural communities, have brought some challenges for Iran’s health houses. So, this study is aimed at identifying these challenges through a qualitative study. Methods This was a qualitative and phenomenological study which was carried out in three phases in Iran in 2015. In the first phase, the required data was collected through semi-structured interviews with selected experts, health workers and referrals to Iran’s health houses, so that all were selected purposefully. In the second phase, two expert panels were conducted to provide solutions. In the third phase the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were evaluated using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) method. The data of the first two phases were analyzed using the Collaizi method. Results Fourteen subthemes under five themes of ; quality of provided services, human resources, infrastructure, inter-sectorial and intra-sectorial relations, and contextual factors were identified as the challenges of Iran’s health houses, and consist of fourteen sub themes. Continuous education of health workers, equipping and renovating old buildings, improving inter and intra-sectorial relationships and the proportionating workload with a number of workers, were the most important solutions. Conclusion The study showed that, over time, many of the functions of Iran’s health houses have been faced with problems, therefore, training the manpower, equipping Iran’s health houses and creating better public spaces and building culture are recommended to enhance the effectiveness and revisions based on the study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/6f/epj-08-3122.PMC5133038.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2686592", "abstract": "Bionemo (http://bionemo.bioinfo.cnio.es) stores manually curated information about proteins and genes directly implicated in the Biodegradation metabolism. When possible, the database includes information on sequence, domains and structures for proteins; and sequence, regulatory elements and transcription units for genes. Thus, Bionemo is a unique resource that complements other biodegradation databases such as the University of Minessota Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database, or Metarouter, which focus more on the biochemical aspects of biodegradation than in the nature of the biomolecules carrying out the reactions. Bionemo has been built by manually associating sequences database entries to biodegradation reactions, using the information extracted from published articles. Information on transcription units and their regulation was also extracted from the literature for biodegradation genes, and linked to the underlying biochemical network. In its current version, Bionemo contains sequence information for 324 reactions and transcription regulation information for more than 100 promoters and 100 transcription factors. The information in the Bionemo database is available via a web server and the full database is also downloadable as a PostgresSQL dump. To facilitate the programmatic use of the information contained in the database, an object-oriented Perl API is also provided.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/a1/gkn864.PMC2686592.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3821377", "abstract": "Context  There is contention over whether reported dose correlates with toxicity in paracetamol poisoning and risk assessment is currently based on serum paracetamol concentration compared to a nomogram, irrespective of reported dose. Objective To determine if reported dose predicts the need for N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Methods Data were taken from paracetamol overdoses presenting to a tertiary toxicology service. Age, sex, reported dose, ingestion time, timed paracetamol concentrations between 4 and 16 h, hepatotoxicity (peak alanine transaminase > 1000 U/L) and treatment (single dose-activated charcoal [SDAC] and NAC) were analysed. Data were analysed within a repeated measures logistic regression framework using NONMEM (ver 7.2). The primary outcome was administration of NAC, which was determined based on a serum paracetamol concentration greater than the nomogram line. Result There were 1571 admissions in 1303 patients, with a median age of 27 years (12–96 years) and 1140 (73", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d7/52/CLX-51-772.PMC3821377.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4051721", "abstract": "Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder. The most common symptom of HD is abnormal involuntary writhing movements, called chorea. Antipsychotics and tetrabenazine are used to alleviate the signs and symptoms of HD. Stem cells have been investigated for use in neurodegenerative disorders to develop cell therapy strategies. Recent evidence indicates that the beneficial effects of stem cell therapies are actually mediated by secretory molecules, as well as cell replacement. Although stem cell studies show that cell transplantation provides cellular improvement around lesions in in vivo models, further work is required to elucidate some issues before the clinical application of stem cells. These issues include the precise mechanism of action, delivery method, toxicity and safety. With a focus on HD, this review summarizes cell therapy strategies and the paracrine effect of stem cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/30/6a/PMC4051721.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3618030", "abstract": "We report a case of hemorrhagic cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, occurring in a postoperative patient due to a weakened immune system. An 85-year-old woman with a medical history, including chronic renal failure treated with oral administration of prednisolone, underwent colectomy due to an ascending colon cancer. While the postoperative course was favorable, she exhibited acute severe abdominal pain and massive bloody discharge after 11 days of surgery. Her colonoscopic examination showed multiple longitudinal ulcers on the anastomosis. In addition to these endoscopic findings, her past medical history helped suggest CMV colitis. Because serological testing revealed positive CMV antigen, she was finally given a diagnosis of CMV colitis and received intravenous ganciclovir for the initial treatment. Hemorrhagic CMV colitis after colectomy is an important postoperative complication; we therefore present our case with diagnosis and treatment experience.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/90/cro-0006-0109.PMC3618030.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3181427", "abstract": "This review addresses the issue of sex differences in the response to cannabinoid compounds focusing mainly on behaviors belonging to the cognitive and emotional sphere. Sexual dimorphism exists in the different components of the endocannabinoid system. Males seem to have higher CB1 receptor binding sites than females, but females seem to possess more efficient CB1 receptors. Differences between sexes have been also observed in the metabolic processing of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. The consistent dimorphism in the endocannabinoid system and THC metabolism may justify at least in part the different sensitivity observed between male and female animals in different behavioral paradigms concerning emotion and cognition after treatment with cannabinoid compounds. On the basis of these observations, we would like to emphasize the need of including females in basic research and to analyze results for sex differences in epidemiological studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/d6/PMC3181427.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4699936", "abstract": "Necrotizing sialometaplasia usually heals within 4 to 10 weeks with conservative treatment, and rarely recurs. When necrotizing sialometaplasia is present on the hard palate it may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. In this case, necrotizing ulceration occurred on the left hard palate of a 36-year-old woman after root canal treatment of the upper left first premolar under local anesthesia. After only saline irrigation the defect of the lesion completely healed and filled with soft tissue. After 5 months, however, a similar focal necrosis was found on the contralateral hard palate without any dental treatment having been performed on that side and progressed in similar fashion as the former lesion. We conducted an incisional biopsy and obtained a final pathological diagnosis for the palatal mass of necrotizing sialometaplasia. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient's oral mucosa of the hard palate was normal, without any signs and symptoms of the condition. We report a case of a second occurrence of necrotizing sialometaplasia on the contralateral side from the first, with a time lapse between the first and second occurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/af/jkaoms-41-338.PMC4699936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3763131", "abstract": "1-Corydalmine,an alkaloid isolated from roots of Corydalis chaerophylla inhibited spore germination of some plant pathogenic as well as saprophytic fungi e.g. Alternaria brassicae, A. brassicicola, A. solani, Curvularia lunata, C. maculans, C. sp., C. pallscens, Erysiphe pisi, Fusarium udum, Helminthosporium species,H. penniseti and a Heterosporium species. 1-Corydalmine significantly inhibited spore germination of all the fungi at 100 to 1500 ppm. It was effective against all the fungi at 1500 ppm. C. lunata was highly sensitive to this chemical even at 250 ppm.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/39/mb-35-69.PMC3763131.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4244686", "abstract": "Oxidative stress is developed due to susceptibility of biological substrates to oxidation by generation of free radicals. In degenerative diseases, oxidative stress level can be reduced by antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. Primary objective of this work was to screen four medicinal plants, namely, Andrographis paniculata, Costus speciosus, Canthium parviflorum, and Abrus precatorius, for their antioxidant property using two biological substrates—RBC and microsomes. The antioxidative ability of three solvent extracts, methanol (100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/47/PMC4244686.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4588773", "abstract": "Background: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of three commercially available glass ionomer cements - Miracle Mix (MM) (GC America Inc., Alsip, USA), Ketac Molar (KM) (3M Corp., Minnesota, USA) and amalgomer CR (AM) (Advanced Healthcare Ltd., Kent, England) in primary teeth and later examine the mode of the adhesive failure at the interface. Materials and Methods: Totally, 90 extracted sound primary molars were selected, and dentin on the buccal surface of crowns was exposed. Specimens were randomly assigned into three groups according to the restorative materials being tested. SBS tests were performed, and the obtained values were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). SBS mean values on were recorded in megapascals (MPa) and the mode of failure was assessed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: SBS (in MPa) was - MM-5.39, KM-4.84, AM-6.38. The predominant failure mode was cohesive. Conclusion: Amalgomer CR exhibited statistically significant higher SBS of 6.38 MPa to primary teeth and has better adhesion to the primary teeth compared to the other test materials and can be considered as a restorative material in pediatric dentistry. However, the results of this study should be corroborated with further investigation to reach a definitive conclusion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/7b/JIOH-7-103.PMC4588773.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4394332", "abstract": "Chronic heart failure (CHF) is predominantly seen in older patients, and therefore real life medicine often requires the extrapolation of findings from trials conducted in much younger populations. Prescribing patterns and potential benefits in the elderly are heavily influenced by polypharmacy and co-morbid pathologies. Increasing longevity may become less relevant in the frail elderly, whereas improving quality of life (QoL) often becomes priority; the onus being on improving wellbeing, maintaining independence for longer, and delaying institutionalisation. Specific studies evaluating elderly patients with CHF are lacking and little is known regarding the tolerability and side-effect profile of evidence based drug therapies in this population. There has been recent interest on the impact of heart rate in patients with symptomatic CHF. Ivabradine, with selective heart rate lowering capabilities, is of benefit in patients with CHF and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in sinus rhythm, resulting in reduction of heart failure hospitalisation and cardiovascular death. This manuscript will focus on CHF and the older patient and will discuss the impact of heart rate, drug therapies and tolerability. It will also highlight the unmet need for specific studies that focus on patient-centred study end points rather than mortality targets that characterise most therapeutic trials. An on-going study evaluating the impact of ivabradine on QoL that presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the tolerability and impact of an established therapy on a wide range of real life, older patients with CHF will be discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4c/88/jgc-12-02-165.PMC4394332.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4462913", "abstract": "Background: The treatment of tinea capitis using radiotherapy was introduced at the beginning of the twentieth century. A variety of cancers including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are seen years after this treatment. Objective: We sought to determine the clinical characteristics of BCCs among irradiated patients. Methods: The clinical records of all patients with BCC in a clinic in north of Iran were reviewed. Results: Of the 58 cases of BCC, 29 had positive history for radiotherapy in their childhood. Multiple BCCs were seen in 79.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/33/PMC4462913.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3131192", "abstract": "Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the extent to which pretreatment with microneedles can enhance skin permeation of nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. Permeation of live bacteria, which are physically nanoparticles or microparticles, through mouse skin pretreated with microneedles was also studied to evaluate the potential risk of microbial infection. Methods and results: It was found that pretreatment of mouse skin with microneedles allowed permeation of solid lipid nanoparticles, size 230 nm, with ovalbumin conjugated on their surface. Transcutaneous immunization in a mouse skin area pretreated with microneedles with ovalbumin nanoparticles induced a stronger antiovalbumin antibody response than using ovalbumin alone. The dose of ovalbumin antigen determined whether microneedle-mediated transcutaneous immunization with ovalbumin nanoparticles induced a stronger immune response than subcutaneous injection of the same ovalbumin nanoparticles. Microneedle treatment permitted skin permeation of live Escherichia coli, but the extent of the permeation was not greater than that enabled by hypodermic injection. Conclusion: Transcutaneous immunization on a microneedle-treated skin area with antigens carried by nanoparticles can potentially induce a strong immune response, and the risk of bacterial infection associated with microneedle treatment is no greater than that with a hypodermic injection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/41/PMC3131192.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3013660", "abstract": "The ArrayExpress Archive (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress) is one of the three international public repositories of functional genomics data supporting publications. It includes data generated by sequencing or array-based technologies. Data are submitted by users and imported directly from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. The ArrayExpress Archive is closely integrated with the Gene Expression Atlas and the sequence databases at the European Bioinformatics Institute. Advanced queries provided via ontology enabled interfaces include queries based on technology and sample attributes such as disease, cell types and anatomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/23/gkq1040.PMC3013660.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2945159", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE New clinical practice recommendations include A1C as an alternative to fasting glucose as a diagnostic test for identifying pre-diabetes. The impact of these new recommendations on the diagnosis of pre-diabetes is unknown. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006 (n = 7,029) were analyzed to determine the percentage and number of U.S. adults without diabetes classified as having pre-diabetes by the elevated A1C (5.7–6.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/0d/zdc2190.PMC2945159.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5297260", "abstract": "Background Excessive iron accumulation in the visceral organs creates problems for patients with beta-thalassemia major. Despite chelation therapy, mortality rate from the complications of this disease is still quite high. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of nutrition, exercise, and a praying program at reducing iron overload in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Patients and Methods This randomized clinical trial assessed the effect of the designed care program on iron overload. The study was conducted in 38 patients with beta-thalassemia major who ranged in age from 15 - 35 years and had been referred to the largest center for thalassemic patients in Shiraz. The patients were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 18) and a control (n = 20) group. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and two months after the intervention. Then, the data were statistically analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon, independent samples t-test, and paired samples t-test. Results The results showed that the mean level of serum ferritin significantly decreased in the intervention group two months after beginning the intervention. Also, the mean level of serum iron decreased in the intervention group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The planned educational program could be used to reduce iron overload and ultimately improve the patients’ health status.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/98/ijp-26-05-3869.PMC5297260.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4807928", "abstract": "Background Engaging community health volunteers and community health workers to provide maternal and child health (MCH) care services in resource-poor settings is one of the global and widely used concepts. Despite a great role of female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in MCH services in Nepal, few research studies have been performed in this area. Our research aimed to assess the knowledge and performance of FCHVs on MCH services associated with their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and performance on selected MCH services of FCHVs using structured questionnaire in 16 village development committees of Dhanusha district, Southern Terai, Nepal, from the first of January to the end of February of 2014. A total of 138 FCHVs were selected by using multistage random sampling technique. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between selected sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and performance on MCH services of FCHVs after adjusting for significant variables associated with knowledge and performance and within-cluster effect. Results Our findings demonstrated that sociodemographic characteristics were associated independently with good knowledge of FCHVs on MCH services: education level secondary and above (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.2; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/cf/jmdh-9-111.PMC4807928.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4707364", "abstract": " Background. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is commonly used in antiretroviral treatment (ART) and preexposure prophylaxis regimens. We evaluated the relationship of prenatal TDF use and growth outcomes among Kenyan HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants. Materials and Methods. We included PCR-confirmed HEU infants enrolled in a cross-sectional survey of mother-infant pairs conducted between July and December 2013 in Kenya. Maternal ART regimen during pregnancy was determined by self-report and clinic records. Six-week and 9-month z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and head circumference-for-age (HCAZ) were compared among HEU infants with and without TDF exposure using t-tests and multivariate linear regression models. Results. Among 277 mothers who received ART during pregnancy, 63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/80/PMC4707364.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3384972", "abstract": " Background. The heart consists of various kinds of cell components. However, it has not been feasible to separately analyze the gene expression of individual components. The laser microdissection (LMD) method, a new technology to collect target cells from the microscopic regions, has been used for malignancies. We sought to establish a method to selectively collect the muscular and vascular regions from the heart sections and to compare the marker gene expressions with this method. Methods and Results. Frozen left ventricle sections were obtained from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) at 24 weeks of age. Using the LMD method, the muscular and vascular regions were selectively collected under microscopic guidance. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of cardiac myocytes, was expressed in the muscular samples, but not in the vascular samples, whereas α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of smooth muscle cells, was detected only in the vascular samples. Moreover, SHR-SP had significantly greater BNP upregulation than WKY (P < 0.05) in the muscular samples. Conclusions. The LMD method enabled us to separately collect the muscular and vascular samples from myocardial sections and to selectively evaluate mRNA expressions of the individual tissue component.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/64/PMC3384972.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4248368", "abstract": " Purpose. To investigate genetic and clinical features of patients with rhodopsin (RHO) mutations in two Japanese families with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Methods. Whole-exome sequence analysis was performed in ten adRP families. Identified RHO mutations for the cosegregation analysis were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Ophthalmic examinations were performed to evaluate the RP phenotypes. The impact of the RHO mutation on the rhodopsin conformation was examined by molecular modeling analysis. Results. In two adRP families, we identified two RHO mutations (c.377G>T (p.W126L) and c.1036G>C (p.A346P)), one of which was novel. Complete cosegregation was confirmed for each mutation exhibiting the RP phenotype in both families. Molecular modeling predicted that the novel mutation (p.W126L) might impair rhodopsin function by affecting its conformational transition in the light-adapted form. Clinical phenotypes showed that patients with p.W126L exhibited sector RP, whereas patients with p.A346P exhibited classic RP. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrated that the novel mutation (p.W126L) may be associated with the phenotype of sector RP. Identification of RHO mutations is a very useful tool for predicting disease severity and providing precise genetic counseling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/db/47/PMC4248368.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3484593", "abstract": "Introduction Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has a low survival rate to hospital discharge. Recent studies compared a simplified form of CPR, based on chest compression alone versus standard CPR including ventilation. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, focusing on survival at hospital discharge. Methods We extensively searched the published literature on out-of hospital CPR for non traumatic cardiac arrest in different databases. Results We identified only three randomized trials on this topic, including witnessed and not-witnessed cardiac arrests. When pooling them together with a meta-analytic approach, we found that there is already clinical and statistical evidence to support the superiority of the compression-only CPR in terms of survival at hospital discharge, as 211/1842 (11.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/85/hsrp-02-279.PMC3484593.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4381683", "abstract": "Brain functions are strictly dependent on neural connections formed during development and modified during life. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis and plastic changes involved in learning and memory have been analyzed in detail in simple animals such as invertebrates and in circuits of mammalian brains mainly by intracellular recordings of neuronal activity. In the last decades, the evolution of techniques such as microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that allow simultaneous, long-lasting, noninvasive, extracellular recordings from a large number of neurons has proven very useful to study long-term processes in neuronal networks in vivo and in vitro. In this work, we start off by briefly reviewing the microelectrode array technology and the optimization of the coupling between neurons and microtransducers to detect subthreshold synaptic signals. Then, we report MEA studies of circuit formation and activity in invertebrate models such as Lymnaea, Aplysia, and Helix. In the following sections, we analyze plasticity and connectivity in cultures of mammalian dissociated neurons, focusing on spontaneous activity and electrical stimulation. We conclude by discussing plasticity in closed-loop experiments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/ff/PMC4381683.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3337133", "abstract": "Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) often leads to phylogenetic incongruence. When “duplicative HGT” introduces a second copy of a pre-existing gene, the two copies may then engage in gene conversion, leading to phylogenetically mosiac genes. When duplicative HGT is followed by differential gene conversion among descendant lineages, as under the DH-DC model, phylogenetic analysis is further complicated. To explore the effects of DH-DC on phylogeny reconstruction, we analyzed two sets of sequences: (1) an augmented set of plant mitochondrial atp1 sequences for which we recently published evidence of DH-DC; and (2) a set of simulated sequences for which we varied the extent of chimerism, the number of chimeric genes and nucleotide substitution rates. We show that the phylogenetic behavior of evolutionarily chimeric genes is highly volatile and depends on both the degree of chimerism and the number of differentially chimeric genes present in the analysis. Furthermore, we show that the presence of chimeric genes in gene trees can spuriously affect the phylogenetic position of purely native sequences, especially by attracting these sequences toward basal positions in trees. We propose the term “HGT turbulence” to describe these complex effects of evolutionarily chimeric genes on phylogenetic results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/17/mge-1-256.PMC3337133.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3262599", "abstract": "Surgical resection was the first effective treatment for breast cancer and remains the most important treatment modality for curative intent. Refinements in operative techniques along with the use of adjuvant radiotherapy and advanced chemotherapeutic agents have facilitated increasingly focused breast cancer operations. Surgical management of breast cancer has shifted from extensive and highly morbid procedures, to the modern concept obtaining the best possible cosmetic result in tandem with the appropriate oncological resection. An ever-growing comprehension of breast cancer biology has led to substantial advances in molecular diagnosis and targeted therapies. An emerging frontier involves the breast cancer microenvironment, as a thorough understanding, while currently lacking, represents a critical opportunity for diagnosis and treatment. Collectively, these improvements will continue to push all therapeutic interventions, including operative, toward the goal of becoming more focused, targeted, and less morbid.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/9a/PMC3262599.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4738435", "abstract": "Summary  Pseudozyma species rarely cause invasive diseases in humans, which are usually isolated from plants. There have been anecdotal reports regarding Pseudozyma species infections in patients with underlying diseases or in neonates. However, clinical data and the pathogenicity in humans are still insufficient. We experienced a case of Pseudozyma aphidis fungaemia with invasive fungal pneumonia that developed during reinduction chemotherapy in a 51‐year‐old male with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). P. aphidis was suspected based on the morphology of the yeast isolated from the blood and was confirmed via rDNA gene sequencing analysis. The patient successfully underwent stem cell transplantation with continuing antifungal treatment and finally completely recovered from both the AML and infectious complications. Here, we report a case of P. aphidis infection that developed during neutropenia in an AML patient and review the global literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/44/MYC-59-56.PMC4738435.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2801452", "abstract": "Concomitant administration of radiotherapy with cisplatin or radiotherapy with cetuximab appear to be the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. In the present retrospective analysis, we investigated the predictive role of several biomarkers in an unselected cohort of patients treated with concomitant radiotherapy, weekly cisplatin, and cetuximab (CCRT). We identified 37 patients treated with this approach, of which 13 (35", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/2f/PMC2801452.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4374093", "abstract": "We report an extremely rare case of a thymic carcinoma occurring in the subcarinal location of the middle mediastinum, masquerading as subcarinal adenopathy. A 6.2 × 5 cm mass was detected on computed tomography scan and found to be hypermetabolic on positron emission tomography scan. Transbronchial biopsy was performed and the mass was found to be suspicious for malignancy. A thoracoscopic resection of the mass was performed and found to be thymic carcinoma. The patient underwent a course of adjuvant radiation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a thymic carcinoma resected from the middle mediastinum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/e2/rjv030.PMC4374093.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3541324", "abstract": "Mechanosensitive ion channels have long been the only established molecular class of cell mechanosensors with known molecular entities. However, recent advances in the state-of-the-art techniques, including single-molecule manipulation and imaging, have enabled an investigation of non-channel type cell mechanosensors and the underlying biophysical mechanisms of their activation. To date, two focal adhesion proteins, talin and p130Cas, have been postulated to act as putative mechanosensors, acting through mechano-induced unfolding of their particular soft domain(s) susceptible to phosphorylation. More recently, the actin filament has been demonstrated to act as a mechanosensor in the presence of the soluble actin-severing protein, cofilin. The cofilin severing activity negatively depends on the tension in the actin filament through tension-dependent binding/unbinding of cofilin to/from the actin filament. As a result, relaxed actin filaments are severed, while tensed ones are either not severed or severed after a long delay. Here we review the latest progress in the mechanosensing by non-channel type proteins and discuss the possible physiological roles of the mechanosensing performed by actin filaments in the course of cell migration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/97/cib-5-572.PMC3541324.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4965534", "abstract": "A 52-year-old woman presented with a large partially yellow and erythematous tumor on her right temple. She reported that it had grown over the last 4 years. Regional lymph nodes were impalpable. A punch biopsy showed eosinophilic material in the dermis and subcutis. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for kappa and lambda light chains. Electron microscopy showed the typical amyloid fibrils (7–10 nm in diameter). There was no evidence of systemic amyloidosis, paraproteinemia or underlying plasmacytoma. The tumor was completely removed via curettage. At follow-up, the patient presented in good health with no signs of relapse.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/81/cde-0008-0193.PMC4965534.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4365740", "abstract": "Purpose Chronic hip pain is a common symptom experienced by many people. Often, surgery is not an option for patients with multiple comorbidities, and conventional drugs either have many side effects or are ineffective. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a new method in the treatment of pain. We attempt to compare the efficacy of PRF relative to conservative management for chronic hip pain. RPatients and methods Between August 2011 and July 2013, 29 patients with chronic hip pain were divided into two groups (PRF and conservative treatment) according to consent or refusal to undergo PRF procedure. Fifteen patients received PRF of the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves, and 14 patients received conservative treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oxford hip scores (OHS), and pain medications were used for outcome measurement before treatment and at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. Results At 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment initiation, improvements in VAS were significantly greater with PRF. Improvements in OHS were significantly greater in the PRF group at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Patients in the PRF group also used less pain medications. Eight subjects in the conservative treatment group switched to the PRF group after 12 weeks, and six of them had >50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/1e/cia-10-569.PMC4365740.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4898872", "abstract": " Background: Visfatin is an adipocytokine secreted by visceral adipose tissue. It has been shown that adipocytokines may contribute to the induction of carcinogens and progression of tumors. Previously, we found a significant increase in the visfatin serum level in colorectal cancer patients. Herein, we investigated if this cytokine increases in patients with colorectal adenoma as a precursor of colorectal cancer.   Methods: In this case-control analytic study, a total of 34 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma and 35 disease-free controls were included. Adenomas were also categorized based on their location within the colon. Visfatin serum levels were measured in all cases and controls using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay kits. In order to compare visfatin levels between groups a twotailed t-test was considered. Pearson correlation was also used to assess the relationship between visfatin levels and other measured variables.   Results: Patients included 18 male (53", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/e7/mjiri-30-320.PMC4898872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3046006", "abstract": "Vagal maneuvers cause increase in vagal tone, which has been shown to slow many types supraventricular tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the conversion of AF to sinus rhythm is usually not associated with vagal manuvers. Thus, AF is classically treated with medication and electrical cardioversion. Here, we present a 29-year-old male with no cardiovascular history and a low atherosclerotic risk profile who developed AF which converted into sinus rhythm immediately after a digital rectal exam. The patient remained asymptomatic after a 3-month follow-up. This implies that the digital rectal exam can be considered as an additional attempt to convert AF to sinus rhythm in AF patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/35/PMC3046006.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3323255", "abstract": "We report two laboratory-acquired Brucella melitensis infections that were shown to be epidemiologically related. Blood culture isolates were initially misidentified because of variable Gram stain results, which led to misdiagnoses and subsequent laboratory exposures. Notifying laboratory personnel who unknowingly processed cultures from brucellosis patients is an important preventive measure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/f4/PMC3323255.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2968718", "abstract": "To investigate the effects of psychological stress on the masticatory muscles of rats, a communication box was applied to induce the psychological stress (PS) in rats. The successful establishment of psychological stimulation was confirmed by elevated serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and changed behaviors in the elevated plusmaze apparatus. The energy metabolism of the bilateral masseter muscles was tested via chemocolorimetric analysis, whereas muscle ultrastructure was assessed by electron microscopy. In comparison to the control group, the PS group showed evidence of swollen mitochondria with cristae loss and reduced matrix density in the masticatory muscles after three weeks of stimulation; after five weeks of stimulation, severe vacuolar changes to the mitochondria were observed.  Increased vascular permeability of the masticatory muscle capillaries was found in the five-week PS rats. In addition, there was decreased activity of Na+-K+ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase and a simultaneous increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and lactic acid in the masticatory muscles of PS rats. Together, these results indicate that psychological stress induces alterations in the ultrastructure and energy metabolism of masticatory muscles in rats.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/cc/PMC2968718.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3613096", "abstract": "In recent years, asthma has been defined primarily as an inflammatory disorder with emphasis on inflammation being the principle underlying pathophysiological characteristic driving airway obstruction and remodelling. Morphological abnormalities of asthmatic airway smooth muscle (ASM), the primary structure responsible for airway obstruction seen in asthma, have long been described, but surprisingly, until recently, relatively small number of studies investigated whether asthmatic ASM was also fundamentally different in its functional properties. Evidence from recent studies done on single ASM cells and on ASM-impregnated gel cultures have shown that asthmatic ASM is intrinsically hypercontractile. Several elements of the ASM contraction apparatus in asthmatics and in animal models of asthma have been found to be different from nonasthmatics. These differences include some regulatory contractile proteins and also some components of both the calcium-dependent and calcium-independent contraction signalling pathways. Furthermore, oxidative stress was also found to be heightened in asthmatic ASM and contributes to hypercontractility. Understanding the abnormalities and mechanisms driving asthmatic ASM hypercontractility provides a great potential for the development of new targeted drugs, other than the conventional current anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapies, to address the desperate unmet need especially in patients with severe and persistent asthma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/6a/PMC3613096.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3045714", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the association of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation and thrombocytosis with the prognosis of patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods This was a retrospective review of the medical records of 177 patients (130 men and 47 women) with non-metastatic RCC who underwent a radical nephrectomy between March 2000 and May 2008 and for whom preoperative CRP and platelet data were available for analysis. Preoperative CRP elevation and thrombocytosis were compared with clinical and pathological variables. Results There were 38 patients with CRP elevation and 11 patients with thrombocytosis. The mean follow-up time was 48.3 months (median, 48.0; range, 13-111 months). Twenty-three patients (13.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/46/kju-52-104.PMC3045714.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3312297", "abstract": "Age-related muscle wasting and increased frailty are major socioeconomic as well as medical problems. In the quest to extend quality of life it is important to increase the strength of elderly people sufficiently so they can carry out everyday tasks and to prevent them falling and breaking bones that are brittle due to osteoporosis. Muscles generate the mechanical strain that contributes to the maintenance of other musculoskeletal tissues, and a vicious circle is established as muscle loss results in bone loss and weakening of tendons. Molecular and proteomic approaches now provide strategies for preventing age-related muscle wasting. Here, attention is paid to the role of the GH/IGF-1 axis and the special role of the IGFI-Ec (mechano growth factor/MGF) which is derived from the IGF-I gene by alternative splicing. During aging MGF levels decline but when administered MGF activates the muscle satellite (stem) cells that “kick start” local muscle repair and induces hypertrophy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/be/37/PMC3312297.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3423914", "abstract": " Objective. This paper aims at studying oropharyngeal cancer survival from the Population-Based Cancer Registry of Zaragoza, Spain, for the 1978–2002 period. Methods. The survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the automated calculation method of the Catalan Institute of Oncology was utilized to obtain the relative survival. Results. The oropharyngeal cancer survival rate was 61.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0f/e5/PMC3423914.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3892662", "abstract": "Almost 30 years after its first description, HIV still remains a global pandemic. The present paper aims to review the current knowledge on the ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations of HIV infection, and present the available diagnostic and treatment options. A literature review was conducted in Medline and other available database sources. Information from related books was also included in the data analysis. It is well acknowledged that up to 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/3f/PMC3892662.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3729994", "abstract": "Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare cause of abdominal pain which results from compression of the celiac artery (CA) or rarely, the superior mesenteric artery by a ligament formed by the right and left crura of the diaphragm. We report a case of open surgical decompression of the CA by division of the median arcuate ligament for a 37-year-old female patient who had suffered from chronic postprandial epigastric pain and severe weight loss. We described clinical features, characteristic angiographic findings and details of the surgical procedure for the patient with this rare vascular problem.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/34/jkss-85-93.PMC3729994.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2812710", "abstract": "Three well-known representatives of the cyclodextrin family were completely characterized by molecular hydrodynamics methods in three different solvents. For the first time the possibility of an estimation of velocity sedimentation coefficients s between 0.15 and 0.5 S by the numerical solution of the Lamm equation is shown. Comparison of the experimental hydrodynamic characteristics of the cyclodextrins with theoretical calculations for toroidal molecules allows an estimation of the thickness of the solvent layers on the surface of cyclodextrin molecules.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/96/93/249_2008_Article_394.PMC2812710.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2453658", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE—The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between foot ulcers (DFU) and lower-extremity amputation (LEA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes. RESARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals enrolled between 2002 and 2006 who were aged ≥35 years, had a history of diabetes, and were cared for in general practice. The physicians participated in The Health Information Network of the U.K. RESULTS—The presence of DFU or LEA and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated in 90,617 individuals with a median time of observation of 2.4 years. Of these individuals 378 had an LEA and 2,619 had a DFU. CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) was noted in 23,350 (26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/79/1331.PMC2453658.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4045354", "abstract": "Developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) presents considerable technical challenges to the primary arthroplasty surgeon. Autogenous bulk grafting using the femoral head has been utilised to achieve anatomic cup placement and superolateral bone coverage in these patients, but reported outcomes on this technique have been mixed with the lack of graft integration and subsequent collapse, an early cause of failures. We describe a novel technique combining the use of bulk autograft with an iliac osteotomy, which provides primary stability and direct cancellous-cancellous bone contact, optimising the environment for early osseointegration. Twenty-one hips in 21 patients with DDH underwent this technique and were followed for a mean of 8.1 years. The preoperative radiographic classification was Crowe type I in 12 hips (57", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/49/PMC4045354.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC137227", "abstract": "Pulse oximetry is one of the most commonly employed monitoringmodalities in the critical care setting. This review describes the latesttechnological advances in the field of pulse oximetry. Accuracy of pulseoximeters and their limitations are critically examined. Finally, the existingdata regarding the clinical applications and cost-effectiveness of pulseoximeters are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/5c/PMC137227.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4541055", "abstract": "We present the case of a 38-year-old woman admitted to our outpatient clinic with accelerating back pain and fatigue following a kick to her back by her husband. Upon arrival, we detected ST segment elevation in the D1, aVL, and V2 leads and accelerated idioventricular rhythm. She had pallor and hypotension consistent with cardiogenic shock. We immediately performed coronary angiography and found a long dissection starting from the mid-left main coronary artery and progressing into the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex arteries. She was then transferred to the operating room for surgery. A saphenous vein was grafted to the distal LAD. Since the patient was hypotensive under noradrenaline and dopamine infusions, she was transferred to the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and intra-aortic balloon pump. During follow-up, her blood pressure remained low, at approximately 60/40 mmHg, despite aggressive inotropic and mechanical support. On the second postoperative day, asystole and cardiovascular arrest quickly developed, and despite aggressive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, she died.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/cd/kjtcv-48-281.PMC4541055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5129113", "abstract": "Atriofascicular pathways are a rare cause of antidromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. The IntellaTip MiFi ablation catheter (Boston Scientific, MA, USA) is a novel ablation catheter that allows enhanced signal clarity with highly localized electrograms. This is the first report of this catheter being successfully used to map and ablate the atriofascicular pathway potentials.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/17/main.PMC5129113.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3424996", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To estimate the impact of diabetes on mortality in patients after first stroke event. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using claims data from a nationwide statutory health insurance fund (Gmünder ErsatzKasse), we assessed all deaths in a cohort of 5,757 patients with a first stroke between 2005 and 2007 (69.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/26/1868.PMC3424996.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3713841", "abstract": "A pregnant woman who had oropharyngeal tularemia underwent treatment with azithromycin and lymph node resection and recovered without obstetrical complication or infection in the child. Azithromycin represents a first-line treatment option for tularemia during pregnancy in regions where the infecting strains of Francisella tularensis have no natural resistance to macrolides.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/3d/PMC3713841.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5186736", "abstract": "Background: Phlebotomus sergenti s.l. is considered the most likely vector of Leishmania tropica in Iran. Although two morphotypes- P. sergenti sergenti (A) and P. sergenti similis (B)-have been formally described, further morphological and a molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtDNA-COI) gene revealed inconsistencies and suggests that the variation between the morphotypes is intraspecific and the morphotypes might be identical species. Methods: We examined the sequence of the ITS2-rDNA of Iranian specimens of P. sergenti s.l., comprising P. cf sergenti, P. cf similis, and intermediate morphotypes, together with available data in Genbank. Results: Sequence analysis showed 5.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/c3/PMC5186736.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4195400", "abstract": " Objectives. The objective of this study is to explore the current knowledge, attitude, and practice of family physicians working in family medicine clinics in National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, toward colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and to identify the barriers of the screening. Methods. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire adopted from the National Cancer Institute in USA, customized by adding and eliminating questions to be in line with the institution (NGHA) characteristics. Results. Of the 130 physicians, 56.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/82/PMC4195400.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4706915", "abstract": "The use of nanoparticles encapsulating messenger RNA (mRNA) as a vaccine has recently attracted much attention because of encouraging results achieved in many nonviral genetic antitumor vaccination studies. Notably, in all of these studies, mRNA nanoparticles are passively targeted to dendritic cells (DCs) through careful selection of vaccination sites. Hence, DC-targeted mRNA nanoparticle vaccines may be an imminent next step forward. In this brief report, we will discuss established conjugation strategies that have been successfully applied to both polymeric and liposomal gene delivery systems. We will also briefly describe promising DC surface receptors amenable for targeting mRNA nanoparticles. Practicable conjugation strategies and receptors reviewed in this paper will provide a convenient reference to facilitate future development of targeted mRNA nanoparticle vaccine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/14/PMC4706915.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211909", "abstract": "Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with severe consequences for the quality of life of sufferers. Regrettably, the inflammatory process involved remains unclear, and finding successful therapies as well as new means for its early diagnosis have proved to be daunting tasks. As macrophages are strongly associated with RA inflammation, effective diagnosis and therapy may encompass the ability to target these cells. In this work, a new approach for targeted therapy and imaging of RA was developed based on the use of multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles. Methods Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were prepared using a single emulsion-evaporation method and comprisaed the co-association of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and methotrexate. The nanoparticles were further functionalized with an antibody against the macrophage-specific receptor, CD64, which is overexpressed at sites of RA. The devised nanoparticles were characterized for mean particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and morphology, as well as the association of SPIONs, methotrexate, and the anti-CD64 antibody. Lastly, the cytotoxicity of the developed nanoparticles was assessed in RAW 264.7 cells using standard MTT and LDH assays. Results The nanoparticles had a mean diameter in the range of 130–200 nm and zeta potential values ranging from −32 mV to −16 mV. Association with either methotrexate or SPIONs did not significantly affect the properties of the nanoparticles. Conjugation with the anti-CD64 antibody, in turn, caused a slight increase in size and surface charge. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the association of SPIONs within the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) matrix. Both anti-CD64 and methotrexate association were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and quantified yielding values as high as 36", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/a0/ijn-9-4911.PMC4211909.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3942113", "abstract": "Background There is much description in the literature of how patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage their breathlessness and engage in self-care activities; however, little of this is from the perspective of those with less severe disease, who are primarily managed in primary care. This study aimed to understand the self-care experiences of patients with COPD who are primarily managed in primary care, and to examine the challenges of engaging in such behaviors. Methods Semistructured interviews were carried out with 15 patients with COPD as part of a larger project evaluating a self-management intervention. Thematic analysis was supported by NVivo software (version 8, QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). Results Three main themes are described, ie, experiencing and understanding symptoms of COPD, current self-care activities, and the importance of family perceptions in managing COPD. Conclusion Self-care activities evolved spontaneously as participants experienced symptoms of COPD. However, there was a lack of awareness about whether these strategies would impact upon symptoms. Perceptions of COPD by family members posed a challenge to self-care for some participants. Health care professionals should elicit patients’ prior disease experiences and utilize spontaneous attempts at disease management in future self-management. These findings have implications for promoting self-management and enhancing quality of life.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/4a/copd-9-257.PMC3942113.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4782872", "abstract": "Abstract Asthma has been described as an “acephalic migraine” and “pulmonary migraine.” However, no study has investigated the temporal frequency of migraine development in patients with asthma, and the results of previous studies may be difficult to generalize. We investigated the effect of asthma on the subsequent development of migraine by using a population-based data set in Taiwan. We retrieved our study sample from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Specifically, 25,560 patients aged 12 years and older with newly diagnosed asthma were identified as the asthma group, and 102,238 sex and age-matched patients without asthma were identified as the nonasthma group. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to measure the risk of migraine for the asthmatic group compared with that for the nonasthmatic group. The risk of migraine in the asthmatic group was 1.45-fold higher (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/15/medi-95-e2911.PMC4782872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4224002", "abstract": "Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica (ACD) is an extremely rare type of primary cutaneous amyloidosis. To date there are fewer than 40 published cases worldwide; some were reported affecting several family members. Its resemblance to other common pigmentation disorders makes it rarely recognized at first sight. Our patient, the 12-year-old firstborn son of non-consanguineous parents presented with generalized mottled pigmentation starting from lower extremities. His siblings suffered from similar condition. The clue for diagnosis is the amyloid deposition in the papillary dermis. The etiology of ACD is still unknown, but genetic factors and ultraviolet radiation are implicated. It is proposed that disturbance of keratinocyte repair following ultraviolet radiation results in amyloid deposition. The treatment remains a challenge. Oral acitretin treatment, thought to repair keratinization defect, gave a slight improvement in our case. Our is the first case of ACD reported in Indonesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/a6/dr-2014-1-5375.PMC4224002.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4668145", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of the study was to establish whether pulsating electrostatic field application, shown to increase blood flow and metabolic activity and to function as an ion pump, is able to reduce muscle pain after exercise-induced muscle damage. [Subjects and Methods] Seven participants (4 males, 3 females) performed two sessions of downhill running separated by at least 4 weeks. After the running sessions, participants were either treated for 45 min with a pulsating electrostatic field (field intensity, 9000 V; current, <9 mA; frequency, 50 Hz) or a sham treatment. The order of the intervention was random, and the condition was blinded for the participants. Muscle soreness score, creatine kinase, and jump ability were assessed before and up to 48 hours after running. [Results] Twenty-four and 48 hours after the downhill running, the muscle soreness score tended to be less increased after pulsating electrostatic field administration when compared with the sham setting (changes in muscle soreness score: 3.7±1.6 vs. 5.7±2.2 after 24 h and 3.1±2.0 vs. 5.4±3.2 after 48 h, respectively). No further differences were detected. [Conclusion] The outcomes show that a pulsating electrostatic field might be a promising treatment to reduce muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage. However, further studies are needed to confirm the present outcomes and to establish the mechanism by which a pulsating electrostatic field may reduce muscle pain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/72/jpts-27-3105.PMC4668145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5070903", "abstract": "Many suspected Lynch Syndrome (sLS) patients who lack mismatch repair (MMR) germline gene variants and MLH1 or MSH2 hypermethylation are currently explained by somatic MMR gene variants or, occasionally, by germline POLE variants. To further investigate unexplained sLS patients, we analyzed leukocyte and tumor DNA of 62 sLS patients using gene panel sequencing including the POLE, POLD1 and MMR genes. Forty tumors showed either one, two or more somatic MMR variants predicted to affect function. Nine sLS tumors showed a likely ultramutated phenotype and were found to carry germline (n=2) or somatic variants (n=7) in the POLE/POLD1 exonuclease domain (EDM). Six of these POLE/POLD1-EDM mutated tumors also carried somatic MMR variants. Our findings suggest that faulty proofreading may result in loss of MMR and thereby in microsatellite instability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/fe/ejhg2015252a.PMC5070903.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5122732", "abstract": "Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is characterized by focal and segmental obliteration of glomerular capillary tufts with increased matrix. FSGS is classified as collapsing, tip, cellular, perihilar and not otherwise specified variants according to the location and character of the sclerotic lesion. Primary or idiopathic FSGS is considered to be related to podocyte injury, and the pathogenesis of podocyte injury has been actively investigated. Several circulating factors affecting podocyte permeability barrier have been proposed, but not proven to cause FSGS. FSGS may also be caused by genetic alterations. These genes are mainly those regulating slit diaphragm structure, actin cytoskeleton of podocytes, and foot process structure. The mode of inheritance and age of onset are different according to the gene involved. Recently, the role of parietal epithelial cells (PECs) has been highlighted. Podocytes and PECs have common mesenchymal progenitors, therefore, PECs could be a source of podocyte repopulation after podocyte injury. Activated PECs migrate along adhesion to the glomerular tuft and may also contribute to the progression of sclerosis. Markers of activated PECs, including CD44, could be used to distinguish FSGS from minimal change disease. The pathogenesis of FSGS is very complex; however, understanding basic mechanisms of podocyte injury is important not only for basic research, but also for daily diagnostic pathology practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/20/jptm-2016-09-21.PMC5122732.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3941736", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study is to compare a neuroprotective effect of thoracic cord neuromodulation to that of sacral nerve neuromodulation in rat thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Methods Twenty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal control group (n=5), SCI with sham stimulation group (SCI, n=5), SCI with electrical stimulation at thoracic spinal cord (SCI + TES, n=5), and SCI with electrical stimulation at sacral nerve (SCI + SES, n=5). Spinal cord was injured by an impactor which dropped from 25mm height. Electrical stimulation was performed by the following protocol: pulse duration, 0.1ms; frequency, 20 Hz; stimulation time, 30 minutes; and stimulation duration at thoracic epidural space and S2 or 3 neural foramina for 4 weeks. Locomotor function, urodynamic study, muscle weights, and fiber cross sectional area (CSA) were investigated. Results All rats of the SCI + TES group expired within 3 days after the injury. The locomotor function of all survived rats improved over time but there was no significant difference between the SCI and the SCI + SES group. All rats experienced urinary retention after the injury and recovered self-voiding after 3-9 days. Voiding contraction interval was 25.5±7.5 minutes in the SCI group, 16.5±5.3 minutes in the SCI+SES group, and 12.5±4.2 minutes in the control group. The recovery of voiding contraction interval was significant in the SCI + SES group comparing to the SCI group (p<0.05). Muscle weight and CSA were slightly greater in the SCI + SES than in the SCI group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion We failed to establish a rat spinal cord stimulation model. However, sacral neuromodulation have a therapeutic potential to improve neurogenic bladder and muscle atrophy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/23/kjs-10-14.PMC3941736.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2926429", "abstract": "Tension pneumothorax during ventilating bronchoscopy for foreign body removal is a rare but life-threatening complication. The authors present a case of cardiac arrest caused by tension pneumothorax in a 9-month-old girl who underwent ventilating bronchoscopy for foreign body (peanut) removal. Tension pneumothorax was due to tracheobronchial lacerations caused by a bronchoscope. The patient was successfully resuscitated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation and chest tube insertion. The airway injury was effectively repaired by thoracotomy under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/13/kjae-59-123.PMC2926429.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2941626", "abstract": "The 2001 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) provides 30-m resolution estimates of percentage tree canopy and percentage impervious cover for the conterminous United States. Previous estimates that compared NLCD tree canopy and impervious cover estimates with photo-interpreted cover estimates within selected counties and places revealed that NLCD underestimates tree and impervious cover. Based on these previous results, a wall-to-wall comprehensive national analysis was conducted to determine if and how NLCD derived estimates of tree and impervious cover varies from photo-interpreted values across the conterminous United States. Results of this analysis reveal that NLCD significantly underestimates tree cover in 64 of the 65 zones used to create the NCLD cover maps, with a national average underestimation of 9.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/d6/267_2010_Article_9536.PMC2941626.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3653094", "abstract": "Sheldon-Hall syndrome (SHS) is a rare autosomal dominant, inherited arthrogryposis syndrome characterized by multiple congenital contractures of the distal limbs. To date, four genes that encode the skeletal muscle fiber complex have been confirmed as the causative genes. Mutations in MYH3 have been identified most frequently and few cases of SHS caused by TPM2 mutations have been reported worldwide. This report describes, for the first time, a Korean family with two generations of SHS resulting from a rare TPM2 mutation, p.R133W. The affected mother and daughter manifested typical facial features of SHS including a triangular face with downslanting palpebral fissures, small mouth, high arched palate, and prominent nasolabial folds, and showed camptodactyly of fingers and deformities of feet with congenital vertical tali. Generalized myopathy with relative sparing of the slow-twitch muscle fibers was also revealed by electromyography in the affected mother.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/f0/jkms-28-780.PMC3653094.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3308473", "abstract": "Objective To assess the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran etexilate, a new oral anticoagulant, versus warfarin and other alternatives for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in UK patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods A Markov model estimated the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran etexilate versus warfarin, aspirin or no therapy. Two patient cohorts with AF (starting age of <80 and ≥80 years) were considered separately, in line with the UK labelled indication. Modelled outcomes over a lifetime horizon included clinical events, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Results Patients treated with dabigatran etexilate experienced fewer ischaemic strokes (3.74 dabigatran etexilate vs 3.97 warfarin) and fewer combined intracranial haemorrhages and haemorrhagic strokes (0.43 dabigatran etexilate vs 0.99 warfarin) per 100 patient-years. Larger differences were observed comparing dabigatran etexilate with aspirin or no therapy. For patients initiating treatment at ages <80 and ≥80 years, the ICERs for dabigatran etexilate were £4831 and £7090/QALY gained versus warfarin with a probability of cost-effectiveness at £20 000/QALY gained of 98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/72/heartjnl-2011-300646.PMC3308473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4106176", "abstract": "In Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, chronic neurodegeneration occurs within different areas of the central nervous system leading to progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms. The symptomatic treatment options that are currently available do not slow or halt disease progression. This highlights the need of a better understanding of disease mechanisms and disease models. The generation of newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus and in the subventricular zone/olfactory bulb system is affected by many different regulators and possibly involved in memory processing, depression, and olfaction, symptoms which commonly occur in PD. The pathology of the adult neurogenic niches in human PD patients is still mostly elusive, but different preclinical models have shown profound alterations of adult neurogenesis. Alterations in stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival as well as neurite outgrowth and spine formation have been related to different aspects in PD pathogenesis. Therefore, neurogenesis in the adult brain provides an ideal model to study disease mechanisms and compounds. In addition, adult newborn neurons have been proposed as a source of endogenous repair. Herein, we review current knowledge about the adult neurogenic niches in PD and highlight areas of future research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0b/67/PMC4106176.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5002090", "abstract": "Background Clinical training is an integral part of nursing education; however, some studies have shown that it is not always efficient. Objectives This study aimed to find out the factors that can impede nursing students’ clinical learning. Materials and Methods In this qualitative study, data were collected via reflective journal writing. Purposeful sampling was used, and 12 senior nursing students were recruited to the study. The data were analyzed using a content analysis method. Results Three main categories were derived, including inappropriate communication, ineffective role models, and theory-practice gaps. Students perceived that inappropriate communication between instructors, staff members, and students had the greatest impact on student learning. The competence of clinical instructors and staff is an important factor affecting students’ training. The clinical learning environment does not always integrate theory and practice together. Conclusions Nursing students did not experience effective clinical learning. Having expert instructors and supportive communication are important factors in creating a clinical learning environment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/9d/nms-05-02-26920.PMC5002090.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4295466", "abstract": "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used medications for pain control in dentistry. The reported adverse effects include gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events, alterations in renal function, and effects on blood pressure, hepatic injury, and platelet inhibition which can lead to increased bleeding. This case report describes an unusual rare adverse event of the use of ibuprofen for pain control post restorative treatment. A 26-year-old, otherwise healthy Saudi male reported an unusual side effect of increased libido and erectile function post use of ibuprofen. The medical and laboratory tests have failed to identify a link between this rare adverse event and either underlying conditions or possibly related etiology. This case represented a puzzling challenge with no clear explanation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/11/JIOH-6-94.PMC4295466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3818915", "abstract": "Recent studies from the Gulf region suggest that compared to men, women have a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MeS). Objective. To investigate gender differences in body composition, adipokines, inflammatory markers, and aerobic fitness in a cohort of healthy Qatari adults. Participants. Healthy Qatari (n = 58) were matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Methods. Body composition and regional fat distribution were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computerized tomography. Laboratory assessments included serum levels of fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile analysis, adipokines, and inflammatory markers. Subjects were also evaluated for aerobic fitness. Results. Women had more adipose tissue in the total abdominal (P = 0.04) and abdominal subcutaneous (P = 0.07) regions compared to men. Waist circumference and indices of insulin sensitivity were similar; however, women had a more favourable lipid profile than men. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly higher in women, whereas inflammatory profiles were not different between men and women. Aerobic fitness was lower in women and was associated with abdominal fat accumulation. Conclusion. In premenopausal women, higher levels of adiponectin may support maintenance of insulin sensitivity and normolipidemia despite greater adiposity. However, poor aerobic fitness combined with abdominal fat accumulation may explain their greater future risk of MeS compared with men.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/ea/PMC3818915.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3096299", "abstract": "This study aims to investigate the effects of two application frequencies of parathyroid hormone on the trochanteric region of rat femur. Forty-three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10/group). Three groups were ovariectomized, and 8 weeks later they were administered the following treatments (5 weeks): soy-free diet (OVX), subcutaneously injected PTH (0.040 mg/kg) 5 days a week (PTH 5x/w), subcutaneously injected PTH (0.040 mg/kg) every 2 days (PTH e2d), and a sham group. The values of the biomechanical and histomorphometric parameters showed higher results in 5x/w animals in comparison to the OVX and PTH 2ed groups. The ratio between bone diameter/marrow diameter (B.Dm/Ma.Dm) in subtrochanteric cross sections did not show any significant differences between PTH 5x/w and PTH e2d. The increased bone formation rate was observed under PTH treatment in both groups mainly at the endosteal side. The endosteum seems here to be one of the targets of PTH with an accelerate bone formation and a pronounced filling-in of intracortical cavities with higher intensity for the PTH 5x/w in comparison to PTH e2d rats.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/31/PMC3096299.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3613075", "abstract": "Healthcare is a complex adaptive system, and efforts to improve through the implementation of best practice are well served by various interacting disciplines within the system. As a transdisciplinary model is new to clinicians, an infrastructure that creates academic-practice partnerships and builds capacity for scientific collaboration is necessary to test, spread, and implement improvement strategies. This paper describes the adoption of best practices from the science of team science in a healthcare improvement research network and the impact on conducting a large-scale network study. Key components of the research network infrastructure were mapped to a team science framework and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness and impact on a national study of nursing operations. Results from this study revealed an effective integration of the team science principles which facilitated the rapid collection of a large dataset. Implications of this study support a collaborative model for improvement research and stress a need for future research and funding to further evaluate the impact on dissemination and implementation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/67/PMC3613075.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4194503", "abstract": "This study provides an overview of Medicare's current coverage and payment policies regarding hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, and presents new information on demographic, diagnostic, utilization, and expenditure characteristics associated with inpatient psychiatric care among 1995 Medicare beneficiaries. Results suggest that utilization and expenditure patterns for Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for psychiatric illness in 1995 differ across demographic (e.g., age, sex, race) and diagnostic categories. The implications of these findings for current management of the Medicare program as well as the evolution of Medicare managed care systems for behavioral health services are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/c0/PMC4194503.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4330259", "abstract": "Elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes, including gout, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Several genome-wide association studies on uric acid levels have implicated the ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) gene as being possibly causal. We investigated an association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2725220 in the ABCG2 gene and uric acid levels in the Korean population. A total of 991 subjects in Seoul City were used for a replication study with ABCG2 SNP rs2725220. The rs2725220 SNP in the ABCG2 gene was associated with mean uric acid levels (effect per allele 0.25 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Subjects with the GC/CC genotype had a 1.78-fold (range, 1.22- to 2.62-fold) higher risk of having abnormal uric acid levels (≥7.0 mg/dL) than subjects with the GG genotype. When analyzed by gender, the association with ABCG2 was stronger in men than in women. The association with ABCG2 was much stronger in male subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 26.4 (odds ratio, 5.09; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/0a/gni-12-231.PMC4330259.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437356", "abstract": "Lead is a ubiquitous toxicant. Bone lead has been established as an important biomarker for cumulative lead exposures and has been correlated with adverse health effects on many systems in the body. K-shell X-ray fluorescence (KXRF) is the standard method for measuring bone lead, but this approach has many difficulties that have limited the widespread use of this exposure assessment method. With recent advancements in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, we have developed a portable system that can quantify lead in bone in vivo within 3 minutes. Our study investigated improvements to the system, four calibration methods, and system validation for in vivo measurements. Our main results show that the detection limit of the system is 2.9 ppm with 2 mm soft tissue thickness, the best calibration method for in vivo measurement is background subtraction, and there is strong correlation between KXRF and portable LXRF bone lead results. Our results indicate that the technology is ready to be used in large human population studies to investigate adverse health effects of lead exposure. The portability of the system and fast measurement time should allow for this technology to greatly advance the research on lead exposure and public/environmental health.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/ad/PMC4437356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3811697", "abstract": "Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist has been used in the treatment of a wide variety of sex-hormone-related diseases, as the administration of GnRH agonist can alter the secretion of gonadotropin and sex hormones. Recently, we found that the long-acting GnRH agonist aggravated hyperthyroidism and induced painless thyroiditis. This is the first report to demonstrate the association of thyroid dysfunction with GnRH agonist injection in Korea. Here, we report three cases and emphasize the clinical importance of this aggravating factor in autoimmune thyroid disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ef/16/enm-28-221.PMC3811697.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4112723", "abstract": "Advances in knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of psoriasis have allowed the development of a new class of agents known as biologic drugs. Data confirm that T helper (Th)17 and interleukin (IL)-17 signaling has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. High levels of IL-17 and Th17-related cytokines have been reported in psoriasis, leading to the suggestion of agents targeting IL-17 as a potential therapeutic strategy in psoriasis. Brodalumab is a human monoclonal antibody that targets IL-17 receptor A, blocking the effects of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17E. Data from Phase I and Phase II clinical trials indicate that brodalumab has a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with strong clinical activity, suggesting that it is a potential tool for use in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/93/ce-9-089.PMC4112723.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2636580", "abstract": "Liposomal encapsulated cytarabine (DepoCyte®, Mundipharma GmbH, Limburg/Lahn, Germany) is a slow-release formulation of conventional cytarabine. It is licensed for intrathecal use in patients with lymphomatous and leukemic meningitis. DepoCyte® obtained superior response rates, improved patient quality of life and improved the time to neurological progression in a randomized albeit small clinical trial. In this review we briefly summarize the clinical data and discuss them in light of clinical problems and possible treatment scenarios.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/3f/PMC2636580.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3270424", "abstract": "Hypertension has been linked to impaired cognitive/CNS function, and some of these changes may precede development of frank essential hypertension. The stress and fatigue of sleep deprivation may exacerbate these cognitive changes in young adults at risk. We hypothesize that individuals at risk for hypertension will show significant declines in cognitive function during a night of sleep deprivation. Fifty-one young adults were recruited for 28-hour total sleep deprivation studies. Hypertension risk was assessed by mildly elevated resting blood pressure and by family history of hypertension. A series of cognitive memory tasks was given at four test sessions across the sleep deprivation period. Although initially comparable in cognitive performance, persons at risk showed larger declines across the night for several indices of working memory, including code substitution, category, and order recall. These results suggest that cognitive/CNS changes may parallel or precede blood pressure dysregulation in the early stages of hypertension development. The role of CNS changes in the etiology of essential hypertension is discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/30/PMC3270424.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4751895", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling for recurrent macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Methods Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients with treatment-naive ME from BRVO were treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents. Recurred ME was treated with pars plana vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling. Results After the surgery, ME was significantly reduced at 1 month (P=0.031) and the reduction increased with time (P=0.007 at the final visit). With the reduction in ME, treated eyes showed a slow improvement in visual acuity (VA). At the final visit, improvement in VA was statistically significant compared with baseline (P=0.048). The initial presence of cystoid spaces, serous retinal detachment, or subretinal hemorrhage under the fovea, as well as retinal perfusion status, showed no association with VA improvement. However, the presence of epiretinal membrane showed a significant association with the visual recovery. Although eyes without epiretinal membrane showed visual improvement (−0.10±0.32 in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), eyes with epiretinal membrane showed greater visual improvement (−0.38±0.12 in logMAR, P=0.012). Conclusion For recurrent ME due to BRVO after anti-VEGF treatment, particularly when accompanied by epiretinal membrane, pars plana vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling might be a possible treatment option.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/7f/opth-10-277.PMC4751895.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3901988", "abstract": "Although progress has been made to understand the association between physiological and lifestyle behaviors with regard to obesity, ethnic differences in markers of obesity and pathways towards obesity remain somewhat unexplained. However, obesity remains a serious growing concern. This paper highlights ethnic differences in African Americans and Caucasians that may contribute to the higher prevalence of obesity among African Americans. Understanding ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome criteria, functioning of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, variations in glucocorticoid sensitivity and insulin resistance, and physical activity and cardiovascular fitness levels may help to inform practical clinical and public health interventions and reduce obesity disparities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/be/3e/PMC3901988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3368579", "abstract": "Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk has been attributed to an association with many independent risk factors including obesity, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Psoriasis patients also have lower levels of folate and conversely higher levels of homocysteine, which in itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has been postulated that low folate levels in this group may be a direct cause of hyperhomocysteinemia and therefore a treatable risk factor by folate supplementation. This paper looks at the literature published to date on the relationship between psoriasis, homocysteine, and folate levels.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/f4/PMC3368579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4837781", "abstract": "Purpose: To determine the efficacy of hard, liquid, and soft splints in the management of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 45 patients with myofascial pain were diagnosed and were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 patients each. Group 1 - subjects were given hard splint, Group 2 - soft splint, and Group 3 - liquid oral splint for 3 months. Subjective pain analysis using Modified Symptom Severity Index (Mod-SSI) and objective pain analysis muscle palpation was performed at 7 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after splint insertion. The changes in mean pain value by both methods, in all three groups, were analyzed with Tukey test and Kruskal–Wallis H-test, respectively (P < 0.05). Results: Both Mod-SSI and palpation scores showed statistically significant reduction in pain for all three groups at the end of 3 months. However, the hard splints proved to be very effective in a shorter period of time, followed by liquid splints and finally soft splints. Conclusion: The result of this study advocates the use of any one of the three types of the occlusal splints in the therapeutic management of myofascial pain due to temporomandibular disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/93/JIPS-16-176.PMC4837781.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649583", "abstract": "We report the case of a sixty one year old female diagnosed with two synchronous primary lung cancers located within the same lobe. Surgical resection was performed, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient developed distant bone and skin metastases one year post-surgical resection. In this report we discuss the multimodality therapy used to treat this patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/0f/PMC3649583.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3041192", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Several studies have suggested that HbA1c levels may predict incident diabetes. With new recommendations for use of HbA1c in diagnosing diabetes, many patients with HbA1c results below the diagnostic threshold will be identified. Clinicians will need to categorize risk for a subsequent diabetic diagnosis in such patients. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of HbA1c to predict the incidence of a diabetic diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a historical cohort study using electronic medical record data from two Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Patients (n = 12,589) were identified with a baseline HbA1c <6.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/fb/610.PMC3041192.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5417288", "abstract": "Benign hereditary chorea is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder that is characterized by childhood-onset nonprogressive chorea and normal cognitive function. Defects in NKX2-1 on chromosome 14q13, which encodes thyroid transcription factor 1, produce a concurrent clinical manifestation of chorea, respiratory distress, and hypothyroidism known as “brain–lung–thyroid syndrome.” Here, the authors describe a video report of benign hereditary chorea in a Japanese female with a novel frameshift mutation of NKX2-1 (c.915_916insC) (p.Ala303ArgfsX132) that was initially misdiagnosed as ataxic cerebral palsy. In early infancy, especially before the appearance of chorea, benign hereditary chorea can be misdiagnosed as ataxic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy due to shared clinical features including motor delay, hypotonia, ataxic gait, and dystonia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/a0/10.1177_2329048X16665012.PMC5417288.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3661849", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE  To evaluate coronary artery stenosis in early diabetes or prediabetes asymptomatic of myocardial ischemia in community-dwelling Chinese adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS  Age- and sex-matched participants with normal glucose regulation (NGR), prediabetes, or diabetes diagnosed within 5 years, asymptomatic of coronary artery disease (CAD), were randomly selected from a community-dwelling Chinese population aged 40–60 years. Dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography was used to evaluate the existence and extent of coronary stenosis, which was considered significant if >50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/88/1687.PMC3661849.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4822392", "abstract": "Background: Considering the lack of data available on changes of physical activity over time in Iran, this study was designed to evaluate changes in physical activity levels among Iranian adults over a median 6.5 yr period. Methods: In this population-based cohort study, 3515 participants, aged ≥ 20 yr (2100 females and 1415 males) were followed from phase II (2002–2005) to phase IV (2008–2011) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Information on physical activity, both leisure time (LTPA) and occupational (OCPA), was collected using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Scores ≤600 METs-min/wk were considered as having low physical activity. Wilcoxon test was performed for comparing MET values between the two phases. McNemar test was used to evaluate differences between paired qualitative data. Results: In both phases, 59.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/5e/PMC4822392.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3123813", "abstract": "Purpose Preservation of renal function is of paramount importance in patients with tumors in solitary kidneys. We compared the renal function and oncologic outcomes of patients treated by partial nephrectomy with those of patients treated by cryoablation for solitary kidney tumors. Materials and Methods All patients with solitary kidneys who were treated for renal tumors at our institution between 1997 and 2007 were included in the screen. We retrospectively identified 23 patients who underwent cryoablation and 15 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy. Results The two groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and tumor laterality. Patients in the partial nephrectomy group had a larger tumor size (3.4 cm vs. 2.5 cm, p=0.01), higher mean estimated blood loss (316 cc vs. 87 cc, p<0.001), longer duration of hospital stay (5.8 vs. 1.8 days, p<0.001), and a higher rate of perioperative complications (53.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/f8/kju-52-384.PMC3123813.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4627669", "abstract": " propose that the recent proliferation of behavioral addictions has been driven by deficiencies in the underlying research strategy. This commentary considers how pathological gambling (now termed gambling disorder) traversed these challenges to become the first recognized behavioral addiction in the DSM-5. Ironically, many similar issues continue to exist in research on gambling disorder, including question-marks over the validity of tolerance, heterogeneity in gambling motives, and the under-specification of neuroimaging biomarkers. Nevertheless, I contend that the case for gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction has been bolstered by the existence of clear and consistent functional impairment (primarily in the form of debt), coupled with the development of a public health approach that has given emphasis to product features (i.e. the structural characteristics of gambling forms) as much as individual dispositions (the ‘addictive personality’).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/96/24/PMC4627669.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4025419", "abstract": "Objective: The focus of this paper is to evaluate the influence of mechanical characteristics of the implant on primary stability in different bone types, based on resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Materials and Methods: A number of 60 Nobel Biocare Replace Select TiUnit Tapered implants of two different lengths (10 mm and 13 mm) and three different widths as 3.4 mm (narrow platform (NP)), 4.3 mm (regular platform (RP)) and 5 mm (wide platform (WP)) were placed into two different groups of bone blocks. Bone blocks were different in bone quality, but similar to bone types D1 and D3. Immediately, after implant placement, implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured using the Osstell mentor device. Results: ISQ values for implant placements in D1 bone were significantly higher than those for implants placed in D3 bone. In D1 bone, the implant length did not make any significant difference in primary stability; however, in D3 bone, the primary stability of the implant increased when longer implants were utilized. NP implants presented significantly lower ISQ values compared to the two wider implants. Conclusion: In cases of low bone quality, the optimum increase in the implant length and diameter should be taken into account to achieve higher primary stability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/eb/jod-10-449.PMC4025419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4961564", "abstract": "Glutathione synthetase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting in low levels of glutathione and an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency typically present in the neonatal period with hemolytic anemia, metabolic acidosis and neurological impairment. Lifelong treatment with antioxidants has been recommended in an attempt to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with the disorder. Here we present a 19-year-old female who was diagnosed with glutathione synthetase deficiency shortly after birth and who has been closely followed in our metabolic clinic. Despite an initial severe presentation, she has had normal intellectual development and few complications of her disorder with a treatment regimen that includes polycitra (citric acid, potassium citrate and sodium citrate), vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/b2/PMC4961564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3317132", "abstract": " Objectives. To determine the prevalence of incidentalomas in a patient population with no known thyroid malignancy who underwent whole body FDG-PET/CT for staging or restaging of neoplasia. The additional aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of using PETCT as a screening tool for malignant thyroid incidentalomas. Methods. Retrospective review of medical records of all the thyroid exams done at our institution between January 1, 2000 and August 20, 2008. We made a criterion of PET/CT as the primary method of detection of incidentalomas. Results. From a total of 8464 thyroid exams, 156 incidentalomas were found and 40 incidentalomas underwent anatomopathology analysis, which was used as gold standard. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze the data. There is no significant association between SUV value and the prevalence of incidentalomas. Discussion. From January 1, 2000 to August 20, 2008, incidentalomas have a prevalence of 1.84", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/2d/PMC3317132.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5004009", "abstract": "The role of nonclassical HLA-class Ib molecules HLA-G and HLA-E in the progression of Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor, has been characterized in the last years. Since BM infiltration by NB cells is an adverse prognostic factor, we have here analyzed for the first time the concentration of soluble (s)HLA-G and HLA-E in bone marrow (BM) plasma samples from NB patients at diagnosis and healthy donors. sHLA-G and sHLA-E are present in BM plasma samples, and their levels were similar between NB patients and controls, thus suggesting that these molecules are physiologically released by resident or stromal BM cell populations. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that sHLA-G and sHLA-E levels did not correlate with BM infiltration and other adverse prognostic factors (MYCN amplification and age at diagnosis). In contrast, BM plasma levels of both molecules were higher in patients with metastatic disease than in patients with localized NB, thus suggesting that concentration of these molecules might be correlated with disease progression. The prognostic role of sHLA-G and sHLA-E concentration in the BM plasma for NB patients will be evaluated in future studies, by analyzing the clinical outcome of the same NB patients at follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/09/PMC5004009.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4745490", "abstract": "Synthetic angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE-I) inhibitors can have undesirable side effects, while natural inhibitors have no side effects and are potential nutraceuticals. A protein-rich fraction from chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed was hydrolyzed with an Alcalase-Flavourzyme sequential system and the hydrolysate ultrafiltered through four molecular weight cut-off membranes (1 kDa, 3 kDa, 5 kDa, and 10 kDa). ACE-I inhibitory activity was quantified in the hydrolysate and ultrafiltered fractions. The hydrolysate was extensive (DH = 51.64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/b0/PMC4745490.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5090106", "abstract": "This article reports a mixed methods process evaluation of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing a Lay Health Trainer (LHT) intervention and usual care for those with poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes Melitus (T2DM). Set in a deprived area in the UK, this research explores patient and health care practitioner (HCP) views on whether a structured interview between a patient and a Lay Health Trainer (LHT), for the purpose of developing a tailored self-management plan for patients, is acceptable and likely to change health behaviours. In doing so, it considers the implications for a future, randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants were patients, LHTs delivering the intervention, service managers, and practice nurses recruiting patients to the study. Patients were purposively sampled on their responses to a baseline survey, and semistructured interviews were conducted within an exploratory thematic analysis framework. Findings indicate that the intervention is acceptable to patients and HCPs. However, LHTs found it challenging to work with older patients with long-term and/or complex conditions. In order to address this, given an ageing population and concomitant increases in those with such health needs, LHT training should develop skills working with these populations. The design of any future RCT intervention should take account of this.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/53/PMC5090106.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3767450", "abstract": "Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of new metal [Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Fe(II)] complexes from 5-(diethylamino)-2-(5-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol are described. The newly synthesized ligands were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and LC-MS analysis, and metal-ligand complex formations were confirmed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy and elemental analysis. All complexes show significant in vitro antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus strains and in vitro antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger strains by using serial dilution method. The antibacterial activities were expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in μg/mL. Thermal properties and electrochemical behavior of novel transition metal complexes have been studied.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/05/PMC3767450.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3658205", "abstract": "Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in a small child is a rare event and unified guidelines for its treatment are missing. Timely diagnosis and management of massive pulmonary embolism is of crucial importance for a good outcome. We describe a unique management of PE causing oxygenation failure using a combination of catheter extraction technique, and regional thrombolysis on top of systemic heparin administration and inferior vena cava filter placement. Pulmonary hypertension was treated with inhaled nitric oxide. We believe that catheter extraction technique and regional thrombolysis is an option to consider provided that resources and expertise are available. Preoperative placement of an inferior vena cava filter should be contemplated in such high risk situations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/39/PMC3658205.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897160", "abstract": "Choledochal cyst is a dilation that encloses the intrahepatic or both extra- and intrahepatic portions of the biliary ducts. Postnatally, ultrasonography is the initial diagnostic modality of choice, allowing for precise measurements of intra- or extrahepatic duct dilatation and identification of stones and sludge. Symptoms depend on the age at presentation. Common bile duct malformations should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a cystic mass regardless of the cyst's size or patient's age, especially in children presenting with abdominal pain, jaundice, and palpable mass. To the best of our knowledge, we report the largest choledochal cyst in infancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8e/e6/kjped-59-239.PMC4897160.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5355724", "abstract": "Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by structural and/or functional impairment of cilia throughout the whole body. Early diagnosis of PCD is important for the prevention of long-term sequelae, however early diagnosis is a challenge due to the phenotypic heterogeneity of PCD. In the current study, the patient with PCD was diagnosed at nine years old following several efforts to control intractable airway symptoms. The patient experienced a chronic productive cough beginning in early childhood and had multiple episodes of pneumonia and otitis media with effusion and sinusitis. No situs inversus or other heterotaxias were reported. Serial chest X-rays exhibited persistent atelectasis and bronchiectasis in the right middle lobe. When the patient was nine years old, electron microscopy of his cilia and genetic analysis were conducted. Electron microscopy of a biopsy specimen from the nasal mucosa indicated loss of the outer dynein arms. Whole-exome analysis of the genome demonstrated the presence of compound heterozygous mutations in DNAH5: NM_001369.2:c.5983C>T, p.Arg1995X in exon 36 and NM_001369.2:c.9101delG, p.Gly3034ValfsX22 in exon 54; neither of which have been previously reported in the literature in a Japanese patient. Notably, this case is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of PCD caused by the DNAH5 mutation in a Japanese patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/27/mmr-14-06-5077.PMC5355724.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5048116", "abstract": "Objective(s): The aim of this study was to estimate effects of hyperbaric (HB) treatment by determination of CD15s and CD11b leukocyte proinflammatory markers expression. In addition, this study describes changes in CD77 and CD34 expression on rat endothelial cells in renal, pulmonary and cardiac tissue following exposure to hyperbaric pressure. Materials and Methods: Expression of CD11b and CD15s on leukocytes, as well as CD77 and CD34 expression on endothelial cells in cell suspensions of renal, pulmonary and cardiac tissue in rats after hyperbaric treatment and in control rats were determined by flow cytometry. Results: Hyperbaric treatment significantly increased percentage of leukocytes expressing CD15s+CD11b- (from 1.71±1.11 to 23.42±2.85, P<0.05). Hyperbaric treatment significantly decreased sum percentage of CD77+CD34- and CD77+CD34+ renal cells (from 16.35±5.5 to 4.48 ±1.28, P<0.05). Hyperbaric treatment significantly increased percentage of CD34+ pulmonary cells (from 3.27±2.01 to 11.92±6.22, P<0.05). Our study is the first reporting the hyperbaric environment influence on CD34+ heart cells in rats. Conclusion: The current findings of increased percentage of leukocytes expressing endothelial selectin ligand CD15s after hyperbaric treatment, point its role in endothelial damage prevention. We found out a significantly increase in percentage of CD34+ cardiac cells as well as CD34+ pulmonary cells in rats after HB treatment which could be a part of repair mechanism of injured endothelium caused by hyperoxia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/6e/IJBMS-19-821.PMC5048116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4719228", "abstract": "Introduction: Bilateral shoulder dislocation are most commonly posterior type. These are most commonly due to seizure disorder and electrocution. Anterior shoulder dislocations occurring bilaterally without any predisposing factors are very rare. These types of injuries are due to trauma with a unique mechanism of injury. To best of our knowledge there are only few cases of similar kind are reported in literature. We hereby report a interesting case of posttraumatic, bilateral anterior dislocation of shoulder without associated fracture in a 45 old women without any predisposing pathoanatomy. Case report: A 45-year-old women presented to casualty with sudden onset of pain and restriction of movement in both shoulders fallowing trauma. Immediately post trauma she had severe pain and restriction of both shoulders. On examination arms were abducted and externally rotated. Bilateral shoulder movements were painful and restricted. There was loss of round contour of shoulder with increased vertical diameter of axilla anteriorly. Radiological examination revealed bilateral anterior dislocation of the shoulders without any associated fractures. Closed reduction done by Milch technique after intraraticular lignocaine injection. MRI of bilateral shoulder showed no pathological lesion. Both shoulders were immobilized with a shoulder immobilizer for three weeks. Conclusion: Most of the bilateral shoulder dislocations are posterior type seen in seizure disorders. Bilateral traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations are rare and are seen as a result of unique mechanism of injury. In our case patient had a fall on her elbows causing forced extension. If diagnosed and treated promptly completely normal function of the shoulders can be restored.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/9d/JOCR-3-23.PMC4719228.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4672615", "abstract": "Fever in returning travelers is a common problem and usually the diagnosis is made within a few days or the traveler recovers. We present two travelers who presented with fever two weeks after returning from a six week vacation in South America. Over the following 18 months they presented with short attacks of fever, elevated CRP and leukocytosis and the program for investigation became more and more elaborate. A curious and key feature was, that they were completely synchronous both developing symptoms within an hour and presentation with the same laboratory findings of leukocytosis and elevated CRP. Extensive and repeated tests were performed, at our facility and abroad. After a year it was discovered that the uses of aroma oils were associated with the symptoms. No similar case has been found to be reported previously. These cases emphasize that natural products are not inherently safe. The investigational program was build up over time as new attacks continued to occur and suggestions from different centers which were consulted were followed up. The number of tests performed at different laboratories took an extensive amount of time. These cases emphasize that a panel of analysis in returning travelers in which no clear diagnosis is found should be developed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/4b/main.PMC4672615.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3669116", "abstract": "Estrogen signaling is mediated by ERα and ERβ in hormone dependent, breast cancer (BC). Over the last decade the implication of epigenetic pathways in BC tumorigenesis has emerged: cancer-related epigenetic modifications are implicated in both gene expression regulation, and chromosomal instability. In this review, the epigenetic-mediated estrogen signaling, controlling both ER level and ER-targeted gene expression in BC, are discussed: (1) ER silencing is frequently observed in BC and is often associated with epigenetic regulations while chemical epigenetic modulators restore ER expression and increase response to treatment;(2) ER-targeted gene expression is tightly regulated by co-recruitment of ER and both coactivators/corepressors including HATs, HDACs, HMTs, Dnmts and Polycomb proteins.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/3e/epi-8-237.PMC3669116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4535871", "abstract": "Potential environmental hazards of radionuclides are often studied at the individual level. Sufficient toxicogenomics data at the molecular/cellular level for understanding the effects and modes of toxic action (MoAs) of radionuclide is still lacking. The current article introduces transcriptomic data generated from a recent ecotoxicological study, with the aims to characterize the MoAs of a metallic radionuclide, deplete uranium (DU) in an ecologically and commercially important fish species, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Salmon were exposed to three concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) of DU for 48 h. Short-term global transcriptional responses were studied using Agilent custom-designed high density 60,000-feature (60 k) salmonid oligonucleotide microarrays (oligoarray). The microarray datasets deposited at Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO ID: GSE58824) were associated with a recently published study by Song et al. (2014) in BMC Genomics. The authors describe the experimental data herein to build a platform for better understanding the toxic mechanisms and ecological hazard of radionuclides such as DU in fish.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/fa/main.PMC4535871.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3979690", "abstract": "Background and aim Long-acting bronchodilators are the preferred option for maintenance therapy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of the once-daily fixed-dose dual bronchodilator combination of indacaterol and glycopyrronium bromide in patients suffering from COPD. Methods This study comprised a systematic review of randomized controlled trials identified through systematic searches of different databases of published trials. Results Nine trials (6,166 participants) were included. Fixed-dose once-daily indacaterol/glycopyrronium seems to be safe and well tolerated in patients with COPD. Compared with single therapy with other long-acting bronchodilators (indacaterol, glycopyrronium, and tiotropium) and fixed-combination long-acting β2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroid (salmeterol/fluticasone twice daily), once-daily fixed-dose indacaterol/glycopyrronium has clinically important effects on symptoms, including dyspnea score, health status, level of lung function, and rate of moderate or severe exacerbations in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] spirometric criteria). Furthermore, a very recent study has shown that fixed-dose indacaterol/glycopyrronium improves exercise endurance time compared with placebo, although no significant difference was observed between fixed-dose indacaterol/glycopyrronium and tiotropium. Conclusion Fixed-dose indacaterol/glycopyrronium has clinically relevant effects on important COPD outcome measures and is, in general, superior to therapy with a single long-acting bronchodilator (with or without inhaled corticosteroid) indicating long-acting dual bronchodilation as a potential important maintenance therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic COPD, possibly also for the treatment of naïve patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/b5/copd-9-331.PMC3979690.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3701787", "abstract": "The Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS), an international, long-term observational registry of patients with Hunter syndrome, was used to develop a simple mnemonic screening tool (HUNTER) to aid in the diagnosis of Hunter syndrome. Data regarding the prediagnosis prevalence of ten specific signs and symptoms present in individual patients enrolled in the HOS were used to develop the HUNTER mnemonic screening tool. A total score of 6 or greater using a weighting scheme in which certain manifestations were assigned a weight of 2 (facial dysmorphism, nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, enlarged tongue, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, joint stiffness) and others assigned a weight of 1 (hernia, hearing impairment, enlarged tonsils, airway obstruction or sleep apnea) correctly identified 95 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/5a/431_2013_Article_1967.PMC3701787.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4389165", "abstract": "Antibody-mediated anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease occurs rarely in the presence of another B-cell disorder, membranous nephropathy. The coexistence of these two autoimmune disorders would be anticipated to require differing, specific therapies targeted to each disease process. We describe a case of concomitant membranous nephropathy and anti-GBM disease in which conventional therapy, including steroids, plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide, failed to attenuate the anti-GBM disease, yet responded to an alternative treatment of rituximab. This B-cell directed, monoclonal, chimeric antibody treatment substantially reduced anti-GBM antibody titers and led to discontinuation of plasmapheresis, while maintaining the remission of membranous nephropathy and anti-GBM disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/7f/sft152.PMC4389165.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4302629", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message The cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer has increased significantly after the introduction of targeted antivascular therapies. We report the unusual case of a patient with colorectal cancer with several large liver metastases at diagnosis, who was cured after removal of the primary tumor and treatment with 5-FU/LV only.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/f0/ccr30002-0219.PMC4302629.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4591145", "abstract": "Orf virus (ORFV), a member of parapoxvirus, is an enveloped virus with genome of double-stranded DNA. ORFV causes contagious pustular dermatitis or contagious ecthyma in sheep and goats worldwide. In general, detection of viral DNA and observing ORFV virion in tissues of afflicted animals are two methods commonly used for diagnosis of orf infection; however, isolation of the ORFV in cell culture using virus-containing tissue as inoculum is known to be difficult. In this work, the ORFV (Hoping strain) isolated in central Taiwan was successfully grown in cell culture. We further examined the biochemical characteristic of our isolate, including viral genotyping, viral mRNA and protein expression. By electron microscopy, one unique form of viral particle from ORFV infected cellular lysate was demonstrated in the negative-stained field. Moreover, immunomodulating and anti-influenza virus properties of this ORFV were investigated. ORFV stimulated human monocytes (THP-1) secreting proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-α. And, pre-treatment of ORFV-infected cell medium prevents A549 cells from subsequent type A influenza virus (IAV) infection. Similarly, mice infected with ORFV via both intramuscular and subcutaneous routes at two days prior to IAV infection significantly decreased the replication of IAV. In summary, the results of a current study indicated our Hoping strain harbors the immune modulator property; with such a bio-adjuvanticity, we further proved that pre-exposure of ORFV protects animals from subsequent IAV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/9e/jvms-77-1055.PMC4591145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4225728", "abstract": "Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rare infection of the subcutaneous tissue, known to be rapidly progressive and potentially fatal. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be predisposed to this condition, and early clinical recognition can be difficult. We report a case of necrotising fasciitis in a 26-year-old woman with SLE. She presented with painful swelling of her left leg, then developed clinical features of septic shock. Emergency debridement was performed. Intraoperative findings revealed NF and cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient survived after a lengthy hospital admission, following several further debridements complicated by recurrent chest sepsis and multiorgan failure. We also review and discuss the published cases of NF in SLE patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/38/lupus-2014-000008.PMC4225728.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3814203", "abstract": "The chromosomal distribution of genes with sex-biased expression is often nonrandom, and in species with XY sex chromosome systems, it is common to observe a deficit of X-linked male-biased genes and an excess of X-linked female-biased genes. One explanation for this pattern is that sex-specific selection has shaped the gene content of the X. Alternatively, the deficit of male-biased and excess of female-biased genes could be an artifact of differences between the sexes in the global expression level of their X chromosome(s), perhaps brought about by a lack of dosage compensation in males and hyperexpression in females. In the montium fruit fly, Drosophila serrata, both these explanations can account for a deficit of male-biased and excess of female-biased X-linked genes. Using genome-wide expression data from multiple male and female tissues (n = 176 hybridizations), we found that testis- and accessory gland-specific genes are underrepresented whereas female ovary-specific genes are overrepresented on the X chromosome, suggesting that X-linkage is disfavored for male function genes but favored for female function genes. However, genes with such sex-specific functions did not fully account for the deficit of male-biased and excess of female-biased X-linked genes. We did, however, observe sex differences in the global expression level of the X chromosome and autosomes. Surprisingly, and in contrast to other species where a lack of dosage compensation in males is responsible, we found that hyperexpression of X-linked genes in both sexes leads to this imbalance in D. serrata. Our results highlight how common genomic distributions of sex-biased genes, even among closely related species, may arise via quite different evolutionary processes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/02/evt145.PMC3814203.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3242146", "abstract": "Betanodaviruses are the causative agents of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in cultured marine fish. A total of 237 apparently healthy aquarium fish, marine (65 species) and freshwater (12 species) fishes and marine invertebrates (4 species), which were stocked in a commercial aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, were collected from November 2005 to February 2006. The brains of the fish and other tissues of the invertebrates were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR to detect betanodavirus. Positive nested PCR results were obtained from the brains of 8 marine fish species (shrimp fish Aeoliscus strigatus, milkfish Chanos chanos, three spot damsel Dascyllus trimaculatus, Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus, pinecone fish Monocentris japonica, blue ribbon eel Rhinomuraena quaesita, look down fish Selene vomer, yellow tang Zebrasoma flavesenes), 1 marine invertebrate species (spiny lobster Pamulirus versicolor), and 2 freshwater fish species (South American leaf fish Monocirrhus polyacanthus and red piranha Pygocentrus nattereri). The detection rate in nested PCR was 11/237 (4.64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/69/PMC3242146.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4191511", "abstract": "We examined the relation between surgical volume and mortality, within 60 days of surgery, for eight procedures on aged Medicare beneficiaries. Logistic regression revealed that high surgical volume was significantly associated with lower mortality for resection of the intestine, coronary artery bypass, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and hip arthroplasty (excluding total hip replacement). For cholecystectomy, total hip replacement, inguinal hernia repair, and femur fracture reduction, no relationship was found between surgical volume and postsurgical mortality. The analyses were repeated using inhospital deaths as the dependent variable, and the results indicated a considerably stronger association between volume and mortality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/de/PMC4191511.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3427856", "abstract": "Twin studies allow us to estimate the relative contributions of nature and nurture to human phenotypes by comparing the resemblance of identical and fraternal twins. Variation in complex traits is a balance of genetic and environmental influences; these influences are typically estimated at a population level. However, what if the balance of nature and nurture varies depending on where we grow up? Here we use statistical and visual analysis of geocoded data from over 6700 families to show that genetic and environmental contributions to 45 childhood cognitive and behavioral phenotypes vary geographically in the United Kingdom. This has implications for detecting environmental exposures that may interact with the genetic influences on complex traits, and for the statistical power of samples recruited for genetic association studies. More broadly, our experience demonstrates the potential for collaborative exploratory visualization to act as a lingua franca for large-scale interdisciplinary research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/fc/mp201268a.PMC3427856.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2699807", "abstract": "The nomenclature of each part of the lacrimal canaliculus, for example the vertical portion, does not always reflect the true course. Since we have sometimes observed findings suggesting the so called vertical portion of the lower lacrimal canaliculus inclined laterally, we re-examined the course of the vertical portion. Twenty-eight postmortem lower eyelids in 16 Japanese were examined and divided into 2 groups. The first group was 14 lower eyelids of 7 cadavers. Eyelids were incised sagittally from the lower lacrimal punctum. The second group was 14 lower eyelids of 9 cadavers; these were incised from the lower lacrimal punctum with 5 degrees lateral inclination to the sagittal plane. In the first group, 10 canaliculi of 7 cadavers were interrupted at the halfway point of the vertical portion. Four canaliculi of 4 cadavers included the whole length of the vertical portion. In the second group, all specimens included the whole length of the vertical portion. Most vertical portions of the lower lacrimal canaliculus demonstrated a laterally inclined course of approximately 5 degrees, although some took a completely vertical course.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/30/PMC2699807.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4670652", "abstract": "Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antiapoptosis enzyme, is stored in the mitochondria of cells. We investigated whether CoQ10 can attenuate high glucose-induced endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) apoptosis and clarified its mechanism. EPCs were incubated with normal glucose (5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM) enviroment for 3 days, followed by treatment with CoQ10 (10 μM) for 24 hr. Cell proliferation, nitric oxide (NO) production, and JC-1 assay were examined. The specific signal pathways of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), eNOS/Akt, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were also assessed. High glucose reduced EPC functional activities, including proliferation and migration. Additionally, Akt/eNOS activity and NO production were downregulated in high glucose-stimulated EPCs. Administration of CoQ10 ameliorated high glucose-induced EPC apoptosis, including downregulation of caspase 3, upregulation of Bcl-2, and increase in mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, treatment with CoQ10 reduced reactive oxygen species, enhanced eNOS/Akt activity, and increased HO-1 expression in high glucose-treated EPCs. These effects were negated by administration of AMPK inhibitor. Transplantation of CoQ10-treated EPCs under high glucose conditions into ischemic hindlimbs improved blood flow recovery. CoQ10 reduced high glucose-induced EPC apoptosis and dysfunction through upregulation of eNOS, HO-1 through the AMPK pathway. Our findings provide a potential treatment strategy targeting dysfunctional EPC in diabetic patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/2a/PMC4670652.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211164", "abstract": "Rose hip powder (RHP) alleviates osteoarthritis (OA) due to its anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties. Substances contained in RHP might contribute to its clinical efficacy. The activity of two RHP (i.e., RH-A, from the whole fruit, RH-B, from fruits without seeds) was investigated in human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and primary chondrocytes (NHAC-kn). RH-A and RH-B diminished the secretion of chemokines and cytokines in LPS/IFN-γ-activated PBL, including CCL5/RANTES, CXCL10/IP-10, interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-12. Most effects were transcriptional, since gene expression levels were significantly influenced by RH-A and RH-B. In IL-1β treated normal chondrocytes (NHAC-kn), both RH preparations reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4. These changes are associated with diminished inflammatory damage or cartilage erosion. Principal component analysis revealed that (1) RH-A and RH-B modified a large pattern of biomarkers, and (2) RH-B outperformed RH-A. Furthermore, RH-B contained more chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory constituents than RH-A. Thus, RHP contributed to restore cellular homeostasis in PBL and chondrocytes. RH preparations from fruits without seeds are thus expected to have an improved OA-preventive or OA-therapeutic profile, as subsequently shown in a related clinical trial.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/98/6b/PMC4211164.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5009147", "abstract": "Background Estimation of food portion sizes has always been a challenge in dietary studies on free-living individuals. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a food photography manual to improve the accuracy of the estimated size of consumed food portions. Methods A manual was compiled from digital photos of foods commonly consumed by the Tunisian population. The food was cooked and weighed before taking digital photographs of three portion sizes. The manual was validated by comparing the method of 24-hour recall (using photos) to the reference method [food weighing (FW)]. In both the methods, the comparison focused on food intake amounts as well as nutritional issues. Validity was assessed by Bland–Altman limits of agreement. In total, 31 male and female volunteers aged 9–89 participated in the study. Results We focused on eight food categories and compared their estimated amounts (using the 24-hour recall method) to those actually consumed (using FW). Animal products and sweets were underestimated, whereas pasta, bread, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products were overestimated. However, the difference between the two methods is not statistically significant except for pasta (p<0.05) and dairy products (p<0.05). The coefficient of correlation between the two methods is highly significant, ranging from 0.876 for pasta to 0.989 for dairy products. Nutrient intake calculated for both methods showed insignificant differences except for fat (p<0.001) and dietary fiber (p<0.05). A highly significant correlation was observed between the two methods for all micronutrients. The test agreement highlights the lack of difference between the two methods. Conclusion The difference between the 24-hour recall method using digital photos and the weighing method is acceptable. Our findings indicate that the food photography manual can be a useful tool for quantifying food portion sizes in epidemiological dietary surveys.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/ce/LJM-11-32676.PMC5009147.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4475269", "abstract": "A 41-year-old female was brought to the ER after a presyncope and absence episode while riding a bike. She recalled no prodromi. Her physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable; past medical, family, substance, and travel history bland. She reported a constant tiredness, sporadic slight cephalgia, responsive to acetaminophen, and a recent syncope while jogging, resulting in a fall, circumstances of which she could not recall. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a type of cardiomyopathy that was first described 25 years ago. Its molecular genetic basis is not yet fully clear, and the same is true of its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Further study of these matters is needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/88/JCHIMP-5-27699.PMC4475269.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5055986", "abstract": "We investigated the ability of folic acid to modulate the inflammatory responses of LPS activated BV-2 microglia cells and the signal transduction pathways involved. To this aim, the BV-2 cell line was exposed to LPS as a proinflammatory response inducer, in presence or absence of various concentrations of folic acid. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by the Griess test. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, MAPKs protein, and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 and SOCS3 were analyzed by western blotting. TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as iNOS dependent NO production, resulted significantly inhibited by folic acid pretreatment in LPS-activated BV-2 cells. We also observed that folic acid dose-dependently upregulated both SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in BV-2 cells, leading to an increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Finally, p-IκBα, which indirectly reflects NF-κB complex activation, and JNK phosphorylation resulted dose-dependently downregulated by folic acid pretreatment of LPS-activated cells, whereas p38 MAPK phosphorylation resulted significantly upregulated by folic acid treatment. Overall, these results demonstrated that folic acid was able to modulate the inflammatory response in microglia cells, shifting proinflammatory versus anti-inflammatory responses through regulating multiple signaling pathways.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/42/PMC5055986.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4484673", "abstract": "Objectives We performed constricting anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, levator myorrhaphy, and high perineorrhaphy with concurrent hysterectomy, and investigated the intraoperative complications, and short-term outcomes of these constricting procedures in patients aged 75 years or older. Methods We searched our hospital database for cases, between January 2011 and January 2014, of women aged over 75 years who underwent surgery for pelvic organ prolapse of stage 2 or higher, via vaginal hysterectomy, constricting anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, levator myorrhaphy, and high perineorrhaphy, with or without treatment of urinary incontinence. All volunteers were evaluated via pelvic examination using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system, the modified Decision Regret Scale–Pelvic Floor Disorders form, the Satisfaction Decision Scale–Pelvic Floor Disorders form, and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory form. Results Fifty-four patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 24.4 months after constricting surgery (range: 8–44 months). There were four cases (7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/90/cia-10-1009.PMC4484673.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3432541", "abstract": "The processes that underlie mate choice have long fascinated biologists. With the advent of increasingly refined genetic tools, we are now beginning to understand the genetic basis of how males and females discriminate among potential mates. One aspect of mate discrimination of particular interest is that which isolates one species from another. As behavioral isolation is thought to be the first step in speciation, and females are choosy more often than males in this regard, identifying the genetic variants that influence interspecies female mate choice can enhance our understanding of the process of speciation. Here, we review the literature on female mate choice in the most widely used model system for studies of species isolation Drosophila. Although females appear to use the same traits for both within- and between-species female mate choice, there seems to be a different genetic basis underlying these choices. Interestingly, most genomic regions that cause females to reject heterospecific males fall within areas of low recombination. Likely, candidate genes are those that act within the auditory or olfactory system, or within areas of the brain that process these systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/73/PMC3432541.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4499299", "abstract": "Background: The aim of present study was to investigate the learning and memorization rate of English based on authentic and traditional assessment approaches in Sari secondary schools. Methods: It was performed in semi- experimental method. The sample included 60 first year high school male students, selected randomly. Then it has been divided in two groups as experimental and control groups. Assessment devices used in this research included: academic achievement pre-test of English, academic achievement post-test revised questionnaire of attitude toward tests (SAAS-R), and English performance test Before carrying the authentic and traditional assessment approaches into execution, two groups had been taken the scholar academic achievement pre-test in order to assure not to be any significant differences between two groups. After the execution of above mentioned method (about 14 weeks), the academic achievement post-test, and performance test and attitude toward tests (SAAS-R) were performed. Moreover, 2 months after post-test, it was repeated to measure the rate of memorization. In order to analyze data the statistical method, the dependent and independent T- tests were used to determine mean differences of two groups and K2 test was applied to assign the differences of two groups’ attitude toward tests. Results: The results implied that: The rate of students’ performance learning in authentic assessments is more than the traditional ones. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between two group’s post-test scores. The rate of memorization in authentic methods is more than the traditional ones. The attitude toward tests in authentic methods is more positive than the traditional ones.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/72/MSM-27-203.PMC4499299.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4902078", "abstract": "Incorporation of genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) into risk prediction models may account for a substantial fraction of attributable disease risk. Genetic data, from 2385 subjects recruited into the Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) between 2000 and 2008, consisting of 20 SNPs independently validated in a candidate-gene discovery study was used. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and random forest (RF) were used to explore evidence of epistasis among 20 replicated SNPs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify similar risk predictors for lung cancer in the LLP risk model for the epidemiological model and extended model with SNPs. Both models were internally validated using the bootstrap method and model performance was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Using MDR and RF, the overall best classifier of lung cancer status were SNPs rs1799732 (DRD2), rs5744256 (IL-18), rs2306022 (ITGA11) with training accuracy of 0.6592 and a testing accuracy of 0.6572 and a cross-validation consistency of 10/10 with permutation testing P<0.0001. The apparent AUC of the epidemiological model was 0.75 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/c2/PMC4902078.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3550422", "abstract": "Objective The prefabrication of customized cranioplastic implants has been introduced to overcome the difficulties of intra-operative implant molding. The authors present a new technique, which consists of the prefabrication of implant molds using three-dimensional (3D) printers and polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) casting. Methods A total of 16 patients with large skull defects (>100 cm2) underwent cranioplasty between November 2009 and April 2011. For unilateral cranial defects, 3D images of the skull were obtained from preoperative axial 1-mm spiral computed tomography (CT) scans. The image of the implant was generated by a digital subtraction mirror-imaging process using the normal side of the cranium as a model. For bilateral cranial defects, precraniectomy routine spiral CT scan data were merged with postcraniectomy 3D CT images following a smoothing process. Prefabrication of the mold was performed by the 3D printer. Intraoperatively, the PMMA implant was created with the prefabricated mold, and fit into the cranial defect. Results The median operation time was 184.36±26.07 minutes. Postoperative CT scans showed excellent restoration of the symmetrical contours and curvature of the cranium in all cases. The median follow-up period was 23 months (range, 14-28 months). Postoperative infection was developed in one case (6.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/c4/jkns-52-541.PMC3550422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3364552", "abstract": "Primary glomerulonephritis stands as the third most important cause of end-stage renal disease, suggesting that appropriate treatment may not be as effective as intended to be. Moreover, proteinuria, the hallmark of glomerular damage and a prognostic marker of renal damage progression, is frequently resistant to thorough control. In addition, proteinuria may be the common end pathway in which different pathogenetic mechanisms may converge. This explains why immunosuppressive and nonimmunosuppressive approaches are partly not sufficient to halt disease progression. One of the commonest causes of primary glomerulonephritis is mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. Among the triggered intracellular pathways involved in mesangial cell proliferation, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a critical role in cell growth, in turn regulated by many cytokines, disbalanced by the altered glomerulopathy itself. However, when inhibition of mTOR was studied in rodents and in humans with primary glomerulonephritis the results were contradictory. In light of these controversial data, we propose an explanation for these results, to dilucidate under which circumstances mTOR inhibition should be considered to treat glomerular proteinuria and finally to propose mTOR inhibitors to be prospectively assessed in clinical trials in patients with primary mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, for which a satisfactory standard immunosuppressive regimen is still pending.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/4e/PMC3364552.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4735543", "abstract": "Primary pulmonary angiosarcoma is an extremely rare disease. Chest computed tomography demonstrates solitary or multifocal lesions, sometimes associated with ground-glass opacities or pleural effusion. Diagnosis is based on histological examination that reveals spindle-shaped epithelioid cells with positive staining for endothelial markers (factor VIII, CD 31, CD34, Fli-1, Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, vimentin). The prognosis is poor and effective treatment is still being researched. This is a report of a 65-year-old patient with a four-month history of haemoptysis, cough, and dyspnoea. The primary radiological findings suggested interstitial lung disease. After one month the clinical presentation evolved into diffuse pulmonary haemorrhage with concomitant haemothorax. The diagnosis of primary lung angiosarcoma was based on histological and immunohistochemical examination of the lung and pleural biopsy obtained by videothoracoscopy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/04/KITP-12-26549.PMC4735543.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3013635", "abstract": "The Voltage-gated K+ Channel DataBase (VKCDB) (http://vkcdb.biology.ualberta.ca) makes a comprehensive set of sequence data readily available for phylogenetic and comparative analysis. The current update contains 2063 entries for full-length or nearly full-length unique channel sequences from Bacteria (477), Archaea (18) and Eukaryotes (1568), an increase from 346 solely eukaryotic entries in the original release. In addition to protein sequences for channels, corresponding nucleotide sequences of the open reading frames corresponding to the amino acid sequences are now available and can be extracted in parallel with sets of protein sequences. Channels are categorized into subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis and by using hidden Markov model analyses. Although the raw database contains a number of fragmentary, duplicated, obsolete and non-channel sequences that were collected in early steps of data collection, the web interface will only return entries that have been validated as likely K+ channels. The retrieval function of the web interface allows retrieval of entries that contain a substantial fraction of the core structural elements of VKCs, fragmentary entries, or both. The full database can be downloaded as either a MySQL dump or as an XML dump from the web site. We have now implemented automated updates at quarterly intervals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/78/gkq1000.PMC3013635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4672031", "abstract": "A 45-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy was admitted for the upgrade of a previously implanted pacemaker. Echocardiography showed intraventricular dyssynchrony and a low ejection fraction (0.35). Treatment with a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) was selected and the device was implanted. CRT-D interrogation revealed proper function. Following procedure termination, the patient went into cardiac arrest and died despite resuscitation attempts. An autopsy revealed that the medial aspect of the right atrium was pierced by an active lead and that the aorta had a deep lesion, 2 mm in length, on its lateral aspect. We explain the probable pathogenesis of this patient׳s death.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/14/main.PMC4672031.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2722100", "abstract": "Heterologous expression allows the production of plant proteins in an organism which is simpler than the natural source. This technology is widely used for large-scale purification of plant proteins from microorganisms for biochemical and biophysical analyses. Additionally expression in well-defined model organisms provides insights into the functions of proteins in complex pathways. The present review gives an overview of recombinant plant protein production methods using bacteria, yeast, insect cells, and Xenopus laevis oocytes and discusses the advantages of each system for functional studies and protein characterization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/39/PMC2722100.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5034383", "abstract": "The Israeli State recently announced that it may begin to use genetic tests to determine whether potential immigrants are Jewish or not. This development would demand a rethinking of Israeli law on the issue of the definition of Jewishness. In this article, we discuss the historical and legal context of secular and religious definitions of Jewishness and rights to immigration in the State of Israel. We give a brief overview of different ways in which genes have been regarded as Jewish, and we discuss the relationship between this new use of genetics and the society with which it is co-produced. In conclusion, we raise several questions about future potential impacts of Jewish genetics on Israeli law and society.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/64/lsv027.PMC5034383.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5441248", "abstract": "Abstract Bilateral traumatic hip dislocations are extremely rare. Most of these are related to acetabular or proximal femoral fractures, consisting of complex lesions, and are rarely pure ligamentous injuries. Posterior dislocation is the most frequent. Some dislocations are accompanied by sciatic nerve palsy. The present case is a posterior bilateral hip dislocation with no other associated lesions, there are very few reports published with this clinical setting. The patient had good functional outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/5f/rjw180.PMC5441248.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3303923", "abstract": "PURPOSE Articulation paper mark size is widely accepted as an indicator of forceful tooth contacts. However, mark size is indicative of contact location and surface area only, and does not quantify occlusal force. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between the size of paper marks and the percentage of force applied to the same tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty dentate female subjects intercuspated into articulation paper strips to mark occlusal contacts on their maxillary posterior teeth, followed by taking photographs. Then each subject made a multi-bite digital occlusal force percentage recording. The surface area of the largest and darkest articulation paper mark (n = 240 marks) in each quadrant (n = 60 quadrants) was calculated in photographic pixels, and compared with the force percentage present on the same tooth. RESULTS Regression analysis shows a bi-variant fit of force ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/17/jap-4-7.PMC3303923.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5337473", "abstract": "Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can be complicated by adverse events in the acute phase. We herein present the case of a 71-year-old woman with HSE complicated by cerebral hemorrhage. She presented with acute deterioration of consciousness and fever and was diagnosed with HSE based on the detection of herpes simplex virus-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid by a polymerase chain reaction. The cerebral hemorrhage developed during acyclovir therapy; however, its diagnosis was delayed for 2 days. After the conservative treatment of the cerebral hemorrhage, the patient made a near-complete recovery. Cerebral hemorrhage should be considered as an acute-phase complication of HSE. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/87/1349-7235-56-0225.PMC5337473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3417954", "abstract": "Nanogels are robust nanoparticles that could be used to deliver active drug compounds in controlled drug delivery applications. This review discusses the design, synthesis, loading, and release of local anesthetics using polymeric nanoparticles produced via various types of polymerization techniques. The strategy of using layer-by-layer approach to control the burst release of procaine hydrochloride (PrHy; a local anesthetic drug of the amino ester group) is described and discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/81/PMC3417954.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4365178", "abstract": "Purpose Residential exposure to radon is considered to be the second cause of lung cancer after smoking. The purpose of this study was to estimate the number of lung cancer cases prevented from reducing radon exposure in Swedish dwellings. Methods Measurements of indoor radon are available from national studies in 1990 and 2008 with 8992 and 1819 dwellings, considered representative of all Swedish dwellings. These data were used to estimate the distribution of radon in Swedish dwellings. Lung cancer risk was assumed to increase by 16 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/4b/PMC4365178.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4779829", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to identify and quantify risk factors for amputation in diabetic patients hospitalized for foot infections. This cross-sectional study comprised 100 patients with diabetic infectious complications in the lower limbs. The variables investigated were related to diabetes, infection, and treatment compliance. Multiple Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the variables independently associated with the outcome of amputation. The most prevalent chronic complications were neuropathy and hypertension. Most patients presented with a neuroischemic foot (86", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/38/PMC4779829.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3295628", "abstract": "Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of pterygium excision with inferior conjunctival autografting for primary pterygium. Methods This was a prospective noncomparative interventional case series study enrolling 50 eyes of 50 patients with primary pterygium between November 1, 2010 and October 30, 2011. All patients underwent the standard surgical technique for pterygium excision with inferior conjunctival autografting. The sampling method was purposive. The study variables were complications of surgery and recurrence rates during a follow-up period of 6 months. Results The mean age of the patients was 43 ± 7.97 (range 26–64) years. Grade 1 pterygium comprised 64", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/58/PMC3295628.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4423271", "abstract": "Summary  Introduction: Few cases of cochlear implantation (CI) in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients had been reported in the literature. The approaches described were translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid or middle cranial fossa.  Objectives: To describe a case of a NF2- deafened-patient who underwent to vestibular schwannoma resection via RLA with cochlear nerve preservation and CI through the round window, at the same surgical time.  Resumed Report: A 36-year-old woman with severe bilateral hearing loss due to NF2 was submitted to vestibular schwannoma resection and simultaneous CI. Functional assessment of cochlear nerve was performed by electrical promontory stimulation. Complete tumor removal was accomplishment via RLA with anatomic and functional cochlear and facial nerve preservation. Cochlear electrode array was partially inserted via round window. Sound field hearing threshold improvement was achieved. Mean tonal threshold was 46.2 dB HL. The patient could only detect environmental sounds and human voice but cannot discriminate vowels, words nor do sentences at 2 years of follow-up.  Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is a feasible auditory restoration option in NF2 when cochlear anatomic and functional nerve preservation is achieved. The RLA is adequate for this purpose and features as an option for hearing preservation in NF2 patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/df/PMC4423271.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4324274", "abstract": "Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Various therapeutic strategies have been introduced for MI treatment. In recent years, interest in utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for MI therapy has increased. In fact, the use of MSCs for MI treatment, known as cellular cardiomyoplasty, is in the clinical trial stage. However, despite promising results, most MSCs die after transplantation as a result of exposure to various stresses. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), a well-known cytoprotective transcription factor, protects MSCs against some stresses. Over-expression of Nrf2 in MSCs decreases their apoptosis in vitro without any adverse effects on their differentiation capacity. Therefore, we hypothesized that over-expression of Nrf2 in MSCs can improve cellular cardiomyoplasty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/94/808-813.PMC4324274.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5226661", "abstract": "Our goal was to determine the clinical treatment response following radiation administered with or without chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancers in Honduras. This is a retrospective study of patients treated with either concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone at a hospital in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 70 Gy of EBRT to the pelvis was given in all cases. Brachytherapy was not available. Chemotherapy was given when available. Extrafascial hysterectomy was performed 6 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with a complete clinical response (cCR). Records for 165 women with locally advanced cervical cancer were reviewed; 25 (15.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/90/main.PMC5226661.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4345698", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Exposure of the mitral valve is of critical importance in mitral valve surgery. The mitral valve is located near the interatrial groove. As we accumulated experience and learned from embryology, we found that a more central left atriotomy was advantageous, and was made possible by interatrial groove dissection using an ultrasonic scalpel. This crucial finding prompted us to report the technique.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/2b/2186-3326-75-0121.PMC4345698.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4762054", "abstract": "Background The IMMEDIATE Trial of emergency medical service use of intravenous glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) very early in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) showed benefit for the composite outcome of cardiac arrest or in-hospital mortality. Objectives This analysis of IMMEDIATE Trial data sought to develop a predictive model to help clinicians identify patients at highest risk for this outcome and most likely to benefit from GIK. Methods Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for the composite endpoint cardiac arrest or in-hospital mortality using the 460 participants in the placebo arm of the IMMEDIATE Trial. Results The final model had four variables: advanced age, low systolic blood pressure, ST elevation in the presenting electrocardiogram, and duration of time since ischemic symptom onset. Predictive performance was good, with a C statistic of 0.75, as was its calibration. Stratifying patients into three risk categories based on the model's predictions, there was an absolute risk reduction of 8.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/f4/main.PMC4762054.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3699677", "abstract": "Although physiological function of alpha-synuclein is not yet clearly understood, accumulating evidence strongly suggests it plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. Pathologically, alpha-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies, which is the pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease. Alpha-synuclein pathology is observed in the brainstem nuclei, including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, the locus ceruleus, and the substantia nigra in the early phase of Parkinson disease and it may 'spread' to cerebral cortical areas in the advanced Parkinson disease and appears to have a role in the cognitive decline in Parkinson disease. Recently, it is suggested that alpha-synuclein pathology in Parkinson disease starts in the olfactory bulb or enteric nervous system and then spreads to the brainstem. In accordance with this hypothesis, alpha-synuclein pathology has been found in gastric mucosa and colonic mucosa of patients with Parkinson disease. Genetically, SNCA mutations including point mutation and copy number variation are known to cause familial Parkinson disease, further supporting the assumption that alpha-synuclein plays a crucial role in Parkinson disease pathogenesis. In addition, recent GWAS studies consistently show that the SNPs in SNCA genes are associated with risk for sporadic Parkinson disease. It is also known that variations in the promoter region or 3'UTR of SNCA, which increases the expression of SNCA, are associated with the risk for Parkinson disease. Collectively, these findings suggest that further studies on alpha-synuclein will lead to the elucidation of the mechanism of and therapy for Parkinson disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/cf/en-22-77.PMC3699677.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4417981", "abstract": " Although saliva endothelins are emerging as valuable noninvasive cardiovascular biomarkers, reports on the relationship between isoforms in saliva and plasma remain scarce. We measured endothelins in concurrent saliva and plasma samples (n = 30 males; age 18–63) by HPLC-fluorescence. Results revealed statistically significant positive correlations among all isoforms between saliva and plasma: big endothelin-1 (BET-1, 0.55 ± 0.27 versus 3.35 ± 1.28 pmol/mL; r = 0.38, p = 0.041), endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.52 ± 0.21 versus 3.45 ± 1.28 pmol/mL; r = 0.53, p = 0.003), endothelin-2 (ET-2, 0.21 ± 0.07 versus 1.63 ± 0.66 pmol/mL; r = 0.51, p = 0.004), and endothelin-3 (ET-3, 0.39 ± 0.19 versus 2.32 ± 1.44 pmol/mL; r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Correlations of BET-1, ET-1, and ET-3 within each compartment were positive in both plasma (p < 0.05) and saliva (p ≤ 0.1), whereas ET-2 was not significantly correlated with other isoforms in either plasma or saliva. For all isoforms, concentrations varied on average fivefold between individuals (90th/10th percentiles); individuals with high plasma endothelin levels generally had high saliva endothelin levels. Our results reveal that salivary ET isoform profiles portray the plasmatic profiles and support the view of coordinated regulation of ET-1 and ET-3, but distinct regulatory pathways for ET-2. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/b4/PMC4417981.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4383405", "abstract": "Skeleton was considered as a dynamic connective tissue, which was essential for mobility, calcium homeostasis, and hematopoietic niche. However more and more evidences indicate that skeleton works not only as a structural scaffold but also as an endocrine organ, which regulates several metabolic processes. Besides osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin (SOST), and Dickopf (DKK) which play essential roles in bone formation, modelling, remodelling, and homeostasis, bone can also secret hormones, such as osteocalcin (OCN), which promotes proliferation of β cells, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. Additionally OCN can also regulate the fat cells and male gonad endocrine activity and be regulated by insulin and the neural system. In summary, skeleton has endocrine function via OCN and plays an important role in energy metabolism, especially in glucose metabolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/76/PMC4383405.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3747945", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes has been linked with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment among older adults and with premature mortality in young and middle-aged adults. No studies have evaluated the association between diabetes and dementia among Mexican Americans, a population with a high burden of diabetes. We evaluated the association of diabetes with incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) among older Mexican Americans while accounting for competing risk from death. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study included 1,617 participants 60–98 years of age from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging followed up to 10 years from 1998. We evaluated the association between diabetes and dementia/CIND with competing risk regression models. RESULTS Participants free of dementia/CIND at baseline (n = 1,617) were followed annually up to 10 years. There were 677 (41.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/34/2600.PMC3747945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4575955", "abstract": "Gastric volvulus is an uncommon but serious surgical condition mandating an early diagnosis and surgical intervention. It may present either acutely or chronically with epigastric pain, retching and vomiting. There are two types of gastric volvulus: organo-axial and mesentero-axial. We report a case of a mesentero-axial gastric volvulus in a 49-year-old woman with a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia. She presented with a significant epigastric pain and vomiting. A flexible upper endoscopy, a barium meal and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging had confirmed the diagnosis. She was treated with a laparoscopic mesh repair of the diaphragmatic defect followed by a gastropexy. She had an uneventful postoperative course and was asymptomatic thereafter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/15/rjv119.PMC4575955.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1634736", "abstract": "InSatDb presents an interactive interface to query information regarding microsatellite characteristics per se of five fully sequenced insect genomes (fruit-fly, honeybee, malarial mosquito, red-flour beetle and silkworm). InSatDb allows users to obtain microsatellites annotated with size (in base pairs and repeat units); genomic location (exon, intron, up-stream or transposon); nature (perfect or imperfect); and sequence composition (repeat motif and GC", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/db/gkl778.PMC1634736.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4866381", "abstract": "Sertoliform endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary (SEC) is an uncommon variant that bears histologic similarity to sertoli and sertoli-leydig cell tumors. We report an interesting case of SEC in a 55-year-old female with a left ovarian mass with torsion. Histology revealed an SEC, featuring foci of typical endometrioid carcinoma, and areas composed of uniform, small, hollow tubules lined by columnar cells with apical cytoplasm. Tumor cells were strongly immunoreactive for EMA and cytokeratin but negative for inhibin; thus, confirming the diagnosis of SEC ovary. Recognition of this tumor is important as it is a well-differentiated, low-grade malignancy that displays good prognosis when confined to the ovary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/b8/JLP-8-112.PMC4866381.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3556772", "abstract": "Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic disease that causes venous and arterial thrombosis in virtually any organ. Sometimes it is complicated into pulmonary infarction and cavitation, pulmonary hypertension, and catastrophic course with high morbidity and mortality. The present case is a 35-year-old woman with one episode of postpartum deep veins thrombosis (DVT) 12 years earlier and the second one after the second labor two years later. In spite of usual therapy for each episode of DVT, the condition had progressed into severe pulmonary hypertension. The diagnosis of primary APL syndrome was confirmed four years ago. She had been on warfarin, low dose of steroid, and azathioprine since the diagnosis of APL syndrome. After one year treatment with steroid and azathiprine the patient showed progressive well being; however, because of hyperglycemia the steroid tapered and discontinued. She had several attacks of paroxismal atrial tachycardia in the last year. On the last time, she presented with severe dyspnea, hemoptesis, and lower limbs edema. Chest radiography and Lung CT scan demonsterated the presence of lung cavitations. Because of high suspicious for fungal pulmonary infection, azathioprine was also discontinued. However, constellation renal failure, hemodynamic instability, and confusion caused the patient to succumb to death. The definite diagnosis of lung cavitations was not obtained.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c9/37/PMC3556772.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3291708", "abstract": "Spontaneous hematomas of the iliacus muscle are rare lesions and these are seen in individuals receiving anticoagulation therapy or patients with blood dyscrasias such as hemophilia. It can cause femoral neuropathy and resultant pain and paralysis. Although there is no clear consensus for the treatment of femoral neuropathy from iliacus muscle hematomas, delays in the surgical evacuation of hematoma for decompression of the femoral nerve can lead to a prolonged or permanent disability. We report here on a rare case of a spontaneous iliacus muscle hematoma that caused femoral neuropathy in a patient who was taking warfarin for occlusive vascular disease and we discuss the treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/e3/jkns-51-51.PMC3291708.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3167294", "abstract": "The genome of stallion (Spanish breed) and donkey (Spanish endemic Zamorano-Leonés) were compared using whole comparative genomic in situ hybridization (W-CGH) technique, with special reference to the variability observed in the Y chromosome. Results show that these diverging genomes still share some highly repetitive DNA families localized in pericentromeric regions and, in the particular case of the Y chromosome, a sub-family of highly repeated DNA sequences, greatly expanded in the donkey genome, accounts for a large part of the chromatin in the stallion Y chromosome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/a3/PMC3167294.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3892657", "abstract": "Leptotrichia species (LS) is an anaerobic Gram negative bacillus in the Bacteroidaceae family and part of the normal human oral flora. It is rarely pathogenic, but occasionally causes diseases in immunocompromised hosts. I am reporting a case of cavitary pneumonia caused by LS in an immunocompetent host.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/45/PMC3892657.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2837342", "abstract": " Background. Recent reports have found a positive relationship between periodontitis and the hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We investigated the associations between those levels and periodontitis in never-smokers and smokers of elderly subjects. Subjects and Methods. Cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva were determined in 171 subjects (85 males, 86 females), with clinical examinations including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) also performed. Results. Smoking had effects on cortisol and DHEA levels, and those were significantly associated with severe PD and CAL in never-smokers. According to ROC analysis, the cutoff values of cortisol and DHEA to obtain the optimal sensitivity and specificity for detecting severe periodontitis were 2.06 ng/mL and 60.24 pg/mL, respectively, for PD, and 2.12 ng/mL and 61.78 pg/mL, respectively, for CAL. Conclusions. Assessment of hormone levels may be a useful screening method for periodontitis, though limited to never-smokers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7c/ca/PMC2837342.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3525927", "abstract": "Background and aims  Salivary glands are extremely susceptible to radiation injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas, referring to Tabriz Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2005-2006.  Materials and methods  Thirty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas, who received conventional radiotherapy, were included in the present study. The patients’ unstimulated saliva samples were collected at three intervals, i.e. before treatment, 3 weeks after the initiation of treatment and at the end of treatment by spitting, and measured with a graduated pipette.  Results  The differences in the mean values of the patients’ salivary flow rates at three afore-mentioned intervals were statistically significant (p<0.001). Two-by-two comparison of the mean values of salivary flow rates of all the patients and of males and females, carried out separately, demonstrated statistically significant differences (p<0.0025). However, there were no statistically significant differences between males and females before treatment (p = 0.723), 3 weeks after the initiation of treatment (p = 0.724) and at the end of treatment (p = 0.595). There were no statistically significant relationships between age and a decrease in salivary flow rate in the total sample (p = 0.76, r = -0.057), in males (p = 0.96, r = 0.011) and in females (p = 0.539, r = -0.208).  Conclusion  Conventional radiotherapy results in severe xerostomia in 3 weeks in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Age and sex do not influence radiotherapy-induced xerostomia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/6b/PMC3525927.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4706917", "abstract": "Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with different variety of clinical manifestations. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate lymphocytes that play a regulatory role during broad range of immune responses. A number of studies demonstrated that the quantity and quality of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells showed marked defects in SLE patients in comparison to healthy controls. This finding suggests that iNKT cells may play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of this disease. In this review, we mainly summarized the most recent findings about the behavior of NKT cells in SLE patients and mouse models, as well as how NKT cells affect the proportion of T helper cells and the production of autoreactive antibodies in the progress of SLE. This will help people better understand the role of NKT cells in the development of SLE and improve the therapy strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/c1/PMC4706917.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4603441", "abstract": "Malakoplakia in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with disseminated Mycobacterium simiae infection presented with a large pelvic mass that caused organ dysfunction from mimicking a tumor. Malakoplakia is a rare, chronic granulomatous abnormal host response toward infectious agents, presenting as a tumor-like lesion. This is the first report of pelvic malakoplakia after disseminated M. simiae infection in an AIDS patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/84/b5/PMC4603441.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3941229", "abstract": " Background. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a valuable laboratory tool in evaluation of infectious, inflammatory, and malignant diseases. Red blood cells in outside from the body precipitate due to their higher density than the plasma. In this study we discuss the IVIG effect on ESR in different diseases and different ages. Methods and Materials. Fifty patients under 12 years old who had indication to receive IVIG enrolled in this study. Total dose of IVIG was 2 gr/kg (400 mg/kg in five days or 2 gr/kg in single dose). ESR before infusion of IVIG and within 24 hours after administration of the last dose of IVIG was checked. Results. 23 (46", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/bc/PMC3941229.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5087785", "abstract": "Background Simultaneous prescription of clopidogrel and low-dose aspirin is recommended for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome because of improvements in efficacy and patient compliance. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of clopidogrel and aspirin was compared with coadministration of individual formulations to clarify the equivalence of the FDC. Methods This was a randomized, open-label, two-period, two-treatment, crossover study in healthy Korean men aged 20–55 years. Subjects received two FDC capsules of clopidogrel/aspirin 75/100 mg (test) or two tablets of clopidogrel 75 mg and two capsules of aspirin 100 mg (reference) with a 14-day washout period. Plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, aspirin, and salicylic acid were measured using validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Bioequivalence was assessed by analysis of variance and calculation of the 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e6/73/dddt-10-3493.PMC5087785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1933234", "abstract": "Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) constitute a particular family of tandem repeats found in a wide range of prokaryotic genomes (half of eubacteria and almost all archaea). They consist of a succession of highly conserved regions (DR) varying in size from 23 to 47 bp, separated by similarly sized unique sequences (spacer) of usually viral origin. A CRISPR cluster is flanked on one side by an AT-rich sequence called the leader and assumed to be a transcriptional promoter. Recent studies suggest that this structure represents a putative RNA-interference-based immune system. Here we describe CRISPRFinder, a web service offering tools to (i) detect CRISPRs including the shortest ones (one or two motifs); (ii) define DRs and extract spacers; (iii) get the flanking sequences to determine the leader; (iv) blast spacers against Genbank database and (v) check if the DR is found elsewhere in prokaryotic sequenced genomes. CRISPRFinder is freely accessible at http://crispr.u-psud.fr/Server/CRISPRfinder.php.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/4b/gkm360.PMC1933234.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4931077", "abstract": "This study examined whether healthier family dynamics were associated with higher personal strengths of resilience, sense of coherence, and optimism among dementia caregivers in Argentina. Caregivers are usually required to assist individuals with dementia, and family members have typically fulfilled that role. Personal strengths such as resilience, sense of coherence, and optimism have been shown to protect caregivers from some of the negative experiences of providing care, though the family-related variables associated with these personal strengths are largely unknown. Hierarchical multiple regressions investigated the extent to which family dynamics variables are associated with each of the caregiver personal strengths after controlling for demographic and caregiver characteristics. A sample of 105 caregivers from Argentina completed a set of questionnaires during a neurologist visit. Family dynamics explained 32", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/8d/PMC4931077.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3921275", "abstract": "Objective To examine the synergistic effects of both computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive function in patients with stroke. Methods The current double-blind, sham-controlled study enrolled a total of 11 patients who were newly diagnosed with stroke. The patients of the tDCS group (n=6) completed sessions of the Korean computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation program five times a week for 30 minutes a session during a mean period of 18.5 days concomitantly with the anodal tDCS over the bilateral prefrontal cortex combined with the CACR. The patients of the control group (n=5) also completed sessions of the sham stimulation during a mean period of 17.8 days. Anodal tDCS over bilateral prefrontal cortex (F3 and F4 in 10-20 EEG system) was delivered for 30 minutes at an intensity of 2 mA. Cathode electrodes were applied to the non-dominant arm. All the patients were evaluated using the Seoul Computerized Neuropsychological Test (SCNT) and the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination. Results Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference between the two groups. The patients of the tDCS group achieved a significant improvement in the post/pre ratio of auditory continuous performance test and visual continuous performance test on the SCNT items. Conclusion Our results indicate that the concomitant use of the tDCS with CACR to the prefrontal cortex may provide additional beneficial effects in improving the cognitive dysfunction for patients with stroke.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/f5/jkns-54-484.PMC3921275.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4866383", "abstract": "Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important cause of infertility in developing countries. Various type of TB salpingitis can be endosalpingitis, exosalpingitis, interstitial TB salpingitis, and salpingitis isthmica nodosa. The fallopian tubes are thickened enlarged and tortuous. Unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx or pyosalpinx may be formed. A new sign python sign is presented in which fallopian tube looks like a blue python on dye testing in FGTB.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/1d/JLP-8-120.PMC4866383.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5141310", "abstract": "Periodontitis is one of the severe complications in diabetic patients and gingival epithelium plays an initial role on the onset and progression of this disease. However the potential mechanism is yet sufficiently understood. Meanwhile, the research on the correlational experimental animal models was also insufficient. Here, we established periodontitis with type 2 diabetes in db/db and Tallyho/JngJ (TH) mice and periodontitis with type 1 diabetes in streptozotocin induced diabetes C57BL/6J (STZ-C57) mice by oral infection of periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis W50. We demonstrated that periodontal infected mice with high blood glucose levels showed dramatically more alveolar bone loss than their counterparts, in which infected db/db mice exhibited the most bone defects. No contrary impact could be observed between this periodontal infection and onset and severity of diabetes. The expressions of PTPN2 were inhibited whereas the expression of JAK1, STAT1, and STAT3 increased dramatically in gingival epithelia and the serum TNF-α also significantly increased in the mice with diabetic periodontitis. Our results indicated that the variations of inflammation-related protein expressions in gingival epithelia might lead to the phenotype differences in the mice with diabetic periodontitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/b4/PMC5141310.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2895207", "abstract": "Only 6 cases with an association of disseminated superficial porokeratosis with dermal amyloid deposits are reported in the literature. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with a disseminated superficial porokeratosis. Histological examination revealed amyloid deposits in the upper dermis, which were typed with routine HE stains, Congo red stains and anticytokeratin antibodies (AE1-AE3 and CK5). Positive staining with Congo red and, moreover, with CK5 (a cytokeratin strongly represented in the basal cell layer of the epidermis) indicates an epidermal origin of this protein.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/85/cde0001-0035.PMC2895207.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3109327", "abstract": "Cavernous hemangioma seems to most frequently arise in the posterior portion of the external auditory canal. However, they rarely occur in the tympanic membrane. A 49-year-old male patient was referred for evaluation of right-sided pulsatile tinnitus that he'd experienced for the previous 2 years. Temporal bone computerized tomography showed an isolated soft tissue mass just lateral to the tympanic membrane. There was no evidence of bony erosion or middle ear invasion. The patient underwent excision of the mass using a postauricular approach. The mass was removed en bloc and the defect of the tympanic membrane was repaired by tympanoplasty type I. There was no recurrence after 1 year of follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/fe/ceo-4-109.PMC3109327.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5432941", "abstract": "The discovery of unique autoantibodies has informed and altered our approach to the diagnosis and management of the inflammatory myopathies. This study reports the initial clinical experience of use of the Extended Myositis Antibody (EMA) panel in the largest university teaching hospital in Ireland. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who had serum samples tested for myositis specific antibodies and myositis associated antibodies from April 2014 to March 2015. A positive EMA panel was of significant clinical utility in facilitating decisions on appropriate investigations, and need for onward referral to other physicians. Furthermore, this paper highlights the diversity of possible presentations of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with subsequent need for multi-speciality involvement, and serves to heighten awareness among clinicians of the diagnostic use of extended myositis antibody testing in these cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/b6/cp-2017-2-922.PMC5432941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4489466", "abstract": "Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is, together with geohelminths, the neglected disease that causes more loss of years of healthy life due to disability in Latin America. Chagas disease, as determined by the factors and determinants, shows that different contexts require different actions, preventing new cases or reducing the burden of disease. Control strategies must combine two general courses of action including prevention of transmission to prevent the occurrence of new cases (these measures are cost effective), as well as opportune diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals in order to prevent the clinical evolution of the disease and to allow them to recuperate their health. All actions should be implemented as fully as possible and with an integrated way, to maximise the impact. Chagas disease cannot be eradicated due because of the demonstrated existence of infected wild triatomines in permanent contact with domestic cycles and it contributes to the occurrence of at least few new cases. However, it is possible to interrupt the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in a large territory and to eliminate Chagas disease as a public health problem with a dramatic reduction of burden of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/8d/0074-0276-mioc-110-3-0289.PMC4489466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3730146", "abstract": " Introduction. Two great changes in developed countries are taking place: populations are ageing and becoming increasingly overweight. Combination of these factors with shift work is a risk factor for work ability and mental workload that are dynamic processes which change greatly throughout an individual's work life. The aim of this study was to investigate mental workload and work ability in textile workers and to identify factors which affect work ability and mental workload. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 194 male workers in textile industry. Employees based on their job group and work conditions have been divided into 6 categories. They completed work ability index and mental workload questionnaires during three work shifts. Body mass index (BMI) and demographic details were recorded. Results. All of the participants rated their work ability as moderate with high mental workload. The mean WAI and mental workload in age group were significant. The mean BMI was 25.5 kg/m2 (standard deviation 4.1) and the mean age was 40.22 years. There was a statistically significant correlation between work ability index and shift work. Conclusions. Unlike the previous study, a decrease point in WAI started in early age that may be due to life-style work and another psychological factor; on the other hand, NASA-TLX revealed high score in six subscales that can be another reason for low WAI.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/d0/PMC3730146.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4832807", "abstract": "For the better part of the past 20 years, dentistry has seen the development of many new all-ceramic materials and restorative techniques fueled by the desire to capture the ever elusive esthetic perfection. This has resulted in the fusion of the latest in material science and the pen ultimate in computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. This case report describes the procedure for restoring the esthetic appearance of both the left and right maxillary peg-shaped lateral incisors with a metal-free sintered finely structured feldspar ceramic material using the latest laboratory CAD/CAM system. The use of CAD/CAM technology makes it possible to produce restorations faster with precision- fit and good esthetics overcoming the errors associated with traditional ceramo-metal technology. The incorporation of this treatment modality would mean that the dentist working procedures will have to be adapted in the methods of CAD/CAM technology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/7b/JIPS-16-96.PMC4832807.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5066105", "abstract": "We describe a case of Parry Romberg syndrome/en coupe de sabre in a woman whose disease started as seizures at age 8 but was diagnosed at the age 39. During these 31 years she got married, completed a first degree at university, had two successful pregnancies and has been gainfully employed. The features of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, autoimmune abnormalities, ocular abnormalities, morphea en coup de sabre and brain imaging abnormalities were present. Areas of parietal lobe cerebral calcification were encountered on the computed tomographic scan and bilateral periventricular white matter changes on the magnetic resonance imaging with frontal, temporal and parietal lobe brain atrophy ipsilateral to the facial hemiatrophy. Clinical, immunologic and neuroradiological abnormalities are discussed. In some cases, this illness can run a benign and stable course.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/8e/ni-2016-3-6661.PMC5066105.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3804968", "abstract": " [Purpose] This study determined the difference between flat feet and normal feet of humans at different gait velocities using electromyography (EMG) and foot pressure analysis. [Subjects] This study was conducted on 30 adults having normal feet (N = 15) and flat feet (N = 15), all of whom were 21 to 30 years old and had no neurological history or gait problems. [Methods] A treadmill (AC5000M, SCIFIT, UK) was used to analyze kinematic features during gait. These features were analyzed at slow, normal, and fast gait velocities. A surface electromyogram (TeleMyo 2400T, Noraxon Co., USA) and a foot pressure analyzer (FSA, Vista Medical, Canada) were used to measure muscle activity changes and foot pressure, respectively. [Results] The activities of most muscles of the flat feet, except that of the rectus femoris, were significantly different from the muscle activities of the normal feet at different gait velocities. For example, there was a significant difference in the vastus medialis and abductor hallucis muscle. Likewise, flat feet and normal feet showed significant differences in pressures on the forefoot, midfoot, and medial area of the hindfoot at different gait velocities. Finally, comparison showed there were significant differences in pressures on the 2nd–3rd metatarsal area. [Conclusion] Because muscle activation has a tendency to increase with an increase in gait velocity, we hypothesized that the lower extremity with a flat foot requires more work to move due to the lack of a medial longitudinal arch, and consequently pressure was focused on the 2nd–3rd metatarsal area during the stance phase.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/07/jpts-25-531.PMC3804968.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3296946", "abstract": "Alcohol is well-recognized systemic toxin that causes numerous adverse effects, including psychosocial problems, fatal myocardial infarction, stroke and atherosclerosis. The intra-abdominal complications caused by acute alcohol consumption have not been defined. We report an 80-year-old man with sub-acute small bowel and colonic ischemia after heavy alcohol intake in one sitting. We performed a resection of gangrenous bowel segments. Microscopically, there were diffuse infarction, with vasoconstriction of the mesenteric vessels in the ileum and colon without any thrombotic occlusion of the intestinal vessels. The clinicians should always be assured by confirmation of a history of recent substance abuse in patients with unexplained abdominal pain, and mesenteric ischemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute or chronic abdominal pain in consumers of alcohol.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/4d/jksc-28-61.PMC3296946.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3892642", "abstract": "Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Dengue (DENV) viruses, both arboviruses, have caused multiple outbreaks worldwide. Their clinical features are poorly described in Africa and there is no comparative study, although Chikungunya is considered as a dengue-like disease. We conducted a comparative study of clinical and biological data from CHIKV and DENV positive patients during the 2010 Gabonese outbreak. Patients consulting with general symptoms and having laboratory confirmation for CHIKV or DENV were included. Clinical and biological data were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. In all, 270 CHIKV+, 53 DENV+ and 20 co-infected patients were included in the study. Headaches, hemorrhage, leukopenia and lymphopenia were significantly (P respectively 0.01, 0.001, 0.02 and 0.001) more frequent in DENV+ patients than in CHIKV+. There was no additive effect of the two viruses.These clinical and hematological disorders are non specific and cannot assist for the differential diagnosis. These diseases are clinically indistinguishable, and need for laboratory confirmation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/8b/PMC3892642.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4309792", "abstract": "Purpose In the present study, the fabrication of novel p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methylacrylate) (PIB) nanogels was combined with boron-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (B-MBG) scaffolds in order to improve the mechanical properties of PIB nanogels alone. Scaffolds were tested for mechanical strength and the ability to promote new bone formation in vivo. Patients and methods To evaluate the potential of each scaffold in bone regeneration, ovariectomized rats were chosen as a study model to determine the ability of PIB nanogels to stimulate bone formation in a complicated anatomical bone defect. PIB nanogels and PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites were respectively implanted into ovariectomized rats with critical-sized femur defects following treatment periods of 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-implantation. Results Results from the present study demonstrate that PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites showed greater improvement in mechanical strength when compared to PIB nanogels alone. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed significantly more newly formed bone in defects containing PIB nanogels/B-MBG composite scaffolds when compared to PIB nanogels alone. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive staining demonstrated that both scaffolds were degraded over time and bone remodeling occurred in the surrounding bone defect as early as 4 weeks post-implantation. Conclusion The results from the present study indicate that PIB nanogels are a potential bone tissue engineering biomaterial able to treat defects of irregular shapes and deformities as an injectable, thermoresponsive, biocompatible hydrogel which undergoes rapid thermal gelation once body temperature is reached. Furthermore, its combination with B-MBG scaffolds improves the mechanical properties and ability to promote new bone formation when compared to PIB nanogels alone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/26/ijn-10-839.PMC4309792.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4257837", "abstract": "A new amdoparvovirus, named raccoon dog and fox amdoparvovirus (RFAV), was identified in farmed sick raccoon dogs and arctic foxes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that RFAV belongs to a new species within the genus Amdoparvovirus of the family Parvoviridae. An RFAV strain was isolated in Crandell feline kidney cell culture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/b2/PMC4257837.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5170847", "abstract": "My group and I feel tremendously honored to be recognized with the 2016 Early Career Life Scientist Award from the American Society for Cell Biology. In this essay I share the scientific questions that my lab has been excitedly pursuing since starting in August 2009 and the leadership behaviors we have adopted that enable our collective scientific productivity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/a5/3185.PMC5170847.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3886110", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objectives The present retrospective study analyzes sagittal cephalometric changes in patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome submitted to maxillomandubular advancement. Material and Methods 15 adult sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) and treated with maxillomandubular advancement (MMA) were included in this study. Pre- (T1) and postsurgical (T2) PSG studies assessing the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) level were compared. Lateral cephalometric radiographs at T1 and T2 measuring sagittal cephalometric variables (SNA, SNB, and ANB) were analyzed, as were the amount of maxillary and mandibular advancement (Co-A and Co-Pog), the distance from the mandibular plane to the most anterior point of the hyoid bone (Mp-H), and the posterior airway space (PAS). Results Postoperatively, the overall mean AHI dropped from 58.7 ± 16 to 8.1 ± 7.8 events per hour (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative LSAT increased from 71", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/97/jomr-04-e5.PMC3886110.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4551549", "abstract": "Introduction The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common in the knee. Tendons can be used as alternative grafts for ACL repair, with tendon “ligamentization” often reported in literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological and histological changes occurring in a semitendinosus tendon (ST) during ACL reconstruction in growing rabbits. Materials and methods Twenty-one 8-week-old New Zealand white rabbits, weighing about 1500 g underwent reconstructive surgery on the right knee. In two cases the left knee was used to verify the normal microstructure of the ACL and ST in rabbits. The rabbits were then randomly divided into seven groups and sacrificed at 1, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after surgery. The specimens were evaluated under light microscopy to analyze the changes in the intra-articular tract of the graft. The evidence of necrosis, neovascularization and organization of the collagen fibers were investigated. Results One month after surgery, numerous disorganized fibroblasts and collagenous fibers were identified. A marked reduction of cellular necrosis was observed in the early phase of the neo-ligament healing process. After 4 weeks, these fusiform-like cells became more rounded. By 8 weeks, the collagen fibers had become aligned in parallel with newly formed capillaries and highly differentiated fibroblasts. At 24 and 48 weeks the transplanted tendon differed histologically from both tendon and ligament. Conclusions The data of the present study showed that ligamentization did not occur until at least 24 months post-operatively and, during healing, the grafted tendon assumed a unique micro-architecture that was a middle between a tendon and a ligament. The ACL reconstruction in pediatric age has become more frequent in these past recent years. The use of semitendinosus graft with preservation of its distal attachment should be the gold standard in skeletally immature patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6d/55/PMC4551549.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4208298", "abstract": "We report a rare case of chronic cough as the presenting symptom of a primary brainstem lesion. A 69-year-old gentleman presented with chronic cough followed by onset of progressive truncal ataxia, incoordination and nystagmus. Contrast-enhanced imaging showed a midbrain lesion extending into the cerebellum, confirmed as lymphoma by stereotactic brain biopsy. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy, but his cough persists. We present this case to highlight the possibility of a brainstem lesion as a rare central cause of chronic cough, and suggest that the diagnosis is considered in those with concomitant neurological symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/bc/rju109.PMC4208298.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5400417", "abstract": "Abstract Tumor involvement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by hepatobiliary, pancreatic or duodenal malignancies can compromise adequate resection. However, radical resection with negative histological margins remains the only chance of cure. Various techniques are used for venous reconstruction, using a prosthetic graft interposition in most of the cases. However, in case of associated digestive resections, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy, postoperative complications can be responsible for prosthesis infection and related vascular complications. In this setting, the use of biological material for venous reconstruction appears to be preferable. We present an original, easy and useful technique of a venous autoplasty after pancreaticoduodenectomy for tumors involving the anterior wall of the infrarenal IVC, using a patch from the posterior wall of the IVC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/9e/rjx011.PMC5400417.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3675252", "abstract": "Background ABCB4/MDR3 gene variants are mostly associated with a peculiar form of cholelithiasis in European adults, currently referred to as low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC) syndrome. Methods LPAC syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, characterised by the following clinical features: biliary symptoms before the age of 40, recurrence of the symptoms after cholecystectomy, and intrahepatic microlithiasis or intrahepatic hyperechogenic foci. Results Imaging features associated with ABCB4/MDR3 mutations are not specific and correspond to a wide spectrum of biliary abnormalities. The main feature is the presence of intrahepatic lithiasis. Other uncommon presentations have been described, such as uni- or multifocal spindle-shaped dilatations of the intrahepatic bile ducts filled with gallstones, secondary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary cirrhosis, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Conclusion This review focuses on MR features related to ABCB4/MDR3 mutations. Main Messages • LPAC syndrome is characterised by intrahepatic microlithiasis or intrahepatic hyperechogenic foci. • Ultrasound examination is very accurate in detecting intrahepatic stones. • At MR imaging, LPAC syndrome is associated with various presentations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/cb/13244_2013_Article_243.PMC3675252.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3066649", "abstract": "Mast cells have long been recognized to have a direct and critical role in allergic and inflammatory reactions. In allergic diseases, these cells exert both local and systemic responses, including allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis. Mast cell mediators are also related to many chronic inflammatory conditions. Besides the roles in pathological conditions, the biological functions of mast cells include roles in innate immunity, involvement in host defense mechanisms against parasites, immunomodulation of the immune system, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. Despite their growing significance in physiological and pathological conditions, much still remains to be learned about mast cell biology. This paper presents evidence that lipid rafts or raft components modulate many of the biological processes in mast cells, such as degranulation and endocytosis, play a role in mast cell development and recruitment, and contribute to the overall preservation of mast cell structure and organization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/28/PMC3066649.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4664688", "abstract": "Ruminants are known to harbour a vast and diverse microbial community that functions in utilizing the fibrous and starchy feedstuffs. The microbial fermentation of fibrous and starchy feed is carried out by different groups of microbiota, which function in synergistic mechanism. The exploration of the shift in carbohydrate utilizing microbial community with the change in diet will reveal the efficient role of that group of microbial community in particular carbohydrate utilization. The present study explains the shifts in microbial enzymes for carbohydrate utilization with the change in the feed proportions and its correlation with the microbial community abundance at that particular treatment. The sequencing data of the present study is submitted to NCBI SRA with experiment accession IDs (ERX162128, ERX162129, ERX162130, ERX162131, ERX162139, ERX162134, ERX162140, ERX162141, ERX197218, ERX197219, ERX197220, ERX197221, ERX162158, ERX162159, ERX162160, ERX162161, ERX162176, ERX162164, ERX162165, ERX162166, ERX162167, ERX162168, ERX162169, ERX162177).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/39/main.PMC4664688.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3948995", "abstract": "Biting midges (Culicoides: Ceratopogonidae) were collected by Mosquito Magnet® traps at the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) camp and Daeseongdong village inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and near the military demarcation line (MDL) separating North and South Korea and at Warrior Base (US Army training site) and Tongilchon 3 km south of the DMZ in northern Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea (ROK), from May-October 2010-2012, to determine their seasonal distributions. A total of 18,647 Culicoides females (18,399; 98.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/59/kjp-52-57.PMC3948995.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3352684", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of investment type on the color of feldspathic ceramics. Methods: Ceramic specimens were constructed using the refractory die technique, using four investments (i.e., Vitadurvest, Duravest, Duceralay Superfit, and Fortune) to observe their effect on the color of five commercially available ceramics (i.e., Super Porcelain EX-3, Vision Esthetic, Vintage Halo, IPS Classic, and Vitadur Alpha). The color analysis of the ceramics was performed with a colorimeter using the CIE L*a*b* color coordinates. Results: The investments produced significant alterations on a*, b*, and L* color parameters of the ceramics tested. The ceramic Vision Esthetic was influenced by the type of investment in all color parameters (P<.05). Two investments (Duravest and Fortune) produced alterations in color parameters with three of the five ceramics tested. Conclusions: The investment materials produced alterations on the ceramic color parameters, resulting in unacceptable chromatic alterations (ΔE*).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/2e/PMC3352684.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3994934", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Suboptimal adherence to diabetes medications is prevalent and associated with unfavorable health outcomes, but it remains unclear what intervention content is necessary to effectively promote medication adherence in diabetes. In other disease contexts, the Information–Motivation–Behavioral skills (IMB) model has effectively explained and promoted medication adherence and thus may have utility in explaining and promoting adherence to diabetes medications. We tested the IMB model’s hypotheses in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants (N = 314) completed an interviewer-administered survey and A1C test. Structural equation models tested the effects of diabetes medication adherence-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills on medication adherence and the effect of medication adherence on A1C. RESULTS The IMB elements explained 41", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/87/1246.PMC3994934.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4124717", "abstract": "Recent reports from both Caucasian and black populations suggest changes in steroid responsiveness of childhood nephrotic syndrome. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the features and steroid sensitivity pattern of a cohort of black children with nephrotic syndrome. Records of children managed for nephrotic syndrome from January 2008 to April 2013 were reviewed. Details including age, response to treatment, and renal histology were analysed. There were 108 children (median age: 5.9 years, peak: 1-2 years), 90.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/79/PMC4124717.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4804152", "abstract": "Background: Recent studies have revealed that the splicing factor neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) is enriched in fibroblasts and accumulated T cells of tertiary lymphoid structures. In the present study, we investigated NOVA1 expression in various subtypes of mature and immature T- and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas as well as in various B-cell lymphoma subtypes.  Methods: NOVA1 immunoexpression was evaluated in hyperplastic palatine tonsils (n = 20), T- and NK-cell lymphomas (n = 177), diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (n = 151), and other types of B cell lymphomas (n = 31). Nuclear staining intensity and percentage of positive tumor cells were graded. NOVA1 mRNA expression was analyzed in various lymphoma cell lines. Results: Tumor cells of T- and NK-cell lymphomas showed higher expression levels of NOVA1 than did normal paracortical T cells, and 56.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/b4/jptm-2016-02-08.PMC4804152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4684699", "abstract": "Although recent advances have been gained on genome evolution in angiosperm lineages, virtually nothing is known about karyotype evolution in the other group of seed plants, the gymnosperms. Here, we used high-density gene-based linkage mapping to compare the karyotype structure of two families of conifers (the most abundant group of gymnosperms) separated around 290 Ma: Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. We propose for the first time a model based on the fusion of 20 ancestral chromosomal blocks that may have shaped the modern karyotpes of Pinaceae (with n = 12) and Cupressaceae (with n = 11). The considerable difference in modern genome organization between these two lineages contrasts strongly with the remarkable level of synteny already reported within the Pinaceae. It also suggests a convergent evolutionary mechanism of chromosomal block shuffling that has shaped the genomes of the spermatophytes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/fc/evv185.PMC4684699.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3269212", "abstract": "There are many therapies available for the management of low-grade lymphoma. With follicular lymphoma, for example, combination of chemotherapy and rituximab (immuno-chemotherapy) and consecutive maintenance therapy for 2 years is the current standard of care. To date, the most widely used regimen seems to be rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Substitution of liposomal doxorubicin in place of conventional doxorubicin may improve outcomes in this indication, although evidence for its use in low-grade lymphoma is not as relevant as in aggressive lymphoma. Bendamustine, in combination with rituximab, has shown very good efficacy and tolerability in several lymphoma types, particularly follicular lymphoma and other low-grade lymphomas. Other combinations, such as those including bortezomib and lenalidomide, are under investigation in low-grade lymphoma, and the duration of rituximab maintenance therapy following bendamustine-rituximab-containing induction is being researched by the German Study Group for Indolent Lymphoma (StiL).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/88/PMC3269212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2857271", "abstract": "Despite a strict control program for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in human medicine in the Netherlands, MRSA was cultured from exudative epidermitis lesions of 4 piglets on a breeding farm, 20 pigs on a supplier farm, and 2 workers on these farms. The MRSA strains were indistinguishable, suggesting direct transmission.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/7d/PMC2857271.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3195800", "abstract": "The aim of the present review is underline the association between cardiac diseases and anxiety and depression. In the first part of the article, there is a description of anxiety and depression from the definitions of DSM-IV TR. In the second part, the authors present the available tests and questionnaires to assess depression and anxiety in patients with cardiovascular disease. In the last part of the review different types of interventions are reported and compared; available interventions are pharmacological or psychological treatments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/c1/CPEMH-7-148.PMC3195800.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5011528", "abstract": "The use of 2 × 2000 mg myoinositol + 2 × 200 μg folic acid per day is a safe and promising tool in the effective improvement of symptoms and infertility for patients with a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Using a questionnaire an observational study was performed under German gynecologists to collect data on ovulation and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients with infertility. In this observational study, 3602 infertile women used myoinositol and folic acid between 2 and 3 months in a dosage of 2 × 2000 mg myoinositol + 2 × 200 μg folic acid per day. In a subgroup of 32 patients, hormonal values for testosterone, free testosterone, and progesterone were analyzed before and after 12 weeks of treatment. The mean time of use was 10.2 weeks. During this time 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/08/9f/PMC5011528.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4403545", "abstract": "Background: Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica are the causative agents of fasciolosis in domestic animals and humans. Based on the morphometric criteria, differential diagnosis between them is problematic. In addition, intermediate forms of Fasciola have been found in Iran, which makes the differentiation more difficult. The aim of the present study was to provide molecular evidence for the existence of F. gigantica in Iran using sequencing analysis of ND1 and PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS2 regions and to study the intraspecies variations of F. gigantica based on mitochondrial ND1 gene polymorphism. Methods: Forty Fasciola spp. samples collected from four distinct provinces (Fars, Khuzestan, Gilan, Khorasan Razavi) in Iran were collected for morphological and molecular characterization. In molecular method, PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS2 using pagI restriction enzyme was used as a screening approach for F. gigantica differentiation. Then mitochondrial DNA sequence variations in the ND1 gene were used for phylogenetic analysis. Results: Based on the morphometric criteria and RFLP analysis, 14 parasitic samples were initially identified to be F. gigantica. Phylogenetic results showed that there are at least 10 different genotypes of F. gigantica in Iran, which are different from those existing in the GenBank. Twenty-six points out of 410 base pairs of sequenced ND1 gene in 10 varieties of F. gigantica were diagnosed to be polymorphic. From 26 points of polymorphism, only eight resulted in the post-translational amino acid changes in ND1 gene product structure. Conclusion: Data revealed noticeable genetic diversity (up to 4.63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/18/PMC4403545.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4009292", "abstract": "To present our experience of removing middle to deep orbital tumors using a combination of minimally invasive soft tissue approaches, sometimes under local anesthesia.  Methods. In this retrospective case series, 30 patients (13 males and 17 females) underwent tumor removal through eyelid crease (17 eyes), conjunctival (nine eyes), lateral canthal (two eyes), and transcaruncular (two eyes) approaches. All tumors were located in the posterior half of the orbit. Six cases were removed under monitored anesthesia care with local block, and 24 were under general anesthesia.  Results. The median (range) age and follow-up duration were 48.5 (31–87) years old and 24.5 (4–375) weeks, respectively. Visual acuity and ocular motility showed improvement or no significant change in all but one patient at the latest followup. Confirmed pathologies revealed cavernous hemangioma (15 cases), pleomorphic adenoma (5 cases), solitary fibrous tumor (4 cases), neurofibroma (2 cases), schwannoma (2 cases), and orbital varix (1 case). None of the patients experienced recurrence.  Conclusions. Creating a bony marginotomy increases intraoperative exposure of the deep orbit but adds substantial time and morbidity. Benign orbital tumors can often be removed safely through small soft-tissue incisions, without bone removal and under local anesthesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/ae/PMC4009292.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3335258", "abstract": "A deeper understanding of the mechanism of complement activation may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Traditionally, the activation of an alternative pathway (AP) has been recognized as an enhancer mechanism of glomerular damage. This paper documents contemporary information concerning the possible pathological mechanisms of the lectin pathway (LP) in the circulation and in the glomerulus. The circulating initiator of LP activation is not fully understood. However, ligands for mannose-binding lectin (MBL) which are among the starter molecules of the LP are aberrant glycosylated molecules-containing immune complex. Recent reports have focused on N-glycans on secretory IgA as a candidate ligand. Mesangial deposits of MBL are seen in 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/c0/PMC3335258.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3550429", "abstract": "Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine are an uncommon cause of back and radicular pain. These cysts most frequently present as back pain, followed by chronic progressive radiculopathy or gradual onset of symptoms secondary to spinal canal compromise. Although less common, they can also present with acute spinal cord or root compression symptoms. We report of a case in which hemorrhaging into a right L2-3 facet synovial cyst caused an acute onset of back pain and radiculopathy, requiring surgical excision.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/5f/jkns-52-567.PMC3550429.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3218573", "abstract": "Background Diseases that affect the buccal cavity are a public health concern nowadays. Chlorhexidine and nystatin are the most commonly used drugs for the control of buccal affections. In the search for more effective antimicrobials, nanotechnology can be successfully used to improve the physical chemical properties of drugs whilst avoiding the undesirable side effects associated with its use. Herein described are studies using nystatin and chlorhexidine with sodium montmorillonite (MMTNa), and chlorhexidine with β-cyclodextrin and two derivatives methyl-β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in the development of antimicrobial nanosystems. Methods The nanosystems were prepared by kneading and solubilization followed by freeze-drying technique. The nanosystems were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nanosystem antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans strains was evaluated with inhibition halo analysis. Results The nanocarriers MMTNa and cyclodextrins showed good yields. XRPD, FTIR, and DSC analysis confirmed the proposed nanosystems formation and the suitability of the production methods. The nanosystems that showed best antimicrobial effect were chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and CHX:MMTNa 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/40/PMC3218573.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327461", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotector effect of sodium selenite on the ultrastructure of submandibular glands in rats. Fifty-seven male albino Wistar rats were randomized to 4 groups: control, irradiated, sodium selenite and irradiated/sodium selenite. The animals in the sodium selenite and irradiated/sodium selenite groups received intraperitoneal injections of sodium selenite (0.5 mg/kg body weight) 24 h before irradiation. The animals belonging to the irradiated and irradiated/sodium selenite groups were submitted to 15 Gy of gamma radiation in the head and neck region. The submandibular glands were removed at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation. The ionizing radiation induced damage to the secretory cells, especially the serous cells, right from the first period. Vacuolization, lysis of cytoplasmic inclusions and nuclear alterations occurred. The sodium selenite group also presented cellular alterations in the study periods, but with less damage compared to that caused by radiation. There was greater similarity between the irradiated/sodium selenite group and the control group than with the other groups treated in all study periods. Despite the alterations observed in the sodium selenite group, sodium selenite presented a radioprotective action on the secretory cells of submandibular glands.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/b1/1678-7757-jaos-15-03-0162.PMC4327461.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881760", "abstract": "Objetives  The aim of this study was to investigate through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the cleaning of root canal walls after the use of experimental propolis or calcium hydroxide root canal dressings.  Material and Methods  Twenty single-rooted teeth were used. After conventional cleaning and shaping procedures and removal of the smear layer with 17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/0f/jaos-18-06-0621.PMC3881760.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3216360", "abstract": "We conducted this retrospective case-control study to identify possible risk factors of delivery through caesarean section in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Data was collected retrospectively from delivery room registers at the Provincial Hospital, Maroua, Cameroon from 01/01/2003 to 31/12/2004. The overall 125 eligible caesarean deliveries were compared with 244 women who delivered vaginally during the study period. The odds ratio as well as the 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/94/PMC3216360.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3351954", "abstract": "Objective Our objective was to evaluate the impact of routine use of double-J stents on the incidence of urinary tract infection after renal transplantation. Methods We conducted a retrospective-comparative single-centre study in 310 consecutive adult deceased donor kidney recipients transplanted from 2002 to 2006. Patients were divided in two groups, with or without urinary stent implantation. To evaluate the predictive factors for UTI, donor and recipients pre- and post-transplantation data were analysed. Early urological complications and renal function within 12 months of transplantation were included as well. Results A total of 157 patients were enrolled to a stent (ST) and 153 patients to a no-stent (NST) group. The rate of urinary tract infection at three months was similar between the two groups (43.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/90/PMC3351954.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5144913", "abstract": "This study aimed to determine if intravenous lidocaine infusion reduces postoperative pain intensity following laparoscopic fundoplication surgery and to also validate the safety of intravenous lidocaine at the dose tested. This was an equally randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single center trial. Adult patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication were recruited. The intervention group received 1 mg/kg intravenous lidocaine bolus prior to induction of anesthesia, then an intravenous infusion at 2 mg/kg/h for 24 hours. The primary outcome was pain, measured using a numeric rating scale for 30 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were nausea and vomiting, opioid requirements, adverse events, serum lidocaine concentration, and length of hospital stay. The study was terminated after an interim analysis of 24 patients showed evidence of futility. There was no difference in postoperative pain scores (lidocaine versus control, mean ± standard deviation) at rest (2.0 ± 2.7 vs 2.1 ± 2.4, P=0.286) or with movement (2.0 ± 2.6 vs 2.6 ± 2.7, P=0.487). Three adverse events occurred in the lidocaine group (25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/68/lra-9-087.PMC5144913.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3059938", "abstract": "The human microbiota presents a highly active metabolic that influences the state of health of our gastrointestinal tracts as well as our susceptibility to disease. Although much of our initial microbiota is adopted from our mothers, its final composition and diversity is determined by environmental factors. Westernization has significantly altered our microbial function. Extensive experimental and clinical evidence indicates that the westernized diet, rich in animal products and low in complex carbohydrates, plus the overuse of antibiotics and underuse of breastfeeding, leads to a heightened inflammatory potential of the microbiota. Chronic inflammation leads to the expression of certain diseases in genetically predisposed individuals. Antibiotics and a “clean” environment, termed the “hygiene hypothesis,” has been linked to the rise in allergy and inflammatory bowel disease, due to impaired beneficial bacterial exposure and education of the gut immune system, which comprises the largest immune organ within the body. The elevated risk of colon cancer is associated with the suppression of microbial fermentation and butyrate production, as butyrate provides fuel for the mucosa and is anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative. This article will summarize the work to date highlighting the complicated and dynamic relationship between the gut microbiota and immunity, inflammation and carcinogenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/2b/PMC3059938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5301070", "abstract": "Background: Nowadays, prevalence of addictive behaviors among bipolar patients is considered to be a serious health threat by the World Health Organization. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of behavioral activation and inhibition systems in predicting addictive behaviors of male patients with bipolar disorder at the Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital. Materials and Methods: The research method used in this study is correlation. The study population consisted of 80 male patients with bipolar disorder referring to the psychiatrics clinics of Tehran city in 2014 who were referred to the Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital. To collect data, the international and comprehensive inventory diagnostic interview, behavioral activation and inhibition systems scale, and addictive behaviors scale were used. Results: The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between behavioral activation systems and addictive behaviors (addictive eating, alcohol addiction, television addiction, cigarette addiction, mobile addiction, etc.). In addition, correlation between behavioral inhibition systems and addictive behaviors (addictive eating, alcohol addiction, TV addiction, cigarette addiction, mobile addiction) is significantly negative. Finally, regression analysis showed that behavioral activation and inhibition systems could significantly predict 47", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/a1/IJNMR-21-616.PMC5301070.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4965538", "abstract": "Bednar tumor is an uncommon variant of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Also known as pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, this tumor is of intermediate grade. It is seen in adults and has a predisposition to affect the shoulder region. We report a rare case of Bednar tumor in a 40-year-old female patient. The diagnosis of Bednar tumor must be considered while reporting pigmented subcutaneous spindle cell lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d4/43/PMC4965538.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3930184", "abstract": " Purpose. To assess the prognostic role of 14F7 Mab immunoreactivity, against N-Glycolyl GM3 ganglioside, in patients with colon cancer (CC) and to evaluate the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological features. Methods. Paraffin-embedded specimens were retrospectively collected from 50 patients with CC operated between 2004 and 2008. 14F7 Mab staining was determined by immunohistochemistry technique and its relation with survival and clinicopathologic features was evaluated. Results. The reactivity of 14F7 Mab was detected in all cases. Most cases had high level of immunostaining (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/db/PMC3930184.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2974234", "abstract": "A lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, characterized by a carcinoma with heavy lymphocyte infiltration, is one of the histological patterns observed in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma. Less than half of invasive carcinomas with lymphoepithelioma-like histology can grow to make a submucosal mass. These tumors generally have a better prognosis than conventional adenocarcinomas. We report a case of an EBV-associated lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma that presented as a submucosal mass on multi-detector (MD) CT and correlate them with the pathology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dc/47/kjr-11-697.PMC2974234.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2480595", "abstract": "Objective This study assessed the relative importance of clinical and transport-related factors in physicians' decision-making regarding the interhospital transport of critically ill patients. Methods The medical heads of all 95 ICUs in The Netherlands were surveyed with a questionnaire using 16 case vignettes to evaluate preferences for transportability; 78 physicians (82", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/55/134_2008_Article_1023.PMC2480595.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2193111", "abstract": "The association of invariant (Ii) chain with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II dimers is required for proper antigen presentation to T cells by antigen-presenting cells. Mice lacking Ii chain have severe abnormalities in class II transport, T cell selection, and B cell maturation. We demonstrate here that H2-M, which is required for efficient class II antigenic peptide loading, is unexpectedly downregulated in splenocytes and mature dendritic cells (DCs) from Ii−/− mice. Downregulation reflects an increased rate of degradation in Ii−/− cells. Degradation apparently occurs within lysosomes, as it is prevented by cysteine protease inhibitors such as E64, but not by the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. Thus, Ii chain may act as a lysosomal protease inhibitor in B cells and DCs, with its deletion contributing indirectly to the loss of H2-M.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/1d/981970.PMC2193111.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5036830", "abstract": "Background The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in elderly population poses many challenges. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors show particular promise due to excellent tolerability profiles, low risk of hypoglycemia, and little effect on body weight. This study evaluated, from the health care system’s perspective, the long-term cost-effectiveness of DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy vs metformin and sulfonylurea (SFU) monotherapy in Thai elderly T2DM patients. Methods The clinical efficacy was estimated from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Baseline cohort characteristics and cost parameters were obtained from published studies and hospital databases in Thailand. A validated IMS CORE Diabetes Model version 8.5 was used to project clinical and economic outcomes over a lifetime horizon using a 3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/7f/ceor-8-521.PMC5036830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4972000", "abstract": "Objective: To identify and follow a series of 52 patients with optic neuropathy related to sarcoidosis. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study. Results: The disorder was more common in women and affected a wide age range. It was proportionately more common in African and Caribbean ethnic groups. Two clinical subtypes were identified: the more common was a subacute optic neuropathy resembling optic neuritis; a more slowly progressive optic neuropathy arose in the remaining 17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/5a/NEURIMMINFL2015008763.PMC4972000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2671812", "abstract": "Phantom bite syndrome is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation mainly affecting corrected dentition in which no abnormality is clinically detectable. Despite repeated failures of dental surgery, sufferers persist in seeking bite correction from a succession of dentists. The etiology–pathogenesis of phantom bite is unknown but some consider the syndrome to be a psychosomatic disorder. Seven patients with this syndrome were treated with the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor milnacipran for 4 weeks. One patient withdrew after 2 weeks because he was feeling “well”. At the end of the study, 5 of the 6 patients completing the study reported significant improvements, with a mean decrease in occlusal discomfort of 55.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/ea/PMC2671812.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3113898", "abstract": "This clinical case report described a three-month-old mongrel dog that had the urethral orifice opening 3 cm from the tip of the penis and lacked a completely formed preputial sheath. It was presented to the clinic with an exposed penile shaft that was dry. The dog had urinary incontinence that was not of neurological origin. It also had unilateral agenesis of the right testicle. The preputial sheath was successfully reconstructed. Urinary incontinence stopped soon after surgery, suggesting that it had been probably due to an ascending urethritis. A large preputial opening was left because of the location of the urethral opening.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/04/PMC3113898.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357526", "abstract": " Background. Increased childhood weight gain has been associated with later adiposity. Whether excess early postnatal weight gain plays a role in childhood abdominal fat is unknown. Design. In the ongoing Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER), birth cohort weight and length from birth to age 3 months were obtained. In the first 316 five-year-olds, intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat were measured ultrasonographically. Individual weight and length gain rates were assessed in each child. Internal Z-scores of weight for length gain (WLG) were calculated. Multiple imputation was used to deal with missing covariates. Results. Per-1-unit increase in Z-score WLG from birth to 3 months, BMI, waist circumference, and subcutaneous fat were significantly higher; 0.51 kg/m2, 0.84 cm, and 0.50 mm, respectively. After multiple imputation, a trend towards significance was observed for intra-abdominal fat as well (0.51 mm/SD). In the associations with 5-year adiposity, no interaction between postnatal Z-score WLG and birth size was found. Conclusion. Excess early postnatal weight gain is associated with increased general and central adiposity, characterized by more subcutaneous and likely more intra-abdominal fat at 5 years of age.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/70/PMC3357526.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3304619", "abstract": "Amoebic liver abscess is a common disease, especially in endemic areas, but it is a rare cause of inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction, with only a few cases appearing in the literature. We report three cases of amoebic liver abscess complicated with obstruction of the IVC and which responded to conservative treatment or radiological intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/b7/kjhep-17-71.PMC3304619.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3255565", "abstract": "Human host encounters a wide array of parasites; however, the crucial aspect is the failure of the host immune system to clear these parasites despite antigen recognition. In the recent past, a new immunological concept has emerged, which provides a framework to better understand several aspects of host susceptibility to parasitic infection. It is widely believed that parasites are able to modulate the magnitude of effector responses by inducing regulatory T cell (Tregs) population and several studies have investigated whether this cell population plays a role in balancing protective immunity and pathogenesis during parasite infection. This review discusses the several mechanism of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in the human host and focuses on the functional role of Tregs and regulatory gene polymorphisms in infectious diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/e0/PMC3255565.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4751121", "abstract": "The study objective was to determine the effect of oral orbifloxacin (ORB) on antimicrobial susceptibility and composition of fecal coliforms in cats. Nine cats were randomized to two groups administered a daily oral dose of 2.5 and 5.0 mg ORB/kg for 7 days and a control group (three cats per group). Coliforms were isolated from stool samples and were tested for susceptibilities to ORB and 5 other drugs. ORB concentration in feces was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The coliforms were undetectable after 2 days of ORB administration, and their number increased in most cats after termination of the administration. Furthermore, only isolates of Escherichia coli were detected in all cats before administration, and those of Citrobacter freundii were detected after termination of the administration. E. coli isolates exhibited high ORB susceptibility [Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ≤0.125 µg/ml] or relatively low susceptibility (MIC, 1−2 µg/ml) with a single gyrA mutation. C. freundii isolates largely exhibited intermediate ORB susceptibility (MIC, 4 µg/ml), in addition to resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin, and harbored qnrB, but not a gyrA mutation. HPLC revealed that the peaks of mean concentration were 61.3 and 141.0 µg/g in groups receiving 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively. Our findings suggest that oral ORB may alter the total counts and composition of fecal coliform, but is unlikely to yield highly fluoroquinolone-resistant mutants of E. coli and C. freundii in cats, possibly because of the high drug concentration in feces.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/ef/jvms-78-083.PMC4751121.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4462635", "abstract": "Purpose Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is the most useful technique for the diagnosis of prostate cancer; however, many patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable and painful. We investigated the effect of the patient's position on pain scales during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods Between July 2012 and June 2013, a total of 128 consecutive patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy were included in this study. Seventy patients underwent the procedure in the lithotomy position performed by a urologist and the other patients (n=58) underwent the procedure in the left lateral decubitus (LLD) position performed by a radiologist. Pain was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from 0 to 10. Using a linear regression model, we analyzed the correlation between pain scale score and clinical variables with a focus on patient position. Results No significant differences related to age, body mass index, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), hematuria, pyuria, International Prostate Symptom Score, or the cancer detection rate were observed between the lithotomy and the LLD groups. In the correlation analysis, VAS score showed a significant correlation with diabetes mellitus, PSA level, and lithotomy position (p<0.05). In the multiple linear regression model, VAS score showed a significant correlation with lithotomy position (β=-0.772, p=0.003) and diabetes mellitus (β=-0.803, p=0.033). Conclusions We suggest that the lithotomy position may be the proper way to reduce pain during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/ff/kju-56-449.PMC4462635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4629039", "abstract": "The Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm has been widely utilized for searching biological sequence databases in bioinformatics. Recently, several works have adopted the graphic card with Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) and their associated CUDA model to enhance the performance of SW computations. However, these works mainly focused on the protein database search by using the intertask parallelization technique, and only using the GPU capability to do the SW computations one by one. Hence, in this paper, we will propose an efficient SW alignment method, called CUDA-SWfr, for the protein database search by using the intratask parallelization technique based on a CPU-GPU collaborative system. Before doing the SW computations on GPU, a procedure is applied on CPU by using the frequency distance filtration scheme (FDFS) to eliminate the unnecessary alignments. The experimental results indicate that CUDA-SWfr runs 9.6 times and 96 times faster than the CPU-based SW method without and with FDFS, respectively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/b2/PMC4629039.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4895040", "abstract": "The aim of this study has been to visualize the aqueous outflow system in patients affected by primary open angle glaucoma. A solution of indocyanine green (ICG) plus high viscosity viscoelastic solution was injected into the Schlemm canal during surgery in 10 glaucomatous patients undergoing canaloplasty. Soon after injection of the dye the borders of the scleral flap were completely stained due to partial reflux caused by the intrachannel resistance; progression of the dye along the Schlemm canal starting from the site of injection was then visualized. The filling of the collector channels was observed only in the patent portions of the Schlemm canal. The only noticeable aqueous veins were located in correspondence of the quadrant in which both the Schlemm canal and the collectors were patent. Lastly, a retrograde filling, of glomerular-shaped structures, deepest to the Schlemm canal was observed in the quadrants where the pathway was functioning. Our findings show that injection of a mixture composed of ICG and viscoelastic solution into the Schlemm canal allows a clear visualization of the functioning portions of the conventional outflow pathway. In addition, a retrograde filling of structures presumably located into the iris was also recorded. Clinical Trial Registration. Our study is registered in ISRCTN registry, number 54005880, DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN54005880.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/dc/PMC4895040.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4836139", "abstract": "Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the urinary bladder (LELCB) is a rare variant of infiltrating urothelial carcinoma. We report a case of LELCB in a 43-year-old man. Ultrasonography and cystoscopy revealed two bladder tumors, one on the left side of the trigone and the other on the right side of the trigone. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumors was performed and pathological analysis revealed undifferentiated carcinoma. We therefore performed radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, but negative for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization as found for previous cases of LELCB. The final pathological diagnosis was a lymphoepithelioma-like variant of urothelial carcinoma with perivesical soft tissue invasion. For adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, three courses of cisplatin were administered. The patient subsequently became free of cancer 72 months postoperatively. Based on the literature, pure or predominant LELCB types show favorable prognoses due to their sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. An analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of bladder tumors examined in our institution revealed that the ADC value measured for this LELCB was relatively low compared to conventional urothelial carcinomas. This suggests that measuring the ADC value of a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma prior to operation may be helpful in predicting LELCB.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/59/cro-0009-0188.PMC4836139.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3390997", "abstract": "Background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using in vivo near infrared fluorescence imaging has attracted great attention during the past few years. Here we report on the early use of poorly water-soluble chlorophyll with near infrared fluorescence extracted from the leaf of Chimonanthus salicifolius, for mouse axillary SLN mapping. Methods and results To improve the water solubility and SLN targeting of the chlorophyll, we encapsulated the chlorophyll in nanoscale liposomes. The liposome-coated chlorophyll nanocomposites obtained were spherical in shape and had an average diameter of 21.7 ± 6.0 nm. The nanocomposites dispersed well in water, and in aqueous suspension they exhibited brighter near infrared fluorescence than chlorophyll alone. After incubation of the nanocomposites with normal liver cells (QSG-7701) and macrophage cells (Ana-1) for no more than 48 hours, there was no obvious reduction in cell viability. When the nanocomposites were injected intradermally into the paw of a mouse, the axillary SLN was found to be strongly fluorescent and was easily visualized in real time without a requirement for surgery. The intensity of the near infrared fluorescence emitted by the SLN was obviously brighter than that emitted by the SLN of another mouse that had been intradermally injected with chlorophyll alone. Conclusion Our data show that the liposome-coated chlorophyll nanocomposites could have great potential for clinical SLN mapping due to their lack of toxicity, bright near infrared fluorescence, and small diameter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/86/PMC3390997.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3255307", "abstract": "Regmatogenous retinal detachments need prompt intervention particularly when macula is on. Unfortunately this is not always easy to ascertain clinically and the chronicity of the event is often muddled in patient's histories. Developments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed high-resolution axial scans which have enabled the characterisation of retinal changes in retinal detachments. In this paper, we show the changes in retinal morphology observed by spectral domain OCT and how this can be used to plan appropriate surgical intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7d/73/PMC3255307.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5086027", "abstract": "Background Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is one of the most common infections worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Objectives This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of respiratory viruses in our region, in children and adults with a pre-diagnosis of ARTI. Methods A total of 845 nasopharyngeal swab specimens were analyzed with the RespiFinder Smart 22 kit (PathoFinder BV, Netherlands) and the Rotor-Gene 6000 real-time PCR system. Results At least one pathogen was detected in 612 (72.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/26/jjm-09-09-39132.PMC5086027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4845466", "abstract": "Introduction: Symptomatic adrenal adenoma usually presents with systemic symptoms. Depending on the function of the adenoma, the patient can present with pheochromocytoma-like symptoms; primary hyperaldosteronism and Cushing syndrome (weight gain, weakness, depression, and bruising). Case report: A 41 year-old lady presented with multiple metatarsal and phalangeal fractures of the both feet without significant injury. DEXA scan showed evidence of osteoporosis. Investigations showed that the picture was compatible with adrenal Cushing syndrome. Computed tomogram showed bilateral adrenal adenoma. Adrenal cortex scintigraphy with NP-59 scan showed hyperfunctioning right adrenal adenoma. Laproscopic R adrenalectomy was performed and histological study confirmed adrenal cortical adenoma with adjacent cortical atrophy suggestive of a functioning adenoma. Post-operatively, she was put on hydrocortisone replacement and recovered well. Conclusion: Adrenal adenoma can present with insufficiency fractures of the feet.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/ce/JOCR-5-77.PMC4845466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4457971", "abstract": "Background: Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate is the most common modality used to diagnose prostate cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal number of cores at prostate biopsy, which have the most diagnostic value with least adverse effects. Patients and Materials: Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided biopsy was performed in 180 patients suspicious for prostate cancer due to either abnormal rectal examination or elevated PSA. The patients were divided randomly into three groups of six-core, twelve-core and eighteen-core biopsies. The detection rate of prostate cancer in each group with the rate of post biopsy urinary infection and prostatitis were compared. Results: Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 8 (13.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/94/iranjradiol-12-02-13257.PMC4457971.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2626938", "abstract": "Magnetic iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles with a long blood retention time, biodegradability and low toxicity have emerged as one of the primary nanomaterials for biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo. IO nanoparticles have a large surface area and can be engineered to provide a large number of functional groups for cross-linking to tumor-targeting ligands such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, or small molecules for diagnostic imaging or delivery of therapeutic agents. IO nanoparticles possess unique paramagnetic properties, which and generate significant susceptibility effects resulting in strong T2 and T2* contrast, as well as T1 effects at very low concentrations for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is widely used for clinical oncology imaging. We review recent advances in the development of targeted IO nanoparticles for tumor imaging and therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/27/PMC2626938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4536010", "abstract": "Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread Endocrine Disrupter mainly used in food contact plastics, may induce adverse effects especially on susceptible lifestages, first of all pregnancy. The present study considered placental development as a potential target of BPA and investigated potential differences in the modes of action of two doses of BPA by a toxicogenomic approach. Pregnant CD-1 mice were administered with vehicle, 0.5 (BPA05) or 50 mg/kg (BPA50) body weight (bw)/die of BPA, from gestational day (GD) 1 to GD11. At GD12 dams were sacrificed and transcriptomic analysis was performed on placenta samples. Histological, histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analyses were also performed to phenotypically anchor transcriptional changes associated with BPA exposure. The interpretation and description of the overall data are included in a manuscript under revision [1]. Here we describe the experimental design and the analysis performed on the gene expression data which are publicly available through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with accession number GSE63852.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/67/main.PMC4536010.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2664272", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE This study analyzes the reliability of the PHEEM questionnaire translated into Portuguese. We present the results of PHEEM following distribution to doctors in three different medical residency programs at a university hospital in Brazil. INTRODUCTION Efforts to understand environmental factors that foster effective learning resulted in the development of a questionnaire to measure medical residents’ perceptions of the level of autonomy, teaching quality and social support in their programs. METHODS The questionnaire was translated using the modified Brislin back-translation technique. Cronbach’s alpha test was used to ensure good reliability and ANOVA was used to compare PHEEM results among residents from the Surgery, Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine departments. The Kappa coefficient was used as a measure of agreement, and factor analysis was employed to evaluate the construct strength of the three domains suggested by the original PHEEM questionnaire. RESULTS The PHEEM survey was completed by 306 medical residents and the resulting Cronbach’s alpha was 0.899. The weighted Kappa was showed excellent reliability. Autonomy was rated most highly by Internal Medicine residents (63.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/60/PMC2664272.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3799270", "abstract": "Background The purpose of the study was to compare clinical pregnancy and delivery rates with fresh and frozen embryo transfer in patients admitted to Shiraz- Human Assisted Reproductive Center with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Methods OHSS patients randomly divided in two groups, group A (n=50) with fresh embryo transfer and group B (n=50) with frozen embryo transfer. We used vitrification method for freezing the embryos. Patient age, combination of female and male factors, total number of retrieved oocytes, number of cryopreserved embryo, number of transferred embryos, clinical pregnancy and delivery rates were recorded for all patients. All statistical calculations were done using SPSS software. Generalized linear model was used to adjust the confounding factors to compare the clinical pregnancy and delivery rates between two groups. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Mean (±SD) ages of these patients were 26.78±3.5 and 28.42±4.2 yrs in fresh (A) and frozen (B) embryo transfer groups respectively. Combinations of male and female factors were 28.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/c2/JRI-14-133.PMC3799270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3656631", "abstract": "We present clinical features and tremor characterization in a patient with Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as in two cases of essential tremor (ET) with some parkinsonian features but no evidence of dopaminergic terminal loss on 123I-FP-CIT Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Relatively slow frequency rest tremor and bilateral upper extremity bradykinesia without decrementing amplitude were observed in the ET cases, with unilaterally decreased arm swing in case 3. Alternating rest tremor and re-emergent tremor with 13 second latency was confirmed in the PD case. Re-emergent tremor had alternating characteristics, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported. The ET cases had synchronous postural tremor. Alternating re-emergent tremor in PD provides further evidence for re-emergent tremor as an analogue of rest tremor in PD. Two cases of ET with synchronous postural tremor and one to two year history of parkinsonian features had no evidence of dopaminergic terminal loss up to 40 years after the initial onset of ET. Tremor synchronicity characterization can assist in differential diagnosis between the two disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/75/PMC3656631.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3741547", "abstract": "The spore of Tricholoma matsutake is considered to be the starting point of the mushroom growth cycle, but the mechanism of mycelial development from the spore stage is not yet clarified. In this study, we tried to measure how far the spores of T. matsutake disperse from a fruiting body located at a Pinus densiflora stand in Korea. We established 16 slide glasses coated with glycerin near a fruiting body in four directions separated by four different distance intervals within a mushroom productive stand after removing all other fruiting bodies from three plots. The number of dispersed spores increased with time from the first day (475 spores/cm2) to the fourth day (836 spores/cm2) after the pileus opened. The number of spores dispersed downward was about 1.5 times greater than that dispersed toward the ridge. The number of dispersed spores decreased exponentially as the distance from each fruiting body increased. More than 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/a1/mb-38-203.PMC3741547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4736914", "abstract": " Objectives. Although a growing body of evidence demonstrates the public health burden of prostate cancer in SSA, relatively little is known about the underlying factors surrounding the low levels of testing for the disease in the context of this region. Using Namibia Demographic Health Survey dataset (NDHS, 2013), we examined the factors that influence men's decision to screen for prostate cancer in Namibia. Methods. We use complementary log-log regression models to explore the determinants of screening for prostate cancer. We also corrected for the effect of unobserved heterogeneity that may affect screening behaviours at the cluster level. Results. The results show that health insurance coverage (OR = 2.95, p = 0.01) is an important predictor of screening for prostate cancer in Namibia. In addition, higher education and discussing reproductive issues with a health worker (OR = 2.02, p = 0.05) were more likely to screening for prostate cancer. Conclusions. A universal health insurance scheme may be necessary to increase uptake of prostate cancer screening. However it needs to be acknowledged that expanded screening can have negative consequences and any allocation of scarce resources towards screening must be guided by evidence obtained from the local context about the costs and benefits of screening.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/1a/PMC4736914.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4499992", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chewing gum on driving performance in a driving simulator. [Subjects] In total, 26 young licensed drivers participated. [Methods] The driving scenario was typical of an urban environment: a single-carriageway, two-way road consisting of a mix of curved and straight sections, with considerable levels of traffic, pedestrians, and parked cars. Mean distance driven above the speed limit, lane position, mean distance driven across the center line, and mean distance driven off the road were used as estimates of brake, accelerator, and steering control. The results were compared with those of a non-chewing gum control condition. [Results] The driving performance while chewing gum was significantly better: the mean distance driven above the speed limit was 26.61", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/bb/jpts-27-1823.PMC4499992.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905343", "abstract": "Accumulation of type I collagen fibrils in tumors is associated with an increased risk of metastasis. We recently demonstrated that the collagen sensor discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) interacts with type I collagen fibrils to allow proteolysis-based cancer cell invasion through the formation of a new class of invadosomes, termed linear invadosomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/f4/kmco-02-04-1004963.PMC4905343.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3381582", "abstract": "In 2007, nonsuppurative encephalitis was identified in a killer whale at a Texas, USA, marine park. Panviral DNA microarray of brain tissue suggested West Nile virus (WNV); WNV was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR and sequencing. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated WNV antigen within neurons. WNV should be considered in cases of encephalitis in cetaceans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/2f/PMC3381582.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4529950", "abstract": "Acute kidney injury associated with renal hypoperfusion is a frequent and severe complication during sepsis. Fluid resuscitation is the main therapy. However, heart failure is usually lethal for those patients receiving large volumes of fluids. We compared the effects of small-volume resuscitation using four different treatment regimens, involving saline, hypertonic saline (HTS), hydroxyethyl starch (HES), or hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch (HSH), on the kidneys of rats treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxemia. LPS injection caused reduced and progressively deteriorated systemic (arterial blood pressure) and renal hemodynamics (renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance index) over time. This deterioration was accompanied by marked renal functional and pathological injury, as well as an oxidative and inflammatory response, manifesting as increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase. Small-volume perfusion with saline failed to improve renal and systemic circulation. However, small-volume perfusion with HES and HSH greatly improved the above parameters, while HTS only transiently improved systemic and renal hemodynamics with obvious renal injury. Therefore, single small-volume resuscitation with HES and HSH could be valid therapeutic approaches to ameliorate kidney injury induced by endotoxemia, while HTS transiently delays injury and saline shows no protective effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/7c/PMC4529950.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4672853", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two soft drinks, Coca-Cola and Mirinda orange on bracket bond strength, on adhesive remnant on teeth after debonding the bracket, and to observe by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) the effect of these drinks on intact and sealed enamel. Methods: 120 non-carious maxillary premolar teeth already extracted for Orthodontic purposes were taken and divided into three groups, i.e., Coca-Cola drink, Mirinda orange, and control (artificial saliva) group. Brackets were bonded using conventional methods. Teeth were kept in soft drinks for 15 days, for 15 min, 3 times a day, separated by intervals of 2 h. At other times, they were kept in artificial saliva. The samples, thus obtained were evaluated for shear bond strength using the universal testing machine and subsequently subjected for adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores. SEM study on all the three groups was done for evaluating enamel surface of the intact and sealed enamel. Results: The lowest mean resistance to shearing forces was shown by Mirinda orange group (5.30 ± 2.74 Mpa) followed by Coca-Cola group (6.24 ± 1.59 Mpa) and highest resistance to shearing forces by control group (7.33 ± 1.72 Mpa). The ARI scores revealed a cohesive failure in control samples and an adhesive failure in Mirinda and cola samples. SEM results showed areas of defect due to erosion caused by acidic soft drinks on intact and sealed enamel surface. Conclusion: Mirinda group showed the lowest resistance to shearing forces, followed by Coca-Cola group and with the highest resistance to shearing forces by the control group. There were significant differences between the control group and the study groups. Areas of defects, which were caused by erosion related to acidic soft drinks on the enamel surface around the adhesive, were seen. Areas of defects caused by Coca-Cola were more extensive when compared to Mirinda orange drink.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/33/JIOH-7-26.PMC4672853.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3531632", "abstract": "Prostate cancer has a high prevalence and a rising incidence in many parts of the world. Although many screen-detected prostate cancers may be indolent, prostate cancer remains a major contributor to mortality in men. Therefore, the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of localized prostate cancer with lethal potential are of great importance. High-risk, localized prostate cancer has multiple definitions. Treatment options that should be individualized to each patient include observation, radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, androgen deprivation, and combined modality treatment. Specific outcomes of radical prostatectomy and combined modality treatment for high-risk prostate cancer are reviewed. The rationale for extended pelvic lymphadenectomy at the time of surgery is discussed, as is the role for surgery in the setting of node-positive, high-risk disease. There is not yet a biomarker that accurately identifies lethal prostate cancer, but rigorous clinical studies have identified methods of optimizing oncologic outcomes in high-risk men.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/48/kju-53-815.PMC3531632.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2776394", "abstract": "The pathogenesis of severe malarial disease is not yet fully understood. It is clear that host immunopathology plays a central role, and a recent paper in BMC Evolutionary Biology suggests that the ability of the parasite to stimulate interleukin-10 production is a major factor and speculates on its impact on the coevolution of host and parasite.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/d0/PMC2776394.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4582517", "abstract": "Heterotopic pregnancy is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extrauterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary, uterine corner, cervix or peritoneal cavity. This condition is very rare (1:30 000 pregnancies). Nevertheless, in the latter years because of the development and accessibility of assisted reproductive techniques, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancies increased to 1:100 of pregnancies. The aim of this report is to present a case of early recognized intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy. The case refers to 25-year-old patient, pregnant for the second time, in more or less 6th week of gestation, who had not been stated any heterotopic pregnancy incidence risk factors. After the observation lasting for several days in the Clinic, the presence of a living intrauterine and coexisting extrauterine pregnancy located in the right oviduct was stated. The patient had her right oviduct removed by means of laparoscopy. After the surgery the patient with the living intrauterine pregnancy was released from the Clinic. Normal further course of intrauterine pregnancy. The patient gave birth around her expected delivery date. The presented case indicates the significance of correctly and carefully performed ultrasound examination. Moreover, it is a warning for the doctors performing ultrasound examinations in the early weeks of pregnancy – the visualization of a normal pregnancy in the ultrasound examination does not release the examiner from a necessity of precise imaging of adnexa of the uterus. Early diagnosis of this pathology, thanks to a precise ultrasound examination, decreases the risk of complication incidence as well as women mortality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/43/PMC4582517.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2952613", "abstract": "We present a case of retinitis pigmentosa with vitreoretinal traction-associated retinal detachment. The retinal detachment was detected in the nasal periphery. No retinal breaks and no active vascular leakage were observed by fundus scopy and fluorescein angiography, respectively. However, 8 months later, the tractional retinal detachment was spontaneously resolved with posterior vitreous detachment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/36/PMC2952613.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5081002", "abstract": "Background Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major source of concern for public health. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are important opportunistic pathogens. These bacteria have a high resistance to a wide range of existing antimicrobials and antibiotics. Objectives The present study was performed to evaluate the frequency of KPC in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples of educational hospitals of Arak University of Medical Sciences, using the mentioned phenotypic and genotypic methods. Materials and Methods One hundred and eight non-duplicate clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from hospitals of Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. Antibacterial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method. KPC production was confirmed by the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), which is a phenotypic test, and combined-disk test with boronic acid and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results In the present study, 13 isolates (12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/b0/jjm-09-09-27249.PMC5081002.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4779869", "abstract": "To investigate the contribution of the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the neurological status of Korean patients with ischemic stroke (IS), two SNPs of the IL-6R gene (rs4845617, 5 UTR; rs2228144, Ala31Ala) were selected. IS patients were classified into clinical phenotypes according to two well-defined scores: the National Institutes of Health Stroke Survey (NIHSS) and the Modified Barthel Index scores. There were 121 IS patients and 291 control subjects. The SNP rs4845617 significantly contributed to the neurological status of patients with IS (P = 0.011 in codominant model 2, P = 0.006 in recessive model, and P = 0.008 in log-additive model). Allele frequencies of rs4845617 and rs2228144 demonstrated no significant difference in IS patients and controls. The AG and GG haplotypes differed between the NIHSS 1 (NIHSS scores < 6) group and the NIHSS 2 (NIHSS scores ≥ 6) group in patients with IS (P = 0.014, P = 0.0024). These results suggest that rs4845617 of the IL-6R gene is associated with the neurologic status of Korean patients with IS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/db/jkms-31-430.PMC4779869.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3200298", "abstract": " Background. Trocar Site Hernia (TSH) is defined as an incisional hernia which occurs after minimally invasive surgery on the trocar incision site.In 2004 Tonouchi classified trocar site hernias into 3 types: Early onset type; Late onset type; Special type. Case Report. We report the case of a 76-year old woman that underwent an emergency explorative laparotomy on the 10th p.o. day after a laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Surgery showed a small bowel herniation through the 12 mm trocar incision site; the intestinal loop appeared necrotic and had to be resected, and the hernia orifice was repaired. We carried out a review of literature about this topic. Discussion. The clinical onset of a trocar site hernia is usually early, occurring within the 30th post operative day and it is caused by the omentum or small bowel entrapment into the trocar orifice. The clinical presentation is insidious, with progression to an acute abdomen, and an emergency surgical approach is often required. Conclusions. TSH is a severe complication of operative laparoscopy especially with large-bore trocar ports. The incidence of TSH resulting from our review ranges from 0.007", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/f3/PMC3200298.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC479696", "abstract": "Background The theoretical benefits of using antioxidant vitamin supplements to quench oxygen free radicals appear large. High intensity aerobic-type exercise produces oxygen free radicals that can cause damage to lipid membranes (lipid peroxidation) that may lead to many problems such as the inactivation of cell membrane enzymes, the progression of degenerative diseases (cardiovascular disease and cancer) and lessening of the effectiveness of the immune system. The major function of vitamin E is to work as a chain-breaking antioxidant in a fat soluble environment. Little research has examined lipid peroxidation associated with high intensity resistance exercise or possible protective effects of antioxidant supplementation or the effects of training state. Results There were no significant group (trained vs untrained) or treatment (vitamin E vs placebo) effects found between the 4 groups assessed. There was only one significant difference found and that was in the main effect for time (F = 22.41, p < 0.01). Conclusions The Resistance Exercise Test caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde in all 4 groups at 6 hours post exercise. There was no evidence that vitamin E supplementation was effective in reducing oxidative damage in comparison to the placebo group. As well, there was no difference between the trained and untrained groups with respect to their impact on lipid peroxidation measures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ad/8d/PMC479696.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3267064", "abstract": "A 63-year-old woman was referred to a breast surgeon with a breast mass discovered incidentally during follow-up study after colon cancer surgery. Invasive adenocarcinoma was revealed on core needle biopsy. Wide excision of the breast including the tumor was performed. On standard histological examination the tumor showed features of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The immunohistochemistry study revealed positive results for cytokeratin (CK)20 and CDX2, but negative for CK7. These are typical characteristics for colon cancer. Considering her history of subtotal colectomy for sigmoid colon cancer, it is presumable that the mass in the breast was of colonic origin, and it was an extremely rare case of metastasis to the breast from primary colorectal neoplasm. Although the instance is rare, clinicians should keep the possibility of breast metastasis from colorectal cancer in mind for early and correct diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/df/jkss-81-S43.PMC3267064.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1804297", "abstract": " Background. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by an accelerated turnover of epidermal cells and an incomplete differentiation in epidermis with lesion. However, the exact etiology of psoriasis is unknown. Abnormalities in essential fatty acid metabolism, free radical generation, lipid peroxidation, and release of lymphokines have been proposed. Objective. Our purpose was to evaluate the plasma lipids and oxidized low-density lipoprotein accumulation in psoriatic skin lesion in order to ascertain the possible participation of oxidative stress and oxidative modification of lipids in pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods. The study group included 84 patients with psoriasis, and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers. Blood lipid profile was determined. Psoriatic and nonlesional skin samples of psoriatic patients were evaluated for the presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein by using an immune-fluorescent staining method. Results. The mean levels of lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol) in patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy subjects. Psoriatic skins were shown positive oxidized low-density lipoprotein staining. There was no staining in nonlesional skin samples of the same individuals. Conclusion. Lipid peroxidation mediated by free radicals is believed to be one of the important causes of cell membrane destruction and cell damage. This study shows for the first time the accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in psoriatic skin lesion. We believe that accumulation of ox-LDL in psoriatic skin may have an important role in the immune-inflammatory events that result in progressive skin damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/a9/PMC1804297.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4655799", "abstract": "Antidepressants, especially amitriptyline, are among the most frequent drug classes involved in intoxications. Despite its small molecular weight, amitriptyline is not considered to be eliminated by extracorporeal treatment methods due to its high protein binding and large volume of distribution. New high cut-off dialysers have so far not been used for removal of amitriptyline. We report two cases of amitriptyline poisoning in which we measured the amitriptyline elimination using extended high cut-off (HCO) dialysis. Despite dialyser clearances of 33 and 58 mL/min, resulting in the reduction of initial serum concentrations by ∼30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/d7/sfv094.PMC4655799.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4058201", "abstract": " Introduction. Malnutrition is one of the most important causes for improper physical and mental development of children. Childhood obesity is a worldwide public health problem. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has become a growing matter of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and obesity in children under 5 years old in Salmas district. Methods. The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 902 of children under 5 years old to assess the nutritional status in Salmas district and performed from 16 until 30 October, 2011, with the cooperation of the Office of Community Nutrition Improvement and the United Nations Children's Fund. ENA (Emergency Nutrition Assessment) and Spss software were used for data analysis. Results. 49.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/c8/PMC4058201.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3362039", "abstract": "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and the pathological changes of senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in AD brains are well described. Clinically, a diagnosis remains a postmortem one, hampering both accurate and early diagnosis as well as research into potential new treatments. Visual deficits have long been noted in AD patients, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that histopathological changes already noted in the brain also occur in an extension of the brain; the retina. Due to the optically transparent nature of the eye, it is possible to image the retina at a cellular level noninvasively and thus potentially allow an earlier diagnosis as well as a way of monitoring progression and treatment effects. Transgenic animal models expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) presenilin (PS) and tau mutations have been used successfully to recapitulate the pathological findings of AD in the brain. This paper will cover the ocular abnormalities that have been detected in these transgenic AD animal models.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/76/PMC3362039.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2893318", "abstract": "A 41-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis had recurrent portal hypertension and bleeding from esophageal varices due to complete occlusion of a previously inserted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent. Because recanalization of the stent by the transjugular approach was unsuccessful, ultrasound-guided entry to the splenic vein and portal vein was used. After catheter-directed intrathrombus thrombolysis, successful opening of the stent was achieved and a stent was placed. We herein report a rare case in which thrombolysis and recanalization of a TIPS stent were performed via a percutaneous transhepatic approach.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/10/kjr-11-469.PMC2893318.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4057236", "abstract": "Protective mechanical ventilation is currently accepted as a key strategy for the management of acute lung injury (ALI) and its most severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study by de Prost and colleagues in the current issue of Critical Care provides new insights into the impact of ventilation strategies on pulmonary function, gas exchange, and regional cellular metabolic activity during early ALI in sheep. The group reports that a protective ventilation strategy may attenuate neutrophil activation in dependent lung regions during early experimental ALI. This is an innovative report that provides the basis for further study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f2/51/PMC4057236.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2945099", "abstract": "The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response in sepsis remains to be elucidated. Apart from corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol, many other neuroendocrine factors participate in the regulation of HPA stress response. The HPA response to acute and chronic illness exerts a biphasic profile. Tissue corticosteroid resistance may also play an important role. All of these add to the complexity of the concept of ‘relative adrenal insufficiency' and may account for the difficulty of clinical diagnosis and for the conflicting results of corticosteroid replacement therapy in severe sepsis/septic shock. The study by Lesur and colleagues expands our understanding of the mechanism, and further study of HPA stress response is warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/6d/PMC2945099.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3845584", "abstract": "Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis mechanisms of gastric cancer are still not fully clear. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations are known to play significant roles in Carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence has shown that epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor genes, particularly caused by hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoters, is critical to Carcinogenesis and metastasis. Here, we review the recent progress in the study of methylations of tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. We also briefly describe the mechanisms that induce tumor suppressor gene methylation and the status of translating these molecular mechanisms into clinical applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/42/cjc-32-01-031.PMC3845584.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3249323", "abstract": "Surgical repair of the tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most successful operations in the treatment of congenital heart diseases. We report the case of a 65-year-old man who had an aortic valve replacement at the time of complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot at the age of forty-three. He subsequently had progressive aortic root and ascending aorta dilation to 9 cm. The aortic root and ascending aorta replacement was done using a composite valve-graft and was performed along with other procedures. Thus, meticulous follow-up of aortic root and ascending aorta after corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot is recommended following initial curative surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/f5/kjtcs-44-292.PMC3249323.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4957573", "abstract": "Forskolin (FSK) induces activation of protein kinase A (PKA). This activation protects specifically some cancer cells from death induced by glucose starvation. Cell effects upon FSK treatment prompted us to investigate in detail the physiological role of PKA in the activation of pro-survival mechanisms in glucose starvation. In this regard we performed a microarray analysis of normal NIH3T3 and transformed NIH3T3-K-ras mouse fibroblasts cultured at 1 mM glucose and daily treated or not with 10 μM FSK until 72 h of growth, when the samples were collected. The microarray is deposited into Gene Expression Omnibus under Series GSE68266. The microarray data revealed that the activation of PKA regulates the expression of genes involved in metabolic, stress-response and pro-survival processes, like glutamine metabolism, autophagy and unfolded protein response, preventing cancer cell death in glucose starvation. Altogether these findings suggest that PKA activation, by inducing a complex transcriptional program, leads to cancer survival in nutrient stress, a typical feature of developing tumor. These transcriptional data, identifying this important role of PKA, will be useful to identify novel target in cancer therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/a9/main.PMC4957573.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3556867", "abstract": "Ocular bacterial infections are universally treated with antibiotics, which can eliminate the organism but cannot reverse the damage caused by bacterial products already present. The three very common causes of bacterial keratitis—Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae—all produce proteins that directly or indirectly cause damage to the cornea that can result in reduced vision despite antibiotic treatment. Most, but not all, of these proteins are secreted toxins and enzymes that mediate host cell death, degradation of stromal collagen, cleavage of host cell surface molecules, or induction of a damaging inflammatory response. Studies of these bacterial pathogens have determined the proteins of interest that could be targets for future therapeutic options for decreasing corneal damage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/d0/PMC3556867.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3098410", "abstract": "Background and Objectives Patients with renal dysfunction (RD) experience worse prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of admission estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Subjects and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 4,542 eligible patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR). Patients were divided into three groups according to eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2): normal renal function (RF) group (eGFR ≥60, n=3,515), moderate RD group (eGFR between 30 to 59, n=894) and severe RD group (eGFR <30, n=133). Baseline characteristics, angiographic and procedural results, and in-hospital outcomes between the three groups were compared. Results Age, gender, Killip class ≥3, hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, peak creatine kinase-MB, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, left ventricle ejection fraction, multivessel disease, infarct-related artery and rate of successful PCI were significantly different between the 3 groups (p<0.05). With decline in RF, in-hospital complications developed with an increasing frequency (14.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/21/kcj-41-184.PMC3098410.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5118590", "abstract": "Absract We report the presence of Chikungunya (CHIKV) RNA in the blood, urine and semen during the acute phase of the disease in an adult with a dual infection with Dengue virus type 3. The patient, a 25 yr-old man from Salvador, Brazil, reported a 6-day duration of high fever, arthralgia, myalgia, headache and photophobia.Blood and semen specimens were positive for CHIKV in the first collected samples; semen and urine specimens were positive for CHIKV after 30 days of symptoms onset. DENV-3 RNA was positive in blood specimen when first collected 6 days after the initiation of symptoms.We describe for the first time the presence of CHIKV RNA in urine and semen for an extended period of time and we address the possible implications of these findings for diagnosis and transmission dynamics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/cd/main.PMC5118590.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085622", "abstract": "Purpose To determine the feasibility and safety of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN), we compared the operative outcomes of patients who had undergone RPN with those of patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Materials and Methods Between February 2009 and June 2010, 13 patients underwent transperitoneal RPN (group 1) and 14 patients underwent transperitoneal LPN (group 2) by a single surgeon. The operative outcomes of the 2 groups were compared by using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. Results All cases were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 153.2±22.3 and 117.5±32.0 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.003). The mean robotic console time of group 1 was 101.2±21.5 minutes, and the mean laparoscopic time of group 2 was 86.8±32.3 minutes (p=0.139). The mean warm ischemic time was 35.3±8.5 minutes and 36.4±6.8 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.823). The mean estimated blood loss was 283.6±113.5 ml and 264.1±163.7 ml (p=0.382), respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.1 and 5.3 days (p=0.290), respectively. The mean tumor size was 2.7±1.2 cm and 2.0±1.2 cm (p=0.035), respectively. The surgical margins were negative in all cases. Conclusions Although the operative time of RPN was longer than that of LPN, there were no significant differences in operative outcomes including robotic console time and laparoscopic time between the procedures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/1f/kju-52-279.PMC3085622.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4973646", "abstract": "The biokinetics of radon in the body has previously been studied with the assumption that its absorption through the skin is negligibly small. This assumption would be acceptable except in specific situations, such as bathing in a radon hot spring where the radon concentration in thermal water is far higher than that in air. The present study focused on such a situation in order to better understand the biokinetics of radon. To mathematically express the entry of radon through the skin into the body, we first modified the latest sophisticated biokinetic model for noble gases. Values of an important parameter for the model—the skin permeability coefficient K (m s−1)—were derived using data from previous human studies. The analysis of such empirical data, which corresponded to radon concentrations in the air exhaled by subjects during and following bathing in radon-rich thermal water, revealed that the estimated K values had a log-normal distribution. The validity of the K values and the characteristics of the present model are then discussed. Furthermore, the impact of the intake of radon or its progeny via inhalation or skin absorption on radiation dose was also assessed for possible exposure scenarios in a radon hot spring. It was concluded that, depending on the radon concentration in thermal water, there might be situations in which the dose contribution resulting from skin absorption of radon is comparable to that resulting from inhalation of radon and its progeny. This conclusion can also apply to other therapeutic situations (e.g. staying in the pool for a longer period).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/40/rrw024.PMC4973646.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3387587", "abstract": "Earlier initiation of dialysis may have a beneficial impact on survival of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). A retrospective analysis in the previous issue of Critical Care showed that early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT), as defined by RIFLE criteria, was not associated with a reduction in hospital mortality. The retrospective character of many studies describing the results of early RRT initiation and the validity of RIFLE criteria to determine the need for dialysis can be questioned, in particular when urinary output is not considered. Initiating dialysis in AKI should be based on clinical criteria and not on serum creatinine or another serum/urine-based biomarker.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/02/PMC3387587.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3622359", "abstract": "Implicit methods for modeling protein electrostatics require dielectric properties of the system to be known, in particular, the value of the dielectric constant of protein. While numerous values of the internal protein dielectric constant were reported in the literature, still there is no consensus of what the optimal value is. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the protein dielectric constant is not a “constant” but is a complex function reflecting the properties of the protein’s structure and sequence. Here, we report an implementation of a Gaussian-based approach to deliver the dielectric constant distribution throughout the protein and surrounding water phase by utilizing the 3D structure of the corresponding macromolecule. In contrast to previous reports, we construct a smooth dielectric function throughout the space of the system to be modeled rather than just constructing a “Gaussian surface” or smoothing molecule–water boundary. Analysis on a large set of proteins shows that (a) the average dielectric constant inside the protein is relatively low, about 6–7, and reaches a value of about 20–30 at the protein’s surface, and (b) high average local dielectric constant values are associated with charged residues while low dielectric constant values are automatically assigned to the regions occupied by hydrophobic residues. In terms of energetics, a benchmarking test was carried out against the experimental pKa’s of 89 residues in staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) and showed that it results in a much better RMSD (= 1.77 pK) than the corresponding calculations done with a homogeneous high dielectric constant with an optimal value of 10 (RMSD = 2.43 pK).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/6a/PMC3622359.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3732592", "abstract": "Quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data provides maps of metabolic parameters that show promise for improving medical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. While anatomical images are routinely reconstructed on the scanner, formatted using the DICOM standard, and interpreted using PACS workstations, this is not the case for MRSI data. The evaluation of MRSI data is made more complex because files are typically encoded with vendor-specific file formats and there is a lack of standardized tools for reconstruction, processing, and visualization. SIVIC is a flexible open-source software framework and application suite that enables a complete scanner-to-PACS workflow for evaluation and interpretation of MRSI data. It supports conversion of vendor-specific formats into the DICOM MR spectroscopy (MRS) standard, provides modular and extensible reconstruction and analysis pipelines, and provides tools to support the unique visualization requirements associated with such data. Workflows are presented which demonstrate the routine use of SIVIC to support the acquisition, analysis, and delivery to PACS of clinical 1H MRSI datasets at UCSF.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/4e/PMC3732592.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4905932", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the activity and fatigue of the splenius capitis and upper trapezius muscles, which are agonists to the muscles supporting the head, under the three postures most frequently adopted while using a smartphone. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 15 college students in their 20s. They formed a single group and had to adopt three different postures (maximum bending, middle bending, and neutral). While the 15 subjects maintained the postures, muscle activity and fatigue were measured using surface electromyography. [Results] Comparison of the muscle fatigue caused by each posture showed statistically significant differences for the right splenius capitis, left splenius capitis, and left upper trapezius muscles. In addition, maintaining the maximum bending posture while using a smartphone resulted in higher levels of fatigue in the right splenius capitis, left splenius capitis, and left upper trapezius muscles compared with those for the middle bending posture. [Conclusion] Therefore, this study suggests that individuals should bend their neck slightly when using a smartphone, rather than bending it too much, or keep their neck straight to reduce fatigue of the cervical erector muscles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/e2/jpts-28-1660.PMC4905932.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5032164", "abstract": "A potential reason for poor survival among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in Poland is initial disqualification from curative treatment due to advanced stage of the disease or low performance status. The aim of this study was to describe patterns of care in patients with newly diagnosed MIBC. This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study involving 296 consecutive patients with primary histologically diagnosed MIBC. Therapeutic decisions and potentially underlying clinical factors were analysed. Full clinical data was available for 285 patients. One hundred and sixty-four (57.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/40/WO-20-28197.PMC5032164.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3590647", "abstract": " Background. Obesity is characterized by liver steatosis, chronic inflammation, and increased liver enzymes, that is, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fat content. Increased platelet counts (PCs) are associated with inflammatory conditions and are a valuable biomarker of the degree of fibrosis in NAFLD. We investigated alterations in PC, GGT, and ALT after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). Methods. Ten morbidly obese patients (body mass index, BMI: 53.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2) who underwent BPD-DS were evaluated preoperatively (baseline) and 1 year (1st followup) and 3 years (2nd followup) after surgery and compared with 21 morbidly obese patients (BMI: 42.3 ± 5.2 kg/m2) who underwent RYGBP. Results. Over the 3 years of followup, changes in BPD-DS and RYGBP patients (BPD-DS/RYGBP) were as follows: BMI (−44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/b4/PMC3590647.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5419232", "abstract": " Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms are the main cause of loss of working time, and increase in labor costs. Poor posture is the most important risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. This study aimed at evaluating the role of ergonomic risk factors in different surgical (open surgery, laparoscopy, and microsurgery) in the frequency or resonance frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms.   Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 81 surgeons in a hospital in Tehran. In this study, the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was evaluated using the Nordic Questionnaire. Moreover, Workplace ergonomic risk assessment method (WERA) was used to evaluate ergonomic risk factors in 3 types of open surgery, laparoscopy, and microsurgery.   Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck, back, shoulder, and arm is high in surgeons (over 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/0b/mjiri-30-467.PMC5419232.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3533156", "abstract": "Objective Hypophosphatemic rickets is an uncommon metabolic bone disorder which affects all ages and both sexes. It is characterized by low concentration of serum phosphate levels, impairment of mineralization of bone matrix and teeth with variable etiology. Dental problems in this disorder have not been described well in previous studies. Methods All hypophosphatemic rickets patients who came to a referral clinic during 2008-2010 enrolled in this study. All patients had low phosphorous and high ALP, normal PTH and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and normal or low level of serum calcium. After diagnosis all patients were examined by a dentist for enamel hypoplasia, taurodontism, dental abscess, gingivitis, dental caries, and dentition delay. Findings Nineteen patients were enrolled in this study. The average age of the patients was 10 (±4.23) years (range 3-17). Seventy-nine percent of patients had regular follow-up after diagnosis of background disease. Dental caries and delay in the dentition were most prevalent (each one 47.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/3e/IJPD-22-531.PMC3533156.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124875", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tBackground. The number of people surviving into old age is increasing, and it has now become a global phenomenon. Studies on the prevalence and correlates of physical disability and functional limitation among elderly Nigerians are scanty. Methodology. This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 3 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Functional limitations of 1824 elderly persons were tested using Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment tool (TPOMAT) and self-reported activities of daily living (ADL). ADL disability of ten, six, and five basic items were compared. Results. The prevalence ratios (PRs) of physical disability using the ten, six, and five basic ADL items were 28.3 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/dc/PMC3124875.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433975", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the sensitivity of an accelerometer in a comparison with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). [Subjects] Fifteen stroke patients participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects wore accelerometers on both wrists and performed the ARAT items. We then compared the data measured by the accelerometer with that of the ARAT. [Results] ARAT scores were higher on the non-affected side than the affected side, while the amount of upper extremity movement was higher on the affected side. The correlation coefficients for the two tools were not significantly different. [Conclusion] Our findings indicate that an accelerometer is a useful and sensitive instrument for clinically measuring the upper extremity activity of patients with stroke.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/f1/jpts-27-1053.PMC4433975.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4294758", "abstract": "Considering the anatomical variability related to the maxillary sinus, its intimate relation to the maxillary posterior teeth and because of all the implications that pneumatization may possess, three-dimensional assessment of maxillary sinus pneumatization is of most usefulness. The aim of this study is to analyze the maxillary sinus dimensions both linearly and volumetrically using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the maxillary sinus pneumatization. Retrospective analysis of 30 maxillary sinuses belonging to 15 patients’ CBCT scans was performed. Linear and volumetric measurements were conducted and statistically analyzed. The maximum craniocaudal extension of the maxillary sinus was located around the 2nd molar in 93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/b9/main.PMC4294758.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3676976", "abstract": " Chlamydia trachomatis, the agent of bacterial sexually transmitted infections, can manifest itself as either acute cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or a chronic asymptomatic infection. Inflammation induced by C. trachomatis contributes greatly to the pathogenesis of disease. Here we evaluated the anti-inflammatory capacity of naringenin, a polyphenolic compound, to modulate inflammatory mediators produced by mouse J774 macrophages infected with live C. trachomatis. Infected macrophages produced a broad spectrum of inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, TNF, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12p70, and IL-10) and chemokines (CCL4, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL10) which were downregulated by naringenin in a dose-dependent manner. Enhanced protein and mRNA gene transcript expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in addition to the CD86 costimulatory molecule on infected macrophages were modulated by naringenin. Pathway-specific inhibition studies disclosed that p38 mitogen-activated-protein kinase (MAPK) is involved in the production of inflammatory mediators by infected macrophages. Notably, naringenin inhibited the ability of C. trachomatis to phosphorylate p38 in macrophages, suggesting a potential mechanism of its attenuation of concomitantly produced inflammatory mediators. Our data demonstrates that naringenin is an immunomodulator of inflammation triggered by C. trachomatis, which possibly may be mediated upstream by modulation of TLR2, TLR4, and CD86 receptors on infected macrophages and downstream via the p38 MAPK pathway.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e7/55/PMC3676976.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4062866", "abstract": "Lung cancer is a potentially lethal disease, whose prevalence in Albania is constantly increasing, especially in women. Early diagnosis is extremely important with regard to life expectancy and quality. The authors conducted a survey on the behaviour in a sample group of Albanian women diagnosed with primary and secondary lung cancers. A discussion upon diagnostic methods, smoking habits, histological type, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and treatment modalities is made. The data collected by the authors suggest that nonsmokers formed the main group of lung cancer female patients. The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma. Mesothelioma was the most frequent of the secondary pulmonary lung cancers, followed from metastasizing breast cancer. Despite a generally good performance of the cases, the diagnosis of pulmonary cancer is delayed. The data collected could not find a convincing etiological role of tobacco smoking, but caution is needed, regarding the short time length of the study and the sustained number of participants.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/fd/PMC4062866.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649455", "abstract": "We report the hysteroscopic findings in a 22 year old nulligravid patient with bilateral communicating hydrosalpinges. The inflamed hyperemic endometrial cavity encountered preoperatively normalized at second look hysteroscopy six months after bilateral tubal interruption. The patient underwent successful IVF with culmination in a singleton, live birth. We propose that an inflamed appearance at hysteroscopy, done for endometrial cavity screening, should prompt a dedicated study to rule out hydrosalpinx prior to proceeding with IVF treatment. To date, such a hysteroscopic endometrial phenotype in the presence of hydrosalpinx has not been well characterized.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e7/3c/PMC3649455.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3417965", "abstract": "Anesthetic management of patients with coagulation disorders presents safety and technical challenges. This case describes a 58-year-old woman with factor V Leiden mutation who required distal saphenous vein harvest and axillo-brachial bypass to treat axillary artery occlusion. The patient underwent surgery with satisfactory anesthesia using infraclavicular brachial plexus block, thoracic paravertebral block, and unilateral subarachnoid block. These three regional anesthetic interventions were performed in lieu of general anesthesia to minimize risks of thrombotic events, pain, and to decrease recovery time. Despite higher failure rates of regional anesthesia, longer time required for procedures, and added discomforts during surgery, the benefits may outweigh risks for selected high-risk patients, including those with factor V Leiden mutations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/2c/PMC3417965.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4305585", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study determined the change in lumbar position sense according to lumbar angles in a flexion pattern (FP) subgroup of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCSLBP). [Subjects] Thirteen subjects with FP low back pain participated. [Methods] The lumbar repositioning error (RE) of subjects was measured between a neutral starting position and re-position phases at three angles, in sitting and standing upright positions. [Results] Lumbar RE was significantly greater during lumbar flexion at a 30° angle in the sitting position than in the other tasks. [Conclusion] In the flexion-related subgroup, the lumbar RE measurement may be a more sensitive evaluation method using a lumbar flexion angle of 30° while in the sitting position, compared with other angles in sitting or standing positions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/02/jpts-27-293.PMC4305585.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3844189", "abstract": " Purpose. Previous studies have underlined the effects of the energy drinks containing caffeine end taurine on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine acute changes on echocardiographic parameters assessed by conventional echo-Doppler analysis and by speckle tracking echocardiography after the consumption of an energy drink in a young healthy population. Methods. measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examination were performed on 35 healthy subjects (mean age 25 ± 2 years, 16 men), at baseline and one hour after the consumption of a body surface area indexed amount of an energy drink (168 mL/m2) containing caffeine (0.03", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/0c/PMC3844189.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4743718", "abstract": "Endoscopic procedures have been well-documented in the obesity field, but have not yet reached a sufficient level of evidence as stand-alone methods for treating obesity. It is unclear if they should take over. Although expanding, the array of bariatric surgical techniques does not fully meet the current needs, and there are not enough resources for increasing surgery. Surgery is avoided by a majority of patients, so that less aggressive procedures are necessary. For the time being, relevant endoscopic methods include intra-gastric balloons, gastric partitioning (Endo-plication), and the metabolic field (Endo-barrier). Surgical novelties and basic research are also important contributors owing to their potential combination with endoscopy. Conditions have been listed for implementation of bariatric endoscopy, because innovation is risky, expensive, and faces ethical challenges. A scientific background is being built (e.g., hormonal studies). Some techniques require additional study, while others are not ready but should be priorities. Steps and goals include the search for conceptual similarities and the respect of an ethical frame. Minimally invasive bariatric techniques are not ready for prime time, but they are already being successful as re-do procedures. A time-frame for step-strategies can be defined, and more investments from the industry are mandatory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/47/ce-49-1-30.PMC4743718.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3345876", "abstract": "Background In order to reduce the risk of recurrence, adjuvant treatment with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) is recommended for postmenopausal women following surgery for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. AIs are associated with improved disease-free survival compared with tamoxifen. The adverse events associated with AIs resemble those of menopause, such as bone density loss and musculoskeletal symptoms. Purpose We examine the case of a postmenopausal woman who was prescribed anastrozole, a nonsteroidal AI, as adjuvant therapy following surgery for estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive (ER and PgR+) breast cancer. Methods and sample A 58-year-old postmenopausal woman diagnosed with ER and PgR+ breast cancer was prescribed anastrozole as adjuvant therapy following a right-inferior quadrantectomy. After experiencing joint pain and stiffness, she was prescribed paracetamol and a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. She was also counseled on nonpharmacological interventions. However, she continued to experience symptoms, and reported that she was not taking anastrozole regularly. Results The case study patient ultimately found relief by switching to letrozole, another aromatase inhibitor. This approach is supported by recent studies examining the benefits of switching strategies between aromatase inhibitors in order to relieve symptoms of arthralgia/myalgia. Conclusions Both adherence and strategies for managing aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia are key to deriving maximal clinical benefit from AI therapy. Switching from one aromatase inhibitor to another may provide a viable option in managing adverse events and enhancing adherence to medication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/58/34/PMC3345876.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3702958", "abstract": "Severe psychotic disorders, which on their own may be a risk factor for metabolic disorder and cardiovascular illness, are clinically compounded by the significant adverse side effects of antipsychotic medications. The majority of patients with severe psychotic disorders (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, and depression) must take antipsychotic medications to treat their psychoses and, subsequently, will require efficacious interventions to manage the metabolic consequences of pharmacologic treatment to mitigate excessive mortality associated with cardiovascular illness. We have reviewed the metabolic consequences of antipsychotic treatment and discussed pilot findings from a new nonpharmacologic intervention study looking at the clinical benefits of regular exercise as a management tool for the cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort with severe mental illness.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/7e/12170_2013_Article_321.PMC3702958.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3267073", "abstract": "Acute mobile thrombus of the abdominal aorta after chemotherapy is a very unusual finding, which can be a potential source of arterial embolism. We report here on a case of an acute mobile aortic thrombus with renal infarction. We successfully treated the patient with hybrid operation-open surgical and endovascular approach. Our case shows that hybrid treatment using wire-directed balloon catheter thrombectomy is a feasible, minimally-invasive treatment for a mobile aortic thrombus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/07/jkss-81-S78.PMC3267073.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4164681", "abstract": "Background Patients in acute care hospitals no longer in need of acute care are called Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients. This is growing and common all across Canada. A better understanding of this patient population would help to address this problem. Methods A chart review was conducted in two hospitals in New Brunswick. All patients designated as ALC on July 1, 2009 had their charts reviewed. Results Thirty-three per cent of the hospital beds were occupied with ALC patients; 63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/96/cgj-17-88.PMC4164681.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3220851", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE We carried out a secondary analysis in high-risk patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes in the Alpha Omega Trial. We tested the hypothesis that in these patients an increased intake of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) will reduce the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and fatal MI. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A subgroup of 1,014 post-MI patients with diabetes aged 60–80 years was randomly allocated to receive one of four trial margarines, three with an additional amount of n-3 fatty acids and one placebo for 40 months. The end points were ventricular arrhythmia–related events and fatal MI. The data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The patients consumed on average 18.6 g of margarine per day, which resulted in an additional intake of 223 mg EPA plus 149 mg DHA and/or 1.9 g ALA in the active treatment groups. During follow-up, 29 patients developed a ventricular arrhythmia–related events and 27 had a fatal MI. Compared with placebo patients, the EPA-DHA plus ALA group experienced less ventricular arrhythmia–related events (hazard ratio 0.16; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/ac/2515.PMC3220851.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3872279", "abstract": " Background. Native Americans disproportionately experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as well as health disparities, including high rates of posttraumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse. Many ACEs have been linked to methylation changes in genes that regulate the stress response, suggesting that these molecular changes may underlie the risk for psychiatric disorders related to ACEs. Methods. We reviewed published studies to provide evidence that ACE-related methylation changes contribute to health disparities in Native Americans. This framework may be adapted to understand how ACEs may result in health disparities in other racial/ethnic groups. Findings. Here we provide evidence that links ACEs to methylation differences in genes that regulate the stress response. Psychiatric disorders are also associated with methylation differences in endocrine, immune, and neurotransmitter genes that serve to regulate the stress response and are linked to psychiatric symptoms and medical morbidity. We provide evidence linking ACEs to these epigenetic modifications, suggesting that ACEs contribute to the vulnerability for developing psychiatric disorders in Native Americans. Conclusion. Additional studies are needed to better understand how ACEs contribute to health and well-being. These studies may inform future interventions to address these serious risks and promote the health and well-being of Native Americans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/3e/PMC3872279.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3073786", "abstract": "Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare etiology of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by bleeding into the pancreatic duct. The diagnosis may be delayed for months to years, due to the episodic nature of bleeding and failure to consider the diagnosis. Patients often undergo multiple endoscopies and radiologic evaluations prior to diagnosis. Incidental gastrointestinal findings may lead to unnecessary endoscopic and surgical interventions. This report describes a patient with hemosuccus pancreaticus diagnosed in the era of video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy, whose management was complicated by multifocal Mycobacteria chelonae/abscessus infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/ad/crg0001-0038.PMC3073786.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3205519", "abstract": "The goal of this review is to present the state of the art in imaging tests for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Relevant publications regarding performance and advantages/disadvantages of imaging modalities for the diagnosis of appendicitis in different clinical situations were reviewed. Articles were extracted from a computerized database (MEDLINE) with the following activated limits: Humans, English, core clinical journals, and published in the last five years. Reference lists of relevant studies were checked manually to identify additional, related articles. Ultrasound (US) examination should be the first imaging test performed, particularly among the pediatric and young adult populations, who represent the main targets for appendicitis, as well as in pregnant patients. A positive US examination for appendicitis or an alternative diagnosis of possible gastrointestinal or urological origin, or a negative US, either showing a normal appendix or presenting low clinical suspicion of appendicitis, should lead to a final diagnosis. A negative or indeterminate examination with a strong clinical suspicion of appendicitis should be followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan or alternatively, a magnetic resonanace imaging (MRI) scan in a pregnant patient. A second US examination in a patient with persistent symptoms, especially if the first one was performed by a less experienced imaging professional, is a valid alternative to a CT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/8d/JCIS-1-49.PMC3205519.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4631410", "abstract": "Background The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a glucosamine-containing supplement to improve locomotor functions in subjects with knee pain. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study was conducted for 16 weeks in 100 Japanese subjects (age, 51.8±0.8 years) with knee pain. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two supplements containing 1) 1,200 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, 60 mg of chondroitin sulfate, 45 mg of type II collagen peptides, 90 mg of quercetin glycosides, 10 mg of imidazole peptides, and 5 μg of vitamin D per day (GCQID group, n=50) or 2) a placebo (placebo group, n=50). Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure, visual analog scale score, normal walking speed, and knee-extensor strength were measured to evaluate the effects of the supplement on knee-joint functions and locomotor functions. Results In subjects eligible for efficacy assessment, there was no significant group × time interaction, and there were improvements in knee-joint functions and locomotor functions in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. In subjects with mild-to-severe knee pain at baseline, knee-extensor strength at week 8 (104.6±5.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/b7/cia-10-1743.PMC4631410.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3659223", "abstract": "Purpose We assessed the predictive factors for renal insufficiency in patients followed for more than 5 years after radical nephrectomy. Materials and Methods Age, gender, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, body mass index, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum uric acid, urine albumin, normal renal parenchymal volume, tumor size, and ratio of normal parenchymal volume of the removed kidney to that of the remaining kidney were evaluated retrospectively in 89 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy from January 2001 to December 2005. Patients were included whose renal parenchymal volume was measurable by use of perioperative imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), whose preoperative eGFR was greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and who were followed for more than 5 years. To measure renal parenchymal volume from imaging, we integrated the extent of the normal renal parenchyma from axial slides of images. Results In univariate and multivariate binary regression analysis, the parenchymal volume of the remnant kidney (p=0.001), a history of diabetes (p=0.035), and preoperative eGFR (p=0.011) were independent factors for renal insufficiency. By use of a receiver operating characteristic curve, a volume of 170 mL was determined to be an appropriate cutoff value, with sensitivity of 58.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/3a/kju-54-303.PMC3659223.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2821590", "abstract": "Abstract Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is an uncommon melanin-containing mesenchymal tumor of neural crest origin. What make this tumor unique and interesting is its characteristic predilection for anterior maxilla (premaxilla) and the presence of pigment melanin which gives the tumor distinct clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and imaging features. Although first described almost a century ago, to the authors’ knowledge, only a few hundred cases of MNTI have been reported worldwide in the English medical literature. The pool of documented radiological findings is even more sparse as not more than a dozen cases could be abstracted from an Internet search of the radiology literature. We document a case of MNTI and describe the imaging findings with intent to contribute to its small but accruing radiological data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/b8/PMC2821590.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3364041", "abstract": "Cryoglobulinaemic mononeuritis multiplex (MNM) is an extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for which interferon-based antiviral therapy is currently the treatment of choice. Rarely MNM can be associated with HCV treatment though generally in the setting of pre-existing cryoglobulinaemia and detectable HCV viraemia. We report an unusual case of de novo MNM occurring late during the course of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic HCV infection, following a prolonged period of viral suppression. The patient had no evidence of cryoglobulinaemia prior to HCV treatment and undetectable HCV RNA levels at the time of presentation with MNM. The case raises the possibility that MNM could develop as an adverse immunomodulatory effect of pegylated interferon therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/ad/crg-0006-0155.PMC3364041.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3393862", "abstract": "Objective Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is the least invasive surgical option for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, the indications and long term outcomes of GKRS are still controversial. Additionally, a series with uniform long-term follow-up data for all patients has been lacking. In the present study, the authors analyzed long-term outcomes in a series of patients with TN who underwent a single GKRS treatment followed by a minimum follow-up of 60 months. Methods From 1994 to 2009, 40 consecutive patients with typical, intractable TN received GKRS. Among these, 22 patients were followed for >60 months. The mean maximum radiation dose was 77.1 Gy (65.2-83.6 Gy), and the 4 mm collimator was used to target the radiation to the root entry zone. Results The mean age was 61.5 years (25-84 years). The mean follow-up period was 92.2 months (60-144 months). According to the pain intensity scale in the last follow-up, 6 cases were grades I-II (pain-free with or without medication; 27.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/1a/jkns-51-276.PMC3393862.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2707808", "abstract": "Acute exacerbations of COPD can complicate the course of the disease in patients with severe airway obstruction. Reduction of exacerbations is an important clinical outcome in evaluating new therapies in COPD. Combination therapies with long-acting β-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids have now been approved for use. Three 1-year randomized clinical trials, which studied the effect of combining a long-acting β2-agonist with an inhaled corticosteroid in COPD, documented that exacerbation frequency was lower with therapy than placebo. Combination therapy had a similar effect to its monocomponents in the trial evaluating salmeterol/fluticasone combination. However, when patients with more severe COPD were studied using a combination of budesonide and formoterol, a clear improvement was seen in the overall exacerbation rates compared with the use of a long-acting β2-agonist alone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/c0/PMC2707808.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3015638", "abstract": "Background: This study aimed to document the authors' experience with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children. Methods: Ninety-three hernia repairs were performed in 64 children. The neck was closed with a purse string suture by using 4-0 absorbable suture. Results: Ninety-three indirect inguinal hernial sacs were closed in 64 children. Nine percent of children had an ectopic testis. The mean operating time for laparoscopic ring closure was 25 minutes (range, unilateral 21 to 35; bilateral, 28 to 50). The contralateral processus vaginalis was patent in 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/10/jsls-9-4-393.PMC3015638.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4102687", "abstract": "Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP Ia) is a disorder characterized by multiform hormonal resistance including parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). It is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations within the Gs alpha-encoding GNAS exons. A 9-year-old boy presented with clinical and laboratory abnormalities including hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, PTH resistance, multihormone resistance and AHO (round face, short stature, obesity, brachydactyly and osteoma cutis) which were typical of PHP Ia. He had a history of repeated convulsive episodes that started from the age of 2 months. A cranial computed tomography scan showed bilateral calcifications in the basal ganglia and his intelligence quotient testing indicated mild mental retardation. Family history revealed that the patient's maternal relatives, including his grandmother and 2 of his mother's siblings, had features suggestive of AHO. Sequencing of the GNAS gene of the patient identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation within exon 11 (c.637 C>T). The C>T transversion results in an amino acid substitution from Gln to stop codon at codon 213 (p.Gln213*). To our knowledge, this is a novel mutation in GNAS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/91/kjped-57-240.PMC4102687.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3656011", "abstract": "Platelets, as well as regulating blood hemostasis, are an important component of the body’s defense against invading microbial pathogens. We previously reported that platelets protect during malaria infection by binding Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes (IE) and killing the parasite within. More recent studies have now revealed the platelet plasmocidal factor, platelet factor 4 (PF4) and the red cell-expressed Duffy-antigen molecule as the central players in the parasite killing activity of platelets.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/e0/cib-6-e23653.PMC3656011.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3463955", "abstract": " Background. The present study explores the influence of the host's age and gender upon the inflammatory infiltrate. We aimed to quantify the inflammatory infiltrate caused by cysticercosis, which is related to aging, in the heart and in the encephalon. Methods. 75 autopsy protocols with cysticercosis diagnosis from department of pathology at a university hospital from 1970 to 2008 were reviewed. Two groups were formed: elderly with cysticercosis and nonelderly with cysticercosis. We used KS-300 (Kontron-Zeiss) software for morphometric analysis of the inflammation. Results. The elderly had an average of 3.1 ± 2.5 cysticerci, whereas the non-elderly had 2.7 ± 3.8 parasites. The non-elderly group with cysticercosis had significantly more inflammation, both cardiac and encephalic, than the elderly group. The elderly females with cysticercosis had more cardiac and encephalic inflammation. Conclusions. In this study, we showed that the non-elderly had significantly more cardiac and encephalic inflammation than the elderly, and that such inflammatory infiltrate decreases with age and depends upon the evolutionary stage of the cysticercus. Furthermore, there are differences concerning gender in the intensity of the inflammatory response due to cysticerci in the heart and brain parenchyma during senescence. Even during this period, women continue to have a more intense response to the parasitosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7a/e7/PMC3463955.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4970504", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of the present study was to evaluate bone healing in rabbit critical-sized calvarial defects using two different synthetic scaffold materials, solid biodegradable bioactive glass and tricalcium phosphate granules alongside solid and particulated autogenous bone grafts. Material and Methods Bilateral full thickness critical-sized calvarial defects were created in 15 New Zealand white adult male rabbits. Ten defects were filled with solid scaffolds made of bioactive glass or with porous tricalcium phosphate granules. The healing of the biomaterial-filled defects was compared at the 6 week time point to the healing of autologous bone grafted defects filled with a solid cranial bone block in 5 defects and with particulated bone combined with fibrin glue in 10 defects. In 5 animals one defect was left unfilled as a negative control. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to analyze healing of the defects. Results Micro-CT analysis revealed that defects filled with tricalcium phosphate granules showed new bone formation in the order of 3.89 (SD 1.17)", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/80/jomr-07-e4.PMC4970504.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4943819", "abstract": "Objective To assess knowledge of healthcare professionals about capture and reproduction of images of patients in a hospital setting. Methods A cross-sectional and observational study among 360 healthcare professionals (nursing staff, physical therapists, and physicians), working at a teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). A questionnaire with sociodemographic information was distributed and data were correlated to capture and reproduction of images at hospitals. Results Of the 360 respondents, 142 had captured images of patients in the last year, and 312 reported seeing other professionals taking photographs of patients. Of the participants who captured images, 61 said they used them for studies and presentation of clinical cases, and 168 professionals reported not knowing of any legislation in the Brazilian Penal Code regarding collection and use of images. Conclusion There is a gap in the training of healthcare professionals regarding the use of patient´s images. It is necessary to include subjects that address this theme in the syllabus of undergraduate courses, and the healthcare organizations should regulate this issue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/cf/1679-4508-eins-13-2-0255.PMC4943819.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4461773", "abstract": "Epidemiological evidence suggests a role for vitamin D in type 2 diabetes prevention. We investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on glucose metabolism and inflammation in subjects with prediabetes. A 5-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with three arms (placebo, 40 μg/d, or 80 μg/d vitamin D3) was carried out among sixty-eight overweight (BMI 25–35) and aging (≥60 years) subjects from Finland, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] < 75 nmol/L and either impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Analyses included 66 subjects who completed the trial. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test-derived indices and glycated hemoglobin. Inflammation was evaluated by high-sensitive C-reactive protein and five cytokines. Although a dose-dependent increase in serum 25(OH)D3 over the supplementation period was observed (P trend < 0.001), there were no other statistically significant differences in changes in the 13 glucose homeostasis indicators between the study groups other than increase in the 120 min glucose concentration (P trend = 0.021) and a decreasing trend both in 30 min plasma insulin (P trend = 0.030) and glycated hemoglobin (P trend = 0.024) concentrations. A borderline statistically significant decreasing trend in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration was observed (P = 0.070). Vitamin D3 supplementation does not improve glucose metabolism in ageing subjects with prediabetes but may have modest anti-inflammatory effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/70/PMC4461773.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5149672", "abstract": " Background. Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are important cause of mortality and morbidity in children under five in developing country. Methods. This observational study was conducted over two-year period in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India. Nasal and throat swabs were collected, transported to the laboratory at 2–8°C in viral transport media, and then processed for detection of viruses using mono/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. A total of 300 children aged 2–60 months with ARIs were included. The most common age group affected with LRI was 2–12 mo and with URI was >12–60 mo. Viruses were detected in 248 cases. In URI, 77 were positive for single virus and 19 were positive for more than one virus; in LRI, 113 were positive for single virus and 12 were positive for more than one virus. The most common viruses isolated from URI cases were rhinovirus and adenovirus. The most common viruses isolated from LRI cases were respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus. Most cases occurred in the months of January, December, and August. Conclusion. Viruses constitute a significant cause of ARI in children under five. RSV, ADV, RV, and IFV were the most prevalent viruses isolated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/a3/PMC5149672.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4106097", "abstract": "The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is related to the progression of atherosclerosis, which, in turn, is a key factor in the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MIF has a CATT short tandem repeat (STR) at position −794 that might be involved in its expression rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the −794 (CATT)5–8   MIF gene polymorphism and susceptibility to ACS in a western Mexican population. This research included 200 ACS patients classified according to the criteria of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and 200 healthy subjects (HS). The −794 (CATT)5–8   MIF gene polymorphism was analyzed using a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The 6 allele was the most frequent in both groups (ACS: 54", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/dd/PMC4106097.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5413480", "abstract": "Background Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory disease of the skin. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are not yet determined, but some authors have proposed that it might be associated with a variety of underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus and positive tuberculin skin test. Objective This study was conducted to find the probable relationship between granuloma annulare and diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and positive tuberculin skin test. Patients and methods A total of 28 patients with granuloma annulare were recruited from our dermatology outpatient clinic, and data on sex, age and distribution of granuloma annulare lesions were collected. Forty-one age- and sex-matched apparently healthy volunteers serving as controls were also included. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and tuberculin skin tests were performed for both groups. Results Mean serum level of FBS in the patient group was significantly higher than the mean serum level of FBS in the control group (110.60±46.31 mg/dL versus 88.39±10.58 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.004). Mean serum level of TSH in the patient group was 3.43±2.73 mIU/L, which was not significantly different from the mean serum level of TSH in the control group (3.26±2.11 mIU/L, p=0.772). Four individuals in the patient group and only 1 in the control group had a positive tuberculin skin test. Conclusion Granuloma annulare patients are better to be assessed for diabetes mellitus, but the relationship between this skin disease and thyroid disorders or tuberculin skin test still needs to be investigated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/29/ccid-10-141.PMC5413480.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4508587", "abstract": "Background Induced sputum in children with bronchial asthma represents a non-invasive method of bronchial inflammation assessment. The main objective of our study was to analyze the cellularity of sputum in patients with bronchial asthma according to the level of disease control and the controlling therapy (with/without inhaled glucocorticoids). The second objective was to establish the correlation between sputum cellularity and other indirect parameters used to evidence bronchial inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide) and obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second). Methods The study included children with bronchial asthma that were assessed clinically (physical exam, questionnaire on the control of bronchial asthma in children) and by medical tests (induced sputum, exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry). Results In patients with partially controlled asthma and those with uncontrolled asthma, the eosinophils percentage in the sputum was higher than in patients with controlled asthma (19.8±26.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/be/cm8703p171.PMC4508587.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4992751", "abstract": "This study has investigated the association between retinal vascular parameters with type II diabetes in Indian population with no observable diabetic retinopathy. It has introduced two new retinal vascular parameters: total number of branching angles (TBA) and average acute branching angles (ABA) as potential biomarkers of diabetes in an explanatory model. A total number of 180 retinal images (two (left and right) × two (ODC and MC) × 45 subjects (13 diabetics and 32 nondiabetics)) were analysed. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to model the association between type II diabetes with the best subset of explanatory variables (predictors), consisting of retinal vascular parameters and patients' demographic information. P value of the estimated coefficients (P < 0.001) indicated that, at α level of 0.05, the newly introduced retinal vascular parameters, that is, TBA and ABA together with CRAE, mean tortuosity, SD of branching angle, and VB, are related to type II diabetes when there is no observable sign of retinopathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/73/0f/PMC4992751.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3892664", "abstract": "Splenic abscess is a very rare complication of non-typhoidal Salmonella infections. We report a case of splenic abscess caused by Salmonella enteritidis. The patient is a 63-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and underwent splenectomy. This case suggests that the patients with comorbities are at increased risk for invasive infections in non-typhoidal Salmonella infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/c7/PMC3892664.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3647593", "abstract": "Patients with chronic diabetic complications experience high morbidity and mortality. Sex disparities in modifiable factors such as processes of care or self-care activities have not been explored in detail, particularly in these high-risk patients. Sex differences in processes of care and self-care activities were assessed in a cross-sectional analysis of the Pathways Study, an observational cohort of primary care diabetic patients from a managed care organization (N = 4,839). Compared to men, women had decreased odds of dyslipidemia screening (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.73, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/fe/PMC3647593.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2908433", "abstract": "Oviposition attractants are environmental cues that allow Culex gravid female mosquitoes to locate suitable sites for egg-laying and, therefore, may be exploited for environmentally friendly strategies for controlling mosquito populations. Naturally occurring skatole has been identified as an oviposition attractant for the Southern House mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus. Previously, we identified in Cx. quinquefasciatus female antennae an olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) highly sensitive to skatole and an odorant-binding protein involved in the detection of this semiochemical. Here, we describe the characterization of an odorant receptor (OR), CquiOR10, which is narrowly tuned to skatole when expressed in the Xenopus oocyte system. Odorant-induced response profiles generated by heterologously expressed CquiOR10 suggest that this OR is expressed in the mosquito ORN sensitive to skatole. However, geranylacetone, which stimulates the antennal ORN, was not detected by CquiOR10-expressing oocytes, thus raising interesting questions about reception of oviposition attractants in mosquitoes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/6d/10886_2010_Article_9828.PMC2908433.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4417982", "abstract": "The aim of this paper is to determine the modulatory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the IL-23/Th17 immune axis in experimental colitis. DSS-induced mouse models of UC were to be saline, hormones, and different concentrations of Lactobacillus acidophilus intervention. The expression of interleukin- (IL-) 17, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), IL-23, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated (p)-STAT3 was examined by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis. And the results showed that administration of L. acidophilus suppressed Th17 cell-mediated secretion of proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 through downregulation of IL-23 and TGFβ1 expression and downstream phosphorylation of p-STAT3.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/29/PMC4417982.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2213199", "abstract": "A growing number of systemic inflammatory diseases characterized in part by recurrent fevers, leukocytosis, anemia, and elevated acute phase proteins are linked to interleukin (IL)-1 activity since rapid and sustained resolution is observed upon specific blockade of IL-1 receptors. Rapid resolution of systemic and local inflammation is now also reported in systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). Loss of control of the secretion of IL-1β might be a common mechanism explaining the aberrant activity of IL-1 in these diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/10/20050640.PMC2213199.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3358051", "abstract": "Entry screening for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 at Auckland International Airport, New Zealand, detected 4 cases, which were later confirmed, among 456,518 passengers arriving April 27–June 22, 2009. On the basis of national influenza surveillance data, which suggest that ≈69 infected travelers passed through the airport, sensitivity for screening was only 5.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/29/PMC3358051.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3390723", "abstract": "Evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to the new IPF guidelines, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an essential means of diagnosing IPF. We investigated the relationship between IPF and DM in patients treated between 2003 and 2007. Newly diagnosed IPF patients in large university teaching hospitals in Korea were enrolled from January 2003 to December 2007. We retrospectively analyzed 1,685 patients using the interstitial lung disease (ILD) registry. In total, 299 IPF patients (17.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/71/jkms-27-756.PMC3390723.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4513781", "abstract": "Background and Aim: Anesthesiologist gain access to the airway passage orally with the help of laryngoscope. Dental trauma can occur during different steps in anesthesia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk factor for dental trauma perioperatively and to look for the preventive measures mostly employed by the anesthesiologist to prevent dental insult. Materials and Methods: The present study involved 40 anesthetists working in private hospitals using simple random sampling. They were asked to answer a questionnaire designed to look for the risk factors that makes tooth most prone for injury and find out the measures that anesthesiologists follow to prevent such injuries to occur. Codes were placed for the obtained data and Medcalc statistical package was used for analysis. Results: Injuries mostly occur during intubation with a laryngoscope in patients where there is limited visibility to the hypopharynx. Maxillary left central incisor was mostly affected. Some anesthetists used plastic blades or curved blades to prevent such injury. Conclusion: Patient with poor dentition and history of difficult intubation should be sent for pre-operative dental evaluation to prevent dental injuries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/86/JIOH-7-77.PMC4513781.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3723323", "abstract": "Environmental enrichment (EE) is known to enhance learning and memory. Declarative memories are thought to undergo a first rapid and local consolidation process, followed by a prolonged process of system consolidation, which consist in a time-dependent gradual reorganization of brain regions supporting remote memory storage and crucial for the formation of enduring memories. At present, it is not known whether EE can affect the process of declarative memory system consolidation. We characterized the time course of hippocampal and cortical activation following recall of progressively more remote spatial memories. Wild-type mice either exposed to EE for 40 days or left in standard environment were subjected to spatial learning in the Morris water maze and to the probe test 1, 10, 20, 30, and 50 days after learning. Following the probe test, regional expression of the inducible immediate early gene c-Fos was mapped by immunohistochemistry, as an indicator of neuronal activity. We found that activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), suggested to have a privileged role in processing remote spatial memories, was evident at shorter time intervals after learning in EE mice; in addition, EE induced the progressive activation of a distributed cortical network not activated in non-EE mice. This suggests that EE not only accelerates the process of mPFC recruitment but also recruits additional cortical areas into the network supporting remote spatial memories.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/e5/PMC3723323.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1082894", "abstract": "Anthocyanin pigments and associated flavonoids have demonstrated ability to protect against a myriad of human diseases, yet they have been notoriously difficult to study with regard to human health. Anthocyanins frequently interact with other phytochemicals to potentiate biological effects, thus contributions from individual components are difficult to decipher. The complex, multicomponent structure of  compounds in a bioactive mixture and the degradation of flavonoids during harsh extraction procedures obscure the precise assignment of bioactivity to individual pigments. Extensive metabolic breakdown after ingestion complicates tracking of anthocyanins to assess absorption, bioavailability, and accumulation in various organs. Anthocyanin pigments and other flavonoids that are uniformly, predictably produced in rigorously controlled plant cell culture systems can be a great advantage for health and nutrition research because they are quickly, easily isolated, lack interferences found in whole fruits, can be elicited to provoke rapid and prolific accumulation, and are amenable to biolabeling so that metabolic fate can be investigated after ingestion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/51/PMC1082894.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3830805", "abstract": "The human ABO blood group gene consists of three main alleles (A, B, and O) that encode a glycosyltransferase. The A and B alleles differ by two critical amino acids in exon 7, and the major O allele has a single nucleotide deletion (Δ261) in exon 6. Previous evolutionary studies have revealed that the A allele is the most ancient, B allele diverged from the A allele with two critical amino acid substitutions in exon 7, and the major O allele diverged from the A allele with Δ261 in exon 6. However, a recent phylogenetic network analysis study showed that the A allele of humans emerged through a recombination between the B and O alleles. In the previous study, a restricted dataset from only two populations was used. In this study, therefore, we used a large single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset from the HapMap Project. The results indicated that the A101-A201-O09 haplogroup was a recombinant lineage between the B and O haplotypes, containing the intact exon 6 from the B allele and the two critical A type sites in exon 7 from the major O allele. Its recombination point was assumed to be located just behind Δ261 in exon 6.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/85/PMC3830805.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4278793", "abstract": "Background In several African countries, men who have sex with men (MSM) are becoming visible, as a result of which they are now victims of human rights violations. This has a negative effect on their ability to access services targeted at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and care. The main objective of this study was to document the experiences of social oppression among MSM in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods Simple random sampling was used to select three of the seven local government areas in Lagos State that had community centers. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 291 participants. The survey instrument was a pretested questionnaire. The results were presented as means and percentages. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was carried out at P<0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 25.3±4.6 years, and the majority (66.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/ca/hiv-7-021.PMC4278793.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124125", "abstract": "Congenital toxoplasmosis is a potentially severe infection and its prevention is most often based on serological screening in pregnant women. Many cases could be prevented by simple precautions during pregnancy. Aiming to assess the knowledge about toxoplasmosis among professionals working in antenatal care in a high prevalent region, a questionnaire was administered to 118 obstetric nurses and physicians attending at primary care units and hospitals. The questionnaire was self-completed and included questions on diagnosis, clinical issues, and prevention. Only 44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/82/35/PMC3124125.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3319993", "abstract": "Heart failure is a very common disease, with severe morbidity and mortality, and a frequent reason of hospitalization. Anemia and a concurrent renal impairment are two major risk factors contributing to the severity of the outcome and consist of the cardio renal anemia syndrome. Anemia in heart failure is complex and multifactorial. Hemodilution, absolute or functional iron deficiency, activation of the inflammatory cascade, and impaired erythropoietin production and activity are some pathophysiological mechanisms involved in anemia of the heart failure. Furthermore other concomitant causes of anemia, such as myelodysplastic syndrome and chemotherapy, may worsen the outcome. Based on the pathophysiology of cardiac anemia, there are several therapeutic options that may improve hemoglobin levels, tissues' oxygenation, and probably the outcome. These include administration of iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and blood transfusions but still the evidence provided for their use remains limited.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/71/PMC3319993.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4398821", "abstract": "Objective To present the clinical benefits of an instrument designed to facilitate removal of polyaxial screws during revision surgery. Methods All polyaxial screws can be removed without additional materials or a large amount of debridement using our newly designed instrument. Forty-two screws were removed from five patients without any complications using this instrument. Results We removed the cap screws and rods from the 42 polyaxial screws in five patients and made them monoaxial using the new screw removal apparatus. The screws and rods were removed quickly in a minimally invasive way with no complications. No damage to the pedicle or surrounding soft tissue occurred during screw removal. No neurogenic changes developed during revision surgery after changing the screws. Conclusion This newly designed screw removal instrument was used safely and effectively to remove all polyaxial and monoaxial pedicle screws.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/b8/kjs-12-1.PMC4398821.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4712053", "abstract": "Fibroepithelial polyps are a rare underlying reason of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In the past, open surgery was the only option. However, due to development of minimal invasive technics, treatment alternatives have been changed. Resection by laparoscopy or endoscopy, laser fulguration and/or percutaneous resection are recommended in children and adults. Here, we present a 10-year-old boy with severe left hydronephrosis due to fibroepithelial polyp close to the ureteropelvic junction and our laparoscopic approach.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/8f/PMC4712053.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2323530", "abstract": "It is estimated that osteoporosis is responsible for about 300 000 hip fractures per year in the United States. Effective prevention of these fractures has been demonstrated using bisphosphonates. However, their mechanism of action has not been elucidated. Furthermore, the precise effect of bisphosphonates on the femoral neck and surrounding areas has never been studied. We are interested in establishing a protocol to analyze the bone quality of proximal femurs from patients treated with bisphosphonates. Following hip replacement surgery, the aim is to determine whether imaging and compression testing of cancellous bone from the discarded femoral necks can accurately assess the bone’s microarchitectural and biomechanical properties, respectively. To validate the technique, it was first tested on an untreated population. A bone biopsy trephine was used to extract cylindrical cores of trabecular bone from the centre of femoral necks. Densitometry, microcomputed tomography, and compression testing were used to assess the quality of bone in these samples. The compressive strength was found to be directly proportional to the modulus (i.e. stiffness) of the samples, thus reproducing previous findings. The relative porosity and, to a lesser extent, the bone mineral density were capable of predicting the quality of cancellous bone. In conclusion, a protocol to analyze the bone quality in human femoral necks using μCT and biomechanical compression testing was successfully established. It will be applied in a clinical setting to analyze bones from bisphosphonate-treated patients following total hip replacement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/30/mjm0902p102.PMC2323530.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4527806", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message The continuing resorption of the alveolar ridge will eventually result in insufficient bone height superior to the IAN, making dental implant placement impossible. The augmentation procedure above the IAN in terms of height provides sufficient bone for implant placement and allows long-term successful restoration of missing teeth with implant-supported prosthesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/a4/ccr30003-0610.PMC4527806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1824737", "abstract": "A 53-year-old man with steroid dependent rheumatoid arthritis presented with fever and serous articular drainage. Oral antibiotics were initially prescribed. Subsequent hemodynamic instability was attributed to septic shock. Further evaluation revealed a pericardial effusion with tamponade. Pericardiocentesis of purulent fluid promptly corrected the hypotension. Proteus mirabilis was later isolated from both the infected joint and the pericardial fluid. This is the first report of combined Proteus mirabilis septic arthritis and purulent pericarditis. It documents the potential for atypical transmission of Gram-negative pathogens, to the pericardium, in patients with a high likelihood of preexisting pericardial disease. In immunocompromised patients, the typical signs and symptoms of pericarditis may be absent, and the clinical presentation of pericardial tamponade may be misinterpreted as one of septic shock. This case underscores the value of a careful physical examination and proper interpretation of ancillary studies. It further illustrates the importance of initial antibiotic selection and the need for definitive treatment of septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/08/0c/PMC1824737.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3377947", "abstract": "Female sex hormones have long been suspected to have an effect on mast cell (MC) behavior. This assumption is based on the expression of hormone receptors in MCs as well as on the fact that many MC-related pathophysiological alterations have a different prevalence in females than in males. Further, serum IgE levels are much higher in allergic female mice compared to male mice. Ovariectomized rats developed less airway inflammation compared to sham controls. Following estrogen replacement ovariectomized rats re-established airway inflammation levels’ found in intact females. In humans, a much higher asthma prevalence was found in women at reproductive age as compared to men. Serum levels of estradiol and progesterone have been directly correlated with the clinical and functional features of asthma. Around 30–40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/dc/fimmu-03-00169.PMC3377947.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4967653", "abstract": "Objectives To investigate whether a difference exists between DAS28 from CRP and DAS28 from ESR in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS). Material and methods One group comprised patients with RA and sSS, the control group comprised patients with RA. The inclusion criteria for the RA and sSS group have been specified as follows: presence of at least one symptom of dryness, and also presence of anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B or at least focus score of one in biopsy. Results The disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was assessed using both ESR and CRP in 60 patients with RA and sSS and 59 patients with RA alone. However, concordance between these two methods was good (Cohen's κ coefficient κ = 0.60, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d1/2e/CEJI-41-27901.PMC4967653.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5000582", "abstract": "Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from an unknown primary site to the colon has not been reported previously. A 75-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left submandibular region. Biopsy revealed a Class V lesion, but the histologic type was undetermined. Surgical resection of the left submandibular gland with cervical lymph node dissection was performed. However, SCC was seen in the lymph nodes only, with no tumor in the submandibular gland. Three months after surgery, computed tomography revealed that the preoperatively diagnosed lesion in the transverse colon had grown considerably. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. Histological examination showed features of SCC, similar to the findings in the cervical lymph nodes. We report a rare case of synchronous metastatic SCC to the colon and cervical lymph nodes from a carcinoma of unknown primary site.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/b9/rjw084.PMC5000582.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4959429", "abstract": "Background/Aims Superficial white matter provides extensive cortico-cortical connections. This tractography study aimed to assess the diffusion characteristics of superficial white matter tracts in Alzheimer's disease. Methods Diffusion tensor 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired in 24 controls and 16 participants with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological test scores were available in some participants. Tractography was performed by the Fiber Assignment by Continuous Tracking (FACT) method. The superficial white matter was manually segmented and divided into frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. The mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity (AxD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of these tracts were compared between controls and participants with Alzheimer's disease and correlated with available cognitive tests while adjusting for age and white matter hyperintensity volume. Results Alzheimer's disease was associated with increased MD (p = 0.0011), increased RD (p = 0.0019) and increased AxD (p = 0.0017) in temporal superficial white matter. In controls, superficial white matter was associated with the performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Stroop and Trail Making Test B tests, whereas in Alzheimer's disease patients, it was not associated with the performance on cognitive tests. Conclusion Temporal lobe superficial white matter appears to be disrupted in Alzheimer's disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/a4/dee-0006-0233.PMC4959429.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5398849", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Introduction:  Maxillary transverse deficiency is a highly prevalent malocclusion present in all age groups, from primary to permanent dentition. If not treated on time, it can aggravate and evolve to a more complex malocclusion, hindering facial growth and development. Aside from the occlusal consequences, the deficiency can bring about serious respiratory problems as well, due to the consequent nasal constriction usually associated. In growing patients, this condition can be easily handled with a conventional rapid palatal expansion. However, mature patients are frequently subjected to a more invasive procedure, the surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). More recently, researches have demonstrated that it is possible to expand the maxilla in grown patients without performing osteotomies, but using microimplants anchorage instead. This novel technique is called microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE).  Objective:  The aim of the present article was to demonstrate and discuss a MARPE technique developed by Dr. Won Moon and colleagues at University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). Methods:  All laboratory and clinical steps needed for its correct execution are thoroughly described. For better comprehension, a mature patient case is reported, detailing all the treatment progress and results obtained. Conclusion:  It was concluded that the demonstrated technique could be an interesting alternative to SARPE in the majority of non-growing patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. The present patient showed important occlusal and respiratory benefits following the procedure, without requiring any surgical intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/05/2176-9451-dpjo-22-01-00110.PMC5398849.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3270395", "abstract": "Interleukin (IL)-6 is a cytokine featuring redundancy and pleiotropic activity. While IL-6, when transiently produced, contributes to host defense against acute environmental stress, continuous dysregulated IL-6 production plays a significant pathological role in several systemic autoimmune diseases. In response to the expectation that IL-6 blockade would constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these diseases, tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, was developed. Clinical trials have verified the efficacy and the safety of tocilizumab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in approval of this innovative biologic for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in more than 90 countries worldwide. Pathological analyses of the effect of IL-6 on the development of autoimmune diseases and a considerable number of case reports and pilot studies have also indicated the beneficial effects of this antibody on other systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, and large-vessel vasculitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/f6/PMC3270395.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4535656", "abstract": "Ewing's sarcoma is a rare bone tumor that affects children and adolescents. We have recently succeeded to induce Ewing's sarcoma-like small round cell tumor in mice by expression of EWS–ETS fusion genes in murine embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. The Ewing's sarcoma precursors are enriched in embryonic superficial zone (eSZ) cells of long bone. To get insights into the mechanisms of Ewing's sarcoma development, gene expression profiles between EWS–FLI1-sensitive eSZ cells and EWS–FLI1-resistant embryonic growth plate (eGP) cells were compared using DNA microarrays. Gene expression of eSZ and eGP cells (total, 30 samples) was evaluated with or without EWS–FLI1 expression 0, 8 or 48 h after gene transduction. Our data provide useful information for gene expression responses to fusion oncogenes in human sarcoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/7c/main.PMC4535656.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3151506", "abstract": "Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to the development of bronchoconstriction in asthmatics following the exposure to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The key pathogenic mechanisms associated with AERD are the overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and increased CysLTR1 expression in the airway mucosa and decreased lipoxin and PGE2 synthesis. Genetic studies have suggested a role for variability of genes in disease susceptibility and the response to medication. Potential genetic biomarkers contributing to the AERD phenotype include HLA-DPB1, LTC4S, ALOX5, CYSLT, PGE2, TBXA2R, TBX21, MS4A2, IL10, ACE, IL13, KIF3A, SLC22A2, CEP68, PTGER, and CRTH2 and a four-locus SNP set composed of B2ADR, CCR3, CysLTR1, and FCER1B. Future areas of investigation need to focus on comprehensive approaches to identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/e4/PMC3151506.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4265714", "abstract": "Purpose To analyze the location of the positive surgical margin (PSM) and its association with the biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate in cases of radical prostatectomy (RP) according to the type of surgery. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 1,880 cases of RP. Baseline characteristics were analyzed. Locations of the PSM were recorded in the four surgery groups as apex, anterior, posterolateral, and base and were analyzed by using chi-square test. The association of the location of the PSM with the BCR rate was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis according to the type of surgery, which included radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP, n=633), radical retroperitoneal prostatectomy (RRP, n=309), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP, n=164), and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP, n=774). Results A PSM was found in a total of 336 cases (18", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/7c/kju-55-802.PMC4265714.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4408922", "abstract": "Complete bone marrow infiltration with profound pancytopenia is very uncommon in breast cancer. Bone marrow metastasis can frequently occur following development of metastatic breast cancer. However, bone marrow failure as the herald of this disease is not typically seen. Very limited data exists as to the safest and most efficacious manner to treat patients with profound pancytopenia due to metastatic solid tumor involvement. In this case, the patient’s thrombocytopenia was particularly worrisome, requiring daily platelet transfusions. There was also concern that cytotoxic chemotherapy would exacerbate the patient’s thrombocytopenia and increase bleeding risk. The patient’s dramatic response to chemotherapy with full platelet recovery is also highly unusual. For our patient, continuous doxorubicin successfully “unpacked” the bone marrow despite a low baseline platelet level, and without increasing the need for more frequent platelet transfusion or risk of catastrophic bleeding. Given the rarity of this presentation, it is currently unknown if the majority of similar patients experience near full recovery of hematopoietic function after initiation of appropriate systemic treatment for metastatic disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/0a/nihms652461.PMC4408922.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4206378", "abstract": "Background Prolonged and obstructed labor is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, one of the six countries contributing significantly to the global maternal mortality crisis. The use of the partograph would engender a remarkable reduction in the number of these deaths since abnormal markers in the progress of labor would be identified early on. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the non-physician obstetric caregivers’ (OCGs) knowledge of partograph use, assess the extent of its use, determine the factors that impede its usage, and unravel the relationship between years of experience and partograph use among the respondents (OCGs) in General Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology Using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 130 purposely selected and consenting OCGs working in the General Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Results The majority of the respondents (70.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/89/ijwh-6-873.PMC4206378.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4484669", "abstract": "As health care trends toward a system of care approach, providers from various disciplines strive to collaborate to provide optimal care for their patients. While a multidisciplinary approach to suicide risk assessment and management has been identified as important for reducing suicidality, standardized clinical guidelines for such an approach do not yet exist. In this article, the authors propose the adoption of the therapeutic risk management of the suicidal patient (TRMSP) to improve suicide risk assessment and management within multidisciplinary systems of care. The TRMSP, which has been fully articulated in previous articles, involves augmenting clinical risk assessment with structured instruments, stratifying risk in terms of both severity and temporality, and developing and documenting a safety plan. Augmenting clinical risk assessments with reliable and valid structured instruments serves several functions, including ensuring important aspects of suicide are addressed, establishing a baseline for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, facilitating interprofessional communication, and mitigating risk. Similarly, a two-dimensional risk stratification qualifying suicide risk in terms of both severity and temporality can enhance communication across providers and settings and improve understanding of acute crises in the context of chronic risk. Finally, safety planning interventions allow providers and patients to collaboratively create a personally meaningful plan for managing a suicidal crisis that can be continually modified across time with multiple providers in different care settings. In a busy care environment, the TRMSP can provide concrete guidance on conducting clinically and medicolegally sound suicide risk assessment and management. This collaborative and comprehensive process would potentially improve care of patients with suicidality, optimize clinical resources, decrease unnecessary and costly admissions, and mitigate medicolegal risk. The TRMSP may serve as a foundation for building a standardized, collaborative, stepped-care approach that patients, individual providers, and the health care system can all benefit from.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/26/jmdh-8-291.PMC4484669.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5404652", "abstract": "Abstract We modified the conventional Pudendal Thigh Flap (PTF) on the vaginoplasty including reconstruction of vaginal vestibule. After the operation, no stenosis of the vaginal vestibule and opening of the vagina was observed. It is believed that our technique is cosmetically and functionally possible and a useful method.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/89/icrp-4-021.PMC5404652.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3153816", "abstract": "Research progress assessing the role of attentional focusing instructions on skill acquisition and performance has lead researchers to apply this approach to force production tasks. Initial converging evidence indicates that force production tasks are sensitive to verbal instruction; externally focused instructions (onto movement outcomes, or onto the object force is being exerted against) are shown to be more beneficial than internally focused instructions (focusing attention onto the movements being executed). These benefits are observed for maximal and accurate force production, as well as the maintenance of force production in prolonged tasks. A range of mechanisms are identified supporting the proposal that an external focus promotes movement efficiency in line with energy and effort conservation. Future research is required to assess how this developing body of work interacts with the broader understanding of psychological and physiological factors implicated in the effective production, maintenance, and limitation of maximal or sub-maximal forces.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/91/PMC3153816.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4318227", "abstract": "Background Recent guidelines recommended by ESC, ACC, AHA, and WHF concerning biomarkers of myocardial necrosis also apply to the work of clinical laboratories. Methodological modification for tests used in determining cardiac biomarkers reduced the time of the analytical procedure to 9 min (STAT version of the tests). We decided to determine and compare analytical quality of the tests in standard and STAT versions for determining serum level: troponin T, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase, and myoglobin, as well as to verify whether the TnThs STAT test meets the following requirements: CV <10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/af/PMC4318227.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2732556", "abstract": "From 1997 to 2001, sequence data from 55 clinical specimens were obtained from confirmed measles cases in the United States, representing 21 outbreaks and 34 sporadic cases. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of 11 of the recognized genotypes. The most common genotypes detected were genotype D6, usually identified from imported cases from Europe, and genotype D5, associated with importations from Japan. A number of viruses belonging to genotype D4 were imported from India and Pakistan. Overall, viral genotypes were determined for 13 chains of transmission with an unknown source of virus, and seven different genotypes were identified. Therefore, the diversity of Measles virus genotypes observed in the United States from 1997 to 2001 reflected multiple imported sources of virus and indicated that no strain of measles is endemic in the United States.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/06/PMC2732556.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4158295", "abstract": "Hepatitis B and C often progress to decompensated liver cirrhosis requiring orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). After OLT, hepatitis B recurrence is clinically controlled with a combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ide analogues. Another approach is to induce self-producing anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) antibodies using a HBV envelope antigen vaccine. Patients who had not been HBV carriers such as acutely infected liver failure or who received liver from HBV self-limited donor are good candidate. For chronic HBV carrier patients, a successful response can only be achieved in selected patients such as those treated with experimentally reduced immunosuppression protocols or received an anti-HBV adaptive memory carrying donor liver. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfects transplanted livers at a rate of >90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/cc/PMC4158295.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5277604", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Molecular typing methods are important and useful tools to assess the transmission, diversity of strains and differentiation between new infections and relapses which can effectively help in controlling infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular typing methods which have been used in Iran. By evaluating the results and discriminatory power of each method, we can assign appropriate weight to each technique and ultimately offer a common strategy for future epidemiological studies. Method: We searched several databases to identify studies addressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis molecular epidemiology in Iran. Hunter-Gaston discrimination index (HGDI) was used to evaluate the discriminatory power in each method. Relevant articles were selected and analyzed; HGDI index was calculated for each technique. Results: The most common genotyping methods used in the articles were RFLP, MIRU-VNTR, spoligotyping, PFGE and RAPD-PCR. The most frequently techniques were IS6110-RFLP, MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping alone or in combination. The highest discrimination power (average HGDI: 0.9916) was obtained by RFLP followed by MIRU-VNTR (average HGDI: 0.9638) and spoligotyping (average HGDI: 0.9041) respectively. Conclusion: Combination of MIRU-VNTR with spoligotyping can be recommended for large-scale genotyping in Iran. It seems appropriate to consider spoligotyping as the first technique for screening followed by other techniques with higher discrimination power such as MIRU-VNTR or IS6110-RFLP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/66/43/PMC5277604.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4833982", "abstract": "Background: Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of dysrhythmia associated with atrial septal defects (ASDs) in patients older than 40 years. However, little is known about cardiac remodeling after transcatheter closure in patients with permanent AF. This study was designed to compare cardiac events and remodeling effects after transcatheter closure in such patients. Methods: Clinical data of 289 adult patients older than 40 years who underwent ASD closure at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, 63 patients with permanent AF were assigned to the case group, and the other 226 patients without permanent AF were assigned to the control group. Cardiac events and changes in left and right cardiac cavity dimensions before the procedure and 6 months after the procedure were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients in the case group were significantly older than those in the control group. The right ventricular (RV) volume and right atrial (RA) volume were decreased significantly in both the groups during a median follow-up period of 6 months after closure (P < 0.001). The left atrial dimensions, left ventricular end-systolic dimensions, left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions and left ventricular ejection fraction showed no significant change before and after the procedure in both the groups. Changes of the RV volume and RA volume in the case group were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P = 0.005 and P < 0.001). The New York Heart Association cardiac function was improved in both the groups during the 6 months follow-up period. Conclusions: The transcatheter closure of ASD can improve the cardiac remodeling and cardiac function in patients with or without AF.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d7/16/CMJ-128-780.PMC4833982.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015741", "abstract": "Percutaneous approaches to upper tract urothelial cancers have been performed in patients unsuitable for radical nephroureterectomy. We present the case of an 82-year-old man with significant comorbidities including dependency on a cardiac pacemaker. Without deactivating the pacemaker, we used bipolar cautery to percutaneously resect a large upper tract urothelial tumor in the renal pelvis. Bipolar cautery is a suitable method of percutaneous or transurethral resection in patients who are pacemaker dependent. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/60/jsls-10-4-535.PMC3015741.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4935003", "abstract": "Background Resident procedure minimums have been established in surgical training programs to ensure adequate training experience. However, achievement of these minimums may fluctuate. Review of resident experience is essential for maintaining successful training curricula. Objective To evaluate trends in ophthalmology resident surgical experience from 2009 to 2015. Methods This was a database study reviewing Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ophthalmology resident surgical case logs. Case logs from 2,797 US ophthalmology residents were reviewed for trends in average surgical cases performed by residents as primary surgeon in the area of cataract, cornea, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, plastics, and trauma from 2009 to 2015. Results Significant trends in resident surgical experience were demonstrated in the areas of cataract, retina, and glaucoma, while experience in cornea, pediatrics, plastics, and trauma remained stable. These trends included an increase in average cases of phacoemulsification cataract surgery from 143.8 to 173.6, vitreous tap/inject procedures from 31.3 to 93.1, and glaucoma shunt surgery from 4.5 to 6.7, with a decline in average cases of nonphacoemulsification cataract surgery from 3.8 to 2.2, retinal photocoagulation from 59.6 to 45.5, and filtering surgery from 6 to 4.5. Conclusion Trends in ophthalmology surgical experience in cataract, retina, and glaucoma paralleled new surgical or therapeutic developments as well as practice pattern shifts in these fields. Educators should be cognizant of the impact of such trends on resident experience and determine if curricular adjustments should be made to maintain comprehensive education of physicians-in-training.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/3b/opth-10-1205.PMC4935003.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421522", "abstract": "Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection involving the skin is rare. We present a case of a renal transplant recipient who developed fever and axillary, scrotal and penile skin ulcers after renal transplantation. The skin ulcers did not heal with antibiotics. The skin biopsy revealed CMV inclusion bodies, CMV antigen on immunohistochemistry and high CMV DNA copies. The patient was diagnosed with CMV cutaneous ulcers. The skin ulcers healed after treatment with intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir. The diagnosis of CMV disease should be considered in the febrile immunosuppressed patient with skin ulcers. The biopsy of the cutaneous lesions may provide the diagnostic clue in such patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/10/sfq082.PMC4421522.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3504452", "abstract": "This study histometrically evaluated the effect of forced alcohol intake by stressed animals on the severity of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided in four groups: group GAL—alcohol and ligature; group GASL—alcohol, chronic physical stress, and ligature; GNC—negative control; GPC—positive control. GAL and GASL received 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4e/15/PMC3504452.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5418885", "abstract": "Actinic granuloma is a rare granulomatous reaction that is more commonly seen in females and thought to occur as an autoimmune response to actinic damage of elastic tissue. We discuss a case of a patient with actinic granuloma presenting with concomitant temporal arteritis. Our case and review of the literature emphasize the association between actinic granuloma and temporal arteritis, a serious inflammatory condition that could lead to blindness if misdiagnosed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/38/main.PMC5418885.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3936563", "abstract": "Background and Objectives Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of major pathogens in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). In addition to intrinsic MRSA infection of the mastoid air cell system, nasal colonization of MRSA, a known predictor of postoperative surgical site infection, may pose increased risk of postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to describe microbiology of preoperative nasal swab screening and localized middle ear specimens in patients undergoing otologic surgeries. Subjects and Methods Forty-nine consecutive patients with CSOM who underwent middle ear surgery were included. Preoperative nasal swabs for MRSA, and preoperative and intraoperative middle ear swabs were collected and compared for pathogens. Results Preoperative nasal swab screening confirmed MRSA colonization in 3/49 patients (6.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/45/kja-16-75.PMC3936563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3819751", "abstract": " Background. Fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly prevalent and severely impacts quality of life. Recent studies suggested that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) significantly contributes to fatigue in MS. Study Objective. To evaluate the importance of routine respirography in MS patients with severe fatigue and to explore the effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Patients and Methods. We prospectively assessed the presence of severe fatigue, as defined by a score of ≥5.0 on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), in 258 consecutive MS patients. Ninety-seven patients (38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/29/PMC3819751.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3664721", "abstract": "A novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus was discovered in February 2013 in China and has resulted in more than 100 comfirmed human infections including 26 fatal cases as of May 2, 2013. The situation raises many urgent questions and global public health concerns. In this study, epidemiologic characteristics of infected human cases in Jiangsu province were analyzed and risk assessment was undertaken based on the information available. Briefly, it is highly unlikely that a pandemic of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus will happen in Jiangsu Province in the near future. In the end, some measures are recommended to prevent the situation from becoming worse.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/8b/PMC3664721.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC416487", "abstract": "Background Severe obesity is associated with important morbidity and increased mortality. The successes of lifestyle modifications and drug therapy have been partial and mostly unsustained in reducing obesity and its comorbidities. Bariatric surgery, particularly biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch reduces efficiently excess body weight and improves metabolic and cardiovascular functions. Case presentation A 56-year-old man with severe clinical obesity underwent a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch after unsuccessful treatment with weight loss pharmacotherapy. He had diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea syndrome and was on three medications for hypertension and two hypoglycemic agents in addition to > 200 insulin units daily. Eleven months after the surgery, he had lost 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/08/14/PMC416487.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3053536", "abstract": "Neurobrucellosis has been reported to cause lesions in a number of different locations in the central nervous system. Histologically or radiologically, these lesions were consistent with an infection. In response to parents who believed their child's brain tumor, histologically typical of medulloblastoma, was in reality neurobrucellosis, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from the medulloblastoma was sectioned, DNA extracted, and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Specific primer/probe sets, designed in our laboratory to target Brucella species, B. melitensis, B. abortus and B. suis, and designated OMP31, B-m, B-a and B-s, respectively, were used in TaqMan real-time PCR to amplify those gene targets in two separate blocks of the child's tumor. Sections from two blocks were positive only for Brucella species. Although the patient grew up in a European country known to harbor brucella in foods, such as unpasturized milk and cheese, the patient was seronegative for B. mellitensis, B. suis, and B. abortus. In an effort to test whether a relationship existed between the presence of brucella and medulloblastoma, 20 medulloblastomas were retrieved from the tissue repository of the AFIP. The above four primer/probe sets were again used to amplify brucella DNA. Five of 20 tumors (25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/37/jcav02p0136.PMC3053536.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3797412", "abstract": "Purpose To determine predictors of distant metastases (DM) in prostate cancer patients treated with high dose rate brachytherapy boost (HDR-B) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Material and methods From 1991 to 2002, 768 men with localized prostate cancer were treated with HDR-B and EBRT. The mean EBRT dose was 37.5 Gy (range: 30.6-45 Gy), and the HDR-B was 22 or 24 Gy delivered in 4 fractions. Univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox proportional hazards model including age at diagnosis, T stage, Gleason score (GS), pretreatment PSA, biologically equivalent dose (BED), and use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was used to determine predictors of developing distant metastases. Results The median follow-up time for the entire patient population was 4.2 years (range: 1-11.2 years). Distant metastases were identified in 22/768 (3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/3f/JCB-5-21485.PMC3797412.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3405721", "abstract": "Down syndrome is caused by triplication of chromosome 21 and is associated with neurocognitive phenotypes ranging from severe intellectual disability to various patterns of more selective neuropsychological deficits, including memory impairments. In the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome, excessive GABAergic neurotransmission results in local over-inhibition of hippocampal circuits, which dampens hippocampal synaptic plasticity and contributes to cognitive impairments. Treatments with several GABAA receptor antagonists result in increased plasticity and improved memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice. These GABAA receptor antagonists are, however, not suitable for clinical applications. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, in contrast, is a widely prescribed antidepressant that can also enhance plasticity in the adult rodent brain by lowering GABAergic inhibition. For these reasons, we wondered if an adult-onset 4-week oral fluoxetine treatment restores spatial learning and memory impairments in Ts65Dn mice. Fluoxetine did not measurably improve behavioral impairments of Ts65Dn mice. On the contrary, we observed seizures and mortality in fluoxetine-treated Ts65Dn mice, raising the possibility of a drug × genotype interaction with respect to these adverse treatment outcomes. Future studies should re-address this in larger animal cohorts and determine if fluoxetine treatment is associated with adverse treatment effects in individuals with Down syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/a7/PMC3405721.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4954865", "abstract": "Infections in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can have a severe and atypical course. Some opportunistic pathogens are difficult to detect in microbiological tests, and that is why treatment success depends on an accurate clinical diagnosis. This article presents a case of a 7-year-old girl with severe aplastic anemia treated with bone marrow transplantation with post-transplantation period complicated by persistent, hectic fever, with peak episodes of 39–40°C, lasting several weeks. Repeated microbiological tests failed to reveal the etiological agent, and empirical anti-infective treatment was ineffective. In the fourth week of fever, imaging showed multiple foci resembling abscesses in the patient's internal organs and, subsequently, in soft tissues. The characteristics of these changes and data concerning environmental exposure led to the clinical diagnosis of cat scratch disease (bartonellosis) with multi-organ involvement and enabled the targeted treatment to be implemented. Fever subsided and organ lesions regressed. In this case, repeated ultrasound imaging was the basic diagnostic tool that helped arrive at a correct diagnosis and implement effective treatment of this life-threatening complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/28/PMC4954865.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3960775", "abstract": " Saraca asoca has been traditionally used in Indian system for treatment of uterine, genital, and other reproductive disorders in women, fever, pain, and inflammation. The hypothesis of this study is that acetone extract of Saraca asoca seeds is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis in animal experiments. The antiarthritic effect of its oral administration on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis has been studied in Wistar albino rats after acute and subacute toxicities. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, while no mortality or morbidity was observed up to 1000 mg/kg dose during acute and subacute toxicity assessments. Regular treatment up to 21 days of adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with Saraca asoca acetone extract (at 300 and 500 mg/kg doses) increases RBC and Hb, decreases WBC, ESR, and prostaglandin levels in blood, and restores body weight when compared with control (normal saline) and standard (Indomethacin) groups. Significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect was observed especially at higher dose on paw edema, ankle joint inflammation, and hydroxyproline and glucosamine concentrations in urine. Normal radiological images of joint and histopathological analysis of joint, liver, stomach, and kidney also confirmed its significant nontoxic, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory effect.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/09/ae/PMC3960775.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3951102", "abstract": "KSHV is the etiologic agent for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a neoplasm that manifests most aggressively as multifocal lesions on parts of human skin with a propensity for inflammatory reactivity. However, mechanisms that control evolution of KS from a benign hyperplasia to the histologically complex cutaneous lesion remain unknown. In this study, we found that KSHV induces proteomic and morphological changes in melanocytes and melanoma-derived cell lines, accompanied by deregulation of the endogenous anti-inflammatory responses anchored by the MC1-R/α-MSH signaling axis. We also identified two skin-derived cell lines that displayed differences in ability to support long-term KSHV infection and mapped this dichotomy to differences in (a) NF-κB activation status, (b) processing and expression of KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen isoforms putatively associated with the viral lytic cycle, and (c) susceptibility to virus-induced changes in expression of key anti-inflammatory response genes that antagonize NF-κB, including MC1-R, POMC, TRP-1, and xCT. Viral subversion of molecules that control the balance between latency and lytic replication represents a novel correlate of KSHV pathogenesis and tropism in skin and underscores the potential benefit of harnessing the endogenous anti-inflammatory processes as a therapeutic option for attenuating cutaneous KS and other proinflammatory outcomes of KSHV infection in high-risk individuals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/69/PMC3951102.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3520468", "abstract": "There are a limited number of non-invasive imaging techniques available for assessing the choroid, a structure that may be affected by a variety of retinal disorders or become primarily involved in conditions such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and choroidal tumors. The introduction of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) has provided the advantage of in vivo cross-sectional imaging of the choroid, similar to the retina, with standard commercially available spectral-domain OCT machines. In this article, we review this imaging technique and introduce choroidal mapping as a novel approach for obtaining accurate topographic and volumetric information on the choroid in normal and diseased states.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/f4/JOVR-07-180.PMC3520468.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5154971", "abstract": "Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and endemic in certain areas of Central and South America. We report a case of a 62-year-old-man with a complex history of tuberculosis and imaging findings of a cerebral lesion and bilateral adrenal enlargement. Biopsy of adrenal gland revealed Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This case highlights the importance of travel history for diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis in non-endemic areas and emphasizes the clinical and histopathological similarities with tuberculosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/89/main.PMC5154971.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4383500", "abstract": "A gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometer (GCMS) method was developed and validated for determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish using modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method for extraction and solid phase extraction for sample cleanup to remove most of the coextract combined with GCMS for determination of low concentration of selected group of PAHs in homogenized fish samples. PAHs were separated on a GCMS with HP-5ms Ultra Inert GC Column (30 m, 0.25 mm, and 0.25 µm). Mean recovery ranged from 56 to 115", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/86/PMC4383500.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2796377", "abstract": "Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are CD4+Foxp3+ cells that modulate autoimmune responses. Tregs have been shown to be also involved during the immune response against infectious agents. The aim of this work is to study the role of Tregs during the infection with the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Resistant BALB/c mice were injected with 200 μg of anti-CD25 mAb (clone PC61) and 2 days later they were infected with 20 cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii. We observed that depleted mice showed 50–60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/bb/PMC2796377.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3597916", "abstract": "We report a rare case of the concurrent manifestation of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A 56 year-old man was diagnosed as a type 2 DM on the basis of hyperglycemia with polyuria and polydipsia at a local clinic two months ago and started an oral hypoglycemic medication, but resulted in no symptomatic improvement at all. Upon admission to the university hospital, the patient's initial fasting blood sugar level was 140 mg/dL, and he showed polydipsic and polyuric conditions more than 8 L urine/day. Despite the hyperglycemia controlled with metformin and diet, his symptoms persisted. Further investigations including water deprivation test confirmed the coexisting CDI of unknown origin, and the patient's symptoms including an intense thirst were markedly improved by desmopressin nasal spray (10 µg/day). The possibility of a common origin of CDI and type 2 DM is raised in a review of the few relevant adult cases in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/9d/ebp-10-31.PMC3597916.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4857656", "abstract": "Background: Workplace violence is a serious and problematic phenomenon in health care settings. Research shows that health care workers are at the highest risk of such violence. The aim of this study was to address the frequency of physical violence against Iranian health personnel, their response to such violence, as well as the contributing factors to physical violence. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011, in which 6500 out of 57,000 health personnel working in some teaching hospitals were selected using multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using the questionnaire of “Workplace Violence in the Health Sector” developed by the International Labor Organization, the International Council of Nurses, the World Health Organization, and the Public Services International. Results: The findings revealed that 23.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/ff/IJNMR-21-232.PMC4857656.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3045607", "abstract": "We develop a simple elastic model to study the conformation of DNA in the nucleosome core particle. In this model, the changes in the energy of the covalent bonds that connect the base pairs of each strand of the DNA double helix, as well as the lateral displacements and the rotation of adjacent base pairs are considered. We show that because of the rigidity of the covalent bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbones, the base pair parameters are highly correlated, especially, strong twist-roll-slide correlation in the conformation of the nucleosomal DNA is vividly observed in the calculated results. This simple model succeeds to account for the detailed features of the structure of the nucleosomal DNA, particularly, its more important base pair parameters, roll and slide, in good agreement with the experimental results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/5b/gkq952.PMC3045607.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2684153", "abstract": "Proximal wrist extensor tendinopathy, which is also known as tennis elbow, is pain at or just distal to the lateral humeral epicondyle within the proximal wrist extensor tendon. It occurs commonly in certain athletes but can also occur in people with jobs that require repetitive movements of the hand and upper limb. In most cases the tendon involved shows no signs of inflammation or tendonitis, but instead shows fibroblasts, vascular hyperplasia, and disorganized collagen. Diagnosis is often made by history and physical exam alone. Most people respond to conservative measures including activity modification, analgesics, manipulation of tissue, and exercise. In some cases, an injection of corticosteroid or botulinum toxin may be used. Surgery is rarely needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/bd/PMC2684153.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3928351", "abstract": "Mild traumatic brain injury is common in elderly patients, many of whom are on anticoagulant. The common practice is to discharge these patients from the emergency room if the computed tomography (CT) of the brain is normal. However, a very small proportion of these patients may develop a life threatening intracranial haematoma in the following days. We present here a case of a 66-year-old male on anticoagulant therapy that developed a subdural haematoma 48 hours after a mild head injury, with a normal initial CT scan of the brain. The patient underwent a craniotomy with evacuation of a large subdural clot. Postoperatively he had progressively improved and six months later has a Glasgow Outcome Score of three. This case is characterized by the delayed onset of a subdural haematoma in a patient on anticoagulation and we discuss here the possible pathogenesis related to this phenomenon. We also briefly review the pertinent literature and the current guidelines for the management of this type of head injuries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/a1/jkns-55-51.PMC3928351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4252351", "abstract": "A 74-year-old man who had been receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation, underwent emergency thrombectomy. A central venous catheter (CVC) was inserted via the left subclavian vein, and heparin was administered to prevent preoperative and postoperative thrombotic events. After an uneventful thrombectomy, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). On the second postoperative day, the patient developed syncope and his blood pressure and oxygen saturation decreased. A computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge hematoma under the pectoralis major muscle. The patient was then treated with continuous renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation for multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, which developed due to hemorrhagic shock in the ICU. These findings suggest that when a CVC is inserted in patients requiring anticoagulant therapy, the possible risk of excessive bleeding must be carefully considered. Further, choosing a proper insertion site and performing an ultrasound-guided aspiration may be helpful in preventing these complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/f5/kjae-67-358.PMC4252351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3900312", "abstract": "Background Substantial opportunity exists to improve medication management in the period following a hospital discharge. The objective of this study was to assess and improve medication management during care transitions through pharmacist home visits and the use of an electronic personal health record (ePHR) system. Methods Recently discharged patients aged 50 years or older and having a chronic medical condition were offered the opportunity to meet with a pharmacist in the home setting to review medication instructions and receive a demonstration of an ePHR system. Patients agreeable to using the ePHR system were offered pharmacist support with setting up the ePHR system, having emphasis on documenting and reviewing medication regimens. Medication-related problems identified by the pharmacist during the visit were categorized according to ePHR use and by other characteristics. Results Thirty recently discharged patients with chronic disease were visited by a pharmacist over a 6-month period. The percentage of medication-related problems identified by the pharmacist was greater among those patients who agreed to use the ePHR system, as compared with patients whose visit did not include use of the ePHR (75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/dd/dhps-6-001.PMC3900312.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2778445", "abstract": "Vitamin D deficiency is common in the developing countries and exists in both childhood and adult life. The great importance of Vitamin D is the moderation of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) homeostasis as well as the absorption of Ca. While insufficiency of vitamin D is a significant contributing factor to risk of rickets in childhood, it is possible that a more marginal deficiency of vitamin D during life span contribute to osteoporosis as well as potentially to the development and various other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. This paper reviews the metabolism, epidemiology, and treatment of vitamin D and calcium insufficiency as well as its relation to various diseases during childhood and adolescence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/16/PMC2778445.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5348163", "abstract": "Abstract Several studies have suggested an association between use of metformin and an increased overall survival in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, however with several important methodological limitations. The aim of the study was to assess the association between overall survival, pancreatic cancer, and metformin use. A retrospective cohort study of 1111 patients with pancreatic cancer was conducted using data from The Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (1998–2011). Data were linked to the PHARMO Database Network containing drug-dispensing records from community pharmacies. Patients were classified as metformin user or sulfonylurea derivatives user from the moment of first dispensing until the end of follow up. The difference in overall survival between metformin users and nonusers was assessed, and additionally between metformin users and sulfonylurea derivatives users. Univariable and multivariable parametric survival models were used and use of metformin and sulfonylurea derivatives was included as time-varying covariates. Of the 1111 patients, 91 patients were excluded because of differences in morphology, 48 patients because of using merely metformin before diagnosis, and 57 metformin-users ever used contemporary sulfonylurea derivatives and were therefore excluded. Lastly, 8 patients with a survival of zero months were excluded. This resulted in 907 patients for the analysis. Overall, 77 users of metformin, 43 users of sulfonylurea derivatives, and 787 nonusers were identified. The adjusted rate ratio for overall survival for metformin users versus nonusers was 0.86 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/dc/medi-96-e6229.PMC5348163.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3604573", "abstract": "Purpose The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate postoperative infectious complications (PICs) in our early experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) followed by mechanical morcellation for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of the clinical data for 90 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP at our institution between February 2008 and March 2011. All patients were evaluated for the emergence of PICs, including prophylactic antibiotic administration (PAA) and the influence of the kind or duration of PAA on PIC. The details of cases with PICs were also examined. Results The patients' mean age was 71 years (range, 50 to 95 years), and their mean prostate volume was 60 mL (range, 2 to 250 mL). There were 7 cases (7.78", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/c6/kju-54-189.PMC3604573.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2688910", "abstract": "The presence of mammary glands is the defining morphological feature of mammals. The recent assembly of the bovine genome and a report in Genome Biology that links the milk and lactation data of bovine and other mammalian genomes will help biologists investigate this economically and medically important feature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/b7/PMC2688910.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045509", "abstract": "This investigation is part of an ongoing large scale study using volumetric breast ultrasound (VBUS) as a screening modality in mammographically dense breasts, offering a substantial benefit to MR imaging of the breast in terms of cost and efficiency. The addition of VBUS to mammography in women with greater than 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/9d/PMC4045509.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4421708", "abstract": "Ascites, oliguria and increasing serum creatinine levels are often noted in patients with acute kidney injury. However, these presentations are also observed in patients with intraperitoneal urinary leakage. Bladder perforation without obvious trauma is sometimes mistaken for acute kidney injury. We report two cases of bladder perforation resembling acute kidney injury. The first case was a 37-year-old woman with delayed intraperitoneal urinary leakage following total abdominal hysterectomy, and the second was a 70-year-old woman with spontaneous bladder perforation. Although the initial diagnosis in both cases was acute kidney injury, rupture of the urinary bladder was later identified.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/ae/sfq107.PMC4421708.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3579986", "abstract": "Objectives Desmoplastic small round cell tumours (DSRCTs) are rare aggressive tumours of young adults that present late and have poor prognosis. This review discusses distinctive radiological features, histopathology and clinical course of this soft-tissue sarcoma. Methods From 1991 to 2012, the radiology of 20 patients with pathologically proven DSRCT was independently reviewed by two experienced radiologists. The clinical presentation, treatment and outcome were recorded. Results Patients: 16 men, four women; mean age 28.3 years. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated peritoneal/omental masses without an organ of origin (94 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/80/13244_2012_Article_212.PMC3579986.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3010120", "abstract": "A prime goal in systems biology is the comprehensive use of existing high-throughput genomic datasets to gain a better understanding of chromatin organization and genome function. In this report, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) data that map protein-binding sites on the genome, and Hi-C data that map interactions between DNA fragments in the genome in an integrative approach. We first reanalyzed the contact map of the human genome as determined with Hi-C and found that long-range interactions are highly nonrandom; the same DNA fragments are often found interacting together. We then show using ChIP data that these interactions can be explained by the action of the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). These CTCF-mediated interactions are found both within chromosomes and in between different chromosomes. This makes CTCF a major organizer of both the structure of the chromosomal fiber within each individual chromosome and of the chromosome territories within the cell nucleus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/6a/msb201079.PMC3010120.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5073656", "abstract": "Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe bacterial infection involving fascia and subcutaneous tissue. It generally affects upper or lower extremities unilaterally, and there are few reports of bilateral-extremity NF. Here, we report a case of a 43-year-old male with type 1 diabetes who had NF on the left foot and subsequently developed NF on the other foot 1 week later. The patient survived with antimicrobial therapy and bilateral below-knee amputation. As group B streptococcus (GBS) was isolated by blood culture and culture of excised tissues of both feet, bilateral GBS NF of the foot was diagnosed. GBS is a rare causative pathogen in NF; however, there have been two case reports of bilateral GBS NF of an extremity in which NF appeared on the opposite extremity 1 week after the primary site infection, as in our case. GBS was isolated from cultures of blood and excised tissues of both extremities in both cases. Together, these observations suggest that GBS has a potential to cause secondary NF at remote sites by hematogenous dissemination with approximately 1 week delay and thereby lead to bilateral NF.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/6d/cde-0008-0243.PMC5073656.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3825547", "abstract": "There are many age-associated changes in the respiratory and pulmonary immune system. These changes include decreases in the volume of the thoracic cavity, reduced lung volumes, and alterations in the muscles that aid respiration. Muscle function on a cellular level in the aging population is less efficient. The elderly population has less pulmonary reserve, and cough strength is decreased in the elderly population due to anatomic changes and muscle atrophy. Clearance of particles from the lung through the mucociliary elevator is decreased and associated with ciliary dysfunction. Many complex changes in immunity with aging contribute to increased susceptibility to infections including a less robust immune response from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Considering all of these age-related changes to the lungs, pulmonary disease has significant consequences for the aging population. Chronic lower respiratory tract disease is the third leading cause of death in people aged 65 years and older. With a large and growing aging population, it is critical to understand how the body changes with age and how this impacts the entire respiratory system. Understanding the aging process in the lung is necessary in order to provide optimal care to our aging population. This review focuses on the nonpathologic aging process in the lung, including structural changes, changes in muscle function, and pulmonary immunologic function, with special consideration of obstructive lung disease in the elderly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/f4/cia-8-1489.PMC3825547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3810762", "abstract": "Serologic studies are urgently needed to assist in understanding an outbreak of influenza A(H7N9) virus. However, a biosafety level 3 laboratory is required for conventional serologic assays with live lethal virus. We describe a safe pseudovirus–based neutralization assay with preliminary assessment using subtype H7N9–infected samples and controls.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/85/PMC3810762.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3350854", "abstract": " Objective. To review the recent literature on the clinical features, genetic mutations, neurobiology associated with dysregulation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and clinical trials for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), and phosphatase and tensin homolog hamartoma syndromes (PTHS), which are neurogenetic disorders associated with abnormalities in synaptic plasticity and mTOR signaling. Methods. Pubmed and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched using specific search strategies. Results/Conclusions. Although traditionally thought of as irreversible disorders, significant scientific progress has been made in both humans and preclinical models to understand how pathologic features of these neurogenetic disorders can be reduced or reversed. This paper revealed significant similarities among the conditions. Not only do they share features of impaired synaptic plasticity and dysregulation of mTOR, but they also share clinical features—autism, intellectual disability, cutaneous lesions, and tumors. Although scientific advances towards discovery of effective treatment in some disorders have outpaced others, progress in understanding the signaling pathways that connect the entire group indicates that the lesser known disorders will become treatable as well.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/02/PMC3350854.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897494", "abstract": "Female sex workers (FSWs) who inject drugs have higher risks of HIV infection due to injection drug use and the array of sexual practices employed. This study, therefore, is designed to determine sexual practices of FSWs who inject drug in Osogbo, Nigeria. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive mixed-methods design. Twenty-seven FSWs who inject drug were selected from 11 brothels by snowball sampling and interviewed with a semistructured questionnaire and in-depth interview guide. The mean age of respondents was 26.2 ± 7.5. Many of the respondents were aware of the magnitude of HIV and some were sex workers first before turning to be drug users. Some of the respondents had ever tested for HIV and few had ever been treated for STI more than once. Some respondents were willing to have male clients who do not wear a condom in exchange for accepting more money in return. Many of the respondents reported use of condom, regular talking of herbs, and good personal hygiene as ways of protecting themselves from HIV. Respondents have relatively high numbers of sexual partners. Involving sex workers directly in HIV prevention campaigns will encourage them to look after their health and to access services that could help them.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/e9/PMC4897494.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4344650", "abstract": "Background: Studies showed that HBV vaccination and consequent level of antibody are not completely adequate among dentists despite performance of highly exposure prone procedures. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the levels of responsiveness to HBV vaccine and to determine the occupational factors associated among dental staff. Materials and Methods: In total, 1612 dental health care workers were recruited. The level of anti-HBs was tested using a commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on demographic, risk factors associated with dental practice and level of protective procedures and occupational exposure aspects were collected through self-reported questionnaires. Results: Of 1538 vaccinated individuals, 55 (3.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/c1/hepatmon-15-01-20014.PMC4344650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5192027", "abstract": "To our knowledge, the imaging features of costochondral grafts (CCGs) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) have not been documented in the literature. We present the case of a CCG in the facial soft tissue to the anterior mandible, with changes mimicking a cartilaginous neoplasm. This is the first report to describe the CBCT imaging features of a long-standing graft in the anterior mandible. Implants or grafts may be incidental findings on radiographic images made for unrelated purposes. Although most are well-defined and radiographically homogeneous, being of relatively inert non-biological material, immune reactions to some grafts may stimulate alterations in the appearance of surrounding tissues. Biological implants may undergo growth and differentiation, causing their appearance to mimic neoplastic lesions. We present the case of a cosmetic autogenous CCG that posed a diagnostic challenge both radiographically and histopathologically.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/bc/isd-46-279.PMC5192027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2688657", "abstract": "Previous applications of microarray technology for cancer research have mostly focused on identifying genes that are differentially expressed between a particular cancer and normal cells. In a biological system, genes perform different molecular functions and regulate various biological processes via interactions with other genes thus forming a variety of complex networks. Therefore, it is critical to understand the relationship (e.g., interactions) between genes across different types of cancer in order to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Here we propose an integrative method based on the bootstrapping Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and a large set of microarray data produced with various types of cancer to discover common molecular changes in cells from normal state to cancerous state. We evaluate our method using three key pathways related to cancer and demonstrate that it is capable of finding meaningful alterations in gene relations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/2d/PMC2688657.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3888095", "abstract": "A 2-year-old patient with a neuroblastoma developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) following treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin. Following treatment with eculizumab, there was a substantial improvement in renal function with the recovery of the platelet count and the cessation of haemolysis. Subsequent investigations showed a novel, heterozygous CD46 splice site mutation with reduced peripheral blood neutrophil CD46 expression. Withdrawal of eculizumab was followed by the recurrence of disease activity, which resolved with re-introduction of therapy. Abnormal regulation of complement may be associated with other cases of cisplatin-induced HUS and treatment with eculizumab may be appropriate for other affected individuals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/3f/sft065.PMC3888095.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5139966", "abstract": "Nutritional status is very important especially in older adults because of its effects on quality of life. Phytobezoar, for instance, that can lead to small bowel obstruction has risk factors such as excessive consumption of foods with high fiber content and inadequate chewing. These factors are related to dietary habits. Furthermore, aging process and some of related physiologic changes can predispose one to phytobezoar formation. We describe a 61-yr-old man presented to the Emergency Department of Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, in 2015 with small bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar following large amount of pomegranate seeds intake a few days before admission as an example of increased morbidity relating to unusual dietary habit.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/79/09/PMC5139966.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3390057", "abstract": "Drug-coated balloon has been developed as an alternative to drug-eluting stents for in-stent restenosis but the performance of drug infusion balloon in such setting has not been previously described. We present a case of particularly aggressive in-stent restenosis after drug eluting stent implantation treated with a new kind of drug infusion balloon developed in order to overcome the impossibility to inflate regular drug-coated balloon for several dilatation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/bb/jgc-08-01-065.PMC3390057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4074718", "abstract": "Introduction To assess the feasibility of converting from 300IU to 200IU OnabotulinumtoxinA in patients diagnosed with either idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) or neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Material and methods Retrospective case–notes review of patients who were converted from 300IU to 200IU OnabotulinumtoxinA. Subjective patient reported improvements at interview and bladder diary reported parameters of urgency, urgency incontinence, frequency and nocturia. Results Forty–four patients had received 300IU OnabotulinumtoxinA and were switched to 200IU after July 2008, 28 for IDO and 16 for NDO. Thirty–seven patients reported ongoing improvement with 200IU OnabotulinumtoxinA, six patients had worsening in their symptoms since down–titrating to 200IU and one patient did not attend follow–up. Improvement in urgency and urgency incontinence episodes per day were 82", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/74/CEJU-67-00330.PMC4074718.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4365325", "abstract": "An UHPLC-MS/MS multiresidue method based on an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of 9 perfluorinated carboxylates (from 4 to 12 carbon atoms) and 3 perfluorinated sulphonates (from 4 to 8 carbon atoms). This work proposes using an on-line solid phase extraction before chromatographic separation and analysis to replace traditional methods of off-line SPE before direct injection to LC-MS/MS. Manual sample preparation was reduced to sample centrifugation and acidification, thus eliminating several procedural errors and significantly reducing time-consuming and costs. Ionization suppression between target perfluorinated analytes and their coeluting SIL-IS were detected for homologues with a number of carbon atoms less than 9, but the quantitation was not affected. Total matrix effect corrected by SIL-IS, inclusive of extraction efficacy, and of ionization efficiency, ranged between −34 and +39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e8/da/PMC4365325.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4205257", "abstract": "Coil migration into the parent artery during endovascular coil embolization is a rare, but life-threatening complication, which can induce thromboembolism and result in poor outcome. A 63-year-old man was referred to Chonbuk National University Hospital emergency center due to migration of a coil for a left middle cerebral artery bifurcation unruptured aneurysm. We performed an emergency craniectomy to remove the coil migrated to the distal M2 branch and thrombus, and aneurysmal neck clipping for his aneurysm. Fortunately, at the six month follow-up, the patient did not show any noticeable neurological sequela. In case of parent artery occlusion due to coil migration an immediate recanalization should be performed by a neurovascular specialist who can provide both surgical treatment and endovascular management in order to prevent severe sequela or even death.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/b3/jcen-16-287.PMC4205257.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4606448", "abstract": "Studies using the revised hypertension classification are needed to better understand epidemiology of hypertension across full distribution. The sociodemographic, biological, and health behavior characteristics associated with different stages of hypertension in Ghana and South Africa (SA) were studied using global ageing and adult health (SAGE), WAVE 1 dataset. Blood pressure was assessed for a total of 7545 respondents, 2980 from SA and 4565 from Ghana. Hypertension was defined using JNC7 blood pressure classification considering previous diagnosis and treatment. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis using Stata version 12 statistical software was done to identify independent predictors. The weighted prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in Ghana was 30.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/7a/PMC4606448.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3440856", "abstract": " Background. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the acute clinical manifestations represent acute on chronic inflammation. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is found in the granules of human neutrophils, with many diverse functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that levels NGAL in blood may reflect the inflammatory process in various stages of coronary artery disease. Methods. We studied 140 patients, with SA 40, UA 35, NSTEMI 40, and STEMI 25, and 20 healthy controls. Serum NGAL was measured upon admission and before coronary angiography.  Results. Significant differences were observed in median serum-NGAL(ng/mL) between patients with SA (79.23 (IQR, 37.50–100.32)), when compared with UA (108.00 (68.34–177.59)), NSTEMI (166.49 (109.24–247.20)), and STEMI (178.63 (111.18–305.92)) patients and controls (50.31 (44.30–69.78)) with significant incremental value from SA to STEMI. We observed a positive and significant correlation between serum-NGAL and hs-CRP (spearman coefficient rho = 0.685, P < 0.0001) as well as with neutrophil counts (r = 0.511, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. In patients with coronary artery disease serum levels of NGAL increase and reflect the degree of inflammatory process. In patients with acute coronary syndromes, serum levels of NGAL have high negative predictive value and reflecting the inflammatory status could show the severity of coronary clinical syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/69/PMC3440856.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3239233", "abstract": "In many fields it is now desirable to sequence large panels of genes for mutation, to aid management of patients. The need for extensive sample preparation means that current approaches for assessing mutation status in the clinical setting are limited. A recent publication demonstrates a single-step, targeted, true single-molecule sequencing approach to assessing the mutational status of BRCA1. Fragmented DNA samples are loaded directly onto a flow cell and sequenced, thus detecting both small- and large-scale mutations with minimal sample preparation and high accuracy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/fb/PMC3239233.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3770048", "abstract": "This study investigates the relationship between diet quality and weight gain in young women. Young women (n = 4,287, with 1,356 women identified as plausible subsample aged 27.6 ± 1.5 years at baseline) sampled from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health study completed food frequency questionnaires in 2003, which were used to evaluate diet quality using three indices: Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS), Australian Diet Quality Index (Aus-DQI), and Fruit and Vegetable Index (FAVI). Weight was self-reported in 2003 and 2009. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the association between tertiles of each diet quality index and weight change from 2003 to 2009. The ARFS and FAVI were significant predictors of 6-year weight change in this group of young women, while Aus-DQI did not predict weight change (P > 0.05). In the fully adjusted model, those who were in the top tertile of the ARFS significantly gained lower weight gain compared with the lower tertile for the plausible TEI sub-sample (β = −1.6 kg (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/05/01/PMC3770048.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4967641", "abstract": "We describe a case of a 35-year-old male patient who was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and developed a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction 2 min after the administration of sugammadex. He manifested erythematous wheals on the entire body, dyspnea, hypotension, and tachycardia. These symptoms disappeared after the administration of epinephrine. The patient recovered and was discharged at postoperative day 5 without any complications. After 7 weeks, we performed a skin prick test, and there was a weakly positive reaction for sugammadex. This case is suspected anaphylaxis associated with sugammadex, and we need to be aware that the use of sugammadex is associated with a serious risk of anaphylaxis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/3c/kjae-69-413.PMC4967641.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3335326", "abstract": "HPLC in combination with automated analytical system and ESI/MS/MS was used to analyze aconitine (A), mesaconitine (MA), hypaconitine (HA), and their benzoyl analogs in the Chinese herbs Caowu and Chuanwu. First, an HPLC method was developed and validated to determine A, MA, and HA in raw and processed Caowu and Chuanwu. Then an automated analytical system and ESI/MS/MS were applied to analyze these alkaloids and their semihydrolyzed products. The results obtained from automated analytical system are identical to those from ESI/MS/MS, which indicated that the method is a convenient and rapid tool for the qualitative analysis of herbal preparations. Furthermore, HA was little hydrolyzed by heating processes and thus it might account more for the toxicity of processed aconites. Hence, HA could be used as an indicator when one alkaloid is required as a reference to monitor the quality of raw and processed Chuanwu and Caowu. In addition, the raw and processed Chuanwu and Caowu can be distinguished by monitoring the ratio of A and MA to HA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/b7/PMC3335326.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3218303", "abstract": "Tyrosinase is a bifunctional enzyme which oxidizes the initial step of melanin biosynthesis, that is, conversion of tyrosine to dopa and subsequently dopa to dopaquinone. It is a glycosylated protein and a major regulator of melanogenesis. To date, many approaches have been tried to regulate tyrosinase activity and melanin content. To that end, we screened small interfering RNA sequences for sequence-inhibited tyrosinase expression in B16 cells and in C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed tyrosinase mRNA levels by quantitative real-time PCR and determined tyrosinase activity and melanin content at 24, 48, and 72 hours after transfection. Results showed that siNM_011661_001 was the most efficient small interfering RNA sequence in suppressing tyrosinase mRNA expression, and cells transfected with this sequence showed lower tyrosinase activity. Moreover, intravitreous injection of siNM_011661_001 in C57BL/6 mice induced an efficient and stable gene-specific inhibition of expression at the posttranscriptional level.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/26/PMC3218303.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4908221", "abstract": "Intraosseous ganglion cyst of the carpal bones represents a rare cause of wrist pain. We report a case of a 42 year-old, right-handed female, who presented with pain of the right wrist following a fall on the palm of the hand. Clinical study revealed a moderate swelling over the mid-section of the palmar face and pain through extreme ranges of motion of the wrist. Plain radiographs and CT-scan of the wrist have revealed an intraosseous ganglion cyst of the lunate bone. Curetting-filling by Kuhlman's vascularized radial bone graft allowed a good functional recovery. The clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/f0/main.PMC4908221.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881875", "abstract": "Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of frequently ingested beverages on force degradation of intermaxillary elastics.  Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty 1/4-inch intermaxillary elastics (TP Orthodontics) were immersed into six different beverages: (1) Coca-Cola®; (2) Beer; (3) Orange juice; (4) Red wine; (5) Coffee and (6) artificial saliva (control). The period of immersion was 15 min for the first and second cycles and 30 min for the third to fifth cycles. Tensile forces were read in a tensile testing machine before and after the five immersion cycles. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify significant differences.  Results: Force degradation was seen in all evaluated groups and at all observation periods (p<0.05). A greater degree of degradation was present at the initial periods, decreasing gradually over time. However, no statistically significant differences were seen among groups at the same periods, showing that different groups behaved similarly.  Conclusion: The chemical nature of the evaluated beverages was not able to influence the degree of force degradation at all observation periods.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/00/jaos-21-02-0145.PMC3881875.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5296938", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Accurate designation of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the infecting microorganisms is an important crucial factor in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B antibiotics are in a family, reserved as an alternative approach in treatment of resistant Gram positive cocci. Amongst them, clindamycin has been considered as the preferred agent due to its excellent pharmacokinetic properties. The inducible resistance to clindamycin in Gram positive staphylococci and streptococci cannot be recognized by routine broth or agar based susceptibility tests and D-zone testing is necessary. This study is conducted to evaluate the frequency of inducible clindamycin resistance in Gram positive cocci. Materials and Methods: Using traditional culture methods, 487 isolates of staphylococcus and β-hemolytic streptococcus were evaluated. If they were resistant to erythromycin and sensitive to clindamycin in primary antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer method, they were subjected to D-zone testing to detect possible inducible clindamycin resistance. Results: Thirty three out of 172 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and 50 out of 277 isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were subjected for D-zone testing. Among them 13/33 and 28/50 showed inducible clindamycin resistance, respectively. There was no significant difference in inducible clindamycin resistance regarding to methicillin susceptibility pattern. Positive D-test was observed in 17.39 and 13.33", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/35/PMC5296938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981426", "abstract": "A young girl was admitted for fever, headache, paresthesia of the hands, involuntary blinking of the left eye and aphasia. Imaging revealed mycotic cerebral aneurysms and finally infective endocarditis was diagnosed and successfully treated with daptomycin. She had a history of mitral prolapse and she had undergone dental procedures some months before without any antibiotic prophylaxis, according to the 2007 guidelines of the American Heart Association.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/20/PMC3981426.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4296806", "abstract": "In June, 2011 at the United Nations (UN) in New York City, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank launched the first World Report on Disability. This short overview of the Report provides information about its purpose, development and content, intended audiences, and outcomes. Special attention is directed to the sections of the Report which address telerehabilitation and information and communication technology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/f9/PMC4296806.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4919491", "abstract": "PURPOSE A recently introduced direct drill-guiding implant surgery system features minimal tolerance of surgical instruments in the metal sleeve by using shank-modified drills and a sleeve-incorporated stereolithographic guide template. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of this new guided surgery system in partially edentulous patients using geometric analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the study, 21 implants were placed in 11 consecutive patients using the direct drill-guiding implant surgery system. The stereolithographic surgical guide was fabricated using cone-beam computed tomography, digital scanning, computer-aided design and computer-assisted manufacturing, and additive manufacturing processes. After surgery, the positional and angular deviations between planned and placed implants were measured at the abutment level using implant-planning software. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the deviations (α=.05). RESULTS The mean horizontal deviations were 0.593 mm (SD 0.238) mesiodistally and 0.691 mm (SD 0.344) buccolingually. The mean vertical deviation was 0.925 mm (SD 0.376) occlusogingivally. The vertical deviation was significantly larger than the horizontal deviation (P=.018). The mean angular deviation was 2.024 degrees (SD 0.942) mesiodistally and 2.390 degrees (SD 1.142) buccolingually. CONCLUSION The direct drill-guiding implant surgery system demonstrates high accuracy in placing implants. Use of the drill shank as the guiding component is an effective way for reducing tolerance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/96/jap-8-207.PMC4919491.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3590688", "abstract": "Background: The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ attitudes to the barriers of patient education as a right for getting information based on work situation of nurses, educational facilities in hospitals, and patients’ situation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The populations consisted of 240 nurses affiliated in the Educational Hospitals. The data were gathered by a questionnaire. Demographic variables and three domains were studied. Twenty questions were about their working situation, 4 questions about hospital educating facilities, and 12 questions were about patients’ situation in hospital. The type and frequency of education barriers were evaluated, and variables associated with reporting an obstacle were analyzed. Findings: In our questionnaire, we used a Likert scale for determining severity of three domains as the barriers of patient education that ranged from 0 to 4. Generally, it was obvious that educational condition in our hospitals was not good and most of the nurses believed that patient education is not their duties, facilities in hospitals are not sufficient and shortness of time is the most important cause of insufficiency of patient education Conclusions: The interactions of patient, physician and systemic factors have implications for the implementation of patient education. The failure of adequate patient education may be attributed to the lack of patient adherence, the failure of nurses’ knowledge and skill level or the insufficient funding and organization of necessary programs in the current health care system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/20/IJNMR-17-12.PMC3590688.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4017419", "abstract": "Elevated serum level of bilirubin is a common manifestation which is occurred in several diseases. Hyperbilirubinemia can manifest either conjugated or unconjugated. Conjugated or direct hyperbilirubinemia usually are caused by hepatocellular diseases or cholestatic liver diseases. Merely conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is the main manifestation of two congenital syndromes, including Dubin-Johnson and rotor syndrome; however it can be seen in some patients with recurrent benign intrahepatic cholestasis. This article reports a patient with Dubin- Johuson syndrome as a benign and rare condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/6c/GHFBB-4-164.PMC4017419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4305557", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to describe the importance of patient-related factors in rehabilitation. We focused on the type A behavior pattern. If individuals with the type A behavior pattern have better compliance, they would have a shorter length of hospital stay than those with non-type A behavior. We compared the length of stay of patients with the type A behavior pattern with that of patients with a non-type A behavior pattern. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-seven patients staying in a comprehensive rehabilitation unit participated in this study. Type A behavior pattern, length of stay, and Barthel Index were assessed. We use the Student’s t-test to examine the statistical differences in length of stay and Barthel Index at discharge between subjects with type A behavior and those without type A behavior. [Results] Age and Barthel Index at discharge were not significantly different between the two groups. However, length of stay was significantly higher in the non-type A group compared with the type A group. [Conclusion] Patients with the type A behavior pattern had a shorter length of hospital stay than patients with a non-type A behavior pattern. In conclusion, our results suggest that the type A behavior pattern shortens the length of hospital stay. Those data show that we should consider the patient’s characteristics in rehabilitation to protect the patient and for financial benefit.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/83/jpts-27-183.PMC4305557.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4009200", "abstract": " Background. The combined treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a rigorous surgical treatment, most suitable for young and good performance status patients. We evaluated the outcomes of elderly patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis with careful perioperative care.  Methods. All consecutive patients 70 years of age or older who were treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis over the past five years were included. Primary outcomes were perioperative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival and overall survival.  Results. From a pool of 100 patients, with a diagnosis of PC who underwent CRS and HIPEC in our center, we have included 30 patients at an age of 70 years or older and the results were compared to the patients younger than 70 years. The total morbidity rate was 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/ad/PMC4009200.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3415301", "abstract": "Successful engineering of load-bearing tissues requires recapitulation of their complex mechanical functions. Given the intimate relationship between function and form, biomimetic materials that replicate anatomic form are of great interest for tissue engineering applications. However, for complex tissues such as the annulus fibrosus, scaffolds have failed to capture their multi-scale structural hierarchy. Consequently, engineered tissues have yet to reach functional equivalence with their native counterparts. Here we present a novel strategy for annulus fibrosus tissue engineering that replicates this hierarchy with anisotropic nanofibrous laminates seeded with mesenchymal stem cells. These scaffolds directed the deposition of organized, collagen-rich extracellular matrix that mimicked the angle-ply, multi-lamellar architecture and achieved mechanical parity with native tissue after 10 weeks of in vitro culture. Further, we identified a novel role for inter-lamellar shearing in reinforcing the tensile response of biologic laminates, a mechanism that has not previously been considered for these tissues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/98/26/PMC3415301.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3830774", "abstract": "The mammary gland (MG) undergoes functional and metabolic changes during the transition from pregnancy to lactation, possibly by regulation of conserved genes. The objective was to elucidate orthologous genes, chromosome clusters and putative conserved transcriptional modules during MG development. We analyzed expression of 22,000 transcripts using murine microarrays and RNA samples of MG from virgin, pregnant, and lactating rats by cross-species hybridization. We identified 521 transcripts differentially expressed; upregulated in early (78", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/06/PMC3830774.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5360996", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate interface pressure redistribution in healthy volunteers when applying different cushions and anterior wedge heights. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 36 healthy individuals in their 20s. The peak and mean pressures were measured by applying different cushions and anterior wedge heights. The results were analyzed by using a one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc analysis. [Results] The peak and mean pressures were statistically significant based on the cushion types and anterior wedge height. The peak pressure was at its highest and lowest when sitting on a 6-cm anterior wedge and a foam cushion, respectively. The mean pressure was greatest when sitting on a 6-cm anterior wedge of a firm surface and smallest when sitting on a 5 cm foam cushion. [Conclusion] This study shows that the most effective method for pressure redistribution was sitting on a 5 cm foam cushion without an anterior wedge.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/c2/jpts-29-390.PMC5360996.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4020292", "abstract": "We have investigated the expression of TPM1α and TPM1κ in mouse striated muscles. TPM1α and TMP1κ were amplified from the cDNA of mouse heart by using conventional RT-PCR. We have cloned the PCR amplified DNA and determined the nucleotide sequences. Deduced amino acid sequences show that there are three amino acid changes in mouse exon 2a when compared with the human TPM1κ. However, the deduced amino acid sequences of human TPM1α and mouse TPM1α are identical. Conventional RT-PCR data as well as qRT-PCR data, calculating both absolute copy number and relative expression, revealed that the expression of TPM1κ is significantly lower compared to TPM1α in both mouse heart and skeletal muscle. It was also found that the expression level of TPM1κ transcripts in mouse heart is higher than it is in skeletal muscle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the expression of TPM1κ in mammalian skeletal muscle.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/72/PMC4020292.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3324892", "abstract": "Little attention has been given to how microRNA expression is affected by environmental contaminants exposure. We investigate the effects of paternal exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on miRNA expression in the developing mouse embryo. Male mice were exposed to B[a]P (150 mg/kg i.p.), and their sperm was used four days later in in-vitro fertilization experiments. Twenty embryos each from 2-, 8-cell and the blastocyst stage were used for genome-wide miRNA expression profiling. Paternal exposure to B[a]P affected the expression of several miRNAs, and the target genes for some of the dysregulated miRNAs were enriched in many different pathways that are likely to be relevant for the developing mouse embryo. By linking the miRNA target genes to publicly available databases, we identified some miRNA target genes that may serve as global markers of B[a]P-mediated genotoxic stress. The dysregulated miRNAs may provide valuable knowledge about potential transgenerational effects of sublethal exposure to chemicals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/c4/PMC3324892.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4341189", "abstract": "PURPOSE The purpose of this research was to evaluate the amount of reosseointegration after counter torquing (reverse torque) and transposing the installed implants at different times. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was done on ten tibiae of five cross-bred dogs. At the first day one implant was installed in each tibia. After one week half of the implants were randomly counter torqued (1WCT) and the other half were explanted and reimplanted in a new juxtaposition site (transposed)(1WT). At the same time three new implants were installed in each dog, one of them was considered as one week control (1WC) and remaining two as 8 week groups (8WCT   8WT). After eight weeks the 1WCT and 1WT implants were loosened by counter torque and the quantity of needed force for liberation was measured with the digital device (BGI). At the same time one implant was installed in each dog as eight week control (8WC) and the same protocol was repeated for 8 week groups after another 8 weeks. RESULTS All implants were osseointegrated. Mean quantities of osseointegration in case groups indicated better amounts rather than control groups. CONCLUSION Counter torque or transposition of the installed implants one week or eight weeks after the implantation did lead to osseointegration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/28/jap-7-62.PMC4341189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3047871", "abstract": "A rare case of a patient with unusual symptoms of earache and sore throat for cardiac ischemia is presented. A diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was made based on initial elevation of troponin and an abnormal electrocardiograph (ECG). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed with stent placement in the occluded coronary vessel was followed by a decrease in troponin level and complete resolution of the ear and throat pain and patient recovery from cardiac ischemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/95/12245_2010_Article_222.PMC3047871.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3118496", "abstract": "Total mercury was analysed in 188 samples of predatory fish purchased at the retail level in Canada in 2005. The average concentrations (ng g−1, range) were: sea bass 329 (38–1367), red snapper 148 (36–431), orange roughy 543 (279–974), fresh water trout 55 (20–430), grouper 360 (8–1060), black cod 284 (71–651), Arctic char 37 (28–54), king fish 440 (42–923), tilefish 601 (79–1164) and marlin 854 (125–2346). The Canadian standard for maximum total mercury allowed in the edible portions of fish sold at the retail level is 1000 ng g−1 for shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy, escolar and both fresh and frozen tuna. The standard is 500 ng g−1 for all other types of fish. In this study, despite the small number of samples of each species, the 1000 ng g–1 maximum was exceeded in five samples of marlin (28", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/f3/PMC3118496.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5110905", "abstract": "Intracranial wooden foreign bodies are rare. In addition, such objects are difficult to identify with conventional radiographic techniques, such as X-ray radiography or brain computed tomography. A 48-year-old man presented to our emergency room with a headache. Even though he had a history of trauma, he had no external wounds and showed no neurological deficits at the initial examination. He was initially diagnosed with trauma-related pneumocephalus. He developed a delayed intracranial infection and underwent surgery to remove the wooden foreign body. The present case illustrates the necessity for special attention to patients suspected of having pneumocephalus with a rare presentation during the initial examination. Early surgical removal of the intracranial foreign body is necessary to prevent complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/07/kjn-12-144.PMC5110905.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2797954", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Widespread use of carbohydrate counting is limited by its complex education. In this study we compared a Diabetes Interactive Diary (DID) with standard carbohydrate counting in terms of metabolic and weight control, time required for education, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adults with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to DID (group A, n = 67) or standard education (group B, n = 63) and followed for 6 months. A subgroup also completed the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and World Health Organization-Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (WHO-DTSQ) at each visit. RESULTS Of 130 patients (aged 35.7 ± 9.4 years; diabetes duration 16.5 ± 10.5 years), 11 dropped out. Time for education was 6 h (range 2–15 h) in group A and 12 h (2.5–25 h) in group B (P = 0.07). A1C reduction was similar in both groups (group A from 8.2 ± 0.8 to 7.8 ± 0.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3d/96/zdc109.PMC2797954.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4439460", "abstract": "Purpose: To assess the feasibility and report preliminary results of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair with endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS), a novel therapeutic alternative whose feasibility has not been established in rAAAs due to the unknown effects of the rupture site on the ability to achieve sealing. Case Report: Between December 2013 and April 2014, 5 patients (median age 71 years, range 57–90; 3 men) with rAAAs were treated with the Nellix EVAS system at a single institution. Median aneurysm diameter was 70 mm (range 67–91). Aneurysm morphology in 4 of the 5 patients was noncompliant with instructions for use (IFU) for both EVAS and standard stent-grafts; the remaining patient was outside the IFU for standard stent-grafts but treated with EVAS under standard IFU for the Nellix system. Median Hardman index was 2 (range 0–3). Two patients died of multiorgan failure after re-laparotomy and intraoperative cardiac arrest, respectively. Among survivors, all devices were patent with no signs of endoleak or failed aneurysm sac sealing at 6 months (median follow-up 9.2 months). Conclusion: EVAS for the management of infrarenal rAAAs appears feasible. The use of EVAS in emergency repairs may broaden the selection criteria of the current endovascular strategy to include patients with more complex aneurysm morphology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/62/10.1177_1526602815582529.PMC4439460.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4724735", "abstract": "Background: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of lay people regarding determinants of health at global level and factors affecting it. Methods: Data was collected from International Social Survey Program (ISSP) and World Bank website. Multilevel regression analysis was done and lay people’s perception regarding health behavior, environment, poverty and genes as health determinants was assessed. Various socio demographic factors were used as independent variables. Results: The highest percentage of people agreed environment as determinant of health. An inverse relationship was observed between GNI quartiles and an individual’s agreement with poverty, health behavior, and environment as health determinant. There was a significant negative association of females with health damaging behavior (P<0.05) and positive association with environment and genes (P<0.05) as health determinants. Elderly people agreed with poverty as determinant of health (P<0.05). GNI was negatively related to environment (P<0.05) and poverty (P<0.05) as health determinant. Conclusion: The common public is now becoming aware of a broadened concept of health and people belonging to different backgrounds have different perceptions regarding determinants of health. Our results show that highest percentage of people agreed with environment as determinant of health, which is consistent with scientific view of increased burden of disease, caused by environmental factors. Thus, tailored health programs and policies that address an individual’s specific problems are likely to induce a change in behavior and attitude, hence decreasing the disease burden.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/24/3d/PMC4724735.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2897857", "abstract": "Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro quantitative laboratorial study is to compare the ability of three filling techniques to fill simulated lateral canals. Methods: Thirty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were used. After cleaning and shaping, three lateral canals were created, one in each third. The teeth were randomly separated into three groups: continuous wave of condensation (Group 1); thermomechanical compaction (Group 2); and lateral condensation (Group 3). The teeth were cross-sectioned, making the cut through points over the lateral canals; thus, 90 specimens were obtained. Each specimen was immersed in a polyester resin, and the blocks were polished. Images were obtained using a stereoscopic lens (40x). Radiographic analysis was performed, followed by a filling linear measure using the Image Tool 3.0 program (University of Texas). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows (Kruskal-Wallis test). Results: A greater number of simulated lateral canals were obturated in Groups 1 and 2. Group 2 presented the largest percentage of linear measure of lateral canals filling with gutta-percha and sealer. No statistical differences were found between Group 1 and Group 2 when we analyzed the filling with gutta-percha and sealer or just sealer (P>.05). Conclusions: Thermoplasticized gutta-percha filling techniques (Groups 1 and 2) are better for filling lateral canal with gutta-percha and sealer or with just sealer than lateral condensation (Group 3).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/a3/PMC2897857.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3920837", "abstract": " Objective. To study histopathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in HIV-infected African Americans in the United States.  Methods. A retrospective review of 102 autopsy cases done by the Department of Pathology at Howard University Hospital from 1980 through 2007 was conducted. The histopathological findings of the thyroid and parathyroid glands were reviewed, both macroscopically and microscopically. A control group of autopsy patients with chronic non-HIV diseases was examined. Results. There were 71 males (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d7/be/PMC3920837.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3205753", "abstract": "Abstract Castleman disease (CD) is a rare atypical lymphoproliferative disease, pathologically classified as hyaline vascular, plasma cell type and mixed type variant. The underlying cause of CD is unknown, however several theories including autoimmunity have been proposed. We describe a patient diagnosed with unicentric mixed variant CD and Hashimoto thyroiditis, concurrently. She was staged with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and the disease was localized to the mediastinum. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of vincristine and prednisone, the mediastinal lymph nodes regressed, but did not disappear from the CT scan. However, FDG-PET/CT showed complete metabolic response. Although the role of FDG-PET/CT in staging and evaluation of treatment response is controversial, this case shows that PET/CT can be effective and even better for staging and response evaluation. This case is also unique as there no case of CD in association with Hashimoto thyroiditis has been reported previously. However, the possibility of a coincidental association must be raised, especially when the high prevalence of Hashimoto thyroiditis is considered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/3c/PMC3205753.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3712204", "abstract": " Objective. To evaluate the noncompliance treatment rates among primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) Arab patients in Israel and to verify the associated factors for noncompliance.  Patients and Methods. A cross-sectional study took place using a questionnaire. Patients were initially interviewed and requested to answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed based on a pilot test. Items included information about age, gender, number of prescribed drugs, and multiple reasons for noncompliance with drug therapy. Setting. Ophthalmologic HMO clinics, located in 3 Arab cities in the center of Israel.  Participants. 400 Arab participants (197 men, 203 women) undergoing routine clinical care were recruited. Results. General rate of noncompliance, for both genders, was found to be 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/03/PMC3712204.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2948737", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct age estimates for dental patients using orthopantomographs (OPGs). The OPGs were selected by an independent author with respect to criteria and evaluated by two independent dentists. The results were compared to chronologic ages. The reliability of the estimates, concurrently made by the two independent dentists using OPGs, was also evaluated. Methods: In this retrospective study, the OPGs of 238 Turkish individuals of known chronological age, ranging from 1 to 60 years, were measured. Patients were then classified. Radiographs were evaluated by two independent dentists and age estimation was achieved according to the decades. Results: The truest age estimates made by the dentists were in the 1–10 years age range (89.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/a9/PMC2948737.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045549", "abstract": "This paper aims to frame certain fundamental aspects of the human mind (content and meaning of mental states) and foundational elements of brain computation (spatial and temporal patterns of neural activity) so as to enable at least in principle their integration within one and the same quantitative representation. Through the history of science, similar approaches have been instrumental to bridge other seemingly mysterious scientific phenomena, such as thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics and electromagnetism, or chemistry and quantum physics, among several other examples. Identifying the relevant levels of analysis is important to define proper mathematical formalisms for describing the brain and the mind, such that they could be mapped onto each other in order to explain their equivalence. Based on these premises, we overview the potential of neural connectivity to provide highly informative constraints on brain computational process. Moreover, we outline approaches for representing cognitive and emotional states geometrically with semantic maps. Next, we summarize leading theoretical framework that might serve as an explanatory bridge between neural connectivity and mental space. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of this framework for human communication and our view of reality. We conclude by analyzing the practical requirements to manage the necessary data for solving the mind-brain problem from this perspective.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/a7/PMC4045549.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4620764", "abstract": "Abstract This study aimed to investigate the detection rate of chromosome abnormalities in children suspected with congenital disorders in 1 single center, identify any differences according to different classification criteria, and try to enlighten the medical professionals what clinical features should be transferred for cytogenetic analysis. From January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014, children who were suspected with chromosomal disorders were included. All the cytogenetic analyses were performed in the Medical Biology and Genetic Department Laboratory in Zhejiang DIAN Diagnostics. We evaluated the variants of clinical indications, and incidence and types of chromosomal abnormalities among groups. During the study period, 4129 samples were collected and analyzed. Among them, 769 children were detected with chromosome abnormalities, accounting for 18.62", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/51/medi-94-e1857.PMC4620764.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4490914", "abstract": " Introduction Optimization of the selection, adaptation, and benefit of hearing aids is necessary to characterize and manage hearing loss, user expectations, otolaryngologic symptoms, and systemic comorbidities.  Objective To compare the occurrence of otologic complaints, systemic diseases, and effective use of hearing aids in men and women with deafness.  Methods Patients from a Unified Health System–accredited hearing health service, who reported problems in adapting to their hearing aids, were evaluated by a physician and audiologist. An anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and audiological evaluation were performed.  Results During the data collection period, 278 subjects came in for follow-up visits; of these, 61 (21", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/fa/PMC4490914.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4789347", "abstract": "Genetic characteristics were analysed for recent clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA respectively) in Kathmandu, Nepal. MRSA isolates harbouring Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were classified into ST1, ST22 and ST88 with SCCmec-IV and ST772 with SCCmec-V (Bengal Bay clone), while PVL-positive MSSA into ST22, ST30 and ST772. ST22 isolates (PVL-positive MRSA and MSSA, PVL-negative MRSA) possessed a variant of elastin binding protein gene (ebpS) with an internal deletion of 180 bp, which was similar to that reported for ST121 S. aureus previously outside Nepal. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the ebpS variant in ST22 might have occurred independently of ST121 strains. This is the first report of ST772 PVL-positive MRSA in Nepal and detection of the deletion variant of ebpS in ST22 S. aureus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/20/main.PMC4789347.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3299544", "abstract": "Long-acting bronchodilators have been shown to improve multiple clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including lung function, symptoms, dyspnea, quality of life, and exacerbations. Indacaterol is a novel, inhaled, long-acting β2-agonist providing 24-hour bronchodilation with once-daily dosing. It is currently approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD to be administered as 150 or 300 μg once-daily doses as licensed in many countries and 75 μg as licensed in the US by means of a single-dose dry powder inhaler. The data from clinical development support a favorable safety and tolerability profile within the β2-agonist drug class, with no relevant issues identified. Current evidence indicates that indacaterol is suitable for use as first-line monotherapy in COPD patients with moderate disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stage II) and beyond that do not require an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) as per GOLD guidelines, or in combination with an ICS in severe or very severe patients with repeated exacerbations. Data from trials with the novel once-daily β2-agonist, indacaterol, indicate superior bronchodilation and clinical efficacy over twice-daily long-acting β2-agonists and at least equipotent bronchodilation as once-daily tiotropium. Bronchodilators are central in the symptomatic management of COPD. It is likely that once-daily dosing of a bronchodilator would be a significant convenience and probably a compliance-enhancing advantage, leading to improved overall clinical outcomes in patients with COPD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/13/PMC3299544.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5118824", "abstract": "Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) is a tumor of small round cells arising in skeletal tissues. These tumors rarely arise in the stomach. We present a 31-year-old healthy female patient who was admitted to our surgical ward due to upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Upper endoscopy revealed a large ulcerated bleeding mass originating from the lesser curvature. Biopsy revealed tumor cell immunoreactivity positive for CD99, vimentin, and Ki67 (an index of proliferation). These findings were compatible with gastric ES/PNET. The fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis result for the EWSR1 gene rearrangement (11: 22 translocation) was positive. The patient refused neoadjuvant treatment and thus underwent an operation during which a mass at the lesser curvature of the stomach was found. The mass was adhering to the pancreatic tail and to the mesentery of the transverse and descending colon. Total gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and left adrenalectomy were done. The patient refused adjuvant treatment. She is free of disease 3 years after surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/1e/cro-0009-0666.PMC5118824.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3350984", "abstract": " Background/Objective. It is known that menopause or lack of endogenous estrogen is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and CAD. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is involved inmultiple phases of vascular dysfunction.The purpose of the current study was to determine the association between soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) and pregnancy followed by delivery in women of reproductive age. Materials/Methods. Sixty-eight subjects with pregnancy followed by delivery (group 1) and 57 subjects with nongravidity (group 2) were included in this study. Levels of sLOX-1 were measured in serum by EL SA. Results. Plasma levels of sLOX-1 were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 in women of reproductive age (0.52 ± 0.18 ng/mL and 0.78 ± 0.13, resp., P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between sLOX-1 levels and the number of gravida (r = −0.645, P < 0.001). The levels of sLOX-1 highly correlated with the number of parous (r = −0.683, P < 0.001).  Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that serum sLOX-1 levels were associated with pregnancy followed by delivery that might predict endothelial dysfunction. We conclude that pregnancy followed by delivery may delay the beginning and progress of arteriosclerosis and its clinical manifestations in women of reproductive age.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/3a/PMC3350984.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4772610", "abstract": "Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy (HIPEC) is believed to improve outcomes in well-selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, morbidity and mortality rates associated with this procedure are substantial. Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy young man who underwent CRS with hyperthermic IP oxaliplatin and developed one episode of tonic-clonic seizure on the second postoperative day.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/e6/cro-0009-0089.PMC4772610.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4437398", "abstract": "An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in reducing mortality among people suffering from cancer. There is a lack of characteristic early clinical symptoms in most forms of cancer, which highlights the importance of investigating new methods for its early detection. One of the most promising methods is the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a diverse group of carbon-based chemicals that are present in exhaled breath and biofluids and may be collected from the headspace of these matrices. Different patterns of VOCs have been correlated with various diseases, cancer among them. Studies have also shown that cancer cells in vitro produce or consume specific VOCs that can serve as potential biomarkers that differentiate them from noncancerous cells. This review identifies the current challenges in the investigation of VOCs as potential cancer biomarkers, by the critical evaluation of available matrices for the in vivo and in vitro approaches in this field and by comparison of the main extraction and detection techniques that have been applied to date in this area of study. It also summarises complementary in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro studies conducted to date in order to try to identify volatile biomarkers of cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/84/PMC4437398.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3031842", "abstract": "Purpose To explore the experiences of patients with cancer who were offered a nurse navigator in their course of illness before the in-hospital period. Theory Development has fragmentized healthcare systems in many countries, and coherence is now desired. Among interventions suggested to reduce the fragmentation and improve delivery of care are help from patient navigators, where patients are offered extra help in a defined area by e.g., a nurse [nurse navigator (NN)]. Patients’ experiences are of major interest, but have seldom been thoroughly investigated. Methods A phenomenological-hermeneutical longitudinal study was performed among Danish gynecological patients from before an in-hospital period to two months after discharge. NN offered extra information, coordination, logistic services and emotional talk. Semi-structured interviews provided data to the primarily open-minded analysis. Results Not all could use the help from NN. Those who could, attached affectional bonds to NN and experienced benefit from her presence as well as her help. Many had a feeling of deep-felt disappointment and felt rejected when the contact to NN stopped. Conclusion Resources for NN should be prioritized to patients who can use the help, and not stop prematurely. The traditional division and thinking by healthcare professionals are challenged, if all patients should be helped.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/01/PMC3031842.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4245669", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare complication that occurs in patients with severe hemophilia. Results from multiple episodes of bleeding into the bones and soft tissues. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 31 years old male patient, with severe hemophilia A. Diagnosed with an abdominal tumor 10 years ago during routine screening, that progressively grew to encompass the entire abdominal area, with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. DISCUSSION Hemophilic pseudotumor appears as a painless tumor of slow growth that can compress vital organs producing bone destruction, muscle and skin necrosis. The tumor may have fistulas or break spontaneously. CONCLUSION The abdominal hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare pathological entity, with few reports worldwide, but must be considered in hemophilic patients with a well documented abdominal tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/59/35/main.PMC4245669.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4800840", "abstract": "Background: Lung cancer has become the leading cause of death in many regions. Carcinogenesis is caused by the stepwise accumulation of genetic and chromosomal changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the chromosome and gene alterations in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line OM. Methods: We used Giemsa banding and multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization focusing on the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line OM to analyze its chromosome alterations. In addition, the gains and losses in the specific chromosome regions were identified by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and the amplifications of cancer-related genes were also detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: We identified a large number of chromosomal numerical alterations on all chromosomes except chromosome X and 19. Chromosome 10 is the most frequently involved in translocations with six different interchromosomal translocations. CGH revealed the gains on chromosome regions of 3q25.3-28, 5p13, 12q22-23.24, and the losses on 3p25-26, 6p25, 6q26-27, 7q34-36, 8p22-23, 9p21-24, 10q25-26.3, 12p13.31-13.33 and 17p13.1-13.3. And PCR showed the amplification of genes: Membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME), sucrase-isomaltase (SI), butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE), and kininogen (KNG). Conclusions: The lung adenocarcinoma cell line OM exhibited multiple complex karyotypes, and chromosome 10 was frequently involved in chromosomal translocation, which may play key roles in tumorigenesis. We speculated that the oncogenes may be located at 3q25.3-28, 5p13, 12q22-23.24, while tumor suppressor genes may exist in 3p25-26, 6p25, 6q26-27, 7q34-36, 8p22-23, 9p21-24, 10q25-26.3, 12p13.31-13.33, and 17p13.1-13.3. Moreover, at least four genes (MME, SI, BCHE, and KNG) may be involved in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line OM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/43/CMJ-129-405.PMC4800840.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3885836", "abstract": " [Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of the ROM exercise on joint components according to histopathological analysis. [Subjects and Methods] In total, twenty-six 9-week-old adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, the immobilization group (n=10), exercise group (n=10), and control group (n=6). The immobilization group and exercise group were anaesthetized and operated on under sterile conditions. The right knee joints in the immobilization group and exercise group were immobilized with external fixation at 120 degrees of flexion. Range of motion exercise was started from the day after immobilization. ROM exercise was performed in the exercise group once a day for 3 minutes, 6 days a week, for 2 weeks. [Result] The joint capsule in the immobilization group and exercise group showed narrowing of the collagen bundles in interstitial spaces but was less dense in the control group. In the immobilized group, a hyperplastic reaction was associated with infiltration into the articular cavity and adhesion to the surface of the articular cartilage. Conversely, in the exercise group, hyperplasia of tissue was localized to the synovial membrane. [Conclusion] This finding may suggest that ROM exercise induces some changes within the joint components and tissue metabolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/0d/jpts-25-1547.PMC3885836.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5014500", "abstract": "Introduction Regarding the functioning of the endocrine system, and especially in the thyroid of patients with thalassemia, multiple studies in different parts of the world have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of thyroid hormones and TSH in beta-thalassemic patients in the city of Ahwaz. Methods In this matched case-control study, 105 patients in the case group and 105 subjects as controls were randomly selected from clients referred to the Abuzar hospital in 2015–2016. Serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH hormones were measured using ELISA. Data was processed with the SPSS15 software and tested by using independent t-tests and logistic regression. Results The study results showed that the serum level of T3 hormone did not significantly differ between the two groups (p> 0.05). Whereas the serum level of T4 was lower in the case group, compared to the controls, which was statistically significant (p <0.05). The serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the case group was higher than the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p <0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in serum levels of T4 (OR: 0.58) and TSH (OR: 1.57) between the case and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion Hypothyroidism is clear in patients with beta thalassemia. With regard to the possible effect of iron on the disorder, a blood transfusion schedule should be performed at intervals, and the desferal injection program should be done regularly to prevent hemochromatosis in patients with thalassemia major due to the effect of accumulation of iron on thyroid function and detection of hypothyroidism. This course of action will prevent incidence of this complication in patients with thalassemia major.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/60/epj-08-2620.PMC5014500.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4373472", "abstract": "Background: Healthy Outlook is a service delivered by the UK Met Office directly to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that has been in place since 2006. Its objective is to reduce the severity and length of COPD exacerbations, hence improving the quality of life and life expectancy. Aims: To assess the effect of the Healthy Outlook service on hospital admission rates of all general practitioners that have used the service. Methods: Control practices were selected for each of the 661 participating practices. The number of hospital admissions for each practice was extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. The differences in admission rates per practice between the first year of use of the Healthy Outlook service and the previous year were compared by paired t-test analyses. Results: For admissions with a primary diagnosis of COPD, the difference between participating and control practices was −0.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/c8/npjpcrm201480.PMC4373472.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5417027", "abstract": "Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor is unique for communicating hydrocephalus, diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement, cystic changes, absence of tumor cells in cerebral spinal fluid, and a cell population of both glial and neuronal copositivity. It has likely been misdiagnosed as mixed glioneuronal tumors, oligodendrogliomas, and neuroepithelial tumors. Children with signs of this tumor are often worked up for infection, rheumatologic disease, or disseminated primary malignancy, resulting in unnecessary testing and treatment. We describe a 14-year-old female with recurrent headaches, hydrocephalus, and diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement discovered to be neoplastic 1 year after initial presentation, owing to extensive and unrevealing infectious and immunologic workups. Biopsies revealed atypical cells with markers of both glial and neuronal cells, positivity for OLIG-2, and focal p53 positivity. Great response was seen with temozolomide and craniospinal irradiation. Additionally, we postulate additional diagnostic indicators that may aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment decisions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0d/4a/10.1177_2329048X14567531.PMC5417027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4724734", "abstract": "Background: Violence against women is a serious social problem and affects mainly young women. This study aimed to evaluate sexual violence against women in Campina Grande, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective study with analysis of 886 forensic medical reports of sexual violence from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Campina Grande, Brazil, was conducted between January 2005 and December 2009. Sociodemographic variables related to victims, offenders and aggressions were analyzed. Significance level of 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/0d/PMC4724734.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5319539", "abstract": "Abstract Endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning using the cuff ballottement test, which confirms that the inflated cuff is positioned at the suprasternal notch with squeezing or inflating a pilot balloon, has been reported to be a simple and reliable method of preventing endobronchial intubation. However, in patients with a short vocal cord-to-suprasternal notch, ETT placement using the cuff ballottement test can cause vocal cord injury. In the present study, we assessed the distance from a point 15 mm below the vocal cord to the suprasternal notch (VSD-15), the safe position for ETT cuff placement above the suprasternal notch, and investigated variables for predicting VSD-15. We retrospectively examined neck computed tomography in 427 adult patients and measured VSD-15 and the distance from the thyroid notch to the suprasternal notch (TSD). Patient height, weight, sex, and age were also recorded. In total, 47 patients (11.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/65/medi-96-e6155.PMC5319539.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4230598", "abstract": "Quantitative biology is a hot area, as evidenced by the recent establishment of institutes, graduate programs, and conferences with that name. But what is quantitative biology? What should it be? And how can it contribute to solving the big questions in biology? The past decade has seen very rapid development of quantitative experimental techniques, especially at the single-molecule and single-cell levels. In this essay, I argue that quantitative biology is much more than just the quantitation of these experimental results. Instead, it should be the application of the scientific method by which measurement is directed toward testing theories. In this view, quantitative biology is the recognition that theory and models play critical roles in biology, as they do in physics and engineering. By tying together experiment and theory, quantitative biology promises a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms, when the theory works, or to new discoveries, when it does not.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/21/3438.PMC4230598.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3950589", "abstract": "Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependence amongst older people and previous research has highlighted how the well-being of people with dementia is inherently connected to the quality of their relationships with their informal carers. In turn, these carers can experience significant levels of emotional stress and physical burden from the demands of caring for a family member with dementia, yet their uptake of formal services tends to be lower than in other conditions related to ageing. This paper is based on a qualitative study undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland and explores issues of access to and use of formal services in dementia care from the perspective of the informal family carers. It identifies three critical points at which changes in policy and practice in the formal care system could improve the capability of informal carers to continue to care for their family member with dementia: when symptoms first become apparent and a diagnosis is sought; when the condition of the person with dementia changes resulting in a change to their support needs; and when the burden of informal care being experienced by the carer is so great that some form of transition appears to be immanent in the care arrangement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/49/PMC3950589.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4522948", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Pes anserine bursitis strongly affects quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis. Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physiotherapy, and injections of corticosteroid, with highly variable responses; recovery can take 10 days to 36 months. Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive technique consisting of subcutaneous injections of bioactive substances. The goal is to modulate the pharmacokinetics of the injected substance and prolong the effects at a local level. Objective: To evaluate the effects of mesotherapy with diclofenac for anserine bursitis associated with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients with anserine bursitis associated with grade II Kellgren-Lawrence knee osteoarthritis, assessed by clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination, were evaluated and treated. They were randomly divided into two groups (A, mesotherapy; B, control). Group A completed nine sessions of mesotherapy with sodium diclofenac (25 mg/1 mL; Akis®, IBSA, Lugano, Switzerland), 1 mL for each session, three times per week. Group B received 21 oral administrations of sodium diclofenac (50 mg; Voltaren®, Novartis, Parsippany, NJ), once a day for 3 weeks. Primary outcome measures were pain intensity assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), along with ability to perform activities of daily living, ability to participate in sports, level of pain, symptoms, and quality of life, as assessed by the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. These measures were performed before and after the treatment period and at 30 and 90 days' follow up. Results: In both groups pain level decreased significantly after the treatment period. Ultrasonography showed a reduction of the hypoechoic area related to anserine bursitis only in group A. Conclusion: Administration of conventional NSAIDs (diclofenac) by mesotherapy is effective in managing anserine bursitis in knee osteoarthritis in the short term and mid-term. These observations could be of interest for efforts to reduce the adverse effects of oral administration of anti-inflammatory drugs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/56/acm.2015.0007.PMC4522948.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3415073", "abstract": "Nutritional deficiencies are preventable etiological and epigenetic factors causing congenital abnormalities, first cause of infant mortality. Folate deficiency has a well-established teratogenic effect, leading to an increasing risk of neural tube defects. This paper highlights the most recent medical literature about folate deficiency, be it maternal or paternal. It then focuses on associated deficiencies as nutritional deficiencies are multiple and interrelated. Observational and interventional studies have all been consistent with a 50–70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/3e/PMC3415073.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3836939", "abstract": "We report a long-term survival case of a primary malignant intracerebral nerve sheath tumor (MINST) occurring in the right frontal lobe of a 13-year old boy. After the gross total resection (GTR), we have performed radiation therapy but it recurred 50 months after the surgery, so the second GTR was performed. Later, second tumor recurrence was found 4 months after the second surgery. Subsequently the third GTR, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were carried out. At present, the patient has been remaining alive for 77 months without evidence of tumor recurrence. According to the previous reports, the primary MINST is very rare : there are only 8 cases reported. It is also a fast-growing, invasive tumor with poor outcome. This is the first case that had no recurrence for 50 months after the surgery among the reported cases that had been followed up for more than 5 years. It is supposed that a period of recurrence free survival after GTR and low mitotic activity are associated with the patient's prognosis. A GTR followed by adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be recommended to patients of MINST.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/3e/jkns-54-261.PMC3836939.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4569832", "abstract": "Despite the importance of the mosquito Aedes aegypti in the transmission of arboviruses, such as yellow fever, Chikungunya fever and dengue fever, some aspects of their behaviour remain unknown. In the present study, the oviposition behaviour of Ae. aegypti  females that were exposed to different densities of breeding sites (2, 4, 8 and 16) was evaluated in laboratory and semi-field conditions. The number of breeding sites that were used was proportional to the number available, but tended towards stabilisation. Females used four-six breeding sites on average, with a maximum of 11. A high percentage of eggs was observed in the water, along with the presence of a breeding site termed “favourite”, which received at least 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/d1/0074-0276-mioc-110-5-0669.PMC4569832.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3285713", "abstract": "Purpose The results of all prostate biopsies may be positive and suggestive of adenocarcinoma in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values higher than 100 ng/ml. We considered that the prostate cancer in patients with high PSA might be advanced disease and therefore that the treatment strategy should not be changed according to pathological reports. Thus, we assessed the role of prostate biopsy when diagnosing prostate cancer in patients with extremely high PSA levels. Materials and Methods We reviewed the records of 1,150 cases undergoing prostate biopsies. Patients with urinary tract infection and acute urinary retention were excluded. According to the pre-biopsy PSA level, patients were divided into 6 groups (group A, 4 to 20 ng/ml; B, 20 to 40 ng/ml; C, 40 to 60 ng/ml; D, 60 to 80 ng/ml; E: 80 to 100 ng/ml; and F, above 100 ng/ml). Results The calculated positive predictive value (PPV) for prostate cancer was 22", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/13/kju-53-82.PMC3285713.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4643173", "abstract": "Purpose The thulium laser is the most recently introduced technology for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Until recently, most thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) was performed by use of the three-lobe technique. We introduce a novel one-lobe enucleation technique for ThuLEP called the \"All-in-One\" technique. We report our initial experiences here. Materials and Methods From June 2013 to May 2014, a total of 47 patients underwent the All-in-One technique of ThuLEP for symptomatic BPH performed by a single surgeon. All patients were assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), maximal urine flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) before and 1 month after surgery. We reassessed IPSS, Qmax, and PVR 3 months after surgery. To assess the efficacy of the All-in-One technique, we checked the PSA reduction ratio, transitional zone volume reduction ratio, and enucleation failure rate. Results The mean operative time was 82.1±33.3 minutes. The mean enucleation time and morcellation time were 52.7±21.7 minutes and 8.2±7.0 minutes, respectively. The mean resected tissue weight and decrease in hemoglobin were 36.9±24.6 g and 0.4±0.8 g/dL, respectively. All perioperative parameters showed significant improvement (p<0.05). No major complications were observed. The PSA reduction ratio, transitional zone volume reduction ratio, and enucleation failure rate were 0.81, 0.92, and 4.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/5d/kju-56-769.PMC4643173.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4113054", "abstract": "Endoscopic drainage for pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) has been increasingly used as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical or percutaneous drainage. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage (EUS-TD) has become the standard of care and a safe procedure for nonsurgical PFC treatment. EUS-TD ensures a safe puncture, avoiding intervening blood vessels. Single or multiple plastic stents (combined with a nasocystic catheter) were used for the treatment of PFCs for EUS-TD. More recently, the use of covered self-expandable metallic stents (CSEMSs) has provided a safer and more efficient approach route for internal drainage. We focused our review on the best approach and stent to use in endoscopic drainage for PFCs. We reviewed studies of EUS-TD for PFCs based on the original Atlanta Classification, including case reports, case series, and previous review articles. Data on clinical outcomes and adverse events were collected retrospectively. A total of 93 patients underwent EUS-TD of pancreatic pseudocysts using CSEMSs. The treatment success and adverse event rates were 94.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/74/gnl-8-341.PMC4113054.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698200", "abstract": "Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common malignancy that often involves calcification; however, bone formation in primary lung adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. In ten cases of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma with heterotopic ossification, we detected immunoreactivity against TGF-β1, osteopontin, osteocalcin and Runx2 in the fibroblastic stroma and tumor cells within the area of ossification. Our results suggest that in primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma, heterotopic ossification occurs via intramembranous bone formation. To our knowledge, only 11 other cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with heterotopic ossification have been reported. Here, we present ten cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma showing heterotopic ossification with a description of previously published results and the histogenesis of heterotopic bone formation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/af/jkms-24-504.PMC2698200.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3702152", "abstract": "Background: Reproductive health is an important health topic. There are many challenges in reproductive health and it is necessary to train experts to manage them. The aim of this study was to define the tasks of Master of Science (MSc) graduates in reproductive health through comprehensive needs assessment to establish the course. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of three steps. In the first step, through literature review, the draft and basic fields of main tasks were defined. In the second step, by establishing a focus group of 10 experts, the tasks were extracted on the basis of the country’s needs. In the third step, a Delphi study was carried out among 51 experts who were selected to finalize the list of tasks and their priorities using three criteria of “importance”, “feasibility” and “availability”. Findings: 57 tasks were extracted with regard to the four main functions of management and planning, education, consultation, and screening in reproduction age of men and women. According to Delphi’s results and their priorities, 45 tasks were important and feasible but not available, and they were higher-priority tasks. Conclusions: The tasks extracted are consistent with the framework of reproductive health provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Guideline of Educational Planning. However, considering the differences of problems in Iran comparing with other countries, the list is not exactly similar to any list prepared for other countries. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the results of this research in university curriculums.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/f0/IJNMR-17-306.PMC3702152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3180700", "abstract": "Introduction Bed-blocking problems in hospitals reflect how difficult and complex it is to move patients smoothly through the chain of care. In the Netherlands, during the first decade of the 21st century, some hospitals attempted to tackle this problem by using an Intermediate Care Department (ICD) as a buffer for bed-blockers. However, research has shown that ICDs do not sufficiently solve the bed-blocking problem and that bed-blocking is often caused by a lack of buffer management. Tool Buffer management (BM) is a tool that endeavors to balance patient flow in the hospital to nursing home chain of care. Results Additional research has indicated that the absence of BM is not the result of providers’ thinking that BM is unnecessary, unethical or impossible because of unpredictable patient flows. Instead, BM is hampered by a lack of cooperation between care providers. Conclusion Although stakeholders recognize that cooperation is imperative, they often fail to take the actions necessary to realize cooperation. Our assumption is that this lack of willingness and ability to cooperate is the result of several impeding conditions as well as stakeholders’ perceptions of these conditions and the persistence of their current routines, principles and beliefs (RPBs). Discussion We recommend simultaneously working on improving the conditions and changing stakeholders’ perceptions and RPBs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/b7/ijic2011-2011080.PMC3180700.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5147472", "abstract": "Coronary artery disease has historically been a contraindication to lung transplantation. We report a successful combined bilateral lung transplantation and off-pump coronary artery bypass in a 62-year-old man. The patient had a progressive decline in lung function due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a history of severe occlusive coronary artery disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/8b/kjtcv-49-461.PMC5147472.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3088754", "abstract": "Although most ingested foreign bodies usually pass through the gastrointestinal tract asymptomatically, toothpick injury to the gastrointestinal tract is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Toothpick perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is frequently reported but, to the best of our knowledge, bacteremia caused by an impacted toothpick within the gastric mucosa has not yet been described. Here, we report the case of bacteremia caused by an accidentally swallowed toothpick. The toothpick was impacted deeply in the gastric mucosa and was first seen and localized on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). CT scan is a very useful imaging technique in such situations since we lack typical and relevant physical findings or laboratory studies that go with accidentally swallowed objects, in this case a toothpick. Flexible endoscopy was successful in extracting the whole toothpick. In cases without free perforation, flexible endoscopy is the treatment of choice in toothpick removal from the upper gastrointestinal tract.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/15/crg0005-0227.PMC3088754.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2988855", "abstract": "A 31-year-old man sustained a 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser injury to his left eye. One month after the injury, the fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination demonstrated a full-thickness macular hole of approximately 820 μm in diameter. After vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling, OCT showed closure of the hole and a marked thinning of the foveal depression. After 12 months of follow-up, his visual acuity improved from 20/60 to 20/20. The MP1-microperimeter demonstrated increased retinal sensitivity in the area of the previous macular hole and its adjacent region and improvement of fixation from a relatively unstable status to a stable status. The macular hole remained closed 24 months postoperatively with the best corrected visual acuity 20/20. Our results suggest that vitrectomy can improve the visual function when a macular hole is caused by Nd:YAG laser injury. The improvement in the visual function includes not only visual acuity but also retinal sensitivity and fixation stability that are obtained by using the MP1-microperimeter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/d4/cop0001-0080.PMC2988855.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4939690", "abstract": "Serrated polyps are classified into 3 distinct types: hyperplastic polyp, sessile serrated adenoma, or transitional serrated adenoma. A serrated adenoma is a precursor lesion for colorectal carcinoma. Serrated polyps are commonly found in the colorectum but have rarely been described in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Serrated adenomas in the small intestine may represent aggressive lesions with high malignant potential, according to some reports. A 66-year-old man with no significant medical history underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for general examination. He had a 1-cm sized, Yamada type IV polyp, with focal white patch in the second portion of the duodenum. The biopsy result revealed gastric metaplasia and chronic inflammation. He wanted regular follow -up examinations. The follow-up EGDs were done every year. There were no changes in the shape and size of the polyp. The pathologic findings were unchanged. Then, he underwent EGD for general medical check-up again 5 years after the first detection. The size of the polyp was slightly increased. The biopsy result revealed serrated polyp, unclassified. Endoscopic mucosal resection was done. The pathologic result revealed a 0.8 × 0.5-cm sized, well differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Carcinomas are multifocally spread on the traditional serrated adenoma, and the proportion of the adenocarcinoma component is approximately 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/aa/crg-0010-0257.PMC4939690.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5415299", "abstract": "Case summary A 16-year-old, castrated male, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive, domestic shorthair cat developed multiple skin lesions. Most of these were Bowenoid carcinoma in situ and contained DNA sequences consistent with Felis catus papillomavirus type 2. Two additional lesions that developed in the skin and subcutaneous tissues between the digital and carpal pads on the left forelimb and right hindlimb were shown by cytology, histology and culture to be caused by Prototheca wickerhamii. These lesions failed to improve in response to systemic therapy treatment with itraconazole, but excision by sharp en bloc resection with follow-up oral itraconazole therapy proved curative for one lesion, although the other lesion recurred, necessitating a second surgery. Relevance and novel information This is only the second reported case of feline protothecosis from Australia and the first case that has been cultured and identified to the species level. Also of great interest was the presence of multiple papillomavirus-associated neoplastic lesions, which may have afforded a portal of entry for the algal pathogen and the cat’s positive FIV status; the latter might have impacted on both viral and algal pathogenesis by effects on immunocompetence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/09/10.1177_2055116916688590.PMC5415299.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3141854", "abstract": "Purpose To report a rare case of racemose hemangioma which developed spontaneous macular ischemia. Methods A 32-year-old healthy Caucasian lady presented complaining of recent deterioration of vision in her left eye. At presentation, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in her right eye and counting fingers in her left eye (LE). Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were performed. The patient had regular follow-up appointments over a period of 8 years. Results Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography revealed findings consistent with arteriovenous communications of the retina or racemose hemangioma, in the posterior pole of the LE with the presence of macular ischemia. Complete and systemic examination was unremarkable, excluding the possibility of Wyburn-Mason syndrome. Eight years after presentation, findings and BCVA in the LE have remained stable, with no extension of the retinal ischemia or development of neovascularization. Conclusion Although extensive retinal ischemia has been reported to result in complications such as retinal or iris neovascularization, in our case the macular ischemia has not expanded further over a period of 8 years. However, due to this macular ischemia the patient unfortunately lost her central vision.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/8d/PMC3141854.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3402157", "abstract": "Background Since the introduction of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) into the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) research has focused on the ability of ASD to predict PTSD rather than focusing on addressing ASD's underlying latent structure. The few existing confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) studies of ASD have failed to reach a clear consensus regarding ASD's underlying dimensionality. Although, the discrepancy in the results may be due to varying ASD prevalence rates, it remains possible that the model capturing the latent structure of ASD has not yet been put forward. One such model may be a replication of a new five-factor model of PTSD, which separates the arousal symptom cluster into Dysphoric and Anxious Arousal. Given the pending DSM-5, uncovering ASD's latent structure is more pertinent than ever. Objective Using CFA, four different models of the latent structure of ASD were specified and tested: the proposed DSM-5 model, the DSM-IV model, a three factor model, and a five factor model separating the arousal symptom cluster. Method The analyses were based on a combined sample of rape and bank robbery victims, who all met the diagnostic criteria for ASD (N = 404) using the Acute Stress Disorder Scale. Results The results showed that the five factor model provided the best fit to the data. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that the dimensionality of ASD may be best characterized as a five factor structure which separates dysphoric and anxious arousal items into two separate factors, akin to recent research on PTSD's latent structure. Thus, the current study adds to the debate about how ASD should be conceptualized in the pending DSM-5.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f2/6e/EJPT-3-18201.PMC3402157.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5088306", "abstract": " Aim. There is evidence that Anethum graveolens (AG) has been used for centuries in Asian traditional medicine, and its constituents have useful effects on the control and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. AG has many useful effects, including hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, and it has been reported to reduce the incidence of diabetic complications. It acts mainly by affecting antioxidant capacity and change in some genes in glucose and lipid pathways. The aim of the present paper was to summarize pharmacological effects of AG in the management of diabetes. Methods. To prepare this review, a pharmacological and phytochemical literature survey was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Also, some historical and ethnopharmacological literature sources were used. Results. This review plans to provide readers with an assessment of the pharmacological effects of AG, especially in diabetes. Conclusion. The paper highlights the therapeutic effects of AG which would aid in supporting their safe use in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/89/fc/PMC5088306.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5332993", "abstract": "[Purpose] Physical therapy is an acknowledged and frequently applied method for infantile postural asymmetry. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence for its effectiveness. [Subjects and Methods] In a randomised controlled trial, the effect of Vojta therapy versus Neurodevelopmental treatment is assessed in infants with postural asymmetry. 65 infants with postural asymmetry were recruited. 37 infants aged six to eight weeks (mean 7.38) were found to be eligible and randomly assigned to two groups, with 19 receiving Vojta and 18 Neurodevelopmental treatment. Using a standardised and blinded video-based assessment, we documented restriction in head rotation and convexity of the spine in prone and supine position before and after therapy. A reduction of at least four points (range of scale 20 points) in postural asymmetry was regarded as a clinically relevant change. [Results] On average a four-point reduction was achieved in both groups within eight weeks. A mean difference (pre-post) between the groups of −2.96 points in favour of Vojta therapy was observed. [Conclusion] While both Neurodevelopmental treatment and Vojta are effective in the treatment of infantile postural asymmetry and comparably well applied by the parents, therapeutic effectiveness is significant greater within the Vojta group.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/c7/jpts-29-301.PMC5332993.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4904094", "abstract": " Purpose. To investigate the short-term effect of air pollution on occurrence of nonspecific conjunctivitis. Methods. Data were collected from outpatient visits from cases with conjunctivitis over a period of one year. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the number of outpatient visits and the air quality and the lag effect of air quality on conjunctivitis occurrence. Results. The air quality index on the day of presentation (P = 0.023), one day before presentation (P = 0.049), and two days before presentation day (P = 0.050) had a positive relation with outpatient visits for conjunctivitis. The air quality index (P = 0.001) and outpatient visits number per day (P = 0.013) in autumn and winter (October to March) were significantly higher than those in spring (April) and summer (September). Conclusions. The air quality index within two days before presentation affected the probability of attending the outpatient clinic for nonspecific conjunctivitis. High number of cases can be expected in colder season.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/db/21/PMC4904094.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2952112", "abstract": "Medicine regards pain as a signal of physical injury to the body despite evidence contradicting the linkage and despite the exclusion of vast numbers of sufferers who experience psychological pain. By broadening our concept of pain and making it more inclusive, we would not only better accommodate the basic science of pain but also would recognize what is already appreciated by the layperson—that pain from diverse sources, physical and psychological, share an underlying felt structure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/0c/11013_2010_Article_9190.PMC2952112.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317021", "abstract": "To understand cancer progression, it is desirable to study the earliest stages of its development, which are often microscopic lesions. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a valuable high-throughput molecular approach for discovering DNA copy number changes; however, it requires a relatively large amount of DNA, which is difficult to obtain from microdissected lesions. Whole genome amplification (WGA) methods were developed to increase DNA quantity; however their reproducibility, fidelity, and suitability for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples are questioned. Using aCGH analysis, we compared two widely used approaches for WGA: single cell comparative genomic hybridization protocol (SCOMP) and degenerate oligonucleotide primed PCR (DOP-PCR). Cancer cell line and microdissected FFPE breast cancer DNA samples were amplified by the two WGA methods and subjected to aCGH. The genomic profiles of amplified DNA were compared with those of non-amplified controls by four analytic methods and validated by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR). We found that SCOMP-amplified samples had close similarity to non-amplified controls with concordance rates close to those of reference tests, while DOP-amplified samples had a statistically significant amount of changes. SCOMP is able to amplify small amounts of DNA extracted from FFPE samples and provides quality of aCGH data similar to non-amplified samples.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/65/PMC3317021.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5168486", "abstract": "Long-term depression (LTD), a widely studied form of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, is typically induced by prolonged low-frequency stimulation (LFS). Interestingly, LFS is highly effective in eliciting LTD in vitro, but much less so under in vivo conditions; the reasons for the resistance of the intact brain to express LTD are not well understood. We examined if levels of background electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity influence LTD induction in the thalamocortical visual system of rats under very deep urethane anesthesia, inducing a brain state of reduced spontaneous cortical activity. Under these conditions, LFS applied to the lateral geniculate nucleus resulted in LTD of field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) recorded in the primary visual cortex (V1). Pairing LFS with stimulation of the brainstem (pedunculopontine) reticular formation resulted in the appearance of faster, more complex activity in V1 and prevented LTD induction, an effect that did not require muscarinic or nicotinic receptors. Reticular stimulation alone (without LFS) had no effect on cortical fPSPs. These results show that excitation of the brainstem activating system blocks the induction of LTD in V1. Thus, higher levels of neural activity may inhibit depression at cortical synapses, a hypothesis that could explain discrepancies regarding LTD induction in previous in vivo and in vitro work.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/e3/PMC5168486.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3037473", "abstract": "If ethics of care deals with the nature of relationships, attentiveness, and understanding particular others, narrativity ought to play a central part. Sometimes, caring simply amounts to working with narratives. In the article I claim that narrativity can even be said to be native to an ethics of care. Through an example, I demonstrate how a narrative ethics of care can discern and grasp some moral problems better than the standard theoretical outlooks.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/74/10728_2010_Article_162.PMC3037473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3120278", "abstract": "Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a kind of heart muscle disease characterized by the gradual replacement of the right ventricular myocardium with fibrous tissue and fat. It could be the major cause of sudden cardiac death with ventricular tachycardia, and there is a variation in the history of the disease. We reported an unusual case of ARVC in a middle-aged woman with congestive heart failure as her first presentation for a long time.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/28/35/JCDR-2-74.PMC3120278.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4446508", "abstract": "The study examined the motives that people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had for self-managing their condition and ways they used to assess the success of their self-management efforts. Using semistructured interviews (N = 25), focus groups (3 ×  N = 12 participants), and open-ended questionnaires (N = 6), people living with and self-managing T2D were recruited from a community-based T2D participation group. Most participants were older (aged 60+) and lived in a socioeconomically deprived area in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis. Patients' motives for self-management included (i) concern about the anticipative effects of T2D; (ii) wishing to “stay well”; (iii) maintaining independence; (iv) reducing the need for healthcare professionals; and (v) improving quality of life. Six self-management styles were found and pertained to self-managing: (i) through routinisation; (ii) as a burden; (iii) as maintenance; (iv) through delegation; (v) through comanagement; and (vi) through autonomy. Motivators for self-management shaped the criteria people used to judge the success of their self-management practices and influenced their self-management style. The findings show that styles of T2D self-management are mediated and moderated by sociocontextual issues. Healthcare professionals should take these into account when supporting people living with T2D.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/b0/PMC4446508.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4869563", "abstract": "Purpose To describe a novel modification to robot-assisted partial cystectomy (RAPC) that allows for intraoperative surgical margin assessment by bimanual-examination and frozen-section analysis. Materials and Methods A total of 7 patients underwent RAPC at a single tertiary-care institution between 2008 and 2013. The technique evolved over the study-period and permitted real-time intraoperative surgical margin evaluation in the last 5 patients via bimanual-examination and frozen-section analysis, utilizing the GelPOINT platform (a hand-assist device). The GelPOINT platform was placed through a 4- to 5-cm vertical supraumbilical incision and allowed for rapid retrieval of the bladder specimen without compromising the pneumoperitoneum or prolonging the operative time. Perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes were evaluated; all patients had a minimum 12-month follow-up. At the time of last follow-up, a cross-sectional survey of patients was performed to evaluate regret/satisfaction utilizing validated questionnaires. Results The mean age was 72.5 years; 71.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/41/icu-57-221.PMC4869563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3375116", "abstract": "Background Globally, head injury is a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity. A disproportionately greater burden is borne by low- and middle-income countries. The incidence and characteristics of fatal and hospitalised head injuries in Fiji are unknown. Methods Using prospective data from the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospital system, the epidemiology of fatal and hospitalised head injuries was investigated (2004–2005). Results In total, 226 hospital admissions and 50 fatalities (66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/b4/ned-0038-0179.PMC3375116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3997880", "abstract": "The exploitation of new wilderness areas with crops is increasing and traditional crop substitution has been modified by new more productive crops. The results show the anthropogenic disturbance effect on the sandflies population and Leishmania transmission in endemic areas of Venezuela. Three agroecosystems with variable degrees of ecological disturbance, forest (conserved), cacao (fragmented), and orangery (disturbed), were selected. Four methods to sandfly capture were used; the specimens were identified and infected with Leishmania. Diversity, population structure, ANOVA, Tukey test, and simple correlation analysis were carried out. Shannon traps were able to capture 94.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/5f/PMC3997880.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3152735", "abstract": "Aseptic endocarditis is an uncommon complication of Behçet's disease (BD). We describe a rare case of a 39-year-old female who had BD with aseptic endocarditis of the tricuspid valve (TV) presenting as tricuspid stenosis. She was diagnosed with BD four years ago. The mucocutaneous lesions were well-controlled with colchicine and short courses of corticosteroids. She remained free of signs and symptoms of BD for one year without any medication. Three months before admission, she gradually developed dyspnea on exertion and peripheral edema. Echocardiography revealed dilated right atrium and markedly thickened TV with severe stenosis. TV replacement was performed. Pathologic examination of the valve showed fibrinoid necrotic material and inflammatory cell infiltration. Blood cultures and cultures of the excised valve were negative for microorganisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/94/kcj-41-399.PMC3152735.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2808561", "abstract": "Melioidosis is an infection of the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. While it is known as an important cause of sepsis or chronic abscess-forming disease in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, no case has yet been reported in Korea. A 50-yr-old man visited our hospital for intermittent fever associated with dry cough and sputum. Roentgenographic examination showed migrating pulmonary infiltration. Symptoms and chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) image findings did not improve despite use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated on bronchoscopic washing culture and were identified as B. pseudomallei on DNA sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA with 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/e9/jkms-20-139.PMC2808561.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3429150", "abstract": "Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the completeness of TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging for breast cancer in the Danish Cancer Registry. Methods We identified 26,488 patients with a first diagnosis of breast cancer between 2004 and 2009 from the Danish Cancer Registry. We obtained information on comorbidity through the Danish National Patient Registry. We estimated the completeness of TNM registration in the Danish Cancer Registry and stratified the analysis by gender, age, year of cancer diagnosis, and comorbidity. We designed an algorithm categorizing breast cancer into localized, regional, distant, or unknown stage based on TNM codes. Results The overall completeness of TNM registration was 85.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/d1/PMC3429150.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5426427", "abstract": "Microfluidics is considered an important technology that is suitable for numerous biomedical applications, including cancer diagnosis, metastasis, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Although microfluidics is still considered to be a new approach in urological research, several pioneering studies have been reported in recent years. In this paper, we reviewed urological research works using microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices were used for the detection of prostate and bladder cancer and the characterization of cancer microenvironments. The potential applications of microfluidics in urinary analysis and sperm sorting were demonstrated. The use of microfluidic devices in urology research can provide high-throughput, high-precision, and low-cost analyzing platforms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/39/inj-1734838-419.PMC5426427.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5134217", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message We report two prenatal cases of an exceptional association of digestive tract atresia or perforation with brain hemorrhage. This combination worsens the prognosis leading to termination of pregnancy in one case. We outline the importance of a careful fetal brain examination on imaging in cases of prenatal “acute” abdominal insults.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/e1/CCR3-4-1168.PMC5134217.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4197153", "abstract": "ABSTRACT We developed a concise and broadly applicable method for accurate genomic sequencing of North American genotype (NA-type) porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) that overcomes high genetic variability of the viruses. The method, designated “combination of consensus oligonucleotide reverse transcription and multiple displacement amplification” (CORT-MDA), involves reverse-transcription of viral RNA followed by shotgun sequencing after amplification using only 11 degenerate oligonucleotide primers; these primers were designed against consensus regions within the open reading frames of the 124 NA-type PRRSV strains with reported full-length genomic sequences. Sequencing of the 192 shotgun clones generated per virus showed 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/b4/jvms-76-1249.PMC4197153.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3958326", "abstract": "Brazilian goats are generally kept in small herds and extensive rearing systems, mainly in the northeastern region of the country. Despite production improvement in recent years, the lack of pedigree control has affected genetic progress. This study aimed to validate a panel of 16 microsatellites for parentage testing in locally adapted and commercial goats breeds raised in Brazil, as well as to compare its efficiency with the panel recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supplies (MAPA) in 2004. The number of alleles and expected heterozygosity (He) per marker ranged from four to 18, and from 0.051 to 0.831, respectively. Using all markers, 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/9a/PMC3958326.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3220842", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with fetal macrosomia and maternal postpartum dysglycemia, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction. Indeed, in practice, a prior pregnancy that resulted in a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) delivery is often considered presumptive evidence of GDM, whether or not it was diagnosed at the time. If this clinical assumption is correct, however, we would expect these women to exhibit postpartum metabolic dysfunction. Thus, to test this hypothesis, we assessed metabolic function during and after pregnancy in a cohort of women stratified according to the presence/absence of GDM and LGA delivery, respectively. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 562 women underwent metabolic characterization, including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in late pregnancy and at 3 months’ postpartum. The women were stratified into three groups: those with neither GDM nor LGA delivery (nonGDM, n = 364), those without GDM but with LGA delivery (nonGDM–LGA, n = 46), and those with GDM (n = 152). RESULTS On logistic regression, GDM predicted postpartum glucose intolerance (OR 4.1 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/61/2608.PMC3220842.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2817894", "abstract": "The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of 76 Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci [GBS]) isolates from vaginal specimens of pregnant women near term were correlated to their genotypes generated by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis and their virulence factors encoding genes cylE, lmb, scpB, rib, and bca by PCR. Based on the distribution of the susceptibility patterns, six profiles were generated. RAPD analysis detected 7 clusters of genotypes. The cylE gene was present in 99", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/58/PMC2817894.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5133037", "abstract": "The presented case features a rare manifestation of pulmonary tuberculosis in a previously healthy young woman who had acute presentation of tuberculous pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. In developing countries, mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). TB can present as an acute process and should be included in the differential diagnosis of CAP. This case is special in its manifestation from several clinical perspectives, including the lack of an underlying medical condition or immune defect and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in non-miliary and non-disseminated tuberculosis. In conclusion, the diagnosis of TB should be considered in all patients who present with CAP in endemic regions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/6b/epj-08-3116.PMC5133037.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4540869", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in trunk and shoulder angles, and reaction forces under the two hands elicited by different hand base of support positions during sitting pivot transfer. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen unimpaired subjects performed independent sitting pivot transfer. Subjects performed sitting pivot transfer between an initial seat to a target seat by only using their hands positioned at the same height as and lower than the seat position. Trunk and shoulder kinematics, and reaction forces on the trailing and leading hands were calculated. Mean peak joint angles and forces were compared between the hand positions using the pared t-test for the lift phase of the transfer. [Results] There were significant increases in the trunk angles of forward and lateral flexion, even though rotation decreased while transferring in the lower hand position. Increased shoulder flexion, anterior/posterior forces and reduced lateral forces were also shown. [Conclusion] Placing the hands of the supporting arms lower than the seat position during sitting pivot transfer was identified as having biomechanical advantages. Therefore, the lower hand position can be recommended as an effective and safe method for sitting pivot transfer by patients with spinal cord injury and can be utilized as a reference data for considering the appropriate height of aids for a wheelchair.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/c1/jpts-27-2307.PMC4540869.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4922369", "abstract": "Background Engaging with art can be valuable for persons living with dementia. ‘Artful Moments’ was a collaborative project undertaken by the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Behavioural Health Program at Hamilton Health Sciences that sought to develop and implement a program of arts-based activities for persons in the middle-to-late stages of dementia who exhibit behavioural symptoms and for their accompanying care partners. Methods This pilot study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Eight participants were observed during multiple art sessions to evaluate their level of engagement in the program. Care partners also completed a questionnaire describing their experience. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes. Results For program participants, factors that promoted continued interest and engagement in art included: care partner involvement, group activities, opportunities to share opinions, validation of their personhood, and increased engagement over time. Care partners observed improvements in participants’ creativity, communication, relationship forming, and task accomplishment, and some reported reduced stress. Conclusions ‘Artful Moments’ promoted engagement and expression in persons in the middle-to-late stages of dementia, as well as having benefits for their care partners. Limitations of the study included a small convenience sample drawn from one hospital setting.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/d8/cgj-19-58.PMC4922369.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2997241", "abstract": "This paper presents several possible applications of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for personal health examination and monitoring. One application involves using RFID sensors external to the human body, while another one uses both internal and external RFID sensors. Another application involves simultaneous assessment and monitoring of many patients in a hospital setting using networks of RFID sensors. All the assessment and monitoring are done wirelessly, either continuously or periodically in any interval, in which the sensors collect information on human parts such as the lungs or heart and transmit this information to a router, PC or PDA device connected to the internet, from which patient’s condition can be diagnosed and viewed by authorized medical professionals in remote locations. Instantaneous information allows medical professionals to intervene properly and in a timely fashion to prevent possible catastrophic effects to patients. The continuously assessed and monitored information provides medical professionals with more complete and long-term studies of patients. The proposed ideas promise to result in not only enhancement of the health treatment quality but also in significant reduction of medical expenditure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/67/MJM-12-67.PMC2997241.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5187417", "abstract": "Using a triangular lattice model to study the designability of protein folding, we overcame the parity problem of previous cubic lattice model and enumerated all the sequences and compact structures on a simple two-dimensional triangular lattice model of size 4+5+6+5+4. We used two types of amino acids, hydrophobic and polar, to make up the sequences, and achieved 223+212 different sequences excluding the reverse symmetry sequences. The total string number of distinct compact structures was 219,093, excluding reflection symmetry in the self-avoiding path of length 24 triangular lattice model. Based on this model, we applied a fast search algorithm by constructing a cluster tree. The algorithm decreased the computation by computing the objective energy of non-leaf nodes. The parallel experiments proved that the fast tree search algorithm yielded an exponential speed-up in the model of size 4+5+6+5+4. Designability analysis was performed to understand the search result.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/34/main.PMC5187417.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4918237", "abstract": "Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a frequent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint and skin involvement, and by typical extra-articular manifestations. Although the pathogenesis of PsA is still under investigation, the available evidence suggests the importance of the patient’s genetic background, microbial or environmental triggers, and an imbalance in the adaptive and acquired immune system, resulting in the production of inflammatory mediators. New therapeutic approaches have been proposed, among them the use of modulators of intracellular signals and gene transcription such as PDE4-inhibiting compounds, which are able to modulate the activity of transcription factors such as CREB and NF-κB and therefore the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, resulting in immunoregulation. This paper summarizes the mechanism of action of apremilast, a PDE4 inhibitor, and the clinical data available on its clinical efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of PsA patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/b0/itt-3-091.PMC4918237.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3741036", "abstract": "Aim The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) for patients aged 90 years or older, whom we define as “very elderly.” Methods The study involved a total number of 122 patients (122 eyes) with senile cataracts. The mean age of patients was 91.2 ± 2.3 years (range 90–100 years old). Phacoemulsification (phaco) was done on 113 of 122 eyes, and 9 of 122 eyes had extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed on the first postoperative day, 3 months after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. Results Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 100 of 122 eyes (82.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/00/PMC3741036.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3205652", "abstract": "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with predominant upper motor neuron (UMN) signs occasionally have hyperintensity of corticospinal tract (CST) on T2- and proton-density-(PD-) weighted brain images. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess whether diffusion parameters along intracranial CST differ in presence or absence of hyperintensity and correspond to UMN dysfunction.  DTI brain scans were acquired in 47 UMN-predominant ALS patients with (n = 21) or without (n = 26) CST hyperintensity and in 10 control subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were measured in four regions of interests (ROIs) along CST. Abnormalities (P < 0.05) were observed in FA, AD, or RD in CST primarily at internal capsule (IC) level in ALS patients, especially those with CST hyperintensity. Clinical measures corresponded well with DTI changes at IC level. The IC abnormalities suggest a prominent axonopathy in UMN-predominant ALS and that tissue changes underlying CST hyperintensity have specific DTI changes, suggestive of unique axonal pathology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/0c/PMC3205652.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3875099", "abstract": "We evaluated ovarian function by measuring the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, and gonadotropins in 83 young women treated for cancer during childhood and adolescence, and classified according to post-treatment gonadal toxicity versus 38 healthy females. Results. The mean AMH values were lower in the entire cohort independently of the risk group as compared to the control, whereas FSH was elevated only in the high risk group. The lowest AMH values were noted in patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and those treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Nineteen patients (22.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/00/PMC3875099.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3020600", "abstract": "In Europe, most reported human cases of babesiosis have been attributed, without strong molecular evidence, to infection with the bovine parasite Babesia divergens. We investigated the first known human cases of babesiosis in Italy and Austria, which occurred in two asplenic men. The complete 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene was amplified from specimens of their whole blood by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With phylogenetic analysis, we compared the DNA sequences of the PCR products with those for other Babesia spp. The DNA sequences were identical for the organism from the two patients. In phylogenetic analysis, the organism clusters with B. odocoilei, a parasite of white-tailed deer; these two organisms form a sister group with B. divergens. This evidence indicates the patients were not infected with B. divergens but with an organism with previously unreported molecular characteristics for the 18S rRNA gene.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ce/17/PMC3020600.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3302110", "abstract": " β-Glucans extracted from barley, which mainly contains β-(1,3-1,4)-D-glucan, are used extensively as supplements and food additives due to their wide biologic activities, including a reduction in blood lipid level. In this study, the antioxidant activity of β-glucan was examined to assess potential new benefits associated with β-glucan, because oxidative stress is considered one of the primary causal factors for various diseases and aging. β-Glucan extracted from barley was found to possess significant antioxidant activity. The amount of antioxidant activity was influenced by different physiologic properties (e.g., structure and molecular size) of β-glucan, which varied depending on the source and extraction method used. The antioxidant activity of β-glucan was significantly higher than that of various polymers that are used as food additives. These results indicate that β-glucan has promise as a polymeric excipient for supplement and food additive with antioxidant and other benefits, which may contribute to enhancing health and beauty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/f3/PMC3302110.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4989068", "abstract": " Aims. In the present study, we aimed to assess the concentrations of IL-13 and IL-17 in serum of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA), the investigation of correlation between the concentrations of these cytokines and disease activity score, and the concentration of some autoantibodies and the evaluation of the utility of IL-13 and -17 concentration measurements as markers of disease activity. Materials and Methods. Serum samples were collected from 30 patients and from 28 controls and analysed parameters. Results. The serum concentrations of IL-13, IL-17, anti-CCP, and IgM-RF were statistically significantly higher in patients with eRA, compared to the controls. IL-13 concentrations in the severe and moderate groups with eRA were statistically higher than in the mild and control groups. Also, in the case of IL-17, serum concentrations increased proportionally with the disease activity of eRA. We observe that concentrations of IL-13 and -17 did not correlate with autoantibodies. IL-17 concentration significantly positively correlated with CRP, while IL-13 concentration significantly negatively correlated with CRP. Disease activity score, DAS28, was strongly positively correlated with levels of ESR and weakly positively correlated with concentrations of anti-RA33 autoantibodies. IL-13 has a higher diagnostic utility than IL-17, CRP, ESR, IgM-RF, and anti-CCP as markers of disease activity. Conclusions. The presence of higher IL-13 and IL-17 serum levels in patients, compared with those of controls, confirms that these markers, found with high specificity, might be involved in the pathogenesis of eRA. IL-13 and IL-17 might be of better usefulness in the prediction of eRA activity status than IgM-RF and anti-CCP. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/ac/PMC4989068.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3334761", "abstract": "Increasing evidence suggests that the secondary phase of sepsis (that is, after the first proinflammatory hours) is characterized by the occurrence of a systemic failure of the immune system. In the most immunodepressed patients, therapies could be used to restore normal immune functions. However, biomarkers need to be developed to beforehand specifically identify these patients. Of these biomarkers, diminished monocyte HLA-DR expression has rapidly become the most popular. Herein, novel perspectives regarding monocyte HLA-DR assessed as a dynamic parameter in septic patients will be discussed in the context of a recently published study investigating daily evolution of monocyte HLA-DR with regard to 28 day-mortality after severe sepsis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/54/PMC3334761.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2809365", "abstract": "It has been shown that certain chemokine receptor polymorphisms may correspond to certain complications after organ transplantation. Ischemic-type biliary lesion (ITBL) encounters for major morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients. So far, the exact cause for ITBL remains unclear. Certain risk factors for the development of ITBL like donor age and cold ischemic time are well described. In a previous study, a 32-nucleotide deletion of the chemokine receptor-5Δ32 (CCR-5Δ32) was strongly associated with the incidence of ITBL in adult liver transplantation. This study re-evaluates the association of CCR-5Δ32 gene polymorphism and the incidence of ITBL. 169 patients were included into this retrospective analysis. 134 patients were homozygous for wild-type CCR-5, 33 patients heterozygous, and 2 patients were homozygous for CCR-5Δ32 mutation. There were no major differences in donor or recipients demographics. No association was found between CCR-5Δ32 mutation and the development of ITBL. We conclude that CCR-5Δ32 is no risk factor for the development of ITBL in our patient cohort.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9d/77/PMC2809365.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4853889", "abstract": "Granulomatosis with polyangiitisis [(GPA) or Wegener granulomatosis] is a multi-system disease characterized by granuloma formation and necrotizing vasculitis. GPA classically shows involvement of the respiratory tracts and the renal system. However, locoregional disease is common and may include otologic manifestations. Although otologic involvement can occur during the course of GPA, no report has described facial palsy with sudden sensorineural total deafness with vertigo as the presenting feature of GPA. This case describes a patient with multiorgan involving resistant form of GPA initially presenting with bilateral profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss and left facial paralysis with vertigo. The condition responded well to treatment with rituximab.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/fe/jao-20-55.PMC4853889.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3427809", "abstract": "Every operation could have a fire emergency, especially in the case of a tracheostomy. When a flammable gas meets a source of heat, the danger of fire is remarkable. A tracheal tube filled with a high concentration of oxygen is also a great risk factor for fire. Intra-tracheal tube fire is a rare, yet critical emergency with catastrophic consequences. Thus, numerous precautions are taken during a tracheostomy like, use of a special tube to prevent laser damage, ballooning of the tube with normal saline instead of air, and dilution of FiO2 with helium or nitrogen. Since the first recorded cases on tube fires, most of the fires were initiated in the balloon and the tip. In the present case report, however, we came across a fire incidence, which originated from the wire.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/26/kjae-63-157.PMC3427809.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322918", "abstract": "The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Vietnam was amplified by nosocomial spread within hospital A, but no transmission was reported in hospital B, the second of two designated SARS hospitals. Our study documents lack of SARS-associated coronavirus transmission to hospital B workers, despite variable infection control measures and the use of personal protective equipment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f5/2c/PMC3322918.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3909851", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to determine the interobserver and intermodality agreement in the interpretation of time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) for the follow-up of coiled intracranial aneurysms with the Enterprise stent. Materials and Methods Two experienced neurointerventionists independently reviewed the follow-up MRA studies of 40 consecutive patients with 44 coiled aneurysms. All aneurysms were treated with assistance from the Enterprise stent and the radiologic follow-up intervals were greater than 6 months after the endovascular therapy. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) served as the reference standard. The degree of aneurysm occlusion was determined by an evaluation of the maximal intensity projection (MIP) and source images (SI) of the TOF MRA. The capability of the TOF MRA to depict the residual flow within the coiled aneurysms and the stented parent arteries was compared with that of the DSA. Results DSA showed stable occlusions in 25 aneurysms, minor recanalization in 8, and major recanalization in 11. Comparisons between the TOF MRA and conventional angiography showed that the MIP plus SI had almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.892, range 0.767 to 1.000) and had better agreement than with the MIP images only (κ = 0.598, range 0.370 to 0.826). In-stent stenosis of more than 33", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/02/kjr-15-161.PMC3909851.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4159374", "abstract": "A 60-year-old female experienced the gradual onset of left hip pain without any triggering event. Radiographs showed vertical sclerosis in the center of the femoral head and the lesion inside the boundary demonstrated diffuse bony sclerosis. No collapse was observed at the weight-bearing portion on radiograph. However, computed tomography showed a subchondral collapse at the medial lesion. On T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, the necrotic lesion showed diffuse high-intensity signals that indicated a prominent repair process. Bone biopsy diagnosed osteonecrosis with associated prominent appositional bone and vascular granulation tissue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/62/PMC4159374.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3369435", "abstract": "Behçet's disease (BD) is an immune-mediated systemic vasculitis associated with HLAB51. Other gene associations are likely and may provide further insight into the pathogenesis of this disease. Fc-gamma receptors play an important role in regulating immune function. Copy number variation (CNV) of the Fc-gamma receptor 3B (FCGR3B) gene is associated with other inflammatory conditions and may also play a role in BD. The aim of this study was to determine whether CNV of the FCGR3B gene is associated with BD or its clinical features.  FCGR3B copy number was determined for 187 Iranian patients and 178 ethnicity-matched controls using quantitative real-time PCR. The genotype frequencies were comparable in both BD patients and controls. The odds ratio for low copy number (<2CN) was 0.6 (P = 0.16) and the odds ratio for high copy number (>2CN) was 0.75 (P = 0.50). There was no association found between high or low CN of the FCGR3B gene and BD or its clinical features in this Iranian population. We are the first to report this finding which, when looked at in the context of other genetic studies, gives us further insight into the complex pathogenesis of BD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/f9/PMC3369435.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3018648", "abstract": "Children raised in orphanages frequently experience growth suppression due to multiple risk factors. Placing such children in more nurturing environments through adoption leads to significant catch-up growth (CUG), the determinants of which are not entirely understood. The goal of this study was to perform an auxological evaluation and examine the degree and correlates of CUG in international adoptees. Children adopted from Eastern Europe, (n = 148, 71 males), 7 to 59 months of age, were recruited within 3 weeks of their arrival to the US. At baseline, mean height SDS was −1.2 ± 1.1 and 22", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/a3/PMC3018648.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5383178", "abstract": "The objective of study is to determine the thickness of bronchial walls of clinically diagnosed asthmatic cats using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) compared to that of healthy cats. The bronchial walls and pulmonary arteries were measured in healthy 16 cats and clinically asthmatic 4 cats. The bronchial walls and pulmonary arteries were measured under general anesthesia with positive pressure inspiration using HRCT. In healthy and asthmatic cats, bronchial lumen to the artery ratio (BA ratio), the ratio of bronchial wall thickness to bronchial diameter (TD ratio) and ratio of bronchial wall thickness to pulmonary artery (TA ratio) were measured. The mean BA ratio, TD ratio and TA ratio in healthy cats were 0.86 ± 0.12, 0.18 ± 0.02 and 0.25 ± 0.05, respectively. Under the same condition, the mean BA ratio, TD ratio and TA ratio in asthmatic cats were 0.93 ± 0.21, 0.22 ± 0.24 and 0.37 ± 0.06. The TD ratio and TA ratio in asthmatic cats were significantly higher than healthy cats (P<0.001). BA ratio was not significantly different in both groups (P>0.05). The evaluation of bronchial wall thickness by HRCT could be useful for diagnosis of disease of bronchial wall thickening, such as feline asthma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/ae/jvms-79-567.PMC5383178.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3458293", "abstract": "The causal gene(s) for familial adult myoclonic epilepsy (FAME) remains undetermined. To identify it, an exome analysis was performed for the proband in a Japanese FAME family. Of the 383 missense/nonsense variants examined, only c.5720G>A mutation (p.Arg1907His) in the UBR5 gene was found in all of the affected individuals in the family, but not in the nonaffected members. Such mutation was not found in any of the 85 healthy individuals in the same community nor in any of the 24 individuals of various ethnicities. The present study demonstrated an FAME-associated mutation in the UBR5 gene, which is located close to the reported locus linked to Japanese FAME families.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/2d/PMC3458293.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3285707", "abstract": "Purpose We reviewed the cases of ureteral injury during gynecologic surgeries in a community hospital and attempted to find possible options for alleviating these distressing situations. Materials and Methods A total of 2,927 patients underwent gynecologic surgeries in the last 5 years at our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the cases, particularly the possible risk factors and management according to the time of detection of the injury. Thirty-five cases (1.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/2e/kju-53-120.PMC3285707.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC471575", "abstract": "In this article we briefly review the reasons and advantages that underly our publisher's decision to introduce article-processing charges (APC) for manuscripts submitted to Cell Communication and Signaling. The charge is an attempt to develop a new business model for distributing biomedical information and has been accepted in a number of other journals. APCs will enable BioMed Central to continue to provide their excellent service and will help to establish our journal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/0b/PMC471575.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4457972", "abstract": "Enterovesical fistula is an abnormal communication between the bladder and the intestine. The accurate localization of leakage is important for accurate treatment planning. Some imaging techniques can not demonstrate the fistula; therefore, choosing the appropriate imaging technique is necessary. CT enterography (CTE) is a new technique for evaluation of the small bowel and the entire abdomen. CTE examination with multi-detector CT (MDCT) enables us to get excellent quality reformatted images with high spatial resolution. We report a patient with neobladder and enteroneovesical fistula. We showed the exact location of the fistula and its’ association with the bowels and neobladder by CTE. The aim of this report is to show that CTE can be a new and effective modality in the detection of enteroneovesical fistulas and to discuss the efficacy of CTE in the detection and evaluation of enterovesical fistula referring to the literature. In conclusion, CTE may be a useful, sensitive, effective, and non-invasive technique for the evaluation of enteroneovesical fistula, leakage from the anastomose sides, and other extraintestinal complications such as urinary tract obstruction or abscess formation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/63/iranjradiol-12-02-7349.PMC4457972.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3531153", "abstract": "We here present The Online Protein Processing Resource (TOPPR; http://iomics.ugent.be/toppr/), an online database that contains thousands of published proteolytically processed sites in human and mouse proteins. These cleavage events were identified with COmbinded FRActional DIagonal Chromatography proteomics technologies, and the resulting database is provided with full data provenance. Indeed, TOPPR provides an interactive visual display of the actual fragmentation mass spectrum that led to each identification of a reported processed site, complete with fragment ion annotations and search engine scores. Apart from warehousing and disseminating these data in an intuitive manner, TOPPR also provides an online analysis platform, including methods to analyze protease specificity and substrate-centric analyses. Concretely, TOPPR supports three ways to retrieve data: (i) the retrieval of all substrates for one or more cellular stimuli or assays; (ii) a substrate search by UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot accession number, entry name or description; and (iii) a motif search that retrieves substrates matching a user-defined protease specificity profile. The analysis of the substrates is supported through the presence of a variety of annotations, including predicted secondary structure, known domains and experimentally obtained 3D structure where available. Across substrates, substrate orthologs and conserved sequence stretches can also be shown, with iceLogo visualization provided for the latter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/81/gks998.PMC3531153.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4435053", "abstract": "Background Several biologic medicines are available to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and they differ in administration method (subcutaneous or intravenous [IV]). We analyzed a pharmacy benefit manager database to estimate claims-based, algorithm-determined effectiveness and cost per effectively treated patient for biologics used to treat RA. Methods We analyzed the Medco Health Solutions pharmacy benefit manager database to identify patients with one or more claims for a biologic used to treat RA from 2007 to 2012. The first observed claim defined the index date, the previous 180 days were the pre-index period, and follow-up was 365 days after the index date. Effectiveness of a biologic was determined by a validated, published algorithm designed for use in claims database analyses. Cost per effectively treated patient as determined by the algorithm was calculated as the total annual cost of the biologic therapy divided by the number of effectively treated patients. Analyses were conducted for subcutaneous, IV, and individual biologics. Results The analysis population was 1,090 patients (subcutaneous: 785, IV: 305; etanercept: 440, adalimumab: 345, infliximab: 201, abatacept: 104). The mean age was 49.7±9.4 years, and 78", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/b5/ceor-7-257.PMC4435053.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4754527", "abstract": "Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a nosocomial and opportunistic infection caused by Clostridium difficile. PMC is related to the use of antibiotics leading to intestinal dysbiosis and an overgrowth of C. difficile. Metronidazole or vancomycin is considered to be the standard therapy for the management of PMC. However, PMC has a 15", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/9c/ir-14-83.PMC4754527.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5063441", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Objective:  To compare somatic growth, lung function, and level of physical activity in schoolchildren who had been very-low-birth-weight preterm infants (VLBWPIs) or normal-birth-weight full-term infants.  Methods:  We recruited two groups of schoolchildren between 8 and 11 years of age residing in the study catchment area: those who had been VLBWPIs (birth weight < 1,500 g); and those who had been normal-birth-weight full-term infants (controls, birth weight ≥ 2,500 g). Anthropometric and spirometric data were collected from the schoolchildren, who also completed a questionnaire regarding their physical activity. In addition, data regarding the perinatal and neonatal period were collected from the medical records of the VLBWPIs.  Results:  Of the 93 schoolchildren screened, 48 and 45 were in the VLBWPI and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status, or pulmonary function. No associations were found between perinatal/neonatal variables and lung function parameters in the VLBWPI group. Although the difference was not significant, the level of physical activity was slightly higher in the VLBWPI group than in the control group.  Conclusions:  Among the schoolchildren evaluated here, neither growth nor lung function appear to have been affected by prematurity birth weight, or level of physical activity. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/ee/1806-3713-jbpneu-42-04-00254.PMC5063441.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3755236", "abstract": "Four species of Laboulbeniales collected from Java Island, Indonesia between August and September in 2006 are described. These species, which belong to the genus Coreomyces and were found on the family Corixidae of the order Hemiptera, were as follows; Coreomycus corixae Thaxter, Coreomyces micronectae Thaxter and Coreomyces orientalis Thaxter, which were found on Micronecta sedula Horvath, and Coreomyces recurvatus Thaxter, which was found on Micronecta sedula Horvath and Xenocorixa sp. C. corixae Thaxter and C. orientalis Thaxter were originally found on Micronecta, whereas C. recurvatus Thaxter was originally found on Xenocorixa. All species described herein are new to Java Island. The specimens were deposited in the Biological Herbarium, Division of Science Education, College of Education, Chosun University.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/3e/mb-36-134.PMC3755236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2850997", "abstract": "Purpose To investigate the effect of catechin on apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium of rats with cataract. Methods Cataract was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) to ten day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=15 in each group): a control group, and four cataract-induction groups, treated with either 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg catechin. We performed slit-lamp biomicroscopic analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Western-blot for Bcl-2 and Bax, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3. Results Apoptotic cell death in lens epithelial cells that increased following cataract formation in rats was suppressed by cathechin. Conclusions Catechin inhibited cataract-induced apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium and may prove useful for the prevention of cataract progression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/bf/kjo-24-101.PMC2850997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4066566", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Breast tumor metastasis to the tonsil is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 54-year-old woman underwent resection of a breast malignant phyllodes tumor and later presented with metastasis to the lung and the left tonsil. She underwent left lower lobectomy and resection of the left tonsillar tumor. She subsequently developed undifferentiated carcinoma of the right tonsil. She underwent resection of the right tonsillar tumor and chemotherapy was started. The central venous catheter became infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, she died. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a phyllodes tumor metastasizing to the tonsil. Furthermore, morphological and immunohistochemical study revealed that the right tonsillar tumor was irrelevant to the phyllodes tumors. CONCLUSION We report a case of phyllodes tumor metastasis to the left tonsil which developed undifferentiated carcinoma in the other side of tonsil later. Breast tumor metastasis to the tonsil is rare but it should be considered as a possible diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/6f/main.PMC4066566.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4026979", "abstract": "Within the last four decades, our view of the mature vertebrate brain has changed significantly. Today it is generally accepted that the adult brain is far from being fixed. A number of factors such as stress, adrenal and gonadal hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, certain drugs, environmental stimulation, learning, and aging change neuronal structures and functions. The processes that these factors may induce are morphological alterations in brain areas, changes in neuron morphology, network alterations including changes in neuronal connectivity, the generation of new neurons (neurogenesis), and neurobiochemical changes. Here we review several aspects of neuroplasticity and discuss the functional implications of the neuroplastic capacities of the adult and differentiated brain with reference to the history of their discovery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/0a/PMC4026979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4657177", "abstract": "The properties of living cells are mediated by a huge number of ever-changing interactions of their component macromolecules forming living machines; collectively, these are termed the interactome. Pathogenic alterations in interactomes mechanistically underlie diseases. Therefore, there exists an essential need for much better tools to reveal and dissect interactomes. This need is only now beginning to be met.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/6c/JCB_201510108.PMC4657177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3955585", "abstract": "In this work, a new sensitive analytical method has been developed and evaluated for the determination of the most commonly used gaseous anesthetics, desflurane, sevoflurane, and this latter's hepatic metabolite hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the urine. In addition, an evaluation of anesthetics exposition on the urine levels of a small population of surgical operators has been performed and results are briefly discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/79/8c/PMC3955585.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3655646", "abstract": " Background. There is a lack of expertise in the procedure of open radical retropubic prostatectomy in West Africa therefore necessitating the training of urologists in the subregion in this procedure. Aim. This report looks at the early outcomes of a single surgeon in this procedure after an SIU fellowship. Methodology. A prospective study of the initial twenty consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer that underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital, Accra.  Results. The mean followup was 19.5 months (range 7 months–36 months). The mean age was 62.7 yrs. For the clinical stage, 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/fa/PMC3655646.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5288617", "abstract": "Introduction: The common peroneal nerve (CPN) injuries are the most common among lower limb nerve injuries because of its fixed attachment in the region of the neck of the fibula. The involvement of CPN following varus displacement of the knee is commonly expected to be traction neuropraxia. The spontaneous recovery is usually expected and the not so favorable results of repair have led to a debatable consensus on its surgical management. Closed transaction/laceration of nerve following sports injury is highly uncommon. Case Report: A 27-year-old male sustained closed avulsion fracture of the fibular head with complete foot drop following a hyperadduction injury to the knee. Early operative exploration revealed peroneal nerve laceration which was repaired primarily along with anatomical reduction of the fibular head which yields good results following early repair. Conclusion: This case review emphasizes that severe damage to CPN may occur in spite of closed injuries to the knee. Patients presenting with fibular head avulsion fractures at the knee and CPN injury should be subjected to early intervention with repair or reconstruction of the avulsion injuries and exploration of CPN to achieve good clinical outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/05/JOCR-6-23.PMC5288617.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4182846", "abstract": "Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and serves as a major risk factor for hypertension, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemias, and type-2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in metabolic hormones, inflammatory cytokines, and immune function, in lean, overweight, and obese chimpanzees in a controlled environment. We observed increased plasma circulating levels of proinflammatory TH-1 cytokines, Interferon gamma, interleukin-6, interleukin-12p40, tumor necrosis factor, soluble CD40 ligand, and Interleukin-1β and anti-inflammatory TH-2 cytokines, Interleukin-4, Interleukin-RA, Interleukin-10, and Interleukin-13 in overweight and obese chimpanzees. We also observed increased levels of metabolic hormones glucagon-like-peptide-1, glucagon, connecting peptide, insulin, pancreatic peptide YY3–36, and leptin in the plasma of overweight and obese chimpanzees. Chemokine, eotaxin, fractalkine, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were higher in lean compared to obese chimpanzees, while chemokine ligand 8 increased in plasma of obese chimpanzees. We also observed an obesity-related effect on immune function as demonstrated by lower mitogen induced proliferation, and natural killer activity and higher production of IFN-γ by PBMC in Elispot assay, These findings suggest that lean, overweight, and obese chimpanzees share circulating inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormone levels with humans and that chimpanzees can serve as a useful animal model for human studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/bb/PMC4182846.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3830974", "abstract": "Purpose MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs and microRNA-214 (miR-214) has been associated with the inhibition of cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cell-free miR-214 isolated from urine could be used as a biomarker for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Materials and Methods A total of 138 patients with primary NMIBC and 144 healthy normal controls were enrolled in this study. By use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the urinary levels of cell-free miR-214 were measured and the clinicopathological parameters of patients with NMIBC were compared with those of the controls. Results The urinary levels of cell-free miR-214 were significantly higher in the NMIBC patients than in the controls (20.08±3.21 vs. 18.96±2.68, p=0.002). However, the urinary levels of cell-free miR-214 were neither graded nor staged for the NMIBC patients (p>0.05, each). When we compared the urinary levels of cell-free miR-214 according to clinical outcomes, patients with recurrence had lower levels of miR-214 than did those with no recurrence (19.24±2.67 vs. 20.41±3.41, p=0.023). By contrast, there were no significant differences in the urinary level of cell-free miR-214 between the NMIBC patients showing progression and those showing no progression (p=0.919). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that urinary levels of cell-free miR-214 were an independent predictor of NMIBC recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.011; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/cb/kju-54-791.PMC3830974.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3603420", "abstract": "Physical inactivity is associated with poor physical fitness and increased body weight. This study examined the relationship between participation in organized sports and overweight as well as physical fitness in primary school children in southern Germany.  Height, weight, and various components of physical fitness were measured in 995 children (7.6 ± 0.4 years). Sports participation and confounding variables such as migration background, parental education, parental body weight, and parental sports participation were assessed via parent questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression as well as multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to determine associations between physical fitness, participation in organized sports, and body weight.  Participation in organized sports less than once a week was prevalent in 29.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/84/4b/PMC3603420.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3248587", "abstract": "Surgical excision was performed on a 30-years old woman with a painful mass on her left thigh. The pathologic findings on the mass indicated fibromatosis. After the operation, she complained of allodynia and spontaneous pain at the operation site and ipsilateral lower leg. We treated her based on postoperative femoral neuropathy, but symptom was aggravated. We found a large liposarcoma in her left iliopsoas muscle which compressed the lumbar plexus. In conclusion, the cause of pain was lumbar plexopathy related to a mass in the left iliopsoas muscle. Prompt diagnosis of acute neuropathic pain after an operation is important and management must be based on exact causes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/c2/kjpain-24-226.PMC3248587.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085357", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to assess the use of pesticides on farms located in the Lambedor River watershed in Guatambu, State of Santa Catarina, as well as to determine, by micronucleus testing, the risk of genotoxic impact. Samples from locally collected Cyprinus carpio, Hypostomus punctatus, Rhamdia quelen and Oreochromis niloticus gave evidence of a mean increase in micronuclei frequency from 6.21 to 13.78 in 1,000 erythrocytes, a clear indication of the genotoxic potenciality of pesticide residues in regional dams, and their significant contribution to local environmental contamination.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/77/PMC3085357.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2987532", "abstract": "The use of entomopathogenic nematodes is one potential non-chemical approach to control the larvae of the invasive western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Europe. This study investigated the efficacy of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, Jackson and Klein (Rh., Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rh., Steinernematidae) in reducing D. v. virgifera as a function of soil characteristics. A field experiment was repeated four times in southern Hungary using artificially infested maize plants potted into three different soils. Sleeve gauze cages were used to assess the number of emerging adult D. v. virgifera from the treatments and untreated controls. Results indicate that nematodes have the potential to reduce D. v. virgifera larvae in most soils; however, their efficacy can be higher in maize fields with heavy clay or silty clay soils than in sandy soils, which is in contrast to the common assumption that nematodes perform better in sandy soils than in heavy soils.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/30/10340_2010_Article_293.PMC2987532.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3675306", "abstract": "Background and Objectives The objective of this study was to analyze and compare risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and Methods The sample included 7936 Korean patients aged ≥20 years who were hospitalized from 1994 to 2004. Of the 7936 subjects, PAD (n=415), CAD (n=3686), and normal controls (Control) (n=3835) were examined at the Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center. Results The mean age (years) of PAD subjects was 64.4 (±9.3), while CAD subjects was 61.2 (±9.9), and Control subjects was 59.9 (±9.1) (p<0.01). The proportion of males was 90.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/98/kcj-43-316.PMC3675306.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5398417", "abstract": "We report a case of sudden unexpected death of a young woman who was found in a bathtub of hot water. The autopsy concluded that all possible causes of sudden loss of consciousness, except cardiac origin, could be excluded. However, the heart did not show any obvious pathological changes. We used next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) to examine 73 genes and detected 3 rare, potentially pathogenic variants with minor allele frequencies ⩽1.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/45/10.1177_1179547617702884.PMC5398417.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3181614", "abstract": "The mental health field is transforming the culture of treatment research by moving from a narrow regulatory model geared to drug approval and registration to a more inclusive public health model. Thus, whereas regulatory antidementia trials will exclude patients with psychiatric or neurologic symptoms or substance abuse and require them to be physically healthy and living with a caregiver, ie, 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/58/DialoguesClinNeurosci-2-309.PMC3181614.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4352604", "abstract": "With the increased acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within society, new research reflects deeper folk health histories beyond formal medical spaces. The contested relationships between formal and informal medicine have deep provenance and as scientific medicine began to professionalise in the 19th century, lay health knowledges were simultaneously absorbed and disempowered (Porter 1997). In particular, the ‘medical gaze’ and the responses of informal medicine to this gaze were framed around themes of power, regulation, authenticity and narrative reputation. These responses were emplaced and mobile; enacted within multiple settings by multiple agents and structures over time. The work is drawn from secondary material from Ireland, which identify more indigenous narratives of health and act as potential sources for medical humanities. While assumptions have been made as to the place of folk-medicine being essentially rural, evidence will be presented which shows a more complex network of health beliefs and practices. The narratives of informal practice and folk-medicine drawn from evidence from Ireland point to more fluid and hybrid relations with formal medicine and suggest that the complementary nature of the two models reflected wider cultural debates and models of belief (Del Casino Jnr., Health     Place 10:59-73, 2004).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/61/PMC4352604.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3860024", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Most gastroenterological surgeries, even pancreatic surgery, can now be performed laparoscopically. However, the management of concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and intra-abdominal malignancy is controversial. The performance of endovascular repair (EVAR) for AAA has been increasing; however, there is no report of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy after EVAR. PRESENTATION OF CASE A pancreatic tumor was detected during follow-up after EVAR for AAA. The enlarging tumor was diagnosed as an intraductal papillary mucinous tumor with a nodule. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was safely performed. After laparoscopic dissection around the pancreas head, an additional incision was made in the upper abdomen, and pancreatic reconstruction was performed through the incision. In spite of grade B pancreatic fistulae, the patient recovered with medical therapy. The pathological diagnosis was intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma with small foci of carcinoma in situ. The patient has been well with neither recurrence of the tumor nor any cardiovascular events for 18 months. DISCUSSION The management of concomitant malignancy and AAA is challenging, especially in patients with a pancreatic tumor. The reasons for the rarity of treatment include prognosis, anatomical vicinity, and postoperative complications. EVAR reduces retroperitoneal adhesions. A laparoscopic approach provides a small operative field and decreases mutual interference with AAA. Moreover, reconstruction is performed through an upper abdominal incision apart from the AAA. Hand-sewing provides more reliable stability of the anastomosis. CONCLUSION The increasing frequency of performance of EVAR for AAA and subsequent computed tomography may help to detect malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery appears to be a valid approach to malignancy after EVAR.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/19/main.PMC3860024.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1434524", "abstract": "Despite the excellent clinical performance of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as a cancer-imaging agent for positron emission tomography (PET), false positive and false negative results can be problematic in some clinical settings. Radiopharmaceutical development has recently focussed on the search for new PET tracers that could complement or replace FDG in such settings. Due to the general availability and favourable physical properties of fluorine-18, much effort has been directed to fluorinated compounds. The most promising of these are discussed. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/96/6f/PMC1434524.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3104688", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to investigate the construct validity of the Moral Development Scale for Professionals (MDSP) using structural equation modeling. The instrument is a 12-item self-report instrument, developed in the Scandinavian cultural context and based on Kohlberg’s theory. A hypothesized simplex structure model underlying the MDSP was tested through structural equation modeling. Validity was also tested as the proportion of respondents older than 20 years that reached the highest moral level, which according to the theory should be small. A convenience sample of 339 nursing students with a mean age of 25.3 years participated. Results confirmed the simplex model structure, indicating that MDSP reflects a moral construct empirically organized from low to high. A minority of respondents >20 years of age (13.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/92/PMC3104688.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4762463", "abstract": "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has recently recognized a particular risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders (criterion A4), acknowledging emergency units as stressful places of employment. Little data is yet available on DSM-5 among emergency health operators. The aim of this study was to assess DSM-5 symptomatological PTSD and posttraumatic stress spectrum, as well as their impact on work and social functioning, in the emergency staff of a major university hospital in Italy. One hundred and ten subjects (doctors, nurses, and health-care assistants) were recruited at the Emergency Unit of the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (Italy) and assessed by the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR) and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). A 15.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/ef/ndt-12-375.PMC4762463.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4778757", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this article is to report establishment of the 1st Web-based database (DB) system to collect renal cell carcinoma (RCC) data in Korea. Materials and Methods The new Web-based DB system was established to collect basic demographic and clinicopahtological characteristics of a large cohort of patients with RCC in Korea. Data from a total of 6,849 patients were collected from 8 tertiary care hospitals that agreed to participate in organizing the Korean Renal Cell Carcinoma (KORCC) study group as of 1 July 2015. Basic demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were collected. The data of patients who underwent surgical treatments were analyzed to characterize Korean RCC. Results We established the 1st Web-based DB of Korean RCC, a database comprising renal mass management cases from multiple centers in Korea. The data of 5,281 patients who underwent surgical management (mean follow-up, 32 months) were analyzed. The most common symptom was incidentally detected renal mass (76.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/1f/icu-57-50.PMC4778757.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2798085", "abstract": "The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has four distinctive characteristics that must be explained by any theory proposed for it.  (1) A characteristic male fraction of approximately 0.61 for all postneonatal SIDS in the US; (2) a distinctive lognormal-type age distribution arising from zero at birth, mode at about 2 months, median at about 3 months, and an exponential decrease with age going towards zero beyond one year; (3) a marked decrease in SIDS rate from the discovery that changing the recommended infant sleep position from prone to supine reduced the rate of SIDS, but it did not change the form of the age or gender distributions cited above; (4) a seasonal variation, maximal in winter and minimal in summer, that implies subsets of SIDS displaying evidence of seasonal low-grade respiratory infection and nonseasonal neurological prematurity. A quadruple-risk model is presented that fits these conditions but requires confirmatory testing by finding a dominant X-linked allele protective against cerebral anoxia that is missing in SIDS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c8/af/PMC2798085.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4376304", "abstract": "Objective In 2013, customer satisfaction surveys showed that patients were unhappy with the services provided at our ambulatory clinic. In response, we performed an appraisal of our services, which resulted in the development of a strategy to reduce waiting time and improve quality of service. Infrastructural changes to our clinic’s waiting room, consultation rooms, and back offices were performed, and schedules were redesigned to reduce wait time to 10 minutes and increase consultation time to 20 minutes. Our objective was to identify if this would improve 1) accessibility to caregivers and 2) quality of service and available amenities. Design We conducted a multi-method survey using 1) a patient flow analysis to analyze the flow of service and understand the impact of our interventions on patient flow and 2) specially designed questionnaires to investigate patients’ perceptions of our wait time and how to improve our services. Results The results showed that 79", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/d2/jmdh-8-147.PMC4376304.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2967838", "abstract": "This paper presents a new, automatic method of accurately extracting lesions from CT data. It first determines, at each voxel, a five-dimensional (5D) feature vector that contains intensity, shape index, and 3D spatial location. Then, nonparametric mean shift clustering forms superpixels from these 5D features, resulting in an oversegmentation of the image. Finally, a graph cut algorithm groups the superpixels using a novel energy formulation that incorporates shape, intensity, and spatial features. The mean shift superpixels increase the robustness of the result while reducing the computation time. We assume that the lesion is part spherical, resulting in high shape index values in a part of the lesion. From these spherical subregions, foreground and background seeds for the graph cut segmentation can be automatically obtained. The proposed method has been evaluated on a clinical CT dataset. Visual inspection on different types of lesions (lung nodules and colonic polyps), as well as a quantitative evaluation on 101 solid and 80 GGO nodules, both demonstrate the potential of the proposed method. The joint spatial-intensity-shape features provide a powerful cue for successful segmentation of lesions adjacent to structures of similar intensity but different shape, as well as lesions exhibiting partial volume effect.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/1e/PMC2967838.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3030066", "abstract": "Vocal cord paralysis is one of the most serious anesthetic complications related to endotracheal intubation. The practitioner should take extreme care, as bilateral vocal cord paralysis can obstruct the airway and lead to disastrous respiratory problems. There have been many papers on bilateral vocal cord paralysis after neck surgery, but reports on such a condition after lung surgery are very rare. We report a case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis detected after removal of a double-lumen endotracheal tube in a 67-year-old patient who underwent wedge resection by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We also note that he recovered spontaneously without complications within a day.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/99/kjae-59-S9.PMC3030066.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3345214", "abstract": " Objective. To determine changes in hemoglobin concentration at second measurements after a normal hemoglobin concentration was detected at first booking during pregnancy at low and at high altitudes. Methods. This is a secondary analysis of a large database obtained from the Perinatal Information System in Peru which includes 379,816 pregnant women and their babies from 43 maternity units in Peru. Results. Most women remained with normal hemoglobin values at second measurement (75.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/92/PMC3345214.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4417556", "abstract": "A design of systolic array-based Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) parallel architecture for Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) Algorithm is proposed. BLAST is a heuristic biological sequence alignment algorithm which has been used by bioinformatics experts. In contrast to other designs that detect at most one hit in one-clock-cycle, our design applies a Multiple Hits Detection Module which is a pipelining systolic array to search multiple hits in a single-clock-cycle. Further, we designed a Hits Combination Block which combines overlapping hits from systolic array into one hit. These implementations completed the first and second step of BLAST architecture and achieved significant speedup comparing with previously published architectures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/71/PMC4417556.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3655557", "abstract": "Although pediatric providers have traditionally assessed and treated childhood obesity and associated health-related conditions in the clinic setting, there is a recognized need to expand the provider role. We reviewed the literature published from 2005 to 2012 to (1) provide examples of the spectrum of roles that primary care providers can play in the successful treatment and prevention of childhood obesity in both clinic and community settings and (2) synthesize the evidence of important characteristics, factors, or strategies in successful community-based models. The review identified 96 articles that provide evidence of how primary care providers can successfully prevent and treat childhood obesity by coordinating efforts within the primary care setting and through linkages to obesity prevention and treatment resources within the community. By aligning the most promising interventions with recommendations published over the past decade by the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other health organizations, we present nine areas in which providers can promote the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity through efforts in clinical and community settings: weight status assessment and monitoring, healthy lifestyle promotion, treatment, clinician skill development, clinic infrastructure development, community program referrals, community health education, multisector community initiatives, and policy advocacy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/37/PMC3655557.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5336632", "abstract": "Stump appendicitis is an acute inflammation of remnant appendix, a rare complication of incomplete appendectomy. It may present as acute abdomen with history of appendectomy, which may cause delay in diagnosis. Therefore, incomplete appendectomy should be considered as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in patients with medical history of appendectomy. The present case is one of stump appendicitis 6 months after appendectomy. Stump appendectomy was performed and the patient was discharged 7 days after the operation without any complication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/66/NCI-3-237.PMC5336632.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3930163", "abstract": "A simple, sensitive, accurate, and green spectrophotometric method for the determination of Cu(II) using newly synthesized reagent, 6-(2-methoxynaphthyl)-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine-3-thione (MNDTT), has been developed. MNDTT was synthesized based on the acylation of methoxy naphthalene and reaction of the product with amyl nitrite, which upon reaction with thiosemicarbazide yielded 6-(2-meyhoxynaphthyl)-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine-3-thione. MNDTT produces a dark red complex with copper in methanol according to the 1 : 2 stoichiometry. Beer's law was obeyed over the concentration range of 2.5–20 µg/mL with r 2 = 0.992. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.33 and 1.10 µg/mL, respectively. Within-day and between-day precision values were less than 3.68", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/13/PMC3930163.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5140868", "abstract": "Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign airway disease that is characterized by the presence of multiple rock-garden-like nodules on bronchoscopy. TO is a slowly progressive disease of the trachea and major bronchi, which is typically characterized by such symptoms as a persistent nonproductive cough, dyspnea and wheezing. The clinical features of TO are variable, and asymptomatic patients may incidentally be diagnosed during the work-up for other diseases. We herein report a rare case of TO accompanying multiple tracheobronchial polyposis in which bronchoscopic resection of the airway polyp using a high-frequency snare was successfully performed. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/f3/1349-7235-55-3165.PMC5140868.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4842471", "abstract": "[Purpose] To date, core muscle activity detected using ultrasonography during prone bridge exercises has not been reported. Here we investigated the effects of core muscle thickness and balance on sling exercise efficacy by shoulder joint angle in healthy individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-three healthy university students were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography thickness of external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis during sling workouts was investigated. Muscle thickness was measured on ultrasonography imaging before and after the experiment. Dynamic balance was tested using a functional reaching test. Static balance was tested using a Tetrax Interactive Balance System. [Results] Different muscle thicknesses were observed during the prone bridge exercise with the shoulder flexed at 60°, 90° or 120°. Shoulder flexion at 60° and 90° in the prone bridge exercise with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most transversus abdominis muscles. Shoulder flexion at 120° in the prone bridge exercise with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most external oblique muscles. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the prone bridge exercise with shoulder joint angle is an effective method of increasing global and local muscle strength.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/7e/jpts-28-945.PMC4842471.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3166003", "abstract": "To better understand the epidemiology of European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) in Europe, we phylogenetically characterized Lyssavirus from Eptesicus isabellinus bats in Spain. An independent cluster of EBLV-1 possibly resulted from geographic isolation and association with a different reservoir from other European strains. EBLV-1 phylogeny is complex and probably associated with host evolutionary history.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/a1/PMC3166003.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3182752", "abstract": "The three-color (BLN) 69-residue model protein was designed to exhibit frustrated folding. We investigate the energy landscape of this protein using disconnectivity graphs and compare it to a Go̅ model, which is designed to reduce the frustration by removing all non-native attractive interactions. Finding the global minimum on a frustrated energy landscape is a good test of global optimization techniques, and we present calculations evaluating the performance of basin-hopping and genetic algorithms for this system. Comparisons are made with the widely studied 46-residue BLN protein. We show that the energy landscape of the 69-residue BLN protein contains several deep funnels, each of which corresponds to a different β-barrel structure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/39/PMC3182752.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4691466", "abstract": "Neutrophil leukocytes protect against a varied and complex array of microbes by providing microbicidal action that is simple, potent, and focused. Neutrophils provide such action via redox reactions that change the frontier orbitals of oxygen (O2) facilitating combustion. The spin conservation rules define the symmetry barrier that prevents direct reaction of diradical O2 with nonradical molecules, explaining why combustion is not spontaneous. In burning, the spin barrier is overcome when energy causes homolytic bond cleavage producing radicals capable of reacting with diradical O2 to yield oxygenated radical products that further participate in reactive propagation. Neutrophil mediated combustion is by a different pathway. Changing the spin quantum state of O2 removes the symmetry restriction to reaction. Electronically excited singlet molecular oxygen (1O2 *) is a potent electrophilic reactant with a finite lifetime that restricts its radius of reactivity and focuses combustive action on the target microbe. The resulting exergonic dioxygenation reactions produce electronically excited carbonyls that relax by light emission, that is, chemiluminescence. This overview of neutrophil combustive microbicidal action takes the perspectives of spin conservation and bosonic-fermionic frontier orbital considerations. The necessary principles of particle physics and quantum mechanics are developed and integrated into a fundamental explanation of neutrophil microbicidal metabolism. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b0/95/PMC4691466.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3460838", "abstract": "mDia proteins are members of the formin family of actin nucleating proteins that polymerize linear actin filaments. Such filaments form the core of thin, tubular, membrane-bound cell surface protrusions known as filopodia, which are a major feature of mammalian cell morphology. Filopodia are dynamic structures that help cells sense environmental cues, and play a role in cell migration, axon guidance, angiogenesis and other processes. RhoGTPases bind to and control the activity of mDia proteins, and several other binding partners of the three mDia1 isoforms—mDia1, mDia2 and mDia3—have been documented. Two independent pathways controlling mammalian filopodium formation have emerged, with one driven by the RhoGTPase Cdc42, and the other by Rif. While mDia2 has been the main formin implicated in forming filopodia, mDia1 has recently surfaced as the key formin utilized by both the Cdc42 and Rif pathways to drive filopodial protrusion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/63/cib-5-340.PMC3460838.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3756322", "abstract": "Two new tricyclic alkaloids, polycitorols A (1) and B (2) have been isolated along with the known lepadiformine (3) from a marine ascidian of the family Polycitoridae. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by analysis of NMR data and comparison with those of 3 and other related compounds. Compounds 1 and 2 are closely related to cylindricines A and B, lacking C-4 oxygenation found in cylindricines and having a butyl instead of a hexyl appendage. NOE experiments on compounds 1 and 2 suggested the A/B ring fusion to be cis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/1c/PMC3756322.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3097017", "abstract": "Pericardial involvement in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is manifested most commonly as acute uremic or dialysis pericarditis and infrequently as chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP). We report a 27-year-old patient with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, end-stage-renal disease on hemodialysis, who presented with recurrent ascites, dyspnea, and hypotension. After diagnosis with CCP, a partial pericardiectomy was performed; however, the patient did not improve and a salvage total pericardiectomy soon followed. He continued to decompensate and expired following a terminal extubation. No definitive cause of constrictive pericarditis was found. Nonetheless, we surmise it may have developed secondary to his end-stage renal disease. A literature review revealed end-stage kidney disease as a relatively uncommon cause of CCP; only a few other such associations have thus far been reported.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/f5/PMC3097017.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2994671", "abstract": "PURPOSE To determine the change in stability of single-stage, three different design of implant systems in humans utilizing resonance frequency analysis for early healing period (24 weeks), without loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five patients were included into this study. A total of 45 implants, three different design of implant systems (group A,C,R) were placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The specific transducer for each implant system was used. ISQ (implant stability quotient) reading were obtained for each implant at the time of surgery, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 weeks postoperatively. Data were analyzed for different implant type, bone type, healing time, anatomical locations. RESULTS For each implant system, a two-factor mixed-model ANOVA demonstrated that a significant effect on ISQ values (group A = 0.0022, C = 0.017, R = 0.0018). For each implant system, in a two-factor mixed model ANOVA, and two-sample t-test, the main effect of jaw position (P > .005) on ISQ values were not significant. CONCLUSIONS All the implant groups A, C and R, the change patterns of ISQ over time differed by bone type. Implant stability increased greatly between week 0 and week six and showed slow increase between week six and six months (plateau effect).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/2e/jap-1-31.PMC2994671.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3817650", "abstract": "Our previous study of a Chinese family with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) suggested that A1180V of the cardiac sodium channel gene (SCN5A) was associated with the disease within this family. According to data deposited in dbSNP, however, A1180V has been found in some small samples of the Asian population. In this study, we followed up the affected pedigree and expanded the investigation of the prevalence of A1180V in 460 unrelated healthy Han Chinese. Besides, we searched and analyzed it in other database as well. During the follow-up period, 1 A1180V carrier's condition deteriorated alot, and another 4 carriers progressed to DCM or atrioventricular block (AVB). We also found that the A1180V was absent among the 460 individuals (0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/04/PMC3817650.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4584247", "abstract": "Chemometrics methods coupled with hyperspectral imaging technology in visible and near infrared (Vis/NIR) region (380–1030 nm) were introduced to assess total soluble solids (TSS) in mulberries. Hyperspectral images of 310 mulberries were acquired by hyperspectral reflectance imaging system (512 bands) and their corresponding TSS contents were measured by a Brix meter. Random frog (RF) method was used to select important wavelengths from the full wavelengths. TSS values in mulberry fruits were predicted by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and least-square support vector machine (LS-SVM) models based on full wavelengths and the selected important wavelengths. The optimal PLSR model with 23 important wavelengths was employed to visualise the spatial distribution of TSS in tested samples, and TSS concentrations in mulberries were revealed through the TSS spatial distribution. The results declared that hyperspectral imaging is promising for determining the spatial distribution of TSS content in mulberry fruits, which provides a reference for detecting the internal quality of fruits.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/15/45/PMC4584247.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4009840", "abstract": "Protein folding and clearance networks sense and respond to misfolded and aggregation-prone proteins by activating cytoprotective cell stress responses that safeguard the proteome against damage, maintain the health of the cell, and enhance lifespan. Surprisingly, cellular proteostasis undergoes a sudden and widespread failure early in Caenorhabditis elegans adulthood, with marked consequences on proteostasis functions later in life. These changes in the regulation of quality control systems, such as chaperones, the ubiquitin proteasome system and cellular stress responses, are controlled cell-nonautonomously by the proliferation of germline stem cells. Here, we review recent studies examining changes in proteostasis upon transition to adulthood and how proteostasis is modulated by reproduction onset, focusing on C. elegans. Based on these and our own findings, we propose that the regulation of quality control systems is actively remodeled at the point of transition between development and adulthood to influence the subsequent course of aging.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/8d/CG-15-122.PMC4009840.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3684125", "abstract": "We performed a literature review to investigate how epidemiological studies have been used to assess the health consequences of living in the vicinity of industries. 77 papers on the chronic effects of air pollution around major industrial areas were reviewed. Major health themes were cancers (27 studies), morbidity (25 studies), mortality (7 studies), and birth outcome (7 studies). Only 3 studies investigated mental health. While studies were available from many different countries, a majority of papers came from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Several studies were motivated by concerns from the population or by previous observations of an overincidence of cases. Geographical ecological designs were largely used for studying cancer and mortality, including statistical designs to quantify a relationship between health indicators and exposure. Morbidity was frequently investigated through cross-sectional surveys on the respiratory health of children. Few multicenter studies were performed. In a majority of papers, exposed areas were defined based on the distance to the industry and were located from <2 km to >20 km from the plants. Improving the exposure assessment would be an asset to future studies. Criteria to include industries in multicenter studies should be defined.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/58/ef/PMC3684125.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5251185", "abstract": "Background: The performance and parasitology of semi-intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) lambs were evaluated following exposure to gastrointestinal helminth infected paddock and varied protein-energy feeds. Methods: Twenty four lambs obtained from the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics and brought to Directorate of University farm (DUFARM) of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria, where the research was carried out in 2014, were grouped into four each containing six animals based on different energy-protein feed combination thus; group 1(G1) low energy low protein, group 2 (G2) low energy high protein, group 3 (G3) high energy low protein and group 4 (G4) high energy high protein. Experimental animals were supplemented with concentrate feed after grazing on daily in a nematode infected paddock. Clinical signs of infection were monitored. Live weight, faecal egg count (FEC), worm counts, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and red blood cell count (RBC) were determined using standard methods. Results: Anorexia and intermittent diarrhea were the observed signs. Worm counts did not differ significantly (P=0.309) among the groups. The weight and FEC differed significantly (P<0.05) across the days and among the groups, while haematological parameters increased significantly (P<0.05) across the days and among the groups. Conclusion: Lambs in G2 followed by G4 showed improved parameters and superior performance when compared to the other groups. It is therefore recommended that feed high in protein content is capable of mitigating deleterious effect of gastrointestinal helminth parasitism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/5e/PMC5251185.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4475581", "abstract": "Visual evoked potentials is an important visual electrophysiological tool which has been used for the evaluation of visual field defects in primary open-angle glaucoma and is an appropriate objective measure of optic nerve function. Significant correlations between the magnitude of the VEP parameters and MD of Humphrey static perimetry suggest that the impaired visual cortical responses observed in glaucoma patients can be revealed by both electrophysiological and psychophysical methods. In addition, the severity of global glaucomatous damage evidenced by reduction in MD could depend on the delay in neural conduction from retina to the visual cortex as revealed by the significant correlation between VEP latencies and MD which also supports the validity of the VEP testing in progression of glaucoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/61/PMC4475581.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4425243", "abstract": "Methods Students attending five different types of high schools in central Elazig (a city in Turkey) during the 2009–2010 school year constitute the study population. One class was randomly selected from each high school. Out of 650 students, 640 participated in the study. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS program; percentage, mean, and chi-square analyses were used. Findings Of all the students, 41.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/8a/cia-10-821.PMC4425243.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC521503", "abstract": "Protein microarray-based approaches are increasingly being used in research and clinical applications to either profile the expression of proteins or screen molecular interactions. The development of high-throughput, sensitive, convenient, and cost-effective formats for detecting proteins is a necessity for the effective advancement of understanding disease processes. In this paper, we describe the generation of highly multiplexed, antibody-based, specific, and sensitive protein microarrays coupled with rolling-circle signal amplification (RCA) technology. A total of 150 cytokines were simultaneously detected in an RCA sandwich immunoassay format. Greater than half of these proteins have detection sensitivities in the pg/mL range. The validation of antibody microarray with human serum indicated that RCA-based protein microarrays are a powerful tool for high-throughput analysis of protein expression and molecular diagnostics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/df/PMC521503.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4893413", "abstract": "Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been repeatedly shown to play important roles in liver pathologies, including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Egypt has the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rate worldwide, predominantly involving genotype-4. Objectives In this study, we attempted to characterize the miRNA profile of the poorly studied genotype 4 of HCV in chronically infected Egyptian patients to obtain a better understanding of the disease and its complications and help in the design of better management protocols. Patients and Methods We analyzed the expression levels of a selected panel of 94 miRNAs in fresh liver biopsies collected from 50 Egyptian patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Non-parametric tests were used to analyze the expression level of each miRNA and association with the clinicopathological features of enrolled patients in this study. Results Our results revealed differential expression levels of the analyzed miRNAs compared to the normal controls. Twenty-seven miRNAs (including miR-105, miR-147, miR-149-3p, and miR-196b) showed up-regulation, while 17 miRNAs (including miR-21, miR-122, miR-199a-3p, and miR-223) showed down-regulation. An inverse correlation was observed between levels of miR-95, miR-130a, and miR-142-5p with the blood albumin level. Increased expression levels of seven miRNAs (miR-29c, miR-30c, miR-126, miR-145, miR-199a, miR-199a-3p, and miR-222) were observed with severe chronic hepatic inflammation. Several deregulated miRNAs found in this study have been previously linked to chronic liver inflammation and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Conclusions The identified expression profiles of some examined miRNAs might offer important points to consider for the treatment of naive patients and the management of chronically infected HCV patients in Egypt and around the world.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/ca/hepatmon-16-04-33881.PMC4893413.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3996979", "abstract": "The incidence of invasive candidiasis has increased over the past few decades. Although Candida albicans remains by far the most common species encountered, in recent years shift towards non-albicans Candida species like Candida tropicalis is noted. Here in this study we determined the virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profile of 125 C. tropicalis isolated from various clinical specimens. Biofilm formation was seen in 53 (42.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/cd/PMC3996979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4207405", "abstract": "Hydrazones are a special class of organic compounds in the Schiff base family. Hydrazones constitute a versatile compound of organic class having basic structure (R1R2C=NNR3R4). The active centers of hydrazone, that is, carbon and nitrogen, are mainly responsible for the physical and chemical properties of the hydrazones and, due to the reactivity toward electrophiles and nucleophiles, hydrazones are used for the synthesis of organic compound such as heterocyclic compounds with a variety of biological activities. Hydrazones and their derivatives are known to exhibit a wide range of interesting biological activities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiplatelet, cardioprotective, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antitubercular, trypanocidal, anti-HIV, and so forth. The present review summarizes the efficiency of hydrazones as potent anti-inflammatory agents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/c1/PMC4207405.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4948145", "abstract": "Background: Beginning in the late 1960’s, and accelerating after 1985, a system known as “Cash and Carry” required the people of Ghana to pay for health services out-of-pocket before receiving them. In 2003, Ghana enacted a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) (fully implemented by 2005) that allowed pregnant women to access antenatal care and hospital delivery services for low annual premiums tied to income. The objective of this study was to compare trends in low birth weight (LBW) among infants born under the NHIS with infants born during the Cash and Carry system when patients paid out-of-pocket for maternal and child health services. Methods: Sampled birth records abstracted from birth folders at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) were examined. Chi-squared tests were performed to determine differences in the prevalence of LBW. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analyses were conducted for selected variables in each year from 2000 to 2003 (Cash and Carry) and 2008 to 2011(NHIS). Results: Higher birth weights were not observed for deliveries under NHIS compared to those under Cash and Carry. More than one-third of infants in both eras were born to first-time mothers, and they had a significantly higher prevalence of LBW compared to infants born to multiparous mothers. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Understanding the factors that affect the prevalence of LBW is crucial to public health policy makers in Ghana. LBW is a powerful predictor of infant survival, and therefore, an important factor in determining the country’s progress toward meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing under-five child mortality rates (MDG4) by the end of 2015.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/77/IJMA-2-200.PMC4948145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3432789", "abstract": "Extensive sternal resection carries the risk of difficult reconstruction and surgical complications. A 79-year-old woman underwent sternal resection and reconstruction for sternal chondrosarcoma. However, 18 months after the first operation, she developed six metastatic tumors on the anterior chest wall. She underwent subtotal sternectomy and rib resection, leaving a defect measuring 17 × 14 cm. Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall using a titanium plate sandwiched between two polypropylene mesh sheets is described. This method is potentially applicable to extensive anterior chest resection, and its advantages compared with conventional prostheses are rigidity, flexibility, and usability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/ed/PMC3432789.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4628647", "abstract": " Objective. Although intrathecal drug infusion has been commonly adopted for terminal cancer pain relief, its adverse effects have made many clinicians reluctant to employ it for intractable cancer pain. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and security of an intrathecal continuous infusion of morphine and ropivacaine versus intrathecal morphine alone for cancer pain. Methods. Thirty-six cancer patients received either a continuous morphine (n = 19) or morphine and ropivacaine (n = 17) infusion using an intrathecal catheter through a subcutaneous port. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores and the Barthel Index were analyzed. Adverse effects and complications on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 15 were also analyzed. Results. All patients experienced pain relief. Compared to those who received morphine alone, patients receiving morphine and ropivacaine had significantly lower postoperative morphine requirements and higher Barthel Index scores on the 15th postsurgical day (P < 0.05). Patients receiving morphine and ropivacaine had lower NRS scores than patients receiving morphine alone on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 15 (P < 0.05). Negative postsurgical effects were similar in both groups. Conclusions. Morphine and ropivacaine administration through intrathecal access ports is efficacious and safe and significantly improves quality of life.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/c3/PMC4628647.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4316566", "abstract": "Background Accurate identification of sheep nematodes is a critical point in epidemiological studies and monitoring of drug resistance in flocks. However, due to a close morphological similarity between the eggs and larval stages of many of these nematodes, such identification is not a trivial task. There are a number of studies showing that molecular targets in ribosomal DNA (Internal transcribed spacer 1, 2 and Intergenic spacer) are suitable for accurate identification of sheep bursate nematodes. The objective of present study was to compare the ITS1, ITS2 and IGS regions of Iranian common bursate nematodes in order to choose best target for specific identification methods. Methods The first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1and ITS2) and intergenic spacer (IGS) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of 5 common Iranian bursate nematodes of sheep were sequenced. The sequences of some non–Iranian isolates were used for comparison in order to evaluate the variation in sequence homology between geographically different nematode populations. Results Comparison of the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences of Iranian nematodes showed greatest similarity among Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli of 94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/dc/PMC4316566.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4828416", "abstract": "Device based closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has emerged as a viable approach for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with contraindications to chronic oral anticoagulation. One of the most feared complications is device related thrombus formation. We present a 66-year-old male with chronic AF who developed a life-threatening intracranial bleed on oral anti-coagulation. He subsequently underwent LAA closure using an Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect closure device for stroke prevention. However, he was found to have a large thrombus attached to the device a year later. We present a review of the various LAA closure devices, importance of periodic surveillance via echocardiography and management options to prevent this complication. Also, the case highlights the importance of contrast-enhance echocardiography in diagnosis of LAA closure device thrombus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/50/jcu-24-60.PMC4828416.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4401264", "abstract": "Abstract Seven membrane-spanning, or G protein-coupled receptors were originally thought to act through het-erotrimeric G proteins that in turn activate intracellular enzymes or ion channels, creating relatively simple, linear signalling pathways. Although this basic model remains true in that this family does act via a relatively small number of G proteins, these signalling systems are considerably more complex because the receptors interact with or are located near additional proteins that are often unique to a receptor or subset of receptors. These additional proteins give receptors their unique signalling ‘personalities’. The extracellular Ca-sensing receptor (CaR) signals via Gαi, Gαq and Gα12/13, but its effects in vivo demonstrate that the signalling pathways controlled by these subunits are not sufficient to explain all its biologic effects. Additional structural or signalling proteins that interact with the CaR may explain its behaviour more fully. Although the CaR is less well studied in this respect than other receptors, several CaR-interacting proteins such as filamin, a potential scaffolding protein, receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) and potassium channels may contribute to the unique characteristics of the CaR. The CaR also appears to interact with additional proteins common to other G protein-coupled receptors such as arrestins, G protein receptor kinases, protein kinase C, caveolin and proteins in the ubiquitination pathway. These proteins probably represent a few initial members of CaR-based signalling complex. These and other proteins may not all be associated with the CaR in all tissues, but they form the basis for understanding the complete nature of CaR signalling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/ca/PMC4401264.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3279608", "abstract": "Trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and small arthropods colonize the skin surface, collectively comprising the skin microbiome. Generations of researchers have classified these microbes as transient versus resident, beneficial versus pathogenic, collaborators versus adversaries. Culturing and direct sequencing of microbial inhabitants identified distinct populations present at skin surface sites. Herein, we explore the history of this field, describe findings from the current molecular sequencing era, and consider the future of investigating how microbes and antimicrobial therapy contribute to human health.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/73/PMC3279608.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4842438", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Nintendo® Wii games in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment in patients with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty hemiparetic cerebral palsy patients (16 females, 14 males; mean age, 6–15 years) were included in the study and divided into two groups: a neurodevelopmental treatment+Nintendo Wii group (group 1, n=15) and a neurodevelopmental treatment group (group 2, n=15). Both groups received treatment in 45-minute sessions 2 days/week for six weeks. Use of the upper extremities, speed, disability and functional independence were evaluated using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, ABILHAND-Kids test, and Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (self-care) before and after treatment. [Results] There were statistically significant improvements in all parameters for group 1 and group 2 (except quality of function) after six weeks of treatment. Intergroup analysis showed that group 1 was superior to group 2 in mean change differences in the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. [Conclusion] Our results showed that neurodevelopmental treatment is effective for improving hand functions in hemiplegic cerebral palsy. To provide a enjoyable, motivational, safe, and effective rehabilitation program, the Nintendo® Wii may be used in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/90/jpts-28-774.PMC4842438.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3184730", "abstract": "Objective: To measure the long-term linear hygroscopic expansion (LHE) of several materials using bulked and layered techniques. Materials and Methods: Seven materials were used; Fuji Cap II, Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil Aplicap, Vitremer, Dyract, Tetric and Z100. Ten specimens (6×4 mm) were made for each material using layered and bulked techniques (each group comprises five specimens). The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C. The length of each specimen was measured immediately after preparation, 24 hours, one week, one month, three months, six months, nine months and one year. This was used to calculate the percentage change in the length of materials. The mean LHE and standard deviation were calculated. Repeated measure analysis and paired sample t-test were used. Results: The type of material and time had a significant effect on LHE. Fuji Cap II and Fuji II LC exhibited no significant changes after one-year and one month, respectively. However, layered specimens of Photac-Fil Aplicap and Tetric showed constant expansion until six month, whereas bulked specimens reached the constant length at three months. Constant expansion was obtained for layered and bulked specimens of Dyract and Z100 at six month. Layered specimens of Vitremer showed no significant differences except between 24 hours and one year measurements. But in bulked specimens, the results at nine months and one year were significantly different from those obtained at three months and before. Conclusion: Fuji II showed no significant LHE and resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) exhibited the highest LHE. Dyract maintained an intermediate LHE in comparison with RMGIC and composite resin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/c9/jod-8-025.PMC3184730.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3429844", "abstract": "Early spontaneous recanalization of the middle cerebral artery in acute ischemic phase artery is not uncommon, whereas the late spontaneous recanalization of chronic occluded artery is a very rare phenomenon and exact incidence and the timing of this event have not been quantified. We present a case in which late spontaneous recanalization of long-lasting middle cerebral artery occlusion occurred in the absence of surgical, endovascular and thrombolytic treatments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/67/ni-7-113.PMC3429844.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4065709", "abstract": " Introduction. In Canada, perceived prevalence of food allergy surpasses systematic estimates. Canadian immigrants have been found more likely to rate the risk of food allergy as “high” compared to nonimmigrants. Methods. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 3 key informants and 18 allergic individuals of East and Southeast Asian descent in order to capture their lived experience with food allergies. Results. Participants found food allergies to be more common in Canada than in Asia. Participants also agreed that having a food allergy is more manageable in Canada as a result of the policy environment (e.g., food labelling and school policies). In addition, participants had dealt with skepticism and disbelief about their food allergy in Asia, resulting in social exclusion and impacting quality of life. Discussion. Findings demonstrate the need to recognize the varied impacts and experiences of food allergy among new Canadians, given that immigrants represent a large and growing proportion of the Canadian population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/63/PMC4065709.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2613969", "abstract": "Tumor sections from nonneoplastic (n = 15), benign (n = 28), and malignant ovarian tumors (n = 20) were obtained from 63 women. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor sections demonstrated that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was increased in ovarian cancer samples compared to nonneoplastic or benign tumor samples. Using the Griess method, nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were also found to be elevated in malignant tumor samples compared to benign tumor samples (P < .05). For stage I ovarian cancer, intracystic NO levels >80 μM were more frequent than NO levels <80 μM, and iNOS expression in well-differentiated carcinomas was greater than in moderately/poorly differentiated carcinomas (P < .05). These data suggest an important role for NO in ovarian carcinogenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/cc/PMC2613969.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4756021", "abstract": "[Purpose] Lateral wedge insoles reduce the peak external knee adduction moment and are advocated for patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, some patients demonstrate adverse biomechanical effects with treatment. In this study, we examined the immediate effects of lateral and medial wedge insoles under unilateral weight bearing. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy young adults participated in this study. The subjects were assessed by using the foot posture index, and were divided into three groups: normal foot, pronated foot, and supinated foot groups. The knee adduction moment and knee-ground reaction force lever arm under the studied conditions were measured by using a three-dimensional motion capture system and force plates. [Results] In the normal and pronated groups, the change in knee adduction moment significantly decreased under the lateral wedge insole condition compared with the medial wedge insole condition. In the normal group, the change in the knee-ground reaction force lever arm also significantly decreased under the lateral wedge insole condition than under the medial wedge insole condition. [Conclusion] Lateral wedge insoles significantly reduced the knee adduction moment and knee-ground reaction force lever arm during unilateral weight bearing in subjects with normal feet, and the biomechanical effects varied according to individual foot alignment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/43/jpts-28-280.PMC4756021.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3595141", "abstract": "Objective Alcohol-related admissions are increasing. A significant number of these admissions are attributable to a small number of complex patients with other comorbidities who do not engage well with mainstream services. Assertive outreach teams have been used in the field of psychiatry to engage patients who are poorly compliant. This study examines whether an alcohol assertive outreach team (AAOT) can engage with this group and reduce hospital admissions. Design The AAOT is a multidisciplinary team with medical, psychiatric, substance misuse, psychology, nursing and social work specialists. The team worked with patients with the highest number of alcohol-related admissions and case managed in a community setting for 6 months. The admission and emergency department attendances of the cohort were compared for the 3-month period before and after the intervention. Christo inventory for substance misuse services (CISS) scores were determined pre and post the intervention period. Results 54 patients were case managed. The total number of admissions in 3 months fell from 151 prior to the intervention period to 50 following the intervention. Emergency department attendances also fell from 360 in 3 months to 146 following the intervention period. CISS scores fell from 11 preintervention to eight postintervention. Conclusions An AAOT model appears to reduce hospital admissions and emergency department attendances in a complex group of patients that display high alcohol-related admissions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/69/flgastro-2012-100260.PMC3595141.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5117533", "abstract": "Purpose We sought to evaluate pathological response, tolerance, and outcome after preoperative (neoadjuvant) high dose rate brachytherapy in a small series of patients with clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma, and to evaluate a dose and fractionation protocol for this treatment. Material and methods Twelve women diagnosed with clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma from 1999-2010 were treated with preoperative radiation therapy. Their medical charts were retrospectively analyzed for HDR treatment regimen, pathological response, and longitudinal outcomes. Radiation doses were normalized to a biologically equivalent dose of 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2). Results Two patients had complete pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy; five more had only microscopic residual disease at the time of surgery. At a median follow up of 37 months (1-91 months), one patient has developed recurrence at the vaginal apex six months after completing initial therapy, while another developed a lung recurrence at 28 months. Two-year disease-free and cause-specific survivals were 88", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/7e/JCB-3-16922.PMC5117533.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5066004", "abstract": " Purpose. To study epidemiology, clinical findings and visual prognosis of patients with Fuchs' Heterochromic Iridocyclitis (FHI). Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 158 patients with FHI. Thirty-five patients were observed only once; the remaining 123 had a mean follow-up of 30.7 months (50 of them had a mean follow-up of 63.5 months) and in those we assessed complications, medical and surgical treatment, and long-term visual prognosis. Results. Average age at uveitis diagnosis was 27.2 years and 18.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/70/PMC5066004.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4583770", "abstract": "Background: Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron absorption in humans. It is mainly affected by hypoxia and iron stores. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the correlation between serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in patients with Thalassemia Major (TM) and Thalassemia Intermedia (TI). Patients and Methods: The current cross-sectional study investigated 88 randomly selected patients with Thalassemia, 48 TM and 40 TI, registered at the Thalassemia Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, a referral center for Thalassemia in Southern Iran in 2013. All patients with TI were receiving Hydroxyurea (HU) 10 - 15 mg/kg/day for at least 10 years. The serum hepcidin, ferritin levels, hemoglobin (Hb) and nucleated Red Blood Cell (RBC) of the two groups were measured. Results: No statistically significant correlation was observed between serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in any of the two groups of patients with TM (rs = 0.02, P = 0.892) or TI (rs = 0.055, P = 0.734). The median Interquartile Range (IQR) for serum hepcidin and ferritin levels were significantly higher in TM compared to TI group, (hepcidin: 87.6 (43.9) vs. 51.8 (23.4), P < 0.001; ferritin: 2208 (3761) vs. 465 (632), P < 0.001). Conclusions: There was insignificant correlation between serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in the two groups of patients with TM and TI. It seems that regulation of hepcidin in patients with Thalassemia is more affected by erythropoeitic activity than iron stores. Also, hepcidin levels were significantly higher in patients with TM than TI, possibly due to higher erythropoeitic activity in TI. In TI, it seems that low dose HU increases Hb levels and leads to transfusion-independence, but it is not high enough to suppress bone marrow activity and ineffective erythropoiesis. Consequently, serum hepcidin level decreases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/0c/ircmj-17-07-28343.PMC4583770.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4674620", "abstract": "This study reports data on the prevalence, morphology, and morphometry of the nematode Cheilospirura hamulosa on the basis of light and stereoscopic microscopy and also camera lucida. Specimens were recovered after necropsies of 100 partridges (Alectoris chukar) from Taleqan County in Alborz Province, Iran. The prevalence of C. hamulosa in partridges was of 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/f0/PMC4674620.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4383519", "abstract": " Aims. To evaluate the levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and urine, and their association with albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. In 113 type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria and 30 healthy controls, the levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in serum and urine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Urinary and serum levels of Ang-2 were significantly higher in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria than in healthy controls. Increased urinary Ang-2 level was positively associated with the degree of albuminuria. Urinary Ang-1 levels were significantly higher in normoalbuminuria patients and lower in macroalbuminuria patients than in controls. The levels of urinary VEGF increased in the albuminuria subgroup, though serum levels of Ang-1 and VEGF did not change. Urinary Ang-2 levels were correlated positively with albuminuria and negatively with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified albuminuria (P < 0.001) and GFR (P = 0.001) as significant predictors of urinary Ang-2. Conclusions. Our data suggest that urinary Ang-2 is stepwise increased with renal damage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with albuminuria.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/75/PMC4383519.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2930167", "abstract": "Gliosarcoma is a rare central nervous system tumor usually located in the supratentorial area. Here we report a rare case of a gliosarcoma that developed in the cerebellar hemisphere in a 70-year-old woman. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an infratentorial mass of which radiological features were similar to those of glioblastoma. The tumor was diagnosed by pathology as a gliosarcoma. Though rare, gliosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infratentorial tumors with radiological features of glioblastoma or metastasis in elderly patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/2d/kjr-11-566.PMC2930167.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3108093", "abstract": "Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a useful marker for cardiovascular disease. The uptake of OxLDL by scavenger receptors leads to the accumulation of cholesterol within the foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions. OxLDL has many stimulatory effects on vascular cells, and the presence of OxLDL in circulating blood has been established. According to the classical hypothesis, OxLDL accumulates in the atherosclerotic lesions over a long duration, leading to advanced lesions. However, recent studies on time-course changes of OxLDL in vivo raised a possibility that OxLDL can be transferred between the lesions and the circulation. In this paper, the in vivo dynamics of OxLDL are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/a0/PMC3108093.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4912646", "abstract": "Background: Childhood masturbation (CM) is considered a variant of normal sexual behavior; however, it is commonly misdiagnosed as epilepsy and movement disorders. As the first study from Iran, we analyzed a large population of infants and children with CM in a case-control study and evaluated the value of mucus in urine analysis as an alternative diagnostic tool for CM. Methods: A total of 623 children referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital for an evaluation of seizure or movement disorders were studied between 2008 and 2011. Totally, 359 children were found to have masturbatory behaviors (Group A) and the rest (264) were assigned to Group B. CM was diagnosed by direct observation. Collected data comprised demographic characteristics, clinical and neurodevelopmental examinations, laboratory findings (particularly urine analysis), and electrocardiography. Results: The age of the children with CM was below 12 years old, and the girl-to-boy ratio was 7:1. Mucus in urine was positive in 357 (99.44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ae/68/IJMS-41-283.PMC4912646.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3039491", "abstract": "Low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) treatment has been shown to increase mass transport, which could benefit tissue grafts during the immediate postimplant period, when blood supply to the implanted tissue is suboptimal.  In this in vitro study, we investigated effects of LIUS stimulation on dye diffusion, proliferation, metabolism, and tropomyosin expression of muscle cells (C2C12) and on tissue viability and gene expression of human adipose tissue organoids.  We found that LIUS increased dye diffusion within adjacent tissue culture wells and caused anisotropic diffusion patterns. This effect was confirmed by a hydrophone measurement resulting in acoustic pressure 150–341 Pa in wells. Cellular studies showed that LIUS significantly increased proliferation, metabolic activity, and expression of tropomyosin. Adipose tissue treated with LIUS showed significantly increased metabolic activity and the cells had similar morphology to normal unilocular adipocytes. Gene analysis showed that tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression (a marker for tissue damage) was significantly lower for stimulated organoids than for control groups. Our data suggests that LIUS could be a useful modality for improving graft survival in vivo.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/77/PMC3039491.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4691264", "abstract": "Background: Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) is a degenerative slippage of the lumbar vertebrae. We aimed to evaluate the surgical outcome of degenerative spondylolisthesis with neural decompression, pedicular screw fixation, reduction, and posterolateral fusion. Methods: This before-after study was carried out on 45 patients (37 female and 8 male) with LDS operated from August 2008 to January 2011. The patients’ pain and disability were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire. In surgery, we applied distraction force to facilitate slip reduction. All the intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. The paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients and mean follow-up period were 58.3±3.5 years and 31.2±4.8 months, respectively. The mean slip correction rate was 52.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/a9/IJMS-41-13.PMC4691264.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2945473", "abstract": "To formulate Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Meningioma (FACT-MNG), a web-based tumor site-specific outcome instrument for assessing intracranial meningioma patients following surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery. We surveyed the relevant literature available on intracranial meningioma surgery and subsequent outcomes (38 papers), making note of which, if any, QOL/outcome instruments were utilized. None of the surgveyed papers included QOL assessment specific to tumor site. We subsequently developed questions that were relevant to the signs and symptoms that characterize each of 11 intracranial meningioma sites, and incorporated them into a modified combination of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-BR) and SF36 outcome instruments, thereby creating a new tumor site-specific outcome instrument, FACT-MNG. With outcomes analysis of surgical and radiosurgical treatments becoming more important, measures of the adequacy and success of treatment are needed. FACT-MNG represents a first effort to formalize such an instrument for meningioma patients. Questions specific to tumor site will allow surgeons to better assess specific quality of life issues not addressed in the past by more general questionnaires.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/ea/11060_2010_Article_394.PMC2945473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3016730", "abstract": "The cystic vein, a portion of biliary anatomy whose insignificance in open gallbladder surgery led to its being relegated to mythology, has been rediscovered by the magnified view of laparoscopic surgery. Its presence is an important anatomic feature that helps distinguish between cystic duct and common hepatic duct, thus diminishing the risk of inadvertent bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/ad/jsls-1-3-263.PMC3016730.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4539066", "abstract": " Purpose. We investigate the usefulness of multimodal assistant systems using a fusion model of preoperative three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with endoscopy with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in establishing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) as a more effective treatment procedure. Methods. Thirty-five consecutive patients undergoing ETSS in our hospital between April 2014 and March 2015 were enrolled in the study. In all patients, fusion models of 3D-CT and MRI were created by reconstructing preoperative images. In addition, in 10 patients, 12.5 mg of ICG was intravenously administered, allowing visualization of surrounding structures. We evaluated the accuracy and utility of these combined modalities in ETSS. Results. The fusion model of 3D-CT and MRI clearly demonstrated the complicated structures in the sphenoidal sinus and the position of the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), even with extensive tumor infiltration. ICG endoscopy enabled us to visualize the surrounding structures by the phasic appearance of fluorescent signals emitted at specific consecutive elapsed times. Conclusions. Preoperative 3D-CT and MRI fusion models with intraoperative ICG endoscopy allowed distinct visualization of vital structures in cases where tumors had extensively infiltrated the sphenoidal sinus. Additionally, the ICG endoscope was a useful real-time monitoring tool for ETSS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/c6/PMC4539066.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1160213", "abstract": "MULTIPRED is a web-based computational system for the prediction of peptide binding to multiple molecules (proteins) belonging to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I A2, A3 and class II DR supertypes. It uses hidden Markov models and artificial neural network methods as predictive engines. A novel data representation method enables MULTIPRED to predict peptides that promiscuously bind multiple HLA alleles within one HLA supertype. Extensive testing was performed for validation of the prediction models. Testing results show that MULTIPRED is both sensitive and specific and it has good predictive ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve AROC > 0.80). MULTIPRED can be used for the mapping of promiscuous T-cell epitopes as well as the regions of high concentration of these targets—termed T-cell epitope hotspots. MULTIPRED is available at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/4a/PMC1160213.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3573161", "abstract": "Background Constrictive pericarditis after coronary artery bypass surgery has been known to affect cardiac output by limiting diastolic ventricular filling. We aimed to assess the influence of postoperative constrictive physiology on the early outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Materials and Methods Between January 2008 and July 2011, 903 patients underwent an isolated OPCAB and postoperative transthoracic-echocardiography. The patient cohort was classified into two groups: group A, constrictive physiology and group B, control group without constrictive physiology. Early outcomes were analyzed between the two groups. Results Of the total 903 patients, group A consisted of 153 patients (16.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/63/kjtcs-46-22.PMC3573161.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3854653", "abstract": "Sciatic hernias are one of the rarest types of hernia and often pose diagnostic difficulty to clinicians. We report a case of an 80-year-old lady with a sciatic hernia who had a falsely negative computed tomography (CT) but was found to have a colonic hernia on ultrasonography. The authors recommend that for patients in which there is a high degree of clinical suspicion for a sciatic hernia and a negative CT, ultrasonography may be considered as a useful imaging modality to confirm the diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/d9/rjt102.PMC3854653.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4130120", "abstract": " Objective. To examine the association between alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) overall and by body mass index. Methods. Cross-sectional study of employed individuals. Daily alcohol intakes were calculated from a self-administered food frequency questionnaire by 5,512 Maori, Pacific Island, and European workers (3,992 men, 1520 women) aged 40 years and above. Results. There were 170 new cases of T2DM. Compared to the group with no alcohol consumption and adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, the group consuming alcohol had relative risks of T2DM of 0.23 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/01/PMC4130120.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3621749", "abstract": "Eric Davidson at Caltech has spent several decades investigating the molecular basis of animal development using the sea urchin embryo as an experimental system1,2 although his scholarship extends to all of embryology as embodied in several editions of his landmark book.3 In recent years his laboratory has become a leading force in constructing gene regulatory networks (GRNs) operating in sea urchin development.4 This axis of his work has its roots in this laboratory’s cDNA cloning of an actin mRNA from the sea urchin embryo (for the timeline, see ref. 1)—one of the first eukaryotic mRNAs to be cloned as it turned out. From that point of departure, the Davidson lab has drilled down into other genes and gene families and the factors that regulate their coordinated regulation, leading them into the GRN era (a field they helped to define) and the development of the computational tools needed to consolidate and advance the GRN field.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/08/nucl-4-89.PMC3621749.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4295897", "abstract": "Introduction As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is anticipated to continue to rise worldwide, so too are the treatment options also continuing to expand. Current guidelines recommend individualized treatment plans which allow for provider choice and diversity of pharmacotherapeutic regimens. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) class is rapidly expanding, with dulaglutide (Trulicity™) as a once-weekly agent recently approved. Aims This article examines the evidence currently available on the efficacy and safety of dulaglutide for use in T2DM. Evidence review Dulaglutide has been shown to have similar efficacy and safety to other newer GLP-1 RAs, and better glycemic control than placebo. It lowers glycated hemoglobin (A1c), fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and promotes weight loss when used as first-, second-, or third-line therapy. It has also been shown to improve β-cell function and provide cardiovascular benefits, such as lower blood pressure and improved lipid levels. Dulaglutide also has a low risk for hypoglycemia and a similar adverse effect profile to other GLP-1 RAs in the class, with transient gastrointestinal problems and potential risk for pancreatitis. Place in therapy While long-term data on safety and efficacy are forthcoming, dulaglutide is positioned to be placed at the same level as other GLP-1 RAs in the class: as second-line therapy in addition to diet and exercise in those patients who cannot achieve glycemic control on monotherapy metformin. It may also be useful as first-line therapy instead of metformin. Conclusion Dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 RA approved for the treatment of T2DM that has shown similar efficacy to other agents in this class.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/53/ce-10-011.PMC4295897.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3540751", "abstract": "The pandemic influenza virus strains of 1918 (H1N1), 1957 (H2N2), 1968 (H3N2), and 2009 (H1N1) have genes related to avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The nonstructural (NS) gene of AIVs plays a significant role in host-viral interaction. However, little is known about the degree of diversity of this gene in Northern pintail (Anas acuta) ducks wintering in Japan. This study describes characteristics of pintail-originated H1N1, H1N2, H1N3, H5N2, H5N3, H5N9, and H7N7 viruses. Most of the viruses were revealed to be avian strains and not related to pandemic and seasonal flu strains. Nevertheless, the NP genes of 62.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/7c/PMC3540751.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3640777", "abstract": "Background: South Africa (SA) is experiencing a rapid epidemiologic transition as a consequence of political, economic and social changes. In this study we described, based on hospital data, the mortality patterns of Non communicable Diseases (NCD), Communicable Diseases (CD), the NCD/CD ratios, and the trends of deaths. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of all deaths occurring in several public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of SA between 2002 and 2006. Causes of deaths were coded according to the ICD 10 Edition. Results: A total of 107380 admissions responded to the inclusion criteria between 2002 and 2006. The crude death rate was 4.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/30/ijph-41-19.PMC3640777.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4972047", "abstract": " Background: Responsiveness is one of the three main goals of the health system introduced by World Health Organization. This study aimed at examining health system responsiveness after Health Sector Evolution Plan in Kermanshah, Western Iran.   Methods: A sample of 335 hospitalized patients was selected using proportionate allocation to population size method in the city of Kermanshah (Iran) in 2015. World Health Survey (WHS) questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis by STATA 12.   Results: The overall health system responsiveness score was 72.6. The best and worst performance for domains of dignity and autonomy were 82.2 and 62.5, respectively. Socio-demographic variables of the patients had no significant effect on the total health system responsiveness score. The principal component analysis findings indicated that 68", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e3/77/mjiri-30-387.PMC4972047.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658549", "abstract": "To estimate the influence of the digestive tract luminal ammonia pool on acute toxic effects of cyclophosphamide, the dynamics of blood ammonia, glutamine and urea level, symptoms of toxic action and the survival time have been studied in rats, intraperitoneally treated with cyclophosphamide, at the background of the gavage with non-lethal dose of ammonium acetate (12 mmol/kg, i.e., 0.35 LD50). Ammonium acetate enhanced the hyperammonaemic action of cyclophosphamide while promoting its lethal action: the mean survival time decreased 1.5, 2.1, 2.8, or 6.1 times at the background of cyclophosphamide i/p doses 200, 600, 1000, or 1400 mg/kg, respectively. Animals exposed to the combination of toxicants, manifested symptoms which were characteristic of the effect of lethal doses of ammonia salts. These data provide the evidence of the detrimental role of gastrointestinal luminal ammonia in the acute high-dose cyclophosphamide toxicity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/25/PMC3658549.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5400493", "abstract": "Abstract Acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis (AOSPD) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis that has been described in only seven previous case reports since 1995. We report a case of a 33-year-old female a known case of chronic pancreatitis with computed tomography suggestive of dilated main pancreatic duct with multiple calcifications. On exploration, pancreatic duct aspiration revealed frank pus. Pus was drained after opening the pancreatic duct and longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy was done. Patient was relieved of her symptoms after surgery. In conclusion, AOSPD should be considered in long standing cases of chronic pancreatitis. AOSPD appears to respond quickly after drainage procedure like longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy and should be considered the treatment of choice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/c5/rjx034.PMC5400493.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4672975", "abstract": "Gebode defect, that can accurately be treated surgical repair, is defined as a true communication between left ventricle and right atrium. A 74-year-old woman with a worsening history of ortophnea and peripheral edema was hospitalised. A communication between right atrium and left ventricle was diagnosed using transeusophageal echocardiography. The defect was repaired and mitral valve was replaced with a biologic valve. It would be beter to tailor surgical strategy for each case with atrioventricular canal defect after preoperative transeusophageal echocardiography and peroperative direct sight.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/8a/PMC4672975.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3924712", "abstract": "Water intoxication is a life-threatening disorder accompanied by brain function impairment due to severe dilutional hyponatremia. We treated a 22-year-old man without psychotic illness who had been put in a detention facility. He drank 6 liters of water over a 3-hour period at the facility as a game's penalty, and he showed progressive psychiatric and neurological signs including restlessness, peculiar behavior and convulsions. On his admission, 15 h after the discontinuation of the water drinking, he was in a coma, showing intermittent convulsions and remarkable hyponatremia (120 mmol/l). Because his laboratory tests showed hypertonic urine and normal sodium excretion, the diagnosis of secondary development of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) was strongly suggested and later confirmed by the suppression of the renin-aldosterone system and the inappropriately elevated secretion of ADH. Saline infusion and an initial administration of furosemide in addition to dexamethasone as treatments for the patient's brain edema successfully improved his laboratory data and clinical signs by the 3rd hospital day, and he was returned to the facility without physical or psychiatric abnormalities on the 6th day. The secondary SIADH might have been due to the prolonged emesis, recurrent convulsions and rapid elevation of intracranial pressure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/8e/cru-0003-0147.PMC3924712.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2981182", "abstract": "Unexpandable lung is the inability of the lung to expand to the chest wall allowing for normal visceral and parietal pleural apposition. It is the direct result of either pleural disease, endobronchial obstruction resulting in lobar collapse, or chronic atelectasis. Unexpandable lung occurring as a consequence of active or remote pleural disease may present as a post-thoracentesis hydropneumothorax or an effusion that cannot be completely drained because of the development of anterior chest pain. Pleural manometry is useful for identifying unexpandable lung during initial pleural drainage. Unexpandable lung occurring as a consequence of active or remote pleural disease may be separated into two distinct clinical entities termed trapped lung and lung entrapment. Trapped lung is a diagnosis proper and is caused by the formation of a fibrous visceral pleural peel (in the absence of malignancy or active pleural inflammation). The mechanical effect of the pleural peel constitutes the primary clinical problem. Lung entrapment may result from a visceral pleural peel secondary to active pleural inflammation, infection, or malignancy. In these cases, the underlying malignant or inflammatory condition is the primary clinical problem, which may or may not be complicated by unexpandable lung due to visceral pleural involvement. The recognition of trapped lung and lung entrapment as related, but distinct, clinical entities has direct consequences on clinical management. In our practice, pleural manometry is routinely performed during therapeutic thoracentesis and is useful for identification of unexpandable lung and has allowed us to understand the mechanisms surrounding a post-thoracentesis pneumothorax.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/58/medrep-02-77.PMC2981182.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3206371", "abstract": "Granular cell tumor (GCT) is uncommonly presented with cutaneous ulcer. We examined the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of this ulcerative form in fourteen cases that may raise the awareness of this variant. The study included 11 males and 3 females with a mean age 31.5 ± 7.42 years. All cases were presented with large solitary ulcer with indurated base, elevated border, skin colored margin, and necrotic floor. Twelve lesions were located on the extremities and two lesions on the genital region. Histologically, the lesions showed dermal infiltrate composed of large polygonal cells with granular cytoplasm and characteristic infiltration of the dermal muscles in all cases. Immunostaining showed positive reaction for S100 (14/14), NSE (14/14), CD68 (5/14), and Vimentin (7/14) while HMB45, CK, EMA, and Desmin were negative. We hope that this paper increases the awareness of ulcerative GCT and consider it in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/b5/PMC3206371.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4185926", "abstract": "The Forkhead box O (Foxo) family of transcription factors has a critical role in controlling the development, differentiation, and function of T cells. However, the direct target genes of Foxo transcription factors in T cells have not been well characterized. In this study, we focused on mapping the genome wide Foxo1-binding sites in naïve CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. By using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq), we identified Foxo1 binding sites that were shared among or specific to the three T cell populations. Here we describe the experiments, quality controls, as well as the deep sequencing data. Part of the data analysis has been published by Ouyang W et al. in Nature 2012 [1] and Kim MV et al. in Immunity 2013, and the associated data set were uploaded to NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/f9/main.PMC4185926.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4842054", "abstract": " Purpose. To describe the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of syphilitic uveitis in a Chinese population. Methods. This is a retrospective case series of 15 consecutive patients with syphilitic uveitis treated at a uveitis referral center between 2012 and 2015. Results. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with syphilitic uveitis based on positive serological tests. Nine patients were male. Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus was detected in two patients. Twenty eyes presented with panuveitis and all patients had posterior involvement. The most frequent manifestations were retinal vasculitis and papillitis, while syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis was only found in three eyes. All patients received systemic penicillin therapy according to CDC guidelines. Nine patients were misdiagnosed before presenting to our center and the delay in treatment with penicillin was associated with poor final visual outcomes (P < 0.05). Conclusions. In our series, both male and female were almost equally affected and coinfection of syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus was uncommon. All patients in this study had posterior involvement and the most common manifestations were retinal vasculitis and papillitis. Syphilis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis especially for posterior uveitis and panuveitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for visual prognosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/05/a6/PMC4842054.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4850790", "abstract": "Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and contrast-enhanced harmonic (CEH) EUS in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Patients and Methods: About 19 patients with suspected GISTs underwent EUS and CEH-EUS before tumor resection. The malignant potential was assessed according to the modified Fletcher classification system. Patients were divided into lower (Group I) and higher (Group II) malignant potential group. The clinical characteristics and EUS/CEH-EUS features were compared between two groups. Results: The tumor size in Group II was significantly larger than that in Group I (14.6 ± 5.8 mm vs. 32.1 ± 8.4 mm, P < 0.05). Heterogeneous echogenicity was observed in 4 (4/8) cases in Group II and none in Group I (P < 0.05). Irregular intratumoral vessels were detected in 6 cases in Group II and none in Group I (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of irregular vessel detection for discriminating higher from lower malignant potential GISTs were 75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/70/EUS-5-111.PMC4850790.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4105945", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this report is to describe 2 patients with persistent severe dry eyes, positive Schirmer tests for Sjogren's syndrome (SS) but lacking antibodies to either Ro or La. These patients were diagnosed to have SS by detecting antibodies to salivary gland protein 1 (Sp1) and parotid secretory protein (PSP). This report emphasizes the existence of patients with SS who lack antibodies to either Ro or La and may therefore be misdiagnosed. Detection of novel autoantibodies, including antibodies to Sp1 and PSP, are helpful in identifying these patients. Initial presentation may simply be dry eyes. Methods Two patients who presented to our ophthalmology clinic are described. One of the patients underwent multiple procedures over a period of 10 years for severe xerophthalmia. The other patient had rheumatoid arthritis and xerophthalmia. However, in both patients, chronic xerophthalmia had been considered to be idiopathic because antibodies Ro and La were negative. Further serologic testing revealed antibodies to Sp1 and PSP. Results Two patients who lacked antibodies to Ro and La but not to Sp1 and PSP were diagnosed as having SS. Conclusion Patients presenting with unexplained dry eyes may not always show the serology markers in the current criteria for SS, anti-Ro and anti-La. In these cases, investigation for novel, early antibodies to Sp1 and PSP is of importance in the diagnosis of SS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e3/58/cop-0005-0186.PMC4105945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1852902", "abstract": "Increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels have been shown to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). The common methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T (MTHFR C677T) polymorphism has been reported to be a strong predictor of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy). We assessed whether this mutation was associated with increased risk of CAD and plasma levels of tHcy. We also evaluated interactions between this polymorphism, mild elevated tHcy levels and conventional risk factors of CAD. Method. Using PCR-RFLP analysis, we studied the frequency of the C677T genotypes and its effect on CAD and on tHcy concentrations in 400 subjects without and with CAD angiographically confirmed. There were 210 subjects with CAD and 190 subjects without CAD. Results. The frequencies of the C677T genotypes were 53", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/42/PMC1852902.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4344256", "abstract": "To determine if local transmission was responsible for rising tuberculosis incidence in a recently dispersed migrant community in Birmingham, UK, during 2004–2013, we conducted enhanced epidemiologic investigation of molecular clusters. This technique identified exact locations of social mixing and chains of apparent recent transmission, which can be helpful for directing resources.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/eb/11/PMC4344256.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3704406", "abstract": "Background Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) injections are increasingly being used as an alternative to traditional perioperative analgesia in the abdominal region. With the use of a “blind” TAP block technique, these procedures have had variable success in cadaver and in vivo studies. For more accurate injection with the intended medication, ultrasound guidance allows visualization of the correct layer of the abdominal wall planes in which the thoracolumbar nerves reside. Objective To assess the spread of various volumes of contrast placed under live ultrasound guidance into the TAP using computed tomography (CT). Methods Four TAP blocks were performed on 2 fresh frozen cadaver torsos with predetermined contrast volumes of 5, 10, 15, or 20 mL. A CT scan of the cadaver was then performed and interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist. This cadaver study was carried out at a tertiary care academic medical center. Results Cranial–caudal spread of injected contrast correlated with increasing injectate volume and was roughly 1 vertebral level (end plate to end plate) for the 5 mL injection and 2 vertebral levels for the 10, 15, and 20 mL injections. However, the degree of injectate spread may be different for live patients than for cadavers. Conclusion This study helps further the understanding of injectate spread following ultrasound-guided TAP injections. Specifically, it suggests that 15 mL provides additional cranial–caudal spread and may be an optimal volume of anesthesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/02/PMC3704406.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5013158", "abstract": "Background Effective interventions are available to reduce cardiovascular risk. Recently, health check programmes have been implemented to target those at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but there is much debate whether these are likely to be effective at population level. This paper evaluates the impact of wave 1 of Keep Well, a Scottish health check programme, on cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Interrupted time series analyses were employed, comparing trends in outcomes in participating and non-participating practices before and after the introduction of health checks. Health outcomes are defined as CVD mortality, incident hospitalisations and prescribing of cardiovascular drugs. Results After accounting for secular trends and seasonal variation, coronary heart disease mortality and hospitalisations changed by 0.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/d4/jech-2015-206926.PMC5013158.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4987470", "abstract": " Objective. Icelandic society is rapidly changing, from being an ethnically homogeneous population towards a multicultural immigrant society. In the hope of optimizing the service for immigrants at the health care centre, we decided to evaluate health care utilization by immigrants. Methods. As a case control study we invited all immigrants that attended the health care centre during a two-week period to participate. Paired controls of Icelanders were invited for comparison. Results. There were 57 immigrants, 48 females and 9 males, from 27 countries. Significantly more of the immigrant women were married, P < 0.001. Interpreters were needed in 21", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/fc/PMC4987470.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2682665", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Chronic low-grade activation of the immune system (CLAIS) predicts type 2 diabetes via a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Our study investigated potential relationships between nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways—two pathways proposed as the link between CLAIS and insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adiposity (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and insulin sensitivity (M, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) were measured in 22 healthy nondiabetic volunteers (aged 29 ± 11 years, body fat 28 ± 11", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/c5/zdb1259.PMC2682665.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4289878", "abstract": "Background Malaria is well known for its fatalities worldwide, Plasmodium vivax and the Plasmodium falciparum are the two important species of malaria reported from Pakistan and creating lots of morbidities across the country. Method Study was conducted to determine the Surveillance of malaria in South Punjab by microscopy and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result samples out of 100 patients were found positive for malarial parasites. One patient was found with mixed infection, whereas P. falciparum and P. vivax infections were detected in 17 and 22 patients, respectively. In nested PCR, genus-specific primers for Plasmodium species. in round 1 and species-specific primers for P. falciparum and P. vivax in round 2 were used. By the application of PCR 41", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/38/PMC4289878.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4576782", "abstract": "Background and aims The purpose of this article is to describe a new surgical method of arthroscopy assisted treatment of intraarticular proximal tibial fractures (ARIF – arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation), analyzing its efficiency and safety on a series of patients. Tibial plateau fractures affect the proximal tibial metaphyseal and articular surface, representing 1.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/e1/cm-88-233.PMC4576782.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3582189", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between the financial impact of a new drug and the recommendation for reimbursement by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). Methods: Data in the PBAC summary database were abstracted for decisions made between July 2005 and November 2009. Financial impact—the upper bound of the values presented in the PBAC summary database—was categorized as ≤A0, >A0 up to A10 million, A10 million up to A30 million, and >A30 million per year. Descriptive, logistic, survival, and recursive partitioning decision analyses were used to estimate the relationship between the financial impact of a new drug indication and the recommendation for reimbursement. Multivariable analyses controlled for other clinical and economic variables, including cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Results: Financial impact was a significant predictor of the recommendation for reimbursement. In the logistic analysis, the odds ratios of reimbursement for drug submissions with financial impacts ≥A10 million to ≥A30 million or >A0 to <A10 million compared with ≤A0 were 0.12 (95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.51) and 0.16 (95 percent CI: 0.04–0.60), respectively. In the recursive partition decision analysis, the first split of the data was for submissions with a positive financial impact compared with those with a zero or negative financial impact. Conclusions: In Australia, financial impact on the drug budget is an important determinant of whether a new drug is recommended for reimbursement when cost-effectiveness estimates and other clinical and economic variables are controlled.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/10/S0266462312000724a.PMC3582189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5327911", "abstract": "Purpose Apixaban is often coadministered with treatments for cardiovascular comorbidities, which may lead to unintended drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The effects of apixaban on pharmacokinetics (PK) of multidose Lanoxin® (digoxin) and single-dose Tenormin® (atenolol) and the effects of single-dose atenolol on apixaban PK in healthy subjects were investigated in two Phase 1 studies. Patients and methods The digoxin DDI study was an open-label, multidose, two-treatment, single-sequence study in which subjects received digoxin 0.25 mg q6h on day 1, then once daily on days 2–10, followed by apixaban 20 mg and digoxin 0.25 mg once daily on days 11–20. The atenolol DDI study was an open-label, single-dose, randomized, three-period, three-treatment, crossover study in which subjects received a single oral dose of apixaban 10 mg, atenolol 100 mg, or apixaban 10 mg plus atenolol 100 mg. The 90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/f9/cpaa-9-019.PMC5327911.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3228691", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tToxoplasma gondii proliferates and organizes within a parasitophorous vacuole in rosettes around a residual body and is surrounded by a membranous nanotubular network whose function remains unclear. Here, we characterized structure and function of the residual body in intracellular tachyzoites of the RH strain. Our data showed the residual body as a body limited by a membrane formed during proliferation of tachyzoites probably through the secretion of components and a pinching event of the membrane at the posterior end. It contributes in the intravacuolar parasite organization by the membrane connection between the tachyzoites posterior end and the residual body membrane to give place to the rosette conformation. Radial distribution of parasites in rosettes favors an efficient exteriorization. Absence of the network and presence of atypical residual bodies in a ΔGRA2-HXGPRT knock-out mutant affected the intravacuolar organization of tachyzoites and their exteriorization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/9a/PMC3228691.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5346941", "abstract": "Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatopathy associated with insulin-resistance, drugs, endocrine disorders, chromosomal abnormalities (benign AN), and neoplasia (malignant AN). Malignant AN (MAN) is a rare paraneoplastic skin syndrome most commonly associated with gastric adenocarcinoma and other intra-abdominal malignancies. We report the case of a 28-year-old female with AN associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Although rare, MAN is often an initial sign of malignancy and must trigger extensive investigation, particularly in patients with sudden development of possibly paraneoplastic dermatoses or in patients diagnosed with benign AN with any atypical features.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/2d/cde-0009-0030.PMC5346941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3672548", "abstract": "Measurement of cardiac output (CO) using minimally invasive devices has gained popularity. In 11 patients we compared CO values obtained using the bioreactance technique - a new continuous, totally non-invasive CO monitor - with those obtained by semi-continuous thermodilution using a pulmonary artery catheter. We obtained CO measurements at study inclusion and after any relevant change in hemodynamic status (spontaneous or during fluid challenge, inotrope or vasopressor infusions). There was a poor correlation between the two techniques (r = 0.145). These data suggest that caution should be applied when using bioreactance devices in critically ill patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/70/PMC3672548.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2940257", "abstract": "A 79-year-old, right-handed woman was admitted to the hospital with decreased spontaneity. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a left inferior capsular genu infarction. 99m TC-ECD single-photon emission computed tomography revealed a left-dominant diffuse hypoperfusionin the basal ganglia and frontal lobe. The patient showed abulia and increased writing activity without motor or sensory deficit. The writing was mainly perseverative, and words written along lines were legible and without spatial distortions. This augmented writing behavior disappeared on day 21. The writing characteristic was more similar to automatic writing behavior than hypergraphia. Dissociation between speech and writing behavior was present in our patient. We suggest that a disconnection within the frontal-subcortical circuit contributed to the development of motor perseveration in writing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/ad/crn0001-0008.PMC2940257.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3103900", "abstract": "In the emerging area of nanotechnology, a key issue is related to the potential impacts of the novel nanomaterials on the environment and human health, so that this technology can be used with minimal risk. Specifically designed to combine on a single structure multipurpose tags and properties, smart nanomaterials need a comprehensive characterization of both chemicophysical properties and adequate toxicological evaluation, which is a challenging endeavour; the in vitro toxicity assays that are often employed for nanotoxicity assessments do not accurately predict in vivo response. To overcome these limitations and to evaluate toxicity characteristics of cadmium telluride quantum dots in relation to surface coatings, we have employed the freshwater polyp Hydra vulgaris as a model system. We assessed in vivo acute and sublethal toxicity by scoring for alteration of morphological traits, population growth rates, and influence on the regenerative capabilities providing new investigation clues for nanotoxicology purposes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/c3/PMC3103900.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2814098", "abstract": "Studies of the average crystal structure properties of human dental apatite as a function of age in the range of 5–87 years are reported. The crystallinity of the dental hydroxyapatite decreases with the age. The a-lattice constant that is associated with the carbonate content in carbonate apatite decreases with age in a systematic way, whereas the c-lattice constant does not change significantly. Thermogravimetric measurements demonstrate an increase of the carbonate content with the age. FTIR spectroscopy reveals both B and A-type carbonate substitutions with the B-type greater than the A-type substitution by a factor up to  5. An increase of the carbonate content as a function of age can be deduced from the ratio of the ν 2CO3 to the ν 1PO4 IR modes. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/a1/PMC2814098.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3446110", "abstract": "Objective Steroids are still the mainstay of management of nephrotic syndrome (NS). It was shown that steroids could impair growth and development of children. However, other clinical studies have shown conflicting results. Methods Hospital records of 147 children with diagnosis of NS who were followed during 1988-2008 are reviewed relating to height measurements. All patients were treated with prednisolone and had been followed for at least five years. Height measures were transformed into standard deviation score (SDS). Information on dose and duration of prednisolone therapy, histological findings of biopsy as well as concomitant use of steroid-sparing agents (SSA) were also analyzed. Findings Mean age at onset of NS was 5.94 years and at last follow-up visit 15.08 years. All patients had normal renal function during entire duration of the study. Analysis of the whole population did not show any significant alterations in the height SDS (HtSDS) between the first and the last follow-up visit (P=0.5; −0.76±2.0 vs. −0.89±2.05 respectively). The patients were divided into two subgroups. Subgroup A, which achieved growth improvement, was composed of 62 children (initial HtSDS -1.63; final HtSDS -0.08; P<0.001) and subgroup B, that showed growth retardation, included 85 children (initial HtSDS -0.13; final HtSDS -1.59; P<0.001). Conclusion No statistically significant retardation of linear growth was observed in the study population as a group following treatment with prednisolone according to the guidelines of ISKDC. Although about 62 subjects had growth retardation, children treated with prednisolone were not different from those who had increased growth.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/c9/IJPD-21-021.PMC3446110.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054177", "abstract": "Background and Objectives The number of permanent pacemakers (PPMs) implanted in patients in Japan and Korea differs significantly. We aimed to investigate the differences in decision making processes of implanting a PPM. Materials and Methods Our survey included 15 clinical case scenarios based on the 2008 AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities (class unspecified). Members of the Korean and Japanese Societies of Cardiology were asked to rate each scenario according to a 5-point scale and to indicate their decisions for or against implantation. Results Eighty-nine Korean physicians and 192 Japanese physicians replied to the questionnaire. For the case scenarios in which there was a class I indication for PPM implantation, the decision to implant a PPM did not differ significantly between the two physician groups. However, the Japanese physicians were significantly more likely than the Korean physicians to choose implantation in class IIa scenarios (48", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/15/kcj-46-654.PMC5054177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4219894", "abstract": " Background: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to investigate the causes of severe hyperbilirubinemia leading to Exchange Transfusion (ET) from March 2009 to March 2011 in Bahrami children hospital, Tehran, Iran in order to establish guidelines to prevent profound jaundice     ET.   Methods: 94 neonates underwent ET for severe hyperbilirubinemia data for demographic data, and onset of jaundice, history of severe hyperbilirubinemia in siblings, blood group of both mother and neonate, G6PD activity, hemoglobin, hematocrite, reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear, total and direct bilirubin before and after ET, direct and indirect Coombs, times of transfusion and the cause of hyperbilirubinemia were all recorded for analysis.   Results: Ninety four neonates (56.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/6f/MJIRI-28-64.PMC4219894.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3628760", "abstract": "Asthma is a heterogeneous disease that means not all asthmatics respond to the same treatment. We hypothesize an approach to characterize asthma phenotypes based on symptomatology (shortness of breath (SOB), cough, and wheezy phenotypes) in correlation with airway inflammatory biomarkers and FEV1. We aimed to detect whether those clinical phenotypes have an impact on the response to asthma medications. Two hundred three asthmatic children were allocated randomly to receive either montelukast (5 mg at bed time) or fluticasone propionate (100 ug twice daily) for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum concentrations of IL-2Rs, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, total IgE, eosinophilic ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/87/PMC3628760.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4989431", "abstract": "Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the main cause of failure following total joint arthroplasty. Until now, the diagnosis of PJI is still confronted with technical limitations, and the question of whether synovial fluid biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), can provide high value in the diagnosis of PJI remains unanswered and, therefore, was the aim of the study. Methods: First, we conducted a systematic review on CRP in the diagnosis of PJI by searching online databases using keywords such as “periprosthetic joint infection”, “synovial fluid”, and “C-reactive protein”. Eligible studies providing sufficient data to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables were then selected based on the list of criteria and the quality of included studies was assessed subsequently. Finally, the reported sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, and the area under the SROC (AUSROC) were pooled together and used to evaluate overall diagnostic performance. Results: Seven studies were included in our review, six of which comprising a total of 456 participants were further investigated in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR were 0.92 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/5a/CMJ-129-1987.PMC4989431.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3246608", "abstract": "Tungsten trioxide nanorods have been generated by the thermal decomposition (450 °C) of tetrabutylammonium decatungstate. The synthesized tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorods have been characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, HRTEM and cyclic voltammetry. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the synthesized WO3nanorods are crystalline in nature with monoclinic structure. The electrochemical experiments showed that they constitute a better electrocatalytic system for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid medium compared to their bulk counterpart.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8a/23/PMC3246608.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5124663", "abstract": "This study investigated the relationship between serum xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and the occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Serum XOD activity, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), uric acid (UA), albumin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), advanced glycation end products (AGE), total free thiols, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and body mass index (BMI) were measured in 80 T2DM patients (29 with and 51 without DPN), and 30 nondiabetic control subjects. Duration of diabetes, hypertension, medication, and microalbuminuria was recorded. Serum XOD activities in controls, non-DPN, and DPN were 5.7 ± 2.4 U/L, 20.3 ± 8.6 U/L, and 27.5 ± 10.6 U/L (p < 0.01), respectively. XOD activity was directly correlated to IMA, UA, BMI, HbA1c, and AGE, while inversely correlated to serum total free thiols. A multivariable logistic regression model, which included duration of diabetes, hypertension, AIP, HbA1c, UA, and XOD activity, revealed HbA1c [OR = 1.03 (1.00–1.05); p = 0.034] and XOD activity [OR = 1.07 (1.00–1.14); p = 0.036] as independent predictors of DPN. Serum XOD activity was well correlated to several other risk factors. These results indicate the role of XOD in the development of DPN among T2DM patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/47/PMC5124663.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981242", "abstract": "Takayasu’s arteritis is a granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology that affects mainly the aorta and its branches. As a result of intimal fibroproliferation, segmental stenosis, occlusion, dilatation, and aneurysmal formation of the involved vessels may develop. It is an uncommon disease and usually affects young Asian female patients during the second and third decades of life. Coronary arteries are exceptionally affected and coronary aneurysm formation is a very rare finding. We describe a case of a previously healthy 26-year-old Caucasian female whose Takayasu’s arteritis presented as a previously undescribed association of aortic and main left coronary aneurysms with severe aortic insufficiency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/2d/PMC3981242.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1550959", "abstract": "In various diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, sepsis or myocardial infarction, elevated levels of circulating DNA can be measured. However, its predictive value is under debate. Circulating DNA in plasma is protein-bound (nucleosomal) DNA. Quantification of circulating DNA can be performed by real-time quantitative PCR or immunological methods such as ELISA. The diagnostic value of both methods can be impaired by inappropriate handling of the samples. Assessment of circulating DNA in patients admitted to the intensive care unit offers a tool for predicting morbidity and mortality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/82/PMC1550959.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4072057", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of the study was to assess whether hyposalivation is linked with increased thirst sensation and weight gain in hemodialysis (HD) patients and whether there is any connection between hyposalivation and sodium balance. Methods One hundred and eleven participants (64 males and 47 females) receiving maintenance hemodialysis, mean age 59.1 ± 13.6 years old, were involved in the study. All participants completed a survey evaluating thirst intensity (DTI) and xerostomia inventory (XI). In addition, pre-dialysis sodium concentration and inter-dialytic weight gain (IWG) were assessed. The division into no-hyposalivation and hyposalivation groups was based on an unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate. Results Hyposalivation, UWS below 0.1 mL/min, was reported in 28.8 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b9/bb/PMC4072057.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2663895", "abstract": "Homalanthus nutans, used by Samoan healers to treat hepatitis, produces the antiviral compound 12-deoxyphorbol 13-acetate, prostratin (1). Prostratin is being developed as an adjuvant therapy to clear latent viral reservoirs, the major obstacle to eradication of HIV-AIDS within the human body. A validated reversed-phase HPLC method was developed to assay concentrations of 1 in H. nutans. A survey of four distinct populations on two different Samoan islands revealed significant variability in content. The stem tissue (range 0.2−52.6 μg/g 1), used by healers in indigenous therapies, gave a higher median concentration of prostratin (3.5 μg/g) than root or leaf tissues (2.9 and 2.5 μg/g, respectively). The high variability and skewness of these data indicate that cultivar selection for drug production will be important for this species. The reversed-phase HPLC assay will allow plants to be selected for agricultural development and genetic analysis by identifying those individuals above and below a 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b9/80/PMC2663895.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3661914", "abstract": "Quasi-critical fluctuations occur close to critical points or close to continuous phase transitions. In three-dimensional systems, precision tuning is required to access the fluctuation regime. Lowering the dimensionality enhances the parameter space for quasi-critical fluctuations considerably. This enables one to make use of novel properties emerging in fluctuating systems, such as giant susceptibilities, Casimir forces or novel quasi-particle interactions. Examples are discussed ranging from simple metal–adsorbate systems to unconventional superconductivity in iron-based superconductors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/b1/PMC3661914.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3047986", "abstract": "Purpose To assess the effects of topiramate on C-fiber function, nerve fiber morphology, and metabolism (including insulin sensitivity, obesity, and dyslipidemia) in type 2 diabetes. Patients and methods We conducted an 18-week, open-label trial treating patients with topiramate. Twenty subjects with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy (61.5 ± 1.29 years; 15 male, 5 female) were enrolled and completed the trial. Neuropathy was evaluated by total neuropathy scores, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory tests, laser Doppler skin blood flow, and intraepidermal nerve fibers in skin biopsies. Results Topiramate treatment improved symptoms compatible with C-fiber dysfunction. Weight, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c also improved. Laser Doppler skin blood flow improved significantly after 12 weeks of treatment, but returned to baseline at 18 weeks. After 18 weeks of treatment there was a significant increase in intraepidermal nerve fiber length at the forearm, thigh, and proximal leg. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density was significantly increased by topiramate in the proximal leg. Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate that it is possible to induce skin intraepidermal nerve fiber regeneration accompanied by enhancement of neurovascular function, translating into improved symptoms as well as sensory nerve function. The simultaneous improvement of selective metabolic indices may play a role in this effect, but this remains to be determined.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/5c/PMC3047986.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3170021", "abstract": " Background/Significance. Ovarian cancer patients are prone to psychological distress. The clinical significance and best practices for distress among this population are poorly understood. Method. Secondary analysis of research records from a six month randomized control trial included 32 women with primary ovarian cancer. All received 18 advanced practice nurse (APN) visits over six months. Three sub-samples were determined by distress level (high/low) and mental health service consent for high distress. Demographic, clinical factors, patient problems and APN interventions obtained through content analysis and categorized via the Omaha System were compared. Results. Clinically-significant psychiatric conditions were identified in 8/18 (44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/82/6a/PMC3170021.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5382879", "abstract": "Nowadays, more and more data indicate that mast cells play an important role in host defense against pathogens. That is why it is essential to understand the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by mast cells, because these molecules play particularly significant role in initiation host defense against microorganisms as they recognize both wide range of microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and various endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released in response to infection. Therefore, we examined the constitutive expression of both surface and endosomal TLRs in rat native fully mature tissue mast cells. By the use of qRT-PCR we found that these cells express mRNAs for TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9. The expression of TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 transcripts were low and comparable and only the expression of TLR2 transcript was significant. By the use of flow cytometry technique, we clearly documented that mast cells express TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 on cell surface, while TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 proteins are located both on the cell membrane and intracellularly. The highest expression was observed for TLR5 and the lowest for surface TLR7. These observations undoubtedly indicate that mature tissue mast cells have a broad set of TLR molecules, thus can recognize and bind bacterial, viral, and fungal PAMPs as well as various endogenous molecules generated in response to infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/b6/CEJI-41-29094.PMC5382879.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4129225", "abstract": "Copy number variants (CNVs) are deletions or duplications of DNA. CNVs have been increasingly recognized as an important source of both normal genetic variation and pathogenic mutation. Technologies for genome-wide discovery of CNVs facilitate studies of large cohorts of patients and controls to identify CNVs that cause increased risk for disease. Over the past 5 years, studies of patients with epilepsy confirm that both recurrent and non-recurrent CNVs are an important source of mutation for patients with various forms of epilepsy. Here, we will review the latest findings and explore the clinical implications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/93/PMC4129225.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3364553", "abstract": "The present study was aimed to evaluate the viability and total protein contents of osteoblast-like cells on the titanium surface with different surface mechanical treatment, namely, nanometer smoothing (Ra: approximately 2.0 nm) and sandblasting (Ra: approximately 1.0 μm), and biochemical treatment, namely, with or without fibronectin immobilization. Fibronectin could be easily immobilized by tresyl chloride-activation technique. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on the different titanium surfaces. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. At 1 day of cell culture, there were no significant differences in cell viability among four different titanium surfaces. At 11 days, sandblasted titanium surface with fibronectin immobilization showed the significantly highest cell viability than other titanium surface. No significant differences existed for total protein contents among four different titanium surfaces at 11 days of cell culture. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that smoothness of titanium surface produced more spread cell morphologies, but that fibronectin immobilization did not cause any changes of the morphologies of attached cells. Fibronectin immobilization provided greater amount of the number of attached cells and better arrangement of attached cells. In conclusion, the combination of sandblasting and fibronectin immobilization enhanced the cell viability and fibronectin immobilization providing better arrangements of attached cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/97/PMC3364553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4735904", "abstract": "Cancer is an inevitable matter of concern in the medicinal chemistry era. Chalcone is the well exploited scaffold in the anticancer domain. The molecular mechanism of chalcone at cellular level was explored in past decades. This mini review provides the most recent updates on anticancer potential of chalcones.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e8/39/PMC4735904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4630397", "abstract": "Type II diabetes mellitus is associated with the deposition of fibrillar aggregates in pancreatic islets. The major protein component of islet amyloids is the glucomodulatory hormone islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Islet amyloid fibrils are virtually always associated with several biomolecules, including apolipoprotein E, metals, glycosaminoglycans, and various lipids. IAPP amyloidogenesis has been originally perceived as a self-assembly homogeneous process in which the inherent aggregation propensity of the peptide and its local concentration constitute the major driving forces to fibrillization. However, over the last two decades, numerous studies have shown a prominent role of amyloid cofactors in IAPP fibrillogenesis associated with the etiology of type II diabetes. It is increasingly evident that the biochemical microenvironment in which IAPP amyloid formation occurs and the interactions of the polypeptide with various biomolecules not only modulate the rate and extent of aggregation, but could also remodel the amyloidogenesis process as well as the structure, toxicity, and stability of the resulting fibrils.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/39/PMC4630397.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4310498", "abstract": "ADAMTS-7 has been reported to exaggerate cartilage degeneration and to be associated with TNF-α and NF-κB signaling pathway. In this study we compared the expression of ADAMTS-7, TNF-α, and Phospho-NF-κB in patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF) and osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) at different stages. We found that expression of ADAMTS-7, TNF-α, and Phospho-NF-κB was significantly upregulated in ONFH patients' articular cartilage and related to the pathogenesis of ONFH. Thus we conclude that ADAMTS-7 level appears to be positively associated with expression of TNF-α and Phospho-NF-κB P65 in cartilage, which may imply its association with cartilage destruction of ONFH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/ef/PMC4310498.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4476466", "abstract": "Background To measure the frequency and nature of wounds in patients treated in general practice and to describe the patients’ tetanus vaccination status and the sources providing information about this status. Methods A descriptive, prospective, week-long, national electronic survey was conducted among general practitioners within the Sentinelles network. Results The participation rate was 12.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/5d/ijgm-8-215.PMC4476466.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3810060", "abstract": "Endothelial dysfunction has been detected in RA patients and seems to be reversed by control of inflammation. Low circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been described in many conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk, including RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhibition of TNF on EPCs in RA patients.  Seventeen patients with moderate-severe RA and 12 sex and age-matched controls were evaluated. Endothelial biomarkers were tested at baseline and after 3 months. EPCs were identified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by cytofluorimetry using anti-CD34 and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 2. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) was tested by ELISA and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) by ultrasonography. Circulating EPCs were significantly lower in RA patients than in controls (P = 0.001). After 3 months EPCs increased significantly (P = 0.0006) while ADMA levels significantly decreased (P = 0.001). An inverse correlation between mean increase in EPCs number and mean decrease of DAS28 after treatment was observed (r = −0.56, P = 0.04). EPCs inversely correlated with ADMA (r = −0.41, P = 0.022). No improvement of FMD was detected. Short-term treatment with anti-TNF was able to increase circulating EPCs concurrently with a proportional decrease of disease activity suggesting that therapeutic intervention aimed at suppressing the inflammatory process might positively affect the endothelial function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/48/9b/PMC3810060.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3493973", "abstract": "We describe by NG2 (neuron-glia chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 2) immunocytochemistry an uneven distribution of NG2 glial cells in the rat cerebellum, being them more represented in the central lobules of the cerebellar vermis, belonging to the cerebrocerebellum. The cerebellar distribution of NG2 cells changes in aging rats, in which the area where the cells appear to be densely scattered throughout all cerebellar layers involves also more rostral and caudal lobules. In addition, in aging rats, in the most rostral and caudal lobules belonging to the spinocerebellum, punctate reaction product is present at the apical pole of Purkinje cells, i.e. in the area where the majority of synapses between olivary climbing fibers and Purkinje cells occur. Data suggest that the different distribution of NG2 cells is correlated to differences in physiology among cerebellar areas and reflects changes during aging.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c8/bf/PMC3493973.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3987962", "abstract": " HLA-G has a relevant role in immune response regulation. The overall structure of the HLA-G coding region has been maintained during the evolution process, in which most of its variable sites are synonymous mutations or coincide with introns, preserving major functional HLA-G properties. The HLA-G promoter region is different from the classical class I promoters, mainly because (i) it lacks regulatory responsive elements for IFN-γ and NF-κB, (ii) the proximal promoter region (within 200 bases from the first translated ATG) does not mediate transactivation by the principal HLA class I transactivation mechanisms, and (iii) the presence of identified alternative regulatory elements (heat shock, progesterone and hypoxia-responsive elements) and unidentified responsive elements for IL-10, glucocorticoids, and other transcription factors is evident. At least three variable sites in the 3′ untranslated region have been studied that may influence HLA-G expression by modifying mRNA stability or microRNA binding sites, including the 14-base pair insertion/deletion, +3142C/G and +3187A/G polymorphisms. Other polymorphic sites have been described, but there are no functional studies on them. The HLA-G coding region polymorphisms might influence isoform production and at least two null alleles with premature stop codons have been described. We reviewed the structure of the HLA-G promoter region and its implication in transcriptional gene control, the structure of the HLA-G 3′UTR and the major actors of the posttranscriptional gene control, and, finally, the presence of regulatory elements in the coding region.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/ef/PMC3987962.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4357640", "abstract": "Background Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide, direct band gap II-VI oxide semiconductor. ZnO has large exciton binding energy at room temperature, and it is a good host material for obtaining visible and infrared emission of various rare-earth ions. Methods Europium oxide (Eu2O3) doped ZnO films are prepared on quartz substrate using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with doping concentrations 0, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/4e/NANO-6-26759.PMC4357640.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5011569", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study assessed the relationships between peak toe flexor muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and countermovement jump height. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in the study. Each participant completed tests for peak toe flexor muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and countermovement jump height. [Results] The results showed (1) a moderate correlation between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and countermovement jump height and (2) a high correlation between peak first toe flexor muscle strength and countermovement jump height. Peak first toe flexor muscle strength and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion are the main contributors to countermovement jump performance. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that the measurement of peak first toe flexor muscle strength and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion may be useful in clinical practice for improving jump performance in athletes training for sports such as volleyball and basketball.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/d5/jpts-28-2241.PMC5011569.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3452282", "abstract": "A pregnant young woman with a severe migraine is prescribed candesartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (AT II antagonists). This has a positive effect—except for severe maldevelopment of her fetus. There is an increase in the use of the fetotoxic drugs, AT II antagonists and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, as prophylactic treatment of migraines, in addition to their use as hypertensives.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/03/PMC3452282.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3742358", "abstract": "Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is an essential system for correcting ultraviolet (UV)—induced DNA damage. Lesions remaining in DNA due to reduced capacity of NER may result in cellular death, premature aging, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis of the skin. So, NER is an important protection against these changes. There are three representative genodermatoses resulting from genetic defects in NER: xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). In Japan, CS is similarly rare but XP is more common and TTD is less common compared to Western countries. In 1998, we established the system for the diagnosis of these disorders and we have been performing DNA repair and genetic analysis for more than 400 samples since then. At present, there is no cure for any human genetic disorder. Early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment of neurological, ocular and dermatological abnormalities should contribute to prolonging life and elevating QOL in patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/47/PMC3742358.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3490116", "abstract": "Here, we present a case of anaplastic giant cell ependymoma (GCE) occurring in a 15-year-old woman. Squash smear slides for intraoperative frozen section diagnosis revealed oval to round cell clusters with a papillary structure in a fibrillary background. This was occasionally accompanied by the presence of bizarre pleomorphic giant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent intranuclear inclusions. These intranuclear inclusions were a key clue to diagnosis of ependymoma. Histologic analysis revealed features of a high-grade tumor with perivascular pseudorosettes and bizarre pleomorphic giant cells, which established the diagnosis of GCE. We performed a review of literatures about the cytologic features of GCE, including our case, thus proposing that intraoperative frozen diagnosis of GCE would be established by squash smear preparations featuring the mitosis and necrosis, as well as the high cellularity, and the presence of giant cells showing hyperchromatic nuclei with eosinophilic cytoplasm and intranuclear inclusions/pseudoinclusions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/03/kjpathol-46-507.PMC3490116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4345189", "abstract": "Objective To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for infantile hydrocephalus. Methods Retrospectively reviewed the 17 infantile hydrocephalus cases who were treated with ETV between July 2009 and June 2013. The study includes 17 patients (4 Han and 13 Hui) between the ages of 51 and 337 days. Five cases with encephalitis history and 2 cases with cerebral hemorrhage, with the remaining 10 cases congenital hydrocephalus. ETVs were performed for all patients with 1 case failing because the severe ventricle inflammatory adhesion, excessive exudation, and vague basilar artery. Results Among the 16 successful cases 7 cases improved remarkably : heads and ventricles reduced and cerebral cortexes thickening morphologically. The ventricles of the remaining cases were unchanged. Conclusion The ethnic minority account for the majority of the patients in this study. ETV is effective for infantile obstructive hydrocephalus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/ae/jkns-57-119.PMC4345189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3503279", "abstract": " Introduction. Noncompliance with the recommended infection control measures by the healthcare professionals (HCPs) plays a major role in transmission of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses in hemodialysis (HD) wards. This study aimed to determine the compliance rate of the HCP with safety measures in the HD wards in southeast Iran. Patients and Methods. A total of 208 patients were enrolled. Adherence of HCPs with standard infection control measures was assessed. Results. Sixty-one HCPs with a mean age of 32.4 ± 11.2 years old were responsible for healthcare services. Compliance with the following items was weak: not sharing medications trolley (29.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/77/PMC3503279.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4789465", "abstract": "The aim of our current research was to synthesize some transition metal complexes of Naproxen, determine their physical properties, and examine their relative stability under various conditions. Characterizations of these complexes were done by 1H-NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), FT-IR, HPLC, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Complexes were subjected to acidic, basic, and aqueous hydrolysis as well as oxidation, reduction, and thermal degradation. Also the reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method of Naproxen outlined in USP was verified for the Naproxen-metal complexes, with respect to accuracy, precision, solution stability, robustness, and system suitability. The melting points of the complexes were higher than that of the parent drug molecule suggesting their thermal stability. In forced degradation study, complexes were found more stable than the Naproxen itself in all conditions: acidic, basic, oxidation, and reduction media. All the HPLC verification parameters were found within the acceptable value. Therefore, it can be concluded from the study that the metal complexes of Naproxen can be more stable drug entity and offer better efficacy and longer shelf life than the parent Naproxen.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/dc/PMC4789465.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4848061", "abstract": "Inhalers are devices which deliver medication to the airways in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. When used correctly inhalers relieve and improve patients' symptoms. However, adherence to inhaler medication has been demonstrated to be poor, leading to reduced clinical outcomes, wasted medication, and higher healthcare costs. There is a clinical need for a system that can accurately monitor inhaler adherence as currently no method exists to evaluate how patients use their inhalers between clinic visits. This paper presents a method of automatically evaluating inhaler adherence through acoustic analysis of inhaler sounds. An acoustic monitoring device was employed to record the sounds patients produce while using a Diskus dry powder inhaler, in addition to the time and date patients use the inhaler. An algorithm was designed and developed to automatically detect inhaler events from the audio signals and provide feedback regarding patient adherence. The algorithm was evaluated on 407 audio files obtained from 12 community dwelling asthmatic patients. Results of the automatic classification were compared against two expert human raters. For patient data for whom the human raters Cohen's kappa agreement score was , results indicated that the algorithm's accuracy was 83", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a6/c4/PMC4848061.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4451988", "abstract": "Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is an autoantibody-mediated vesiculobullous disease in patients with SLE. Autoimmunity in BSLE is characterized by the presence of circulating anti-type VII collagen antibodies. BSLE patients often present with multiple, tense, clear fluid-filled vesicles and bullae overlying erythematous edematous plaques. Skin biopsy from BSLE patients shows subepidermal bullae with numerous neutrophils and only occasional eosinophils. Furthermore, immunofluorescence examination showed linear deposition of lgG, lgA, C3, and C1q along the basement membrane zone. BSLE patients with corticosteroids treatment constantly do not receive a marked improvement, while dapsone generally dramatically improved the skin condition. Recently, it has been reported that quite a few cases of BSLE were successfully treated with other immune suppressive drugs. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the treatment of BSLE would be beneficial to cure the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/93/27/PMC4451988.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3583075", "abstract": "In a recent article I reviewed an influential theory of sleep function, the “synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY.)” According to SHY, sleep renormalizes synapses that are potentiated during prior wakefulness. I concluded that while SHY is a seminal theory with important implications about sleep function and the brain, its underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. In an accompanying article, the authors of SHY responded at length. Their reply is thoughtful and provocative, but unfortunately many of the points I raised were not accurately represented or addressed. In this brief commentary, I attempt to clarify some points of confusion. I also explain why any theory of sleep function is incomplete without an understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/46/PMC3583075.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4832941", "abstract": "Background: No data on the incidence of pleural effusion (PE) in Chinese patients with pulmonary embolism are available to date. The aim of the current study was to investigate the frequency of PE in a Chinese population of patients with pulmonary embolism. Methods: This was a retrospective observational single-center study. All data of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) performed over 6-year period on adult patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism were analyzed. Results: From January 2008 until December 2013, PE was identified in 423 of 3141 patients (13.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/69/CMJ-128-1032.PMC4832941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3871920", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate the systemic and local factors that contribute to the damage of endothelial cells in diabetic patients and to compare the endothelial structure of the cornea in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Materials and Methods. The endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were investigated in 123 eyes of type 1 diabetic patients and in 124 eyes of nondiabetic patients. The mean diabetic patients age was 15.34 ± 3.06 years versus 14.58 ± 2.01 years in the control group. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.02 ± 3.9 years. The corneal endothelium was imaged by the Topcon SP-2000P. Results. The mean ECD in diabetic eyes was 2435.55 ± 443.43 cells/mm2 and was significantly lower than in control group (2970.75 ± 270.1 cells/mm2). The mean CCT was 0.55 ± 0.03 mm in diabetic group versus 0.53 ± 0.033 mm in control group. ECD and CCT significantly correlated only with duration of diabetes. There was no correlation between ECD and CCT and patient age, sex, HbA1C level, and plasma creatinine level. Conclusions. ECD is decreased and CCT is increased in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Duration of diabetes is the factor that affects ECD and CCT.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/95/PMC3871920.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5125339", "abstract": "Background: Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a group of rare disorders that are clinically and genetically heterogeneous and caused by mutations in the genes encoding proteins of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we described a Chinese family that presented with phenotypes of classic slow-channel congenital myasthenic syndrome (SCCMS). Methods: Clinical characteristics and electrophysiological features of three patients from a Chinese family were examined, and next-generation sequencing followed by direct sequencing was carried out. Results: The patients revealed variability in clinical and electrophysiological features. However, weakness, scoliosis, and repetitive-compound muscle action potential were found in all affected members in the family. A heterozygous C>T missense mutation at nucleotide 865 in acetylcholine receptor epsilon-subunit (CHRNE) gene that causes a leucine-to-phenylalanine substitution at position 289 (L289F) was found. Conclusions: We reported a SCCMS family of Chinese origin. In the family, classical clinical phenotype with phenotypic variability among different members was found. Genetic testing could help diagnose this rare disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/ab/CMJ-129-2596.PMC5125339.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4282484", "abstract": "Background Scabies has been estimated to affect approximately 300 million people worldwide each year. Scabies rates are high and pose a significant public health problem in Fiji. Community-based comparison treatment trials have not been undertaken. We estimated scabies prevalence and compared the efficacy and tolerability of mass drug administration (MDA) of benzyl benzoate lotion (BB) or oral ivermectin (IVM) in two villages in Fiji. Methods A prospective MDA trial was undertaken in two Fijian villages, comparing three daily applications of BB with single dose IVM or permethrin cream for those aged under two years. The therapies were offered to all community members regardless of the presence of scabies or its symptoms. The difference in prevalence was measured before and after the intervention and absolute risk reduction (ARR) and relative risk (RR) calculated. Results In the BB group, there were 572 eligible participants, of whom 435 (76", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/82/ijd0053-0739.PMC4282484.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5206465", "abstract": "Adenovirus is an infectious viral agent that causes variety of clinical presentations such as respiratory disease, conjunctivitis, and gastroenteritis. Hepatitis, pancreatitis, myocarditis, encephalitis, and disseminated infection are primarily seen in immunocompromised patients. Rarely, adenovirus infection can present with pertussis-like syndrome. Described here is case of pertussis-like syndrome associated with adenovirus presenting with hyperleukocytosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/9f/NCI-3-140.PMC5206465.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5034920", "abstract": "Objective To assess the role and diagnostic effectiveness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and short wave–automated perimetry (SWAP) to distinguish between normal, glaucoma suspects, and surely diagnosed glaucomatous eye. Background Changes in the optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) often precede the appearance of visual field defect with standard automated perimetry. Unfortunately, RNFL defect can be difficult to identify during clinical examination. Early detection of glaucoma is still controversial, whether by OCT, SWAP, or frequency-doubling technology perimetry. Patients and methods In this randomized controlled, consecutive, prospective study, a total 70 subjects (140 eyes) were included in the study, divided into three groups: Group A, 10 healthy volunteers (20 eyes); Group B, 30 patients (60 eyes) with glaucoma suspect; and Group C, 30 patients (60 eyes) with already diagnosed glaucomatous eyes. Results Average RNFL thickness was 75±9.0 in the glaucoma group, 99±15.5 in the control group, and 94±12 in glaucoma suspect. The inferior quadrant was the early parameter affected. There was significant correlation between visual field parameters and RNFL thickness in both glaucoma and glaucoma suspect groups. Conclusion Both RNFL thickness measured by OCT and SWAP indices are good discrimination tools between glaucomatous, glaucoma suspect, and normal eyes. OCT parameters tend to be more sensitive than SWAP parameters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/4a/opth-10-1819.PMC5034920.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3118051", "abstract": "Background: Patients with 1–5 skin lesions are clinically categorized as paucibacillary for treatment purposes. For betterment and adequate treatment of patients, this grouping needs further study. Aim: To study a group of leprosy patients with 1–5 skin lesions, compare clinical details with histopathological findings and bacteriological status of the skin to evaluate the relevance of this grouping. Materials and Methods: Two-year study involving 31 patients of leprosy with 1-5 skin lesions was included in this study. A number of skin lesions were recorded. Skin biopsies were taken in all patients. The biopsies were evaluated for the type of pathology and acid fast bacilli (AFB) status. Results: Of 31 patients, 19 (61.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/d4/JLP-3-21.PMC3118051.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4060564", "abstract": "A cross-sectional survey was carried out in ten states in Sudan to determine seroprevalence and to assess risk factors associated with Akabane virus (AKAV) infection in dairy herds. Serum samples were collected from a total of 361 dairy cattle and tested for antibodies against AKAV using ELISA. The prevalence rates of AKAV antibodies in cattle varied between 69.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/bc/PMC4060564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4247443", "abstract": "Robot-assisted surgery has been used widely in urological surgery since 2000. In Taiwan, robotic surgery started in 2004 and progress has been ongoing since this time. Herein we report a case of acute renal failure post robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The patient received postoperative hemodialysis and intensive care. The renal function recovered to a serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dl 2 months after surgical intervention. The renal function was still normal and the PSA level was nadir after one-year follow-up. The outcome is encouraging from the point of view of oncology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of postoperative acute renal failure in robotic surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/bc/PMC4247443.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4722596", "abstract": "Introduction: Tophi can present as a first sign of hyperuricemia but literature has limited reports as far as flexor tendon contracture presenting as a first clinical sign of gout is concerned. We report a case of tophaceous gout with finger flexion contracture as its first sign. Case Report: A 45 years old man presented in our out patient department with complaint of inability to extend middle finger of his left hand along with a mass growing over volar aspect of forearm for over few months. On physical examination a firm – hard mass around 2*2 cm was found over volar aspect of forearm just proximal to flexor retinaculam. MRI showed mass within tendon of FDS. Clinical suspicion of TB tenosynovitis, was kept as a first diagnosis followed by soft tissue neoplasm and subsequently surgical exploration was performed. A whitish chalky infiltration of tendon of FDS, synovial adhesion of other tendons along with median nerve embedded within hypertrophied synovium of flexor tendon noted. Patient underwent synovectomy and excision of tendon of FDS to middle finger Following histo-pathological evaluation a diagnosis of tophaceous gout was made with serum uric acid level being 8.6 mg/dl. Conclusion: A review of the literature reveals that gouty arthritis of the wrist is rare in isolation. Gout at the wrist as the initial appearance of the condition occurs between 0.8 to 2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/28/JOCR-5-66.PMC4722596.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2816905", "abstract": "Hyponatremia has been recognized as an important postoperative metabolic complication after central nervous system (CNS) operations in children. If not appropriately treated, the postoperative hyponatremia can cause several types of CNS and circulatory disorders such as cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure. The postoperative hyponatremia after CNS surgery has been considered as one of the underlying causes of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In some cases, however, the cerebral salt wasting (CSW) syndrome has been detected. CSW syndrome is far less well-known than SIADH and also different from SIADH in diagnosis and treatment. It causes an increase in urine output and urine sodium after a trauma of CNS and dehydration symptoms. The appropriate treatment of CSW syndrome is opposite the usual treatment of hyponatremia caused by SIADH. The latter is treated with fluid restriction because of the increased level of free water and its dilutional effect causing hyponatremia, whereas the former is treated with fluid and sodium resuscitation because of the unusual loss of high urinary sodium. Early diagnosis and treatment of CSW syndrome after CNS surgery are, therefore, essential. We made a diagnosis of CSW syndrome in two craniosynostosis children manifesting postoperative hyponatremia and supplied them an appropriate amount of water and sodium via intravenous route. The hyponatremia or natricuresis of the children improved and neurologic and circulatory sequelae could be prevented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/c5/jkms-19-627.PMC2816905.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3361187", "abstract": "Autoimmune pancreatitis is part of the spectrum of IgG4-associated diseases. Its diagnostic criteria and histological subtypes have been formally proposed recently and although based on current data it has been suggested that there are differences in clinical presentation among populations, more research is needed to properly establish if this heterogeneity exists. In this paper, we describe 15 cases of autoimmune pancreatitis diagnosed at a Mexican centre of reference, all of them associated to the lymphoplasmocytic sclerosing pancreatitis variant. The mean age at the onset of symptoms was 47.5 ± 14.4 years, and 53", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/d6/PMC3361187.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3874297", "abstract": "The kidney glomerular podocytes are the cellular target of many chronic nephropathies both determined and acquired genetically. Mutations that affected the expression and/or the function of nephrin, a key component of the slit-diaphragm, are often causes of these pathologies. Recent findings showed that murine podocytes could undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), suggesting new hypotheses about the pathogenesis of glomerular fibrosis. Here, we show that also human podocytes can undergo EMT, but more importantly nephrin ablation itself can trigger this phenotypic transformation. In fact, a model of human podocyte with engineered nephrin deficiency constitutionally expressed high levels of α-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and other hallmarks of EMT. Since it is known that cell contact abrogation is one of the triggers of EMT, we reasoned that nephrin loss could account for such cell junction disruption and cause the EMT. Therefore, we demonstrated that also normal podocytes could spontaneously undergo EMT if grown in Ca2+-free medium, which is known to impair cell contacts. The analysis of the main intracellular signal transduction pathways evidenced some major anomalies consequent with the nephrin abrogation. The most intriguing was the activation of β-catenin pathway, which plays a critical role in podocyte ontogenesis as well as in the nephrin expression and EMT regulation. Also other important signaling proteins, like NF-κB, p53, and retinoblastoma protein (RB), showed important activity modifications. Interestingly, most of the above indicated signaling pathway alterations were again reproducible by cell junction rupture, induced by Ca2+ deprivation. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis on kidney sections of patients with NS of Finnish type confirmed the constitutive expression of α-SMA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/14/PMC3874297.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4940204", "abstract": "Following anti-retroviral therapy (ART) or highly active antiretroviral therapy, there is an increased response to latent infections such as herpes zoster, which may lead to their reactivation. This is a result of improved immunity brought about by ART, also termed immune recovery syndrome. A 75-year-old male patient arrived at our institute with widespread vesicles and scabs on the right half of his face and oral cavity, suggesting the involvement of the trigeminal nerve. The patient had a history of being on ART two months earlier and a history of tooth extraction eight days prior to his arrival at our institute. The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive cases amongst herpes zoster cases is high, and these patients become susceptible to infections following ART. Therefore, regardless of the presence of risk factors, every herpes zoster patient should be tested for HIV infection, and high anti-retroviral therapy should be commenced/reinstituted as soon as possible. In addition, the treating physician should maintain a high level of vigilance for the patient during the first few months of ART, the peak incidence of immune recovery inflammatory disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4c/d9/jkaoms-42-169.PMC4940204.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3829225", "abstract": "Background Migraine is a prevalent disease which is classified into two groups of migraine with aura and without aura. Eighteen percent of women and 6.5 percent of men in United States have migraine headache. Migraine headache is prevalent in all age groups but it usually subsides in adults above fifty. Migraine has many risk factors such as stress, light, tiredness, special foods and beverages. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the treatment of migraine headaches. Methods All patients assigned to four groups according to their BMI. Patients with more than three attacks per month received nortriptyline and propranolol for eight weeks. The frequency, duration and severity of pain were measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and behavioral rating scale (BRS-6) in regular intervals. Results 203 patients completed the study. 153(75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/ee/IJNL-10-035.PMC3829225.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4904100", "abstract": " Background. Recently, it has been shown that liquid L-T4 formulation can be ingested with breakfast. This study looked to extend these findings by investigating whether a soft gel capsule formulation of L-T4 could also be ingested at breakfast time. Methods. 60 patients (18–65 yrs), previously submitted to thyroidectomy for proven benign goitre in stable euthyroidism receiving liquid L-T4 therapy ingested with breakfast, were enrolled. TSH, fT4, and fT3 levels were assessed in all the patients who were switched from liquid L-T4 to a soft gel capsule formulation at the same dosage of L-T4. After 6 months, TSH, fT4, and fT3 levels were determined again. Results. There were no differences in TSH levels, but fT3 and fT4 levels during treatment with the soft gel capsule were significantly lower than those at enrolment with the liquid L-T4 formulation (TSH median (min–max): 1.9 (0.5–4.0) versus 2.2 (0.5–4.5) mIU/L, fT3: 2.5 (2.4–3.1) versus 2.7 (2.4–3.3) pg/mL, p < 0.05, and fT4: 9.9 (8.0–13) versus 10.6 (8.6–13.8) pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Both liquid and soft gel formulations of L-T4 can be taken with breakfast. However, liquid L-T4 would be the preferred formulation for patients in whom even small changes in fT4 and fT3 levels are to be avoided. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/41/PMC4904100.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649197", "abstract": "Appendicectomy is one of the commonest emergency operations performed worldwide. In cases of perforated appendicitis, the prevalence of post-operative abscess formation is up to 20 per cent. Most cases can be managed with drainage and antibiotics. However, a minority of these will leave a retained appendicolith. We present a case of a 17 year old female patient who presented 1 year after laparoscopic appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis, with right upper quadrant pain and sepsis. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen was performed and revealed a retained appendicolith with perihepatic abscess formation in the right upper quadrant. She underwent laparoscopic drainage of this perihepatic abscess and removal of the faecolith. She was discharged home the following day and remains well.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/38/PMC3649197.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4662860", "abstract": "In this paper, we derive forms of estimators and associated variances for regression calibration with instrumental variables in longitudinal models that include interaction terms between two unobservable predictors and interactions between these predictors and covariates not measured with error; the inclusion of the latter interactions generalize results we previously reported. The methods are applied to air pollution and health data collected on children with asthma. The new methods allow for the examination of how the relationship between health outcome leukotriene E4 (LTE4, a biomarker of inflammation) and two unobservable pollutant exposures and their interaction are modified by the presence or absence of upper respiratory infections. The pollutant variables include secondhand smoke and ambient (outdoor) fine particulate matter. Simulations verify the accuracy of the proposed methods under various conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/e1/env0026-0393.PMC4662860.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3281997", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of this study was to compare a broad range of total knee prostheses with different design parameters to determine whether in vivo kinematics was consistently related to design. The hypothesis was that there are no clear recognizable differences in in vivo kinematics between different design parameters or prostheses. Methods At two sites, data were collected by a single observer on 52 knees (49 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis). Six different total knee prostheses were used: multi-radius, single-radius, fixed-bearing, mobile-bearing, posterior-stabilized, cruciate retaining and cruciate sacrificing. Knee kinematics was recorded using fluoroscopy as the patients performed a step-up motion. Results There was a significant effect of prosthetic design on all outcome parameters; however, post hoc tests showed that the NexGen group was responsible for 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/d6/167_2011_Article_1605.PMC3281997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4951568", "abstract": "Wilson's disease typically presents symptoms associated with liver damage or neuropsychiatric disturbances, while endocrinologic abnormalities are rare. We report an unprecedented case of hypopituitarism in a patient with Wilson's disease. A 40-year-old woman presented with depression, general weakness and anorexia. Laboratory tests and imaging studies were compatible with liver cirrhosis due to Wilson's disease. Basal hormone levels and pituitary function tests indicated secondary hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency due to hypopituitarism. Brain MRI showed T2 hyperintense signals in both basal ganglia and midbrain but the pituitary imaging was normal. She is currently receiving chelation therapy along with thyroid hormone and steroid replacement. There may be a relationship between Wilson's disease and hypopituitarism. Copper deposition or secondary neuronal damage in the pituitary may be a possible explanation for this theory. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/42/jkms-31-1345.PMC4951568.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4304511", "abstract": "Squamoid cyst of the pancreas is a very rare disease and it has been proposed only recently as a distinct pathologic lesion. We herein present a case of pancreatic squamoid cyst in a patient who underwent laparoscopic resection. A 60-year-old woman had an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for a routine check-up, and a multi-cystic lesion of 1.8-cm in size was incidentally found in the tail of the pancreas. Biochemical laboratory tests were within normal limits. At first, we presumed that the most likely diagnosis of the cystic lesion was an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. To treat this lesion, we performed laparoscopic spleen-saving distal pancreatectomy. The patient showed the usual routine postoperative course and she was discharged 10 days after surgery. On examination of the resected specimen, a well-defined, oligolocular cystic mass was found in the pancreatic tail, without a solid portion. Histologic examination revealed that the cysts had linings ranging from flat squamoid cells to transitional cells with non-keratinization. After immunohistochemical staining, the final diagnosis was confirmed to be squamoid cyst of the pancreas. This lesion appears to be regarded as a benign entity, thus an extended operation should be avoided and resection of the lesion can be performed minimally.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/71/kjhbps-17-181.PMC4304511.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4792971", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study was designed to identify factors influencing handwriting articulation based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and to recommend effective evaluation and intervention strategies to improve the handwriting of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects] The subjects were 96 elementary school children with cerebral palsy and the study was conducted from 04/07/2011 to 29/08/2011. [Methods] Factors related to handwriting articulation were investigated based on the ICF model. [Results] Wrist lateral deviation, upper-extremity speed of body function and education of personal factor were significantly associated with handwriting articulation. [Conclusion] Efforts to manage and improve the handwriting articulation of children with cerebral palsy should focus on wrist lateral deviation, upper-extremity speed, and education.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/34/jpts-28-347.PMC4792971.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4019917", "abstract": "Adrenal sarcomatoid carcinomas are extremely rare tumors presenting with extensive locoregional spread at the time of diagnosis. Patients succumb to metastases within a couple of months. As a result, very few cases are reported in the literature until now. We present a case of a 62-year old female with non-functional sarcomatoid carcinoma of the right adrenal gland. There was no radiological evidence of locoregional metastases. Patient underwent right adrenalectomy. Follow up after 3 months showed para-aortic lymphadenopathy and similar left adrenal mass on computed tomography. Patient refused further treatment and succumbed to the disease. A brief case report with review of literature is presented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ea/f6/cp-2014-1-604.PMC4019917.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3572398", "abstract": "A major concern with the identification of renal toxicity using the traditional biomarkers, urea and creatinine, is that toxicity signal definitions are not sensitive to medically important changes in these biomarkers. Traditional renal signal definitions for urea and creatinine have not adequately identified drugs that have generated important medical issues later in development. Here, two clinical trial databases with a posteriori known drug induced renal impairment were analyzed for the presence of a renal impairment biomarker signal from urea (590 patients; age 26-92, median 65) and creatinine (532 patients; age 26-97, median 65). Data was analyzed retrospectively using multiple definitions for the biomarker signal to include values outside stratified reference intervals, values exceeding twofold increases from baseline, values classified by the 2009 NIAID renal toxicity table, change from baseline represented as a Z-score based on intra-individual biological variations, and an adaptive Bayesian methodology that generalizes population- with individual-based methods for evaluating a biomarker signal. The data demonstrated that the adaptive Bayesian methodology generated a prominent drug induced signal for renal impairment at the first visit after drug administration. The signal was directly related to dose and time of drug administration. All other data analysis methods produced none or significantly weaker signals than the adaptive Bayesian approach. Interestingly, serum creatinine and urea are able to detect early kidney dysfunction when the biomarker signal is personalized.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/df/ijbsv09p0156.PMC3572398.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5110129", "abstract": "Stroke is a kind of acute cerebrovascular disease characterized by the focal lack of neurological function, including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. As society ages rapidly, stroke has become the second leading cause of disability and death, and also become the main threat to human health and life. In recent years, findings from increasing animal and clinical trials have supplied scientific evidences for the treatment of stroke. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which has always been seen as a toxic gas, now has been thought to be the third gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Accumulating evidences indicate that H2S plays an important role in stroke. Given that its neuroprotective effect is dose-dependent, only when its concentration is relatively low, H2S can yield the neuroprotection, while high dose may lead to neurotoxicity. All these study results suggest that H2S may offer a new promising application for the therapy of stroke. Here, our review will present the role of H2S in stroke from its mechanism to animal and clinical studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/f1/MGR-6-79.PMC5110129.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4590911", "abstract": " Objective. The Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA), a clinical plyometric assessment, identifies 10 jumping and landing technique flaws. The study objective was to investigate TJA interrater and intrarater reliability with raters of different educational and clinical backgrounds. Methods. 40 participants were video recorded performing the TJA using published protocol and instructions. Five raters of varied educational and clinical backgrounds scored the TJA. Each score of the 10 technique flaws was summed for the total TJA score. Approximately one month later, 3 raters scored the videos again. Intraclass correlation coefficients determined interrater (5 and 3 raters for first and second session, resp.) and intrarater (3 raters) reliability. Results. Interrater reliability with 5 raters was poor (ICC = 0.47; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/01/PMC4590911.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3639017", "abstract": "Purpose To determine the effects of progressive resistance training on mobility, muscle strength, and quality of life in nursing-home residents with impaired mobility. Methods Nursing-home residents aged 77 years and older with impaired mobility were recruited in Berlin, Germany. The eight-week exercise program consisted of progressive resistance training twice a week. Mobility (primary outcome) was assessed with the Elderly Mobility Scale (zero = worst, 20 = best) at baseline and after 8 weeks. Muscle strength (secondary outcome) was determined by the eight-repetition maximum. The Short Form-36 Health Survey was used to assess quality of life. Results Of the 15 participants (mean age 84 years, range 77–97 years), ten completed the 8-week program. Mobility (Elderly Mobility Scale mean ± standard deviation pre 14.1 ± 3.2 and post 17.5 ± 3.6; P = 0.005) as well as muscle strength of upper and lower limbs improved (from 62", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/35/PMC3639017.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4804692", "abstract": "Objective. To evaluate the association between documenting excess weight and ordering screening tests. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed well-child visits for patients 2 to 18 years old at a pediatric resident clinic. We evaluated visits of patients with body mass index ≥ 85th percentile for documentation of excess weight in the electronic medical record (EMR) and screening tests ordered. Associations were investigated with χ2 tests. Results. Of 522 patients, 215 (41", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/ef/10.1177_2333794X14559396.PMC4804692.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322791", "abstract": "An outbreak of bovine necrotic vulvovaginitis associated with Porphyromonas levii, an emerging animal and human pathogen, affected 32 cows on a dairy farm in the northeast of Israel. Five animals had to be culled. This report appears to be the first that associates P. levii with bovine necrotic vulvovagnitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/86/PMC3322791.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5072252", "abstract": "Background: Pediatric emergency rooms (PERs) in Chinese hospitals are perpetually full of sick and injured children because of the lack of sufficiently developed community hospitals and low access to family physicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of a new five-level Chinese pediatric emergency triage system (CPETS), modeled after the Canadian Triage System and Acuity Scale. Methods: In this study, we compared CPETS outcomes in our PER relative to those of the prior two-level system. Patients who visited our PER before (January 2013–June 2013) and after (January 2014–June 2014) the CPETS was implemented served as the control and experimental group, respectively. Patient flow, triage rates, triage accuracy, wait times (overall and for severe patients), and patient/family satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: Relative to the performance of the former system experienced by the control group, the CPETS experienced by the experimental group was associated with a reduced patient flow through the PER (Cox-Stuart test, t = 0, P < 0.05), a higher triage rate (93.40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/2f/CMJ-129-2416.PMC5072252.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4142741", "abstract": " Aims. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of adding a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin and sulphonylurea combination treatment. The response of Asian and non-Asian patients to this regimen was also examined. Methods. The medical and computerized records of 80 patients were examined. These patients had baseline HbA1c levels ranging from 7.0 to 12.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/d0/PMC4142741.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4349641", "abstract": "Purpose To compare the incidence of overhang between two distinct femoral components and whether there is clinical and radiological benefit of gender-specific implants in short-term follow-up. Materials and Methods One hundred and four knees in consecutive 66 female patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty due to primary osteoarthritis were included in this study. Overhang was measured and recorded in every cut surface of femur with both gender-specific and traditional trial femoral components respectively in every patient. Then, the knees were divided into two groups according to the type of the permanent femoral component they received. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared between 2 groups at minimum 3 years after operation. Results Mean follow-up duration was 41.3 months (range, 36 to 50 months). Sixty two knees (59.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/61/ksrr-27-17.PMC4349641.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4229375", "abstract": " Study Design Case report.  Objective The recommended treatment of cervical subluxation is currently closed or open reduction. These treatments are better accomplished in the acute setting, when muscular and ligamentous laxity allows the required maneuvers to realign the dislocated segments. However, subsets of patients are still being treated subacutely. The majority of the literature addressing subacute subluxations reports treatment through “front and back” approaches, many of them performed in two, three, or even four stages. Other authors recommend days or weeks of traction to reduce the subluxation, followed by anterior or posterior approaches. Herein, we present a one-stage open posterior surgical treatment of a 2-month standing C5–C6 subluxation with “jumped facets,” describing a useful technique to reduce these challenging cases without the need of traction or multistage procedures.  Methods After opening and exposing the posterior elements, we performed a wide C5–6 bilateral foraminotomy; we then put lateral mass screws and rods from C4 to C6. Resembling the technique used in the reduction of high-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis, we used a rod reducer to bring back the C5 screw head toward the rod, thus realigning the lateral mass screw heads and reducing the subluxation.  Results No changes were observed in the motor evoked or somatosensory potentials during this maneuver. Following an uneventful procedure, the patient was transferred to the postanesthetic care unit and discharged 3 days later.  Conclusions This open single-stage posterior approach dramatically reduces operating time. This technique could be added into the decision-making armamentarium for cases without disk herniation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/86/PMC4229375.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5087256", "abstract": "Background Patients with heart failure (HF) older than 65 years have a two-fold increased risk of cognitive impairment than elders without HF. Identifying factors affecting cognitive impairment in HF may present targets for intervention. Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine cognitive function and related factors among elderly patients with heart failure. Patients and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 184 elderly patients with heart failure were selected from four Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences teaching hospitals using convenience sampling. Data were collected from patients’ medical records and by interview, using the abbreviated mental test, geriatric depression scale, and Charlson comorbidity index. Results There were significant relationships between cognitive status and living arrangement (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.039), anemia (P = 0.046), Charlson comorbidity index (P < 0.001) and geriatric depression scale (P < 0.001). Conclusions Screening of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with heart failure seems necessary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/32/ijpbs-10-02-4500.PMC5087256.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5295519", "abstract": "We report the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented to our hospital for elective removal of an infratentorial meningioma and suffered a periprocedural cardiac arrest. Shortly after uncomplicated induction of anesthesia prior to the surgery, the patient became hypotensive and bradycardic, culminating ultimately in a cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity. Return of spontaneous circulation occurred within 90 seconds of arrest, but the patient remained dependent on maximal doses of epinephrine and dopamine for hemodynamic support. Echocardiography performed on the day of cardiac arrest revealed a newly depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 15-20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/1b/cr-07-119.PMC5295519.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5108643", "abstract": "Background IgA pemphigus is a rare autoimmune vesiculo-pustular skin disease. Only approximately 70 cases have been reported to date. We report a case of IgA pemphigus with IgA antibodies to desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) and desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). Case report We report the case of an 60-year-old man with intraepidermal neutrophilic IgA pemphigus with IgA antibodies to Dsg1 and Dsg3. Histologic examination revealed subcorneal neutrophilic pustules with few acantholytic cells. The disease was not effectively controlled by conventional therapeutic regimens (colchicine, dapsone). Systemic treatment with isotretinoin 25 mg/d and prednisone 20 mg/d achieved only a slight effect after six months. Conclusions Our case confirmed the recalcitrant nature of IgA pemphigus in response to distinct therapies, indicating that further research focusing on therapeutic approaches for this type of pemphigus is needed. Physicians should keep IgA pemphigus in mind when approaching patients with bullous eruption.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/13/PMC5108643.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3913545", "abstract": "Topical Bimatoprost is a common and popular prostaglandin analog used as an ocular hypotensive agent in the treatment of glaucoma. Side effects include ocular hyperaemia, ocular pruritus, and periocular and iris pigmentary changes. Perioribital lipodystrophy is another well-documented outcome associated with chronic use of topical bimatoprost, which results in periorbital hallowing, upper eyelid sulcus deepening, eyelid retraction and enophthalmos. We report an unusual case of periocular muscle atrophy and weakness from unilateral topical bimatoprost use. Our patient had primary angle closure and experienced a right upper eyelid ptosis 2 months after she started to use topical bimatoprost in that eye. Clinical measurements of her eyelids clearly showed reduction in the function of her right levator muscle, suggesting that effects of topical bimatoprost may not be limited to periorbital fat. She was advised to stop topical bimatoprost and right ptosis correction surgery with levator muscle advancement was performed successfully. Ophthalmologists and patients should be aware of this potential rare side effect of topical bimatoprost, as it may be potentially disfiguring, especially with monocular use. However, its exact mechanism of action needs to be clarified further.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/a3/opth-8-311.PMC3913545.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4017563", "abstract": "Aim The present study aimed to investigate the influence of histological factors on survival of patients with esophageal cancer. Background Esophageal cancer is almost the common form of malignancy in the eastern world. Patients and methods Through a retrospective cohort study a consecutive series of 134 patients with definite diagnosis of esophageal cancer who had been hospitalized at the Towhid hospital, Sanandaj city, Kurdistan province western Iran during a five-year period from 2006 onward were recruited. The survival time of patients stratified by this grouping method were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. Results Overall, 127 males (55.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dc/32/GHFBB-7-101.PMC4017563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3205377", "abstract": "A 59-year-old man presented with abdominal and left flank pain. The symptom had started 30 days before as an acute nephrolithiasis, which had worsened despite conservative management. The abdomen was slightly distended and tender over the lower abdomen, without signs of generalized peritoneal irritation. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed an abscess in left para-renal space up to the subphrenic space and an unexpected pneumomediastinum. An emergency operation was performed, which showed retroperitoneal diverticulitis perforation of the sigmoid descending junction with abscess formation. A segmental resection of the diseased colon and end-colostomy was performed (Hartmann's procedure). However, the patient's condition progressively deteriorated, and he died of sepsis and multi-organ failure on the 5th postoperative day. Although pneumomediastinum caused by colonic diverticulitis perforation is extremely rare, it could be a life-threatening condition in patients without signs of peritonitis because of delayed diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/24/jkss-80-S17.PMC3205377.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5241379", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate peri-operative multicatheter interstitial pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy (PDR-BT) with an intra-operative catheter placement to boost the tumor excision site in breast cancer patients treated conservatively. Material and methods Between May 2002 and October 2008, 96 consecutive T1-3N0-2M0 breast cancer patients underwent breast-conserving therapy (BCT) including peri-operative PDR-BT boost, followed by whole breast external beam radiotherapy (WBRT). The BT dose of 15 Gy (1 Gy/pulse/h) was given on the following day after surgery. Results No increased bleeding or delayed wound healing related to the implants were observed. The only side effects included one case of temporary peri-operative breast infection and 3 cases of fat necrosis, both early and late. In 11 patients (11.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/89/JCB-8-28877.PMC5241379.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3013673", "abstract": "Phytohormone studies enlightened our knowledge of plant responses to various changes. To provide a systematic and comprehensive view of genes participating in plant hormonal regulation, an online accessible database Arabidopsis Hormone Database (AHD) has been developed, which is a collection of hormone related genes of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (AHRGs). Recently we updated our database from AHD to a new version AHD2.0 by adding several pronounced features: (i) updating our collection of AHRGs based on most recent publications as well as constructing elaborate schematic diagrams of each hormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways; (ii) adding orthologs of sequenced plants listed in OrthoMCL-DB to each AHRG in the updated database; (iii) providing predicted miRNA splicing site(s) for each AHRG; (iv) integrating genes that genetically interact with each AHRG according to literatures mining; (v) providing links to a powerful online analysis platform WebLab for the convenience of in-time bioinformatics analysis and (vi) providing links to widely used protein databases and integrating more expression profiling information that would facilitate users for a more systematic and integrative analysis related to phytohormone research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/71/gkq1066.PMC3013673.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4983380", "abstract": "Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide epidemic, which by all predictions will only increase. To help in combating the devastating array of phenotypes associated with T2DM a highly reproducible and human disease-similar mouse model is required for researchers. The current options are genetic manipulations to cause T2DM symptoms or diet induced obesity and T2DM symptoms. These methods to model human T2DM have their benefits and their detractions. As far as modeling the majority of T2DM cases, HFD establishes the proper etiological, pathological, and treatment options. A limitation of HFD is that it requires months of feeding to achieve the full spectrum of T2DM symptoms and no standard protocol has been established. This paper will attempt to rectify the last limitation and argue for a standard group of HFD protocols and standard analysis procedures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/39/PMC4983380.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5177721", "abstract": "Midaortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare vascular disease that commonly causes renovascular hypertension. The lumen of the abdominal aorta narrows and the ostia of the branches show stenosis. MAS is associated with diminished pulses in the lower extremities compared with the upper extremities, severe hypertension with higher blood pressure in the upper rather than lower extremities, and an abdominal bruit. The clinical symptoms are variable, and recognition in children with hypertension can aid early diagnosis and optimal treatment. Hypertension with MAS is malignant and often refractory to several antihypertensive drugs. Recently, radiologic modalities have been developed and have led to numerous interventional procedures. We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy presenting with left ventricular hypertrophy whose severely elevated blood pressure led to the diagnosis of idiopathic MAS. This case highlights the importance of measuring blood pressure and conducting a detailed physical examination to diagnose MAS. This is the first reported case of idiopathic MAS diagnosed in childhood in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/1b/kjped-59-S84.PMC5177721.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2914288", "abstract": "Nu-3 [butyl-phosphate-5′-thymidine-3′-phosphate-butyl] is a modified nucleotide that has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, data on the toxicological profile of Nu-3 are still lacking. In the present study, the toxicity of Nu-3 was evaluated by the following studies: acute oral toxicity, dermal and mucous membrane irritation, multiple-dose toxicity and genotoxicity in vivo and vitro. The acute oral toxicity test in mice showed that Nu-3 had an LD50 of 2001mg/kg body weight. The irritation tests on rats revealed that Nu-3 was not irritant, with an irritation scoring of 0. The multiple-dose toxicity study in rats showed that Nu-3 did not cause significant changes in histology, selected serum chemistry, and hematological parameters compared to the controls. Rats administrated with multiple-doses of Nu-3 showed no visible toxic symptoms. Both in vitro and in vivo, Nu-3 exhibited no notable genetic toxicity. Overall, the data suggest that Nu-3 is hypotoxic or nontoxic antimicrobial compound that warrants being further developed for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/36/PMC2914288.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4524304", "abstract": "Background: Animal studies have shown antioxidant effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) and its effect on insulin resistance as the most common complication of Type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the effect of RJ intake on serum total antioxidant capacity, Malondialdehyde and insulin resistance in T2DM. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, forty-six type 2 diabetic patients, aged 25–65 years, with BMI of 20–30 kg/m2, and HbA1c of 6–8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/00/PMC4524304.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4105433", "abstract": "Halorhodospira halochloris is an extremely halophilic bacterium isolated from hypersaline Wadi Nantrun lakes in Egypt. Here we report the draft genome sequence of this gammaproteobacteria (GI number: 589289709, GenBank Accession number: CP007268). The 3.5-Mb genome encodes for photosynthesis and biosynthesis of organic osmoprotectants. Comparison with the genome of H.halophila promises to yield insights into the evolution of halophilic adaptations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/a4/jgenv02p0118.PMC4105433.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5034990", "abstract": "Introduction: Paper is written on the basis of data collected in collaboration with family doctors in several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Material and methods: In this retrospective, randomized study was carried out processing of data collected by special design questionnaire from the field through studies and analyzes carried out in 5 health care institutions in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 270 patients who underwent three consecutive medical examinations. Results: Total reduction in blood pressure in average was 32.8 mmHg for systolic and 17.1 mmHg for diastolic, which is consistent with previously published results. Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide is therefore a valuable therapy in the field of internal medicine. Study of this medication confirmed its efficacy in the treatment of hypertension. Conclusion: Control of high blood pressure in our patients according to data was very low, so it is necessary to intensify measures of prevention and treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/74/MA-70-299.PMC5034990.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3136222", "abstract": " Purpose. Prospective analysis of the efficacy of the original protocol SPbHL-05 was performed.  Patients and Methods. Sixty patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) aged less than 18 years old were treated in accordance with SPbHL-05 from January 2000, to July 2009. In induction chemotherapy we used VBVP and ABVD schedules followed by involved-field radiotherapy. Fourteen patients (23,3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/9b/PMC3136222.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3771444", "abstract": " Introduction. Dialysis associated steal syndrome (DASS) constitutes a serious risk for patients undergoing vascular access operations. We aim to assess the measured volume flow using ultrasound in patients with clinically suspected steal syndrome and determine differences in flow among types of arteriovenous (AV) access. Methods. Patients with permanent hemodialysis access with and without ischemic steal underwent duplex ultrasound (US) exams for the assessment of volume flow and quantitative evidence of hemodynamic steal. Volume flow was measured in the proximal feeding artery. Results. 118 patients underwent US of which 82 (69.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/23/PMC3771444.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3010740", "abstract": "Molecular mimicry between self and microbial components has been proposed as the pathogenic mechanism of autoimmune diseases, and this hypothesis is proven in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome, the most frequent cause of acute neuromuscular paralysis, sometimes occurs after Campylobacter jejuni enteritis. Gangliosides are predominantly cell-surface glycolipids highly expressed in nervous tissue, whilst lipo-oligosaccharides are major components of the Gram-negative bacterium C. jejuni outer membrane. IgG autoantibodies to GM1 ganglioside were found in the sera from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Molecular mimicry was demonstrated between GM1 and lipo-oligosaccharide of C. jejuni isolated from the patients. Disease models by sensitization of rabbits with GM1 and C. jejuni lipo-oligosaccharide were established. Guillain-Barré syndrome provided the first verification that an autoimmune disease is triggered by molecular mimicry. Its disease models are helpful to further understand the molecular pathogenesis as well as to develop new treatments in Guillain-Barré syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/35/PMC3010740.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3328950", "abstract": "Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that ranges in severity from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. NAFLD is considered to be associated with hepatic metabolic disorders, resulting in overaccumulation of fatty acids/triglycerides and cholesterol. The pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD are generally explained by the “two-hit theory.” Most studies of lipid metabolism in the NAFLD liver have focused on the metabolism of fatty acids/triglycerides; therefore, the impact of cholesterol metabolism is still ambiguous. In this paper, we review recent studies on NAFLD from the viewpoint of hepatic lipid metabolism-associated factors and discuss the impact of disordered cholesterol metabolism in the etiology of NAFLD. The clinical significance of managing cholesterol metabolism, an option for the treatment of NAFLD, is also discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/91/PMC3328950.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2684082", "abstract": "Botulinum toxin type A injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for diminishing the appearance of facial lines caused by habitual facial muscle contractions. Although the manufacturer’s labeling recommends botulinum toxin only for the treatment of glabellar lines among adults younger than 65 years of age, there is widespread use of the toxin for other cosmetic purposes and for patients who may be older than 65. Evidence-based safety and efficacy data on botulinum toxin use in elderly patients is limited. However, given the age-related skin changes and multifactorial causes of wrinkles in the elderly, as well as the higher risk for potential side effects due to concomitant diseases and medications, a careful risk-benefit assessment should precede the decision to use botulinum toxin in the elderly patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5d/1b/PMC2684082.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4225844", "abstract": "This study was conducted to obtain the basic data of two common odorants—geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (GSM and 2-MIB)—in environmental water. More specifically, the headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was applied to determine the levels of GSM and 2-MIB in water samples, and the samples were collected depending on water sources, conventional treatment processes, and seasons. The significant difference was shown for the 2-MIB levels of source water (P < 0.05), the concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB decreased significantly as treatment process of tap water moved forward (P < 0.0001), and the significant differences for the levels of GSM and 2-MIB were observed among three sampling periods (P < 0.01). The levels of GSM and 2-MIB in all water samples were lower than 10 ng L−1, the odor threshold concentration (OTC), and the conventional treatment process plays a significant role in removing odorants in tap water.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/df/PMC4225844.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3035537", "abstract": "The utility of the VecTest antigen-capture assay to detect West Nile virus (WNV) in field-collected dead corvids was evaluated in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, in 2001 and 2002. Swabs were taken from the oropharynx, cloaca, or both of 109 American Crows, 31 Blue Jays, 6 Common Ravens, and 4 Black-billed Magpies from Manitoba, and 255 American Crows and 28 Blue Jays from Ontario. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen-capture assay were greatest for samples from American Crows; oropharyngeal swabs were more sensitive than cloacal swabs, and interlaboratory variation in the results was minimal. The sensitivity and specificity of the VecTest using oropharyngeal swabs from crows were 83.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/e1/PMC3035537.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4094855", "abstract": "Early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring are very important for the survival of patients with bladder cancer. To identify candidate biomarkers of bladder cancer, we used a combination of techniques including 2-DE, co-IP, western blot, LC-MS/MS, and immunohistochemistry. Hsp74 was identified with high expression in bladder cancer. The cellular location of expression products of gene Hsp74 showed that they were distributed into cytoplasm and keratin 1 was found to be associated with Hsp74. The results provide a new idea to understand the molecular basis of bladder cancer progression and pinpoint new potential molecular target for early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of bladder cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/85/PMC4094855.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4860803", "abstract": "Purpose: Patients with comorbidities are more likely to experience treatment-related toxicities and death. Our aim was to examine the effect of comorbidity on postoperative survival outcomes in patients with solid cancers. Methods: In total, 37,288 patients who underwent potentially curative operations for solid cancers at four affiliated hospitals of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, between 2007 and 2012, were stratified according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) for postoperative survival analysis. Multivariate Cox regression was used to adjust hazard ratios of survival outcomes among different CCI subgroups. Results: A significantly greater proportion of patients with comorbidities presented with poorer clinicopathological characteristics compared to those without. After cancer surgery, 26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/31/PMC4860803.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5214733", "abstract": "Falls and fall-related injuries are common in older populations and have negative effects on quality of life and independence. Falling is also associated with increased morbidity, mortality, nursing home admission, and medical costs. Korea has experienced an extreme demographic shift with its population aging at the fastest pace among developed countries, so it is important to assess fall risks and develop interventions for high-risk populations. Guidelines for the prevention of falls were first developed by the Korean Association of Internal Medicine and the Korean Geriatrics Society. These guidelines were developed through an adaptation process as an evidence-based method; four guidelines were retrieved via systematic review and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II process, and seven recommendations were developed based on the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Because falls are the result of various factors, the guidelines include a multidimensional assessment and multimodal strategy. The guidelines were developed for primary physicians as well as patients and the general population. They provide detailed recommendations and concrete measures to assess risk and prevent falls among older people.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/99/kjim-2016-218.PMC5214733.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2809431", "abstract": "The LGI1 gene was suggested to function as tumor suppressor for its ability to reduce malignant features of glioblastoma cells. In support to this proposal were the findings that overexpression of LGI1 in neuroblastoma cells inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. In this study we performed stable LGI1 expression in HeLa cells to examine whether the noxious effect of LGI1 might be extended to cancer cells of diverse origin. HeLa cell clones stably expressing LGI1 exhibited a significant impairment of proliferation and a consistent increase of cell death when compared with control cells lacking expression of LGI1. Expression of LGI1 increased the activity of apoptosis effectors caspase-3/7; furthermore it downregulated the antiapoptotic BCL2 gene and upregulated the proapoptotic BAX gene expression, suggesting that the cause of HeLa cells death might be an increased susceptibility to apoptosis induced by LGI1. The results suggested that LGI1 is capable to restrain growth and survival of adenocarcinoma cells such as HeLa.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/59/PMC2809431.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4317954", "abstract": "Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the severest types of DNA damage. Unrepaired DSBs easily induce cell death and chromosome aberrations. To maintain genomic stability, cells have checkpoint and DSB repair systems to respond to DNA damage throughout most of the cell cycle. The failure of this process often results in apoptosis or genomic instability, such as aneuploidy, deletion, or translocation. Therefore, DSB repair is essential for maintenance of genomic stability. During mitosis, however, cells seem to suppress the DNA damage response and proceed to the next G1 phase, even if there are unrepaired DSBs. The biological significance of this suppression is not known. In this review, we summarize recent studies of mitotic DSB repair and discuss the mechanisms of suppression of DSB repair during mitosis. DSB repair, which maintains genomic integrity in other phases of the cell cycle, is rather toxic to cells during mitosis, often resulting in chromosome missegregation and aberration. Cells have multiple safeguards to prevent genomic instability during mitosis: inhibition of 53BP1 or BRCA1 localization to DSB sites, which is important to promote non-homologous end joining or homologous recombination, respectively, and also modulation of the non-homologous end joining core complex to inhibit DSB repair. We discuss how DSBs during mitosis are toxic and the multiple safeguard systems that suppress genomic instability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/c1/cas0105-1519.PMC4317954.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3748542", "abstract": "Background: Studies indicate that becoming a mother is accompanied by prominent physical, social, and psychological changes which can affect not only mother's psychological healthiness, but also all other aspects of her personal and family life. The purpose of this research was to explore the struggles experienced by Iranian first-time mothers in adapting to their maternal role between 0 and 1 year after giving birth. Materials and Methods: A qualitative design was used in this study. Twenty-one first-time mothers with diverse ethnic backgrounds were recruited in their home or healthcare centers in Tehran and Ahwaz. Data collected through in-depth interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis produced four themes: “Unpreparedness,” “lack of control,” “incomplete maternal feelings,” and “unstable relations.” The main theme, “internal conflict,” integrates all other categories and encapsulates the major changes to which women are subjected, as well as the factors distressing this experience. Conclusion: Discrepancies between subjective expectations and postnatal experiences take an influential role in causing postpartum conflict and strain. The more accurate information mothers and families have about this transitory stage, the better they can get prepared to deal with it. This specifies the pivotal role of midwives, midwifery educators, and healthcare policy makers in incorporating these concepts into training programs and protocols of healthcare and support services in due time, form, and content that is in accordance with mothers’ mental and psychological needs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/72/IJNMR-18-222.PMC3748542.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3914244", "abstract": " Aims. To describe the use of subconjunctival bevacizumab (SCB) injection in the combined cataract and glaucoma filtering surgery (GFS). Methods. Retrospective comparative case series. Thirty eyes of twenty-eight patients who had GFS followed by SCB injection as part of post-operative management were included (Group SCB). The types of GFS included trabeculectomy and non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS) with mitomycin-C. Outcome measures included the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) and medications. Age-matched patients who had the same types of surgery without SCB were selected as a control group (Group C). Results. The types of GFS were: combined cataract surgery and NPGS (SCB: 20; C: 24), phacotrabeculectomy (SCB: 6; C: 3), NPGS (SCB: 3; C: 2) and trabeculectomy alone (SCB: 1; C: 1). The average follow-up time was 16.9 (±8.2) months in the SCB group and 19.6 (±11.5) months in the controls. 1.25 mg of bevacizumab was injected on average 14.1 (range: 3–42) days post-GFS. The mean IOP decreased from 21.9 (±9.8) to 11.9 (±4.7) mmHg in the controls and from 19.6 (±8.9) to 14.0 (±4.7) mmHg in the SCB group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.11). Complications included three cases of branch vein occlusion in the SCB group. Conclusions. SCB did not result in better outcome in term of IOP reduction. Clinicians should monitor its side effects in glaucoma patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/ef/PMC3914244.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4374199", "abstract": "Currarino syndrome is a hereditary pathology that is characterized by sacrococcygeal bone defect, presacral mass, and anorectal malformation. Sacrococcygeal bone defect is almost always a part of the syndrome. The complete form of this entity displays all three abnormalities and is very uncommon. In this report, we present the magnetic resonance imaging findings of a case with complete form of Currarino syndrome recognized in adulthood.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/32/JCIS-5-10.PMC4374199.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3420781", "abstract": "The incidence of epilepsy has bimodal distribution peaking at the extremes of life. Incidence is greater in younger and older age groups (Hauser et al., 1993, Sidenvall et al., 1993, Forsgren et al., 1996, and Olafsson et al., 2005). As the world population ages more elders with epilepsy will be identified. In the high-income countries with longer life expectancy, the number of elders with epilepsy will be even higher. CPSs account for 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/4c/PMC3420781.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3932761", "abstract": "Background Mutation specific effects in monogenic disorders are rare. We describe atypical Fanconi syndrome caused by a specific heterozygous mutation in HNF4A. Heterozygous HNF4A mutations cause a beta cell phenotype of neonatal hyperinsulinism with macrosomia and young onset diabetes. Autosomal dominant idiopathic Fanconi syndrome (a renal proximal tubulopathy) is described but no genetic cause has been defined. Methods and Results We report six patients heterozygous for the p.R76W HNF4A mutation who have Fanconi syndrome and nephrocalcinosis in addition to neonatal hyperinsulinism and macrosomia. All six displayed a novel phenotype of proximal tubulopathy, characterised by generalised aminoaciduria, low molecular weight proteinuria, glycosuria, hyperphosphaturia and hypouricaemia, and additional features not seen in Fanconi syndrome: nephrocalcinosis, renal impairment, hypercalciuria with relative hypocalcaemia, and hypermagnesaemia. This was mutation specific, with the renal phenotype not being seen in patients with other HNF4A mutations. In silico modelling shows the R76 residue is directly involved in DNA binding and the R76W mutation reduces DNA binding affinity. The target(s) selectively affected by altered DNA binding of R76W that results in Fanconi syndrome is not known. Conclusions The HNF4A R76W mutation is an unusual example of a mutation specific phenotype, with autosomal dominant atypical Fanconi syndrome in addition to the established beta cell phenotype.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/76/jmedgenet-2013-102066.PMC3932761.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3315289", "abstract": "Ureteritis cystica is an uncommon cause of acute renal pain. The aetiology remains unclear and the diagnosis may be difficult to establish. We report the case of a 29 year old woman with a history of repeated urinary tract infections presenting with acute renal colic in the absence of lithiasis. We review the diagnostic tools available to make the diagnosis and the recent pertinent literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/22/PMC3315289.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4846726", "abstract": "Introduction The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of clinicopathological factors including age, gender, tumor grade, tumor stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumor necrosis and previous history of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer on outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Material and methods A total of 60 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma at our institute between 2005 to 2012 were included in our study. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log rank statistics, the chi-square test and Cox regression models. Results The mean length of follow-up time was 33.3 months. There were 27 (45", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/e1/CEJU-69-00713.PMC4846726.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3958696", "abstract": "HIV-1 and CMV are important pathogens transmitted via breastfeeding. Furthermore, perinatal CMV transmission may impact growth and disease progression in HIV-exposed infants. Although maternal antiretroviral therapy reduces milk HIV-1 RNA load and postnatal transmission, its impact on milk CMV load is unclear. We examined the relationship between milk CMV and HIV-1 load (4–6 weeks postpartum) and the impact of antiretroviral treatment in 69 HIV-infected, lactating Malawian women and assessed the relationship between milk CMV load and postnatal growth in HIV-exposed, breastfed infants through six months of age. Despite an association between milk HIV-1 RNA and CMV DNA load (0.39 log10 rise CMV load per log10 rise HIV-1 RNA load, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/31/PMC3958696.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC270709", "abstract": "Pancreatitis is not an infrequent diagnosis in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Prolonged stays, intense resource utilization and high morbidity/mortality are commonplace in such patients. Management for the most part is supportive, with the surgical team keeping close watch to intervene as the need arises. Over the past few decades there has been considerable debate regarding the usefulness of systemic antibiotics to prevent infectious complications in patients with evidence of pancreatic necrosis. In the present article of Critical Care, two expert groups debate the two sides of this contentious antibiotic issue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/48/PMC270709.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3173882", "abstract": "Testosterone is an important hormone for both bone gain and maintenance in men. Hypogonadal men have accelerated bone turnover and increased fracture risk. In these men, administration of testosterone inhibits bone resorption and maintains bone mass. Testosterone, however, is converted into estradiol via aromatization in many tissues including male bone. The importance of estrogen receptor alpha activation as well of aromatization of androgens into estrogens was highlighted by a number of cases of men suffering from an inactivating mutation in the estrogen receptor alpha or in the aromatase enzyme. All these men typically had low bone mass, high bone turnover and open epiphyses. In line with these findings, cohort studies have confirmed that estradiol contributes to the maintenance of bone mass after reaching peak bone mass, with an association between estradiol and fractures in elderly men. Recent studies in knock-out mice have increased our understanding of the role of androgens and estrogens in different bone compartments. Estrogen receptor activation, but not androgen receptor activation, is involved in the regulation of male longitudinal appendicular skeletal growth in mice. Both the androgen and the estrogen receptor can independently mediate the cancellous bone-sparing effects of sex steroids in male mice. Selective KO studies of the androgen receptor in osteoblasts in male mice suggest that the osteoblast in the target cell for androgen receptor mediated maintenance of trabecular bone volume and coordination of bone matrix synthesis and mineralization. Taken together, both human and animal studies suggest that testosterone has a dual mode of action on different bone surfaces with involvement of both the androgen and estrogen receptor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/1f/PMC3173882.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4763554", "abstract": "Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is characterized by decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity in hepatocytes, uroporphyrin I and heptacarboxyl porphyrin III accumulation, photosensitivity dermatitis, and increased storage iron. In women, estrogen therapy, including oral contraceptives, postmenopausal hormone replacement, and tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment, is a risk factor for PCT. We report the case of a woman who presented with PCT, HFE C282Y homozygosity, and hepatic iron overload and was using a contraceptive vaginal ring containing ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. We discuss this case in the context of characteristics of other persons with PCT, including common HFE mutations, iron overload, and estrogen exposure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/31/JCHIMP-6-30380.PMC4763554.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4037299", "abstract": "Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for medication-resistant and life-threatening mental disorders, and therefore it occupies an important position in psychiatric treatment. ECT reportedly increases intracranial pressure and is suspected of increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, especially in patients with hemorrhagic diseases such as hemophilia. A decrease in or loss of blood coagulation factors, including factor VIII and factor IX, are found in hemophilia A and B, respectively. Psychiatrists may hesitate to perform ECT on patients with bleeding tendencies, such as in hemophilia. Here, we report the successful use of ECT on a neuroleptic-resistant patient with schizophrenia and severe hemophilia A. We performed ECT 16 times supplemented with coagulation factor VIII to prevent intracranial and systematic hemorrhage. We administered factor VIII concentrates to the patient to keep factor VIII activity at 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/4b/ndt-10-865.PMC4037299.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5358962", "abstract": "Context Children’s cough is a daily concern for most pediatricians. The management of both acute and chronic cough requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Despite the approved protocols for management, the pediatric assessment of cough and the corresponding prescribing attitude frequently do not fit these protocols, which can be affected by parental suggestions – sometimes substantially. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate both the perception and the behavior of a representative sample of Italian pediatricians toward cough in real life. Methods A specific questionnaire consisting of 18 questions was prepared. The questionnaire was completed by 300 pediatricians (all members of PAIDOSS: Italian National Observatory on Health of Childhood and Adolescence) who represented  300,000 children. Results A vast majority of children have cough throughout the year (99.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/2e/ceor-9-189.PMC5358962.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3626032", "abstract": "Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation perpetuated by visceral adipose. Other organs, particularly stomach and intestine, may also overproduce proinflammatory molecules. We examined the gene expression patterns in gastric tissue of morbidly obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and compared the changes in gene expression in different histological forms of NAFLD. Stomach tissue samples from 20 morbidly obese NAFLD patients who were undergoing sleeve gastrectomy were profiled using qPCR for 84 genes encoding inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, their receptors, and other components of inflammatory cascades. Interleukin 8 receptor-beta (IL8RB) gene overexpression in gastric tissue was correlated with the presence of hepatic steatosis, hepatic fibrosis, and histologic diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Expression levels of soluble interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) were correlated with the presence of NASH and hepatic fibrosis. mRNA levels of interleukin 8 (IL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), and its receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor type 5 (CCR5) showed a significant increase in patients with advanced hepatic inflammation and were correlated with the severity of the hepatic inflammation. The results of our study suggest that changes in expression patterns for inflammatory molecule encoding genes within gastric tissue may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-related NAFLD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/9f/PMC3626032.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4442831", "abstract": "Objective: Presence of genomic diversity among Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains have been suggested by numerous investigators. Little is known about diversity of H. pylori strains isolated from Iranian children and their association with virulence of the strains. Our purpose was to assess the degree of genomic diversity among H. pylori strains isolated from Iranian-children, on the basis of vacA genotype, cagA status of the strains, sex, age as well as the pathological status of the patients. Methods: Genomic DNA from 44 unrelated H. pylori strains isolated during 1997–2009, was examined by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Pathological status of the patients was performed according to the modified Sydney-system and genotype/status of vacA/cagA genes was determined by PCR. PFGE was performed using XbaI restriction-endonuclease and the field inversion-gel electrophoresis system. Findings: No significant relationship was observed between the patterns of PFGE and the cagA/vacA status/genotype. Also no relationship was observed between age, sex, and pathological status of the children and the PFGE patterns of their isolates. Similar conclusion was obtained by Total Lab software. However, more relationship was observed between the strains isolated in the close period (1997–2009, 2001–2003, 2005–2007, and 2007–2009) and more difference was observed among those obtained in the distant periods (1997 and 2009). Conclusion: H. pylori strains isolated from children in Iran are extremely diverse and this diversity is not related to their virulence characteristics. Occurrence of this extreme diversity may be related to adaptation of H. pylori strains to variable living conditions during transmission between various host individuals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/d1/PMC4442831.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4709816", "abstract": "Background: Prostate cancer has been reported as the second leading cause of cancer death among men in 2013. Prevention and early detection of cancer are considered as critical factors in controlling the disease and increasing the survival of patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Health Belief Model (HBM)-based education on knowledge and prostate cancer screening behaviors in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. We enrolled 210 men aged 50-70. Balanced block randomization method was used to randomize the final participants who had inclusion criteria into intervention (n=93) and control (n=87) groups. The participants of the intervention group attended training workshops based on HBM. Data were collected using three questionnaires, i.e. demographic questionnaire, Prostate Cancer Screening-Health Belief Model Scale (PCS-HBMS), and the Knowledge about Prostate Cancer Screening questionnaire, all given before and immediately one month after the intervention. Results: The mean scores of the perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers and benefits increased significantly after the intervention (P>0.05) in the intervention group. In the control group, such a difference was reported only for perceived susceptibility (P>0.05). The rate of participation in prostate cancer screening in the intervention group increased from 7.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/06/IJCBNM-4-57.PMC4709816.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3498313", "abstract": "A 41-year-old woman who was diagnosed with myocarditis presented eosinophilia. Since the antibody against Toxocara canis (T. canis) was positive, we diagnosed that she had visceral larva migrans due to T. canis associated with myocarditis. She was treated with oral albendazole and prednisolone for two weeks, eosinophil count and hepatic enzymes were normalized after completion of treatment. This is the first report of myocarditis caused by T. canis infection in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/c4/jcu-20-150.PMC3498313.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4436556", "abstract": "Abstract There is scarcity of data on spectrum and outcome of invasive filamentous fungal infections (IFIs) in children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) from developing countries. A retrospective review of medical records of children with T1D hospitalized with IFI over the past decade at the Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit of a large tertiary care hospital of North India was performed with an aim to study their clinical spectrum, hospital course and final outcome. Of the 10 patients studied, nasal/paranasal involvement was seen in 6 and pulmonary involvement in 5 patients. One patient developed disseminated disease. Majority of the identified mycoses belonged to Class Zygomycetes Order Mucorales. Early surgery along with antifungal therapy helped limit the extension of infection and achieve a good outcome in majority of patients. Two patients died; one with a late diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis and the other with disseminated disease. The longterm morbidity in the survivors was minimal. In conclusion, rapid diagnosis followed by a multimodal approach involving aggressive surgical debridement, appropriate antifungal therapy and control of hyperglycemic state is the key to good outcome in this otherwise lethal infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/7c/cpe-24-051.PMC4436556.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4425338", "abstract": "Introduction Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a relatively common ophthalmic disorder characterized by the development of a serous detachment of the sensory retina. Psychophysiological factors may trigger or maintain CSCR, though, surprisingly, the association between CSCR and anxiety has yet to be studied. The aims of the present study were threefold: to determine whether 1) Iranian patients with CSCR have higher scores for anxiety, 2) anxiety is lower, if CSCR has been experienced twice, and whether 3) anxiety scores differ between sexes. Methods A total of 30 patients with CSCR and 30 healthy age-and sex-matched controls took part in the study. A brief face-to-face interview was conducted covering demographic variables and history and occurrence of CSCR and assessing anxiety. Results Compared to healthy controls, anxiety was significantly higher in both first-time and second-time CSCR patients. In CSCR patients, anxiety scores did not differ between sexes. Conclusion Higher anxiety scores were observed in Iranian patients with CSCR, irrespective of whether this was the first or second occurrence of CSCR. This suggests there is no psychological adaptation in terms of reduced anxiety among patients with repeated CSCR.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/2a/ndt-11-1131.PMC4425338.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4460971", "abstract": "Metastatic disease to the heart is not uncommon. We describe a case of a man in his 60s with an unusual metastasis to the heart and detail its intracardiac location by means of cardiac computerized tomography (CCT) and transthoracic echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pancreatobiliary tumor metastasizing exclusively to the left ventricle (LV) of the heart.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/fe/PMC4460971.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5067320", "abstract": "This prospective, community-based study examined trajectories of physical activity from childhood to adulthood and whether these trajectories contributed to depressive symptoms in adulthood to a greater degree than adulthood physical activity. Participants (n = 3596) were from the ongoing Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study which started in 1980. Depressive symptoms were measured with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) in 2012, and physical activity was assessed from 1980 to 2011 with self-reports. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, childhood negative emotionality, socioeconomic factors, previous depressive symptoms, social support, body mass index, and smoking status (1980–2007). Highly, moderately, and lightly physically active trajectory groups were identified. Highly active participants reported lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to lightly active ones (p < 0.001) and compared to moderately active ones (p = 0.001). Moderately active participants had less symptoms than lightly active ones (p < 0.001). High levels of adulthood physical activity associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). The findings did not withstand adjustment for previous depressive symptoms (p > 0.05). Lifelong physical activity trajectories or adulthood physical activity was not associated with the progression of depressive symptoms in adulthood. Thus, physical activity history does not contribute to the progression of the depressive symptoms to a greater degree than adulthood physical activity. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/70/PMC5067320.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5149701", "abstract": "Statins have been widely used drugs for lowering low-density lipoprotein and for preventing heart attack and stroke. However, the increased risk for developing diabetes during extended stain use and the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate the signaling pathway and biological function between necrosis and autophagy induced by atorvastatin (AS) and pravastatin (PS). Here we observed that atorvastatin (AS) can increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce necrotic cell death and autophagy in NIT-1 cells, whereas pravastatin (PS) does not cause ROS and cell death but also induces autophagy. PARP1 exhibited a dual role in modulating necrosis and autophagy in AS- and PS-treated NIT-1 cells through RIP1-RIP3-MLKL pathway and PARP1-AMPK-mTOR pathway. Lastly, AS treatment induced mitochondrial morphology injury significantly more than PS treatment did. Thus, the PARP1 activation should be considered in the development of effective statin therapies for diabetes. Future studies may examine specific mechanisms and pathways in mitochondria, autophagy, and oxidative stress in vivo.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/a9/PMC5149701.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3525213", "abstract": "Pharmacogenetics affects both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thereby influencing an individual's response to drugs, both in terms of response and adverse reactions. Within the area of pharmacogenetics, findings of genetic variation influencing drug levels have been more prevalent, and variation in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is one of the most common causes. Much of the work concerning sequence variations in CYPs aims at finding biomarkers of use for individualised treatment, thereby increasing the treatment response, lowering the number of side effects and decreasing the overall cost of treatment regimens. For over ten years, the Human Cytochrome P450 Allele Nomenclature (CYP-allele) website (http://www.cypalleles.ki.se/) has offered a database of genetic information on CYP variants, along with effects at the molecular as well as clinical level. Thus, this database serves as an assembly of past, current and soon-to-be published information on CYP alleles and their outcome effects. The website is used by academic researchers and companies (eg as a tool in drug development and for outlining new research projects). By providing peer-reviewed genetic information on CYP enzymes, the CYP-allele website has become increasingly popular and widely used. Recently, NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR), the electron donor for CYP enzymes, was included on the website, which already contains 29 CYP genes, hence POR alleles are now also designated using the star allele (POR*) nomenclature. Although most CYPs on the CYP-allele website are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, polymorphic enzymes with endogenous functions are also included. Each gene on the CYP-allele website has its own webpage that lists the different alleles with their nucleotide changes, their functional consequences and links to publications in which the allele has been identified and/or characterised. Thus, the CYP-allele website offers a rapid online publication of new alleles, as well as providing an overview of peer-reviewed data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/d8/PMC3525213.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4664951", "abstract": "Here, we present a case of pneumoperitoneum caused by traumatic pneumothorax after a fall. The patient is an 82-year-old male who was brought into the emergency department after being found at the bottom of a flight of stairs with a bleeding scalp laceration. Upon presentation, the patient underwent emergent intubation followed by tube thoracostomy placement, had necessary imaging and was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Imaging revealed signs of pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum in addition to the partially resolved pneumothorax. In the SICU, the patient became hemodynamically unstable requiring vasopressor support, which in the face of documented pneumoperitoneum without a clear cause mandated exploration. He was taken to the operating room for suspected viscus perforation, though none was found after extensively searching during an exploratory laparotomy. We suspect the patient developed pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum as a result of traumatic pneumothorax, hastened by his subsequent intubation and mechanical ventilation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/87/rjv147.PMC4664951.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3469829", "abstract": "The longevity of the world's population is increasing, and among male patients, complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are growing. Testing to diagnose LUTS and to differentiate between the various causes should be quick, easy, cheap, specific, not too bothersome for the patient, and noninvasive or minimally so. Urodynamic evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) but presents some inconveniences such as embarrassment, pain, and dysuria; furthermore, 19", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ef/50/inj-16-116.PMC3469829.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4976074", "abstract": "Background Helicobacter pylori cause chronic gastritis and subsequent diseases like gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric adenocarcinoma. Current methods for detecting H. pylori have several disadvantages and it is of utmost importance to develop a simple, quick, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic test. Objectives The aim of this study was to set up and evaluate a diagnostic value of loop- mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting H. pylori. Patients and Methods The analytical sensitivity values (limit of detection) of LAMP and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were determined using serial dilutions of H. pylori DNA. Analytical specificity of the methods using new designed primers targeted ureC gene was also determined. Results The detection limits of the LAMP and PCR assay were similar and were 10 fg of pure DNA of H. pylori, which is equal to 6 copy numbers of H. pylori genome. Analytical specificity of the tests was 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/05/jjm-09-05-28831.PMC4976074.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC540050", "abstract": "We used the Automatic Domain Decomposition Algorithm (ADDA) to generate a database of protein domain families with complete coverage of all protein sequences. Sequences are split into domains and domains are grouped into protein domain families in a completely automated process. The current database contains domains for more than 1.5 million sequences in more than 40 000 domain families. In particular, there are 3828 novel domain families that do not overlap with the curated domain databases Pfam, SCOP and InterPro. The data are freely available for downloading and querying via a web interface (http://ekhidna.biocenter.helsinki.fi:9801/sqgraph/pairsdb).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/84/PMC540050.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4322182", "abstract": "Background Bilateral ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition and is divided in two subgroups, primary and secondary, based on history of assisted reproductive technology. Case Presentation A 30 year old primigravid woman with history of infertility and ovulation induction presented to a hospital in Kashan in year 2013. She had vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain and ultrasound findings suggested early pregnancy. Due to high titer of β-HCG, gestational trophoblastic disease was proposed and D8C was done in referral and admission to gyneco-oncology ward in Tehran. Repeat sonography suggested ectopic pregnancy in left side and repeat β-HCG level showed an increase of 19435 mIU/ml. Laparotomy findings revealed bilateral ampullary ectopic pregnancy. Bilateral salpingostomy followed by one course of methotrexate was prescribed. Conclusion Bilateral ectopic gestation should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for ectopic pregnancy. In this study, bigger size and rupture in left side was observed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/c1/JRI-16-49.PMC4322182.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4771863", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Methamphetamine (MA) may cause hepatotoxicity, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and neurotoxicity separately or together. We report a patient admitted with muscle weakness, pain, and oliguria 1 week after MA use; requiring repeated hemodialysis (HD). Multisystem toxicity may develop as a result of MA use and appropriate treatment may be life saving.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/c8/CCR3-4-226.PMC4771863.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5414891", "abstract": "Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can be used to predict drug pharmacokinetics in virtual populations using models that integrate understanding of physiological systems. PBPK models have been widely utilized for predicting pharmacokinetics in clinically untested scenarios during drug applications and regulatory reviews in recent years. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the application of PBPK in new drug application (NDA) review documents from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past 4 years.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/76/CPT-101-597.PMC5414891.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3670249", "abstract": "Multiple molecular mechanisms have been identified that are responsible for the deregulation of the quantitative aspects of JAK-STAT signaling. These mechanisms enhance the extent and the duration of, e.g., STAT3 activation and have profound consequences on the phenotypes of the affected cells. The fine tuning of STAT3 signaling is required to maintain its physiological functions and its deregulation is associated with diverse pathological states. Deregulation can be exerted by the gain of function of components mediating the activation of STAT3 or the loss of function of molecules involved in the deactivation steps of STAT3. Gain of function mutations can involve tyrosine kinases that phosphorylate STAT3, mutations in cytokine and growth factor receptors causing their ligand independent activation, mutations in STAT3 that enhance and prolong its tyrosine phosphorylation and the autocrine or paracrine production and secretion of cytokines, most notably IL-6. Diminished deactivation of phosphorylated STAT3 can be due to the reduced expression of tyrosine phosphatases, inactivating mutations in these enzymes, silencing or functional inactivation of SOCS molecules, post-transcriptional inhibition of PIAS3 expression or deletion mutations in the lymphocyte adaptor protein, LNK. STAT3 variants that exhibit autonomous transactivation potential have been detected in 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/df/jkst-1-211.PMC3670249.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3719198", "abstract": "Cintractia carpophila var. kenaica, a neglected taxon described from Alaska more than half a century ago, is re-described and illustrated. Its nomenclature and taxonomic status are discussed. This smut species is characterised by small spores with a very finely verruculose surface rarely enclosed by a thin, hyaline, mucilaginous sheath, a wall with 2–5 distinct internal swellings, and parasitism on Carex micropoda (Carex sect. Dornera). It is reallocated to the genus Anthracoidea as a distinct species, Anthracoidea kenaica comb. nov., and assigned to Anthracoidea section Leiosporae which includes species having smooth or very finely verruculose spores. Morphological and biological characteristics of the five most similar Anthracoidea species are contrasted and discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/d6/ima-4-1-103.PMC3719198.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3461301", "abstract": " Objective. To examine the association between different marital transitions and changes in body mass index (BMI) and body weight. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1990 and December 2011. Longitudinal studies were included if they compared dependent variables, such as BMI or weight, before and after a change in marital status. Results. Twenty articles were included: 4 articles described only transitions into marriage and/or cohabitation, 2 articles described only transitions out of marriage and/or cohabitation, and 14 articles described both. Overall, transitions into marriage were associated with weight gain, whereas transitions out of marriage were associated with weight loss. No major differences were observed between genders or across specific marital transition states. Conclusions. Additional research is warranted to better understand this phenomenon and the impact of marital transitions on obesity and obesity-related behaviors. This paper highlights potential opportunities to incorporate programs, practices, and policies that aim to promote and support healthy weights and lifestyles upon entering or leaving a marriage or cohabiting relationship.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/d5/PMC3461301.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3052427", "abstract": "We describe a patient with palmar-divergent dislocation of the scaphoid and lunate. After successful closed reduction, the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments were sutured through the dorsal approach, and the anterior capsule was sutured through the palmar approach. The scapholunate and lunotriquetral joints were fixed with Kirschner wires for 7 weeks. At the 1-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of avascular necrosis of the scaphoid or lunate, and radiographs showed no evidence of the dorsal and volar intercalated segment instability patterns associated with carpal instability. However, flexion of the scaphoid and a break in Gilula’s line remained. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing treatment of palmar-divergent dislocation of the scaphoid and lunate by suturing the carpal interosseous ligaments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/0b/PMC3052427.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1458429", "abstract": "Transposable elements of about 300 bp, termed “short interspersed nucleotide elements or SINEs are common in eukaryotes. However, Alu elements, SINEs containing restriction sites for the AluI enzyme, have been known only from primates. Here I report the first SINE found in the genome of the cephalochordate, amphioxus. It is an Alu element of 375 bp that does not share substantial identity with any genomic sequences in vertebrates. It was identified because it was located in the FoxD regulatory region in a cosmid derived from one individual, but absent from the two FoxD alleles of BACs from a second individual. However, searches of sequences of BACs and genomic traces from this second individual gave an estimate of 50-100 copies in the amphioxus genome. The finding of an Alu element in amphioxus raises the question of whether Alu elements in amphioxus and primates arose by convergent evolution or by inheritance from a common ancestor. Genome-wide analyses of transposable elements in amphioxus and other chordates such as tunicates, agnathans and cartilaginous fishes could well provide the answer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/50/PMC1458429.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4558456", "abstract": " Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive disorder. Rates of change in motor symptoms have been more studied compared to nonmotor symptoms. The objective was to describe these changes in a real-life cohort of subjects with PD. Methods. A cohort study was carried out from 2011 to 2013. Consecutive patients with PD were recruited from a movement disorders clinic. MDS-UPDRS, PDQ-8, and NMSS were applied to all subjects at an initial evaluation and a subsequent visit (21 ± 3 months). Disease severity was categorized using a recent classification of MDS-UPDRS severity. Results. The MDS-UPDRS Part III showed a significant decrease of 7.2 ± 2.31 points (p = 0.001) between evaluations. A mean increase of 0.9 ± 0.6 points (p = 0.015) in the MDS-UPDRS Part IV was observed. An increase of 14.3 ± 11.4 points (p = 0.043) in the NMSS total score was found; when assessed individually, the difference was statistically significant only for the perceptual problems/hallucinations item. Quality of life remained unchanged. Conclusion. Motor improvement was observed accompanied by an increase in motor complications possibly as a result of treatment optimization. Nonmotor symptoms worsened as a whole. The overall effect in the quality of life was negligible.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/d6/PMC4558456.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3095417", "abstract": "The present studies were focused on the formation and characterization of sterically stabilized archaeosomes made from a synthetic PEGylated archaeal lipid. In a first step, a synthetic archaeal tetraether bipolar lipid was functionalized with a poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, and (PEG45-Tetraether) with the aim of coating the archaeosome surface with a sterically stabilizing hydrophilic polymer. In a second step, Egg-PC/PEG45-Tetraether (90/10 wt", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2d/ec/PMC3095417.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3169875", "abstract": "Dental ectopia is a rare clinical finding characterized by a change in the normal tooth eruption pathway. In more severe cases, nontreated ectopia may develop into either partial or total transposition. The early diagnosis is of crucial importance for establishing a treatment planning correctly. Therefore, the present paper is aimed at reporting an unusual case of a 11-year-old boy with ectopic eruption and partial transposition of mandibular permanent lateral incisors as well as the diagnosis and therapeutic outcomes involving such an anomaly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/37/PMC3169875.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3115999", "abstract": "A 42-yr-old man with hepatitis B virus associated liver cirrhosis was admitted to the emergency room because of multiple seizures, a history of chills and myalgia over the previous 2 weeks, and 3 days of melena. He was febrile with a temperature of 38.0℃. There were no symptoms and signs related to the genitourinary system, skin, or joints. Three sets of blood cultures were obtained and oxidase-positive, gram-negative diplococci were detected after 25.9-26.9 hr of incubation in all aerobic vials. The organism was positive for catalase and oxidase, and was identified as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, using a Vitek Neisseria-Haemophilus Identification card (bioMérieux Vitek, Inc., USA). Further, 16S rRNA sequencing of this isolate revealed a 99.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/fa/kjlm-31-118.PMC3115999.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3111574", "abstract": "Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a rare diagnosis in adults, since symptoms and signs usually occur in infancy and most cases are treated shortly after diagnosis. We present two patients who were first diagnosed with PDA during adulthood. The first case represents a more severe form of PDA, where the need for closure of the PDA is obvious. In the second case the sequelae of the PDA are less clear. In both patients, closure of the PDA (surgically in one case, percutaneously in the other) was successful.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/4c/12471_2011_Article_138.PMC3111574.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3136155", "abstract": "The development of a reaction for detecting the presence/absence of one methyl group in a long DNA strand is a chemically and biologically challenging research subject. A newly designed chemical assay on a chip for the typing of DNA methylation has been developed. A methylation-detection probe fixed at the bottom of microwells was crosslinked with methylated DNA mediated by osmium complexation and contributes to selective amplification of methylated DNA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/bd/PMC3136155.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5153270", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the first initiation, sequence of addition, and appropriate prescribing of COPD medications in Manitoba, Canada. Patients and methods A population-based cohort study of COPD medication use was conducted using administrative health care data (1997–2012). Those aged ≥35 years with COPD based on three or more COPD-related outpatient visits over a rolling 24-month window or at least one COPD-related hospitalization were included. The first medication(s) dispensed on or after the date of COPD diagnosis were determined based on pharmacy claims. The next medication(s) in sequence were determined to be additions or switches to the previous regimen. Evaluation of guideline-based appropriateness to receive inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was based on exacerbation history and past medication use. Results Of 13,369 patients dispensed COPD medications after diagnosis, 66.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/9a/copd-11-3101.PMC5153270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2929513", "abstract": " Objectives. To review our sedation practice and to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an anesthesiologist-administered intravenous sedation outside of the main operating room for pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in Thailand. Subjects and Methods. We undertook a retrospective review of the sedation service records of pediatric patients who underwent UGIE. All endoscopies were performed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. All sedation was administered by staff anesthesiologist or anesthetic personnel. Results. A total of 168 patients (94 boys and 74 girls), with age from 4 months to 12 years, underwent 176 UGIE procedures. Of these, 142 UGIE procedures were performed with intravenous sedation (IVS). The mean sedation time was 23.2 ± 10.0 minutes. Propofol was the most common sedative drugs used. Mean dose of propofol, midazolam and fentanyl was 10.0 ± 7.5 mg/kg/hr, 0.2 ± 0.2 mg/kg/hr, and 2.5 ± 1.2 mcg/kg/hr, respectively. Complications relatively occurred frequently. All sedations were successful. However, two patients became more deeply than intended and required unplanned endotracheal intubation. Conclusion. The study shows the clinical effectiveness of an anesthesiologist-administered IVS outside of the main operating room for pediatric UGIE in Thailand. All complications are relatively high. We recommend the use of more sensitive equipments such as end tidal CO2 and carefully select more appropriate patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3c/64/PMC2929513.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3474557", "abstract": "Objective: To assess the caries risk profiles in 2- to 6-year-old Greek children using a computer-based program and to evaluate the contribution of various risk factors. Methods: The study group consisted of 814 preschool children. A questionnaire on family, demographic and socioeconomic factors, general health, oral hygiene and dietary behavior was completed by the parents. Children were examined for cavitated and white-spot lesions (WSL). Salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and buffer capacity were estimated. Caries risk profiles were assessed with Cariogram. Results: Cavitated lesions were found in 30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f8/48/PMC3474557.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3592757", "abstract": "Science facility renovation and expansion projects provide opportunities for faculty members to play a role in working with architects and administrators to produce effective spaces for teaching and research. This article summarizes information regarding the process and design features that have proved beneficial for many recent science facilities projects. Although the context focuses on large projects, the general principles pertain to smaller changes in spaces that individual departments might be pursuing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/fe/PMC3592757.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2630405", "abstract": "Inflammatory response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that plays a crucial role in cytoprotection against inflammation. The present study investigated the role of Nrf2 in the cerebral upregulation of NF-κB activity, proinflammatory cytokine, and ICAM-1 after TBI. Wild-type Nrf2 (+/+) and Nrf2 (−/−)-deficient mice were subjected to a moderately severe weight-drop impact head injury. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to analyze the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to quantify the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunohistochemistry staining experiments were performed to detect the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Nrf2 (−/−) mice were shown to have more NF-κB activation, inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production, and ICAM-1 expression in brain after TBI compared with their wild-type Nrf2 (+/+) counterparts. The results suggest that Nrf2 plays an important protective role in limiting the cerebral upregulation of NF-κB activity, proinflammatory cytokine, and ICAM-1 after TBI.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/68/b1/PMC2630405.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3205373", "abstract": "Laparoscopic resection of appendiceal mucoceles has recently been described, but the safety and efficacy are controversial. We present two cases of laparoscopic mucocelectomies involving 14 and 15 cm cystic masses originating from the appendix. The laparoscopic mucocelectomies were performed using four ports. From the beginning of the procedure, a laparoscopic bag was used to safely contain the mucocele, prevent rupture of the mucocele, and retract the mucocele. An endoscopic stapling device was used to transect the base of the cecum. Minimal handling was achieved by gravity and with the use of laparoscopic instruments. Laparoscopic appendectomies are widely performed for acute appendicitis, but laparoscopic resection is not routinely performed for an appendiceal mucocele because of the risk of perforation and subsequent pseudomyxoma peritonei. We report two cases of laparoscopic appendiceal mucocelectomies, which were performed safely with laparoscopic instruments and minimal manipulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/c8/jkss-80-S21.PMC3205373.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3609515", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The prevalence of cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) has increased with improved life expectancy of patients. Clinical and care characteristics were compared with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a multicenter analysis of pediatric data. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Auxological and treatment data from 47,227 patients aged younger than 21 years with CFRD or T1DM in the German/Austrian Diabetes Prospective Documentation Initiative registry were analyzed by multivariable mixed regression modeling. RESULTS Diabetes onset (mean [interquartile range]) occurred later in individuals with CFRD (14.5 [11.8–16.3] years) than in individuals with T1DM (8.5 [4.9–11.8] years), with female preponderance in CFRD (59.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6a/2d/879.PMC3609515.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134397", "abstract": "Natural killer (NK) cells provide an initial host immune response to infection by many viral pathogens.  Consequently, the viruses have evolved mechanisms to attenuate the host response, leading to improved viral fitness.  One mechanism employed by members of the β-herpesvirus family, which includes the cytomegaloviruses, is to modulate the expression of cell surface ligands recognized by NK cell activation molecules.  A novel set of cytomegalovirus (CMV) genes, exemplified by the mouse m145 family, encode molecules that have structural and functional features similar to those of host major histocompatibility-encoded (MHC) class I molecules, some of which are known to contribute to immune evasion. In this review, we explore the function, structure, and evolution of MHC-I-like molecules of the CMVs and speculate on the dynamic development of novel immunoevasive functions based on the MHC-I protein fold.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/a5/PMC3134397.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2816349", "abstract": "Astroblastoma is one of the very unusual type of tumors, whose histogenesis has not been clarified. It occurs mainly among children or young adults. Astroblastoma is grossly well-demarcated, and shows histologically characteristic perivascular pseudorosettes with frequent vascular hyalinization. Perivascular pseudorosettes in astroblastoma have short and thick cytoplasmic processes and blunt-ended foot plates. A 15-yr-old girl presented with headache and diplopia for one and a half year. A well-demarcated mass, 9.7 cm in diameter, was found in the right frontal lobe in brain MRI, and it was a well-enhanced inhomogenous mass. Cystic changes of various sizes were observed inside the tumor mass as well as in the posterior part of the mass, but no peritumoral edema was found. Histologically, this mass belongs to a typical astroblastoma, and no sign of anaplastic astrocytoma, gemistocytic astrocytoma or glioblastoma was found in any part of the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed diffuse strong positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100 protein, vimentin and neuron specific enolase, and focal positivity for epithelial membrane antigen and CAM 5.2, while showing negativity for synaptophysin, neurofilament protein, pan-cytokeratin and high molecular weight keratin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/47/jkms-19-772.PMC2816349.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2910454", "abstract": "Guaifenesin and dropropizine were analyzed through oxidation with periodic acid to give formaldehyde which was allowed to condense with 4-Amino-5-hydrazino-4H [1,2,4]-triazole-3-thiol (AHTT). The condensation product was further oxidized to yield a purple colored compound with maximum absorption at 550 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the range of 5–45 μg mL−1 for guaifenesin and 10–80 μg mL−1 for dropropizine. Both drugs were also successfully determined in their dosage forms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/16/PMC2910454.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3232396", "abstract": "The nucleotide sequence of the VP1 (1D) and partial 3D polymerase (3Dpol) coding regions of the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine strain A/Iran87, a highly passaged isolate ( 150 passages), was determined and aligned with previously published FMDV serotype A sequences. Overall analysis of the amino acid substitutions revealed that the partial 3Dpol coding region contained four amino acid alterations. Amino acid sequence comparison of the VP1 coding region of the field isolates revealed deletions in the highly passaged Iranian isolate (A/Iran87). The prominent G-H loop of the FMDV VP1 protein contains the conserved arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) tripeptide, which is a well-known ligand for a specific cell surface integrin. Despite losing the RGD sequence of the VP1 protein and an Asp26→Glu substitution in a beta sheet located within a small groove of the 3Dpol protein, the virus grew in BHK 21 suspension cell cultures. Since this strain has been used as a vaccine strain, it may be inferred that the RGD deletion has no critical role in virus attachment to the cell during the initiation of infection. It is probable that this FMDV subtype can utilize other pathways for cell attachment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/d7/PMC3232396.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3518959", "abstract": " Background and Objectives. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has been proposed as an alternative to salvage mastectomy for patients with ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after prior breast conservation. We studied factors that are associated with a more favorable local recurrence profile that could make certain patients eligible for APBI. Methods. Between 1980 and 2005, 157 Stage 0–II breast cancer patients had an IBTR treated by mastectomy. Clinical and pathological features were analyzed to identify factors associated with favorable IBTR defined as unifocal DCIS or T1 ≤ 2 cm, without skin involvement, and >2 year interval from initial treatment. Results. Median followup was 140 months and time to recurrence was 73 months. Clinical stage distribution at recurrence was DCIS in 32 pts (20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/ff/PMC3518959.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3719357", "abstract": "Background Due to increasing clinical demand for adipose tissue, a suitable cell for reconstructive adipose tissue constructs is needed. In this study, we investigated the ability of Human Endometrial-derived stem cells (EnSCs) as a new source of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into adipocytes. EnSCs are the abundant and easy available source with no immunological response, for cell replacement therapy. Methods Single-cell suspensions of EnSCs were obtained from endometrial tissues from 10 women experiencing normal menstrual cycles, and were cultured at clonal density (10 cells/cm 2) or limiting dilution. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cell markers were examined flow cytometry. These cells were treated with adipogenic-inducing medium for 28 days. The adipogenic differentiation of the EnSC was assessed by cellular morphology and further confirmed by Oil Red O staining and RT-PCR. The BM-MSC differentiated into adipocytes in the presence of adipogenic stimuli for 3 weeks. Results The flow cytometric analysis showed that the cells were positive for CD90, CD105, CD146 and were negative for CD31, CD34.We showed that the key adipocytes marker PPARa was expressed in mRNA level after 28 days post treatment (PT). Conclusion According to our finding, it can be concluded that EnSCs represent a useful in vitro model for human adipogenesis, and provide opportunities to study the stages prior to commitment to the adipocyte lineage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/b8/JRI-13-151.PMC3719357.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3936156", "abstract": "The peak incidence of bladder cancer (BC) is in the sixth decade of life. Muscle–invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in young adults is extremely rare. We report a case of MIBC in a 28–year–old smoking male patient. The patient presented with hematuria and flank pain for which he underwent a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast. The CT scan showed a 6 cm mass on the left side of the trigone extending to the left urteric orifice and left hydronephrosis, but no lymphadenopathy was noted. The patient then underwent a left nephrostomy tube placement followed by trans–urethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). The tumor involved both ureteric orifices and extended to the prostatic urethra. Complete resection was not feasible. Pathology showed high–grade T1 urothelial carcinoma. CT scan of the chest showed no distant lung metastasis. The patient then elected to undergo radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion. Final pathology revealed T2a N0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Our aim is to present our experience and review the literature for the natural history and oncological and quality of life outcomes of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in young patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/26/CEJU-66-00258.PMC3936156.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3168913", "abstract": "The biliary tree consists of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and is lined by biliary epithelial cells (or cholangiocytes). There are also peribiliary glands around the intrahepatic large bile ducts and extrahepatic bile ducts. The biliary tree is a conduit of bile secreted by hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells and also of the peribiliary glands and has several physiological roles. A number of diseases affect mainly the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree, and, in this special issue, these cholangiopathies are reviewed in detail with respect to genetics, pathogenesis, and pathology. In this paper, the anatomy and physiology of the biliary tree, basic injuries to biliary epithelial cells from stress and bile duct damage, and representative cholangiopathies are briefly reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/64/PMC3168913.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2709537", "abstract": "Identifying the subcellular localization of proteins is particularly helpful in the functional annotation of gene products. In this study, we use Machine Learning and Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) techniques to examine and characterize amino acid sequences of human proteins localized in nine cellular compartments. A dataset of 3,749 protein sequences representing human proteins was extracted from the SWISS-PROT database. Feature vectors were created to capture specific amino acid sequence characteristics. Relative to a Support Vector Machine, a Multi-layer Perceptron, and a Naïve Bayes classifier, the C4.5 Decision Tree algorithm was the most consistent performer across all nine compartments in reliably predicting the subcellular localization of proteins based on their amino acid sequences (average Precision=0.88; average Sensitivity=0.86). Furthermore, EDA graphics characterized essential features of proteins in each compartment. As examples, proteins localized to the plasma membrane had higher proportions of hydrophobic amino acids; cytoplasmic proteins had higher proportions of neutral amino acids; and mitochondrial proteins had higher proportions of neutral amino acids and lower proportions of polar amino acids. These data showed that the C4.5 classifier and EDA tools can be effective for characterizing and predicting the subcellular localization of human proteins based on their amino acid sequences.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/ea/main.PMC2709537.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2693812", "abstract": "Netrin is a neuronal guidance molecule implicated in the development of spinal commissural neurons and cortical neurons. The attractive function of netrin requires the receptor, Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC), while the receptor Unc5h is involved in the repulsive action of netrin during embryonic development. Although the expression of netrin and its receptor has been demonstrated in the adult nervous system, the function of netrin in adult neurons has not yet been elucidated. Here, we show that netrin treatment inhibited neurite outgrowth of adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in explant and dissociated cultures. In addition, unc5h1-3 mRNAs, but not the dcc mRNA, are abundantly expressed in the adult DRG. An in situ hybridization study demonstrated that unc5h mRNAs were expressed in DRG neurons. This finding indicates that netrin/Unc5h signaling may play a role in the neurite outgrowth of adult DRG neurons and that netrin may be involved in the regulation of peripheral nerve regeneration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ea/77/jkms-22-641.PMC2693812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4166934", "abstract": "Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical entity associated with high morbidity and mortality and clinical costs. The pathophysiology is multifaceted and involves inflammation, tubular injury, and vascular damage. Recently identified components include necroptosis, a special form of cell death, and autophagy. Most of the pathophysiological knowledge is obtained from animal models but these do not directly reflect the reality of the clinical situation. Tubular cells have a remarkable capacity to regenerate, and the role of stem/progenitor cells is discussed. Acute kidney injury is frequently associated with chronic kidney disease, and the implications are widespread.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/f5/medrep-06-83.PMC4166934.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5362145", "abstract": "Objective: Congenital myopathy as a nosologic entity has long been recognized, but knowledge of overall and subtype prevalence and phenotype-genotype relationship is scarce, especially in the adult population. Methods: A national cohort of 107 patients ≥5 years diagnosed with congenital myopathy were prospectively assessed clinically, histologically, and genetically. Results: Twenty-five patients were excluded because of atypical features or alternative etiologies. The remaining 82 were on average 28 years old. Histologic examination revealed 14 (17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/f4/NG2016003640.PMC5362145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4774943", "abstract": "Dronedarone is a relatively new antiarrhythmic drug and is held to be less proarrhythmic than comparable compounds, although its proarrhythmia potential in humans has not been sufficiently evaluated. We describe a so far unreported dronedarone effect, namely a significant alteration of both the morphology and the duration of the QRS complex on the electro cardiogram in a 41-year old patient with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/b4/HI-9-1-33.PMC4774943.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421422", "abstract": "Severe worsening lactic acidosis in an elderly patient following an episode of atrial fibrillation, who is not haemodynamically compromised, usually indicates an intra-abdominal vascular catastrophe. We describe a unique case of severe peri-renal sepsis in a patient with long-standing dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease unrelated to urolithiasis that masqueraded as an acute abdominal condition requiring emergency laparotomy and nephrectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/0f/sfq152.PMC4421422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3936555", "abstract": "Newborn hearing screening test is very important in the early diagnosis of childhood hearing loss because it affects language development. Auditory neuropathy is a spectrum disorder characterized by abnormal auditory brainstem response but preserved otoacoustic emission and cochlear microphonics. In general, auditory neuropathy patients have poor word discrimination and variable patterns of pure tone audiometry. We report on a patient with auditory neuropathy diagnosed at 16 months of age and started wearing hearing aids, but showed normal pure tone and speech audiometric findings 3 years later. Close follow-up for patients with auditory neuropathy is recommended.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/59/kja-17-138.PMC3936555.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2707541", "abstract": "Introduction Knowledge management, based on information transfer between experts and analysts, is crucial for the validity and usability of data envelopment analysis (DEA). Aim To design and develop a methodology: i) to assess technical efficiency of small health areas (SHA) in an uncertainty environment, and ii) to transfer information between experts and operational models, in both directions, for improving expert’s knowledge. Method A procedure derived from knowledge discovery from data (KDD) is used to select, interpret and weigh DEA inputs and outputs. Based on KDD results, an expert-driven Monte-Carlo DEA model has been designed to assess the technical efficiency of SHA in Andalusia. Results In terms of probability, SHA 29 is the most efficient being, on the contrary, SHA 22 very inefficient. 73", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/73/PMC2707541.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4722563", "abstract": "Introduction: SCFE occurs in 10 per 100,000 in some regions of the United States with the incidence continuing to increase. Percutaneous screw fixation is a well-accepted treatment for this disorder for over 20 years but management of complications is not well elucidated in the literature. Case Report: We describe a case where a traumatic unstable SCFE that was initially treated with closed reduction and fixation with a single transphyseal screw went on to hardware failure with recurrence of the deformity. The complication was successfully treated with closed reduction and re-cannulating the fractured screw within the epiphysis and extracting it using a conical extraction screw commonly referred to as an “easy out.” Three trans physeal screws were then placed for improved fixation strength. Follow-up at 9 months demonstrates a fused physis and no signs of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion: Percutaneous management of SCFE screw breakage is possible utilizing specialized instruments and a precise and gentle manipulation preventing the need for more invasive treatments with their obligatory potential complications profile.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/11/JOCR-4-28.PMC4722563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3774941", "abstract": "PURPOSE This study was aimed to determine the effect of two chemically distinct denture cleansers and water on the surface hardness of acrylic and silicone based soft denture liners at various time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two commonly used commercial resilient liner material were selected based on their chemical composition (silicone- and acrylic-based soft liners) for this investigation. 120 cylindrical specimens were made of 15 mm × 10 mm dimensions (according to ASTM: D-2240-64T) in a custom made metal mold. All specimens were stored in artificial saliva throughout the study. Forty specimens were cleansed daily in 0.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/89/jap-5-270.PMC3774941.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4460253", "abstract": " Objective. To determine whether 24 hr dietary recalls (DR) are a good measure of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake when compared to plasma levels, and whether plasma PUFA is associated with markers of HIV/AIDS progression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods. In a cross-sectional study among 210 antiretroviral therapy-naïve HIV-infected adults from Lusaka, Zambia, we collected data on medical history and dietary intake using 24 hr DR. We measured fatty acids and markers of AIDS progression and CVD risk in fasting plasma collected at baseline. Results. PUFA intakes showed modest correlations with corresponding plasma levels; Spearman correlations were 0.36 (p < 0.01) for eicosapentaenoic acid and 0.21 (p = 0.005) for docosahexaenoic acid. While there were no significant associations (p > 0.05) between total plasma PUFA and C-reactive protein (CRP) or lipid levels, plasma arachidonic acid was inversely associated with CRP and triglycerides and positively associated with HDL-C, CD4+ T-cell count, and plasma albumin (p < 0.05). Plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) were positively associated with CRP (β = 0.24; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c2/1d/PMC4460253.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4432404", "abstract": "Unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney is one of the most frequently identified urinary tract abnormalities in children. Although it can be an isolated finding, it is often associated with other anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. It has also been described in association with other multisystemic disorders of known genetic aetiologies. Cowden disease (CD) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder with age-related penetrance characterized by benign and malignant hamartomatous lesions affecting derivatives of all three germ cell layers. Hamartomas can emerge in virtually every organ, but are mostly found in the skin and gastrointestinal tract. We report a 7-year-old patient presenting with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney and CD, a hitherto unknown association in paediatrics, which raises the question of an increased risk of renal cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/11/sfs069.PMC4432404.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5011560", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the long-term interventions effects of robot-assisted therapy rehabilitation on functional activity levels after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) who received anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The subjects participated in robot-assisted therapy lasting for one month. The Timed Up-and-Go test, 10-Meter Walk test, Functional Reach Test, surface electromyography of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, and extensor strength of isokinetic movement of the knee joint were evaluated before and after the intervention. [Results] The average value of the of vastus medialis EMG, Functional Reach Test, and the maximum and average extensor strength of the knee joint isokinetic movement increased significantly, and the time of the 10-Meter Walk test decreased significantly. [Conclusion] These results suggest that walking ability and muscle strength can be improved by robotic walking training as a long-term intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/2a/jpts-28-2196.PMC5011560.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4940575", "abstract": "Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is an effective therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders; however, its regulatory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages has not been investigated. In this study, we predicted the potential interaction between HSYA and xanthine oxidase (XO) via PharmMapper inverse docking and confirmed the binding inhibition via inhibitory test (IC50 = 40.04 μM). Computation docking illustrated that, in this HSYA-XO complex, HSYA was surrounded by Leu 648, Leu 712, His 875, Leu 873, Ser 876, Glu 879, Phe 649, and Asn 650 with a binding energy of −5.77 kcal/M and formed hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of HSYA at Glu 879, Asn 650, and His 875. We then found that HSYA significantly decreased the activity of XO in RAW264.7 macrophages and suppressed LPS-induced ROS generation. Moreover, we proved that HSYA markedly inhibited LPS-induced cleaved caspase-1 activation via suppressing the sensitization of NLRP3 inflammasome and prevented the mature IL-1β formation from pro-IL-1β form. These findings suggest that XO may be a potential target of HSYA via direct binding inhibition and the combination of HSYA-XO suppresses LPS-induced ROS generation, contributing to the depression of NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibition of IL-1β secretion in macrophages.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/d6/PMC4940575.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3430421", "abstract": "We compared the efficiency and accuracy of full-arc and half-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery for maxillary cancer. Plans for gantry rotation angles of 360° and 180° (full-arc and half-arc VMAT) were created for six maxillary cancer cases with the Monaco treatment planning system, and delivered using an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. Full-arc and half-arc VMAT were compared with regard to homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), mean dose to normal brain, total monitor units (MU), delivery times, root mean square (r.m.s.) gantry accelerations (°/s2), and r.m.s. gantry angle errors (°). The half-arc VMAT plans achieved comparable HI and CI to the full-arc plans. Mean doses to the normal brain and brainstem with the half-arc VMAT plans were on average 16", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/23/rrs031.PMC3430421.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4149401", "abstract": "Objectives Moxifloxacin (MXF) has been advocated for the treatment of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis despite resistance to older-generation fluoroquinolones. We investigated the relationship between the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MXF and mutations in the gyrA and gyrB genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of South Africa. Materials and methods MICs of 56 MTB isolates were compared to the mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region known to confer fluoroquinolone resistance. Isolates were genotyped by IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results The circulating F15/LAM4/KZN XDR strain circulating in KZN Province harbored the A90V mutation and displayed high-level resistance with MICs of 8 mg/L for ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin and ≥1 mg/L for MXF. Conclusion The inclusion of MXF in XDR-TB treatment regimens requires careful consideration in our setting, where clinical outcome data in MXF-containing regimens are unavailable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/29/idr-7-223.PMC4149401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3270455", "abstract": "Copy-number variations (CNVs) may contribute to genetic variation in humans. Reports regarding existence and characteristics of CNVs in a large apparently healthy Japanese cohort are quite limited. We report the data from a screening of 213 unrelated Japanese individuals using comparative genomic hybridization based on a bacterial artificial chromosome microarray (BAC aCGH). In a previous paper, we summarized the data by focusing on highly polymorphic CNVs (in ≥5.0 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/e8/PMC3270455.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4337269", "abstract": "Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of multiple joints. The central pathogenesis of RA is the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in response to inflammatory cytokines. However, some of the targeted therapies for inflammation reactions do not display significant clinical improvement after initiation of therapy. Thus, the relationship between inflammatory responses and RA therapy is still incompletely understood. In the present study, we proposed to determine whether enhanced inflammations may lead to cell apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes. Our results indicated that products of lipid peroxidations, 4-HNE, may induce synovial intrinsic inflammations by activating NF-κB pathways and it may lead to cell apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB activation may reduce the 4-HNE mediated inflammation responses and subsequent cell apoptosis. Our results may help to clarify the role of inflammations on RA development and imply that blocking NF-κB activation may be partly beneficial for human RA therapy. These findings might provide a mechanism-based rationale for developing new strategy to RA clinical therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/cf/PMC4337269.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3521946", "abstract": "A submucosal gastric adenocarcinoma, especially the signet ring cell type, is rare. The histologic evaluation techniques for this lesion has not been established; however, histologic confirmation is very important for decision of treatment method. Here, we report a 57-year-old man with a 12-cm gastric submucosal signet ring cell type adenocarcinoma, diagnosed by an endoscopic ultrasound-guided Trucut biopsy and immunochemical studies. This case suggests that the endoscopic ultrasound-guided Trucut biopsy might be a useful diagnostic method in cases of gastric adenocarcinoma with features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/c5/ce-45-421.PMC3521946.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3505930", "abstract": "Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) is a high-risk acute leukemia with poor prognosis, in which the specific t(9;22)(q34;q11) translocation results in a chimeric bcr-abl (e1a2 breakpoint) and in a 190 KD protein (p190) with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. The advent of first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improved the short-term outcome of Ph+ ALL patients not eligible for allo-SCT; yet disease recurrence is almost inevitable. Peptides derived from p190-breakpoint area are leukemia-specific antigens that may mediate an antitumor response toward p190+ leukemia cells. We identified one peptide named p190-13 able to induce in vitro peptide-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation in Ph+ ALL patients in complete remission during TKIs. Thus this peptide appears a good candidate for developing an immune target vaccine strategy possibly synergizing with TKIs for remission maintenance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/fe/PMC3505930.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3363045", "abstract": "Gossypiboma refers to a mass resulting from a retained gauze pad accidentally left within the body after surgery. Although the clinical features are diverse, it is often found incidentally as a mass having an internal cystic change and adhesion to adjacent organs. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is helpful, yet the initial diagnosis can be misleading in cases with atypical findings. We report a case of gossypiboma in a 78-year-old woman that we suspected was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor according to abdominal CT and endoscopic ultrasound, yet was diagnosed as a gossypiboma postoperatively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/d3/ce-44-51.PMC3363045.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3725021", "abstract": "We report an unusual case of a pigmented oncocytoma of the caruncle. The lesion presented the following atypical features: a well-circumscribed, partially pigmented, and lobulated mass that macroscopically resembled a caruncular nevus. However, an excision biopsy revealed an oncocytoma instead. Thus, although nevi are the most common lesions found in the caruncle, oncocytoma should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pigmented caruncular mass, especially in elderly female patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/02/cop-0004-0016.PMC3725021.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4378594", "abstract": "A well-established method for diagnosis of glaucoma is the examination of the optic nerve head based on fundus image as glaucomatous patients tend to have larger cup-to-disc ratios. The difficulty of optic segmentation is due to the fuzzy boundaries and peripapillary atrophy (PPA). In this paper a novel method for optic nerve head segmentation is proposed. It uses template matching to find the region of interest (ROI). The method of vessel erasing in the ROI is based on PDE inpainting which will make the boundary smoother. A novel optic disc segmentation approach using image texture is explored in this paper. A cluster method based on image texture is employed before the optic disc segmentation step to remove the edge noise such as cup boundary and vessels. We replace image force in the snake with image texture and the initial contour of the balloon snake is inside the optic disc to avoid the PPA. The experimental results show the superior performance of the proposed method when compared to some traditional segmentation approaches. An average segmentation dice coefficient of 94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/e0/PMC4378594.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3655225", "abstract": "Objective In many jurisdictions, psychiatric problems are intended for commutation. Therefore, a forensic psychiatrist has an important role in detection of malingering. While several studies evaluate diagnostic tests, it is less known what symptoms are more likely to be imitated by malingerers. Method In a prospective study 45 malingerers, who were diagnosed according to interviews by two forensic psychiatrists, from defendants with a judicial order for evaluation of mental status and criminal responsibility during a period of eighteen months were examined in legal medicine center of Tehran. Participants were assessed in another interview to determine symptoms. Dichotomous symptoms in felony and misdemeanor groups were analyzed using fisher's exact test. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results Thirty-eight malingerers were charged with misdemeanors and seven with felonies. Behavioral symptoms were most frequently faked by 35 participants (77.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/95/IJPS-8-14.PMC3655225.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3420521", "abstract": "The unpredictable nature     elongated course of epilepsy affect all dimensions (physical, psychological, and social) of an individual's life. People with the diagnosis of epilepsy are a high-risk group for different psychiatric problems that is anxiety, depression as well as social problems (marriage, education, and daily activities). The findings of present research revealed high rate (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/52/PMC3420521.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4573626", "abstract": " Background. Surgery performed by a high-volume surgeon improves short-term outcomes. However, not much is known about long-term effects. Therefore we performed the current study to evaluate the impact of high-volume colorectal surgeons on survival. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected colorectal cancer database between 2004 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: operated on by a high-volume surgeon (>25 cases/year) or by a low-volume surgeon (<25 cases/year). Perioperative data were collected as well as follow-up, recurrence rates, and survival data. Results. 774 patients underwent resection for colorectal malignancies. Thirteen low-volume surgeons operated on 453 patients and 4 high-volume surgeons operated on 321 patients. Groups showed an equal distribution for preoperative characteristics, except a higher ASA-classification in the low-volume group. A high-volume surgeon proved to be an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.04). Although overall survival did show a significant difference in the univariate analysis (P < 0.001) it failed to reach statistical significance in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.09). Conclusions. In our study, a higher number of colorectal cases performed per surgeon were associated with longer disease-free survival. Implementing high-volume surgery results in improved long-term outcome following colorectal cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/c2/PMC4573626.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4605374", "abstract": " Objective. The objective is to assess the prevalence of bruxism among the university students and to check its association with their khat chewing habit. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study is designed using cluster random sampling. Pretested questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer to assess awake bruxism and the use of variables like khat, coffee, tobacco, and stress. Chi-square test at 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/6f/PMC4605374.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3623035", "abstract": "The optimal treatment of chronic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is unclear. Angioplasty and stenting may be an alternative treatment for patients with recurrent ischemic symptoms despite medical therapy. Two patients with chronic right MCA occlusion successfully treated with stenting are reported, together with their long term follow-up to illustrate the feasibility of endovascular recanalization. One patient remained asymptomatic at the 29-month follow-up. Another patient developed symptomatic in-stent restenosis at 12 months which resolved after repeat angioplasty. Further larger scale pilot studies are needed to determine the efficacy and long term outcome of this treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/58/neurintsurg-2012-010304.PMC3623035.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3794985", "abstract": "Background Some cases of sudden death (SD) have been attributed to communicable diseases (CD) in middle- and low-income countries of the world even in this 21st century. CDs produce clinical symptoms and signs over several days before culminating in death. They are also amenable to treatment with antimicrobials if affected persons present early. We sought to find out the incidence of CD-related SD at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria) – a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria – and the prevailing associated factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of CD-related SD in adult patients aged 18 years and older that occurred from January 2003 to December 2011. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 was used for analysis of the generated data. Percentages and frequencies were calculated. Results There were 17 (39.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/87/idr-6-125.PMC3794985.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3525162", "abstract": "Much of the focus of human disease genetics is directed towards identifying nucleotide variants that contribute to disease phenotypes. This is a complex problem, often involving contributions from multiple loci and their interactions, as well as effects due to environmental factors. Although some diseases with a genetic basis are caused by nucleotide changes that alter an amino acid sequence, in other cases, disease risk is associated with altered gene regulation. This paper focuses on how studies of gene expression variation might complement disease studies and provide crucial links between genotype and phenotype.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/2d/PMC3525162.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2519133", "abstract": "This study examined the role of lymphotoxin (LT)-α in host defense against airborne infection with Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia. Following a low-dose aerosol infection with the highly virulent type A strain of F. tularensis, mice deficient in LTα (LTα−/−) consistently harbored approximately 10-fold fewer bacteria in their spleens at day 2 and 10-fold more bacteria in their lungs at day 4 than LTα+/+ mice. However, the mortality and median time to death were indistinguishable between the two mouse strains. In addition, the inflammatory responses to the infection, as reflected by the cytokine levels and leukocyte influx in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and histopathological analysis, were generally similar between LTα−/− and LTα+/+ mice. These data suggest that although LTα does not contribute significantly to the resistance and host responses of mice to airborne type A F. tularensis infection, it does play a subtle role in the multiplication/dissemination of F. tularensis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/2b/PMC2519133.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5033223", "abstract": "ABSTRACT In order to proactively identify emerging issues that may impact the risk assessment and risk management functions of the Indian biosafety regulatory system, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change sought to understand the nature and diversity of genetically engineered crops that may move to product commercialization within the next 10 y. This paper describes the findings from a questionnaire designed to solicit information about public and private sector research and development (R   D) activities in plant biotechnology. It is the first comprehensive overview of the R   D pipeline for GE crops in India.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/ae/kgmc-07-01-1156826.PMC5033223.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3065803", "abstract": "This study was designed to test the hypothesis that fetal exposure to corticosteroids in the antenatal period is an independent risk factor for the development of asthma in early childhood with little or no effect in later childhood. A population-based cohort study of all pregnant women who resided in Nova Scotia, Canada, and gave birth to a singleton fetus between 1989 and 1998 was undertaken. After a priori specified exclusions, 80,448 infants were available for analysis.  Using linked health care utilization records, incident asthma cases developed after 36 months of age were identified. Extended Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios while controlling for confounders. Exposure to corticosteroids during pregnancy was associated with a risk of asthma in childhood between 3–5 years of age: adjusted hazard ratio of 1.19 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ac/9b/PMC3065803.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4753015", "abstract": "Background One of the major challenges in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) ablation is ventricular tachycardia (VT) non-inducibility. The study aimed to assess whether fast rate (≥ 250 beats/min) right ventricular burst stimulation was useful for VT induction in patients with ARVC. Methods Ninety-one consecutive ARVC patients with clinical sustained VT that underwent electrophysiological study were enrolled. The stimulation protocol was implemented at both right ventricular apex and outflow tract as follows: Step A, up to double extra-stimuli; Step B, incremental stimulation with low rate (< 250 beats/min); Step C, burst stimulation with fast rate (≥ 250 beats/min); Step D, repeated all steps above with intravenous infusion of isoproterenol. Results A total of 76 patients had inducible VT (83.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/2e/jgc-13-01-070.PMC4753015.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3030017", "abstract": "We present two cases of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in 2 patients who were undergoing living donor liver transplantation. On the preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, the first patient showed normal ventricular function and a normal wall thickness, but severe hemodynamic deterioration developed during the anhepatic period and this was further aggravated after reperfusion in spite of volume resuscitation and catecholamine therapy. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve leaflet together with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The second patient showed left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on the preoperative echocardiography. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was used to guide fluid administration and the hemodynamic management throughout the procedure and a temporary portocaval shunt was established to mitigate the venous pooling during the anhepatic period. The purpose of this report is to emphasize the clinical significance of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients who are undergoing living donor liver transplantation and the role of intraoperative echocardiography to detect and manage it.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/66/kjae-59-S128.PMC3030017.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2629702", "abstract": "Purpose To report a case of bilateral spontaneous anterior lens dislocation associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods A 45-year-old male with RP presented with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye and was treated with laser iridotomy (LI). After LI, complete crystalline lens dislocation into the anterior chamber occurred. Surgical intervention, including anterior vitrectomy, intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE), and IOL scleral fixation was performed. Two years later, the same episode occurred in his left eye and a similar treatment was done. Results Surgery was successful in both eyes. Conclusions This is the first report of bilateral spontaneous anterior lens dislocation in a RP patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/41/kjo-21-124.PMC2629702.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC153444", "abstract": "Observational studies usually agree with randomised, controlled trials. It is a logical fallacy, however, to suggest that agreement in one direction implies prediction in the other direction. Observational studies are not scientifically capable of proving or disproving hypotheses such as the efficacy and safety of the treatment of severe sepsis with antithrombin. Observational studies are difficult to analyse and interpret because of the heterogeneity of real-life patient populations, the lack of standardised treatment regimens, the lack of standardised indications for treatment, and the lack of predefined endpoints.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/0e/PMC153444.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4853890", "abstract": "Hearing aids are one of the most widely used treatment options for the hearing impaired and optimal outcomes of hearing aids are supported by comprehensive hearing aid fitting protocols. Currently, the term 'hearing aid fitting' is prevalently used among service and industry sectors with its comprehensive procedures not systematically explicated. In addition, a variety of non-normalized guidelines for hearing aid fitting has led to non-uniform care, outcome variability, and dissatisfaction of the use of hearing aids. The main purpose of the present study is to suggest a general framework of standardized practice for hearing aid fitting management including its pre- and post-fitting stages. The management framework centers on its fitting process with its prior steps of assessment as well as its posterior steps of follow-up, thereby eliminating diverging interpretations and non-uniform practices. Outcomes of this study are also expected to improve potential benefits such as quality of hearing aid fitting, user satisfaction, and cost effectiveness across relevant stakeholders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/81/jao-20-1.PMC4853890.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4905308", "abstract": "Over the last decades, accumulating data have advanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of tumor suppressor proteins and therapeutic strategies to restore tumor suppressor pathways have emerged as a promising approach for cancer therapy. Based on our recent findings on bridging integrator-1 (BIN1), we outline potential advantages and disadvantages of chemical activation of tumor suppressors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/1d/kmco-02-03-991225.PMC4905308.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5177555", "abstract": "We report the case of a neonate affected by prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), treated by thoracoscopy. During the procedure, we detected an associated extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS), which was preoperatively undiagnosed, and we removed it. EPS has been shown to be associated with CDH in up to 15 to 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/36/PMC5177555.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3446045", "abstract": "Objective Cryptosporidiosis is an important enteric parasitic infection among infants and children in developing countries with significant morbidity and mortality especially among immuno-suppressed individuals. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of enteric cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with diarrhea in Isfahan. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2007 to June 2008 in three university hospitals in Isfahan. Children aged 1 month to 10 years presenting with acute or persistent diarrhea were selected consecutively. The oocyst of C. parvum was investigated in stool specimens using a modified acid-fast staining method. Findings During the study period, 606 children (mean age 42.4±30.0 months, 58.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/68/IJPD-20-343.PMC3446045.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3103883", "abstract": " Background. Chemicals that store in lipid-rich compartments have the potential for long-term disruption of metabolic and endocrine processes. Given the evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) also alter systemic metabolic, endocrine, and immune system functions, it follows that elevated chemical concentrations in intra-abdominal fat may alter function, through local chemical signaling, of visceral organs. Despite this potential, there has been little study defining POP concentrations in live human intra-abdominal fat. It is at present uncertain whether POPs distribute equally to all fat compartments, including fat in serum. Methods. Seven human subjects scheduled for elective surgery for benign lesions or cancer provided consent for removal of samples of subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat and/or cancerous tissue. These samples were analyzed for 22 chlorinated pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners by GC/ECD plus GC/MS. Results. In only two subjects were the patterns and relative concentrations of PCBs and pesticides about the same in all fat compartments. In the other subjects, there were major differences in levels in subcutaneous as compared to other compartments, but with some higher and some lower. While the pattern of PCBs in the various compartments matched that of the pesticides in some, it was opposite in others. Interpretation. These results demonstrate a complicated distribution of PCB congeners and pesticides in various lipid compartments. The difference may reflect various Kows, different rates of metabolism, and/or different lengths of exposure. But the results suggest that contaminant levels in serum or even subcutaneous fat do not necessarily indicate concentrations and patterns in other kinds of adipose tissue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/77/PMC3103883.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4933436", "abstract": "The risk of radiation-induced cancer adds to anxiety in low-dose exposed populations. Safe and effective lifestyle changes which can help mitigate excess cancer risk might provide exposed individuals the opportunity to pro-actively reduce their cancer risk, and improve mental health and well-being. Here, we applied a mathematical multi-stage carcinogenesis model to the mouse lifespan data using adult-onset caloric restriction following irradiation in early life. We re-evaluated autopsy records with a veterinary pathologist to determine which tumors were the probable causes of death in order to calculate age-specific mortality. The model revealed that in both irradiated and unirradiated mice, caloric restriction reduced the age-specific mortality of all solid tumors and hepatocellular carcinomas across most of the lifespan, with the mortality rate dependent more on age owing to an increase in the number of predicted rate-limiting steps. Conversely, irradiation did not significantly alter the number of steps, but did increase the overall transition rate between the steps. We show that the extent of the protective effect of caloric restriction is independent of the induction of cancer from radiation exposure, and discuss future avenues of research to explore the utility of caloric restriction as an example of a potential post-irradiation mitigation strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/09/jcp-21-115.PMC4933436.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4164103", "abstract": "Histological evaluation of a peripheral nerve is often the final diagnostic work-up for a neuropathy of unknown origin, and a distal sensory nerve is usually biopsied. Here, we report the case of a female patient with painful unilateral neuropathy in the upper arm. According to the histological evaluation of the pronator teres motor branch, vasculitis seemed to be the most probable cause of the condition, and steroid therapy improved the patients’ symptoms. A biopsy of the motor branch of the pronator teres muscle nerve may be considered a valuable diagnostic option in selected cases with neuropathy affecting the upper limb, when performed in cooperation with neurologists and orthopedic surgeons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/5a/PMC4164103.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2367428", "abstract": "The present study was conducted in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Its aim was to identify the factors which influence progression -free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after the first line of chemotherapy in patients with positive tumour hormone receptor status. The patients with early disease progression during first-line chemotherapy were not included. In total, 560 patients who achieved a stable disease or a response to first-line chemotherapy were studied. The factors identified to improve the duration of PFS or OS in multivariate analysis were: number of metastatic sites (p = .01; p = .01), metastatic sites (p = .02; p = .04), Disease free interval (p = .001; p < .0001), previous hormonal therapy (p = .03; p = ns), response to first line chemotherapy (p < .0001; p = 0.0001) and an administration of maintenance hormonal therapy (p < .0001; p = .001). The major impact obtained by maintenance hormonal treatment after first-line chemotherapy in this study seems to indicate that this strategy should be recommended in patients with an ER or PgR positive tumour.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/22/PMC2367428.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4247460", "abstract": "Fossa navicularis strictures following radical prostatectomy are reported infrequently. We recently experienced a series of fossa strictures following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RLP). We describe herein our experience to prevent fossa strictures and to determine its etiologic factors. From June 2002 to May 2006, 424 patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with the da Vinci surgical system. Fossa strictures were diagnosed based on the acute onset of obstructive voiding symptoms and bougie calibration. During our series, we switched from the intra-operative use of an 18 French (F) catheter to that of a 22 F one to avoid inadvertent stapling of the urethra when dividing the dorsal venous complex. After we observed a high incidence of fossa strictures, we reverted back to 18 F catheters during surgery. All patients had an 18 F catheter indwelling for 1 week after surgery. Parameters were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test for means. The 18 F catheter group of patients (n = 293) developed one fossa stricture, whereas the 22 F catheter group (n = 131) developed nine fossa strictures (P < 0.01). The fossa stricture rate in the 18 F group was 0.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/62/PMC4247460.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4863116", "abstract": " Background. Recognizing the needs of cancer survivors is one of the important aspects in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs and its associated factors among the breast cancer survivors of community-based support group in Kuching, Sarawak. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study using Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). All the members of community-based breast cancer support groups in Kuching were invited. A total of 101 respondents were face-to-face interviewed after the consent was obtained. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results. The respondents endorsed health system and information domain with the highest mean score (2.48; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/8b/PMC4863116.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5186743", "abstract": "Background: Essential oils, as secondary plant compounds, present a safer alternative to conventional insecticides in insect control programs. So five essential oils including eucalyptus, mint, yarrow, oregano and rosemary oils were evaluated against the brown-banded cockroach Supella longipalpa. Methods: Evaluation was done against the 3rd and 4th instar nymphs using three bioassay methods; continuous contact toxicity, fumigant toxicity and repellent activity. The study was done in the laboratory of medical entomology, during April 2012 to September 2013. Results: Mortality rates by the lowest concentration (2.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/9f/PMC5186743.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3633801", "abstract": "Background It is important to focus on creating opportunities for patients’ participation at all levels of health systems in order to promote their ability to improve patient safety and quality of services. The general aim of this study was to determine patient safety level in Tehran University of Medical Sciences’ (TUMS) general hospitals, Tehran, Iran from patients’ perspective and to determine the contributory factors on their perspective. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. In the spring 2011, the list of clinical departments of the six general hospitals affiliated to TUMS was obtained through the Website of TUMS. By using stratified random sampling, the sample size was calculated 300 patients. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and its validity and reliability were acceptable. Descriptive statistics, linear regression and logistic regression were used for analyzing the data. Results: Totally, 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/a4/ijph-42-306.PMC3633801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5023912", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Thalidomide has been successful use in patients with refractory Crohn disease (CD) in recent years. Methods: We collected the data of a postoperative CD patient who was prescribed thalidomide to induce remission and reviewed the relevant literatures. Results: A 51-year-old female was diagnosed as CD after an urgent terminal intestinal resection and presented endoscopic recurrence despite the prophylactic treatment with azathioprine (AZA). Fortunately, she achieved mucosal healing (MH) at a low dose of thalidomide for 15 months. Conclusion: Thalidomide is effective to induce MH in the postoperative CD endoscopic recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/6b/medi-95-e4799.PMC5023912.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5195822", "abstract": "The tumor microenvironment is comprised of diverse stromal cell populations in addition to tumor cells. Increasing evidence now clearly supports the role of microenvironment stromal cells in tumor progression and metastasis, yet the regulatory mechanisms and interactions among tumor and stromal cells remain to be elucidated. Bone metastasis is the major problem in many types of human malignancies including prostate, breast and lung cancers, and the biological basis of bone metastasis let alone curative approaches are largely undetermined. Among the many types of stromal cells in bone, osteoblasts are shown to be an important player. In this regard, osteoblasts are a key target cell type in the development of bone metastasis, but there are currently no drugs or therapeutic approaches are available that specifically target osteoblasts. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on osteoblasts in the metastatic tumor microenvironment, aiming to provide clues and directions for future research endeavor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/35/enm-31-485.PMC5195822.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2238851", "abstract": "PROSITE consists of documentation entries describing protein domains, families and functional sites, as well as associated patterns and profiles to identify them. It is complemented by ProRule, a collection of rules based on profiles and patterns, which increases the discriminatory power of profiles and patterns by providing additional information about functionally and/or structurally critical amino acids. In this article, we describe the implementation of a new method to assign a status to pattern matches, the new PROSITE web page and a new approach to improve the specificity and sensitivity of PROSITE methods. The latest version of PROSITE (release 20.19 of 11 September 2007) contains 1319 patterns, 745 profiles and 764 ProRules. Over the past 2 years, about 200 domains have been added, and now 53", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/d3/gkm977.PMC2238851.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4270703", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Herniorrhaphy is a common surgery worldwide. Common complications include hemorrhage, infection, chronic pain, and recurrence. Ureteric injury from herniorrhaphy is unusual. We present a case of ureteric injury complicating an inguinal herniorrhaphy for a huge right inguino-scrotal hernia. Patient had primary uretero-neocystostomy but died from septicemia in the postoperative period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/02/ccr30002-0247.PMC4270703.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1160205", "abstract": "The serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is a powerful method to compare gene expression of mRNA populations. To provide quantitative expression levels on a genome-wide scale, the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project (CGAP) uses SAGE. Over 7 million SAGE tags, from 171 human cell types have been assembled. The growing number of laboratories involved in SAGE research necessitates the use of software that provides statistical analysis of raw data, allowing the rapid visualization and interpretation of results. We have created the first simple tool that performs statistical analysis on SAGE data, identifies the tags differentially expressed and shows the results in a scatter plot. It is freely available and accessible at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/04/PMC1160205.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3267406", "abstract": "Background Angiogenesis was suggested to have a significant role in the pathogenesis of leprosy. However, the benefit of inhibiting angiogenesis in lepromatous leprosy patients has not previously been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis in leprosy patients before and after treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) with and without minocycline. Methods A total of 40 patients with lepromatous leprosy were enrolled in this study. They were categorized into two equal groups (A and B), each formed of 20 patients. Group A received World Health Organization MDT, and Group B received MDT combined with minocycline, which has a known antiangiogenic effect. Microvascular density (MVD) in dermal granuloma was evaluated in both groups by immunostaining with CD31 and CD34 markers before and after 6 months of treatment. Results With CD31 immunostaining, the mean MVD in Group A significantly decreased from 39.1 ± 3.1 vessels (v)/high power field (HPF) to 16.5 ± 2.7 v/HPF, and in Group B it significantly decreased from 38.3 ± 2.5 v/HPF to 7.6 ± 1.9 v/HPF. CD34 immunostaining also showed a significant decrease of MVD from 42.2 ± 3.1 v/HPF to 18.8 ± 2.4 v/HPF in Group A, and in Group B it significantly decreased from 43.7 ± 2.3 v/HPF to 11.5 ± 1.6 v/HPF. The reduction of MVD was significantly higher in Group B compared with in Group A (P < 0.0001). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in bacterial density (assessed by bacterial index) in the cutaneous lesions of in Group B (decreased from 4.9 ± 0.3 to 1.4 ± 0.2) compared with in Group A (decreased from 5.1 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.4). Conclusion The synergistic effect of MDT and minocycline seems to be promising in the treatment of lepromatous leprosy. It significantly reduces angiogenesis and rapidly eliminates lepra bacilli from the skin that enables a rapid control and elimination of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/17/PMC3267406.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2919686", "abstract": "Chloroform, a halogenated hydrocarbon, causes central nervous system depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and hepatotoxicity. We describe a case of chloroform ingestion with a confirmatory serum level and resultant hepatotoxicity successfully treated with intravenously administered N-acetylcysteine (NAC). A 19-year-old man attempting suicide ingested approximately 75 mL of chloroform. He was unresponsive and intubated upon arrival. Intravenously administered NAC was started after initial stabilization was complete. His vital signs were normal. Admission laboratory values revealed normal serum electrolytes, AST, ALT, PT, BUN, creatinine, and bilirubin. Serum ethanol level was 15 mg/dL, and aspirin and acetaminophen were undetectable. The patient was extubated but developed liver function abnormalities with a peak AST of 224 IU/L, ALT of 583 IU/L, and bilirubin level reaching 16.3 mg/dL. NAC was continued through hospital day 6. Serum chloroform level obtained on admission was 91 μg/mL. The patient was discharged to psychiatry without known sequelae and normal liver function tests. The average serum chloroform level in fatal cases of inhalational chloroform poisoning was 64 μg/mL, significantly lower than our patient. The toxicity is believed to be similar in both inhalation and ingestion routes of exposure, with mortality predominantly resulting from anoxia secondary to central nervous system depression. Hepatocellular toxicity is thought to result from free radical-induced oxidative damage. Previous reports describe survival after treatment with orally administered NAC, we report the first use of intravenously administered NAC for chloroform ingestion. Acute oral ingestion of chloroform is extremely rare. Our case illustrates that with appropriate supportive care, patients can recover from chloroform ingestion, and intravenously administered NAC may be of benefit in such cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/71/13181_2010_Article_71.PMC2919686.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4172197", "abstract": "The purpose of this paper is to report outcomes of intravitreal imipenem in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella-related postoperative endophthalmitis. This observational case series consists of three eyes from three patients seen between 2013 and 2014. Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is characterized by a rapid, fulminant course and severe intraocular inflammation. Intravitreal imipenem may be used to treat such infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/1c/opth-8-1783.PMC4172197.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4925995", "abstract": "Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. It is often associated with hearing loss and is thought to result from abnormal neural activity at some point or points in the auditory pathway, which is incorrectly interpreted by the brain as an actual sound. Neurostimulation therapies therefore, which interfere on some level with that abnormal activity, are a logical approach to treatment. For tinnitus, where the pathological neuronal activity might be associated with auditory and other areas of the brain, interventions using electromagnetic, electrical, or acoustic stimuli separately, or paired electrical and acoustic stimuli, have been proposed as treatments. Neurostimulation therapies should modulate neural activity to deliver a permanent reduction in tinnitus percept by driving the neuroplastic changes necessary to interrupt abnormal levels of oscillatory cortical activity and restore typical levels of activity. This change in activity should alter or interrupt the tinnitus percept (reduction or extinction) making it less bothersome. Here we review developments in therapies involving electrical stimulation of the ear, head, cranial nerve, or cortex in the treatment of tinnitus which demonstrably, or are hypothesised to, interrupt pathological neuronal activity in the cortex associated with tinnitus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/69/PMC4925995.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3429783", "abstract": "Chronic, multi-factorial conditions caused by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors frequently share common disease mechanisms, as evidenced by an overlap between genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in several genes including ApoE, MTHFR, HFE and FTO are known to increase the risk of both conditions. The E4 allele of the ApoE polymorphism is the most extensively studied risk factor for AD and increases the risk of coronary heart disease by approximately 40 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/88/PMC3429783.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4971156", "abstract": "Till date, only one draft genome has been reported within the genus Mangrovibacter. Here, we report the second draft genome shotgun sequence of a Mangrovibacter sp. strain MP23 that was isolated from the roots of Phargmites karka (P. karka), an invasive weed growing in the Chilika Lagoon, Odisha, India. Strain MP23 is a facultative anaerobic, nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria that grows optimally at 37 °C, 7.0 pH, and 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c8/6b/main.PMC4971156.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4076458", "abstract": "Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is common in the elderly. Although surgical replacement of the valve has been the gold standard of management, many patients have been excluded from surgery because they were very old, frail, or had co-morbidities that increased operative risks. In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a new treatment option suitable for these patients. This article reviews the available literature on the role of TAVI in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. Published studies showed that elderly individuals who underwent TAVI experienced better in-hospital recovery, and similar short and mid-term mortality compared to those underwent surgical treatment of AS. However, long-term outcomes of TAVI in elderly patients are still unknown. The available data in the literature on the effect of advanced age on clinical outcomes of TAVI are limited, but the data that are available suggest that TAVI is a beneficial and tolerable procedure in very old patients. Some of the expected complications after TAVI are reported more in the oldest patients such as vascular injures. Other complications were comparable in TAVI patients regardless of their age group. However, very old patients may need closer monitoring to avoid further morbidities and mortality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/a0/jgc-11-02-163.PMC4076458.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4229721", "abstract": "Correct patterning and polarization of epithelial and mesenchymal cells are essential for morphogenesis and function of all organs and organisms. Epithelial cells are generally polarized in two axes: (a) the ubiquitous apical-basal axis and (b) polarity within the plane of the epithelium. The latter is generally referred to as planar cell polarity (PCP) and also is found in several contexts of mesenchymal cell patterning. In Drosophila, all adult structures display PCP features, and two conserved molecular systems (the Fat [Ft]/Dachsous [Ds] system and the Frizzled [Fz]/PCP pathway) that regulate this process have been identified. Although significant progress has been made in dissecting aspects of PCP signaling within cells, much remains to be discovered about the mechanisms of long-range and local PCP cell-cell interactions. Here, we discuss the current models based on Drosophila studies and incorporate recent insights into this long-standing cell and developmental biology problem.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/30/biolrep-06-98.PMC4229721.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4135365", "abstract": "The 6th Annual Meeting of the United States Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (USCACA) was held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on May 30, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, the United States of America. With a focus on personalized medicine, the conference featured novel approaches to investigate genomic aberrations in cancer cells and innovative clinical trial designs to expedite cancer drug development in biomarker-defined patient populations. A panel discussion further provided in-depth advice on advancing development of personalized cancer medicines in China. The conference also summarized USCACA key initiatives and accomplishments, including two awards designated to recognize young investigators from China for their achievements and to support their training in the United States. As an effort to promote international collaboration, USCACA will team up with Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) to host a joint session on “Breakthrough Cancer Medicines” at the upcoming CSCO Annual Meeting on September 20th, 2014 in Xiamen, China.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/3c/cjc-33-08-371.PMC4135365.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3407635", "abstract": "Diabetes is a world-wide epidemic associated with multiple environmental factors. Prolonged television viewing (TV) time has been related to increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in several studies. TV viewing has been positively associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, lower energy expenditure, over-eating high-calorie and high-fat foods. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of hours of TV viewing with dietary quality, obesity and physical activity for three ethnic minorities with and without type 2 diabetes. Diet quality and physical activity were inversely related to prolonged TV viewing. African Americans and participants with type 2 diabetes were more likely to watch more than 4 hours of TV per day as compared to their counterparts. Diet quality was inversely associated with physical activity level. Future studies are needed to establish the risk factors of prolonged TV watching in adult populations for the development of diabetes or diabetes-related complications. Although strategies to reduce TV watching have been proven effective among children, few trials have been conducted in adults. Intervention trials aimed at reducing TV viewing targeting people with type 2 diabetes may be beneficial to improve dietary quality and physical activity, which may reduce diabetes complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/5a/PMC3407635.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3296208", "abstract": "SRTXRF was used to determine As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn in eleven seaweed species commonly found in Fernando de Noronha: Caulerpa verticillata (J. Agardh) (Chlorophyta), Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile), Dictyurus occidentalis (J. Agardh), Galaxaura rugosa (J. Ellis     Solander) J. V. Lamouroux, G. obtusata (J. Ellis     Solander) J. V. Lamouroux, G. marginata (J. Ellis     Solander) J. V. Lamouroux (Rhodophyta), Dictyota cervicornis (Kützing), Dictyopteris justii (J. V. Lamouroux), Dictyopteris plagiogramma (Montagne) Vickers, Padina gymnospora (Kützing) Sonder, and a Sargassum sp. (Phaeophyta). Data obtained were compared to those from the analysis of other parts of the world seaweeds using different analytical techniques and were found to be in general agreement in terms of major and minor elemental components. Results provide baseline information about the absorption and accumulation of these elements by macroalgae in the area.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a8/9b/PMC3296208.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4695620", "abstract": "Background The surrounding environment influences the constitution of illness perceptions. Therefore, local research is needed to examine how Libyan diabetes patients perceive diabetes and how their perceptions influence their medication adherence. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Tripoli, Libya, between October and December 2013. A total of 523 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection; this included the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results The respondents showed moderately high personal control and treatment control perceptions and a moderate consequences perception. They reported a high perception of diabetes timeline as chronic and a moderate perception of the diabetes course as unstable. The most commonly perceived cause of diabetes was Allah's will. The prevalence of low medication adherence was 36.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/86/LJM-10-29797.PMC4695620.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5036355", "abstract": "A 60-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with an anterior mediastinal tumor measuring 3.5 cm in diameter on computed tomography (CT). We performed tumor resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with three ports. The final diagnosis was Type A Masaoka Stage I thymoma. On follow-up CT performed 36 months after the operation, two pleural tumors were detected at the port sites through which the forceps and ultrasonic scalpel had passed repeatedly during the operation. We therefore performed a second operation and enucleated the tumors while preserving the ribs. However, other tumor tissue was detected along the surgical marginal line during the pathological diagnosis after the operation. Surgeons should thus be aware that port-site recurrence can occur after VATS resection of Type A thymoma, despite its mild biological behavior. Wide resection of the chest wall is therefore recommended for operations of port-site recurrence after VATS thymectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/ef/rjw164.PMC5036355.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2992176", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE We explored cognitive impairment in metabolic syndrome in relation to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 819 participants free of clinical stroke and dementia of the population-based Austrian Stroke Prevention Study who had undergone brain MRI, neuropsychological testing, and a risk factor assessment relevant to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria–defined metabolic syndrome. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was also determined. RESULTS Of 819 subjects, 232 (28.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/32/zdc2489.PMC2992176.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3915895", "abstract": "Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) are two common instruments used for analysis of edible oils. The output signal is often analysed on the software attached to the workstations. The processing software is usually individualised for a specific source. The output of GCMS cannot be analysed on the FTIR hence analysts often need to juggle between instruments when multiple techniques are employed. This could become exhaustive when a large dataset is involved. This paper reports a synchronised approach for analysis of signal from FTIR and GCMS. The algorithm is demonstrated on a dataset of edible oils to investigate the thermal degradation of seven types of edible oils treated at 100°C and 150°C. The synchronised routines identify peaks present in FTIR and GCMS spectra/chromatograms where the information is subsequently extracted onto peak tables for further analysis. In this study, it is found that palm based products and corn oils were relatively more stable with higher content of antioxidants tocopherols and squalene. As a conclusion, this approach allows simultaneous analysis of signal from multiple sources and samples enhancing the efficiency of the signal processing process.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/b9/PMC3915895.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5067864", "abstract": "Introduction Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart arrhythmia. Premature beats arising from foci other than pulmonary veins have been related to its pathogenesis. Methods and results A 64-year-old female underwent superior vena cava (SVC) isolation after triggers were identified originating from the SVC following pulmonary vein isolation; immediately after SVC isolation, she developed junctional rhythm with symptomatic hypotension requiring emergent management. Apical motion abnormalities were noticed in the echocardiography suggesting stress-induced cardiomyopathy which resolved 48 hours later. Although received a dual chamber pacemaker, intact sinus node function returned 2 weeks later. Conclusion Superior vena cava isolation in those with trigger mediated atrial fibrillation following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is performed to enhance long-term outcomes. Sinus node injury has been related previously to this procedure. We present the first case of time course of recovery of sinus node function, injured during SVC isolation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/95/main.PMC5067864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5103583", "abstract": "Background: Skin is the body’s first defense against stressful factors. Skin wounds are caused by the loss of connection in the skin and recovery requires cellular and biochemical reactions. Chronic wounds arise from the lack of physiological processes and the disease due to complications (e.g. infection and amputation) has devastating consequences on societies. According to the principles of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), these disorders can be treated in a step-by-step procedure. Methods: This is a systematic review study that involved gathering data from three traditional medical textbooks, namely Canon of Medicine, Tib-e-Akbari and Exir-e-Azam with the keyword “chronic wound” or “ghorha”. In the next step, few tables were developed for nutrition measures as well as edible and topical medicinal herbs. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library were searched for relevant articles and those related to effective medicinal herbs in the treatment of wounds were obtained. Results: Depending on appearance and secretions, wounds are divided into two categories, namely simple and compound wounds. The prognostic factors are based on the age, weight, accompanied disease, as well as the quality and quantity of the wound secretions. Wound treatments include medical nutrition therapy, edible medications, and manipulation therapies. Patient’s diet is very important and oral medications have a major role in the whole body detoxification. Topical medications are used together with the above-mentioned treatments; noting that without detoxification, these medications are not effective entirely. Conclusion: Wound healing requires physiological processes within the body. From the perspective of ITM, body detoxification is the first medical step, after which topical medications could lead to a better wound healing result.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/5b/IJMS-41-72.PMC5103583.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5400197", "abstract": "Study Design: Multicenter retrospective case series. Objective: To determine the rate of thoracic duct injury during cervical spine operations. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted among 21 high-volume surgical centers to identify instances of thoracic duct injury during anterior cervical spine surgery. Staff at each center abstracted data for each identified case into case report forms. All case report forms were collected by the AOSpine North America Clinical Research Network Methodological Core for data processing, cleaning, and analysis. Results: Of a total of 9591 patients reviewed that underwent cervical spine surgery, 2 (0.02", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b8/1c/10.1177_2192568216688194.PMC5400197.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4282097", "abstract": "Aims To determine time course of the bladder inhibitory response to unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the tibial nerve (TN) and spinal nerve (SN) as well as the interaction of stimulation at these two sites. Methods In anesthetized female rats, a wire electrode was placed under either one or both of the TN or L6 SN. A cannula was placed into the bladder via the urethra. Saline infusion induced bladder rhythmic contraction (BRC). Results Compared to SN neuromodulation, TN neuromodulation is less efficacious. The first 5-min stimulation at three times motor threshold on the SN and TN decreased the BRC frequency to 9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/34/nau0034-0092.PMC4282097.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3230906", "abstract": "Classical (trace) conditioning is a specific variant of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus leads to the subsequent prediction of an emotionally charged or noxious stimulus after a temporal gap. When conditioning is concurrent with a distraction task, only participants who can report the relationship (the contingency) between stimuli explicitly show associative learning. This suggests that consciousness is a prerequisite for trace conditioning. We review and question three main controversies concerning this view. Firstly, virtually all animals, even invertebrate sea slugs, show this type of learning; secondly, unconsciously perceived stimuli may elicit trace conditioning; and thirdly, some vegetative state patients show trace learning. We discuss and analyze these seemingly contradictory arguments to find the theoretical boundaries of consciousness in classical conditioning. We conclude that trace conditioning remains one of the best measures to test conscious processing in the absence of explicit reports.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/81/PMC3230906.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3983587", "abstract": "Latin America and the Caribbean region make up one of the largest areas of the world, and this region is characterized by a complex mixture of ethnic groups sharing Iberian languages. The area is comprised of nations and regions with different levels of social development. This region has experienced historical advances in the last decades to increase the minimal standards of quality of life; however, several factors, such as concentrated populations in large urban centers and isolated and poor communities, still have an important impact on medical services, particularly genetics services. Latin American researchers have greatly contributed to the development of human genetics and historic inter-ethnic diversity, and the multiplicity of geographic areas are unique for the study of gene-environment interactions. As a result of regional developments in the fields of human and medical genetics, the Latin American Network of Human Genetics (Red Latinoamericana de Genética Humana - RELAGH) was created in 2001 to foster the networking of national associations and societies dedicated to these scientific disciplines. RELAGH has developed important educational activities, such as the Latin American School of Human and Medical Genetics (ELAG), and has held three biannual meetings to encourage international research cooperation among the member countries and international organizations. Since its foundation, RELAGH has been admitted as a full regional member to the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies. This article describes the historical aspects, activities, developments, and challenges that are still faced by the Network.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/fe/PMC3983587.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3452087", "abstract": "SUNCT has been reported in association with abnormalities of the brainstem and pituitary region. We present a patient with a history of left optic nerve hypoplasia, mild hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, and SUNCT starting in adolescence. SUNCT with an early age of onset may be associated with congenital abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/18/PMC3452087.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4462900", "abstract": "A case of trichilemmoma in continuity with a pigmented basal cell carcinoma is presented with dermatoscopy and dermatopathology. The distinction between the two lesions was evident dermatoscopically and was confirmed dermatopathologically. While trichilemmoma has been reported in association with basal cell carcinoma and dermatoscopy images of four previous cases of trichilemmoma have been published, no previous dermatoscopy image has been published of trichilemmoma associated with basal cell carcinoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/db/PMC4462900.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4214801", "abstract": "Objective: Acute poisonings with caustic substances can cause severe chemical injuries to the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can be localized from the mouth to the small intestines. They are seen very often among young people in their most productive years. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of patient’s age on the mortality rate and survival of patients with acute caustic poisonings, and also to analyze their correlation. Material and Methods: We studied medical records from 415 patients, aged between 14 and 90 years, who were hospitalized and treated at the University Clinic for toxicology and urgent internal medicine, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, in the period between 2007 and 2011. Results: In the survey we included 415 patients with acute corrosive poisonings, from which 295 (71.08", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/60/MSM-26-272.PMC4214801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4426660", "abstract": "Many physiological processes and most endocrine functions show fluctuations over the course of the day. These so-called circadian rhythms are governed by an endogenous network of cellular clocks and serve as an adaptation to daily and, thus, predictable changes in the organism's environment. Circadian clocks have been described in several tissues of the stress axis and in adipose cells where they regulate the rhythmic and stimulated release of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids, and various adipokine factors. Recent work suggests that both adipose and stress axis clock systems reciprocally influence each other and adrenal-adipose rhythms may be key players in the development and therapy of metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of adrenal and adipose tissue rhythms and clocks and how they might interact to regulate energy homoeostasis and stress responses under physiological conditions. Potential chronotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic and stress disorders are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/9b/PMC4426660.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2903949", "abstract": "In order to establish an infection, viruses need to either suppress or escape from host immune defense systems. Recent immunological research has focused on innate immunity as the first line of host defense, especially pattern recognition molecules such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and NOD-like receptors (NLRs). Various microbial components are recognized by their vague and common molecular shapes so-called, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs induce inflammatory reactions mediated by the activation of the transcription factor, NF-κB, and by interferons, which lead to an antiviral immune response. Viruses have the capacity to suppress or escape from this pattern recognition molecule-mediated antimicrobial response in various ways. In this paper, we review the various strategies used by viruses to modulate the pattern recognition molecule-mediated innate immune response.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/76/PMC2903949.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3671723", "abstract": "Cardiovascular disease, preceded by vascular endothelial dysfunction, is a prominent cause of death in dogs. L-carnitine and taurine, well known for their antioxidative capacity, beneficially affect cardiovascular disease as well as certain dog cardiomyopathies. It is well established that vascular endothelial dysfunction precedes cardiovascular disease and that “vasoprotective factors” (NO and antioxidants) prevent apoptosis, whereas “risk factors” such as oxidized LDL, hyperglycemia, and free fatty acids trigger it in cultured human vascular endothelial cells. Whereas human vascular cell in vitro models are widely established and used for the characterisation of potential vasoprotective substances, such models are not available for canine endothelial cells. In the present study we therefore developed an in vitro model, which allows the testing of the effects of different substances on proliferation and apoptosis in canine aortic endothelial cells. This model was used to test L-carnitine, taurine, pomegranate extract, and Soy Isoflavones in comparison to reference substances (glutathione and pioglitazone) previously shown to modulate human endothelial cell function. L-carnitine and taurine neither exhibited antiproliferative nor antiapoptotic activities in the context of this study. However extracts from pomegranate and soy isoflavones dramatically reduced proliferation and apoptosis in a dose dependent fashion, being in line with a vasoprotective activity in dogs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/28/PMC3671723.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5048035", "abstract": "Nutrition claims may help people to adopt healthier eating habits, but little is known about the potential cognitive effects of such claims on appetite sensations. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nutrition claims and individual factors on perceived appetite sensations. According to a three (“healthy” versus “diet” (i.e., satiating) versus “hedonic”) by two (restrained or not restrained) by two (normal-weight or overweight/obese) by two (men versus women) factorial design, 164 males and 188 females aged 18–65 were invited to taste an oatmeal-raisin snack in a blinded and ad libitum context. Visual analog scales (150 mm) were used to evaluate appetite sensations before and over 1 h after consumption period. BMI and Restraint Scale were used to categorize participants according to their weight and restraint status. No main condition effect was observed for any of the four appetite sensations. However, subgroups analysis revealed significant differences among specific subgroups. A main effect of sex was also observed for all appetite sensations with men reporting higher levels of desire to eat, hunger and prospective food consumption, and lower levels of fullness than women. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual characteristics in interaction when studying appetite sensations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/be/PMC5048035.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5165052", "abstract": "The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) has organised its first educational online course for students and beginners in the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs). This course, “Basics of Extracellular Vesicles,” uses recorded lectures from experts in the field and will be open for an unlimited number of participants. The course is divided into 5 modules and can be accessed at www.coursera.org/learn/extracellular-vesicles. The first module is an introduction to the field covering the nomenclature and history of EVs. Module 2 focuses on the biogenesis and uptake mechanisms of EVs, as well as their RNA, protein and lipid cargo. Module 3 covers the collection and processing of cell culture media and body fluids such as blood, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid and urine prior to isolation of EVs. Modules 4 and 5 present different isolation methods and characterisation techniques utilised in the EV field. Here, differential ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, density gradient centrifugation, kit-based precipitation, electron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, flow cytometry, atomic-force microscopy and nanoparticle-tracking analysis are covered. This first massive open online course (MOOC) on EVs was launched on 15 August 2016 at the platform “Coursera” and is free of charge.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ef/49/JEV-5-34299.PMC5165052.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4280464", "abstract": "We report an atypical presentation of Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with concomitant subhyaloid hemorrhage, engorged and tortuous retinal veins, intraretinal hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots in a 38-year-old female. Medical treatment was preferred to any invasive treatment. The subhyaloid hemorrhage resolved spontaneously and the patient recovered a visual acuity of 20/20 in her right eye 3 months after the initial episode. A prompt diagnosis of this condition is fundamental to consider a systemic treatment to avoid any further thrombosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/d5/cop-0005-0400.PMC4280464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4869568", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate a physician's impression of a urinary stone patient's dietary intake and whether it was dependent on the medium through which the nutritional data were obtained. Furthermore, we sought to determine if using an electronic food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) impacted dietary recommendations for these patients. Materials and Methods Seventy-six patients attended the Stone Clinic over a period of 6 weeks. Seventy-five gave consent for enrollment in our study. Patients completed an office-based interview with a fellowship-trained endourologist, and a FFQ administered on an iPad. The FFQ assessed intake of various dietary components related to stone development, such as oxalate and calcium. The urologists were blinded to the identity of patients' FFQ results. Based on the office-based interview and the FFQ results, the urologists provided separate assessments of the impact of nutrition and hydration on the patient's stone disease (nutrition impact score and hydration impact score, respectively) and treatment recommendations. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to compare pre-FFQ data to post-FFQ data. Results Higher FFQ scores for sodium (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; p=0.02) and fluids (OR, 1.03, p=0.04) were associated with a higher nutritional impact score. None of the FFQ parameters impacted hydration impact score. A higher FFQ score for oxalate (OR, 1.07; p=0.02) was associated with the addition of at least one treatment recommendation. Conclusions Information derived from a FFQ can yield a significant impact on a physician's assessment of stone risks and decision for management of stone disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/06/icu-57-196.PMC4869568.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4837821", "abstract": "Background: The impact of sequential vein bypass grafting on clinical outcomes is less known in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential vein bypass grafting on clinical outcomes in off-pump CABG. Methods: From October 2009 to September 2013 at the Fuwai Hospital, 127 patients with at least one sequential venous graft were matched with 127 patients of individual venous grafts only, using propensity score matching method to obtain risk-adjusted outcome comparison. In-hospital measurement was composite outcome of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, requirement for intra-aortic ballon pump (IABP) assistance and prolonged ventilation. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs: Death, MI or repeat revascularization) and angina recurrence were considered as mid-term endpoints. Results: No significant difference was observed among the groups in baseline characteristics. Intraoperative mean blood flow per vein graft was 40.4 ml in individual venous grafts groups versus 59.5 ml in sequential venous grafts groups (P < 0.001). There were no differences between individual and sequential venous grafts groups with regard to composite outcome of in-hospital mortality, MI, stroke, IABP assistance and prolonged ventilation (11.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/bf/CMJ-128-63.PMC4837821.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4488401", "abstract": "Recently, a series of acute swine erysipelas outbreaks occurred in Eastern China. Eight strains isolated from cases of septicemia were determined as serotype 1a, and 4 of the isolates were resistant to acriflavine. One isolate strain named HX130709 was attenuated on agar media containing acriflavine dye. The 432-bp hypervariable region in spaA gene of the field and attenuated strains were amplified and sequenced. It was further compared with the vaccine strain G4T10, and thus, the eight field strains can be divided into four spaA-types. The partial spaA gene analysis also showed that no point mutations occurred among different archived passages of HX130709 during the attenuation. Results of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that eight distinct patterns with 22 to 30 DNA fragment bands were produced from field strains, and twelve distinct patterns with 23 to 27 DNA fragment bands were produced from different passages of the attenuated strains. Mouse pathogenicity test showed that the mortality of the mice infected with 104 CFU field strains was 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/7f/jvms-77-653.PMC4488401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3630913", "abstract": "Tuberculosis (TB) has been a persistent public health concern for hundreds of years. Despite advances in medicine and science, eliminating this disease has been beyond our reach. Several organizations, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have expressed their commitment to advancing biomedical research in TB in order to increase our understanding of the causative pathogen and the disease. This basic knowledge is a critical first step in the development and implementation of new therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics. Collaboration between researchers is a key component to accomplishing this goal; product development can no longer be limited to separate programs. Rather, the interconnectedness and possible combination of interventions must be investigated. This review will discuss ongoing TB research including NIAID's role, as well as future research that is needed to improve TB control. Emphasizing the importance of coordination among researchers, funders and advocacy groups, we aim to illustrate the fact that biomedical research, and particularly basic research, is a vital part of a complementary approach to eliminating TB across the globe.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/6c/emi201221a.PMC3630913.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4817581", "abstract": "Background The parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes infections all around the world. Infections with T. gondii are systemic and the parasite can persist in the heart muscle. Very little is known about the impact of T. gondii on patients with heart disease. We determined the association between T. gondii exposure and patients suffering from heart diseases attending in a public hospital in Durango, Mexico; the association of T. gondii exposure with socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics of these patients was also investigated. Methods Through a case-control study, we examined the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in 400 patients with heart diseases and 400 age- and gender-matched controls using enzyme-linked immunoassays. In addition, we analyzed the association of patient characteristics as determined by a standardized questionnaire with T. gondii exposure by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results Fifty-five (13.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/e0/jocmr-08-402.PMC4817581.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3260037", "abstract": "Graphene has attracted much attention from researchers due to its interesting mechanical, electrochemical, and electronic properties. It has many potential applications such as polymer filler, sensor, energy conversion, and energy storage devices. Graphene-based nanocomposites are under an intense spotlight amongst researchers. A large amount of graphene is required for preparation of such samples. Lately, graphene-based materials have been the target for fundamental life science investigations. Despite graphene being a much sought-after raw material, the drawbacks in the preparation of graphene are that it is a challenge amongst researchers to produce this material in a scalable quantity and that there is a concern about its safety. Thus, a simple and efficient method for the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) is greatly desired to address these problems. In this work, one-pot chemical oxidation of graphite was carried out at room temperature for the preparation of large-area GO with  100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/97/ea/PMC3260037.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4020156", "abstract": " Objective. To determine if there was an increase in postpartum (PP) hemorrhage after decreasing the PP oxytocin dose from 40 to 30 units.  Study Design. Retrospective cohort study comparing 8 months before to 8 months after the change. PP day 1 hemoglobin was subtracted from admission hemoglobin. Mean change was compared by Student's t-test. The best fit polynomial was analyzed for trends between the two time frames. Women who received blood transfusions were excluded.  Results. 73/3564 (2.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/71/PMC4020156.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3622473", "abstract": "The human brain shrinks with advancing age, but recent research suggests that it is also capable of remarkable plasticity, even in late life. In this review we summarize the research linking greater amounts of physical activity to less cortical atrophy, better brain function, and enhanced cognitive function, and argue that physical activity takes advantage of the brain's natural capacity for plasticity. Further, although the effects of physical activity on the brain are relatively widespread, there is also some specificity, such that prefrontal and hippocampal areas appear to be more influenced than other areas of the brain. The specificity of these effects, we argue, provides a biological basis for understanding the capacity for physical activity to influence neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. We conclude that physical activity is a promising intervention that can influence the endogenous pharmacology of the brain to enhance cognitive and emotional function in late adulthood.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/a5/DialoguesClinNeurosci-15-99.PMC3622473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134205", "abstract": "The multiple mechanisms of action for flavocoxid relating to arachidonic acid (AA) formation and metabolism were studied in vitro. Flavocoxid titrated into rat peritoneal macrophage cultures inhibited cellular phospholipase A2 (PLA2) (IC50 = 60 μg/mL). In in vitro enzyme assays, flavocoxid showed little anti-cyclooxygenase (CO) activity on COX-1/-2 enzymes, but inhibited the COX-1 (IC50 = 12.3) and COX-2 (IC50 = 11.3 μg/mL) peroxidase (PO) moieties as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (IC50 = 110 μg/mL). No detectable 5-LOX inhibition was found for multiple traditional and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Flavocoxid also exhibited strong and varied antioxidant capacities in vitro and decreased nitrite levels (IC50 = 38 μg/mL) in rat peritoneal macrophages. Finally, in contrast to celecoxib and ibuprofen, which upregulated the cox-2 gene, flavocoxid strongly decreased expression. This work suggests that clinically favourable effects of flavocoxid for management of osteoarthritis (OA) are achieved by simultaneous modification of multiple molecular pathways relating to AA metabolism, oxidative induction of inflammation, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/65/PMC3134205.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3844228", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate the ability of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to detect subtle amounts of retinal fluid when the choroidal neovascularization is detected as inactive via time-domain optical coherence tomography and clinical examination in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. Methods. Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients with nAMD after ranibizumab treatment were included in this cross-sectional, prospective study. All patients were imaged with TD-OCT and SD-OCT at the same visit one month after a ranibizumab injection. The presence of subretinal, intraretinal, and subretinal pigment epithelium fluid (subRPE) in SD-OCT was evaluated; also mean central retinal thickness (CRT) and the rate of vitreoretinal surface disorders detected via the two devices were evaluated. Results. The mean CRT via TD-OCT and SD-OCT was 218.1 ± 51.3 and 325.7 ± 78.8 microns. Sixteen patients (32.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/15/f3/PMC3844228.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2947637", "abstract": "\"Presenteeism\" occurs when an employee goes to work despite a medical illness that will prevent him or her from fully functioning at work. This problem has been well studied in the business and social science literature, and carries increased importance in the health care setting due to the risk of infectious disease transmission in vulnerable patient populations. In this manuscript, we discuss an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis in a long-term care facility and the role presenteeism played in disease transmission and extension of the outbreak. We use existing literature to point out the hazards of presenteeism in the health care sector. We will also discuss factors that may be involved in the decision to work while ill and propose policy changes that may reduce the incidence of presenteeism in health care organizations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/42/11606_2010_Article_1422.PMC2947637.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4110142", "abstract": "Although it is not uncommon for patients with Chiari I malformations to present with respiratory complaints, cough syncope is a rare presenting symptom. We report an adult patient who harbored both a Chiari I malformation and atlanto-occipital assimilation who complained of cough syncope, orthopnea, and central sleep apnea. The patient underwent decompressive craniectomy of the posterior fossa and cervical level 2 laminectomy. However, due to a possible initial underappreciation of the profound narrowing of the foramen magnum as a result of these concomitant pathologies, the patient may have had continued impaired cerebrospinal fluid flow, leading to a symptomatic pseudomeningocele and requiring a more extensive decompression that included a cervical level 3 laminectomy as well as a temporary lumbar drain. On 2-year follow-up, he has remained asymptomatic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/3d/PMC4110142.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4371374", "abstract": "Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to advanced fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. A myriad of pathways and genetic influence contribute to NASH pathogenesis and liver disease progression. Diagnosing patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis is critical prior to treatment and prognostication. There has been ongoing interest in developing non-invasive biomarkers and tools for identifying NASH and advanced fibrosis. To date, there has been no approved therapy for NASH. Recently, the FLINT (Farnesoid X Receptor [FXR] Ligand Obeticholic Acid in NASH Treatment) trial provided promising results of the efficacy of obeticholic acid, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, in improving histological features of NASH and fibrosis. Long-term studies are needed to assess the safety of obeticholic acid and its effects on liver- and cardiovascular-related outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/2e/medrep-07-28.PMC4371374.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3706020", "abstract": "The Etang-de-Berre area is a large industrialized area in the South of France, exposing 300,000 inhabitants to the plumes of its industries. The possible associated health risks are of the highest concern to the population, who asked for studies investigating their health status. A geographical ecological study based on standardized hospitalizations ratios for cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases was carried out over the 2004–2007 period. Exposure to air pollution was assessed using dispersion models coupled with a geographic information system to estimate an annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for each district. Results showed an excess risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction in women living in districts with medium or high SO2 exposure, respectively, 38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/be/PMC3706020.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3848673", "abstract": "Introduction To identify the impact of storage time and amount of transfused red blood cell units on renal function. Methods Consecutive transfused patients (n=492), undergoing cardiac surgery at a single centre and receiving at least one red blood cell unit, were pooled in different groups depending on storage time and amount of transfusion. Results Altogether 2,133 red blood cell units were transfused (mean age 21.87 days). Pre- and intraoperative data were similar between groups. Postoperative serum creatinine (p<0.01), glomerular filtration rate (p<0.01), and urea (p<0.01) showed a significant correlation with the amount of transfused red blood cell units, but not with storage time. Acute kidney insufficiency (creatinine values greater than 2.0 mg/dl or a duplication of the preoperative value) developed in 29", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/27/hlv-05-148.PMC3848673.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3471248", "abstract": "We report here on a rare case of a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm that was successfully treated with coil embolization in the bilateral cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions with abnormal vascular networks from the posterior circulation. A 43-year old man with a familial history of moyamoya disease presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the bilateral ICAs at the proximal portion and a ruptured aneurysm at the basilar artery bifurcation. Each meningeal artery supplied the anterior cranial base, but most of both hemispheres were supplied with blood from the basilar artery and the posterior cerebral arteries through a large number of collateral vessels to the ICA bifurcation as well as the anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries. The perfusion computed tomography (CT) scans with acetazolamide (ACZ) injection revealed no reduction of cerebral blood flow and normal cerebrovascular reactivity to ACZ. An abdominal CT aortogram showed no other extracranial vessel abnormalities. A ruptured basilar tip aneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization without complications. Endovascular embolization may be a good treatment option with excellent safety for a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm that accompanies proximal ICA occlusion with vulnerable collateral flow.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/73/jcen-14-44.PMC3471248.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3426249", "abstract": "Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon neuroendocrine malignancy with a propensity for the head and neck. It typically presents asymptomatically in elderly Caucasians and is characterized by early local and regional spread. There is currently limited data on the appropriate algorithm for treatment of MCC. However, multimodal therapy with wide surgical excision with or without radiation therapy has become standard of care. The location of the primary tumor and intensive adjuvant therapy is often required, provides a challenge to the reconstructive head and neck surgeon. Occasionally, free tissue transfer reconstructive techniques are employed in the reconstruction of MCC defects. This paper will discuss the role of free tissue transfer as a reconstructive option after surgery for advanced head and neck MCC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/c5/PMC3426249.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5388303", "abstract": "Background Subanesthetic doses of ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist used as an adjuvant to opioid for the treatment of pain in adults with acute and chronic pain, have been shown, in some instances, to improve pain intensity and to decrease opioid intake. However, less is known about the role of ketamine in pain management in children, adolescents, and young adults. Purpose We examined the effects of subanesthetic ketamine on pain intensity and opioid intake in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute and chronic pain syndromes treated in an inpatient setting. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study of patients treated with subanesthetic ketamine infusions in regular patient care units in a tertiary pediatric hospital. Primary outcomes included changes in pain scores and morphine-equivalent intake. Results The study cohort included 230 different patients who during 360 separate hospital admissions received subanesthetic ketamine infusions for pain management. Overall, ketamine infusions were associated with significant reductions in mean pain scores from baseline (mean pain scores 6.64 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/ad/jpr-10-787.PMC5388303.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2808052", "abstract": "Promyelocytic Leukaemia Protein nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are dynamic nuclear protein aggregates. To gain insight in PML-NB function, reductionist and high throughput techniques have been employed to identify PML-NB proteins. Here we present a manually curated network of the PML-NB interactome based on extensive literature review including database information. By compiling 'the PML-ome', we highlighted the presence of interactors in the Small Ubiquitin Like Modifier (SUMO) conjugation pathway. Additionally, we show an enrichment of SUMOylatable proteins in the PML-NBs through an in-house prediction algorithm. Therefore, based on the PML network, we hypothesize that PML-NBs may function as a nuclear SUMOylation hotspot.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/a3/ijbsv06p0051.PMC2808052.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4387460", "abstract": "Recently, percutaneous epidural neuroplasty has become widely used to treat radicular pain caused by spinal stenosis or a herniated intervertebral disc. A 19-year-old female patient suffering from left radicular pain caused by an L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation underwent percutaneous epidural neuroplasty of the left L5 nerve root using a Racz catheter. After the procedure, the patient complained of acute motor weakness in the right lower leg, on the opposite site to where the neuroplasty was conducted. Emergency surgery was performed, and swelling of the right L5 nerve root was discovered. The patient recovered her motor and sensory functions immediately after the surgery. Theoretically, the injection of a large volume of fluid in a patient with severe spinal stenosis during epidural neuroplasty can increase the pressure on the opposite side of the epidural space, which may cause injury of the opposite nerve by barotrauma from a closed compartment. Practitioners should be aware of this potential complication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/2d/kjpain-28-144.PMC4387460.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4078422", "abstract": "Primary vesicoureteral reflux can be treated by injection of a bulking agent into the wall of the ureterovesical junction. Over time, the bulking agent can get calcified. Radiological images of the area show findings that mimic those seen in ureterovesical junction calculi. In this report, we present the imaging findings of this phenomenon and discuss its challenging aspects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/c7/JCIS-4-27.PMC4078422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2983000", "abstract": "Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a spectrum of diseases that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Anticoagulant treatment is the mainstay of therapy for VTE. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) followed by vitamin K antagonists have been the treatment of choice for most patients with VTE, with the aim to prevent thrombus extension or embolization and recurrent VTE. Fondaparinux, a selective, indirect, parenteral factor Xa inhibitor, is now also approved for the initial treatment of VTE and represents an important alternative to UFH or LMWH. Secondary prevention of VTE with vitamin K antagonists is usually prescribed for a minimum of three months, with the duration of treatment based on the presence or absence of major identifiable risk factors for the index event. Patients with permanent risk factors or patients with recurrent DVT or PE require life long secondary prevention. Over the last years, new oral anticoagulant agents have been developed and are now undergoing extensive clinical evaluation in several settings, including the treatment of VTE. New oral anticoagulants include selective, direct thrombin inhibitors, such as dabigatran etexilate, and selective, direct factor Xa inhibitos, such as rivaroxaban, apixaban or edoxaban. All these drugs are admistered at fixed daily doses and do not require laboratory monitoring. The positive results of the first completed clinical trials suggest that a new era in the management of VTE is about to begin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/61/kjh-45-8.PMC2983000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3630306", "abstract": "The possibility to predict in vivo the histology of colorectal polyps by advanced endoscopic imaging has resulted in the implementation of a more conservative management for diminutive lesions detected at colonoscopy. In detail, a predict-and-do-not-resect strategy has been proposed for diminutive lesions located in the rectosigmoid tract, whilst a predict-resect-and-discard policy has been advocated for nonrectosigmoid diminutive polyps. Recently, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy set required thresholds to be met, before allowing the adoption of these policies in the clinical field. The ability of current endoscopic imaging in reaching these thresholds would depend on a complex interaction among the accuracy of advanced endoscopic imaging in differentiating between adenomatous and hyperplastic lesions, the prevalence of (advanced) neoplasia within diminutive lesions, and the type of surveillance intervals recommended. Aim of this review is to summarize the data supporting the application of both a predict-and-do-not-resect and a predict-resect-and-discard policies, also addressing the potential pitfalls associated with these strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/63/ce-46-130.PMC3630306.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4475255", "abstract": " Salmonella-associated mycotic aneurysm is a rare, but dreaded, complication of salmonellosis. Immunocompromised and elderly populations are more susceptible to develop this extra-intestinal complication. Salmonella is spread via fecal–oral and vehicle-borne routes. Reptiles, especially small pet turtles, have been linked with an increased risk of Salmonella infection. Diagnosis of mycotic aneurysm is a challenge due to atypical presentations. Recently, widespread use of CT scan imaging to evaluate for unexplained abdominal pain and sepsis has led to early identification of mycotic aneurysms. Antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention are the cornerstones of management. Open surgery has been the gold standard of treatment but is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A relatively new alternative to open surgery is endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). It is comparatively less invasive and is associated with reduced early morbidity and mortality in the setting of mycotic aneurysm. However, there is a risk of late infection. Here, we present a patient with Salmonella mycotic aneurysm initially treated conservatively with antibiotic therapy who later underwent successful interval EVAR with no complications to date. Also included is a brief review of Salmonella-associated mycotic aneurysms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/02/JCHIMP-5-27229.PMC4475255.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4975059", "abstract": "Public acceptance of vaccination has never been a given. Today there is a set of societal circumstances that may contribute to a growing parental hesitancy about vaccination. These include: increasingly ‘crowded’ vaccination schedules; lower prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases; greater access to, and more rapid dissemination of, vaccine-critical messages via digital networks; hyper-vigilance of parents in relation to children and risk; and an increasingly consumerist orientation to healthcare.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/97/khvi-10-09-970948.PMC4975059.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2730579", "abstract": "We discuss a patient who had poorly differentiated HCC with pyrexia and high CRP in laboratory data, which are not commonly observed in the usual HCC. A 50-year-old man with a history of liver dysfunction was admitted with a chief complaint of a prolonged fever and general fatigue. Preoperative diagnosis was HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus. Posterior segmentectomy of the liver and thrombectomy was performed. Rapid tumor recurrence occurred after surgery, and he died 79 days after the operation. Immunohistochemical stain of HCC in this patient revealed the production of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-8 production may have contributed to the high fever, high inflammatory reaction, and poor prognosis in this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/81/PMC2730579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4376969", "abstract": "Background: Brucellosis is an inflammatory disease which may infect any organs or systems in the body. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is one of the most frequently used surrogate markers of platelet function. It reveals the presence of disease activity in many inflammatory diseases. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter that measures variation in red blood cell size or red blood cell volume. Its predictive value approves inflammatory and infectious diseases. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the assessment levels of red blood cell distribution in cases with acute brucellosis. Patients and Methods: The current study investigated whether MPV and RDW played any roles in acute brucellosis diagnosis. The study was conducted from 2008 to 2014 through prospective examination of the inflammatory markers found in adult patients with acute brucellosis. Results: The follow-up within the year after treatment was examined. The values of age, gender, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, RDW and MPV were recorded. The study included 351 subjects, 250 of them in the acute brucellosis group and 101 in the control group. The mean MPV levels were 7.64 ± 1.30 fL, and 7.67 ± 1.29 fL in the acute brucellosis and control groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean CRP levels were 32.57 ± 53.20 mg/dL, and 4.81 ± 4.89 mg/dL in the acute brucellosis and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the RDW level and the mean leukocyte count (P > 0.05). Conclusions: While the CRP value was in patients with acute brucellosis in the current study, the MPV, RDW and leukocyte counts were within the normal range. CRP value remains the most valuable inflammatory marker in cases of acute brucellosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/19/jjm-08-02-20039.PMC4376969.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3670291", "abstract": "In cardiac and many other systems, chronic stress activates avfamily of structurally and functionally conserved receptors and their downstream signaling molecules that entail tyrosine, serine or threonine phosphorylation to transfer the messages to the genetic machinery. However, the activation of the Janus kinases (JAKs) and their downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription (STATs) proteins is both characteristic of and unique to cytokine and growth factor signaling which plays a central role in heart physiology. Dysregulation of JAK-STAT signaling is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. The molecular signaling and specificity of the JAK-STAT pathway are modulated at many levels by distinct regulatory proteins. Here, we review recent studies on the regulation of the STAT signaling pathway that will enhance our ability to design rational therapeutic strategies for stress-induced heart failure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/7a/jkst-1-118.PMC3670291.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3525200", "abstract": "Aldehyde oxidases (EC 1.2.3.1) are a small group of structurally conserved cytosolic proteins represented in both the animal and plant kingdoms. In vertebrates, aldehyde oxidases constitute the small sub-family of molybdo-flavoenzymes, along with the evolutionarily and structurally related protein, xanthine oxidoreductase. These enzymes require a molybdo-pterin cofactor (molybdenum cofactor, MoCo) and flavin adenine dinucleotide for their catalytic activity. Aldehyde oxidases have broad substrate specificity and catalyse the hydroxylation of N-heterocycles and the oxidation of aldehydes to the corresponding acid. In humans, a single aldehyde oxidase gene (AOX1) and two pseudogenes clustering on a short stretch of chromosome 2q are known. In other mammals, a variable number of structurally conserved aldehyde oxidase genes has been described. Four genes (Aox1, Aox3, Aox4 and Aox3l1), coding for an equivalent number of catalytically active enzymes, are present in the mouse and rat genomes. Although human AOX1 and its homologous proteins are best known as drug metabolising enzymes, the physiological substrate(s) and function(s) are as yet unknown. The present paper provides an update of the available information on the evolutionary history, tissue- and cell-specific distribution and function of mammalian aldehyde oxidases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f9/8c/PMC3525200.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4255078", "abstract": "Lungs are indispensable organs for the respiratory process, and maintaining their homeostasis is essential for human health and survival. However, during the lifetime of an individual, the lungs suffer countless insults that put at risk their delicate organization and function. Many cells of the immune system participate to maintain this equilibrium and to keep functional lungs. Among these cells, mast cells have recently attracted attention because of their ability to rapidly secrete many chemical and biological mediators that modulate different processes like inflammation, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, etc. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of the role that mast cells play in lung protection during infections, and of the relation of mast cell responses to type I hypersensitivity-associated pathologies. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of mast cells during wound healing in the lung and its association with lung cancer, and how mast cells could be exploited as therapeutic targets in some diseases", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/6f/CRMR-10-115.PMC4255078.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4071761", "abstract": "BACKGROUND The age-related reduction in live-birth rate is attributed to a high rate of aneuploidy and follicle depletion. We showed in an animal model that treatment with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) markedly improved reproductive outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the post-meiotic oocyte aneuploidy rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients treated with CoQ10 or placebo. METHODS We conducted a double blind placebo controlled randomized trial that included IVF–ICSI patients 35–43 years of age. The patients were treated with either 600 mg of CoQ10 or an equivalent number of placebo caps. We compared the post-meiotic aneuploidy rate using polar body biopsy (PBBX) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). According to the power calculation, 27 patients were needed for each arm. RESULTS Owing to safety concerns regarding the effects of polar body biopsy on embryo quality and implantation, the study was terminated before reaching the target number of participants. A total of 39 patients were evaluated and randomized (17 CoQ10, 22 placebo), 27 were given the study medication (12 CoQ10, 15 placebo), and 24 completed an IVF–ICSI cycle including PBBX and embryo transfer (10 CoQ10, 14 placebo). Average age, base line follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), peak estradiol and progesterone serum level, as well as the total number of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) units—did not differ between the groups. The rate of aneuploidy was 46.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/c1/PMC4071761.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3790567", "abstract": "Classic nuclear shuttling is mediated by an importin-α∙β heterodimer that binds to cargoes containing a nuclear localization signal, and shuttles most nuclear proteins immediately after their translation. Aside from this canonical mechanism, kariopheryn-βs or β-like importins operate by binding to non-canonical nuclear localization signals to mediate translocation without the assistance of importin-α. The mechanism by which these components operate is much less understood and is currently under investigation. Recently, several β-like importins have been implicated in the stimulated nuclear translocation of signaling proteins. Here, we propose that this group of importins might be responsible for the swift nuclear shuttling of many proteins following various stimuli.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/ca/biolrep-05-41.PMC3790567.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4758363", "abstract": "Previous studies have revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 function downstream of many itch receptors, where they mediate inward current to trigger action potentials in primary afferents. Although other TRP channels, such as TRPV4, are expressed in primary afferents, whether or not they play an analogous role in itch was previously unknown. Now, Akiyama et al. provide evidence that TRPV4 is a key mediator of serotonin-induced itch. This finding is important because it uncovers an unanticipated role for TRPV4 in itch, thereby identifying a novel therapeutic target.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/8d/PMC4758363.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733724", "abstract": "Background: The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been identified as a candidate gene for susceptibility to Parkinson's disease (PD), but results from genetic association studies to date are inconsistent. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of published case-control studies to evaluate the association of the extensively studied VDR ApaI (G/T), BsmI (G/A), FokI (C/T), and TaqI (T/C) gene polymorphisms with risk of PD. Methods: Electronic search at PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu database, and Wanfang database was conducted to identify all relevant studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/64/CMJ-128-1809.PMC4733724.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4273078", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students. [Subjects and Methods] The study was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-seven undergraduate nursing students were randomly selected, with 12 assigned to an exercise group and 15 assigned to a control group. The yogic exercises intervention was undertaken for 60 minutes one day a week for 12 weeks. It consisted of physical exercise (surya namaskara) combined with relaxation and meditation (shavasana and yoga nidra). Life stress was measured by the Life Stress Scale for College Students, and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured with a digital glucometer. [Results] The exercise group measurements were significantly decreased in both life stress and postprandial blood glucose levels compared with the control group. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that yogic exercises would reduce life stress and lower postprandial blood glucose levels in nursing students.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/76/jpts-26-2003.PMC4273078.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4040393", "abstract": "Muscles coordinate body movements throughout the animal kingdom. Each skeletal muscle is built of large, multi-nucleated cells, called myofibers, which are classified into several functionally distinct types. The typical fiber-type composition of each muscle arises during development, and in mammals is extensively adjusted in response to postnatal exercise. Understanding how functionally distinct muscle fiber-types arise is important for unraveling the molecular basis of diseases from cardiomyopathies to muscular dystrophies. In this review, we focus on recent advances in Drosophila and mammals in understanding how muscle fiber-type specification is controlled by the regulation of transcription and alternative splicing. We illustrate the cooperation of general myogenic transcription factors with muscle fiber-type specific transcriptional regulators as a basic principle for fiber-type specification, which is conserved from flies to mammals. We also examine how regulated alternative splicing of sarcomeric proteins in both flies and mammals can directly instruct the physiological and biophysical differences between fiber-types. Thus, research in Drosophila can provide important mechanistic insight into muscle fiber specification, which is relevant to homologous processes in mammals and to the pathology of muscle diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/f6/nihms570800.PMC4040393.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4329928", "abstract": "Introduction: Pelvic pain results from many causes such as primary dysmenorrhea, uterine anomalies, menstrual outflow obstruction, endometriosis, myoma and adenomyosis. This study reports on a rare case of non-communicating functional rudimentary horn. Case Presentations: A 15-year-old nulligravida young woman with a history of severe intermittent pelvic pain presented a 4-5 centimeter mass. A surgical procedure for appendicitis was previously performed on this patient. Per-operative diagnosis was myoma and suspicion of leismus sarcoma. Laparotomy revealed left rudimentary horn, non-communication was confirmed by postoperative hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Resection of mass and left fallopian tube was done during the second surgery. Conclusions: Rudimentary horn should be considered in differentiation of pelvic pain and mass in young females. Early diagnosis and horn resection prevents emergency surgery and reliefs pain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/99/ircmj-16-11-19351.PMC4329928.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897079", "abstract": "This study was designed to investigate the microorganisms associated with palm oil mill effluent (POME) in Johor Bahru state, Malaysia. Biodegradation of palm oil mill effluents (POME) was conducted to measure the discarded POME based on physicochemical quality. The bacteria that were isolated are Micrococcus species, Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, and Staphylococcus aureus, while the fungi that were isolated are Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida species, Fusarium species, Mucor species, and Penicillium species. The autoclaved and unautoclaved raw POME samples were incubated for 7 days and the activities of the microorganisms were observed each 12 hours. The supernatants of the digested POME were investigated for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color (ADMI), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at the end of each digestion cycle. The results showed that the unautoclaved raw POME sample degraded better than the inoculated POME sample and this suggests that the microorganisms that are indigenous in the POME are more effective than the introduced microorganisms. This result, however, indicates the prospect of isolating indigenous microorganisms in the POME for effective biodegradation of POME. Moreover, the effective treatment of POME yields useful products such as reduction of BOD, COD, and color.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/90/PMC4897079.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5059074", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Although adenovirus (ADV) infection usually causes self-limiting respiratory disorders in immune competent children; severe and systemic ADV infection in children undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia has been continuously reported. Nevertheless, there has been no consensus on risk factors and treatment strategies for severe ADV infection in children undergoing chemotherapy. Case summary: We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with a fatal systemic ADV infection. He had received reinduction chemotherapy for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia under continuing antifungal therapy for previously diagnosed fungal pneumonia. He complained of fever and right shoulder pain 4 days after completing the reinduction chemotherapy. In spite of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal therapy, pneumonia was aggravated and gross hematuria was accompanied. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction test for respiratory viruses was positive for ADV in a blood sample, and a urine culture was positive for ADV. He received oral ribavirin, intravenous immunoglobulin, and intravenous cidofovir therapy; however, he eventually died. Relapsed leukemia, concurrent fungal pneumonia, and delayed cidofovir administration were considered the cause of the grave outcome in this patient. Conclusion: ADV may cause severe infections not only in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, but also in patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute leukemia. The risk factors for severe ADV infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy should be determined in the future studies, and early antiviral therapy should be administered to immune compromised patients with systemic ADV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7f/85/medi-95-e5054.PMC5059074.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4483417", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study determined the effects of kinesiology taping on the upper-extremity function and activities of daily living of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] The experimental group and control group comprised 15 hemiplegia patients each. [Methods] This study was performed from June 4 to December 22, 2012, involving 30 hemiplegia patients. The experimental and controls groups performed task practices for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 28 weeks with and without taping, respectively. [Results] After treatment, there were significant differences in every outcome measures within each group except for the Brunnstrom recovery stage of the hand. However, there was a significant difference in functional independence movements between the groups. [Conclusion] Task practice has the same effectiveness regardless of the taping of the upper extremities. Nevertheless, taping is helpful for improving both the functions and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/b4/jpts-27-1455.PMC4483417.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3205363", "abstract": "Adult-onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2) is a disorder caused by an inborn error of metabolism affecting the liver. CTLN2 is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent encephalopathy with hyperammonemia due to highly elevated plasma levels of citrulline and ammonia, caused by a deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase in the liver. A small number of patients have undergone liver transplantation with favorable results. In Korea, the limitations of the deceased donor pool have made living donor liver transplantation a common alternative treatment option. We report the case of a patient with type II citrullinemia who was treated successfully with auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) from a living donor. This is the first description of an APOLT for a patient with adult onset type II citrullinemia in Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ed/39/jkss-80-S51.PMC3205363.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC138851", "abstract": "The antigen-receptor genes of vertebrates are rearranged by a specialized somatic recombination mechanism in developing lymphocytes - and, unexpectedly, also in the germline of cartilaginous fishes. The recombination system that carries out these DNA rearrangements may thus be a significant evolutionary force, perhaps not limited to rearrangements at antigen-receptor loci.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/c0/PMC138851.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3169783", "abstract": "The lack of predictive in vitro models for behavioral phenotypes impedes rapid advancement in neuropharmacology and psychopharmacology. In vivo behavioral assays are more predictive of activity in human disorders, but such assays are often highly resource-intensive. Here we describe the successful application of a computer vision-enabled system to identify potential neuropharmacological activity of two new mechanisms. The analytical system was trained using multiple drugs that are used clinically to treat depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and other psychiatric or behavioral disorders. During blinded testing the PDE10 inhibitor TP-10 produced a signature of activity suggesting potential antipsychotic activity. This finding is consistent with TP-10’s activity in multiple rodent models that is similar to that of clinically used antipsychotic drugs. The CK1ε inhibitor PF-670462 produced a signature consistent with anxiolytic activity and, at the highest dose tested, behavioral effects similar to that of opiate analgesics. Neither TP-10 nor PF-670462 was included in the training set. Thus, computer vision-based behavioral analysis can facilitate drug discovery by identifying neuropharmacological effects of compounds acting through new mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/bf/PMC3169783.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4958351", "abstract": "Background Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug widely used as a nasal decongestant. However, it can cause adverse effects, such as voiding dysfunction. The risk of voiding dysfunction remains uncertain in patients without subjective voiding problems. Methodology We prospectively enrolled patients with nasal congestion who required treatment with pseudoephedrine from May to August 2015. All patients denied concomitant subjective voiding problem. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire was used to evaluate voiding function before and 1 week after the pseudoephedrine treatment. The results of the IPSS questionnaire were analyzed as the total (IPSS-T), voiding (IPSS-V), storage (IPSS-S), and quality of life due to urinary symptom scores. Results We enrolled 131 males with a mean age of 42.0±14.3 years. The IPSS-T, IPSS-V, and IPSS-S scores slightly increased after the medication (IPSS-T increased from 6.49 to 6.77, IPSS-V from 3.33 to 3.53, and IPSS-S from 3.17 to 3.24). The quality of life due to urinary symptom score nonsignificantly decreased from 2.02 to 1.87. We observed that older age and a higher premedication IPSS-V score yielded significant differences (P<0.05) for subclinical voiding dysfunction and unchanged voiding function. In patients aged ≥50 years, the IPSS-T, IPSS-V, and IPSS-S scores significantly increased after the pseudoephedrine treatment (IPSS-T increased from 9.95 to 11.45, IPSS-V from 5.38 to 6.07, and IPSS-S 4.57 to 5.38), whereas the quality of life due to urinary symptom score nonsignificantly decreased from 2.71 to 2.48 (P=0.057). In patients aged <50 years, all scores did not significantly differ. Conclusion Pseudoephedrine treatment for nasal congestion requires extra precautions in males >50 years, even without subjective voiding symptoms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/e1/dddt-10-2333.PMC4958351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3317193", "abstract": "Biochemical and morphological alterations of mitochondria may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Particularly, mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of amyloid-beta-induced neuronal toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. The recent emphasis on the intracellular biology of amyloid-beta and its precursor protein (APP) has led researchers to consider the possibility that mitochondria-associated and mitochondrial amyloid-beta may directly cause neurotoxicity. Both proteins are known to localize to mitochondrial membranes, block the transport of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins to mitochondria, interact with mitochondrial proteins, disrupt the electron transport chain, increase reactive oxygen species production, cause mitochondrial damage, and prevent neurons from functioning normally. In this paper, we will outline current knowledge of the intracellular localization of amyloid-beta. Moreover, we summarize evidence from AD postmortem brain as well as animal AD models showing that amyloid-beta triggers mitochondrial dysfunction through a number of pathways such as impairment of oxidative phosphorylation, elevation of reactive oxygen species production, alteration of mitochondrial dynamics, and interaction with mitochondrial proteins. Thus, this paper supports the Alzheimer cascade mitochondrial hypothesis such as the most important early events in this disease, and probably one of the future strategies on the therapy of this neurodegenerative disease.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/57/PMC3317193.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2266813", "abstract": "Previous studies have suggested that during selective activation of a subset of the zones comprising a columnar system in visual cortex, perfusion increases uniformly in all columns of the system, while increases in oxidative metabolism occur predominantly in the activated columns. This could lead to disproportionately large blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal increases for a given flow increase during monocular (relative to binocular) stimulation, due to contributions from columns which undergo large increases in perfusion with little or no change in oxidative metabolism. In the present study, we sought to test this hypothesis by measuring BOLD-perfusion coupling ratios in spatially averaged signals over V1 during monocular and binocular visual stimulation. It was found that, although withholding input to one eye resulted in statistically significant decreases in BOLD and perfusion signals in primary visual cortex, the ratio between BOLD and perfusion increases did not change significantly. These results do not support a gross mismatch between spatial patterns of flow and metabolism response during monocular stimulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/18/PMC2266813.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3927761", "abstract": " Background/Aims. The effect of benign obesity on subclinical cardiovascular disease is still questionable. The purpose of this study was to assess carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and to evaluate its relation to age, sex, and IGF-1 in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects. Methods. A total of 75 MHO subjects and 80 age, and sex matched healthy nonobese control subjects were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and CIMT were assessed in all subjects. Results. MHO subjects had significantly higher CIMT and lower IGF-1 than healthy nonobese controls. Mean CIMT was significantly higher in MHO men age subgroup range from 30 to 50 years than in their age range matched (premenopausal) MHO women subgroup. In MHO subjects, CIMT was positively correlated with age, BMI, WC, SBP, HOMA-IR, TG, and LDL-C, and negatively correlated with IGF-1. Regression analysis revealed that middle age, male sex and IGF-1 remained independently associated with CIMT in MHO subjects. Conclusion. CIMT is elevated and IGF-1 is reduced in MHO subjects, and CIMT is independently associated with male gender, middle age, and IGF-1. Definition of healthy obesity may be broadened to include IMT measurement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/05/PMC3927761.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3469016", "abstract": "The present study investigated the effects of first record of co-infection of three Clinostomum sp.; Clinostomum Complanatum (Rudolphi, 1819), C. tilapiae (Ukoli, 1966), and Euclinostomum hetereostomum (1809) in Tilapia zilii. There was differential parasitic effects resulting in selection for relatively better adaptiveness to host’s microhabitats, more population size, and frequent host location of these parasites during the one year survey (Nov 2007–Oct 2008) in Opi Lake, Nigeria. Prevalence of 9.4 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/02/ijph-41-86.PMC3469016.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1142212", "abstract": "PIKE (PI 3-Kinase Enhancer) is a recently identified brain specific nuclear GTPase, which binds PI 3-kinase and stimulates its lipid kinase activity. Nerve growth factor treatment leads to PIKE activation by triggering the nuclear translocation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1), which acts as a physiologic guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for PIKE through its SH3 domain. To date, three forms of PIKE have been characterized: PIKE-S, PIKE-L and PIKE-A. PIKE-S is initially identified shorter isoform. PIKE-L, a longer isoform of PIKE gene, differs from PIKE-S by C-terminal extension containing Arf-GAP (ADP ribosylation factor-GTPase Activating Protein) and two ankyrin repeats domains. In contrast to the exclusive nuclear localization of PIKE-S, PIKE-L occurs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. PIKE-L physiologically associates with Homer 1, an mGluR I binding adaptor protein. The Homer/PIKE-L complex couples PI 3-kinase to mGluR I and regulates a major action of group I mGluRs, prevention of neuronal apoptosis. More recently, a third PIKE isoform, PIKE-A was identified in human glioblastoma multiforme brain cancers. Unlike the brain specific PIKE-L and -S isoforms, PIKE-A distributes in various tissues. PIKE-A contains the same domains present in PIKE-L but lacks N-terminal proline-rich domain (PRD), which binds PI 3-kinase and PLC-γ1. Instead, PIKE-A specifically binds to active Akt and upregulates its activity in a GTP-dependent manner, mediating human cancer cell invasion and preventing apoptosis. Thus, PIKE extends its roles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, mediating cellular processes from cell invasion to programmed cell death.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/89/PMC1142212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4990381", "abstract": "Many resources are invested in research training, but very little literature exists on predictors for a successful PhD and postdoctoral training outcome. A PhD program has two overall objectives: to extend knowledge about a hopefully important health topic and to provide extensive training to improve the PhD student’s skills through learning research methods and collaboration. A substantial number of PhD students may run into some kind of problem in the course of their PhD program. In this article, some determinants all starting with an “I” and indicative of a good PhD outcome are reported. The successful PhD student can be described as having an Interest in the PhD program, an Incentive for the program, and an Idea of what he or she wants to investigate, showing Initiative, and having high personal Integrity and good Interpersonal relationships. When these so-called I-determinants are present, the likelihood of success in a PhD program is high. More evidence is available for selection of candidates for postdoctoral appointments since it is known that the postdoctoral candidate has completed a PhD program, published papers in peer-reviewed journals, and received awarded grants. However, other characteristics determine a successful transition of the postdoctoral candidate into a research leader. These determinants are Identity, Independence and Image, Implementation ability in terms of being able to implement decisions and projects, working with Innovative and Important topics, having In-depth knowledge of the research topic, being Interactive and Integrated with the scientific community, and Internationally oriented. In conclusion, regardless of the framework of research, the personal characteristics of a researcher play a very important role in the quality of research. Application of some of the principles mentioned in this article might allow decision to reach a more evidence-based way to recruit PhD students and postdoctorals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/45/clep-8-297.PMC4990381.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3912889", "abstract": "Multimodality image registration and fusion has complementary significance for guiding dental implant surgery. As the needs of the different resolution image registration, we develop an improved Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm that focuses on the registration of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) image and high-resolution Blue-light scanner image. The proposed algorithm includes two major phases, coarse and precise registration. Firstly, for reducing the matching interference of human subjective factors, we extract feature points based on curvature characteristics and use the improved three point's translational transformation method to realize coarse registration. Then, the feature point set and reference point set, obtained by the initial registered transformation, are processed in the precise registration step. Even with the unsatisfactory initial values, this two steps registration method can guarantee the global convergence and the convergence precision. Experimental results demonstrate that the method has successfully realized the registration of the Cone Beam CT dental model and the blue-ray scanner model with higher accuracy. So the method could provide researching foundation for the relevant software development in terms of the registration of multi-modality medical data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/4f/PMC3912889.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4526601", "abstract": "Introduction Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) remains the preferred least invasive treatment for urinary tract stones. The main purpose of this study was to compare two treatment modalities for pain control during the ESWL procedure. Material and methods From 2013 to 2014, 220 patients received ESWL for kidney stones. Before the procedure, the weight and height were measured to determine the body mass index (BMI); in addition, oxygen saturation and the pulse of the patients, as well as pain level were determined. The pain control provided included two different methods: diclofenac sodium plus hyoscine-N-butyl bromide in the first group and pethidine plus diazepam in the second group. The pain level of the patients was determined using two different scales: the Wong-Baker and the Visual Analogue scales (VAS). At the end of three sessions, all patients were evaluated for the stone fragmentation rate by plain abdominal X-ray, and the findings were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 220 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 91 patients in the first group (diclofenac sodium + hyoscine-N-butyl bromide) (male/female: 63/28) and 129 (male/female: 83/46) patients in the second group (pethidine HCL +diazepam). The mean age with SD according to each group was 42.03 (±16.43) and 42.56 (±14.23), respectively (p = 0.8). With regard to pain scores (using the Wong-Baker and VAS scales), the responses were significantly lower in the second group (p <0.001). Conclusions Pethidine in combination with diazepam was superior to diclofenac and Hyoscine-N-butyl bromide for pain in patients undergoing ESWL.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/48/CEJU-68-00479.PMC4526601.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4016906", "abstract": " Background. Increasing evidence argues that soluble CXCL16 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells in vitro. However, the role of transmembrane or cellular CXCL16 in cancer remains relatively unknown. In this study, we determine the function of cellular CXCL16 as tumor suppressor in breast cancer cells. Methods. Expression of cellular CXCL16 in breast cancer cell lines was determined at both RNA and protein levels. In vitro and in vivo studies that overexpressed or downregulated CXCL16 were conducted in breast cancer cells. Results. We report differential expression of cellular CXCL16 in breast cancer cell lines that was negatively correlated with cell invasiveness and migration. Overexpression of CXCL16 in MDA-MB-231 cells led to a decrease in cell invasion and migration and induced apoptosis of the cells; downregulation of CXCL16 in MCF-7 cells increased cell migration and invasiveness. Consistent with the in vitro data, CXCL16 overexpression inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. Conclusions. Cellular CXCL16 suppresses invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibits tumorigenesis in vivo. Targeting of cellular CXCL16 expression is a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/ab/PMC4016906.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5070422", "abstract": "Background: The migrants crossing the Mediterranean towards Europe have dramatically been increased in 2015 as the number of incidents and deaths Objective: This editorial summarizes the results of our work and highlights some critical aspects that hinder the care to asylum seekers with stress disorders. Method: Screening for mental disorders was performed in all migrants joint three camps in Sardinia (January-September 2015) using K6, Short Screening Scale for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and with an interview. Positives were evaluated by psychiatrists and if they needed, have been treated and evaluated at the start of treatment and three months later. Results: 22.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/e2/CPEMH-12-64.PMC5070422.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5023872", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Primary immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is a plasma cell disorder which mainly affects heart, kidneys, liver, and peripheral nervous system. Cases of atypical AL amyloidosis presented as spontaneous vertebral compression fractures have been rarely reported, and data about the management and clinical outcomes of the patients are scarce. Methods: Herein, we present 3 new cases of AL amyloidosis with spontaneous vertebral compression fracture and review 13 cases retrieved from the literature. Results: Moreover, we observed overrepresentations of liver involvement and bone marrow involvement in AL amyloidosis with spontaneous vertebral compression fracture. Conclusion: We believe that better awareness of the rare clinical presentation as spontaneous vertebral compression fracture of AL amyloidosis can facilitate earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/51/medi-95-e4603.PMC5023872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4055391", "abstract": " Background. Blocking nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilator prostanoids (PN) does not consistently reduce flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in young adults. The impact of aging on the contribution of NO and PG to FMD is unknown. Methods. FMD was measured in older adults (n = 10, 65 ± 3 y) after arterial infusion of saline, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and ketorolac + L-NMMA. Data were compared to published data in young adults. Results. L-NMMA reduced FMD in older adults (8.9 ± 3.6 to 5.9 ± 3.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3a/17/PMC4055391.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5418888", "abstract": "Eruptive seborrheic keratoses have been reported as a rare paraneoplastic dermatosis in the setting of internal malignancy, particularly that of the digestive tract. This case illustrates a patient with a family history of gastric cancer who presented with an acute eruption of inflamed pruritic seborrheic keratoses with annular and gyrate erythema, and was found to have endometrial adenocarcinoma. The inflammatory cutaneous eruption resolved shortly after surgical removal of the dysplastic uterine tissue. This case demonstrates an example of a common gynecological malignancy presenting in an uncommon way; in the absence of uterine bleeding, the patient’s skin manifestations in the form of a paraneoplastic dermatosis prompted timely diagnosis. Thus this case serves to raise awareness of cutaneous manifestations of a women’s health issue, in which early detection can impact health outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/eb/main.PMC5418888.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4777960", "abstract": "Purpose Dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) is a major cognitive communication disorder. The present study attempted to analyse communication disorders in DAT in the International Classification of Functions (ICF) framework. The study investigated the impact of the severity of communication disorders in persons with DAT on activity participation and environment components of the ICF. Method Thirty bilingual individuals with DAT in the age range of 65-88 years were classified into three groups of mild, moderate and severe degree of dementia. Forty-three items of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) were linked to the ICF framework. A few additional items were also added for a complete profiling of DAT. A total of 50 (ASHA FACS + ICF) items were rated and administered for the purpose of the study. Results The study revealed a disproportionate impact of the severity of DAT on activity participation and environment components of the ICF. Conclusion The present study investigated the utility of the ICF framework for profiling the functionality of persons with DAT. This profiling highlighted the need for ensuring effective communication and quality of life in the DAT population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/66/dee-0005-0459.PMC4777960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4948702", "abstract": "Introduction Supplemental posterior instrumentation has been widely used to enhance stability and improve fusion rates in higher risk patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). These typically involve posterior lateral mass or pedicle screw fixation with significant inherent risks and morbidities. More recently, cervical cages placed bilaterally between the facet joints (posterior cervical cages) have been used as a less disruptive alternative for posterior fixation. The purpose of this study was to compare the stability achieved by both posterior cages and ACDF at a single motion segment and determine the stability achieved with posterior cervical cages used as an adjunct to single- and multilevel ACDF. Methods Seven cadaveric cervical spine (C2–T1) specimens were tested in the following sequence: intact, C5–C6 bilateral posterior cages, C6–C7 plated ACDF with and without posterior cages, and C3–C5 plated ACDF with and without posterior cages. Range of motion in flexion–extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation was measured for each condition under moment loading up to ±1.5 Nm. Results All fusion constructs significantly reduced the range of motion compared to intact in flexion–extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation (P<0.05). Similar stability was achieved with bilateral posterior cages and plated ACDF at a single level. Posterior cages, when placed as an adjunct to ACDF, further reduced range of motion in both single- and multilevel constructs (P<0.05). Conclusion The biomechanical effectiveness of bilateral posterior cages in limiting cervical segmental motion is comparable to single-level plated ACDF. Furthermore, supplementation of single- and multilevel ACDF with posterior cervical cages provided a significant increase in stability and therefore may be a potential, minimally disruptive option for supplemental fixation for improving ACDF fusion rates.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/1c/mder-9-223.PMC4948702.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3433025", "abstract": "The idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis syndrome is a rare retinal vascular disorder characterized by multiple leaking aneurysmal dilations, retinal vasculitis, neuroretinitis and peripheral vascular ischemia. Visual loss mainly occurs due to the development of retinal neovascularization and/or exudative maculopathy. Although the treatment of choice has not yet been established, retinal photocoagulation seems to be the best option to control the disease and to prevent its progression. Herein, we report a case of idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis syndrome with both retinal neovascularization and macular exudation successfully managed with intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis®) as adjunctive therapy to retinal photocoagulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/d0/cop-0003-0251.PMC3433025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4110143", "abstract": " Background and Importance Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is an unusual and aggressive neoplasm characterized by the combination of teratoma and carcinosarcoma features that is often misdiagnosed based on a biopsy sample. Approximately 60 cases have been reported in the English literature, but none have been associated with serum tumor markers. We report a case of SNTCS with elevation of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level.  Clinical Presentation The patient was a 22-year-old pregnant woman at diagnosis, and her β-hCG level was appropriately elevated. Her initial treatment was a surgical resection followed by radiation therapy (RT). Two years later, the patient had a pregnancy work-up after a sexual assault. Her serum β-hCG was elevated, but a nongravid uterus was seen on ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed an intracranial tumor recurrence in the right frontal lobe. During salvage RT, β-hCG decreased rapidly to normal levels, with a complete tumor response on MRI. Retrospective examination of the initial surgical specimen showed expression of β-hCG associated with the anaplastic mesenchymal component.  Conclusion This is the first reported case of a β-hCG secreting SNTCS. The source of β-hCG production was traced to a neoplastic smooth muscle component of the tumor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/92/PMC4110143.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3465938", "abstract": "The study of a virus is made possible by the availability of culture systems in which the viral lifecycle can be realized. Such systems support robust virus entry, replication, assembly, and secretion of nascent virions. Furthermore, culture models provide a platform in which therapeutic interventions can be devised or monitored. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a restricted tropism to human and chimpanzees; thus investigations of HCV biology have been hindered for many years due to a lack of small animal models. Nevertheless, significant efforts have been directed at developing cell culture models to elucidate the viral lifecycle in vitro. HCV primarily infects liver parenchymal cells commonly known as hepatocytes. The liver is a highly specialized and complex organ and the development of in vitro systems that reflects this complexity has proven difficult. Consequently, host cell receptor molecules that potentiate HCV infection were identified over a decade after the virus was discovered. A summary of the various HCV in vitro culture models, their advantages, and disadvantages are described.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/40/PMC3465938.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4828923", "abstract": "To understand how ocean acidification (OA) influences sediment microbial communities, naturally CO2-rich sites are increasingly being used as OA analogues. However, the characterization of these naturally CO2-rich sites is often limited to OA-related variables, neglecting additional environmental variables that may confound OA effects. Here, we used an extensive array of sediment and bottom water parameters to evaluate pH effects on sediment microbial communities at hydrothermal CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea. The geochemical composition of the sediment pore water showed variations in the hydrothermal signature at seep sites with comparable pH, allowing the identification of sites that may better represent future OA scenarios. At these sites, we detected a 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/67/d9/fiw027.PMC4828923.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2742647", "abstract": "Herein we review the most recent advances in probiotic research and applications with particular emphasis on the novel concept of patho-biotechnology: the application of pathogen-derived (ex vivo and in vivo) stress survival strategies for the design of more technologically robust and effective probiotic cultures with improved biotechnological and clinical applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/4b/PMC2742647.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4736605", "abstract": " Objective. To examine patterns of hospitalisation for acute medical conditions in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Design. A retrospective study of hospitalisation using administrative data. Setting. All hospitals in NSW, Australia. Patients. All patients admitted with CAH and a random sample of admissions in patients aged 0 to 18 years without adrenal insufficiency (AI). Main Outcome Measures. Admissions and comorbidities by age and sex. Results. Of 573 admissions for medical problems in CAH children, 286 (49.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/41/PMC4736605.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5301127", "abstract": "Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly that refers to a completely reversed location of the abdominal and thoracic organs. We report the case of 50-year-old man with gastric cancer and SIT who was diagnosed during a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A chest X-ray, abdominopelvic computed tomography, and 18F-fluoro2-deoxyglucose-D-glucose-positron emission tomography scans revealed SIT. We performed a radical subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Advanced surgical skill is required to perform a precise lymphadenectomy in a patient with SIT by visualizing the exact mirror image of the anatomy during the operation. The patient had an uneventful intra- and postoperative course and was followed up at the outpatient department without any evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, surgery in a patient with gastric cancer and SIT can be safely performed by paying attention to the inverted anatomic structures during the operation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5b/62/cro-0010-0130.PMC5301127.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4588159", "abstract": "There is wide-spread interest in understanding the rate of transposable element movement within populations and between species. A recent study using interprecific crosses between D. buzzatii and D. koepferae indicated that transposition rates in hybrids may be quite high. However, we suggest caution should be taken in this interpretation since AFLP methods to detect transposition events may lead to overestimated rate estimates. Comparative analyses of genome instability received by different methods suggest that transposition rates can be higher in intraspecific crosses compared to interspecific crosses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/d3/kmge-05-04-1052895.PMC4588159.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4657389", "abstract": "Background Informed consent is the cornerstone for protection of human subjects in clinical trials. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that reform of the informed consent process in the United States is needed. Methods The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative conducted interviews with 25 experienced observers of the informed consent process to identify limitations and actionable recommendations for change. Results There was broad consensus that current practices often fail to meet the ethical obligation to inform potential research participants during the informed consent process. The most frequent single recommendation, which would affect all participants in federally regulated clinical research, was reform of the informed consent document. The interviews also identified the need for reform of clinical research review by institutional review boards, including transitioning to a single institutional review board for multi-site trials. Conclusion The consensus recommendations from the interviewees provide a framework for meaningful change in the informed consent process. Although some proposed changes are feasible for rapid implementation, others such as substantive reform of the informed consent document may require change in federal regulations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/dd/10.1177_1740774515594362.PMC4657389.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2638246", "abstract": "Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the color stability of three acrylic based hard liners (Ufi gel hard, Dura-Liner II, Tokuso Rebase) and two silicone based soft liners (Ufi gel permanent, Molloplast B) by using the colorimeter. Methods Sixty disc-shaped samples, with uniform size of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm in thickness were fabricated for each material. Thirty samples were made as control group in distilled water and the remaining thirty samples were weathered in accelerated aging chamber. Color measurements were made before and after distilled water and aging. Data were statistically analyzed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Data showed that there are significant differences among materials in both after distilled water and aging treatments (P<.001). These results indicated that the most discolored liner material was Dura Liner II after aging (ΔE*=16.30) and the least discolored material was Ufi gel permanent after distilled water (ΔE*=0.41). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, silicone based liner materials are considered to be more color stable than acrylic based liner materials.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/06/PMC2638246.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4540882", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of self-stretching of cervical muscles, because the accessory inspiratory muscle is considered to improve pulmonary function. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 healthy university students 19–21 years old who did not have any lung disease, respiratory dysfunction, cervical injury, or any problems upon cervical stretching. [Methods] Spirometry was used as a pulmonary function test to measure the slow vital capacity before and after stretching. The slow vital capacity of the experimental group was measured before and after cervical self-stretching. Meanwhile, the slow vital capacity of the control group, which did not perform stretching, was also measured before and after the intervention. [Results] The expiratory vital capacity, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume of the experimental group increased significantly after the cervical self-stretching. [Conclusion] Self-stretching of the cervical muscle (i.e., the inspiratory accessory muscle) improves slow vital capacity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9f/bc/jpts-27-2361.PMC4540882.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709731", "abstract": "We used the rat primary auditory cortex (A1) as a model to probe the effects of cholinergic enhancement on perceptual learning and auditory processing mechanisms in both young and old animals. Rats learned to perform a two-tone frequency discrimination task over the course of two weeks, combined with either the administration of a cholinesterase inhibitor or saline. We found that while both age groups learned the task more quickly through cholinergic enhancement, the young did so by improving target detection, whereas the old did so by inhibiting erroneous responses to nontarget stimuli. We also found that cholinergic enhancement led to marked functional and structural changes within A1 in both young and old rats. Importantly, we found that several functional changes observed in the old rats, particularly those relating to the processing and inhibition of nontargets, produced cortical processing features that resembled those of young untrained rats more so than those of older adult rats. Overall, these findings demonstrate that combining auditory training with neuromodulation of the cholinergic system can restore many of the auditory cortical functional deficits observed as a result of normal aging and add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that many age-related perceptual and neuroplastic changes are reversible. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/97/PMC4709731.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5193279", "abstract": "Marks presents “homeostatic theory” which proposes that weight gain is fostered by a “Circle of Discontent” consisting of body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and overconsumption. This innovative framework offers potential intervention approaches, including victim-blaming, stigma, and discrimination, as well as devalorizing the thin-ideal. Our article discusses possible ways that clinical health psychologists based in university settings may be uniquely positioned to consider and implement large-scale programs that have shown great promise for addressing these core issues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/95/10.1177_2055102916634361.PMC5193279.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4657811", "abstract": "Limited data exist on consumer beliefs and practices on the role of omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D dietary supplements and health. For this reason, the Global Health and Nutrition Alliance conducted an online survey in 3 countries (n = 3030; United States = 1022, Germany = 1002, United Kingdom = 1006) of a convenience sample of adults (aged 18–66 years) who represented the age, gender, and geographic composition within each country. More than half of the sample (52", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/07/PMC4657811.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4589630", "abstract": "Microglia activation and neuroinflammation are key events during the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Microglia exhibits toll-like receptors (TLRs), with predominant expression of TLR4, inducing aberrant neuroinflammation and exacerbated neurotoxicity. Studies suggest that microglia initiate infiltration of T cells into the brain that critically influence disease conditions. We report that LPS-Rs, through TLR4 antagonism, significantly inhibit TLR4 mediated inflammatory molecules like IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and NO. LPS-Rs regulates JNK/p38 MAPKs and p65-NF-κB signaling pathways, which we report as indispensible for LPS induced neuroinflammation. LPS-Rs mitigates microglial phagocytic activity and we are first to report regulatory role of LPS-Rs which blocked microglia mediated inflammation and apoptotic cell death. LPS-Rs significantly inhibits expression of costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, and CD40. Chemokine receptor, CCR5, and T cell recruitment chemokines, MIP-1α and CCL5, were negatively regulated by LPS-Rs. Furthermore, LPS-Rs significantly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation with skewed regulatory T (Treg) cell response as evidenced by increased FOXP3, IL-10, and TGF-β. Additionally, LPS-Rs serves to induce coordinated immunosuppressive response and confer tolerogenic potential to activated microglia extending neurosupportive microenvironment. TLR4 antagonism can be a strategy providing neuroprotection through regulation of microglia as well as the T cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2d/9e/PMC4589630.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4194507", "abstract": "This overview presents an introduction to the articles published in this issue of the Health Care Financing Review, entitled “Mental Health Services and Vulnerable Populations.” This article discusses the challenges the mental health and substance abuse (MH/SA) care system is confronted with in terms of equity and efficiency and how the system is responding to these challenges. It further addresses research issues in assessing the need and use of mental health services and summarizes recent activities in the research and evaluation of new delivery and payment systems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/c3/PMC4194507.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5251182", "abstract": "Background: Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world. Characterization of inflammatory responses produced in cutaneous leishmaniasis has not yet been completed. Methods: The specific primers were designed for ten pro-inflammatory genes including CCL4, CCL3, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-12P35, IL-12P40, CCL5, CCR5, IL-1β and IFN- γ and their expression were assessed and compared using RT-PCR in the lesion and peripheral blood neutrophils in Leishmania infected BALB/c mice. Results: None of the pro-inflammatory genes was expressed in the healthy tissue and except IFN-γ others were down-regulated by the parasite in the lesion in untreated mice. In mice treated with anti-Leishmanial drugs, the expression of the pro-inflammatory genes restarted. The figure of pro-inflammatory gene expression in neutrophils was different was from the lesions in treated and untreated mice. Conclusion: Leishmania is capable to suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the lesions but not in neutrophils. The expression of TNF-α in the lesions and down-regulation of IL-1β in neutrophils could be accounted as an indication for healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The results open a new window on characterization of Leishmania lesions and clarifying the role of neutrophils in Leishmania infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/08/PMC5251182.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5068144", "abstract": "Nonunion of the humerus in a severely osteoporotic bone is a likely event especially if the fracture is transverse. The management of such a combination is a challenge. Most of the conventional fixation methods are unlikely to succeed as the bone failure precedes implant failure in osteoporosis. The challenge is further compounded in severe osteoporosis when the cortical thickness is affected more severely. We used a combination of an intramedullary fibula with a locking plate in 5 cases. The results show that it may be a good combination in such situations as the bone strength is augmented and the plate pullout is less likely.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/ab/main.PMC5068144.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4814669", "abstract": " Purpose. Ocular siderosis (OS) is a sight threatening complication of retained iron-containing Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB). Successful localization of the IOFB and timely removal are crucial to its management. The purpose of this study was to review the presentation, management, and outcome of OS at our institution. Methods. A retrospective case series of eyes with OS that underwent IOFB removal from January 2009 to March 2015 at our institution. Results. OS was seen in 9 eyes of 9 patients during the study period. There were 8 males and 1 female with an age range of 31.6 years. An IOFB was in all the eyes. The most common features of siderosis were cataract and pigmentary retinopathy seen in 6 (67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/90/PMC4814669.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897131", "abstract": "The relationship between vitamin D status and asthma has been subject to several studies in the last decade. Epidemiological data suggest that incidence of asthma and atopic diseases increased significantly in most Westernized countries. The significant variation between countries suggests that besides genetic factors, environmental aspects play a role in the pathogenesis of atopy. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is high in many industrialized countries. In addition to its relationship with bone metabolism, vitamin D is recognized as an immunomodulator, with important effects on both adaptive and innate immunity. Correlations between vitamin D status and asthma have been formulated, with a considerable interest in assessing whether this vitamin protects against or reduces asthma morbidity. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding vitamin D status throughout Europe and its influence over asthma and allergic rhinitis prevalence. Geographical latitude and dietary habits may explain the lower prevalence of allergic disease in Albania. We also consider the effects of vitamin D supplementation in allergic disease. Several clinical trials are under way and their results are needed in order to make definitive recommendations about the optimal dose of vitamin D for prevention and treatment of asthma and allergic disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/f5/PMC4897131.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2570435", "abstract": "IL-18 has proinflammatory effects and participates in both innate and adaptive cellular and humoral immunity. A number of SNPs that influence IL-18 production are found in the gene promoter region. We investigated the association of SNPs in the IL-18 promoter at −607 and −137 with the level of IL-18 protein production by PBMC from healthy donors from Southwestern Siberia. The genetic distribution of these SNPs in the promoter site was established by PCR. IL-18 protein production was determined by ELISA. Our results showed that PBMC from donors carrying allele 137C have lower levels of both spontaneous and LPS-stimulated IL-18 production. In contrast, PBMC from donors carrying allele 607A showed significant increases in spontaneous and stimulated IL-18 production compared to wild type. Our study suggests that the SNPs −607 and −137 in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene influence the level of IL-18 protein production by PBMC from healthy donors in Southwestern Siberia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/fa/PMC2570435.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3719307", "abstract": "Background This case-control study was designed with the aim of evaluating the role of sperm, oxidative stress and DNA damage in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL). This pilot study is the first study done on the Indian population which reports the association between DFI, TAC and ROS in couples experiencing iRSA. Methods Twenty infertile men with a history of iRPL and 20 fertile controls (having fathered a child a year earlier) were included in the study which was performed in Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, India, from March 2010 to July 2011. The female partners of the participants were normal on gynaecological examination and had normal endocrine and blood profiles. Conventional semen analysis was performed (concentration, motility, morphology; WHO criteria, 2010) within 1 hour of sample collection. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by luminol-dependant chemiluminescence. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was quantified by ELISA. The Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was performed by flow cytometry to determine DNA fragmentation Index (DFI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15 and parameters were compared by Mann-Whitney test. Pearson correlation test was used to find the correlation between parameters and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was applied to find out the cut-off value of DNA fragmentation index. Results No significant differences in age, seminal volume, liquefaction time, pH and sperm concentration were observed between the male partner of iRPL cases and the controls, but sperm morphology and motility were significantly (p <0.05) lower in the male partner of cases with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The mean ROS levels observed were 47427.00 relative light unit (RLU)/min/20 million sperm in the male partners as compared to 13644.57 RLU/ min/20 million sperm in the controls (normal <15000 RLU/min/20 million). The mean TAC levels in the controls (6.95 mM trolox) were significantly (p <0.05) higher as compared to the male partners of women with IRPL (2.98 mM trolox). The average mean DFI of male partners were found to be 23.37±9.9 and the mean DFI of controls was 13.89±5.40. The mean DFI was significantly (p <0.05) higher when compared to the controls. The range of DFI in male partners was 8.50–44.07. However, in the controls the range was 7.70–23.50. Conclusion Sperm DNA integrity is critical for normal embryonic development and birth of healthy offspring. Oxidative stress due to the imbalance between raised free radical levels and low total antioxidant capacity is one of the critical causes of DNA damage. Thus assay of oxidative stress and sperm genomic integrity is essential in couples with iRSA following natural and spontaneous conception.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/95/JRI-12-267.PMC3719307.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3362874", "abstract": "Encoded by a single gene, PEDF is a 50 kDa glycoprotein that is highly conserved and is widely expressed among many tissues. Most secreted PEDF deposits within the extracellular matrix, with cell-type-specific functions. While traditionally PEDF is known as a strong antiangiogenic factor, more recently, as this paper highlights, PEDF has been linked with stem cell biology, and there is now accumulating evidence demonstrating the effects of PEDF in a variety of stem cells, mainly in supporting stem cell survival and maintaining multipotency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/7b/PMC3362874.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3566398", "abstract": "Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of infection in Polish long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to analyse the capabilities and legitimacy of implementing continuous targeted surveillance. Methods  The study investigated the relationship between the presence of infection and health status, tested using a point prevalence study (PPS) and incidence study. A 1-day PPS was carried out in October 2009, with prospective continuous surveillance between December 2009 and November 2010. Infections were defined according to McGeer’s criteria.  Results The surveillance encompassed 193 people. The prevalence was 14.0 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/11/1d/PMC3566398.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4987483", "abstract": "Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are unique subset of innate-like T cells recognizing glycolipids. iNKT cells can rapidly produce copious amounts of cytokines upon antigen stimulation and exert potent immunomodulatory activities for a wide variety of immune responses and diseases. We have revealed the regulatory effect of iNKT cells on autoimmunity with a serial of publications. On the other hand, the role of iNKT cells in parasitic infections, especially in recently attractive topic “hygiene hypothesis,” has not been clearly defined yet. Bacterial and parasitic cell wall is a cellular structure highly enriched in a variety of glycolipids and lipoproteins, some of which may serve as natural ligands of iNKT cells. In this review, we mainly summarized the recent findings on the roles and underlying mechanisms of iNKT cells in parasite infections and their cross-talk with Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and innate lymphoid cells. In most cases, iNKT cells exert regulatory or direct cytotoxic roles to protect hosts against parasite infections. We put particular emphasis as well on the identification of the natural ligands from parasites and the involvement of iNKT cells in the hygiene hypothesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/a1/PMC4987483.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4485979", "abstract": "Visual search is impaired when a salient task-irrelevant stimulus is presented together with the target. Recent research has shown that this attentional capture effect is enhanced when the salient stimulus matches working memory (WM) content, arguing in favor of attention guidance from WM. Visual attention was also shown to be closely coupled with action planning. Preparing a movement renders action-relevant perceptual dimensions more salient and thus increases search efficiency for stimuli sharing that dimension. The present study aimed at revealing common underlying mechanisms for selective attention, WM, and action planning. Participants both prepared a specific movement (grasping or pointing) and memorized a color hue. Before the movement was executed towards an object of the memorized color, a visual search task (additional singleton) was performed. Results showed that distraction from target was more pronounced when the additional singleton had a memorized color. This WM-guided attention deployment was more pronounced when participants prepared a grasping movement. We argue that preparing a grasping movement mediates attention guidance from WM content by enhancing representations of memory content that matches the distractor shape (i.e., circles), thus encouraging attentional capture by circle distractors of the memorized color. We conclude that templates for visual search, action planning, and WM compete for resources and thus cause interferences. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/09/PMC4485979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3079137", "abstract": "After developing sudden severe chest pain, an 11-year-old boy presented to the emergency room with chest pain and palpitations and was unable to stand up. The sudden onset of chest pain was first reported while swimming at school about 30 minutes prior to presentation. Arterial blood pressure (BP) was 150/90 mmHg, heart rate was 120/minute, and the chest pain was combined with shortness of breath and diaphoresis. During the evaluation in the emergency room, the chest pain worsened and abdominal pain developed. An aortic dissection was suspected and a chest and abdomen CT was obtained. The diagnosis of aortic dissection type B was established by CT imaging. The patient went to surgery immediately with BP control. He died prior to surgery due to aortic rupture. Here we present this rare case of aortic dissection type B with rupture, reported in an 11-year-old Korean child.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/8d/kcj-41-156.PMC3079137.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4582529", "abstract": "Sonomammography is often the first additional examination performed in the diagnostics of breast diseases. The development of ultrasound imaging techniques, particularly the introduction of high frequency transducers, matrix transducers, harmonic imaging and finally, elastography, influenced the improvement of breast disease diagnostics. Nevertheless, as in each imaging method, there are errors and mistakes resulting from the technical limitations of the method, breast anatomy (fibrous remodeling), insufficient sensitivity and, in particular, specificity. Errors in breast ultrasound diagnostics can be divided into impossible to be avoided and potentially possible to be reduced. In this article the most frequently made errors in ultrasound have been presented, including the ones caused by the presence of artifacts resulting from volumetric averaging in the near and far field, artifacts in cysts or in dilated lactiferous ducts (reverberations, comet tail artifacts, lateral beam artifacts), improper setting of general enhancement or time gain curve or range. Errors dependent on the examiner, resulting in the wrong BIRADS-usg classification, are divided into negative and positive errors. The sources of these errors have been listed. The methods of minimization of the number of errors made have been discussed, including the ones related to the appropriate examination technique, taking into account data from case history and the use of the greatest possible number of additional options such as: harmonic imaging, color and power Doppler and elastography. In the article examples of errors resulting from the technical conditions of the method have been presented, and those dependent on the examiner which are related to the great diversity and variation of ultrasound images of pathological breast lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/45/PMC4582529.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3529867", "abstract": "The aim of this investigation was to develop and optimize bisoprolol fumarate matrix tablets for sustained release application by response surface methodology based on 23 factorial design. The effects of the amounts of calcium alginate, HPMC K4M, and Carbopol 943 in bisoprolol fumarate matrix tablets on the properties of bisoprolol fumarate sustained release matrix tablets like drug release and hardness were analyzed and optimized. The observed responses were coincided well with the predicted values by the experimental design. The optimized bisoprolol fumarate matrix tablets showed prolonged sustained release of bisoprolol fumarate over 6 hours. These matrix tablets followed the first-order model with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/6d/PMC3529867.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4449502", "abstract": "Abstract Background Students emotional health and bullying behavior are receiving greater attention worldwide due to their long-term effects on students’ health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived school climate, peer support, teacher support, school pressure and emotional health and bullying among adolescent school students in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to recruit a sample of 1166 in-school adolescents in Amman between November 2013 and January 2014. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select respondents and Health Behavior in School Aged Children questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation to detect relationships among study variables. Results Significant correlations (P value was ≤.05) were found between school climate including teacher and peer support and emotional health and bullying behavior of school students. School pressure was not correlated significantly with emotional health and bullying. Conclusion Study findings emphasize the importance of school related factors in influencing students’ emotional health and bullying behavior. This indicates that the issue of bullying and emotional health of students in Jordanian schools requires further attention, both for future research and preventive intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/5f/PMC4449502.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3920806", "abstract": " Background. Sarcomatoid variant of urothelial carcinoma (SVUC) was added to the WHO classification in 2004. Aims. To review the literature. Materials and Method. Various internet databases were used. Result. SVUCs are rare biphasic malignant neoplasms exhibiting morphologic/immunohistochemical evidence of epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation with the presence or absence of heterologous elements. Some cases of SVUC have been associated with radiation therapy and cyclophosphamide treatment. Patients' ages range from 50 to 77 years (mean age 66). Patients tend to be younger and they more commonly presented with high-grade histology and advanced stage disease, in comparison with patients who had conventional urothelial carcinoma (CUC). Results of molecular/genetic studies strongly argue for a common monoclonal cell origin of both the epithelial and mesenchymal components in SUVC. The cancer specific survival of SVUC is poor in comparison with CUC. Radical surgical excision and chemoradiation may be associated with improved prognosis; chemoradiation as an organ preserving alternative to radical excision may be associated with improved outcome. There is no consensus opinion on the best treatment modalities for SUVC. Conclusions. SVUC is rare and is associated with inferior outcome compared with CUC. A multicentre trial of various treatment options is required. Cases of SVUC should be reported.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/d5/PMC3920806.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3256309", "abstract": "Transurethral resection of the prostate is the most common surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it doesn't work best for men with very large prostate and bladder stones. Herein we report our initial experience with concomitant laparoendoscopic single-site surgery and finger-assisted single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of the condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/2e/inj-15-228.PMC3256309.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2952148", "abstract": "Background:   Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in mood disorders is one of the most robust findings in biological psychiatry. However, considerable debate surrounds the nature of the core abnormality, its cause, consequences and treatment implications. Aims:  To review the evidence for the role of HPA axis dysfunction in the pathophysiology of mood disorders with particular reference to corticosteroid receptor pathology. Methods:  A selective review of the published literature in this field, focusing on human studies. Results:  The nature of basal HPA axis dysregulation described in both manic and depressed bipolars appears to be similar to those described in MDD. But studies using the dexamethasone/ corticotropin releasing hormone (dex/CRH) test and dexamethasone suppression test (DST) have shown that HPA axis dysfunction is more prevalent in bipolar than in unipolar disorder. There is robust evidence for corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) hyperdrive and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) dysfunction in mood disorders, with increasing evidence for disorders within the AVP system. Conclusion:  HPA axis dysfunction is prevalent in patients with mood disorder, particularly those with psychotic disorders and bipolar affective disorder. This may be secondary to genetic factors, early life adversities or both. Dysfunction of GR may be the underlying abnormality and preliminary findings suggest that it is a potential target for novel therapies. Declaration of interest:  None", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/0b/IJPsy-45-5.PMC2952148.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3499906", "abstract": "Background HIV prevalence trends in Tanzania differ between socioeconomic groups. While HIV prevalence was initially higher among those with higher levels of educational attainment, it has fallen fastest among these groups. Among those with lower levels of education HIV prevalence has been stable. The behavioural dynamics underlying this phenomenon remain unclear, and a theory to guide interpretation of these trends and enable predictions of future patterns has not emerged. Methods We analysed data from two large nationally representative surveys conducted in Tanzania in 2003/2004 and 2007/2008. We focused on young people aged 15 to 24 years and explored reports of (i) first sex, (ii) having had more than one sexual partner in the last year and (iii) unprotected last sex with a non-cohabiting partner. Our analysis explored whether the behaviours differed by educational attainment in 2003/2004 and in 2007/2008, and whether changes over time in these behaviours differed between educational groups. Results The rate of first sex was lower among more educated males in 2007/2008 but not in 2003/2004, and among females in both surveys. The change over time in educational patterning of the rate of first sex in males was mostly due to a declining rate among the secondary educated groups. Among males, having had more than one sexual partner in the last year was associated with lower education in 2003/2004 and in 2007/2008. Among females, those with less education were more likely to report more than one partner in 2003/2004, although by 2007/2008 there was little association between education and reporting more than one partner. Unprotected last sex with a non-cohabiting partner was less common among the more educated. Among both sexes this decreased over time among those with no education and increased among those with secondary education. Conclusions Patterns of behaviour suggest that differences in HIV incidence might explain trends in HIV prevalence among different educational groups in Tanzania between 2003/2004 and 2007/2008. The “inverse equity hypothesis” from child health research might partially help explain the changing social epidemiology of HIV incidence in Tanzania.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/f4/JIAS-15-17363.PMC3499906.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5426168", "abstract": "Context and Objective: Simvastatin is a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug, which has been found to have a number of pleiotropic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of simvastatin against selected oral streptococci as determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Methods: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus anginosus, and Streptococcus salivarius were the test microorganisms. The serial dilution method was used to determine the MIC of simvastatin against these organisms. The MIC was defined as the lowest concentration of simvastatin that completely inhibited growth of the test organisms. Results: The data indicate that simvastatin inhibits the growth of the test organisms, with MIC's ranging from 7.8 to 15.6 μg/ml. Conclusions: Simvastatin has MIC's against the selected bacteria that compare favorably with reported values for topical agents such as essential oil, chlorhexidine gluconate, and triclosan. The levels of simvastatin required to inhibit bacterial growth of oral bacteria exceed the reported levels of the drug found in plasma or crevicular fluid of patients who are treated with this cholesterol-lowering drug. However, clinical studies are warranted to investigate the potential use of simvastatin as a novel antiplaque agent that could be used in local drug delivery to the oral cavity of those patients who are prescribed this cholesterol-lowering drug.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/2a/CCD-8-59.PMC5426168.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4772939", "abstract": "Tetrabenazine is used in the treatment of chorea, tardive dyskinesia, tics, and dystonia. It rarely causes acute eyeball dystonia and the description of this complication in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is limited. We provide a description of an acute oculogyric crisis caused by tetrabenazine in a patient with severe tics. The patient had never developed acute dystonic reactions, although he was previously exposed to numerous dopamine receptor-blocking agents. After 8 days of therapy with tetrabenazine at a dose of 62.5 mg daily, the patient developed involuntary movement of the eyeballs. Withdrawal of tetrabenazine caused resolution of all symptoms after a week. The purpose of this description is to draw attention to the potential of tetrabenazine to induce acute oculogyric crisis as well as the difficulty of differentiating drug-induced dystonia from dystonic tics in patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/cd/ndt-12-497.PMC4772939.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4228598", "abstract": "A secondary neoplasm of the thyroid gland is a distinctly uncommon cause of thyroid enlargement. These tumors mimic primary thyroid gland tumors and often lead to diagnostic difficulties. We report an interesting case of secondary thyroid tumor coexisting with a micropapillary carcinoma in an elderly male patient following a radical nephrectomy done 15 years prior for a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Interestingly, the previously described coincidental association of thyroid and pancreatic metastases in a metastatic RCC was also noted in our patient as was demonstrated in the positron emission tomography-computed tomography which was done as part of the metastatic workup. This association needs to be further explored as also the role of palliative thyroidectomy in the setting of a metastatic RCC. The possibility of metastatic RCC should be kept as a differential during the course of the evaluation of clear cell renal tumor of the thyroid gland.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/00/IJNM-29-273.PMC4228598.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3985793", "abstract": "A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital with visual disturbance, weakness of the left upper and lower limbs, and gait disturbance. He had previously received transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 3 and 10 years ago. When he had received radiofrequency ablation for HCC recurrence 2 years ago, total gastrectomy was also performed for his gastric cancer. Subsequently, sorafenib had been administrated for concomitant lung metastatic tumors. On admission, MRI revealed an intra-axial tumor with perifocal edema. The level of carcinoembryonic antigen, but not alpha-fetoprotein, markedly increased. The tumor was successfully removed by craniotomy and pathological examination revealed that it was composed of adenocarcinoma, which was consistent with the primary gastric cancer. After surgery, his neurological disturbances rapidly resolved. Additional gamma-knife treatment was also performed for another small brain metastasis detected after craniotomy. Subsequently, sorafenib administration was discontinued and S-1 was administered postoperatively. Successful treatment of intracranial metastasis of gastric cancer is important and meaningful, even in patients with multiple primary malignancies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/95/cro-0007-0199.PMC3985793.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3482070", "abstract": "Cryoglobulinemia induces an immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis that is characterized by the presence of large immune deposits, including complement C3 and C5b-9, marked macrophage influx and mesangial cell proliferation. The precise role of complement in cryoglobulin-induced glomerulonephritis in humans remains unclear, whereas in mice there has been evidence that complement activation might be a central factor favoring glomerular inflammation, particularly by the recruitment of neutrophils. We report on an exceptional case of cryoglobulin-induced glomerulonephritis in a patient with mixed essential cryoglobulinemia type II. The clinical features included relapsing proteinuria and renal function impairment that were controlled by plasmapheresis. Complement was low in plasma and two renal biopsies at 1-year interval showed prominent immunoglobulin and complement deposits, with unusual high numbers of neutrophils. In a 1-patient clinical trial, we tested whether the monoclonal anti-C5 antibody eculizumab would be sufficient to control renal function at the time of a relapse. Although during the initial weeks renal function was stabilized, slow increase in creatinine could not be controlled by this treatment, so that plasmapheresis was reinstituted. This result suggests that despite evidence for a role of complement in enhancing renal damage in this patient, other inflammatory processes dominated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/a0/cru-0002-0038.PMC3482070.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4171898", "abstract": "Aim: To explore the clinical safety and effectiveness of insulin detemir (IDet) in a subgroup of Indian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) switched from either insulin glargine (IGlar) or neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin in the 24-week, non-interventional A1chieve study. Materials and Methods: Indian patients with T2D switching from pre-study IGlaror NPH insulin to IDet were included. Safety and effectiveness outcomes were evaluated by the physicians in local clinical settings. Results: A total of 102 patients switched from IGlar to IDet (GLA group) and 39 patients switched from NPH insulin to IDet (NEU group). At baseline, the mean glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were 9.9 ± 1.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/e0/IJEM-18-715.PMC4171898.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2664956", "abstract": "Technological and analytical advances have led to an unprecedented catalog of genomic regions associated with a broad range of clinically relevant phenotypes in humans. However, some examples notwithstanding, the causes of the overwhelming majority of genetic diseases remain obscure. More importantly, an emerging lesson from genome-wide association studies is that, in most instances, the resolution necessary for identifying actual genes that underlie the phenotype is limited, as is our ability to develop mechanistic, testable disease models from such studies. These new realities will probably necessitate a paradigm shift in our approach to complex traits, for which the combinatorial application of genomic and functional studies will be necessary to understand the mechanism and pathology of genetic disease. Here I will discuss these issues and highlight how additional sequencing and genotyping of ever-increasing cohort sizes without functional interpretation is unlikely to improve our ability to dissect the genetic basis of complex traits.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/20/PMC2664956.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3985341", "abstract": " Objective. Recent studies have demonstrated that enteric glial cells (EGC) participate in the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated whether enteroglial markers, including S100B protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), can serve as noninvasive indicators of EGC activation and disease activity in UC patients.  Methods. This clinical prospective study included 35 patients with UC and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. The diagnosis of UC was based on standard clinical, radiological, endoscopic, and histological criteria. Clinical disease activity was evaluated using the Modified Truelove-Witts Severity Index. Serum samples were analyzed for human GFAP and S100B using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results. GFAP was not detected in the serum of either UC patients or controls  (P > 0.05). However, we found a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the serum S100B levels in the UC patients. No correlation between the serum S100B level and the disease activity or duration was observed (P > 0.05). The serum S100B levels did not differ between UC patients with active disease (24 patients, 68.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/73/09/PMC3985341.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4099176", "abstract": "Six Sigma methodology has been successfully applied to daily operations by several leading global private firms including GE and Motorola, to leverage their net profits. Comparatively, limited studies have been conducted to find out whether this highly successful methodology can be applied to research and development (R   D). In the current study, we have reviewed and proposed a process for a probable integration of Six Sigma methodology to large-scale production of Penicillin G and its subsequent conversion to 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA). It is anticipated that the important aspects of quality control and quality assurance will highly benefit from the integration of Six Sigma methodology in mass production of Penicillin G and/or its conversion to 6-APA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/99/PMC4099176.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3022203", "abstract": "Imaging through the visual system in Alzheimer's disease, with the technology currently in widespread use for the diagnosis and management of eye disease such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, is proving to be promising. In vivo cross-section imaging during an annual comprehensive eye exam has been available for a decade for glaucoma and macular degeneration, and this same imaging, using Optical Coherence Tomography, has been demonstrated to show deficits specific to AD and mild cognitive impairment. These deficits are in the form of nerve fiber layer tissue drop out in the retina and optic nerve. The retrograde loss of nerve fiber layer tissue in the retina and optic nerve may be an early biomarker of AD, and these deficits in the nerve fiber layer of the retina and optic nerve may be the earliest sign of AD, even prior to damage to the hippocampal region that impacts memory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/68/PMC3022203.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2442627", "abstract": "Some immunologists have characterized T helper (Th)17 T cells as the master mediators of tissue damage in a variety of pathological conditions. New data now demonstrate that Th1 and Th17 T cells are independently capable of inducing disease in two established models of autoimmunity. Thus, the role of Th17 cytokines as the central mediators of pathological tissue damage seems to require clarification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/fd/jem2051517.PMC2442627.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3155154", "abstract": "Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin secreted by most cell types, and are thought to play important roles in intercellular communications. Although exosomes were originally described in 1983, interest in these vesicles has really increased dramatically in the last 3 years, after the finding that they contain mRNA and microRNA. This discovery sparked renewed interest for the general field of membrane vesicles involved in intercellular communications, and research on these structures has grown exponentially over the last few years, probing their composition and function, as well as their potential value as biomarkers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/c7/biolrep-03-15.PMC3155154.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4514617", "abstract": "In this work we present data on transuranium nuclides 238Pu, 239,240Pu, 241Am, 242Cm and 244Cm in effluents discharged to air (activity concentrations and annually discharged activities of individual radionuclides) from 7 stacks in 2004–2009. In the effluents discharged to air from one stack low activities of transuranium nuclides were observed throughout the studied period. Transuranium nuclides had been discharged to air from this stack also in previous years since 1996 when defect in the cladding of a fuel element and consequent contamination of the primary circuit occurred. In the effluents discharged to air from another stack transuranium nuclides were observed only in some monitoring periods of studied years. We could not prove the presence of transuranium nuclides in the effluents of the other stacks up to 2006. The transuranium nuclides in discharged effluents were registered in the second half-year of 2006. In 2007–2008 especially low activities of 241Am were found in these effluents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/48/10967_2010_Article_768.PMC4514617.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4137643", "abstract": "Biologic products are being developed over the past three decades. The expiry of patent protection for many biological medicines has led to the development of biosimilars in UK or follow on biologics in USA. This article reviews the literature on biosimilar drugs that covers the therapeutic status and regulatory guidelines. Appraisal of published articles from peer reviewed journals for English language publications, search from PubMed, and guidelines from European Medicines Agency, US Food Drug Administration (FDA) and India were used to identify data for review. Literature suggest that biosimilars are similar biological products, i.e., comparable but not identical to the reference product, are not generic version of innovator product and do not ensure therapeutic equivalence. Biosimilars present more challenges than conventional generics and marketing approval is also more complicated. To improve access, US Congress passed the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation act 2009 and US FDA allowed “abbreviated pathway” for their approval. U.S law has defined new standards and terms and EMA scientific guidelines have also set detailed approval standards. India being one of the most preferred manufacturing destinations of biosimilars, there is a need for stringent safety and regulatory guidelines. The New India Guidelines “Draft Guidelines on Similar Biologics were announced in June 2012, by Department of Biotechnology at Boston bio and available online.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/9e/IJABMR-4-63.PMC4137643.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC455677", "abstract": "Resistance management for Bt-transgenic crops relies in part on the production of sufficient numbers of susceptible insects in non-toxic refuges. Simulation models suggested that source-sink dynamics could interact with the structure of refuges to impact the production of insects in these areas. We tested the hypothesis that altering isolation between refuges and transgenic cotton by manipulating the width of refuges embedded within cotton fields would alter the density of Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa zea eggs oviposited in refuges. Three categories of refuge widths were tested over two years: they included narrow (16–24m wide), medium (32-48m wide) and wide (80–96m wide) refuges. Isolation between the two habitats increased as refuge width increased. In 1996, eggs of H. virescens from H. zea were not distinguished, but a significant increase in the density of eggs and a significant decrease in relative yield (refuge yield compared to the yield from immediately surrounding Bt-cotton) was found as refuge width increased. In 1997, eggs from H. virescens were analyzed separately from H. zea using an ELISA test. The density of H. virescens eggs increased with increasing refuge width, and there was a significant decline in density of H. virescens eggs with increasing distance from the refuge. In contrast, there was no impact of refuge width on the density of H. zea eggs, nor was the slope of a regression of egg density and distance from the refuge significantly different from zero. We suggest that these differences reflect differences in the biology of the two insects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/62/PMC455677.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5054149", "abstract": "High-throughput genotyping chips have produced huge datasets for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have contributed greatly to discovering susceptibility genes for complex diseases. There are two strategies for performing data analysis for GWAS. One strategy is to use open-source or commercial packages that are designed for GWAS. The other is to take advantage of classic genetic programs with specific functions, such as linkage disequilibrium mapping, haplotype inference and transmission disequilibrium tests. However, most classic programs that are available are not suitable for analyzing chip data directly and require custom-made input, which results in the inconvenience of converting raw genotyping files into various data formats. We developed a powerful, user-friendly, lightweight program named SNPTransformer for GWAS that includes five major modules (Transformer, Operator, Previewer, Coder and Simulator). The toolkit not only works for transforming the genotyping files into ten input formats for use with classic genetics packages, but also carries out useful functions such as relational operations on IDs, previewing data files, recoding data formats and simulating marker files, among other functions. It bridges upstream raw genotyping data with downstream genetic programs, and can act as an in-hand toolkit for human geneticists, especially for non-programmers. SNPTransformer is freely available at http://snptransformer.sourceforge.net.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/03/main.PMC5054149.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2815325", "abstract": "Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory disease, and chemokines play an important role in both initiation and progression of atherosclerosis development. Leukotactin-1 (Lkn-1/CCL15), a new member of the human CC chemokine family, is a potent chemoattractant for leukocytes. Our previous study has demonstrated that Lkn-1/CCL15 plays a role in the initiation of atherosclerosis, however, little is currently known whether Lkn-1/CCL15 is associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis by altering the vulnerability of plaque rupture. In the present study, we examined whether Lkn-1/CCL15 modulates MMP-9 release, which is a prevalent form expressed by activated macrophages and foam cells. Human THP-1 monocytic cells and/or human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) were treated with phorbol myristate acetate to induce their differentiation into macrophages. Foam cells were prepared by the treatment of THP-1 macrophages with human oxidized LDL. The macrophages and foam cells were treated with Lkn-1/CCL15, and the levels of MMP-9 release were measured by Gelatin Zymography. Lkn-1/CCL15 significantly enhanced the levels of MMP-9 protein secretion from THP-1 monocytic cells-derived macrophages, human PBMC-derived macrophages, as well as macrophage-derived foam cell in a dose dependent manner. Our data suggest that the action of Lkn-1/CCL15 on macrophages and foam cells to release MMP-9 may contribute to plaque destabilization in the progression of atherosclerosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/78/nrp-2-134.PMC2815325.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4436508", "abstract": "Ketogenic diet has been shown to be efficacious in some epileptic encephalopathies but rarely reported as being useful in children with Ohtahara syndrome. This could possibly be attributed to the rarity of the disease and associated short survival period. We report on a 5-year-old child with Ohtahara syndrome, whose seizures failed to improve with all known medications, continued to show persistent suppression-burst pattern on the electroencephalography (EEG) and had substantial reduction in seizure frequency for one year post-initiation of ketogenic diet. He has not had a single visit to the emergency room because of seizures in the last one year, and more importantly, there has been a clear improvement noted in his level of interaction and temperament. Patients with Ohtahara syndrome invariably have medically intractable seizures and catastrophic neurodevelopmental outcome. Ketogenic diet is a treatment modality that might be worth considering even in this group of patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/ce/main.PMC4436508.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3177365", "abstract": "Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is actually the most used method of revascularization. Although complete revascularization remains a desirable goal, it may not be possible or not easy to plan in many patients. Thus, incomplete revascularization might be a preferred treatment strategy in selected patient categories. Stress myocardial scintigraphy, because of its high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value and its ability to assess location and extent of myocardial ischemia regardless of symptoms as well as to evaluate patients who are unable to exercise or who have uninterpretable electrocardiogram, is of paramount importance for clinical decision making in patients with multivessel disease and incomplete revascularization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/1b/PMC3177365.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3713901", "abstract": "Emotional status and its brain bases change in a chronic pain patient and this change affects his/her decision making ability. Moreover, it is accepted that a mentally disturbed individual is not competent to make critical decisions. According to these bases, this article demonstrates that such patients are not entitled to request voluntary euthanasia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/69/jmehm-1-2.PMC3713901.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3364660", "abstract": "Background: The new thrust by WHO is healthy life expectancy. Therefore, health must be more than morbidity. It is within this framework that a study on childhood health in Jamaica is of vital importance. Aims: This study 1) expands the health literature in Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean, 2) will aid public health practitioners with research findings upon which they are able to further improve the quality of life of children, 3) investigates the age at with children in Jamaica become influenced by particular chronic diseases and 4) assesses the subjective wellbeing of children. Methods: The current study extracted a sample of 8,373 and 2,104 children 0-14 years from two surveys collected jointly by the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Statistics Institute of Jamaica for 2002 and 2007 respectively. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: Ninety-one percent of children in Jamaica, for 2007, reported good health. The number of children who had diarrhea fell by 84.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/6e/NAJMS-1-160.PMC3364660.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3470900", "abstract": "As a potential intermediary feedstock, succinic acid takes an important place in bulk chemical productions. For the first time, a method combining Plackett-Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent method (SA), and Box-Behnken design (BBD) was developed to optimize Actinobacillus succinogenes ATCC 55618 fermentation medium. First, glucose, yeast extract, and MgCO3 were identified to be key medium components by PBD. Second, preliminary optimization was run by SA method to access the optimal region of the key medium components. Finally, the responses, that is, the production of succinic acid, were optimized simultaneously by using BBD, and the optimal concentration was located to be 84.6 g L−1 of glucose, 14.5 g L−1 of yeast extract, and 64.7 g L−1 of MgCO3. Verification experiment indicated that the maximal succinic acid production of 52.7 ± 0.8 g L−1 was obtained under the identified optimal conditions. The result agreed with the predicted value well. Compared with that of the basic medium, the production of succinic acid and yield of succinic acid against glucose were enhanced by 67.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/6d/PMC3470900.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4285042", "abstract": "Our aim was to examine whether serum testosterone concentrations are in fact low in hospitalized men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes compared with healthy men. In this study, 79 men aged 40 years or older (41 healthy men and 38 men with type 2 diabetes) were included. Total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were measured. The average duration of diagnosed diabetes was 10.8 years and the mean glycated hemoglobin value was 10.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/4b/enm-29-574.PMC4285042.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4393069", "abstract": "Modification with SUMO protein has many key roles in eukaryotic systems which renders the identification of its target proteins and sites of considerable importance. Information regarding the SUMOylation of a protein may tell us about its subcellular localization, function, and spatial orientation. This modification occurs at particular and not all lysine residues in a given protein. In competition with biochemical means of modified-site recognition, computational methods are strong contenders in the prediction of SUMOylation-undergoing sites on proteins. In this research, physicochemical properties of amino acids retrieved from AAIndex, especially those involved in docking of modifier and target proteins and optimal presentation of target lysine, in combination with sequence information and random forest-based classifier presented in WEKA have been used to develop a prediction model, SUMOhunt, with statistics significantly better than all previous predictors. In this model 97.56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/d1/PMC4393069.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3691899", "abstract": "The increasing worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus and obesity has projected concerns for increasing burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The dangers of obesity in adults and children have received more attention than ever in the recent years as more research data becomes available regarding the long-term health outcomes. Weight loss in obese and overweight subjects can be induced via intensive lifestyle modifications, medications, and/or bariatric surgery. These methods have been shown to confer overall health benefits; however, their effect on remission of preexisting diabetes mellitus and reduction in cardiovascular risk has been variable. Recent research data has offered a much better understanding of the pathophysiology and outcomes of these management strategies in obese patients. In this paper, the authors have summarized the results of major studies on remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus and reduction of cardiovascular events by weight loss induced by different methods. Furthermore, the paper aims to clarify various prevailing myths and practice patterns about obesity management among clinicians.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/35/PMC3691899.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3376765", "abstract": "Iron and zinc may interact in micronutrient supplements and thereby decrease efficacy. We investigated interactive effects of combined zinc and iron supplementation in a randomized controlled trial conducted in 459 Guatemalan women. Four groups were supplemented for 12 weeks: (1) weekly iron and folic acid (IFA); (2) weekly IFA and 30 mg zinc; (3) daily IFA; (4) daily IFA and 15 mg zinc. Effects were assessed by generalized linear regression. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 137.4 ± 15.5 g/L, 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/0a/PMC3376765.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3715704", "abstract": "Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively uncommon. Radical nephroureterectomy with an ipsilateral bladder cuff excision has been the gold standard treatment for UTUC. However, recent advances in technology have made possible the increased use of endoscopic management for the treatment of UTUC. The definitive goal of endoscopic management of UTUC is cancer control while maintaining renal function and the integrity of the urinary tract. Endoscopic management includes both the retrograde ureteroscopic and antegrade percutaneous approaches. The endoscopic management of UTUC is a reasonable alternative for patients with renal insufficiency or a solitary functional kidney, bilateral disease, or a significant comorbidity that precludes radical surgery. Select patients with a functional contralateral kidney who have low-grade, low-stage tumors may also be candidates for endoscopic management. The careful selection of patients is the most important point for the successful endoscopic management of UTUC. It is crucial that patients are compliant and motivated, because a lifetime protocol of strict surveillance is necessary. Adjuvant topical therapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or mitomycin C can be used after endoscopic management of UTUC in an attempt to reduce recurrence. In this article, we review current endoscopic techniques, indications for endoscopic treatment, clinical outcomes of endoscopic management, adjuvant topical therapy, and surveillance in patients with UTUC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/97/kju-54-426.PMC3715704.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2920527", "abstract": "The classic view of auditory information flow depicts a simple serial route from the periphery through tonotopically-organized nuclei in the brainstem, midbrain and thalamus, ascending eventually to the neocortex. Yet, complicating this picture are numerous parallel ascending and descending pathways, whose roles in auditory processing are poorly defined. To address this ambiguity, we have identified several anatomical and physiological properties that distinguish the auditory glutamatergic pathways into two groups that we have termed “drivers” and “modulators”. Driver pathways are associated with information-bearing pathways, while modulator pathways modify these principal information streams. These properties illuminate the potential roles of some previously ill-defined auditory pathways, and may be extended further to categorize either unknown or mischaracterized pathways throughout the auditory system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/13/PMC2920527.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2752793", "abstract": "A extragonadal malignant teratoma of the extremity is a rare pheonemenon. We describe a extremely rare case of malignant teratoma of the left proximal humerus in a 14-yr-old female. Radiologic evaluations, including magnetic resonance imaging, suggested a malignant bone tumor, but a pathological examination revealed an immature bony teratoma. Bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography computed tomography scan showed increased uptake of proximal humerus but no other abnormal lesion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/f3/jkms-24-989.PMC2752793.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3410089", "abstract": "Because of the enormous changes in the lifestyle of Saudis in the last three decades, the risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD), including physical inactivity, are increasingly becoming prevalent in the society. This paper provides an overview of the importance of physical activity in health promotion and disease prevention, and discusses the public health burden of physical inactivity in Saudi Arabia. Available evidence clearly indicates that physical inactivity is extremely prevalent in the different ages and sex of the Saudi population. This high prevalence of inactivity in Saudi society presents a major public health burden, as evidenced by the high risk in the Saudi population as a risk of physical inactivity compared with the populations of United States and the United Kingdom. Unless concrete steps are taken to reduce physical inactivity in the Saudi population, the future public health cost would be enormous. It is well known that physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits and plays a major role in modifying many other CHD risk factors. Finally, several recommendations for reducing physical inactivity and promoting active life in the Saudi population have been discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/f2/JFCM-11-45.PMC3410089.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2908796", "abstract": "There are several studies concerning branches of the facial nerve, but we encountered less information about the trunk of the facial nerve in the literature. During the routine dissection of a 65-yr-old Caucasian male cadaver, double facial nerve trunk emerged from the stylomastoid foramen and petrotympanic fissure were encountered. Because of an extremely rare variation, we presented this case report. In addition this cadaver had two buccal plexuses. These plexuses and other branches were formed to structures like to polygon. These anatomic peculiarities were described, photographed and illustrated. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging was performed by using 1.5T scanner to this cadaver. The facial nerve trunk can be damaged during surgical procedures of the parotid gland tumours and submandibular region. Surgeons who are willing to operate on this area should be aware of the possible anatomical variations of the facial nerve trunk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/2a/jkms-25-1228.PMC2908796.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4864547", "abstract": " Objects. To seek patient- and episode-related factors that associate with medical consultation for acute sore throat because these factors may affect the patient being referred to specialist care and tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngotonsillitis. Methods. In a secondary analysis of two prior randomised controlled trials, sore throat episodes and medical visits were explored among 156 adult patients referred for tonsillectomy because of recurrent pharyngotonsillitis. Results. The 156 patients (104 females, mean age of 26 years) suffered from 208 acute pharyngotonsillitis episodes during 5-6 months of follow-up. Forty (25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fc/db/PMC4864547.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4782620", "abstract": "The presence of microcalcification clusters (MCs) in mammogram is a major indicator of breast cancer. Detection of an MC is one of the key issues for breast cancer control. In this paper, we present a highly accurate method based on a morphological image processing and wavelet transform technique to detect the MCs in mammograms. The microcalcifications are firstly enhanced by using multistructure elements morphological processing. Then, the candidates of microcalcifications are refined by a multilevel wavelet reconstruction approach. Finally, MCs are detected based on their distributions feature. Experiments are performed on 138 clinical mammograms. The proposed method is capable of detecting 92.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/cc/PMC4782620.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4158168", "abstract": "Metformin is widely used to suppress certain functions of the cells found in diseases including diabetes and obesity. In this study, the effects of metformin on downregulating IL-17-producing T (Th17) cells, activating and upregulating regulatory T (Treg) cells, suppressing osteoclastogenesis, and clinically scoring collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were investigated. To evaluate the effect of metformin on CIA, mice were orally fed with either metformin or saline as control three times a week for nine weeks. Histological analysis of the joints was performed using immunohistochemistry and Th17 cells and Treg cells of the spleen tissue were examined by confocal microscopy staining. Metformin mitigated the severity of CIA, reduced serum immunoglobulin concentrations, and reciprocally regulated Th17/Treg axis. Also, metformin treatment of normal cells cultured in Th17 conditions decreased the number of Th17 cells and increased the number of Treg cells. Metformin decreased gene expression and osteoclastogenic activity in CIA and normal mice. These results indicate that metformin had immunomodulatory actions influencing anti-inflammatory action on CIA through the inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation and the upregulation of Treg cell differentiation along with the suppression of osteoclast differentiation. Our results suggest that metformin may be a potential therapeutic for rheumatoid arthritis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/9e/PMC4158168.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4778751", "abstract": "Recent advances in cancer nanomedicine have attracted remarkable attention in medical sectors. Pharmacologic research on nanomedicines, including targeted cancer therapy, has increased dramatically in the past 5 years. The success stories of nanomedicines in the clinical field include the fabrication of nanomedicines that show maximum loading efficiency into carriers, maximal release kinetics, and minimum toxicity to healthy cells. Nanoparticle-mediated medicines have been developed to specifically target prostate cancer tissue by use of aptamers, antibody targeting, and sustained release of nanomedicines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nanomedicines have been developed for therapeutic application in combination with image-guided therapy in real time. The scope of one of these nanomedicines, Abraxane (paclitaxel), may be extended to prostate cancer therapeutic applications for better quality of patient life and longer survival. This review provides an update on the latest directions and developments in nanomedicines for prostate cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/e1/icu-57-21.PMC4778751.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3685776", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to test the potential properties of metformin (MF) to protect the kidney from gentamicin (GM)-induced renal toxicity. Materials and Methods: In this preclinical study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats in each. In the first group (group I), they were kept in the same condition as others without receiving drugs for 10 days. In group II, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg/kg/day of GM for 10 consecutive days. Group III rats received 100 mg/kg/day MF orally for 10 days. In group IV, the rats received GM (100 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) for 10 days and 100 mg/kg/day MF orally for the next 10 days. In the last group (group V), the rats received a combination of GM 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally and MF 100 mg/kg/day orally for 10 days simultaneously. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) values were measured and renal tissues of the animals were processed for light microscope examination. Results: The levels of BUN in groups II, IV, and V, and also the serum level of Cr in groups II and V were increased significantly after the experiment. Furthermore, post-treatment with MF or co-treatment with MF could prevent the elevation of serum BUN and Cr induced by GM and also attenuates the damage score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: MF may prevent or ameliorate GM-induced acute renal failure, and therefore it might be beneficial in patients under treatment with this medicine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/bf/JRMS-17-621.PMC3685776.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124258", "abstract": "Medical imaging system simulators are tools that provide a means to evaluate system architecture and create artificial image sets that are appropriate for specific applications. We have modified SIMRI, a Bloch equation-based magnetic resonance image simulator, in order to successfully generate high-resolution 3D MR images of the Montreal brain phantom using Blue Gene/L systems. Results show that redistribution of the workload allows an anatomically accurate 2563 voxel spin-echo simulation in less than 5 hours when executed on an 8192-node partition of a Blue Gene/L system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/f9/PMC3124258.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3904176", "abstract": "Pediatric restrictive cardiomyopathy is rare and most commonly idiopathic in origin. Here, we applied a candidate gene approach and identified a missense mutation in the cardiac troponin I gene in a 12-year-old Chinese girl with restrictive cardiomyopathy. This study indicates that mutation in sarcomere protein genes may play an important role in idiopathic pediatric restrictive cardiomyopathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/d4/PMC3904176.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3204453", "abstract": "PURPOSE This randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of the ErhBMP-2 in alveolar bone regeneration as well as preservation of the β-TCP bone graft material that contains ErhBMP-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involved 72 patients at the 3 study centers. The patients, who were divided into 2 groups: the experiment group who had ErhBMP-2 coated TCP/HA and the control group who had TCP/HA graft material alone transplanted immediately after tooth extraction. CT was taken before and 3 months after the transplantation and healing status was compared between the two groups. The efficacy endpoints that were used to measure the degree of bone induction included alveolar bone height and 3 measurements of bone width. The paired t test was used to determine the significance of the changes (P<.05). RESULTS Changes in alveolar bone height were -1.087 ± 1.413 mm in the control group and -.059 ± 0.960 mm in the experimental group (P<.01). At 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/f9/jap-3-161.PMC3204453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4065507", "abstract": "Background: To describe the use of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in the management of intractable glaucoma in eyes with a preexisting episcleral encircling element. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative study. The study included 12 eyes of 12 patients with a preexisting episcleral encircling element that underwent implantation of silicone AGV to treat intractable glaucoma during January 2009 to September 2010. Results: The mean patient age was 25.6 (standard deviation 17.1) years. Five (41.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/db/IJO-62-570.PMC4065507.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4516191", "abstract": "Chronic pain is a highly disabling condition, which can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Prevalence of moderate and severe chronic pain is high in the general population, and it increases significantly in patients with advanced cancer and older than 65 years. Guidelines for the management of chronic pain recommend opioids for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain in patients whose pain is not responsive to initial therapies with paracetamol and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite their analgesic efficacy being well recognized, adverse events can affect daily functioning and patient quality of life. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) occurs in 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/4b/dddt-9-3811.PMC4516191.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2896676", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tNigella sativa L. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on cultured cortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids (gamma-aminobutyric acid—GABA—and glycine) in NS extract. Cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to different times and concentrations of NS dry methanolic extract and cell viability was then determined by a quantitative colorimetric method. NS did not induce any toxicity.  The secretion of different amino acids was studied in primary cultured cortical neurons by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a derivation before injection with dansyl chloride. NS modulated amino acid release in cultured neurons; GABA was significantly increased whereas secretion of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine were decreased. The in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the sedative and depressive effects of NS observed in vivo could be based on changes of inhibitory/excitatory amino acids levels.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/1a/PMC2896676.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3261266", "abstract": "This study aims to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to terbutaline and other β2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) agonists and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The methodology used is a case–control study among children born from 1995 to 1999 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals. Cases (n = 291) were children with an ASD diagnosis; controls (n = 284) were children without ASDs, randomly sampled and frequency-matched to cases on sex, birth year, and delivery hospital. Exposure to B2AR agonists during 30 days prior to conception and each trimester of pregnancy was ascertained from prenatal medical records and health plan databases. The frequency of exposure to any B2AR agonist during pregnancy was similar for mothers of children with ASD and mothers of controls (18.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5c/91/PMC3261266.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4610943", "abstract": "Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is one the most common cause of chronic abdominal wall pain. The syndrome is mostly misdiagnosed, treated wrongly and inadequately. If diagnosed correctly by history, examination and a positive carnett test, the suffering of the patient can be relieved by addressing the cause i.e. local anaesthetic with steroid injection at the entrapment site. Conventionally, the injection is done by landmark technique. In this report, we have described 2 patients who were diagnosed with ACNES who were offered ultrasound guided transverses abdominis plane (TAP) injection who got significant pain relief for a long duration of time.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/28/kjpain-28-284.PMC4610943.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3766617", "abstract": "Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a potentially lethal complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Recently, the symptomatic presentation of CVS has been termed delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), occurring as early as 3-4 days after the sentinel bleed. For the past 5-6 decades, scientific research has promulgated the theory that cerebral vasospasm plays a primary role in the pathology of DCI and subsequently delayed ischemic neurological decline (DIND). Approximately 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/93/PMC3766617.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3851728", "abstract": "Genetic pathways underlying the initiation and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have not been yet sufficiently revealed, and the correlations of AMD's genotypes, phenotypes, and disease spectrum are still awaiting resolution. We are tackling both problems with systems biology phylogenetic parsimony analysis. Gene expression data (GSE29801: NCBI, Geo) of macular and extramacular specimens of the retinas and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) choroid complexes representing dry AMD without geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), GA, as well as pre-AMD and subclinical pre-AMD were polarized against their respective normal specimens and then processed through the parsimony program MIX to produce phylogenetic cladograms. Gene lists from cladograms' nodes were processed in Genomatix GePS to reveal the affected signaling pathway networks. Cladograms exposed a highly heterogeneous transcriptomic profiles within all the conventional phenotypes. Moreover, clades and nodal synapomorphies did not support the classical AMD phenotypes as valid transcriptomal genotypes. Gene lists defined by cladogram nodes showed that the AMD-related deregulations occurring in the neural retina were different from those in RPE-choroidal tissue. Our analysis suggests a more complex transcriptional profile of the phenotypes than expected. Evaluation of the disease in much earlier stages is needed to elucidate the initial events of AMD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/e3/PMC3851728.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4489461", "abstract": "The mechanisms related to the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been primarily studied in regions where the infection is endemic. Results of prior studies have been extrapolated to populations with low endemicity, such as Mexico. Herein, we determined the cytokine profiles in serum samples from Mexican patients who spontaneously cleared HCV and patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1a. Chronic HCV-infected patients displayed increased interleukin (IL)-8 and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (CCL-5) secretion, whereas patients who spontaneously cleared HCV showed augmented levels of IL-1 alpha, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, monocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (CCL-8), IL-13 and IL-15. Our study suggeststhat cytokine profiles may predict disease outcome during HCV infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/d3/0074-0276-mioc-110-2-0267.PMC4489461.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3601223", "abstract": "We report a case of posttraumatic false aneurysm of popliteal artery after a total knee arthroplasty in an 82-year-old woman. This case is characterized by the distinct history of trauma to the popliteal fossa in the immediate postoperative period and the location of false aneurysm. In addition, the clinical symptoms were similar to those of deep vein thrombosis. The ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography (CT) angiography confirmed the diagnosis on 6th day after the surgery. Ultrasonographic examination 1 day later revealed no increase in the size of false aneurysm. She was treated with open surgical repair. Presenting the difficulty in the diagnosis, unusual location, etiology, and its management is the intention of this case report.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/59/IJOrtho-47-101.PMC3601223.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4417135", "abstract": "We describe a case of a delayed presentation of a traumatic soft tissue mallet injury to the distal phalanx of the hallux in a teenager. Reports of this rare injury are sparse and there is no consensus in their treatment. This injury was treated with open repair of the tendon using a Mitek suture anchor, and stabilization with a 1.2-mm K-wire and extension splinting for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, she regained full power and a range of movement compared with the contralateral side, and achieved full function. We advocate surgical reconstruction of these injuries with suture anchors and stabilization of the interphalangeal joint.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/3b/rjv049.PMC4417135.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5120180", "abstract": "Different surgical solutions have been proposed for reconstruction of the auricle following loss of the pinna through traumatic injury or neoplastic disease or in patients with congenital defects. Surgical treatment may involve the insertion of an autogenous rib cartilage framework or the use of a porous polymer material inserted into an expanded postauricular flap. Reconstruction with rib cartilage has yielded good results but requires more than one surgical step, and adverse events can occur both at the donor and at the acceptor site; cases of prosthesis rejection have also been described following application of the polymeric prosthesis. The use of a titanium, dowel-retained silicone prosthetic pinna, fixed to the temporal bone, has recently been proposed. This useful surgical approach is indicated particularly after resection of the pinna caused by neoplastic disease or in traumatic auricular injury. Osseointegrated titanium implants used in 27 patients in this study provided them with a safe, reliable, adhesive-free method of anchoring the auricular prostheses. The prostheses allowed recovery of normal physical appearance and all the patients reported that they were completely satisfied with the outcome of the surgical reconstruction. No surgical complications, implant failures, or prosthetic failures were encountered over six months to three years.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9c/55/PMC5120180.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3897631", "abstract": "Purpose To assess changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after discontinuation of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) combination therapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods From December 2003 to December 2012, data were collected retrospectively from 81 men more than 40 years of age with moderate to severe BPH symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]≥8). The men were classified into group 1 (n=42) and group 2 (n=39) according to the use of 5ARI therapy. A combination of dutasteride 0.5 mg with tamsulosin 0.2 mg was given daily to all patients for 1 year. For the next 1 year, group 1 (n=42) received the combination therapy and group 2 (n=39) received tamsulosin 0.2 mg monotherapy only. The IPSS, prostate volume, and PSA level were measured at baseline and at 12 and 24 months according to the use of dutasteride. Results Discontinuation of dutasteride led to significant deterioration of LUTS, increased prostate volume, and increased PSA level. The repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the changes in IPSS, prostate volume, and PSA level over time also differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001). Conclusions Withdrawal of 5ARI during combination therapy resulted in prostate regrowth and deterioration of LUTS. The PSA level is also affected by the use of 5ARI. Therefore, regular check-up of the IPSS and PSA level may be helpful for all patients who either continue or discontinue the use of 5ARI.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/a4/kju-55-52.PMC3897631.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5031837", "abstract": " Background. Tubulointerstitial injury is both a key feature of diabetic nephropathy and an important predictor of renal dysfunction. Novel tubular biomarkers related to renal injury in diabetic nephropathy could improve risk stratification and prediction. Methods. A total of 303 type 2 diabetic patients were followed up. The baseline urine values of cystatin-C to creatinine ratio (UCCR), angiotensinogen to creatinine ratio (UANG), NGAL to creatinine ratio (UNGAL), and KIM-1 to creatinine ratio (UKIM-1) were measured. The primary outcome was a decline in estimated GFR of ≥25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/9e/PMC5031837.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4565896", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate prospectively the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density in predicting Gleason score upgrading in prostate cancer patients eligible for active surveillance (T1/T2, biopsy Gleason score≤6, PSA≤10 ng/mL, and ≤2 positive biopsy cores). Materials and Methods Between January 2010 and November 2013, among patients who underwent greater than 10-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, 60 patients eligible for active surveillance underwent radical prostatectomy. By use of the modified Gleason criteria, the tumor grade of the surgical specimens was examined and compared with the biopsy results. Results Tumor upgrading occurred in 24 patients (40.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/93/6c/kju-56-624.PMC4565896.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4549374", "abstract": "A 58-year-old man presented with paralysis and pain in the left leg, and a mass was found in his thigh. Because of the growth of the mass and the worsening of his symptoms, the patient visited our hospital. Multidetector computed tomography revealed a large deep femoral arterial (DFA) aneurysm. Surgical intervention was planned because of the large size of the aneurysm, the high risk of perforation and the worsening symptoms. Aneurysmectomy and revascularization of the distal DFA with an artificial blood vessel graft were performed. DFA aneurysms are extremely rare. These aneurysms have a high rate of rupture, and surgery plays an important role in their treatment. However, standard methods have not yet been established because of their rarity of DFA aneurysm. We describe a case of DFA aneurysm in a patient who was successfully treated with aneurysmectomy and revascularization with an artificial blood vessel graft.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/e6/rjv111.PMC4549374.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5352164", "abstract": "Gingival recession is the most common mucogingival defect, characterized by apical migration of the gingival margin from the cementoenamel junction and root exposure. Several surgical techniques are reported for the treatment of gingival recession. Here we present a comparison of the conventional (coronally advanced flap) and semilunar coronally positioned flap techniques for root coverage in teeth with cervical abrasion restored with pink resin that mimics the color of the gingiva. Although the conventional technique is more predictable, we found that both techniques were effective in achieving satisfactory and esthetic root coverage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/5f/ccide-9-007.PMC5352164.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3996765", "abstract": "Pediatric myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is not a routine investigation in an Indian setting due to under referrals and logistic problems. However, MPI is a frequently performed and established modality of investigation in adults for the identification of myocardial ischemia and viability. We report myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in a case of retropulmonary looping of left coronary artery in a baby after arterial switch surgery. Adenosine stress MPI revealed a large infarct involving anterior segment with moderate reversible ischemia of the lateral left ventricular segment. Coronary angiogram later confirmed left main coronary artery ostial occlusion with retrograde collateral supply from dilated right coronary artery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/9a/IJNM-29-112.PMC3996765.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3446188", "abstract": "Objective Malnutrition is closely linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adult patients with poor outcome. But data on pediatric patients is inadequate. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of growth failure and malnutrition in pediatric CKD patients and explore the relationship of these parameters to each other and to other clinical parameters. Methods This study included 42 patients and 29 healthy children matched for age and gender. Patients were classified firstly in age group and secondly in therapy modalities. Nutritional evaluations were performed according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines, and we performed adjustments using values from children with the same chronological age as reference. Findings In pubertal group, the mean height SDS was lower than in pre-pubertal period while it was higher than in early childhood (P=0.4 and P=0.03 respectively). In all groups, 45", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/ec/IJPD-21-271.PMC3446188.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3190013", "abstract": "Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in chromosome 6p has been reported in a number of tumors and some hematologic malignancies, including ALL. LOH in chromosome 6p, on which the HLA genes are located, can give rise to false homozygosity results in HLA genotyping of patients with hematologic malignancies. Here we report false homozygosity results in HLA genotyping due to the loss of whole chromosome 6 in the neoplastic cells of a patient with ALL. A 33-yr-old Korean female patient was admitted for the evaluation of leukocytosis detected during a workup for headache. Her initial white blood cell count was 336.9×109/L with 84", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/84/kjlm-31-302.PMC3190013.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5080150", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the duration of the car transfer (CT) movement and trunk inclination and hip angles during this movement in individuals with tetraplegia. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven adult males with C6 tetraplegia participated in this study. The CT movement was recorded from the passenger side of the car using a digital video camera. From the video, the duration and trunk inclination and hip joint angle were recorded, and correlation coefficients were calculated. [Results] No correlation was found between the trunk inclination angle and the duration of the CT movement. However, a significant correlation was found between the hip angle and the duration of the CT movement: when the duration was short, the hip flexion angle was substantial. [Conclusion] The trunk inclination angle probably showed no effect on the duration of the CT movement because the movement was performed in a limited space and because the trunk muscles of the subjects were paralyzed. In contrast, C6 tetraplegia enabled smooth CT by allowing for control of trunk inclination, such as placing the lower extremities in the car, whereby the pelvis backward tilt angle increased.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f2/18/jpts-28-2452.PMC5080150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3068521", "abstract": "Denys–Drash syndrome (DDS) is characterized by progressive glomerulopathy caused by diffuse mesangial sclerosis (DMS), genitourinary defects, and a higher risk of developing Wilms’ tumor. It is commonly assumed that the DMS is unresponsive to any medications. In this report, we present a patient with Denys–Drash syndrome, in whom the cyclosporine A (CsA) was found to induce total remission. This observation and observations of other authors confirm that in genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome, the proteinuric effect of CsA may be due to a non-immunologic mechanism. We confirm the beneficial effect of CsA treatment in DDS; however, the potential nephrotoxicity of this drug will probably not allow long-term use.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/63/431_2010_Article_1278.PMC3068521.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3259381", "abstract": "ECG-gated multislice CT provides a cost-effective, non-invasive technology for evaluation of the coronary arteries, as well as for additional clinical applications, which require morphological assessment of the heart and adjacent structures with simultaneous evaluation of the coronary circulation. The excellent negative predictive value of a normal coronary CTA (cCTA) examination excludes the presence of significant coronary disease in the symptomatic patient. Triple rule-out studies provide evaluation of the aorta and pulmonary arteries without loss of image quality in the coronary circulation. The ability to visualize surrounding vascular structures along with the coronary arteries is essential in the evaluation of coronary anomalies. Cardiac CTA is useful in non-coronary applications, including evaluation of the thoracic aorta, cardiac valves and other aspects of cardiac morphology that may require surgical or percutaneous repair. Although radiation exposure is a limitation of cCTA relative to echocardiography and MRI, recent technological advances allow coronary imaging with effective doses as low as 1 mSv. Recent advances in evaluation of coronary plaque morphology as well as myocardial perfusion will allow a more complete noninvasive cardiac assessment in the future and may provide a highly effective method of cardiac risk stratification to facilitate preventive cardiac care.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/9a/PMC3259381.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4013365", "abstract": "ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of immunoelectron microscopic observation of endocrine cells in paraffin-embedded tissues. The procedure, which involves reprocessing from sliced tissues and immunohistochemical staining by colloidal-gold immunolabeling of paraffin sections from paraffin blocks, was able to reveal the fine characteristics of secretory granules containing glucagon-like peptide-1. Morphometric analyses of the secretory granules showed no significant differences between the reprocessing procedure and a conventional post-embedding procedure, which was performed as a control. The reprocessing procedure has some advantages besides providing information on secretory granules containing the amino acid peptide. For example, the same cell can be observed under both a light microscope and the electron microscope. In addition, the high-electron densities of silver-enhanced gold particles are easily recognized, and the boundary between the profile of the granules and the immunogold labeling is clearly shown at the electron microscopic level. Furthermore, the procedure, which is inexpensive and does not require special devices, can effectively use precious samples that are already paraffin-embedded and unable to be obtained twice, such as the case for endangered animals and rare pathological tissues. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report the advantages of the reprocessing method for sliced paraffin sections of gut endocrine cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/e8/jvms-76-389.PMC4013365.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4238280", "abstract": "Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare but highly fatal malignancy. Due to the rarity of this neoplasm, no large population based studies exist. Procedure. This is a retrospective cohort analysis. Incidence rates were calculated based on sex and ethnicity and compared statistically. Gender-, ethnicity-, and treatment- based survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. A total of 192 cases of DSRCT were identified. Peak incidence age was between 20 and 24 years. Age-adjusted incidence rate for blacks was 0.5 cases/million and for whites was 0.2 cases/million (P = 0.037). There was no statistically significant difference in survival based on gender or ethnicity. When adjusted for age, there was no statistically significant difference in survival amongst patients who received radiation therapy compared to those who did not (HRadj = 0.73; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/f2/PMC4238280.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4113979", "abstract": "Background: Health literacy is an individual's need in each Society. Health literacy is a set of skills in reading, listening, analysis, decision making and the ability to apply these skills to health situations. The purpose of this study was to assess health literacy level in Inpatients of educational Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Materials and Methods: A navigational and analytical- applied survey of 384 Inpatients was conducted in educational hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Health literacy was measured by the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Reliability of Questionnaire was obtained through Cronbach's alpha and it was 0/89 and its validity was confirmed by experts. The data were collected in clinical inquiry and were analyzed using SPSS (as Descriptive was Frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation and as analytical was Independent T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test and Spearman correlation test). Findings: Results showed that the average of Health literacy scores in Inpatients was 35/31 in Numeracy test and 31/94 in Reading Comprehension test. The mean total score of health literacy was 29/63. Thus, the Most of these Inpatients were found to have inadequate health literacy. No significant association was found between health literacy level and gender, income, Occupation and residence. Health literacy was associated with age, marriage status and education. Conclusion: The results showed that most of Inpatients in of educational Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were marginal and inadequate health literacy. Therefore, they need to more help and details to understand and use health information.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/19/JEHP-3-66.PMC4113979.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4422262", "abstract": "Background Computer simulations are important for validating novel image acquisition and reconstruction strategies. In cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), numerical simulations need to combine anatomical information and the effects of cardiac and/or respiratory motion. To this end, a framework for realistic CMR simulations is proposed and its use for image reconstruction from undersampled data is demonstrated. Methods The extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) anatomical phantom framework with various motion options was used as a basis for the numerical phantoms. Different tissue, dynamic contrast and signal models, multiple receiver coils and noise are simulated. Arbitrary trajectories and undersampled acquisition can be selected. The utility of the framework is demonstrated for accelerated cine and first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging using k-t PCA and k-t SPARSE. Results MRXCAT phantoms allow for realistic simulation of CMR including optional cardiac and respiratory motion. Example reconstructions from simulated undersampled k-t parallel imaging demonstrate the feasibility of simulated acquisition and reconstruction using the presented framework. Myocardial blood flow assessment from simulated myocardial perfusion images highlights the suitability of MRXCAT for quantitative post-processing simulation. Conclusion The proposed MRXCAT phantom framework enables versatile and realistic simulations of CMR including breathhold and free-breathing acquisitions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/f8/PMC4422262.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4300577", "abstract": "A 65-year-old man with stricture urethra underwent drainage of periurethral abscess and suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) placement. He presented to us 3 months later with a fungating ulcer at the site of perineal incision, the biopsy of which revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). He underwent a total penile amputation, wide local excision scrotum, radical urethrocystoprostatectomy, ileal conduit with the en-bloc excision of the SPC tract. Histopathological examination of the suprapubic tract also revealed SCC. This is the first documented case of SCC of a suprapubic tract in the presence of primary urethral SCC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/cc/IJU-31-70.PMC4300577.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4851529", "abstract": "Febrile neutropenia is common chemotherapy complication significantly impacting patient’s outcomes, quality of life and costs, too. Febrile neutropenia (FN) often leads to hospitalization, the need for intravenous antibiotics and use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF) in order to avoid its complications. Cost of febrile neutropenia is well described in literature, but no study has been performed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have conducted observational cohort study with aim to describe and present costs of FN treatment from payers’ (provider’s) perspective. Only direct medical costs from one middle-sized oncology Clinic in Bosnia and Herzegovina database have been included and presented. We found that overall cost in five months period (January-May 2015) were almost 30.000 euros, or 1.0035 euro per episode/patient in average. The highest cost are allocated to hospitalization (40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/f3/MSM-28-112.PMC4851529.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5140813", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study was conducted to clarify the difference in therapeutic effects between traction and decompression therapies, and their clinical therapeutic significance. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 31 patients aged 35 to 50 years who had unilateral or bilateral lumbar and radicular leg pain. An intervention program was implemented in 31 patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disks. For the experimental group, 15 subjects were randomly selected to receive decompression therapy and trunk stabilization exercise. For the control group, 16 subjects were randomly selected to receive traction therapy and trunk stabilization exercise. [Results] Activities of the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and external oblique muscles increased significantly in both groups. However, the activity of the erector spine muscle decreased, which was the only significant change in muscle activity among those of the other muscles in both groups. The disk herniation index in the experimental group decreased significantly in comparison with that in the control group, and the difference in the change in disk herniation index between the groups was significant. [Conclusion] Decompression therapy was demonstrated to be more effective clinically than conventional traction therapy as an intervention method for disk disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2b/9b/jpts-28-3125.PMC5140813.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2933912", "abstract": "Werner syndrome is a rare disorder that manifests as premature aging and age-related diseases. WRN is the gene mutated in WS, and is one of five human RecQ helicase family members. WS cells exhibit genomic instability and altered proliferation, and in vitro studies suggest that WRN has a role in suppressing homologous recombination. However, more recent studies propose that other RecQ helicases (including WRN) promote early events of homologous recombination. To study the role of WRN helicase on spontaneous homologous recombination, we obtained a mouse with a deleted WRN helicase domain and combined it with the in vivo pink-eyed unstable homologous recombination system. In this paper, we demonstrate that WRN helicase is not necessary for suppressing homologous recombination in vivo contrary to previous reports using a similar mouse model.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/1b/PMC2933912.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5384055", "abstract": "Abstract Low-carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) diets have been used as a means of weight loss and control of symptoms in several clinical conditions. There is emerging evidence that the metabolic changes induced by LCHF diets enhance endurance performance. The aims of this review are to examine the evidence of LCHF diets in improving various aspects of athletic performance. Long-term LCHF dietary intake may help control body weight and fat mass while maintaining lean body mass in athletes in weight-sensitive sports. LCHF-adapted endurance athletes can reach the maximal fat oxidation rate of approximately 1.5 g/min, with a lower carbohydrate oxidation rate and similar muscle glycogen content and a resynthesis rate compared to their counterparts consuming high-carbohydrate-low-fat (HCLF) diets. The elevated fat oxidation rate and glycogen sparing effect may improve performance in ultra-endurance events. These metabolic changes may also prevent the decline in performance in later stages of repeated high-intensity movements, in which the aerobic metabolism becomes more important. However, elevated blood concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and ammonia during exercise after LCHF diets may lead to early development of central fatigue. It appears that at least several months of adaptation to a LCHF diet are required for the metabolic changes and restoration of muscle glycogen to occur. Further investigations on LCHF diets are needed regarding (1) performance after weight loss in weight-categorized sports; (2) repeated high-intensity exercise performance; (3) development of central fatigue during endurance events; (4) perceptual-motor performance during prolonged intermittent sports; and (5) ideal dietary fatty acid compositions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/03/8d/PMC5384055.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3901971", "abstract": " Introduction. Obesity is a condition that causes damage to the respiratory function. However, studies have demonstrated that weight loss due to bariatric surgery has resulted in a huge improvement on some lung volumes, but controversy still persists regarding the behavior of the respiratory muscle strength and IRV (inspiratory reserve volume). Objective. To evaluate the effect of weight loss, after 1 year of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), on the lung volumes and the respiratory muscle strength in obese women. Methods. 24 obese women candidates were recruited for RYGB. Lung volumes (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated in preoperative period and one year after surgery. Results. There was a significant increase in some lung volumes. However, when examining the components of the VC (vital capacity) separately, an increase in ERV (expiratory reserve volume) and reduction of IRV were observed. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in the values of respiratory muscle strength was recorded: MIP (maximal inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximal expiratory pressure). Conclusion. Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery provides an increase in some lung volumes of obese women, but reduction in IRV. Additionally, there was also a reduction in the respiratory muscle strength.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/08/82/PMC3901971.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2639317", "abstract": "We recently reported an increased risk of uveal melanoma among mobile phone users. Here, we present the results of a case–control study that assessed the association between mobile phone use and risk of uveal melanoma. We recruited 459 uveal melanoma case patients at the University of Duisburg-Essen and matched 455 case patients with 827 population control subjects, 133 with 180 ophthalmologist control subjects, and 187 with 187 sibling control subjects. We used a questionnaire to assess mobile phone use and estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d9/fd/djn441.PMC2639317.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4190133", "abstract": "Biofilm growth on the implant surface is the number one cause of the failure of the implants. Biofilms on implant surfaces are hard to eliminate by antibiotics due to the protection offered by the exopolymeric substances that embed the organisms in a matrix, impenetrable for most antibiotics and immune cells. Application of metals in nanoscale is considered to resolve biofilm formation. Here we studied the effect of iron-oxide nanoparticles over biofilm formation on different biomaterial surfaces and pluronic coated surfaces. Bacterial adhesion for 30 min showed significant reduction in bacterial adhesion on pluronic coated surfaces compared to other surfaces. Subsequently, bacteria were allowed to grow for 24 h in the presence of different concentrations of iron-oxide nanoparticles. A significant reduction in biofilm growth was observed in the presence of the highest concentration of iron-oxide nanoparticles on pluronic coated surfaces compared to other surfaces. Therefore, combination of polymer brush coating and iron-oxide nanoparticles could show a significant reduction in biofilm formation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/99/PMC4190133.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2914448", "abstract": "Neutrophils have a dual affect on epithelial pIgR/SC, the critical receptor for transcellular routing of mucosal IgA, but mechanisms of pIgR/SC upregulation remain elusive.  Requirements of cytokine, redox, and signalling pathways for pIgR/SC production were assessed in human bronchial epithelial (Calu-3) cells cocultured with increasing numbers of blood neutrophils.  Increased SC production was observed after incubation for 48 hrs with intermediate neutrophil numbers (1.25 to 2.5 × 106), was favoured by the elastase inhibitor SLPI, and correlated with increased TGF-β production. Exogenous TGF-β stimulated SC production with a maximal effect at 48 hrs and both TGF-β- and neutrophil-driven SC upregulation were dependent on redox balance and p38 MAP-kinase activation.  This paper shows that activated neutrophils could upregulate epithelial pIgR/SC production through TGF-β-mediated activation of a redox-sensitive and p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. An imbalance between the two neutrophil-driven opposite mechanisms (SC upregulation and SC degradation) could lead to downregulation of pIgR/SC, as observed in severe COPD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/27/PMC2914448.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2878455", "abstract": "Background Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) may be the result of a rare response to common infection(s) acquired by personal contact with infected individuals. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between day-care attendance and risk of childhood ALL, specifically to address whether early-life exposure to infection is protective against ALL. Methods Searches of the PubMed database and bibliographies of publications on childhood leukaemia and infections were conducted. Observational studies of any size or location and published in English resulted in the inclusion of 14 case–control studies. Results The combined odds ratio (OR) based on the random effects model indicated that day-care attendance is associated with a reduced risk of ALL [OR = 0.76, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/e3/dyp378.PMC2878455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3410702", "abstract": "Background Therapies for invasive breast cancer may be associated with an incremental survival advantage that should be weighed against the risk of toxicities when making treatment decisions. The objective of this study was to elicit patient preferences for a comprehensive profile of attributes associated with chemotherapies for breast cancer. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 121 patients with stage I-IV breast cancer who completed an internet-based conjoint survey that assessed the following attributes: ten grade III/IV toxicities, survival advantage, and administration regimen. Literature and expert input were used to identify descriptions for each attribute and respective levels (eg, different risks of toxicities). Subjects rated the attribute levels on a series of scales and indicated preferences in pair-wise comparisons of two hypothetical treatments differing in attribute levels. Ordinary least-squares regression was used to calculate utilities (preference weights) for each attribute level. Results Of the twelve attributes, survival was the most important; specifically, a survival advantage of 3 months versus no survival advantage was most influential in the perceived value of chemotherapy. Among toxicities, the differences in the risks of neutropenia with hospitalization, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue had the most impact on preferences; the risk differences of myalgia, stomatitis, and hand-foot syndrome had the least. In general, a more convenient administration regimen was less important than a 13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3c/d8/PMC3410702.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3002236", "abstract": "Clothing use is an important modern behavior that contributed to the successful expansion of humans into higher latitudes and cold climates. Previous research suggests that clothing use originated anywhere between 40,000 and 3 Ma, though there is little direct archaeological, fossil, or genetic evidence to support more specific estimates. Since clothing lice evolved from head louse ancestors once humans adopted clothing, dating the emergence of clothing lice may provide more specific estimates of the origin of clothing use. Here, we use a Bayesian coalescent modeling approach to estimate that clothing lice diverged from head louse ancestors at least by 83,000 and possibly as early as 170,000 years ago. Our analysis suggests that the use of clothing likely originated with anatomically modern humans in Africa and reinforces a broad trend of modern human developments in Africa during the Middle to Late Pleistocene.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/21/msq234.PMC3002236.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2948880", "abstract": "Large variation in assay performance and outcomes of CSF Aβ1-42, total Tau (Tau), and phosphorylated Tau (pTau) (at amino acid 181) levels is observed between laboratories. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in assay procedures between several experienced international laboratories, as potential sources of error. 14 groups performed the Aβ42, Tau, and pTau assays according to the guidelines of the manufacturer. Differences in analytical procedures between the laboratories were monitored. At least 23 items in assay procedures were identified that varied between the laboratories, including procedures for washing, pipetting, incubation, finishing, and sample handing. In general, the inter- and intra-assay variation between the groups was generally below 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/4a/PMC2948880.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4119620", "abstract": " Background. The early detection of rheumatic diseases and the treatment to target have become of utmost importance to control the disease and improve its prognosis. However, establishing a diagnosis in early stages is challenging as many diseases initially present with similar symptoms and signs. Expert systems are computer programs designed to support the human decision making and have been developed in almost every field of medicine. Methods. This review focuses on the developments in the field of rheumatology to give a comprehensive insight. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Results. Reports of 25 expert systems with different design and field of application were found. The performance of 19 of the identified expert systems was evaluated. The proportion of correctly diagnosed cases was between 43.1 and 99.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/70/PMC4119620.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3459083", "abstract": "Topical corticosteroids are routinely used as postoperative ocular anti-inflammatory drugs; however, adverse effects such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP) are observed with their use. While older corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisolone acetate offer good anti-inflammatory efficacy, clinically significant increases in IOP (≥10 mmHg) are often associated with their use. Loteprednol etabonate, a novel C-20 ester-based corticosteroid, was retrometabolically designed to offer potent anti-inflammatory efficacy but with decreased impact on IOP. After exerting its therapeutic effects on the site of action, loteprednol etabonate is rapidly converted to inactive metabolites, resulting in fewer adverse effects. Randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy and safety of loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/ce/PMC3459083.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3467375", "abstract": "A Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is a benign pituitary cyst derived from the remnant of Rathke's pouch, and usually presents as an intrasellar lesion with varying degrees of suprasellar extension. However, to date, a description of a primary prepontine RCC with no intrasellar component has not been reported. The author describes an exceptional case of a symptomatic RCC located behind the sella turcica in a 41-year-old woman who presented with severe headache. The author also provides an embryological hypothesis of the development of an ectopic RCC, with a special emphasis on radiologic characteristics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/ec/jkns-52-152.PMC3467375.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3844209", "abstract": "The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a school-based intervention project conducted in a mid-sized Finnish city, Laukaa on schoolchildren's oral health behavior. Material and Methods. In the intervention, all children received dental education and some of the 7–12-year-old schoolchildren received individual tooth brushing instructions by a dental nurse in 2009-2010. Parents were present at the instruction sessions. In 2009 and 2010, all the children answered a questionnaire or an oral hygienist on their oral health behavior without identification. Results. Tooth brushing frequency increased significantly among the schoolchildren between the years 2009 (61.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/ee/PMC3844209.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5135728", "abstract": "Objectives Prostate cancer is a neoplasm with a variable natural history and clinical behavior. There is much debate on the use of inherited genetic information in clinical application including risk assessment and treatment decisions. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between clinical parameters of prostate cancer (PSA, Gleason score, and metastasis) and expression of NKX3.1, AMACR, TMPRSS2-ERG, ERG, and SPINK1 genes. Methods Newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer were selected for this study. Thirty four tissue samples were obtained via open radical prostatectomy and 9 samples were obtained via needle biopsy. Each tissue sample was sectioned into two parts, one used for detection of malignant changes and Gleason score determination, and the other immersed in RNA later solution (Qiagen). The expression of NKX3.1, AMACR, TMPRSS2-ERG, ERG, and SPINK1 genes were assessed by real-time PCR assay. Correlation between expression of each gene and PSA level, Gleason score, and presence of metastasis were examined. Results A total number of 43 specimens were studied, from which 9 were obtained from patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The expression of five examined genes had no correlation with PSA level and Gleason score. The expression of AMACR decreased in metastatic prostate cancer (P = 0.02). The expression of other genes showed no difference between metastatic and non-metastatic tumors (P > 0.1). Conclusions Genetic information combined with clinical data can be useful in risk assessment and treatment planning. Based on the results of the current study, the decreased expression of AMACR was a sign of poor prognosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/8f/num-08-06-41505.PMC5135728.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134025", "abstract": "The reconstruction of large uncontained defects represents a major challenge to the revision total knee surgeon, and the outcome of the revision often depends on the management of these bone deficiencies. We report the first successful use of both complete distal femoral and proximal tibia massive allografts in the reconstruction of large femoral and tibial uncontained defects during revision total knee arthroplasty. At the five-year follow up, we did not find any infection, graft failure or loosening of implant, in spite of using two massive structural allografts in a single revision total knee arthroplasty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/4e/IJOrtho-45-368.PMC3134025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4582473", "abstract": "With the increase of endoprosthetic knee replacements, there is also an increase of critical wounds to the knee due to a high incidence of soft tissue problems (ranging from wound healing defects to severe wound infections). The literature describes a general rate of soft tissue complications of up to 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/35/IPRS-01-07.PMC4582473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3781495", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following stress hyperglycemia after hip fracture. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS From February 2007 to February 2012, we carried out a prospective observational analysis of 1,257 consecutive patients with no history of diabetes who suffered hip fractures. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin tests as well as electrocardiography, ultrasonic cardiography, and chest X-ray examinations were performed after admission. All selected hip fracture patients were divided into stress hyperglycemia and non-hyperglycemia groups according to their FBG, and the incidence of AMI was monitored. RESULTS Among the patients enrolled, the frequency of stress hyperglycemia was 47.89", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/46/3328.PMC3781495.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3959001", "abstract": "The measured dose in water at reference point in phantom is a primary parameter for planning the treatment monitor units (MU); both in conventional and intensity modulated/image guided treatments. Traceability of dose accuracy therefore still depends mainly on the calibration factor of the ion chamber/dosimeter provided by the accredited Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs), under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) network of laboratories. The data related to Nd,water calibrations, thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) postal dose validation, inter-comparison of different dosimeter/electrometers, and validity of Nd,water calibrations obtained from different calibration laboratories were analyzed to find out the extent of accuracy achievable. Nd,w factors in Gray/Coulomb calibrated at IBA, GmBH, Germany showed a mean variation of about 0.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/3d/JMP-38-205.PMC3959001.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3488864", "abstract": "Objective Visual memory is an important cognitive ability, which has been studied in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). In such studies meaningful shapes were used more frequently. Since meaningless shapes provide a better assessment of short term visual memory, in this study we used them to evaluate visual memory in children and adolescents with ASDs compared to the normal group. Methods Four visual memory tests of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) including Paired Associates Learning (PAL), Pattern Recognition Memory (PRM), Spatial Recognition Memory (SRM) and Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) were administered to 15 children and adolescents with ASDs (high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome) and to 15 normal participants aged 8 to 17,with IQ of above 70. Results Individuals with ASDs performed worse than the normal group on visual memory tasks. After eliminating IQ as a covariate, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of visual memory performance. Conclusion It seems that deficits on visual memory tasks in youths with ASDs could be related to their general intellectual abilities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/37/IJPS-7-104.PMC3488864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5432783", "abstract": "Summary Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, infectious disease, due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) that has always been a permanent challenge over the course of human history, because of its severe social implications. It has been hypothesized that the genus Mycobacterium originated more than 150 million years ago. In the Middle Ages, scrofula, a disease affecting cervical lymph nodes, was described as a new clinical form of TB. The illness was known in England and France as \"king's evil\", and it was widely believed that persons affected could heal after a royal touch. In 1720, for the first time, the infectious origin of TB was conjectured by the English physician Benjamin Marten, while the first successful remedy against TB was the introduction of the sanatorium cure. The famous scientist Robert Koch was able to isolate the tubercle bacillus and presented this extraordinary result to the society of Physiology in Berlin on 24 March 1882. In the decades following this discovery, the Pirquet and Mantoux tuberculin skin tests, Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin BCG vaccine, Selman Waksman streptomycin and other anti-tuberculous drugs were developed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/8d/2421-4248-58-E9.PMC5432783.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5022390", "abstract": "Aim: The purpose of this study is to achieve an effective method to remove root canal filling material from the root canal system. The study, thus, aims to evaluate the efficacy of the cleaning ability of two different rotary Ni-Ti systems; ProTaper Retreatment files and RaCe System compared to hand instrumentation with Hedstrom files for the removal of gutta-percha during retreatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular premolars with one single straight canal were decoronated and instrumented with ProTaper files and filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha. After 30 days, the samples were divided into three groups and gutta-percha was removed with the test instruments. The postoperative radiographs were evaluated with known criteria by dividing the root into cervical third, middle third, and apical third. The results were tabulated and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (IBM Corporation) was used for analysis. Results: The mean deviation of the results were first calculated and then t-test and analysis of variance test (two-tailed P value) were evaluated for establishing significant differences. The rotary instruments were effective in removing the gutta-percha from the canals. Therefore, significant difference was observed between the efficacies of the two rotary systems used. The rotary instruments showed effective gutta-percha removal in the cervical and middle one third. (P > 0.05). However, apical debridement was effective with Hedstrom files. Conclusion: The study concluded the use of both rotary and hand instrumentation for effective removal of gutta-percha for retreatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/10/JISPCD-6-131.PMC5022390.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3647578", "abstract": "The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is an inbred strain of Sprague-Dawley rat and recently is established as a nonobese model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Male SDT rats show high plasma glucose levels (over 700 mg/dL) by 20 weeks. Male SDT rats show pancreatic islet histopathology, including hemorrhage in pancreatic islets and inflammatory cell infiltration with fibroblasts. Prior to the onset of diabetes, glucose intolerance with hypoinsulinemia is also observed. As a result of chronic severe hyperglycemia, the SDT rats develop profound complications. In eyes, retinopathy, cataract, and neovascular glaucoma are observed. Proliferative retinopathy, especially, resulting from retinal neovascular vessels is a unique characteristic of this model. In kidney, mesangial proliferation and nodular lesion are observed. Both peripheral neuropathy such as decreased nerve conduction velocity and thermal hypoalgesia and autonomic neuropathy such as diabetic diarrhea and voiding dysfunction have been reported. Osteoporosis is another complication characterized in SDT rat. Decreased bone density and low-turnover bone lesions are observed. Taking advantage of these features, SDT rat has been used for evaluating antidiabetic drugs and drugs/gene therapy for diabetic complications. In conclusion, the SDT rat is potentially a useful T2D model for studies on pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic complications in humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/47/PMC3647578.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2664273", "abstract": "BACKGROUND Scarring alopecias are classified into primary and secondary types according to the initial site of inflammation. In primary scarring alopecias, the hair follicle is the main target of destruction; the term secondary cicatricial alopecia implies that follicular destruction is not the primary pathologic event. AIMS To review the histopathologic diagnoses of cases of cicatricial alopecia in order to classify them according to the North American Hair Research Society. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with biopsy specimens diagnosed as cicatricial alopecia seen from 2000 to 2005 at the Dermatologic Department of Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo University Medical School had hematoxylin and eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff and Weigert stained slides reevaluated and sub-typed into different primary cicatricial alopecias. RESULTS Thirty-eight cases of primary cicatricial alopecias were reclassified as: chronic cutaneous lupus (17), lichen planus pilaris (4), pseudopelade of Brocq (12), folliculitis decalvans (3), dissecting folliculitis (1), and non-specific scarring alopecia (1). In our cases, the methods employed allowed an accurate diagnosis in 12 of 13 cases (92.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/b1/PMC2664273.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4158997", "abstract": "Background Maintenance of low serum urate levels is important for the management of gout. Achieving the recommended serum urate levels of less than 6.0 mg/dL is difficult in elderly (65 years of age or older) patients with renal impairment. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat are used for this purpose. Although febuxostat had been shown to be efficacious in elderly patients, its safety and efficacy in elderly female patients with hyperuricemia remain unclear. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of febuxostat in elderly female patients. Methods We studied a retrospective cohort study. The study included elderly Japanese patients (65 years of age or older) who were treated with febuxostat at Fujita Health University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. The treatment goal was defined as achievement of serum urate levels of 6.0 mg/dL or lower within 16 weeks; this was the primary endpoint in the present study. Adverse events of febuxostat were defined as more than twofold increases in Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events scores from baseline. Results We evaluated 82 patients treated with febuxostat during the observation period and classified them into male (n=53) and female (n=29) groups. The mean time to achievement of the treatment goal was significantly shorter in the female group (53 days) than in the male group (71 days). There were no significant differences in adverse events between the 2 groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the efficacy of febuxostat in elderly female patients is superior to that in elderly male patients and that the safety is equivalent.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/8b/cia-9-1489.PMC4158997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5089150", "abstract": "Background The management of ascites can be problematic. This is especially true in patients with diuretic refractory ascites who develop a tense abdomen. This often results in hypotension and decreased venous return with resulting renal failure. In this paper, we further examine the risks and benefits of utilizing an indwelling peritoneal catheter to remove large-volume ascites over a 72-h period while maintaining intravascular volume and preventing renal failure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts and identified 36 consecutive patients undergoing continuous large-volume paracentesis with an indwelling peritoneal catheter. At the time of drain placement, no patients had signs or laboratory parameters suggestive of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The patients underwent ascitic fluid removal through an indwelling peritoneal catheter and were supported with scheduled albumin throughout the duration. The catheter was used to remove up to 3 L every 8 h for a maximum of 72 h. Regular laboratory and ascitic fluid testing was performed. All patients had a clinical follow-up within 3 months after the drain placement. Results An average of 16.5 L was removed over the 72-h time frame of indwelling peritoneal catheter maintenance. The albumin infusion utilized correlated to 12 mg/L removed. The average creatinine trend improved in a statistically significant manner from 1.37 on the day of admission to 1.21 on the day of drain removal. No patients developed renal failure during the hospital course. There were no documented episodes of neutrocytic ascites or bacterial peritonitis throughout the study review. Conclusion Large-volume peritoneal drainage with an indwelling peritoneal catheter is safe and effective for patients with tense ascites. Concomitant albumin infusion allows for maintenance of renal function, and no increase in infectious complications was noted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/79/JCHIMP-6-32421.PMC5089150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4425233", "abstract": "Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease, the prevalence of which has registered a considerable increase, mainly in adults and elderly. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between health-related quality of life in patients with diabetes and sex, body mass index, type of diabetes and treatment regimens (type 1 diabetes: intensive versus conventional treatment; type 2 diabetes: insulin use versus non-insulin use), and duration of diabetes. Methods One hundred and twenty-four patients with diabetes were interviewed. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the age-adjusted Short-Form 36 dimensions (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health), and related to demographic and clinical variables. Independent samples t-tests and One-Way Analysis of Variance were used to compare means of independent samples. The degree of association between pairs of variables was measured by Pearson’s (r) or Spearman’s (rs) correlation coefficients. Results The mean age of the study population was 55.7±16.4 years; 54.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/80/dmso-8-219.PMC4425233.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4483395", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented bilateral arm training and repetitive bilateral arm training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a task orientied bilateral arm training group (n=20) and a repetitive bilateral arm training group (n=20). [Methods] The task-oriented group underwent bilateral arm training with 5 functional tasks, and the repetitive group underwent bilateral arm training with rhythmin auditory cueing for 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week, for 12 weeks. [Results] The upper limb function and the ability to perform activities of daily living improved significantly in both groups. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the task-oriented group showed greater improvement in upper limb function and activities of daily living. [Conclusion] We recommend bilateral arm training as well as adding functional task training as a clinical intervention to improve upper limb function activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/0e/jpts-27-1353.PMC4483395.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4812430", "abstract": "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing pancreatic islet β cells are the target of self-reactive B and T cells. T cells reactive with epitopes derived from insulin and/or IGRP are critical for the initiation and maintenance of disease, but T cells reactive with other islet antigens likely have an essential role in disease progression. We sought to identify candidate CD8+ T cell epitopes that are pathogenic in type 1 diabetes. Proteins that elicit autoantibodies in human type 1 diabetes were analyzed by predictive algorithms for candidate epitopes. Using several different tolerizing regimes using synthetic peptides, two new predicted tolerogenic CD8+ T cell epitopes were identified in the murine homolog of the major human islet autoantigen zinc transporter ZnT8 (aa 158–166 and 282–290) and one in a non-β cell protein, dopamine β-hydroxylase (aa 233–241). Tolerizing vaccination of NOD mice with a cDNA plasmid expressing full-length proinsulin prevented diabetes, whereas plasmids encoding ZnT8 and DβH did not. However, tolerizing vaccination of NOD mice with the proinsulin plasmid in combination with plasmids expressing ZnT8 and DβH decreased insulitis and enhanced prevention of disease compared to vaccination with the plasmid encoding proinsulin alone.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8e/88/PMC4812430.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3600937", "abstract": "Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, and many countries now offer vaccination against HPV to girls by way of government-funded national immunization programs. Monitoring HPV prevalence in adolescents could offer a near-term biological measure of vaccine impact, and urine sampling may be an attractive large-scale method that could be used for this purpose. Our objective was to provide an overview of the literature on HPV DNA detection in urine samples, with an emphasis on adolescents. We searched the PubMed database using the terms “HPV” and “urine” and identified 21 female and 14 male study populations in which HPV prevalence in urine samples was reported, four of which included only asymptomatic female adolescents. We provide herein an overview of the recruitment setting, age, urine sampling procedure, lesion type, HPV assay, and HPV prevalence in urine samples and other urogenital samples for the studies included in this review. In female study populations, concordance for any HPV type and type-specific concordance in paired urine and cervical samples are provided in addition to sensitivity and specificity. We concluded that few studies on HPV prevalence in urine samples have been performed in asymptomatic female adolescent populations but that urine samples may be a useful alternative to cervical samples to monitor changes in HPV prevalence in females in the post-HPV vaccination era. However, care should be taken when extrapolating HPV findings from urine samples to the cervix. In males, urine samples do not seem to be optimal for monitoring HPV prevalence due to a low human genomic DNA content and HPV DNA detection rate compared to other urogenital sites. In each situation the costs and benefits of HPV DNA detection in urine compared to alternative monitoring options should be carefully considered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/4b/PMC3600937.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1800934", "abstract": "Abstract Context of case In Portugal, the integration of care services is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, a home support service called SAD (Serviço de Apoio Domiciliário—Domiciliary Support Service), provided by non-profit institutions to the elderly population is believed to be a first approach to integrated care. Purpose The aim of this work is to describe and discuss the services provided by the institutions that participate in SAD and understand if this service is the first step in a change towards integrated care. Data sources The main data sources were documents provided by institutions like INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística—National Institute of Statistics) and a questionnaire that was submitted to 75 institutions in order to capture: (a) demographic and structural data; (b) the type of information that the professionals need to fulfil their jobs and (c) the kind of relationship and constraints, if they exist, to better integration, between the institutions that provide SAD and the patients, the social and health systems, and other entities. Conclusion and discussion SAD seems to have been promoting a formal collaboration between several entities in the social and health systems. The information shared between these institutions has increased, but where cooperation in care service provision is concerned this seldom surpasses the social bounds because health care is still difficult to integrate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/87/PMC1800934.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4086019", "abstract": "Retrieval of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries, followed by in vitro maturation (IVM) was originally proposed in order to avoid side effects of gonadotropin administration. The target is to eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), drug cost and burden on patients. This technology was also suggested in treatment of normo-ovulatory women, fertility preservation or infrequent conditions such as failure of oocytes to mature or repeated development of poor quality embryos. In this study we intended to examine the possibility that IVM results may be comparable to standard IVF. A PubMed database search from 1999-2013 was carried out for publications concerning the indications of IVM and study the possibility that IVM results may be comparable to standard IVF. In vitro maturation of the oocytes procedures obtained up to 35", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/f3/FVVinObGyn-6-77-80.PMC4086019.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5403002", "abstract": "Introduction Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been the gold standard for treating cervical degenerative disc disease (cDDD). The use of anterior plates in ACDF poses an increased risk of complications such as screw or plate dislodgement, soft tissue injury, esophagus perforation, and dysphagia. The ROI-C™ implant system consists of a zero-profile interbody fusion cage with self-locking plates designed for stand-alone fusion without external plates or screws. Objective The purpose of this report is to describe the ROI-C™ implant system with VerteBRIDGE™ anchor plates, including indications for use, surgical technique, preclinical testing, and clinical study results. The objectives of the clinical study were to assess fusion status, incidence of dysphagia and other device-related complications, and patient reported outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 110 patients who underwent ACDF with ROI-C at seven study centers. Patient charts and radiographs were reviewed for any complications or device malfunction. The final follow-up was conducted prospectively and included collection of neck disability index, and visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm pain scores. Results The mean operation time was 73 minutes, and mean blood loss was 25 mL (range 0–75 mL). Mean follow-up was 20.7 months (range 9.5–42.2). Dysphagia was reported in two patients (1.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/7e/mder-10-061.PMC5403002.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3917192", "abstract": "Background: The purpose of this study was to perform the Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) program for Iranian mothers and evaluate its effectiveness on stress, anxiety, and participation of mothers who have premature infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 90 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the educational neonatal NICUs of state hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. For measuring the variables, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care, and The Index of Parental Participation/Hospitalized Infant were used. Intervention group received two phases of COPE program. This program consisted of information and behavioral activities about the characteristics of premature infants. Sessions’ interval was from 2 to 4 days. Stress and anxiety were measured three times (before each phase and 2-4 days after the second phase). Mothers’ participation was evaluated 2-4 days after the second phase. The t-test, χ2, Mann-Whitney U test, and repeated measurement test were used for data analysis. Results: Mothers in the intervention group reported significantly less anxiety and less stress in the NICU after performing each phase of the COPE program (P < 0.001), whereas at this time, the level of stress in the comparison group increased. Also, COPE mothers participated in their infants’ care rather than the mothers in the comparison group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: COPE program was effective for Iranian mothers. This study shows that irrespective of any culture, giving early and comprehensible educational-behavioral information may have positive effect on maternal psychological condition and maternal–infant interaction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f3/55/IJNMR-19-94.PMC3917192.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5260593", "abstract": "Abstract The present study was designed to determine which types of specific tests provide an effective evaluation of strength and endurance in highly trained competitive sport climbers. The research process consisted of three basic components: the measurement of selected somatic characteristics of the climbers, the assessment of their physical conditioning, and a search for correlations between the anthropometric and “conditioning” variables on the one hand, and climber’s performance on the other. The sample of subjects consisted of 14 experienced volunteer climbers capable of handling 7a- 8a+/b on-sight rock climbing grades. The strongest correlations (Spearman’s rank) were found between climber’s competence and the relative results of the finger strength test (r = 0.7); much lower, but still statistically significant coefficients were found between the level of competence and the results of the muscle endurance tests (r = 0.53 – 0.57). Climbers aspiring to attain an elite level must have strong finger and forearm muscles, but most of all, they must be capable of releasing their potential during specific motor capability tests engaging these parts of the body. The forearm muscles of elite climbers must also be very resistant to fatigue. Since highly trained athletes vary only slightly in body mass, this variable does not have a major effect on their performance during strength and endurance tests.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/10/PMC5260593.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3510966", "abstract": "Background: Regulatory T cells have an important role in the control of immune reactivity against self antigens and probably play a role in pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We aimed to determine the frequency of regulatory T cells in recently diagnosed children with/T1D. Materials and Methods: 20 children with/T1D and 20 healthy children of matched age and sex as controls were enrolled in this study. All cases were subjected to a thorough history taking, full clinical examinations and investigations which include; insulin C peptide levels and flow cytometric detection of B-, T-lymphocytes and regulatory T cells. Results: Insulin C peptide level was significantly lower in children with/ T1D compared with controls. The percentages of B and T-lymphocytes were not significantly different between patients and controls. The percentages of CD4+CD25+High and CD4+CD25+High Foxp3+ cells both in total lymphocytes and in CD4+ lymphocytes were significantly decreased in patients than controls, while the percentages of total CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+Intermediate both in total lymphocytes and in CD4+ lymphocytes were not significantly different between patients and controls. The geometric mean of fluorescence intensity (MFI) of Foxp3+ expression in CD4+CD25+High cells was significantly decreased in patients than controls. Positive correlations were observed between both age and insulin C peptide and frequency of CD4+CD25+High Foxp3. Conclusion: The percentage of regulatory T cells; CD4+CD25+High Foxp3 was decreased in children with recent T1D and may have a role in its pathogenesis. Their role as a prognostic signifi cance and their relation to various complications should be explored.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/1d/IJEM-16-952.PMC3510966.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3059948", "abstract": "Shortly after the elucidation of the very basic structure and properties of cellular membranes, it became evident that cellular membranes are highly organized structures with multiple and multi-dimensional levels of order. Very early observations suggested that the lipid components of biological membranes might be active players in the creation of these levels of order. In the late 1980s, several different and diverse experimental pieces of evidence coalesced together giving rise to the lipid raft hypothesis. Lipid rafts became enormously (and, in the opinion of these authors, sometimes acritically) popular, surprisingly not just within the lipidologist community (who is supposed to be naturally sensitive to the fascination of lipid rafts). Today, a PubMed search using the key word “lipid rafts” returned a list of 3767 papers, including 690 reviews (as a term of comparison, searching over the same time span for a very hot lipid-related key word, “ceramide” returned 6187 hits with 799 reviews), and a tremendous number of different cellular functions have been described as “lipid raft-dependent.” However, a clear consensus definition of lipid raft has been proposed only in recent times, and the basic properties, the ruling forces, and even the existence of lipid rafts in living cells has been recently matter of intense debate. The scenario that is gradually emerging from the controversies elicited by the lipid raft hypothesis emphasizes multiple roles for membrane lipids in determining membrane order, that encompass their tendency to phase separation but are clearly not limited to this. In this review, we would like to re-focus the attention of the readers on the importance of lipids in organizing the fine structure of cellular membranes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b8/4c/PMC3059948.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4934482", "abstract": "Background Neuromuscular block (NMB) monitoring and use of reversal agents accelerate the recovery time and improve the workflow in the operating room. We aimed to compare recovery times after sugammadex or neostigmine administration, and estimate the time spent in operating theater and the possible economic impact of a faster recovery, in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective study that analyzed data from records of morbidly obese patients (body mass index >40 kg/m2) undergoing elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery in which sugammadex or neostigmine were used to reverse NMB. Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 (sugammadex group [SUG]) received rocuronium and sugammadex for reversal and group 2 (neostigmine group [NEO]) received either rocuronium or cisatracurium and neostigmine. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation). Results Compared with NEO, SUG group showed shorter times to achieve train-of-four ratio of 0.9 (P<0.05) and an Aldrete score of 10 (P<0.05), a higher cost (€146.7 vs €3.6 [P<0.05]), plus a remarkable less duration of operating theater occupancy (P<0.05). Sugammadex cost accounted for 2.58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/5e/ceor-8-317.PMC4934482.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3077006", "abstract": "Background It is recognized that Candida dubliniensis commonly colonizes oral and subgingival sites in immunocompetent subjects with periodontal disease. Objective Since there are few data available on genetic characterization of C. dubliniensis in periodontal pockets and other oral sites, the aim of this study was to characterize subgingival and mucosal C. dubliniensis isolates recovered from immunocompetent subjects and to assay the genetic similarity of such isolates from both niches in the same patient by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Design  \t\t\t\t\t\tC. dubliniensis recovered from subgingival plaque and from buccal cavity samples were studied in 240 immunocompetent non-smoking individuals. Arbitrary amplification was carried out by RAPD-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results RAPD analysis showed identical genotypes of C. dubliniensis in different sampling sites (buccal cavity and subgingival areas) in eight of 10 patients except for those derived from two participants who presented presumably unrelated isolates. Conclusions On the basis of the findings presented, the origin of the colonization of C. dubliniensis in subgingival biofilm seems to be the buccal cavity in a single patient. Consequently, it may be assumed that most of C. dubliniensis in these sites arise from the endogenous commensal strains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/ca/JOM-1-2003.PMC3077006.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4020372", "abstract": "Alcohol-induced liver disease increasingly contributes to human mortality worldwide. Alcohol-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and disruption of cellular protein homeostasis have recently been established as a significant mechanism contributing to liver diseases. The alcohol-induced ER stress occurs not only in cultured hepatocytes but also  in vivo  in the livers of several species including mouse, rat, minipigs, zebrafish, and humans. Identified causes for the ER stress include acetaldehyde, oxidative stress, impaired one carbon metabolism, toxic lipid species, insulin resistance, disrupted calcium homeostasis, and aberrant epigenetic modifications. Importance of each of the causes in alcohol-induced liver injury depends on doses, duration and patterns of alcohol exposure, genetic disposition, environmental factors, cross-talks with other pathogenic pathways, and stages of liver disease. The ER stress may occur more or less all the time during alcohol consumption, which interferes with hepatic protein homeostasis, proliferation, and cell cycle progression promoting development of advanced liver diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that long-term alcohol consumption and ER stress may directly be involved in hepatocellular carcinogenesis (HCC). Dissecting ER stress signaling pathways leading to tumorigenesis will uncover potential therapeutic targets for intervention and treatment of human alcoholics with liver cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/57/1c/PMC4020372.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5389434", "abstract": "Introduction: The frequency of neutropenia associated with lung cancer chemotherapy outside of randomized trials is largely unknown because administrative coding underestimates its prevalence. This study compared International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis codes and electronic laboratory results, alone and in combination, for identifying neutropenia events. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 718 veterans receiving their first course of chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Incidence of neutropenia was assessed using electronic laboratory results and ICD-9 codes captured in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic medical records (EMR). Results: A total of 118 of 718 patients (16.4 percent) were identified with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1,000 cells/mm3, while only 49 of 718 patients (6.8 percent) had ICD-9 codes for neutropenia. Using the combination of laboratory results and diagnosis codes, 136 of 718 patients (18.9 percent) experienced a neutropenic event. Compared to laboratory results as a gold standard, diagnosis codes were specific (not present for individuals without a laboratory-documented low ANC), but not sensitive (missing for many individuals with a low ANC documented in their laboratory test results). Conclusion: Relying on ICD codes to identify neutropenia in administrative data likely results in under-reporting. The emerging availability of electronic laboratory results provides an opportunity to more accurately quantify patterns of neutropenia, identify individual risk factors, and assess clinical management practices—including use of colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis—in large community cohorts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/27/egems1269.PMC5389434.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4145479", "abstract": "Nodal staging is of crucial importance in the management of gastric cancer (GC). The available modalities of nodal imaging in GC do not provide a high sensitivity and specificity of lymph node status. Comparative study of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and multislice spiral computed tomography in GC has shown greater accuracy of EUS for N staging. EUS is not used routinely in patients with GC as it is not available at all centers, and its accuracy is operator dependent. Standard techniques of identification of nodal station (as suggested by Japanese Research Society for the Study of Gastric Cancer) by EUS have not been described so far. Identification of each nodal station by EUS requires adequate knowledge of anatomy as well as understanding the proper technique to perform EUS. This review presents a method to identify the regional nodal stations of GC by linear EUS and hence will help in appropriate N staging of GC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/e0/EUS-3-179.PMC4145479.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3664675", "abstract": "Background This study evaluated the effects of Beraprost sodium (Berasil) on subjective leg symptoms in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by diabetes mellitus. Methods Ninety-four diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease were treated with Beraprost in a fixed-dose, prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Beraprost (40 µg) was administered orally 3 times daily (120 µg/day) for 12 weeks. We developed a new disease-specific symptom questionnaire, which evaluated the effect of peripheral arterial disease on leg discomfort in daily life and assessed therapeutic responses to treatment. Patients were asked for their subjective assessment of symptoms on a written questionnaire before treatment and after 12 weeks of therapy. Results There was significant improvement in all estimated subjective symptoms (burning, coldness, edema, exertional pain, stabbing, and paresthesias) in the lower extremities at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). There were 18 patients with neuropathy in whom significant improvement was noted for 6 subjective symptoms at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Adverse events considered to be drug-related were observed in 4 patients (4.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/94/cios-5-145.PMC3664675.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3438279", "abstract": "Purpose In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, conventional adult reconstruction techniques have to face the potential risk of growth disturbance or angular deformities in skeletally immature patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction by conventional transphyseal tunnel technique. Materials and Methods On a retrospective basis, we reviewed 25 skeletally immature patients; all the patients showed skeletal maturity at last follow-up, and the mean age was 16.4 years. The average injury to surgery interval was 12.6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean of 74.4 months postoperatively using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, the Tegner activity level, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and plain radiographs. Results All the patients had undergone transphyseal reconstruction of ACL. The mean Lysholm score was 48.36 points preoperatively and 93.32 points postoperatively; the mean Tegner activity level was changed from 3.0 points to 5.6 points. The mean IKDC level was categorized as C preoperatively and changed to A postoperatively. Conclusions Our midterm outcome at an average 6 years after surgery was satisfactory without significant leg length discrepancies or abnormal alignment of the knee joint. Transphyseal reconstruction of ACL is a good treatment modality in the skeletally immature patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/9c/ksrr-24-173.PMC3438279.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4100429", "abstract": "Secondary mania resulting from cerebral Cortex are described commonly. But secondary mania produced by cerebellar lesions are relatively uncommon. This case report describes a patient who developed cerebellar stoke and manic features simultaneously. 28 years old male developed giddiness and projectile vomiting. Then he would lie down for about an hour only to find that he could not walk. He became quarrelsome. His Psycho motor activities and speech were increased. He was euphoric and was expressing grandiose ideas. Bender Gestalt Test showed signs of organicity. Score in Young mania relating scale was 32; productivity was low in Rorschach. Neurological examination revealed left cerebellar signs like ataxia and slurring of speech. Computed tomography of brain showed left cerebellar infarct. Relationship between Psychiatric manifestations and cerebellar lesion are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/5a/IJPsyM-36-338.PMC4100429.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5036588", "abstract": "Psychotic symptoms can occur in some clinical conditions related to alcohol, such as intoxication, withdrawal, and other alcohol-induced neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we present a case report of a 24-year-old man, without a known psychiatric history, who developed brief psychotic symptoms following ingestion of small quantities of alcohol repeatedly. To our knowledge, no related previous literature regarding this has been reported.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/55/ndt-12-2449.PMC5036588.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4844656", "abstract": "Objective Surgical drains are commonly used after the spine surgeries for minimizing hematoma formation, which can delay wound healing and may become a source of fibrosis, infection, and pain. The drain, however, may provide a direct route for infection if it is contaminated. Our objective was to survey the relationship between surgical drains and infection. Methods The 70 patients who had undergone single-level lumbar discectomy from April 2011 to March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient's medical chart and magnetic resonance image were thoroughly reviewed after all the patients had been divided into the drainage and the nondrainage groups. The amounts and durations of the surgical drains in the drainage group were analyzed. Additionally, the levels of C-reactive protein, rates of infection, scores of preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), and lengths of hospital stay after operation were compared between the 2 groups. Results In this study, 70 patients were retrospectively analyzed; out of which, 42 and 28 patients were included in the drainage and the nondrainage groups, respectively. Two of the postoperative infection cases in the nondrainage group required to undergo repeated operations. The frequency of the postoperative infection cases was higher in the nondrainage group than in the drainage group; however, there was no significant statistical difference between the 2 groups (p=0.157). Conclusion Surgical drains did not elevate postoperative infection. Furthermore, drain tip cultures allowed us to detect postoperative infection at an early stage, and it led to faster initiation of antibiotics treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/b0/kjs-13-20.PMC4844656.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4433728", "abstract": "Abstract Background HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated among injecting drug users in Iran. Like many other countries with HIV/AIDS concentrated epidemic, prisons are high risk areas for spreading HIV/AIDS. The aim of this paper was to study the trend of HIV/AIDS prevalence and related interventions administered in prisons of Iran during a 13 years period Methods This cross sectional study was conducted using the data collected from the sentinel sites in all prisons in the country and it also used the data about Harm Reduction interventions which has been implemented by Iran Prisons Organization. To evaluate the correlation between the prevalence and each of administered interventions in prisons the Correlation Coefficient Test was used for the second half of the mentioned time period Results The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in prisons had increased rapidly in the early stages of epidemic, so that in 2002 the prevalence raised to 3.83", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5d/d6/PMC4433728.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3819762", "abstract": " Objective. To understand who dementia patients identify as their family and how dementia affects family life. Background. Dementia care is often delivered in family settings, so understanding the constituency and needs of the family unit involved in care is important for determining contributors to family quality of life. Design/Methods. Seventy-seven families receiving care at an academic dementia clinic completed questionnaires regarding the affected person and the family. Responses were categorized as focused on an individual's needs or the family's needs. Results. Respondents identified a mean of 3.77 family members involved in care. Spouse (80.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/34/PMC3819762.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5331972", "abstract": "The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has rapidly increased, as has the cost of dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an established treatment for ESRD patients worldwide; it has a variety of advantages, including autonomy and flexibility, as well as economic benefits in many countries compared to hemodialysis (HD). However, the long-term survival rate of PD remains poor. Although direct comparison of survival rate between the dialysis modalities by randomized controlled trials is difficult due to the ethical issues, it has always been a crucial point when deciding which dialysis modality should be recommended to patients. Recently, in many countries, including the United States, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, the survival rate in PD patients has significantly improved. PD patient survival in Korea has also improved, but Korean PD patients are known to have higher risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular, cerebrovascular events than HD patients. Herein, we further evaluate why Korean PD patients had worse outcomes; we suggest that special attention should be paid to patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure when they choose PD as the first dialysis modality in order to reduce mortality risk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/e6/krcp-36-022.PMC5331972.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4804603", "abstract": "Dowling–Degos disease (DDD) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by multiple, small, round pigmented macules usually arranged in reticular pattern, chiefly distributed in axillae and groins. Here we are reporting three atypical cases of DDD in a family. They had hypopigmented macules with typical features of DDD indicating generalized DDD. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. We present these three cases to stress the existence of generalized DDD phenotype in the Indian population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/4a/IDOJ-7-99.PMC4804603.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3735277", "abstract": "Introduction Epidemiologic evidence suggests that tomato-based products could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One of the main cardiovascular risk factors is low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effect of tomato consumption on HDL-C levels. Subject and methods We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial. We screened 432 subjects with a complete lipid profile. Those individuals with low HDL-C (men <40 mg/dL and women <50 mg/dL) but normal triglyceride levels (<150 mg/dL) were included. Selected participants completed a 2-week run-in period on an isocaloric diet and then were randomized to receive 300 g of cucumber (control group) or two uncooked Roma tomatoes a day for 4 weeks. Results A total of 50 individuals (women = 41; 82", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/12/PMC3735277.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3309624", "abstract": "Background: Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a major health problem all over the world, particularly in the developing countries. Aim: The present study aims to explore the clinical and epidemiological features found in patients presenting with OP poisoning. Materials and Methods: A 1-year cross-sectional study was conducted on patients presenting with clinical features of OP poisoning in a tertiary care medical college. Results: A total of 968 patients presented during the study period. Poisoning with suicidal intent (82.02", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/c2/NAJMS-4-147.PMC3309624.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3877633", "abstract": "The aim of the study was to determine the current practices of nutritional support among hospitalized patients in nonspecialized hospital departments. Materials and Methods. During an observation period of 2 months, a surgeon and a gastroenterologist designated in each of the two departments concerned, not “specialized” in nutritional assistance, have treated patients in which nutritional support seemed necessary. Assessing the degree of malnutrition of the patient, the therapeutic decision and the type of product prescribed by the doctors were secondarily compared to the proposals of a structured computer program according to the criteria and standards established by the institutions currently recognized. Results. The study included 120 patients bearing a surgical disease in 86.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/84/fa/PMC3877633.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5362915", "abstract": "Case summary Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne disease of cats, and Oklahoma (OK), USA, is considered an enzootic state. To determine the prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis, blood was collected from free-roaming cats, as they are frequently exposed to tick vectors. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of C felis infection in free-roaming cats in north-central Oklahoma and central Iowa (IA). Infection with C felis was determined using DNA extracted from blood and PCR amplification. Blood was collected from 380 free-roaming cats between January and April in 2014 in OK. DNA from C felis was detected in 3/380 (0.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bf/b7/10.1177_2055116916655174.PMC5362915.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4061167", "abstract": "Patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) often decompensate suddenly, and once hemodynamic compromise has developed, mortality is extremely high. Currently, thrombolytic therapy for PE is still controversial. We retrospectively evaluated 34 patients with PE between January 2010 and December 2013 in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Medical Park Samsun Hospital, Samsun, Turkey. The demographic and disease characteristics of patients who received thrombolytic treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The female to male ratio was 19/15 and the mean age was 63.1±13.2 years. PE diagnosis was made using echocardiography (64.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/6e/dddt-8-759.PMC4061167.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4305266", "abstract": "Background The significance of thrombocytopenia to the morbidity and mortality of malaria is poorly defined. We compared the platelet counts and clinical correlates of patients with and those without malaria in southern Papua, Indonesia. Methods Data were collated on patients presenting to a referral hospital between April 2004 and December 2012. Results Platelet measurements were available in 215 479 patients (23.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/f4/PMC4305266.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4721893", "abstract": "Background and Aims: Schistosomiasis is a major chronic disease of humans in endemic regions, and infected individuals may develop a spectrum of pathology, including hepatic fibrosis, hepatosplenomegaly, and portal hypertension. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the fifth most common cancer in the world, and there is limited and controversial evidence suggesting that Schistosoma mansoni infection may be a possible risk factor for HCC. The aim of this study was to report a case series of patients with HCC and S. mansoni infection and to conduct a literature review on the topic. Methods: From January 2002 to January 2015, an institutional database was screened retrospectively to identify patients with HCC and S. mansoni infection at a single center in the Department of Gastroenterology of University of São Paulo School of Medicine and Hospital das Clínicas, Brazil. Results: Seven cases were included. The mean age of patients was 62.1±10.3 years; six (85.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/80/JCTH-3-260.PMC4721893.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2866549", "abstract": "Background: One of the commonest causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is left heart dysfunction associated with elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). In contrast, the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) originates in the pulmonary vascular bed. Accurate diagnosis of PAH requires right heart catheterization (RHC) with normal PCWP. This study examines the role of computed tomography of the chest (CT chest) in evaluating left atrial (LA) size as an indicator of elevated PCWP in patients undergoing PH evaluation. Methods: CT chest and RHC data were reviewed in 37 subjects at the Baylor PH Center. Both subjective estimates and objective measurements of left atrial size from the CT chest were recorded separately by 3 investigators. Patients were categorized as Group I (small-normal LA) and Group II (large LA) and RHC results compared.The objective and subjective measurements were compared by receiver operator characteristic (ROC). Results: The mean PCWP was 12 ± 6 mmHg in Group I and 21 ± 7 mmHg in Group II (P = 0.001). The estimated LA area was 19.4 ± 4.9 cm2 in Group I and 39.9 ± 7.6 cm2 in Group II (mean ± SD; P < 0.001). The estimated LA area, corrected for the chest wall length, was 0.78 ± 0.19 cm2 and 1.65 ± 0.26 cm2 in Groups I and II, respectively (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between uncorrected PCWP and LA area (R = 0.45, P = 0.005), corrected PCWP and LA area (R = 0.47, P = 0.003), and the subjective observer impression of LA enlargement and measured PCWP (R = 0.51, P = 0.001). Conclusion: In this pilot study, enlarged LA area on the CT chest was associated with an elevated PCWP on RHC. For patients undergoing PH evaluation, increased LA area on CT chest could suggest left heart dysfunction in patients as a possible cause of PH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/b8/PMC2866549.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4783479", "abstract": "Objective To evaluate whether an early bone marrow edema pattern predicts vertebral deformity types and prognosis in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 64 patients with 75 acute OVCFs who underwent early MRI and followed up MRI. On early MRI, the low SI pattern of OVCF on T1WI were assessed and classified into 3 types (diffuse, globular or patchy, band-like). On followed up MRI, the vertebral deformity types (anterior wedge, biconcave, crush), degree of vertebral body height loss, incidence of vertebral osteonecrosis and spinal stenosis were assessed for each vertebral fracture types. Results According to the early bone marrow edema pattern on T1WI, 26 vertebrae were type 1, 14 vertebrae were type 2 and 35 vertebrae were type 3. On followed up MRI, the crush-type vertebral deformity was most frequent among the type 1 OVCFs, the biconcave-type vertebral deformity was most frequent among the type 2 OVCFs and the anterior wedge-type vertebral deformity was most frequent among the type 3 OVCFs (p<0.001). In addition, type 1 early bone marrow edema pattern of OVCF on T1WI were associated with higher incidence of severe degree vertebral body height loss, vertebral osteonecrosis and spinal stenosis on the follow up MRI. Conclusion Early bone marrow edema pattern of OVCF on T1WI, significant correlated with vertebral deformity types on the follow up MRI. The severe degree of vertebral height loss, vertebral osteonecrosis, and spinal stenosis were more frequent in patients with diffuse low SI pattern.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/1f/jkns-59-137.PMC4783479.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3421942", "abstract": "The increasing number of total hip replacements in the younger clique has added to the demand for revision procedures. Revision situations are often encountered with infection, loss of bone stock and bone defects. There are various methods of reconstruction of acetabular defects. The management options of type 3B Paprosky acetabular defects are limited with allograft and conventional cages. Trabecular metal technology has evolved to address these bone defects. Trabecular metal acetabular revision system (TMARS) cup-cage construct is a new technique to address massive acetabular defects. We describe a case of failed hip reconstruction done for a Giant cell tumour of proximal femur managed by a two stage procedure, initial debridement and second stage reconstruction of acetabulum with TMARS cup-cage construct and femur with allograft prosthesis composite.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/00/IJOrtho-46-483.PMC3421942.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4290058", "abstract": "Fatty acids (FAs) particularly ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important role in human health. This study aimed to investigate the composition and levels of selected ω3 PUFAs in four commercial fish species, Nile perch (Lates niloticus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Tilapia zillii, and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) from Mwanza Gulf in Lake Victoria. The results indicated that 36 types of FAs with different saturation levels were detected. These FAs were dominated by docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and eicosatetraenoic acids. O. niloticus had the highest composition of FAs (34) compared to L. niloticus (27), T. zillii (26), and R. argentea (21). The levels of EPA differed significantly among the four commercial fish species (F = 6.19,  P = 0.001). The highest EPA levels were found in R. argentea followed by L. niloticus and O. niloticus and the lowest in T. zillii. The DPA levels showed no significant difference among the four fish species studied (F = 0.652,  P = 0.583). The study concluded that all four commercial species collected from Mwanza Gulf are good for human health, but R. argentea is the best for consumption because it contains higher levels of ω3 FAs, mainly EPA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/e5/PMC4290058.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4309337", "abstract": "Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the economic burden of disability of school-aged children and to evaluate the association between disabilities and household socioeconomic status, as well as the economic burden of disability and household socioeconomic status in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: Nationally representative data for 9,882 children aged 6 to 17 years from the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey 2006 were used. Disabilities were measured in six basic functional domains, including vision, hearing, remembering or concentrating, mobility, self-care, and communication. We evaluated the association between area, household income, educational attainment, or occupation of household head, and each difficulty. The ratio of health-care expenditure to per capita household income was compared by presence of a disability as well as household socioeconomic status. Results: The prevalence of difficulty was 1.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/47/1b/jrm-8-212.PMC4309337.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3375464", "abstract": "The generation of lipid products catalyzed by PI3K is critical for normal T cell homeostasis and a productive immune response. PI3K can be activated in response to antigen receptor, co-stimulatory, cytokine, and chemokine signals. Moreover, dysregulation of this pathway frequently occurs in T cell lymphomas and is implicated in lymphoproliferative autoimmune disease. Akt acts as a central mediator of PI3K signals, downstream of which is the mTOR pathway, controlling cell growth and metabolism. Members of the Foxo family of transcription factors are also regulated by Akt, thus linking control over homing and migration of T cells, as well cell cycle entry, apoptosis, and DNA damage and oxidative stress responses, to PI3K signaling. PTEN, first identified as a tumor suppressor gene, encodes a lipid phosphatase that, by catalyzing the reverse of the PI3K “reaction,” directly opposes PI3K signaling. However, PTEN may have other functions as well, and recent reports have suggested roles for PTEN as a tumor suppressor independent of its effects on PI3K signaling. Through the use of models in which Pten is deleted specifically in T cells, it is becoming increasingly clear that control over autoimmunity and lymphomagenesis by PTEN involves multi-faceted functions of this molecule at multiple stages within the T cell compartment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/a5/fimmu-03-00151.PMC3375464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5293686", "abstract": " Tumors derive from a single cell clone but consist of heterogeneous cell subpopulations with diverse features and functions. A limited number of subclones with a selective advantage can initiate tumors when inoculated into immunocompromised mice, and are called cancer-initiating cells (CICs). CICs can be isolated from the bulk of tumors on the basis of their characteristics, such as high reagent efflux, degradation of reactive oxygen species, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Under normal conditions, new CICs are produced by existing CICs rather than non-CICs. However, under stress conditions, non-CICs can occasionally produce CICs, a phenomenon known as plasticity. The dynamic exchange between CICs and non-CICs may enable tumors to survive under unfavorable conditions. CICs are located in a small portion of tumors. This suggests that microenvironmental factors induce or inhibit the CIC phenotype, which might be regulated by intercellular signaling between tumor cells. This review describes isolation of CICs from tumor cell populations and the microenvironmental factors that regulate CIC phenotypes in uterine cancer and lymphoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/3c/tox-30-001.PMC5293686.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3898444", "abstract": "Background: The loss of muscle mass is associated with aging. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training and detraining on muscle mass in elderly women. Methods: Twenty post-menopausal women aged ≥50 years old were enrolled. Matching for age, they were randomly assigned into control and resistance training group (RT). The intervention consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions for 10 movements with Thera-Band tubing (based on 80-100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/26/IJPVM-4-1386.PMC3898444.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3390429", "abstract": "Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has well demonstrated its efficacy in treating in-hospital cardiac arrest and is being used for broader indications. However, ECLS after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been traditionally contraindicated and is now challenging. Here, we introduce two cases of successful ECLS after prolonged CPR, resulting in a immediate and full recovery. Both these acute ST elevation myocardial infarction patients waiting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) suddenly collapsed due to ventricular fibrillation (VF), which was refractory to conventional treatment. After 2 hours of conventional CPR, the ECLS had been implemented and primary PCI could be performed. Subsequent to successful revascularization, the VF was stopped with a single electric shock. In our second case, normal sinus rhythm was spontaneously restored after ECLS implementation, which was completed after 45 minutes of conventional resuscitation. Both patients made a full neurological recovery on the day of the event and were discharged with only minor complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/6c/kcj-42-423.PMC3390429.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3310620", "abstract": "West Nile virus has been isolated for the first time in Mexico, from a sick person and from mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus). Partial sequencing and analysis of the 2 isolates indicate that they are genetically similar to other recent isolates from northern Mexico and the western United States.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/43/PMC3310620.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1669738", "abstract": "Eukaryotic Subcellular Localization DataBase collects the annotations of subcellular localization of eukaryotic proteomes. So far five proteomes have been processed and stored: Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana. For each sequence, the database lists localization obtained adopting three different approaches: (i) experimentally determined (when available); (ii) homology-based (when possible); and (iii) predicted. The latter is computed with a suite of machine learning based methods, developed in house. All the data are available at our website and can be searched by sequence, by protein code and/or by protein description. Furthermore, a more complex search can be performed combining different search fields and keys. All the data contained in the database can be freely downloaded in flat file format. The database is available at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/67/gkl775.PMC1669738.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2685000", "abstract": "Objective To determine the utility of MR imaging in evaluating the prognostic factors for a local recurrence of rectal cancer following a curative resection. Materials and Methods The preoperative MR images obtained from 17 patients with a local recurrence and 54 patients without a local recurrence, who had undergone a curative resection, were independently evaluated by three radiologists. The following findings were analyzed: the direct invasion of the perirectal fat by the primary rectal carcinoma, involvement of the perirectal lymph nodes, perirectal spiculate nodules, perivascular encasement, and an enlargement of the pelvic wall lymph nodes. The clinical and surgical profiles were obtained from the patients??medical records. The association of a local recurrence with the MR findings and the clinicosurgical variables was statistically evaluated. Results Of the MR findings, the presence of perivascular encasement (p = 0.001) and perirectal spiculate nodules (p = 0.001) were found to be significant prognostic factors for a local recurrence. Of the clinicosurgical profiles, the presence of a microscopic vascular invasion (p = 0.005) and the involvement of the regional lymph nodes (p = 0.006) were associated with a local recurrence. Logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of perirectal spiculate nodules was an independent predictor of a local recurrence (odds ratio, 7.382; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/a8/kjr-6-8.PMC2685000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5313432", "abstract": "The clinical features of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) are not uniform. We herein report a male patient with unusual MELAS-like encephalopathy who had been experiencing isolated recurrent stroke-like episodes since he was 33 years old without any particular family history. Despite an extensive investigation, he had no other signs suggestive of MELAS. Although the muscle pathology showed a normal appearance, a mitochondrial genome sequence analysis of the biopsied muscle revealed a heteroplasmic m.10158T>C mutation in the mitochondrial complex I subunit gene, MT-ND3. To prevented further deterioration of the higher brain function, the early diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial stroke-like episodes is important. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/06/1349-7235-56-0095.PMC5313432.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3687481", "abstract": "Urogenital schistosomiasis, due to Schistosoma haematobium, is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Control is by targeted treatment with praziquantel but preschool age children are excluded from control programs. Immunological studies on the effect of treatment at this young age are scarce. In light of studies in older individuals showing that praziquantel alters antischistosome immune responses and responses to bystander antigens, this study aims to investigate how these responses would be affected by treatment at this young age. Antibody responses directed against schistosome antigens, Plasmodium falciparum crude and recombinant antigens, and the allergen house dust mite were measured in children aged 3 to 5 years before and 6 weeks after treatment. The change in serological recognition of schistosome proteins was also investigated. Treatment augmented antischistosome IgM and IgE responses. The increase in IgE responses directed against adult worm antigens was accompanied by enhanced antigen recognition by sera from the children. Antibody responses directed against Plasmodium antigens were not significantly affected by praziquantel treatment nor were levels of allergen specific responses. Overall, praziquantel treatment enhanced, quantitatively and qualitatively, the antiworm responses associated with protective immunity but did not alter Plasmodium-specific responses or allergen-specific responses which mediate pathology in allergic disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/31/PMC3687481.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3229025", "abstract": "Indigo carmine has been used for eight decades with few adverse effects. Several of our patients, however, experienced severe hypotensive episodes after indigo carmine administration within a period of one month. Analysis of the raw materials used to formulate the preparation of indigo carmine we used showed that they contained impurities. Following recall of these impure materials, none of our patients experienced further hypotensive episodes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/08/kjae-61-435.PMC3229025.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3592621", "abstract": "Although the majority of scientific information is communicated in written form, and peer review is the primary process by which it is validated, undergraduate students may receive little direct training in science writing or peer review. Here, I describe the use of Calibrated Peer Review™ (CPR), a free, web-based writing and peer review program designed to alleviate instructor workload, in two undergraduate neuroscience courses: an upper- level sensation and perception course (41 students, three assignments) and an introductory neuroscience course (50 students; two assignments). Using CPR online, students reviewed primary research articles on assigned ‘hot’ topics, wrote short essays in response to specific guiding questions, reviewed standard ‘calibration’ essays, and provided anonymous quantitative and qualitative peer reviews. An automated grading system calculated the final scores based on a student’s essay quality (as determined by the average of three peer reviews) and his or her accuracy in evaluating 1) three standard calibration essays, 2) three anonymous peer reviews, and 3) his or her self review. Thus, students were assessed not only on their skill at constructing logical, evidence-based arguments, but also on their ability to accurately evaluate their peers’ writing. According to both student self-reports and instructor observation, students’ writing and peer review skills improved over the course of the semester. Student evaluation of the CPR program was mixed; while some students felt like the peer review process enhanced their understanding of the material and improved their writing, others felt as though the process was biased and required too much time. Despite student critiques of the program, I still recommend the CPR program as an excellent and free resource for incorporating more writing, peer review, and critical thinking into an undergraduate neuroscience curriculum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/bd/PMC3592621.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4846062", "abstract": "Due to the relatively low metabolic demand and extensive collaterals of the upper limb, peripheral arterial disease seldom leads to tissue loss, except in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), rheumatologic diseases, Raynaud’s disease, frostbites, or distal emboli. We report a case of a 51-year-old lady with ESRF who presented to our tertiary referral vascular center with infected gangrene of her right ring finger. Duplex ultrasound showed that her forearm arteries were severely diseased. Digital subtraction angiogram showed severe multilevel stenoses/occlusions in her forearm radial and ulnar arteries. These lesions were successfully angioplastized with 2 mm × 25 mm angioplasty balloon. Completion angiogram showed good radiological results with some post-dilatation spasm which improved with intra-arterial glyceryl trinitrate. The sepsis improved after revascularization, and the distal phalanx was allowed to self-demarcate with dressings and autoamputate with good clinical results. Our case illustrated that even in delayed setting, patients could still benefit from specialist vascular care with a combination of expert care and angioplasty of forearm arteries, with successful salvage of her finger.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/59/ijnrd-9-105.PMC4846062.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970092", "abstract": "A Human Head Surrogate has been developed for use in behind helmet blunt trauma experiments. This human head surrogate fills the void between Post-Mortem Human Subject testing (with biofidelity but handling restrictions) and commercial ballistic head forms (with no biofidelity but ease of use). This unique human head surrogate is based on refreshed human craniums and surrogate materials representing human head soft tissues such as the skin, dura, and brain. A methodology for refreshing the craniums is developed and verified through material testing. A test methodology utilizing these unique human head surrogates is also developed and then demonstrated in a series of experiments in which non-perforating ballistic impact of combat helmets is performed with and without supplemental ceramic appliques for protecting against larger caliber threats. Sensors embedded in the human head surrogates allow for direct measurement of intracranial pressure, cranial strain, and head and helmet acceleration. Over seventy (70) fully instrumented experiments have been executed using this unique surrogate. Examples of the data collected are presented. Based on these series of tests, the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) Human Head Surrogate has demonstrated great potential for providing insights in to injury mechanics resulting from non-perforating ballistic impact on combat helmets, and directly supports behind helmet blunt trauma studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/b0/ijmsv11p0409.PMC3970092.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5015984", "abstract": "Purpose We developed polycaprolactone (PCL) implants that achieve zero-order release of a proprietary ocular hypotensive agent (DE-117) over 6 months. Methods The release rates of DE-117–loaded PCL devices were tuned based on an established predictive model and confirmed by in vitro release studies. Devices containing DE-117 and empty devices were implanted intracamerally in normotensive rabbits for up to 8 weeks' duration. Devices were retrieved after rabbits were euthanized and evaluated for tissue adherence. The drug remaining in each device was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Drug distribution in ocular tissues was measured by liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Results In vitro release of DE-117 showed zero-order release with a release rate of 0.5 μg/day over 6 months. Implantation in rabbit eyes demonstrated that the devices were well tolerated in the intracameral space. Quantification of DE-117 and hDE-117 (the hydrolyzed active form of DE-117) in ocular tissues (cornea, iris-ciliary body, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor) indicated sustained release of DE-117 and its conversion to hDE-117 when released from the device. Analysis of drug remaining in the device found that concentration of hDE-117 was below the limit of detection, indicating the encapsulated drug was protected from hydrolysis in the device. Conclusions Proof-of-concept PCL drug delivery devices containing DE-117 show promise as a long-term glaucoma treatment based on their zero-order drug release profile in vitro, biocompatibility in vivo, and effective distribution of released drug in relevant ocular tissues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/18/i1552-5783-57-10-4341.PMC5015984.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5134163", "abstract": "Introduction: The term facial acanthosis nigricans (FAN) lacks definition of precise clinical and histopathological features. We present a descriptive study of patients with FAN to define pigmentary patterns and estimate the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in these cases. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study that included all patients with classical AN of the neck and/or other areas with facial acanthosis nigricans described as brown-to-black macular pigmentation with blurred ill-defined margins, found on the zygomatic and malar areas. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) of the included patients were used as parameters of obesity. Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA2 IR) was used as a parameter to evaluate insulin resistance. Histopathological features of the 6 skin biopsies that were possible were reviewed. Results: Among the 102 included individuals, the patterns of facial pigmentation seen in addition to the classic pattern involving zygomatic and malar areas were a hyperpigmented band on the forehead in 59.80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/70/IDOJ-7-498.PMC5134163.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2878673", "abstract": "Crouzon syndrome is one of the most common craniofacial syndromes and is inherited as autosomal dominant with variable expression. We report an 11 and a half-year-old boy with Crouzon syndrome with severe growth retardation. He had hydrocephalus since infancy and recently suffered from frequent dizziness. His bone age was only 5 years according to the Greulich and Pyle atlas. Magnetic resonance imaging showed shallow orbits, obstructive hydrocephalus, and cerebellar tonsil herniation. Growth hormone provocative tests revealed a reduced peak growth hormone response in both insulin and clonidine tests. Severe iron deficiency anemia was noted at the same time. Molecular analysis identified a common mutation point of Cys278Phe for Crouzon syndrome in exon IIIa of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Since growth retardation is not a common feature of Crouzon syndrome, we reviewed the literature for the incidence of hydrocephalus in Crouzon syndrome and the association with growth hormone deficiency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/49/PMC2878673.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4730695", "abstract": "Purpose: To report the diagnostic ability of posterior pole asymmetry analysis (PPAA) parameters of spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting early unilateral glaucoma. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study which included 80 eyes of 80 normal subjects and 76 eyes of 76 patients with unilateral early primary open-angle glaucoma by Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish classification. All subjects were of age more than 18 years, best-corrected visual acuity 20/40 or better, and a refractive error within ± 5 diopter (D) sphere and ± 3 D cylinder. Control subjects had a normal ocular examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) <22 mmHg, no past history of high IOP, no family history of glaucoma, normal optic disc morphology, and visual field in both eyes. One eye of the control subject was randomly included. All eyes underwent OCT for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis and PPAA. The number of continuous black squares was noted in the asymmetry analysis (right-left + hemisphere asymmetry). The area under curve (AUC) was calculated for all OCT parameters. Results: The best value for AUC for RNFL analysis was 0.858 for the inferotemporal quadrant thickness. This was similar to the best value for AUC for PPAA which was 0.833 for the inferior macular thickness parameter (P = 0.5). The AUC for the right-left and the hemisphere asymmetry part of PPAA was 0.427 and 0.499, respectively. Conclusion: The macular thickness PPAA parameters were equally good as the RNFL parameters. However, the asymmetry analysis parameters performed poorly and need further refinement before its use in early unilateral glaucoma diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/7b/IJO-63-837.PMC4730695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3606727", "abstract": "The standard procedure for definitive detection of BoNT-producing Clostridia is a culture method combined with neurotoxin detection using a standard mouse bioassay (MBA). The mouse bioassay is highly sensitive and specific, but it is expensive and time-consuming, and there are ethical concerns due to use of laboratory animals. Cell-based assays provide an alternative to the MBA in screening for BoNT-producing Clostridia. Here, we describe a cell-based assay utilizing a fluorescence reporter construct expressed in a neuronal cell model to study toxin activity in situ. Our data indicates that the assay can detect as little as 100 pM BoNT/A activity within living cells, and the assay is currently being evaluated for the analysis of BoNT in food matrices. Among available in vitro assays, we believe that cell-based assays are widely applicable in high-throughput screenings and have the potential to at least reduce and refine animal assays if not replace it.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/47/PMC3606727.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3942510", "abstract": "Molecular mimicry is an attractive mechanism for triggering autoimmunity. In this review, we explore the potential role of evolutionary conserved bacterial proteins in the production of autoantibodies with focus on granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seven autoantigens characterized in GPA and RA were BLASTed against a bacterial protein database. Of the seven autoantigens, proteinase 3, type II collagen, binding immunoglobulin protein, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, α-enolase, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein have well-conserved bacterial orthologs. Importantly, those bacterial orthologs are also found in human-associated bacteria. The wide distribution of the highly conserved stress proteins or enzymes among the members of the normal flora and common infectious microorganisms raises a new question on how cross-reactive autoantibodies are not produced during the immune response to these bacteria in most healthy people. Understanding the mechanisms that deselect auto-reactive B cell clones during the germinal center reaction to homologous foreign antigens may provide a novel strategy to treat autoimmune diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/07/in-14-7.PMC3942510.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4512585", "abstract": " Purpose. The study aimed at evaluating the patients' characteristics, risk factors, complications, and visual outcome of traumatic wound dehiscence after keratoplasty. Patients and Methods. A retrospective case series that included 20 eyes of 20 patients who had undergone a previous keratoplasty procedure followed by traumatic wound dehiscence. Records of the selected patients were reviewed. The mean duration of follow-up after repair was 21 months. Included patients were recalled for the final follow-up visit. Results. The procedure of corneal transplantation was penetrating (PKP) in 16 eyes and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in 4 eyes. The associated anterior segment injuries included iris prolapse in 17 eyes and lens extrusion in 12 eyes. The associated posterior segment injuries included vitreous hemorrhage in 11 eyes and retinal detachment in 4 eyes. The final BSCVA was 0.1 or better in 5 cases (25 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/d5/PMC4512585.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3715710", "abstract": "Purpose Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a first-line treatment for pediatric urinary stone disease. We aimed to determine the factors affecting the outcome of ESWL for unilateral urinary stones in children. Materials and Methods A total of 81 pediatric patients aged 0 to 16 years with urinary stones treated by ESWL from January 1995 through May 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were required to have unilateral urinary stone disease. Children who underwent other surgical procedures before ESWL were excluded. Outcomes evaluated after ESWL were the stone-free rate at 3 months after ESWL, success within a single session, and success within three sessions. Factors affecting the success within three sessions were also analyzed. Results The final analysis was for 42 boys and 22 girls (mean age, 9.2±5.2 years). Of these 64 patients, 58 (90.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2e/01/kju-54-460.PMC3715710.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3506860", "abstract": "Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures such as ears, nose, and tracheolaryngeal structures. As a result, tracheolaryngeal involvement makes anesthetic management a challenge. Anesthetic management of a patient with relapsing polychondritis may encounter airway problems caused by severe tracheal stenosis. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with relapsing polychondritis who underwent wedge resection of the stomach under epidural analgesia. Thoracic epidural blockade of the T4-10 dermatome was achieved by epidural injection of 7 ml of 0.75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/7d/kjae-63-465.PMC3506860.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4212701", "abstract": " Study Design Case Report and review of the literature.  Objective The objective of the article is to report an illustrative case successfully treated by microsurgery and to review the literature on the current evidence on diagnosis and management of lumbar discal cysts.  Methods A 43-year-old male patient presented with severe back pain, radiating down to the right leg, as well as with paraesthesias in the right L3 and L4 dermatomes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed an intraspinal, extradural space-occupying lesion at the L3–L4 disc level, causing compression of the neural structures. The lesion was surgically removed and a diagnosis of lumbar discal cyst was made. Postoperatively, symptoms improved and the patient was discharged with no complications. A systematic review of pertinent articles published up to February 2014 was performed. Key articles were searched to identify studies describing the diagnosis and management modalities of lumbar discal cysts and the comparative effectiveness and safety of microsurgery versus endoscopic treatment.  Conclusions Discal cysts are rare causes of low back pain and radiculopathy. Few cases have been reported; however, conclusive information about their natural history is not available and the best mode of treatment remains controversial. We submit that lumbar intervertebral disc cysts, with their peculiar radiological and anatomic features, should be considered in the differential diagnosis among rare causes of low back pain and radiculopathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4c/e1/PMC4212701.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3735924", "abstract": "This paper proposes that a certain premorbid personality type – that of hard driving, achievement-oriented, often exercise-oriented individuals – correlates with bupropion response; conversely, patients without these premorbid traits and whose depression is marked by mood swings, irritability and rumination are likely fluoxetine responders.  The authors developed the Fluoxetine Bupropion Assessment Scale (FBAS), a 10-question, self-administered rating scale, to assess these traits and hypothesized that its use would improve outcomes.  A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Registered Nurse/Nurse Practitioner (RN/NP) retrospectively reviewed 72 charts from one psychiatrist’s office for two time periods: before and after the psychiatrist utilized the questionnaire to guide antidepressant selection (33 charts before and 39 charts after). Raters were blinded to the theory and to the treatment time period. On the basis of clinical information in the charts, they formulated Clinical Global Impression assessments of treatment response in patients with Beck Depression Inventory scores ≥17 who were not on either drug at the time of intake, and who were prescribed either fluoxetine or bupropion. The data were in the direction of better results in the FBAS-guided group, particularly after adjusting for age, gender and marital status (efficacy p = 0.087). When global improvement data were combined into three groups describing treatment response (improved, minimal to no improvement, and worse) there were statistically significant better results (p = 0.047) in the FBAS-guided treatment group. Revision and validation of the questionnaire and a larger, randomized study seem indicated. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/63/CPEMH-9-142.PMC3735924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3749390", "abstract": "An actinomycete strain was isolated from northern part of Bangladesh and identified as a new Streptomyces species on the basis of its morphological, biochemical, cultural characteristics and 16S rRNA data. Attempts were made to optimize the culture conditions for the production of antimicrobial metabolites by this strain. Antimicrobial metabolites production was started after 7 days of incubation of culture broth and reached its maximum levels after 10 days and thereafter gradually decreased. The maximum production of antimicrobial metabolites was obtained when the culture medium pH was adjusted to 8. The optimum temperature for antimicrobial metabolites production was 39℃, indicated the new strain as mesophilic organism. Basel medium supplemented with glucose and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, was proved to be the best for the production of bioactive metabolites. Maximum production of bioactive metabolites was when NaCl concentration was 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/58/mb-37-211.PMC3749390.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3424099", "abstract": "Collaborative researches of three-dimensional molecular modeling can be limited by different time zones and locations. A networked virtual environment can be utilized to overcome the problem caused by the temporal and spatial differences. However, traditional approaches did not sufficiently consider integration of different computing environments, which were characterized by types of applications, roles of users, and so on. We propose a collaborative molecular modeling environment to integrate different molecule modeling systems using a virtual tunneling service. We integrated Co-Coot, which is a collaborative crystallographic object-oriented toolkit, with VRMMS, which is a virtual reality molecular modeling system, through a collaborative tunneling system. The proposed system showed reliable quantitative and qualitative results through pilot experiments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a9/cf/PMC3424099.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4167214", "abstract": " Background. Reports on estimated amount of blood loss in maxillofacial surgical procedures will guide clinicians through units of blood required for each procedure. The aim of the study was to assess the amount of blood loss and duration of surgery. Methods. All cases of maxillofacial surgical procedures done under GA in the MFU theatre, from January 2007 to December 2013, were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative haematocrit values, number of units of whole blood requested and used, amount of blood loss, and duration of surgery were recorded. Results. 139 patients were analyzed, of which 75 (54.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/e5/PMC4167214.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3921774", "abstract": "We report a rare case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the prostate revealed on suprapubic prostatectomy. A 70-year-old man presented with nocturia, urgency and difficulty in voiding. The histopathological examination of the suprapubic adenomectomy specimen reported fibromyxoid pseudosarcomatous tumor (inflammatory prostatic pseudotumor). It is important to take this benign lesion under consideration to avoid unnecessary aggressive radical complementary treatments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/27/CEJU-65-00187.PMC3921774.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3354470", "abstract": "The definition of Lutembacher's syndrome has undergone many changes. It refers to combination of congenital Atrial Septal Defect with acquired mitral stenosis. Lutembacher's syndrome is a very rare disease and in the past, it has been either overdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Here, we will discuss a case of a pregnant lady who developed breathlessness during her third trimester of pregnancy and on detailed examination and investigation, she was found to be having Lutembacher's syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/e0/JCDR-3-179.PMC3354470.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3710964", "abstract": "Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) is rarely associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CC), and represents dismal prognosis. A 63-year-old male was admitted for evaluation of an intrahepatic mass. He was diagnosed with HHM associated with locally advanced CC. As the tumor responded to the concurrent chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin, serum calcium level was normalized. However, according to the disease progression, he suffered recurrence of HHM and he expired approximately one year after initial diagnosis. A 68-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain was diagnosed with metastatic CC. After the eighth cycle of gemcitabine and cisplatin, progression of the disease was found with HHM. He was treated with the best supportive care, until his demise approximately one month after the diagnosis of HHM. We report on two cases of HHM associated with CC that demonstrate strong correlation between hypercalcemia and disease burden.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/1f/crt-45-145.PMC3710964.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4381819", "abstract": "Introduction The administration of iodinated contrast media in doses sufficient for diagnosis and procedural guidance, when coincident with renal insufficiency, presents a considerable risk of exacerbating and hastening renal failure. Carbon dioxide has been proposed in the past as an alternative, but only recently dedicated injection systems have become available. We aimed to review our ongoing experience with an automated carbon dioxide injector for peripheral diagnostic and interventional procedures. Methods Details on 21 patients undergoing peripheral procedures with carbon dioxide angiography were systematically collected. An automated injector enabling customized and repeated carbon dioxide injections was used in all cases, with iodinated contrast media used only as bailout. Results No major or minor complications occurred in these patients, either during the procedure or up to discharge. Comparison according to phase of the learning curve showed that with accruing experience operators relied progressively more on carbon dioxide only, as there was a significantly reduced need for additional iodinated contrast media injections per procedure (from 2.5±2.1 to 0.6±2.1 injections per patient, p=0.005). Accordingly, in the second phase of our learning curve, iodinated contrast media were avoided in 91", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/e5/hlv-07-018.PMC4381819.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4889833", "abstract": "Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A number of related isolation factors, inadequate transportation system and restrictions in individuals' life space, have been associated with malnutrition in older adults. Since eating is a social event, isolation can have a negative effect on nutrition. Cultural involvement and participation in interactive activities are essential tools to fight social isolation, and they can counteract the detrimental effects of social isolation on health. To provide data supporting the hypothesis that encouraging participation might represent an innovative preventive and health promoting strategy for healthy living and aging, we developed an ad hoc questionnaire to investigate the relationship between cultural participation, well-being, and resilience in a sample of residents in the metropolitan area of Naples. The questionnaire includes a question on adherence to diet or to a special nutritional regimen; in addition, the participants are asked to mention their height and weight. We investigated the relationship between BMI, adherence to diet, and perceived well-being (PWB) and resilience in a sample of 571 subjects over 60 years of age. Here, we present evidence that engagement into social and cultural activities is associated with higher well-being and resilience, in particular in females over 60 years of age.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/9c/PMC4889833.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4584222", "abstract": " Background. Early detection of subclinical rheumatic heart disease by use of echocardiography warrants timely implementation of secondary antibiotic prophylaxis and thereby prevents or retards its related complications. Objectives. The objective of this epidemiological study was to determine prevalence of RHD by echocardiography using World Heart Federation criteria in randomly selected school children of Trivandrum. Methods. This was a population-based cross-sectional screening study carried out in Trivandrum. A total of 2060 school children, 5–15 years, were randomly selected from five government and two private (aided) schools. All enrolled children were screened for RHD according to standard clinical and WHF criteria of echocardiography. Results. Echocardiographic examinations confirmed RHD in 5 children out of 146 clinically suspected cases. Thus, clinical prevalence was found to be 2.4 per 1000. According to WHF criteria of echocardiography, 12 children (12/2060) were diagnosed with RHD corresponding to echocardiographic prevalence of 5.83 cases per 1000. As per criteria, 6 children were diagnosed with definite RHD and 6 with borderline RHD. Conclusions. The results of the current study demonstrate that echocardiography is more sensitive and feasible in detecting clinically silent RHD. Our study, the largest school survey of south India till date, points towards declining prevalence of RHD (5.83/1000 cases) using WHF criteria in Kerala.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e0/ca/PMC4584222.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5128719", "abstract": " Objectives. To compare musical electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods. In this study, 7.5-month-old male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used as an Alzheimer's disease animal model. In the normal control paradigm, 7.5-month-old male SAMR1 mice were used as the blank control group (N group). After 15 days of treatment, using Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry, the differences among the musical electroacupuncture (MEA), electroacupuncture (EA), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and normal (N) groups were assessed. Results. The Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry revealed that MEA and EA therapies could improve spatial learning and memory ability, glucose metabolism level in the brain, and Aβ amyloid content in the frontal lobe, compared with the AD group (P < 0.05). Moreover, MEA therapy performed better than EA treatment in decreasing amyloid-beta levels in the frontal lobe of mice with AD. Conclusion. MEA therapy may be superior to EA in treating Alzheimer's disease as demonstrated in SAMP8 mice. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/c5/PMC5128719.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4555904", "abstract": "Circinate balanitis, although a common manifestation of reactive arthritis, is usually an associated finding present along with the triad of arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis. It is rarely seen as the only preceding manifestation of reactive arthritis. We hereby report a case of circinate balanitis as alone preceding presentation of reactive arthritis that was successfully treated with topical pimecrolimus 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4e/ac/IJSTD-36-70.PMC4555904.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3610382", "abstract": "Alsterpaullone, a small molecule cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, regulates the cell cycle progression. Beyond death-inducing properties, we identified the effect of alsterpaullone on cycle procedure and apoptosis of HeLa cell. It was found that alsterpaullone inhibited HeLa cells in a time-dependent (0–72 h) and dose-dependent (0–30 μM) manner. In the presence of alsterpaullone, HeLa cells were arrested in G2/M prior to undergoing apoptosis via a mechanism that is involved in the regulation of various antiapoptotic genes, DNA-repair, transcription, and cell cycle progression. Compared to controls, alsterpaullone effectively prevented HeLa cells from entering S-phase. These potential therapeutic efficacies could be correlated with the activation of caspase-3.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/bf/PMC3610382.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4357404", "abstract": "Background: Meningiomas show high recurrence rates even after curative tumor removal. The invasiveness of meningiomas may contribute to their high recurrence rates. Recently, c-MET and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) have been reported to be involved in cancer invasion. Methods: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of c-MET and HGF in 100 cases of patients with meningiomas who have undergone complete tumor removal. Results: c-MET-High and HGFHigh were found in 17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/f1/jptm-49-1-44.PMC4357404.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2129160", "abstract": "During resistance training the muscle undergoes many changes. Possibly the most profound and significant changes are those that occur in the muscles contractile proteins. Increases in these contractile proteins are one of the primary factors contributing to myofibrillar hypertrophy. The most abundant muscle protein is myosin, which comprises 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/37/PMC2129160.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4872568", "abstract": "Objective: Inequality in leg length may lead to to abnormal transmission of load across the endplates and degeneration lumbar spine and the disc space. There has been no study focusing on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and leg length discrepancy. This subject was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Consecutive adult patients with leg length discrepancy and low back pain (LBP) admitted to our department were respectivelly studied. Results: A total number of 39 subjects (31 women and eight men) with leg length discrepancy and LBP and 43 (25 females and 18 males) patients with LBP as a control group were tested. Occurrence of disc herniation is statistically different between patients with hip dysplasia and control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a statistically significant association between leg length discrepancy and occurrence of LDH. The changes of spine anatomy with leg length discrepancy in hip dysplastic patients are of importance in understanding the nature of LDH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/f4/JCVJS-7-87.PMC4872568.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2661527", "abstract": "We report a case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following Sirsasana, a head-down postural yoga. A 55-year-old male patient presented to us, with sudden-onset loss of vision following Sirsasana, in the right eye. The patient had suffered from pulmonary thromboembolism 5 years earlier and was receiving warfarin prophylaxis. Over 6 months of follow-up, the patient developed neovascularization of the iris and was subjected to panretinal laser with no improvement in visual acuity. Sirsasana could be an important risk factor for CRVO especially in predisposed patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/67/IndianJOphthalmol-57-69.PMC2661527.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3657944", "abstract": "Background: Cutaneous manifestations of adverse drug reactions are a common occurrence and need to be differentiated from other causes of similar manifestations. Active search is essential for identification of these as patients may tend to downplay the causal association between drug use and the subsequent cutaneous manifestation. Purpose: To study the incidence of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs) in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted over a period of 6 months; using self-reporting method for selection of cases. The CADRs were graded as definite, possible and probable. Results: During the study period, 91 cases of CADRs were observed. Maximum incidence of CADRs was seen with antimicrobials (48.30", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/03/IJABMR-1-50.PMC3657944.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3611049", "abstract": "X-linked recessive myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a severe congenital muscle disorder caused by mutations in the MTM1 gene and characterized by severe hypotonia and generalized muscle weakness in affected males. It is generally a fatal disorder during the neonatal period and early infancy. The diagnosis is based on typical histopathological findings on muscle biopsy, combined with suggestive clinical features. We experienced a case of a newborn who required intubation and ventilator care because of profound hypotonia and respiratory difficulty. The preliminary diagnosis at the time of request for retrieval was hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, but the infant was clinically reevaluated for generalized weakness and muscle atrophy. Muscle biopsies showed variability in fiber size and centrally located nuclei in nearly all the fibers. We detected an MTM1 gene mutation of c.1261-1C>A in the intron 10 region, and diagnosed the neonate with myotubular myopathy. The same mutation was detected in his mother.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/e9/kjped-56-139.PMC3611049.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3172977", "abstract": "The concept of a carbimazole embryopathy underlies current Endocrine Society advice to avoid this drug in early pregnancy, favouring propylthiouracil as an alternative for the treatment of maternal hyperthyroidism. We aimed to establish whether suspected spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions in the UK via the Yellow Card Scheme supports a carbimazole embryopathy and the lack of association between propylthiouracil and congenital anomalies. All birth defects related to maternal treatment with carbimazole or propylthiouracil reported over a 47-year period via the Yellow Card Scheme were analysed. 57 cases with 97 anomalies were reported following in utero exposure to carbimazole. These anomalies included aplasia cutis, choanal atresia, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, and patent vitellointestinal duct, which have previously been reported in association with carbimazole/methimazole exposure in utero. Only 6 cases with 11 anomalies were reported for propylthiouracil, all within the last 15 years. Therefore, these findings may support a carbimazole embryopathy. There are few birth defects associated with propylthiouracil, but this should be interpreted in the context of higher historical prescription rates for carbimazole.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d5/0d/PMC3172977.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733719", "abstract": "Objective: Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a progressive, multisystem affected mitochondrial disease associated with a number of disease-related defective genes. MELAS has unpredictable presentations and clinical course, and it can be commonly misdiagnosed as encephalitis, cerebral infarction, or brain neoplasms. This review aimed to update the diagnosis progress in MELAS, which may provide better understanding of the disease nature and help make the right diagnosis as well. Data Sources: The data used in this review came from published peer review articles from October 1984 to October 2014, which were obtained from PubMed. The search term is “MELAS”. Study Selection: Information selected from those reported studies is mainly based on the progress on clinical features, blood biochemistry, neuroimaging, muscle biopsy, and genetics in diagnosing MELAS. Results: MELAS has a wide heterogeneity in genetics and clinical manifestations. The relationship between mutations and phenotypes remains unclear. Advanced serial functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide directional information on this disease. Muscle biopsy has meaningful value in diagnosing MELAS, which shows the presence of ragged red fibers and mosaic appearance of cytochrome oxidase negative fibers. Genetic studies have reported that approximately 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ce/94/CMJ-128-1820.PMC4733719.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4969274", "abstract": "Johne's disease or paratuberculosis is a chronic debilitating disease in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The disease causes significant economic losses in livestock industries worldwide. There are no effective control measures to eradicate the disease because there are no appropriate diagnostic methods to detect subclinically infected animals. Therefore, it is very difficult to control the disease using only test and cull strategies. Vaccination against paratuberculosis has been considered as an alternative strategy to control the disease when combined with management interventions. Understanding host-pathogen interactions is extremely important to development of vaccines. It has long been known that Th1-mediated cellular immune responses are play a crucial role in protection against MAP infection. However, recent studies suggested that innate immune responses are more closely related to protective effects than adaptive immunity. Based on this understanding, several attempts have been made to develop vaccines against paratuberculosis. A variety of ideas for designing novel vaccines have emerged, and the tests of the efficacy of these vaccines are conducted constantly. However, no effective vaccines are commercially available. In this study, studies of the development of vaccines for MAP were reviewed and summarized.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/b1/cevr-5-108.PMC4969274.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4462460", "abstract": "Biliary hamartoma or von Mayenburg complex (VMCs) is a rare benign congenital malformation of the biliary duct. Patients are usually asymptomatic. Hepatic lesions are incidentally discovered on ultrasonography (US) and subsequent radiological methods are necessary for confirmation. A correct diagnosis is established when typical imaging findings are present, otherwise histological confirmation might be needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/7f/cm-86-383.PMC4462460.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4175249", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze, through ergonomic analyses, those motions most used by radiological technologists that can cause musculoskeletal disorders. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 7 radiological technologists with work experience in hospitals for more than 5 years. For the analysis of working postures, we simulated the work posture of radiological technologists when moving patients, when pushing or pulling an apparatus, when conducting ultrasonography, and when handling a mouse for MRI were analyzed. [Results] In this study, the burdens on the radiological technologists’ waists were shown to be high when they were moving patients for a CT scan. During mouse handling for an MRI scan, large burdens were imposed on the neck. In the case of ultrasonography working postures, larger burdens on the leg and neck were found when the patient’s examination sites were located further away. The assessment of working postures when pushing a portable radiation apparatus showed that burdens on the musculoskeletal system increased as the weight of the apparatus increased. [Conclusion] The musculoskeletal disorders of radiological technologists occur in various regions of their bodies but occur most frequently in the shoulder and the lumbar region. Therefore, hospitals need to be educated regarding the concept of musculoskeletal disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/f9/jpts-26-1423.PMC4175249.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5419222", "abstract": " Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational injuries in dentists. These disorders occur due to the specific characteristics of dentistry occupation such as the use of tools and instruments and awkward posture. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of multifaceted ergonomic program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.   Methods: One hundred-two male dentists who worked in dentistry clinics of Tehran's hospitals participated in this interventional study. Participants were randomly divided into control (n=50) and intervention (n=52) groups. Dentists in the intervention group (n=52) underwent multifaceted ergonomic intervention program for 8 weeks and dentists in the control group (n=50) only received the measurements. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was evaluated in each of the 2 groups at 3 time points before the intervention, 3, and 6 months after the intervention using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Paired t-test was used to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and after the ergonomic intervention program at the end of 3 and 6 months.   Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reduced after the intervention in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, back, thigh, knees, and feet (p<0.05). On the other hand, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders increased in the control group in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, thigh, and knee, respectively. The survey results revealed that 98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/f4/mjiri-30-472.PMC5419222.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3738250", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of the study reported here was to examine health care resource utilization, costs, and risk of rehospitalization for total knee replacement (TKR) patients with and without muscle atrophy/weakness (MAW). Patients and methods Individuals aged 50–64 years with commercial insurance or 65+ years with Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medicare) who had a hospitalization for TKR between January 1, 2006 and September 30, 2009 were identified from a large US claims database. First hospitalization for TKR was defined as the index stay. All patients were classified into three cohorts according to when MAW was diagnosed relative to TKR: pre-MAW, post-MAW, and no MAW. The association between MAW and health care costs over the 12-month post-index period and the probability of rehospitalization were assessed via multivariate regressions Results The study sample included 53,696 Medicare and 46,058 commercial insurance TKR patients. Controlling for cross-cohort differences, both the pre- and post-MAW cohorts had significantly higher total health care costs (Medicare US4,201 and US9,404 higher, commercial insurance US2,737 and US6,640 higher, respectively) than the no MAW cohort (all P < 0.05). The post-MAW cohort in both populations was also more likely to have any all-cause or replacement-related rehospitalization compared with the no MAW cohort. Conclusion Among US patients undergoing TKR, those with MAW had higher health care utilization and costs than patients without MAW.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/24/PMC3738250.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4387647", "abstract": "Background: It is proved that surgical hand disinfectant contains alcohol, and has favorable properties such as strong and rapid antibacterial effect, ease of application, and suitable effect on skin. Therefore, nowadays use of them has been gradually replacing traditional surgical hand scrub with antibacterial soap. Hence, several domestic and imported products are available to the healthcare facilities in Iran. This study was done in order to determine the antibacterial effect of Decosept, Sterillium, and Septicidine on skin flora. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 20 volunteers. Subjects disinfected their hands with three test products. At first, subjects washed their hands with soap. Then pre-value sample was taken from the finger tips in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB).1 After that, the hands were disinfected with one of the surgical hand rubs with as much volume as necessary to keep the hands wet, at the recommended application time. Immediate post-value sample was taken from one hand and the other hand was gloved for 3 h. After removing the surgical glove, 3 h post-value sample (sustained effect) was taken from the hand. Results: All products remarkably decreased the colony forming units (CFU) immediately (P < 0.0001) and 3 h (P < 0.0001) after disinfection. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among immediate post-values (P < 0.005). Septicidine was significantly the least effective than the others, whereas 3 h effect of the three products was similar (P = 0.630, ANOVA). Conclusions: Our results confirm the effectiveness of the three alcohol-based hand rubs. Considering the short application time, less volume used, and more antibacterial effect, however, Sterillium seems to be a better choice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/0a/IJNMR-20-221.PMC4387647.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4009332", "abstract": " Objective. This study evaluated the prevalence of various indicators of psychiatric disorders in Brazilian outpatients with cancer and assessed possible associations with sociodemographic indicators. Materials and Methods. A total of 1,385 patients were evaluated using the following instruments: Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST). Results. The sample was composed of both genders with a slight predominance of women (55.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/08/b1/PMC4009332.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3433004", "abstract": "Summerskill-Walshe-Tygstrup syndrome is a rare benign chronic liver disease characterized by recurring cholestasis with jaundice and severe pruritus. Due to insufficient conservative treatment, liver dialysis by Prometheus® was applied to a 45-year-old female patient with resistant pruritus. Initially, other possible liver diseases were excluded and the patient was treated symptomatically since the diagnosis of Summerskill-Walshe-Tygstrup was stated in 1998. As conservative and endoscopic methods progressively failed to relieve the patient's suffering, Prometheus® liver dialysis was performed regularly since 2006 at 3-month intervals and successfully led to a decrease in the patient's symptoms. Cholestatic liver enzymes and also serum bile acids could be lowered significantly from an average of 22.5 ± 2.7 to 7.3 ± 1.7 µmol/l. Consequently, Prometheus® liver dialysis may be a beneficial option for patients with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis suffering from therapy-resistant symptoms and may be used as well as other extracorporeal liver support devices which have already been reported to improve cholestatic pruritus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/45/crg-0006-0550.PMC3433004.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3663066", "abstract": "We report the case of a 37-year-old man with a high myopic keratoconus eye that was treated with a posterior chamber toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) in Korea. The patient had a history of contact lens intolerance and did not want to have a corneal transplantation. His uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle corrected visual acuity were 0.02 and 0.4 in the left eye, respectively. Preoperatively, the manifest refraction was -12.0 -3.5 × 30A. Postoperatively, the manifest refraction was -1.75 × 180A. UCVA improved markedly after implantation. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed during 20 months of follow-up. Toric ICL implantation may be a possible alternative surgical option for the visual rehabilitation of high myopic astigmatism in keratoconus patients with rigid gas permeable contact lens intolerance and in patients who do not want to get a corneal transplant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/57/kjo-27-211.PMC3663066.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3252648", "abstract": "Aim: As door handles represent a transmission route for viruses and micro-organisms, a door opening and closing mechanism should be developed without manual operation. Method: To solve the problem, a device for opening the door with the help of a foot pedal was built into the door leaf. Results: The design enables mechanical opening of the door with a foot pedal without manual operation. Subsequently, the door closes with the help of a mechanical locking mechanism. Discussion: The foot-operated door opener constitutes an additional option to the door handle. Together with the equipment of a soft closing mechanism, it is possible to prevent noise emanating from the door latch impinging on the door frame. Using this construction, the door handle as a transmission vector is eliminated. In addition, the transport of goods held with two hands simultaneously is facilitated. Conclusion: With a foot-operated door opener instead of the traditional manual door handle, it is possible to open doors with a foot pedal. This prevents contamination of door handles with pathogens.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/05/KHI-06-10.PMC3252648.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3542448", "abstract": "Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional and orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) anchorage on tooth movement and arch-dimension changes in the maxillary dentition in Class II division 1 (CII div.1) patients. Methods CII div.1 patients treated with extraction of the maxillary first and mandibular second premolars and sliding mechanics were allotted to conventional anchorage group (CA, n = 12) or OMI anchorage group (OA, n = 12). Pre- and post-treatment three-dimensional virtual maxillary models were superimposed using the best-fit method. Linear, angular, and arch-dimension variables were measured with software program. Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed for statistical analysis. Results Compared to the CA group, the OMI group showed more backward movement of the maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine (MXCI, MXLI, MXC, respectively; 1.6 mm, p < 0.001; 0.9 mm, p < 0.05; 1.2 mm, p < 0.001); more intrusion of the MXCI and MXC (1.3 mm, 0.5 mm, all p < 0.01); less forward movement of the maxillary second premolar, first, and second molars (MXP2, MXM1, MXM2, respectively; all 1.0 mm, all p < 0.05); less contraction of the MXP2 and MXM1 (0.7 mm, p < 0.05; 0.9 mm, p < 0.001); less mesial-in rotation of the MXM1 and MXM2 (2.6°, 2.5°, all p < 0.05); and less decrease of the inter-MXP2, MXM1, and MXM2 widths (1.8 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, all p < 0.05). Conclusions In treatment of CII div.1 malocclusion, OA provided better anchorage and less arch-dimension change in the maxillary posterior teeth than CA during en-masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/64/4f/kjod-42-280.PMC3542448.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4812451", "abstract": " Purpose. To analyze the patients with secondary dislocation of CTR and IOL within 5 years from cataract surgery, to determine predisposing factors. Methods. 16 eyes of 15 patients aged 66.2 ± 6.7 (from 49 to 82) with CTR/IOL complex dislocation within 5 years from cataract surgery were compared with 26 patients aged 67.1 ± 7.2 (from 53 to 85), implanted with CTR during cataract surgery to manage zonule dehiscence and did not dislocate for at least 5 years, in respect of cause, axial length and IOL power, refraction, coexistent pathology, and trauma. Results. Axial length of the eyeball was 23.8 ± 1.3 (from 21 to 29) in the group of patients with CTR/IOL dislocation and 20.7 ± 1.2 (from 19 to 24) in patients with no dislocation present (p = 0.008). Crystalline lens dislocation was diagnosed before surgery in 13 of 16 patients with CTR/IOL complex dislocation as opposed to 7 of 26 eyes in the control group (p = 0.01). Pseudoexfoliation was present in 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/f7/PMC4812451.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357515", "abstract": "Three different models, a modified Chandler loop, roller pump, and a new ball valve model (Hemobile), were compared with regard to intrinsic damage of blood components and activation of platelets. The Hemobile was used for testing of polymer tubes.  High flow was not possible with the Chandler loop. The roller pump and the Hemobile could be adjusted to high flow, but he pump induced hemolysis. Platelet numbers were reduced in the roller pump and Chandler loop (P < 0.05), but remained high in the Hemobile. Platelet aggregation was reduced in all models.  The Hemobile was applied for testing vascular graft materials, and allowed different circuits circulated simultaneously at 37°C. ePTFE, Dyneema Purity UHMWPE fiber and PET fiber based tubes, all showed hemolysis below 0.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6e/66/PMC3357515.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3775204", "abstract": "Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM) also known as congenital pulmonary airway malformation is a developmental, non-hereditary, hamartomatous abnormality of lung with unknown etiology. It is a rare disease with an incidence of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 35,000. It is a disease of infancy with most of the cases diagnosed within first 2 years of life. We report autopsy findings of two fetuses with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (Stocker Type II and I) with brief review of literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/5e/LI-30-215.PMC3775204.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4400702", "abstract": "Background: Despite the importance of patients’ adherence to their drug treatments for achieving desired therapeutic goals and the proven role 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors (statins) for the health status of patients with cardiovascular diseases, there is not enough information regarding diabetic patients’ adherence to statin therapy in developing countries. In this clinical study we aimed to assess the adherence of diabetes type 2 patients to statin therapy in a research based community clinic in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this prospective clinical study which was done at Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, 204 diabetic type 2 patients under treatment with statin were interviewed twice and their demographic data (age, gender, body mass index, education), statin information (type, dose) and their serum lipid profile were recorded. Three months after the initial visits, patients were assessed using pill counting method and according to patients’ self-reporting and also assessed low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goal attainment <100 mg/dl. Results: Adherence rate was 79.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/83/JRMS-20-109.PMC4400702.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3934612", "abstract": "Patients with an upside-down stomach usually receive surgical treatment. In high-risk patients, endoscopic repositioning and gastropexy can be performed. However, the risk of recurrence after endoscopic treatment is not known. We treated a case of recurrent upside-down stomach after endoscopic therapy that indicated the limits of endoscopic treatment and risk of recurrence. An 88-year-old woman was treated three times for vomiting in the past. She presented to our hospital with periodic vomiting and an inability to eat, and a diagnosis of upside-down stomach was made. Endoscopic repositioning and gastropexy were performed. The anterior stomach wall was fixed to the abdominal wall in three places as widely as possible. Following treatment, she became symptom-free. Three months later, she was hospitalized again because of a recurrent upside-down stomach. Laparoscopic repair of hernias and gastropexy was performed. Using a laparoscope, two causes of recurrence were found. One cause was that the range of adherence between the stomach and the abdominal wall was narrow (from the antrum only to the lower corpus of stomach), so the upper corpus of stomach was rotated and herniated into the esophageal hiatus. The other cause was adhesion between the omentum and the esophageal hiatus which caused the stomach to rotate and repeatedly become herniated. Although endoscopic treatment for upside-down stomach can be a useful alternative method in high-risk patients, its ability to prevent recurrence is limited. Moreover, a repeated case caused by adhesions has risks of recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/3a/crg-0008-0032.PMC3934612.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1874188", "abstract": "Man-made endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present a threat to biodiversity, even in remote areas. To date, numerous wildlife species have been affected by EDCs in the environment, but it is likely that many more species are suffering effects that have not yet been reported. Impaired reproduction, damaged brain function, and deficits of the immune system are of particular concern. In order to bring all endocrine-disrupting chemicals under control, the development of screens and tests to identify EDCs must be expedited. However, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers that sufficient information is already available to merit action on several such substances. In addition, it must be recognized that proving the mechanism of action for some chemicals may take decades. Therefore, it is important to enable certain chemicals to be brought under stricter control on the basis of strong suspicion of endocrine disruption or biochemical signaling disruption. Furthermore, the risk assessment process itself also must be modified, and some suggestions are discussed in this article. WWF maintains that any effect that could reasonably be expected to affect the population level should be taken forward in environmental risk characterization, in particular, behavioral effects should be given more consideration. Current chemical management policies are not protective, and we argue for modifications in them to be made.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d7/46/PMC1874188.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5055973", "abstract": "Weight bias is a form of stigma with detrimental effects on the health and wellness of individuals with large bodies. Researchers from various disciplines have recognized weight bias as an important topic for public health and for professional practice. To date, researchers from various areas have approached weight bias from independent perspectives and from differing theoretical orientations. In this paper, we examined the similarities and differences between three perspectives (i.e., weight-centric, non-weight-centric (health-centric), and health at every size) used to understand weight bias and approach weight bias research with regard to (a) language about people with large bodies, (b) theoretical position, (c) identified consequences of weight bias, and (d) identified influences on weight-based social inequity. We suggest that, despite differences, each perspective acknowledges the negative influences that position weight as being within individual control and the negative consequences of weight bias. We call for recognition and discussion of weight bias as a social justice issue in order to change the discourse and professional practices extended towards individuals with large bodies. We advocate for an emphasis on social justice as a uniting framework for interdisciplinary research on weight bias.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/4a/PMC5055973.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4536513", "abstract": "Background: Hip fractures have significant effects on the geriatric population and the health care system. Prior studies have demonstrated both the safety of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and its efficacy in decreasing perioperative narcotic consumption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of scheduled IV acetaminophen for perioperative pain control on length of hospital stay, pain level, narcotic use, rate of missed physical therapy (PT) sessions, adverse effects, and discharge disposition in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients 65 years and older admitted to a level I trauma center, who received operative treatment for a hip fracture over a 2-year period. Demographic data, in-hospital variables, and outcome measures were analyzed. Three hundred thirty-six consecutive fractures in 332 patients met inclusion criteria. These patients were divided into 2 cohorts. Group 1 (169 fractures) consisted of patients treated before the initiation of a standardized IV acetaminophen perioperative pain control protocol, and group 2 (167 fractures) consisted of those treated after the protocol was initiated. Results: Group 2 had a statistically significant shorter mean length of hospital stay (4.4 vs 3.8 days), lower mean pain score (4.2 vs 2.8), lower mean narcotic usage (41.3 vs 28.3 mg), lower rate of PT sessions missed (21.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/8e/PMC4536513.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3543560", "abstract": "We present a case of complete heart block (CHB) in a 58-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with no past history of cardiac disease, who received caspofungin in the treatment of disseminated fungal infection. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CHB associated with caspofungins. Subsequent to induction chemotherapy the patient developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with sudden tachypnea, dyspnoea, fever, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory insufficiency consequent to neutropenia with ANC<500. During the first dose of antifungal therapy with caspofungins, she developed complete atrioventricular block and cardiac arrest. Complete heart block is an unusual adverse effect of caspofungins which has not been reported previously. Caspofungins release histamine in peripheral blood cells, so possible histamine-mediated symptoms ranging from severe fatal anaphylaxis can occur. These data suggest that infusion-related reactions associated with caspofungin may be mediated by histamine release secondary to caspofungin therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/3c/JPP-3-342.PMC3543560.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4784066", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status and behavior of Greek dental students over time, and to meta-analyze these findings to test the widely documented hypothesis that women have better oral health behavior, oral hygiene, and periodontal status but higher dental caries rates than men. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 385 students was examined using identical indices to assess oral health and behavioral data initially in 1981 while the years 2000 and 2010 were selected due to significant changes that took place in the dental curriculum in the 1990s and 2000s. Data by gender concerning the outcome variables recorded in every one of the three surveys were analyzed using Mantel–Haenszel and continuous outcomes methods. Results: A significant improvement in the oral health status and behavior of students was observed over time. The meta-analysis of data by gender showed that females brushed their teeth significantly more often than males [summary odds ratio (OR): 1.95 and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/7c/JISPCD-6-60.PMC4784066.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5305086", "abstract": "Background and aim Multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) is the main imaging modality used for prostate cancer detection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mp-MRI at 1.5-Tesla (1.5-T) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Methods In this ethical board approved prospective study, 39 patients with suspected prostate cancer were included. Patients with a history of positive prostate biopsy and patients treated for prostate cancer were excluded. All patients were examined at 1.5-T MRI, before standard transrectal ultrasonography–guided biopsy. Results The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for mp-MRI were 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/5e/cm-90-40.PMC5305086.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4972108", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Chronic stress drives cancer progression, but the routes of metastasis are unclear. We recently demonstrated that chronic stress activates a neural-inflammatory signaling axis to remodel lymphatic vasculature and increase lymph flow. This unanticipated crosstalk between stress and the lymphatic system provides pathways of tumor cell dissemination and accelerates metastasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/32/kmco-03-04-1177674.PMC4972108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4184039", "abstract": "Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a serious complication after cardiothoracic surgery and contribute significantly to post-operative morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Negative pressure wound therapy is today’s golden standard for post-sternotomy mediastinitis treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted at PubMed until October 2012 to analyse whether vacuum-assisted closure technique prevents mediastinitis after clean surgical incisions closure. Today’s studies showed reduction of post-sternotomy mediastinitis including a beneficial socio-economic impact. Current studies, however included only high-risk patients, hence furthermore, larger randomised controlled trials are warranted to clarify the benefit for using surgical incision vacuum management systems in the general patient population undergoing sternotomy and clarify risk factor interaction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/67/HIC-09-19.PMC4184039.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3338229", "abstract": "Context: Spontaneous perforation of rectum is a rare event; however evisceration of the small bowel through the perforated site without predisposing factors is extremely rare, complex and worth reporting. Case report: A 14 years old presented to us apparently as a case of intussception. The operative findings revealed it to be a case of spontaneous perforation of rectum with evisceration of the small bowel through the perforation. Conclusion: Sudden increase in the intra-abdominal pressure leads to the perforation in the chronically deranged rectal wall and pushes the small bowel loops into the pelvis and through the perforated rectum to appear transanally.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/7f/NAJMS-2-596.PMC3338229.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4976264", "abstract": "Pimobendan (PIMO) can cause adverse effects, such as mitral valve degeneration, in dogs; however, it is unclear whether these effects occur in cats. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether PIMO or benazepril produces adverse cardiac effects in healthy cats. This was a blinded, randomized, prospective parallel study. Twelve cats were randomly divided into two groups of six cats, namely, an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor group that received benazepril and a PIMO group. Cats were administered their respective treatments for 506 days, and we evaluated cardiac parameters, blood biochemistry and glomerular filtration rates during that time. At the end of the trial, the cats were euthanized, and histopathological examinations were performed by a pathologist who was blinded to the treatment groups. No significant changes were observed in any of the parameters measured in either of the groups. In particular, no significant cardiac lesions were observed in either of the groups. In healthy cats, neither PIMO nor benazepril appears to cause cardiac lesions, but future studies are needed to examine the effects of PIMO in cats with heart disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/e0/jvms-78-1099.PMC4976264.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2912117", "abstract": "Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms. Studies have shown duodenal implications in the pathophysiology of FD. Duodenal hypersensitivity to acid, increased duodenal acid exposure, and abnormal responses to duodenal lipids or released cholecystokinin have been observed in patients with FD. Moreover, there is evidence indicating duodenal immune activation in FD. Alterations in the number of duodenal eosinophils or intraepithelial lymphocytes have been reported in a subset of FD patients, particularly in patients with post-infectious FD. Whether these abnormalities in the duodenum play a crucial role in the generation of dyspeptic symptoms needs to be elucidated. Further investigations on the relationship between duodenal abnormalities and well-known pathophysiologic mechanisms of FD are required. Furthermore, the causative factors related to the development of duodenal abnormalities in FD warrant further study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/52/jnm-16-251.PMC2912117.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4376973", "abstract": "Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), as the most important cause of UTI, are associated with a number of virulence factors. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the virulence associated determinants as well as their patterns of antibiotic resistance in UPEC isolated from hospitalized patients with UTI. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 E. coli isolates were collected from patients with UTI from December 2012 to June 2013 in Kashan, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility screening of 12 antibiotics was determined using disk diffusion method. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect virulence-related genes in UPEC strains. The purified PCR products were sequenced. Results: Of the total 150 UPEC isolates, 111 (74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/da/jjm-08-02-17514.PMC4376973.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4550148", "abstract": "TickNET, a public health network, was created in 2007 to foster greater collaboration between state health departments, academic centers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on surveillance and prevention of tickborne diseases. Research activities are conducted through the Emerging Infections Program and include laboratory surveys, high-quality prevention trials, and pathogen discovery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/2c/PMC4550148.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4165103", "abstract": "The cultural compatibility of sexually related instruments is problematic because the contexts from which the concepts and meanings were extracted may be significantly different from related contexts in a different society. This paper describes the instruments that have been used to assess sexual behaviors, primarily in Western contexts. Then, based on the instruments’ working definition of ‘sexual behavior’ and their theoretical frameworks, we will (1) discuss the applicability or cultural compatibility of existing instruments targeting women's sexual behaviors within an Iranian context, and (2) suggest criteria for sexually related tools applicable in Iranian settings. Iranian women's sexual scripts may compromise the existing instruments’ compatibility. Suggested criteria are as follows: understanding, language of sexuality, ethics and morality. Therefore, developing a culturally comprehensive measure that can adequately examine Iranian women's sexual behaviors is needed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/25/JEHP-3-80.PMC4165103.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3026979", "abstract": "A naturally occurring BHT was identified in the leaves of the halophyte plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. This phenol was extracted in this study by two methods at the different plant growth stages. One of the methods was better for BHT extraction; the concentration of this phenol is plant growth stage dependent. In this study, the floraison stage has the highest BHT concentration. The antioxidant activity of the plant extract was not related to BHT concentration. The higher antioxidant activity is obtained at seedlings stage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/b1/PMC3026979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3533158", "abstract": "Background Brain abscess in young infants is extremely rare and usually associated with a previous history of bacterial meningitis or septicemia. Case Presentation Here we report a cerebellar abscess mimicking brain tumor with atypical clinical and paraclinical presentations. A two-month old previously well-baby boy was referred to us with persistent vomiting, strabismus and developmental regression. The brain imaging showed a right cerebellar mass with multiple small cysts inside the lesion. Elevated serum alfa-fetoprotein associated with cystic and solid posterior fossa mass proposed the preoperative diagnosis of teratoma but tumor cells were not found inside the pathology specimen. The culture of the sample was positive for staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion The interest of this case lies in the atypical features of clinical and radiological evaluations in a young infant associated with an abnormal alfa-fetoprotein level of serum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a8/cb/IJPD-22-539.PMC3533158.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3854980", "abstract": "Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are rare. They can arise from either high or low impact trauma and can be associated with significant associated injury. We present the case of a 27-year-old male involved in a high-impact road traffic accident resulting in a TAWH. He sustained significant disruption to the abdominal wall and sustained injuries to the thoracic cage. Operative management was undertaken with a porcine dermal collagen mesh, using a bridge technique.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/8d/rjs023.PMC3854980.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2717392", "abstract": "Identification of common-variant associations for many common disorders has been highly effective, but the loci detected so far typically explain only a small proportion of the genetic predisposition to disease. Extending explained genetic variance is one of the major near-term goals of human genetic research. Next-generation sequencing technologies offer great promise, but optimal strategies for their deployment remain uncertain, not least because we lack a clear view of the characteristics of the variants being sought. Here, I discuss what can and cannot be inferred about complex trait disease architecture from the information currently available and review the implications for future research strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b3/e7/PMC2717392.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4138899", "abstract": "Relationship of diabetes mellitus (DM) with metal health disorders such as depression has been explored extensively in the published literatures. However, association of diabetes mellitus with suicidal tendencies has been evaluated less extensively. The present narrative review aimed to assess the literature relating to diabetes mellitus and suicide. As a part of the review, Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were searched for English language peer reviewed published studies with keywords relating to diabetes and suicide. Additional references were identified using cross-references. The available literature suggests that suicidal ideas and attempts are more frequent in patients with diabetes mellitus than healthy or medically ill controls. Although, a few studies report evidence to the contrary. Suicide accounts for a large proportion of deaths in patients with diabetes mellitus type I (T1DM), and their mortality rate is higher than that of age matched control population. Psychological morbidity, including depression, precedes suicidal ideas and attempts; though many other factors can be hypothesized to impact and modulate this association. A common method of suicide attempt in patients with diabetes includes uses of high doses of insulin and its congeners or medications to treat the disease. Regular screening and prompt treatment of depression and suicidality is suggested for patients with DM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/43/IJEM-18-468.PMC4138899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3213678", "abstract": "Purpose: Age is a poor prognostic factor in melanoma patients. Elderly melanoma patients have a different presentation and clinical course than younger patients. We evaluated the impact of age ≥70 years (yrs) on the diagnosis and natural history of melanoma. Methods: Retrospective review of 610 patients with malignant melanoma entered into a prospective sentinel lymph node (SLN) database, treated from June 1997 to June 2010. Disease characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between patients ≥70 yrs vs. <70 yrs of age. Results: 237 patients (39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e7/b9/jcav02p0538.PMC3213678.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4210392", "abstract": "[Purpose] Many studies have been using cell culture models of muscle cells with exogenous cytokines or glucocorticoids to mimic atrophy in in vivo and in vitro tests. However, the changes in the phosphorylation of atrophy-related cofilin are still poorly understood in starved skeletal muscle cells. In this study, we first examined whether or not phosphorylation of cofilin is altered in L6 myoblasts after 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours of serum-free starvation with low glucose. [Methods] We used Western blotting to exam protein expression and phosphorylation in atrophied L6 myoblasts. [Results] L6 cell sizes and numbers were diminished as a result of serum-free starvation in a time-dependent manner. Serum-free starvation for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours significantly decreased the phosphorylation of cofilin, respectively. [Conclusion] These results suggest that starvation-induced atrophy may be in part related to changes in the phosphorylation of cofilin in L6 myoblasts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/4e/jpts-26-1543.PMC4210392.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3767371", "abstract": "Reversing and arresting the epidemic of HIV are a challenge for any country. Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment remain a key strategy in the control of HIV. Technological advances in the form of low-cost rapid point-of-care tests have completely transformed the diagnosis and management of HIV, especially in resource limited settings, where health infrastructure is poor and timely access to medical care is a challenge. Point-of-care devices have proven to be easy to transport, operate, and maintain, and also lower-skilled staff is equally able to perform these tests as compared to trained laboratory technicians. Point-of-care tests allow rapid detection of HIV allowing for rapid initiation of therapy, monitoring of antiretroviral therapy and drug toxicity, and detection of opportunistic infections and associated illnesses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/ca/PMC3767371.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2845055", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Diabetes appears to increase risk for some cancers, but the association between preexisting diabetes and postoperative mortality in cancer patients is less clear. Our objective was to systematically review postoperative mortality in cancer patients with and without preexisting diabetes and summarize results using meta-analysis. RSEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) for articles published on or before 1 July 2009, including references of qualifying articles. We included English language investigations of short-term postoperative mortality after initial cancer treatment. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least two independent readers. Study population and design, results, and quality components were abstracted with standard protocols by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by additional reviewers. RESULTS Of 8,828 titles identified in our original search, 20 articles met inclusion criteria for qualitative systematic review. Of these, 15 reported sufficient information to be combined in meta-analysis. Preexisting diabetes was associated with increased odds of postoperative mortality across all cancer types (OR = 1.85 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/e8/zdc931.PMC2845055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5064609", "abstract": "Summary Although imaging the live Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is a routine technique in most laboratories, identification of the parasite in infected tissues and organs has been hindered by their intrinsic opaque nature. We describe a simple method for in vivo observation of live single‐cell Trypanosoma cruzi parasites inside mammalian host tissues. BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice infected with DsRed‐CL or GFP‐G trypomastigotes had their organs removed and sectioned with surgical blades. Ex vivo organ sections were observed under confocal microscopy. For the first time, this procedure enabled imaging of individual amastigotes, intermediate forms and motile trypomastigotes within infected tissues of mammalian hosts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/f0/CMI-18-779.PMC5064609.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894022", "abstract": "Background: Antenatal care services are the first steps towards ensuring the health of mothers and the newborn. This is the key component for achieving Millennium Development Goals by 2015. But India's performance continues to be poor in providing antenatal care services to its huge population, particularly in the rural areas. Objective: To assess the determinants of utilization of antenatal services by rural beneficiaries in Lucknow, a district of north India. Materials and Methods: The study, cross-sectional in design, was conducted from August 2009 to July 2010. Multistage random sampling was used for selecting villages. A total of 352 recently delivered women were selected following systematic random sampling. Logistic regression was used to find out the determinants of three antenatal care services. Results: Overall, 85.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/81/JFMPC-2-55.PMC3894022.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3547184", "abstract": "Since the renal epidermoid cyst is too rare, the mechanisms of squamous morphogenesis have not well characterized. A 73-year-old female was referred with an incidentally detected renal pelvis mass. Abdominopelvic computed tomography scan revealed a noncalcified soft tissue mass in the renal pelvis. Total nephroureterectomy was performed under the impression of a renal pelvis malignancy. The patient was discharged without postoperative complication. The outer surface of mass lesion was lined with urothelia and squamous epithelia, containing keratinous materials. The urothelia were positively stained against uroplakin II and cytokeratin 7, whereas almost of the squamous epithelia were negative with uroplakin II. The two different epithelia were generally sharply demarcated. Interestingly, some part of squamous epithelia contained uroplakin-positive and many more cytokeratin 7-positive cells. The atypical clinical features in our case can reconsider the diagnostic clues of renal epidermoid cysts that have been reported before, and the unique immunohistochemical results may understand the histogenetic implications of the lesion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/3c/inj-16-205.PMC3547184.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4549863", "abstract": "Objective The objective of this study was to compare immunohistochemical profile for the apoptosis regulators p53, C-MYC, bax, PUMA, and PTEN and the cell cycle regulatory proteins p21 and p27, as well as clinical factors between types I and II tumors. Methods In total, 131 patients in FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stages I-II were divided into 2 groups of patients after type I tumors (n = 79) and type II tumors (n = 52). Differences in the immunohistochemical profile for the cell cycle–related proteins, detected by tissue microarrays and immune-histochemistry, were compared. For statistical tests, the Pearson χ2 test and the logistic regression model were used. All tests were 2-sided, and the level of statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. Results In multivariate logistic regression analysis with recurrent disease as endpoint, FIGO stage (odds ratio [OR], 4.7), type I/II tumors (OR, 3.8), body mass index (BMI) (OR, 3.5), and p53 status (OR, 4.2) all were found to be independent predictive factors. In 2 different multivariate logistic regression analyses with type I/II tumors as endpoint, both p53+p21− (OR, 2.9) and p27 status (OR, 3.0) were associated with type II tumors. Differently, C-MYC status (OR, 0.4) was associated with type I tumors. Furthermore, age (OR, 1.04), BMI (OR, 0.4), and recurrent disease (OR, 4.3) all were associated to type II tumors. In survival analysis, there was a trend (P = 0.054) toward better disease-free survival for patients with type I tumors. Conclusions Concomitant positivity for p53 and negativity for p21, positivity for p27, and negativity for C-MYC in an epithelial ovarian tumor might strengthen the diagnostic option of type II tumor ovarian carcinoma. Patients with type II tumors were older, had lower BMI, and had more often recurrent disease than patients with type I tumors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c4/5b/PMC4549863.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4706932", "abstract": "Heparin is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, yet the mechanisms are not completely understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that heparin has a direct effect on activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), changing their activation state, and can explain its anti-inflammatory effect. To test our hypothesis, we designed both in vitro and ex vivo studies to elucidate the mechanism by which heparin modulates PMNL functions and therefore the inflammatory response. We specifically tested the hypothesis that priming of PMNLs renders them more susceptible to heparin. Amplified levels of CD11b and increased rate of superoxide release manifested PMNL priming. Increase in cell priming resulted in a dose-dependent increase in heparin binding to PMNLs followed by augmented apoptosis. Blocking antibodies to CD11b inhibited heparin binding and abolished the apoptotic response. Moreover, heparin caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in the rate of superoxide release from PMNLs, which was blunted by blocking antibodies to CD11b. Altogether, this study shows that the interaction of heparin with the PMNL CD11b results in cell apoptosis and explains heparin's anti-inflammatory effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/79/4d/PMC4706932.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3335357", "abstract": "Recently, zonisamide (ZNS) has been approved as a new adjunctive therapy for motor complications of Parkinson's disease (PD). More recently, ZNS was reported to be effective for the management of impulse control behavior in PD, suggesting potential effects on non-motor PD symptoms. Dream enactment associated with aggressive, violent behavior can carry a serious risk of injury to patients, as well as to spouses or caretakers. This report describes a patient with PD who had vivid nightmares and dream-enacting behavior that resolved after treatment with ZNS. The present case raises the question whether ZNS might potentially be effective for the management of vivid nightmares or dream-enacting behavior.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/0c/crn-0004-0031.PMC3335357.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2947816", "abstract": " Background. To describe the methodology of a study designed to determine whether systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with incident scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prior to the onset of SRC have worse outcomes. Methods. Prospective, international cohort study of SRC subjects identified through an ongoing web-based survey. Every second Friday afternoon, an e-mail was sent to 589 participating physicians to identify new cases of SRC. Death or dialysis at one year after the onset of SRC will be compared in patients exposed or not to ACE inhibitors prior to the onset of SRC. Results. Fifteen months after the start of the survey, we had identified 76 incident cases of SRC.  Of these, 66 (87", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/a1/PMC2947816.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5268031", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Cognitive and physical performance can be negatively affected by chronic pain. This study evaluates the effect of combined physical-, cognitive-, and mindfulness training (PCMT) on cognitive and physical performance. Methods: From a large pharmaceutical company in Denmark we randomly allocated 112 female laboratory technicians with chronic upper limb pain to group-based PCMT at the worksite or a reference group for 10 weeks. Neurocognitive performance was measured by the computerized central nervous system vital signs neurocognitive assessment battery. Physical function was assessed in terms of shoulder external rotation strength and rate of force development in a custom-made dynamometer setup. Results: No between-group differences (least square means [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/3e/md-95-e5554.PMC5268031.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4301257", "abstract": " Background: Many pregnant Muslim women choose to fast during Ramadan every year worldwide. This study aimed to examine the effect of Ramadan fasting on serum leptin, neuropeptide Y and insulin in pregnant women and find whether fasting during pregnancy could have a negative effect on the health of mothers and fetuses.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 39 healthy volunteer fasting pregnant women. Serum leptin, neuropeptide Y, insulin levels, body mass index and weight were measured five times on 0, 7th, 14th and 28th days of Ramadan and on the 14th day post-Ramadan. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5) using repeated measures ANOVA to find whether any changes occurred in the variables of interest during the study, and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relations among the variables.   Results:  A significant change in fasting blood sugar, neuropeptide Y and leptin was observed during the study (p< 0.05). Fasting blood sugar decreased significantly during Ramadan and increased after Ramadan, with the lowest value at the end of Ramadan. Neuropeptide Y increased both during Ramadan and two weeks after Ramadan. Also, leptin decreased significantly two weeks after Ramadan compared to the end of Ramadan. No significant change was observed in insulin level during the study (p>0.05).   Conclusion: The result of this study revealed the important role of leptin and neuropeptide Y in the long term regulation of energy balance in pregnant women with chronic diurnal fasting, and it further revealed that Ramadan fasting did not significantly change the serum insulin level. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/b8/MJIRI-28-92.PMC4301257.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3116108", "abstract": "Pneumopericardium is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis, occurring either as a result of direct pleuro-pericardial communication or a leaky drainage system. Air-fluid level surrounding the heart shadow within the pericardium on a chest X-ray is an early observation at diagnosis. This clinical measurement and process is variable, depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient. The development of a cardiac tamponade is a serious complication, necessitating prompt recognition and treatment. We recently observed a case of pneumopericardium after a therapeutic pericardiocentesis in a 20-year-old man with tuberculous pericardial effusion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/cf/kcj-41-280.PMC3116108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3271679", "abstract": "An 18- year old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aborted sudden cardiac death and implanted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), developed progressive fragmentation of her surface 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). During the follow-up, she presented with multiple appropriate ICD discharges. Here, we discuss the possible association between surface fragmented ECG and the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/f5/JCDR-3-32.PMC3271679.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3499181", "abstract": "A 58-year-old Japanese male with chronic hepatitis C underwent kidney transplantation from an unrelated donor in October 1998. In December 2004, the patient was admitted for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Abdominal paracentesis and albumin transfusion were performed, but control of ascites was poor. A randomized, controlled study of patients with SBP showed that patients receiving cefotaxime with a high-volume albumin transfusion (50–75 g/50 kg) were significantly less likely to have irreversible renal failure and had lower mortality. Japan, however, relies on imports for 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/11/cru-0002-0138.PMC3499181.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3357970", "abstract": "First a population model with one single type of individuals is considered. Individuals reproduce asexually by splitting into two, with a population-size-dependent probability. Population extinction, growth and persistence are studied. Subsequently the results are extended to such a population with two competing morphs and are applied to a simple model, where morphs arise through mutation. The movement in the trait space of a monomorphic population and its possible branching into polymorphism are discussed. This is a first report. It purports to display the basic conceptual structure of a simple exact probabilistic formulation of adaptive dynamics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e9/a0/PMC3357970.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4243126", "abstract": " Objectives. To examine the characteristics of our patients with limited systemic sclerosis (lSSc) for differences between Barnett Type 1 (sclerodactyly only) and Type 2 or intermediate (acrosclerosis-distal but may reach up to elbows and/or knees plus face) subsets. Methods. Records of patients between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2011, with SSc or those with anti-Scl-70, anticentromere, or antinucleolar antibodies were reviewed. Only cases fulfilling ACR 1980 criteria were included and classified as diffuse or limited according to LeRoy's criteria. Limited SSc was separated into sclerodactyly and acrosclerosis (Barnett's Types 1 and 2). Results. 234 SSc patients (216 females) fulfilled criteria. Female/male ratio was 12 : 1; 24", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/1b/PMC4243126.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3959022", "abstract": "Objective: Factitious disorder is amongst the more intriguing but less-studied psychological disorders. Studies from different parts of the world have reported of varying prevalence rates. Here, we try to study the prevalence of factitious disorder in a specific sample of patients attending a neuropsychiatric center in India. Materials and Methods: We did a retrospective review of our institute's database for cases with a diagnosis of factitious disorder in the 10-year duration from 2001 to 2010. We reviewed the available clinical and socio-demographic data. Results: Of the 81,176 patients seen in the 10-year duration, only 8 patients had been assigned the diagnosis of factitious disorder, leading to a prevalence rate of 0.985 per 10,000 patients in this sample. Most of the patients were lost to follow-up; hence. Conclusion: Factitious disorder remains highly underdiagnosed in developing countries like India. Mental health professionals need to be more aware and inquisitive about this particular disorder, so that they do not miss the diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/90/IJPsyM-36-62.PMC3959022.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4610329", "abstract": "Background: The microflora hypothesis may be the underlying explanation for the growth of inflammatory disease. In addition to many known affecting factors, knowing the gut microbiota of healthy newborns can help to understand the gut immunity and modulate it. Objectives: This study examined the microbiota of healthy newborns from urban regions. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 128 full-term newborns, born at Seoul St. Mary and St. Paul hospital from January 2009 to February 2010. All 143 samples of feces were cultivated in six culture plates to determine the amounts of total bacteria, anaerobes, gram-positive bacteria, coliforms, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria. The samples were evaluated with a bivariate correlation between coliforms and lactobacilli. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis with HhaI and MspI and a clustering analysis were performed for determination of diversity. Results: Bacteria were cultured in 61.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/b7/ijp-25-2079.PMC4610329.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2964918", "abstract": "Decreased activity of the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) in brain accompanies neurodegenerative diseases. To reveal molecular mechanisms of this association, we treated rats with a specific inhibitor of OGDHC, succinyl phosphonate, or exposed them to hypoxic stress. In males treated with succinyl phosphonate and in pregnancy-sensitized females experiencing acute hypobaric hypoxia, we revealed upregulation of brain OGDHC (within 24 hours), with the activity increase presumably representing the compensatory response of brain to the OGDHC inhibition. This up-regulation of brain OGDHC was accompanied by an increase in exploratory activity and a decrease in anxiety of the experimental animals. Remarkably, the hypoxia-induced elevation of brain OGDHC and most of the associated behavioral changes were abrogated by succinyl phosphonate. The antagonistic action of hypoxia and succinyl phosphonate demonstrates potential therapeutic significance of the OGDHC regulation by the phosphonate analogs of 2-oxoglutarate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/93/PMC2964918.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4614658", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Hemolytic anemia due to GPI deficiency can be severe and life threatening during fetal life. When parents decline invasive testing, ultrasound monitoring of fetuses at risk is feasible. Intrauterine transfusion can be effective for the treatment of severe fetal anemia due to GPI deficiency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/63/eb/ccr30003-0862.PMC4614658.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4417555", "abstract": "Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial pathogen characterized by its innate resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. Plasmid-mediated drug resistance also occurs by the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), metallo β-lactamases (MBL), and AmpC β-lactamases. Another important factor for establishment of chronic infections by P. aeruginosa is biofilm formation mediated by the psl gene cluster. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate biofilm formation and presence of the pslA gene in burn isolates of P. aeruginosa as well as the association of antibiotic resistance, MBL, ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase production with biofilm formation among the isolates. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two burn isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from Shahid Motahari Hospital in Tehran from August to October 2011. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion assay. MBL, AmpC and ESBL production were screened using the double disc synergy test, AmpC disc test and combined disc diffusion assay, respectively. The potential to form biofilm was measured using the microtiter plate assay and pslA gene was detected using specific primers and PCR. Results: Biofilm formation was observed in 43.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/42/jjm-08-03-15514.PMC4417555.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4927936", "abstract": "New approaches to control tuberculosis (TB) worldwide are needed. In particular, new tools for diagnosis and new biomarkers are required to evaluate both pathogen and host key elements of the response to infection. Non-sputum based diagnostic tests, biomarkers predictive of adequate responsiveness to treatment, and biomarkers of risk of developing active TB disease are major goals. Here, we review the current state of the field. Although reports on new candidate biomarkers are numerous, validation and independent confirmation are rare. Efforts are needed to reduce the gap between the exploratory up-stream identification of candidate biomarkers, and the validation of biomarkers against clear clinical endpoints in different populations. This will need a major commitment from both scientists and funding bodies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/b4/idr-2016-2-6568.PMC4927936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4375769", "abstract": "Background: Although Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting condition, active therapy could prevent further spread and improve cosmesis. Most of the available treatment modalities traumatize the lesions and have to be undertaken in the hospital, therefore evoking panic in children. In the quest for an alternative therapy, this study comparing 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/48/IDOJ-6-75.PMC4375769.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC154119", "abstract": "Although it has never been prospectively validated, the base excess (BE) is regarded as the standard end-point of resuscitation in trauma patients. In a rat hemorrhage model, in this edition of Critical Care, Totapally and colleagues demonstrate that the BE is an insensitive and slowly responsive indicator of changes in intravascular volume. This contrasts with changes in the esophageal-arterial carbon dioxide gap which more closely followed changes in blood volume. Esophageal or sublingual capnometry may prove to be a useful tool for monitoring the adequacy of resuscitation in trauma victims.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/74/02/PMC154119.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4684870", "abstract": " Background. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last decades, and its association with asthma is being increasingly recognized. Aims. Our hypothesis is that increased leptin and decreased adiponectin levels in obese subjects play a direct role in regulating inflammation in asthmatics. We wanted to examine the hypothesis that cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LT), inflammatory mediators that are regulated by adipokines, are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Methods. We studied a population of asthmatics and nonasthmatics, who in turn were divided into obese and nonobese categories. We examined leptin and its ratio to adiponectin, in asthmatics and nonasthmatics, with and without obesity. In addition, we measured cys-LT levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) in these groups. Results. Leptin levels were increased in obese asthmatics compared to obese nonasthmatics. The leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio was higher in obese asthmatics compared to obese nonasthmatics. EBC cys-LT levels were elevated in asthmatics compared to nonasthmatics. Discussion. Proinflammatory adipokines, released from adipose tissue, may promote an asthma phenotype through enhanced cys-LT production that may result in more prevalent and difficult to control airway disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/f0/PMC4684870.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4947200", "abstract": "Background: Using cellular phone has rapidly increased all over the world. Also, the concern on the possible health hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMF) induced from cell phones to reproduction has been growing in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences and effects of exposure to the cell phone radiation on the quality and survival rates of preimplantation embryos in mice. Methods: A total of 40 mice (20 females and 20 males), 6 weeks old and sexually mature BALB/c, were used for control and experimental groups. The ovary burses were removed and the zygotes were dissected in the morning after mating. Next, 2-cell embryos were divided into two groups of control (n=150) and experimental (n=150). EMF (900–1800 MHz) was used for four days in experimental group for 30 min/day in culture at 37°C in a CO  2  incubator. The quality of embryos was recorded daily and the fluorescent staining was used for identification of viable blastocysts. All data were compared by Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Results: The rate of embryo survival to the blastocysts stage was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of dead embryos at the 2-cell stage was significantly higher in EMF-exposed group compared with controls (p=0.03). Also, the loss of cell viability significantly increased in experimental blastocysts (p=0.002). Conclusion: The normal embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage indicates that EMF-exposure commonly did not have adverse effect on embryo development in mice. But, it caused loss of blastocysts cell viability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2d/90/PMC4947200.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5036337", "abstract": "Kawasaki disease is a systemic medium vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting children under 5 years of age. There are no specific diagnostic tests, and thus, the diagnosis of the disease is primarily made on the basis of clinical criteria. Unusual presentations of Kawasaki disease have been variably reported from different parts of the world. However, presentation of the disease in the form of peripheral thromboembolism and florid non-coronary aneurysms has rarely been described This report describes the imaging findings in infantile atypical Kawasaki disease with aneurysms of multiple medium-sized arteries, including coronary arteries, emphasizing the detection of clinically silent aneurysms in the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/21/IJRI-26-373.PMC5036337.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3216284", "abstract": "A nonarteriosclerotic cardiomyopathy is increasingly seen in obese patients. Seeking a rodent model, we studied cardiac histology, function, cardiomyocyte fatty acid uptake, and transporter gene expression in male C57BL/6J control mice and three obesity groups: similar mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and db/db and ob/ob mice. At sacrifice, all obesity groups had increased body and heart weights and fatty livers. By echocardiography, ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of left ventricular diameter during systole were significantly reduced. The Vmax for saturable fatty acid uptake was increased and significantly correlated with cardiac triglycerides and insulin concentrations. Vmax also correlated with expression of genes for the cardiac fatty acid transporters Cd36 and Slc27a1. Genes for de novo fatty acid synthesis (Fasn, Scd1) were also upregulated. Ten oxidative phosphorylation pathway genes were downregulated, suggesting that a decrease in cardiomyocyte ATP synthesis might explain the decreased contractile function in obese hearts.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/72/2b/PMC3216284.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3952401", "abstract": "Background: Whole slide imaging (WSI) offers a novel approach to digitize and review pathology slides, but the voluminous data generated by this technology demand new computational methods for image analysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we report a method that recognizes stains in WSI data and uses kernel density estimator to calculate the stain density across the digitized pathology slides. The validation study was conducted using a rat model of acute cardiac allograft rejection and another rat model of heart ischemia/reperfusion injury. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to label ED1+ macrophages in the tissue sections and the stained slides were digitized by a whole slide scanner. The whole slide images were tessellated to enable parallel processing. Pixel-wise stain classification was conducted to classify the IHC stains from those of the background and the density distribution of the identified IHC stains was then calculated by the kernel density estimator. Results: The regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient of 0.8961 between the number of IHC stains counted by our stain recognition algorithm and that by the manual counting, suggesting that our stain recognition algorithm was in good agreement with the manual counting. The density distribution of the IHC stains showed a consistent pattern with those of the cellular magnetic resonance (MR) images that detected macrophages labeled by ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron-oxide or micron-sized iron-oxide particles. Conclusions: Our method provides a new imaging modality to facilitate clinical diagnosis. It also provides a way to validate/correlate cellular MRI data used for tracking immune-cell infiltration in cardiac transplant rejection and cardiac ischemic injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/54/JPI-5-1.PMC3952401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4374993", "abstract": "We report a family in which two male siblings with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and progressive heart failure (HF) at age 11; one died at age 14 years while awaiting heart transplant and the other underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation at the same age. Genetic analysis of one sibling showed a novel frameshift mutation in exon 27 of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene (c.3779_3785delCTTTGGAins GG), in which 7 base pairs are deleted and two are inserted. While this predicts an amino acid substitution and premature termination (p.Thr1260Argfs*8), muscle biopsy dystrophin immunostaining instead indicates that the mutation is more likely to alter splicing. Despite relatively preserved skeletal muscular performance, both siblings developed progressive heart failure secondary to early onset DCM. In addition, their 7 year old nephew with delayed gross motor development, mild proximal muscle weakness, and markedly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) level (> 13,000 IU/L) at 16 months was recently demonstrated to have the familial DMD mutation. Here we report a novel genotype of BMD with early onset DCM and progressive lethal heart failure during early adolescence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/af/3a/PMC4374993.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4385589", "abstract": " Introduction. Ophthalmic timolol, a topical nonselective beta-blocker, has the potential to be absorbed systemically which may cause adverse cardiovascular effects. This study was conducted to determine whether initiation of ophthalmic timolol was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for bradycardia. Materials and Methods. A self-controlled case-series study was undertaken in patients who were hospitalised for bradycardia and were exposed to timolol. Person-time after timolol initiation was partitioned into risk periods: 1–30 days, 31–180 days, and >180 days. A 30-day risk period prior to initiating timolol was also included. All remaining time was considered unexposed. Results. There were 6,373 patients with at least one hospitalisation for bradycardia during the study period; 267 were exposed to timolol. Risk of bradycardia was significantly increased in the 31–180 days after timolol initiation (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.93; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/ef/PMC4385589.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2633167", "abstract": "The canine impaction is not uncommon in dental literature, but the transmigration of mandibular canine is a rare phenomenon, and some of them are far more extreme than others. In this study, we aimed to present the more extreme cases of the four transmigrated mandibular canine cases with special emphasis on their classification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/71/PMC2633167.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5178361", "abstract": "Chronic liver allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains the most common cause of patient morbidity and allograft loss in liver transplant patients. However, the pathogenesis of CLAD has not been completely elucidated. By establishing rat CLAD models, in this study, we identified the informative CLAD-associated genes using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomics analysis and validated these results in recipient rat liver allografts. CXCL4, CXCR3, EGFR, JAK2, STAT3, and Collagen IV were associated with CLAD pathogenesis. We validated that CXCL4 is upstream of these informative genes in the isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Blocking CXCL4 protects against CLAD by reducing liver fibrosis. Therefore, our results indicated that therapeutic approaches that neutralize CXCL4, a newly identified target of fibrosis, may represent a novel strategy for preventing and treating CLAD after liver transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5d/00/PMC5178361.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3504695", "abstract": "Background Numerous metatarsal osteotomies have been developed for the treatment of Freiberg's disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of modified Weil osteotomy in the treatment of Freiberg's disease. Methods From November 2001 to July 2008, nineteen patients (twenty feet), treated surgically for Freiberg's disease, were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 33.6 years (range, 17 to 62 years), the mean follow-up period was 71.6 months (range, 41 to 121 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, the patients' subjective satisfaction and range of motion (ROM) of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. In the radiologic evaluation, initial metatarsal shortening by Freiberg's disease compared to opposite site, metatarsal shortening after modified Weil osteotomy compared with preoperative radiography and term for radiologic union were observed. Results VAS showed improvement from 6.2 ± 1.4 to 1.4 ± 1.5 at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). Points of AOFAS score increased from 63.3 ± 14.9 to 80.4 ± 5.6 (p < 0.0001). ROM of MTP joints also improved from 31.3 ± 10.1 to 48.3 ± 13.0 degrees at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). According to Smillie's classification system, there was no significant improvement of VAS, AOFAS score and ROM between early stages (stage I, II, and III) and late stages (stage IV and V). Out of twenty cases, nineteen (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/d1/cios-4-300.PMC3504695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4991574", "abstract": "PURPOSE We encountered a case where an infection with group A streptococcus (GAS; ie, Streptococcus pyogenes) initially caused primary peritonitis and then subsequently caused streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The patient’s life was likely saved by an emergency laparotomy followed by extensive peritoneal lavage and drainage. CASE PRESENTATION A 40-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department for lower abdominal pain and numbness in the extremities. She presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and ascites that resembled pus and general peritonitis were noted. Peritoneal lavage and drainage were performed, and GAS was isolated from peritoneal fluid. Gram staining of cervical polyp specimens revealed Gram-positive bacteria. CONCLUSIONS The patient was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome due to an ascending GAS infection originating from vagina.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/65/PMC4991574.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2809357", "abstract": " Objective. Adenoid curette guided by an indirect transoral mirror and a headlight is a simple and quick procedure that has already been in use for a long time, but this method carries a high risk of recurrence unless done by a well-experienced surgeon. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of transoral endoscopic adenoidectomy in relieving the obstructive nasal symptoms.  Methods. 300 children underwent transoral endoscopic adenoidectomy using the classic adenoid curette and St Claire Thomson forceps with a 70∘ Hopkins 4-mm nasal endoscope introduced through the mouth and the view was projected on a monitor. Telephone questionnaire was used to follow-up the children for one year. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy was carried out for children with recurrent obstructive nasal symptoms to detect adenoid rehypertrophy. Results. No cases presented with postoperative complications. Only one case developed recurrent obstructive nasal symptoms due to adenoid regrowth and investigations showed that he had nasal allergy which may be the cause of recurrence. Conclusion. Transoral endoscopic adenoidectomy is the recent advancement of classic curettage adenoidectomy with direct vision of the nasopharynx that enables the surgeon to avoid injury of important structures as Eustachian tube orifices, and also it gives him the chance to completely remove the adenoidal tissues.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/a1/PMC2809357.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3075825", "abstract": "Background: Although adhesive arachnoiditis of the spinal cord can cause progressive symptoms associated with syringomyelia or myelomalacia, its surgical resolution based on the imaging diagnosis is not well characterized. This study aims to describe the use of imaging for the diagnosis of focal adhesive arachnoiditis of the spinal cord and its surgical resolution using microsurgical arachnoidolysis. Materials and Methods: Four consecutive patients with symptomatic syringomyelia or myelomalacia caused by focal adhesive arachnoiditis underwent microsurgical arachnoidolysis. Comprehensive imaging evaluation using constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or myelographic MR imaging using true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) sequences was included before surgery to determine the surgical indication. Results: In all four patients a focal adhesion was identified at the cervical or thoracic level of the spinal cord, a consequence of infection or trauma. Three patients showed modest or minor improvement in neurological function, and one patient was unchanged after surgery. The syringomyelia or myelomalacia resolved after surgery and no recurrence was noted within the follow-up period, which ranged from 5 months to 30 months. Conclusions: MRI diagnosis of focal adhesive arachnoiditis is critical to determine the surgical indication. Microsurgical arachnoidolysis appears to be a straightforward method for stabilizing the progressive symptoms, though the procedure is technically demanding.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/f3/JCVJS-1-100.PMC3075825.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3457613", "abstract": "Ocular parasitosis in human is more prevalent in geographical areas where environmental factors and poor sanitary conditions favor the parasitism between man and animals. Lesions in the eye can be due to damage directly caused by the infectious pathogen, indirect pathology caused by toxic products, or the immune response incited by infections or ectopic parasitism. The epidemiology of parasitic ocular diseases reflects the habitat of the causative parasites as well as the habits and health status of the patient. An ocular examination may provide clues to the underlying disease/infection, and an awareness of the possibilities of travel-related pathology may shed light on an ocular presentation. This paper is a comprehensive review of the parasitic diseases of the eye. The majority of the clinically important species of parasites involved in eye infection are reviewed in this paper. Parasites are discussed by the disease or infection they cause.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/76/PMC3457613.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3897141", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: The Objective of this study was to identify the association of mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), FGFR2 genes with syndromic as well as non-syndromic craniosynostosis in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of our records from January 2008 to December 2012 was done. A total of 41 cases satisfying the inclusion criteria and 51 controls were taken for the study. A total volume of 3 ml blood from the patient as well as parents was taken. Deoxyribonucleic acid extracted using phenol chloroform extraction method followed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: There were 33 (80.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/07/IJHG-19-449.PMC3897141.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3196922", "abstract": "Online health information and services for patients were suggested to improve symptom management and treatment adherence, thereby contributing to healthcare optimization. This paper aimed to characterize multiple sclerosis (MS) patients Internet usage. Information regarding browsing habits, Internet reliability, and the medical team's attitude to information collected online was obtained by questionnaires from MS patients. Data was compared between nonbrowsers, browsers on MS topics, and browsers on non-MS topics only. From the 96 patients recruited, 61 (63.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e6/35/PMC3196922.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4278099", "abstract": "A 12-year-old boy with epistaxis presented with a rare midline nasopharyngeal angiofibroma that extended lateral into the pterygoid and infratemporal fossae. Pre-operative angiography revealed bilateral prominent feeder arteries and two major anastomotic connections, and a rare left meningo-ophthalmic artery (M-OA) anomaly that was the sole path of supply to the eye. A literature search using Pubmed and Medline was conducted. For imaging, a six-vessel study (i.e. external and internal carotid and vertebral arteries on both sides) was selected. Embolization of prominent tumor feeder arteries was unsafe for tumor extirpation, but super-selective embolization of both sphenopalatine arteries was performed to control epistaxis. The M-OA anomaly that originated from the maxillary artery (MA) was marked by an ophthalmic artery (OA) variant with orbital and ocular divisions that coursed through the superior orbital fissure and optic foramen, respectively, each with distinct branching patterns, a middle meningeal artery (MMA) with normal branches (i.e. anterior and posterior branches), and two branch variations (i.e. lacrimal and meningeal branches) that originated from the anterior branch of the MMA. The lacrimal branch coursed through a cranio-orbital foramen, but the meningeal branch remained outside the orbit. The anatomy of the right OA was normal. The left M-OA anomaly was considered incidental and not tumor-related since the tumor was more prominent on the right side, and no intra-orbital infiltrations occurred. Of clinical significance is that proximal embolization of MA or MMA carries a high risk of visual impairment in cases where M-OA anomalies are the sole mode of supply to the eye.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4c/32/JCIS-4-65.PMC4278099.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3177722", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that elevated transferrin saturation is associated with an increased risk of any form of diabetes, as well as type 1 or type 2 diabetes separately. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used two general population studies, The Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS, N = 9,121) and The Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS, N = 24,195), as well as a 1:1 age- and sex-matched population-based case-control study with 6,129 patients with diabetes from the Steno Diabetes Centre and 6,129 control subjects, totaling 8,535 patients with diabetes and 37,039 control subjects. RESULTS In the combined studies, odds ratios in those with transferrin saturation ≥50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/e2/2256.PMC3177722.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3673699", "abstract": "To investigate the immunopathogenesis of inflammation-associated fibrosis we analyzed the chronic colitis and late-developing fibrosis occurring in BALB/c mice administered weekly doses of intra-rectal trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). We showed first in this model that an initial Th1 response involving IL-12p70 and IFN-γ subsides after three weeks to be supplanted by an IL-23/IL-25 response beginning after 4–5 weeks. This evolution is followed by gradually increasing production of IL-17 and cytokines ordinarily seen in a Th2 response, particularly IL-13, which reaches a plateau at 8–9 weeks. We then show that IL-13 production results in the induction of an IL-13 receptor formerly thought to function only as a decoy receptor, IL-13Rα2, and this receptor is critical to the production of TGF-β1 and the onset of fibrosis. Thus, if IL-13 signaling through this receptor is blocked by administration of soluble IL-13Rα2-Fc, or by administration of IL-13Rα2–specific siRNA, TGF-β1 is not produced and fibrosis does not occur. These studies show that in chronic TNBS colitis, fibrosis is dependent on the development of an IL-13 response that acts through a novel cell-surface-expressed IL-13 receptor to induce TGF-β1.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/b6/PMC3673699.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3013764", "abstract": "We describe here OMPdb, which is currently the most complete and comprehensive collection of integral β-barrel outer membrane proteins from Gram-negative bacteria. The database currently contains 69 354 proteins, which are classified into 85 families, based mainly on structural and functional criteria. Although OMPdb follows the annotation scheme of Pfam, many of the families included in the database were not previously described or annotated in other publicly available databases. There are also cross-references to other databases, references to the literature and annotation for sequence features, like transmembrane segments and signal peptides. Furthermore, via the web interface, the user can not only browse the available data, but submit advanced text searches and run BLAST queries against the database protein sequences or domain searches against the collection of profile Hidden Markov Models that represent each family’s domain organization as well. The database is freely accessible for academic users at http://bioinformatics.biol.uoa.gr/OMPdb and we expect it to be useful for genome-wide analyses, comparative genomics as well as for providing training and test sets for predictive algorithms regarding transmembrane β-barrels.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/fb/gkq863.PMC3013764.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3846283", "abstract": "A simple, validated protocol consisting of a battery of tests is available to identify elderly patients with frailty syndrome. This syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors increases in incidence with increasing age. In the elderly, frailty may pursue a step-wise loss of function from non-frail to pre-frail to frail. We studied frailty in HIV-infected patients and found that  20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/92/jove-77-50537.PMC3846283.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4644774", "abstract": "PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of composite resin on the fracture surface of metal-ceramic depending on the repair systems and surface roughening methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 disk specimens were fabricated, 15 of each were made from feldspathic porcelain and nickel-chromium base metal alloy. Each substrate was divided into three groups according to the repair method: a) application of repair system I (Intraoral Repair Kit) with diamond bur roughening (Group DP and DM), b) application of repair system I with airborne-particle abrasion (Group SP and SM), and c) application of repair system II (CoJet Intraoral Repair System, Group CP and CM). All specimens were thermocycled, and the shear bond strength was measured. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis and the Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS For the porcelain specimens, group SP showed the highest shear bond strength (25.85 ± 3.51 MPa) and group DP and CP were not significantly different. In metal specimens, group CM showed superior values of bond strength (13.81 ± 3.45 MPa) compared to groups DM or SM. CONCLUSION Airborne-particle abrasion and application of repair system I can be recommended in the case of a fracture localized to the porcelain. If the fracture extends to metal surface, the repair system II is worthy of consideration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/24/jap-7-343.PMC4644774.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4011411", "abstract": "Background  Segmental vitiligo is a small subset albeit persistent form of focal vitiligo with dermatomal distributionand resistant to medical therapy. In recent years, surgical therapy as hair follicle autograft transplantationhas been a hot topic in management of segmental vitiligo. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of thismethod in segmental vitiligo lesions. Methods  The study recruited 10 patients who suffered from resistant segmental vitiligo to evaluate the effectof transplantation of pigmented hair follicles on re-pigmentation of the affected area. In this method, one or twopunched-biopsy skin sample with a diameter of 5mm were harvested from occipital area of the scalps. Graftswere trimmed and divided into the follicular segments with at least one follicle in the interior and then insertedin the depigmented areas. Follow-up plan studies were scheduled to evaluate presence of pigmentation in theperifollicular areas. Results  After 2 weeks, re-pigmentation was detectable surrounding the grafted hair follicles in 60 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/8f/mjiri-27-210.PMC4011411.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4710952", "abstract": "Advances in our understanding of the neural plasticity that occurs after hemiparetic stroke have contributed to the formulation of theories of poststroke motor recovery. These theories, in turn, have underpinned contemporary motor rehabilitation strategies for treating motor deficits after stroke, such as upper limb hemiparesis. However, a relative drawback has been that, in general, these strategies are most compatible with the recovery profiles of relatively high-functioning stroke survivors and therefore do not easily translate into benefit to those individuals sustaining low-functioning upper limb hemiparesis, who otherwise have poorer residual function. For these individuals, alternative motor rehabilitation strategies are currently needed. In this paper, we will review upper limb immobilisation studies that have been conducted with healthy adult humans and animals. Then, we will discuss how the findings from these studies could inspire the creation of a neural plasticity model that is likely to be of particular relevance to the context of motor rehabilitation after stroke. For instance, as will be elaborated, such model could contribute to the development of alternative motor rehabilitation strategies for treating poststroke upper limb hemiparesis. The implications of the findings from those immobilisation studies for contemporary motor rehabilitation strategies will also be discussed and perspectives for future research in this arena will be provided as well.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/b0/PMC4710952.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3866316", "abstract": "During percutaneous coronary intervention, guidewire fractures are very exceptionally encountered in medical practice, but can cause fatal complications such as intracoronary thrombus formation, embolization and perforation. Removal of the remnant segments of guidewire is important for the prognosis. There are several methods being recommended for the treatment of fractured guidewire remnants. However, the best treatment of remnant guidewire filament is still unclear. Herein, we present a case where we did not completely remove remnant guidewire filaments that caused fatal coronary thrombosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/c0/kcj-43-761.PMC3866316.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4927990", "abstract": "Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a frequent and severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Its diagnosis in incipient stages may allow prompt interventions and an improved prognosis. Towards this aim, biomarkers for detecting early DN can be used. Microalbuminuria has been proven a remarkably useful biomarker, being used for diagnosis of DN, for assessing its associated condition—mainly cardiovascular ones—and for monitoring its progression. New researches are pointing that some of these biomarkers (i.e., glomerular, tubular, inflammation markers, and biomarkers of oxidative stress) precede albuminuria in some patients. However, their usefulness is widely debated in the literature and has not yet led to the validation of a new “gold standard” biomarker for the early diagnosis of DN. Currently, microalbuminuria is an important biomarker for both glomerular and tubular injury. Other glomerular biomarkers (transferrin and ceruloplasmin) are under evaluation. Tubular biomarkers in DN seem to be of a paramount importance in the early diagnosis of DN since tubular lesions occur early. Additionally, biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, podocyte biomarkers, and vascular biomarkers have been employed for assessing early DN. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current biomarkers used for the diagnosis of early DN.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/68/PMC4927990.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2933805", "abstract": "Issues of responsibility in the world of nanotechnology are becoming explicit with the emergence of a discourse on ‘responsible development’ of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Much of this discourse centres on the ambivalences of nanotechnology and of promising technology in general. Actors must find means of dealing with these ambivalences. Actors’ actions and responses to ambivalence are shaped by their position and context, along with strategic games they are involved in, together with other actors. A number of interviews were conducted with industrial actors with the aim of uncovering their ethical stances towards responsible development of nanotechnology. The data shows that standard repertoires of justification of nanotechnological development were used. Thus, the industrial actors fell back on their position and associated responsibilities. Such responses reinforce a division of moral labour in which industrial actors and scientists can focus on the progress of science and technology, while other actors, such as NGOs, are expected to take care of broader considerations, such as ethical and social issues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/b9/11569_2010_Article_99.PMC2933805.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4942107", "abstract": "Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and lung diseases. Because CS is a complex aerosol containing more than 7,000 chemicals1 it is challenging to assess the contributions of individual constituents to its overall toxicity. Toxicological profiles of individual constituents as well as mixtures can be however established in vitro, by applying high through-put screening tools, which enable the profiling of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs) of tobacco smoke, as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).2 For an initial assessment, an impedance-based instrument was used for a real-time, label-free assessment of the compound's toxicity. The instrument readout relies on cell adhesion, viability and morphology that all together provide an overview of the cell status. A dimensionless parameter, named cell index, is used for quantification. A set of different staining protocols was developed for a fluorescence imaging-based investigation and a HCS platform was used to gain more in-depth information on the kind of cytotoxicity elicited by each HPHC. Of the 15 constituents tested, only five were selected for HCS-based analysis as they registered a computable LD50 (< 20 mM). These included 1-aminonaphtalene, Arsenic (V), Chromium (VI), Crotonaldehyde and Phenol. Based on their effect in the HCS, 1-aminonaphtalene and Phenol could be identified to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, and, together with Chromium (VI) as genotoxic based on the increased histone H2AX phosphorylation. Crotonaldehyde was identified as an oxidative stress inducer and Arsenic as a stress kinase pathway activator. This study demonstrates that a combination of impedance-based and HCS technologies provides a robust tool for in vitro assessment of CS constituents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/1f/jove-111-53987.PMC4942107.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4175753", "abstract": "This study assessed the inflammatory response mediated by the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway after acute eccentric exercise before and after an eccentric training program in women. Twenty women performed two acute eccentric bouts using a squat machine over a  9 week interval. The training group (TG) carried out an eccentric training program during 6 weeks, while the control group (CG) did not follow any training. Protein content of markers involved in the TLR4-mediated activation of several nuclear transcription factors, such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3), was analyzed. The inflammatory response after the first acute bout was similar between TG and CG, showing an upregulation of all the markers analyzed, with the exception of IRF3. After the second bout, the upregulation of TLR4 signaling pathway was blunted in TG, but not in CG, through both the myeloid differentiation factor 88- and toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain containing adapter inducing interferon-β-dependent pathways. These results highlight the role of the TLR4 in controlling the exercise-induced inflammatory response in young women. More importantly, these data suggest eccentric training may help to prevent TLR4 activation principally through NF-κB, and perhaps IRF3, downstream signaling in this population.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/63/PMC4175753.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2905909", "abstract": "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive production of a variety of autoantibodies and a wide range of clinical manifestations. Pathogenesis of SLE is complex and not fully understood. There is however evidence that B and T cells are critical to the development of disease, and that T cell-derived cytokines are involved in the SLE-associated inflammatory response. One such cytokine seems to be interleukin (IL)-21, the latest identified member of the γ-chain-related cytokine family. IL-21 has an important role in the control of the growth, survival, differentiation, and function of both T and B cells, and excessive production of IL-21 has been associated with the development of multiple immune-mediated diseases. Here we review data supporting the involvement of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of SLE.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/d4/PMC2905909.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5256476", "abstract": "Background: Although many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience depression, there are no studies on the frequency and effect of peripartum depression among parents with MS. Objective: To examine the frequency of peripartum depression in individuals with MS and its potential association with children’s psychiatric disorders. Methods: We conducted a cohort study in British Columbia, Canada, using linked health databases, of parents with MS and their children, and age-matched unaffected parent–child dyads. The diagnosis of peripartum depression, MS and psychiatric disorders in children was based on information from hospital admission, physician visit and drug prescription claims. Results: Peripartum depression was significantly more common among MS parents (n = 360) versus unaffected (n = 1207) parents (25.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/05/10.1177_1352458516631037.PMC5256476.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649544", "abstract": "A 66 year old woman presented to A   E with per vagina bleeding and a mass protruding from the vagina. The patient was examined under anaesthesia, which revealed vaginal prolapse with evisceration of approximately 20-30 cm of bowel. The patient had received an abdominal hysterectomy 30 years ago for menorrhagia. In the last decade, the patient had experienced other recurrent episodes of prolapse (cystocoele and retrocoele). Vaginal vault evisceration is a recognised rare complication of hysterectomy and is a gynaecological emergency. This patient’s condition was rapidly recognised and surgically managed. The repair was achieved in two surgeries. Initially, the small bowel was re-inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the vaginal wall defect and the vaginal defect repaired. After sufficient time for healing, a sacrocolpopexy was performed to repair the prolapse.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/8b/PMC3649544.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4150647", "abstract": "Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIId is a newly proposed type associated with early-life brain insults. Such patients are often considered unsuitable for resective epilepsy surgery, given the usually wide extent of the lesion and the poor correlation of MRI to the epileptogenic pathology. Two patients with intractable epilepsy, early-life ischemic/traumatic injury and MRI findings of extensive unilateral cystic-gliotic and ipsilateral medial temporal sclerotic-malformative lesions were subjected to presurgical evaluation revealing well-localized neocortical ictal onsets. They underwent tailored neocortical resections sparing medial temporal areas and achieved Engel class I postsurgical outcomes. Histopathology was consistent with type IIId focal cortical dysplasia. Successful outcomes with tailored resections may be achieved in cases with this subtype of focal cortical dysplasia, in the presence of converging and well-localized semiological, EEG and functional imaging data, even on a background of complex and extensive MRI abnormalities. Medial temporal pathology, although often present in this setting, is not necessarily the site of ictal onsets, and its resection may not be always mandatory for a favorable outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/8a/main.PMC4150647.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3304182", "abstract": "Background: Genioplasty deals with small area of craniofacial complex, namely, chin. Alloplastic chin implants and sliding genioplasty represent the two currently accepted methods of chin augmentation. Chin augmentation with medpore has become popular in the recent years. Material and Methods: The study comprised 16 patients having retruded chin, out of whom 8 patients underwent sliding genioplasty while the other 8 underwent chin augmentation using medpore. The versatility and benefits of the two techniques are discussed. Result and Conclusion: All the patients achieved satisfactory results with no complication. Both the techniques can be used for mild to moderate retrogenia, while in the case of severe retrogenia, sliding genioplasty is recommended. Medpore is especially used for revision of chin shape. Medpore can give the same satisfactory result as osseous genioplasty in cases of mild to moderate horizontal chin deficiency. All the patients from both the groups showed significant improvement in facial profile and high degree of satisfaction resulting in improved self-esteem.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/f8/NJMS-1-1.PMC3304182.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4320891", "abstract": " Background. Haemonchosis caused by Haemonchus contortus is a predominant, highly pathogenic, and economically important disease of sheep and goats. Objective. Assessing the prevalence of Haemonchus parasite and its associated risk factors in sheep slaughtered at different restaurants of Wukro. Methods. Cross-sectional study using random sampling from November 2013 to April 2014 in a total of 384 sheep was conducted and SPSS version 20 software using descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Result. The overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus was 40.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fc/54/PMC4320891.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4779532", "abstract": "The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Smad3, Smad7, and TGF-β1 in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) patients and experimental rabbit models. 60 IUA patients, 30 control participants, and 18 female rabbits were enrolled in this study. We found that the plasma concentrations and protein expressions of TGF-β1 were significantly increased in patients and experimental rabbits compared to those in controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Smad3 were significantly elevated, while Smad7 level was markedly decreased in the patients and experimental rabbits compared with controls (P < 0.05). This altered ratio recommended that IUA was positively correlated to the mRNA and protein expression levels of Smad3, Smad7, and TGF-β1 in blood and uterine tissue. Moreover, we used the specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) in experimental rabbit. SIS3 obviously reduced the mRNA and protein expression of smad3 and TGF-β1, while it increased Smad7 expression in the treatment groups as compared with IUA rabbits (P < 0.05). Our study suggested that TGF-β1/Smad3/smad7 is a major pathway which plays an important role in the regulation of the IUA and specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) may provide a new therapeutic strategy for IUA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/b4/PMC4779532.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5236096", "abstract": "Background: The aim of the present work was to investigate the prevalence and species of intestinal microsporidiosis among animals in Giza, Egypt. Methods: A total of 869 animal fecal samples were collected from domesticated animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, donkeys and pigs) living in Giza, Egypt. Spores of microsporidia were concentrated from collected samples by centrifugation and finally stained with modified trichrome (MT) stain to detect microsporidial spores. Microsporidial spores in microscopically-positive samples were molecularly confirmed and identified using species-specific primers. Results: Spores of microsporidia were microscopically detected in 17.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/05/e6/PMC5236096.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5282973", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Lectins belong to the pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) class and play important roles in the recognition and elimination of pathogens via the innate immune system. Recently, it was reported that lily-type lectin-1 is involved when a pathogen attacks in the early immune response of fish. However, this study is limited to information that the lectin is involved in the innate immune response against viral infection. In the present study, the lily-type lectin-2 and -3 of Oplegnathus fasciatus (OfLTL-2 and 3) have been presented to be included B-lectin domain and two D-mannose binding sites in the amino acid sequence that an important feature for the fundamental structure. To investigate the functional properties of OfLTLs, the tissue distribution in the healthy rock bream and temporal expression during early developmental stage analysis are performed using quantitative real-time PCR. OfLTL-2 and 3 are predominantly expressed in the liver and skin, but rarely expressed in other organ. Also, the transcripts of OfLTLs are not expressed during the early developmental stage but its transcripts are increased after immune-related organs which are fully formed. In the challenge experiment with RBIV (rock bream iridovirus), the expression of OfLTLs was increased much more strongly in the late response than the early, unlike previously known. These results suggest that OfLTLs are specifically expressed in the immune-related tissues when those organs are fully formed and it can be inferred that the more intensively involved in the second half to the virus infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/e1/dr-20-4-297.PMC5282973.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709613", "abstract": " Background. In Ethiopia, higher proportions of pregnant women are anemic. Despite the efforts to reduce iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, only few women took an iron supplement as recommended. Thus, this study aimed to assess compliance with iron-folate supplement and associated factors among antenatal care attendant mothers in Misha district, South Ethiopia. Method. Community based cross-sectional study supported with in-depth interview was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2015. The sample size was determined using single population proportion to 303. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with compliance to iron-folate supplement. Results. The compliance rate was found to be 39.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/1e/PMC4709613.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4842445", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of toe-spread (TS) exercises and hip external rotator strengthening exercises for pronated feet on lower extremity muscle activities during stair-walking. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 20 healthy adults with no present or previous pain, no past history of surgery on the foot or the ankle, and no foot deformities. Ten subjects performed hip external rotator strengthening exercises and TS exercises and the remaining ten subjects performed only TS exercises five times per week for four weeks. [Results] Less change in navicular drop height occurred in the group that performed hip external rotator exercises than in the group that performed only TS exercises. The group that performed only TS exercises showed increased abductor hallucis muscle activity during both stair-climbing and -descending, and the group that performed hip external rotator exercises showed increased muscle activities of the vastus medialis and abductor hallucis during stair-climbing and increased muscle activity of only the abductor hallucis during stair-descending after exercise. [Conclusion] Stair-walking can be more effectively performed if the hip external rotator muscle is strengthened when TS exercises are performed for the pronated foot.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/bd/jpts-28-816.PMC4842445.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3226166", "abstract": "Experimental studies in ischemia–reperfusion and sepsis indicate that activated protein C (APC) has direct anti-inflammatory effects at a cellular level. In vivo, however, the mechanisms of action have not been characterized thus far. Intravital multifluorescence microscopy represents an elegant way of studying the effect of APC on endotoxin-induced leukocyte–endothelial-cell interaction and nutritive capillary perfusion failure. These studies have clarified that APC effectively reduces leukocyte rolling and leukocyte firm adhesion in systemic endotoxemia. Protection from leukocytic inflammation is probably mediated by a modulation of adhesion molecule expression on the surface of leukocytes and endothelial cells. Of interest, the action of APC and antithrombin in endotoxin-induced leukocyte–endothelial-cell interaction differs in that APC inhibits both rolling and subsequent firm adhesion, whereas antithrombin exclusively reduces the firm adhesion step. The biological significance of this differential regulation of inflammation remains unclear, since both proteins are capable of reducing sepsis-induced capillary perfusion failure. To elucidate whether the action of APC and antithrombin is mediated by inhibition of thrombin, the specific thrombin inhibitor hirudin has been examined in a sepsis microcirculation model. Strikingly, hirudin was not capable of protecting from sepsis-induced microcirculatory dysfunction, but induced a further increase of leukocyte–endothelial-cell interactions and aggravated capillary perfusion failure when compared with nontreated controls. Thus, the action of APC on the microcirculatory level in systemic endotoxemia is unlikely to be caused by a thrombin inhibition-associated anticoagulatory action.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/8b/PMC3226166.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2869220", "abstract": "A new thermographic phosphor based on chromium(III)-doped yttrium aluminum borate (YAB) is obtained as single crystals by high temperature flux growth and as a microcrystalline powder via solution combustion synthesis. The phosphor is excitable both in the blue (λmax 422 nm) and in the red part of the spectrum (λmax 600 nm) and shows bright NIR emission. The brightness of the phosphor is comparable to that of a well-known lamp phosphor Mn(IV)-doped magnesium fluorogermanate. At ambient temperatures, the Cr(III)-doped YAB shows high temperature dependence of the luminescence decay time, which approaches 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/59/41/PMC2869220.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4630403", "abstract": "The alkaloid toxin quinine and its derivative compounds have been used for many centuries as effective medications for the prevention and treatment of malaria. More recently, synthetic derivatives, such as the quinoline derivative mefloquine (bis(trifluoromethyl)-(2-piperidyl)-4-quinolinemethanol), have been widely used to combat disease caused by chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. However, the parent compound quinine, as well as its more recent counterparts, suffers from an incidence of adverse neuropsychiatric side effects ranging from mild mood disturbances and anxiety to hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. This review considers how the pharmacology, cellular neurobiology, and membrane channel kinetics of mefloquine could lead to the significant and sometimes life-threatening neurotoxicity associated with mefloquine exposure. A key role for mefloquine blockade of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and connexins in the substantia nigra is considered as a unifying hypothesis for the pathogenesis of severe neuropsychiatric events after mefloquine exposure in humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/c6/PMC4630403.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4555052", "abstract": "Background:  Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) has contributed many improvements to human assisted reproduction. However, effects of hMG on oocyte development and clinical results remain controversial. Objective:  This study was conducted to investigate the effects of hMG on the zona pellucida of oocytes, as well as clinical results in superovulation treatment. Materials and Methods:  This retrospective study was performed with 150 cycles of long-protocol treatment using recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (r-FSH) with or without hMG. The number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and birefringence and thickness of the zona pellucida of oocytes were investigated. Results: No significant differences were existed in r-FSH +hMG, and r-FSH groups in the number of retrieved oocytes (11.99±0.75 vs. 13.9±0.73, p=0.06), maturation rate (84.76", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/f8/PMC4555052.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3114078", "abstract": "The hereditary cerebellar ataxias are a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders primarily characterised by loss of balance and coordination due to dysfunction of the cerebellum and its associated pathways. Although many genetic mutations causing inherited cerebellar ataxia have been identified, a significant percentage of patients remain whose cause is unknown. The transient receptor potential (TRP) family member TRPC3 is a non-selective cation channel linked to key signalling pathways that are affected in cerebellar ataxia. Furthermore, genetic mouse models of TRPC3 dysfunction display cerebellar ataxia, making the TRPC3 gene an excellent candidate for screening ataxic patients with unknown genetic aetiology. Here, we report a genetic screen for TRPC3 mutations in a cohort of 98 patients with genetically undefined late-onset cerebellar ataxia and further ten patients with undefined episodic ataxia. We identified a number of variants but no causative mutations in TRPC3. Our findings suggest that mutations in TRPC3 do not significantly contribute to the cause of late-onset and episodic human cerebellar ataxias.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/5f/12311_2011_Article_253.PMC3114078.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3205609", "abstract": "This study investigated the effect of different traditional cooking methods on glycemic index (GI) and glycemic response of ten Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars commonly eaten in Jamaica. Matured tubers were cooked by roasting, baking, frying, or boiling then immediately consumed by the ten nondiabetic test subjects (5 males and 5 females; mean age of 27 ± 2 years). The GI varied between 41 ± 5–93 ± 5 for the tubers studied. Samples prepared by boiling had the lowest GI (41 ± 5–50 ± 3), while those processed by baking (82 ± 3–94 ± 3) and roasting (79 ± 4–93 ± 2) had the highest GI values. The study indicates that the glycemic index of Jamaican sweet potatoes varies significantly with the method of preparation and to a lesser extent on intravarietal differences. Consumption of boiled sweet potatoes could minimize postprandial blood glucose spikes and therefore, may prove to be more efficacious in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/ca/PMC3205609.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2684443", "abstract": "Malaria is perhaps the most important parasitic infection and strongest known force for selection in the recent evolutionary history of the human genome. Genetically-determined resistance to malaria has been well-documented in some populations, mainly from Africa. The disease is also endemic in South Asia, the world's second most populous region, where resistance to malaria has also been observed, for example in Nepal. The biological basis of this resistance, however, remains unclear. We have therefore investigated whether known African resistance alleles also confer resistance in Asia. We typed seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the genes HBB, FY, G6PD, TNFSF5, TNF, NOS2 and FCGR2A in 928 healthy individuals from Nepal. Five loci were found to be fixed for the non-resistant allele (HBB, FY, G6PD, TNFSF5 and NOS2). The remaining two (rs1800629 and rs1801274) showed the presence of the resistant allele at a frequency of 93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/40/PMC2684443.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5324358", "abstract": "Background: Diagnostic yields for spondylodiscitis from CT guided biopsy is low. In the recent years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown to have a low morbidity and faster recovery. For spinal infections, MIS surgery may offer an opportunity for early pain control while obtaining a higher diagnostic yield than CT-guided biopsies. The aim of this study was to review our patients who underwent MIS surgery for spinal infection and report outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of seven patients who underwent MIS decompression and/or discectomy in the setting of discitis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, and/or an epidural abscess was identified. Patient data including symptoms, visual analog score (VAS), surgical approach, antibiotic regimen, and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Results: Of the 7 patients, 5 patients had lumbar infections and two had thoracic infections. All seven patients improved in VAS immediately after surgery and at discharge. The average VAS improved by 4.4 ± 1.9 points. An organism was obtained in 6 of the 7 (85", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/15/JCVJS-8-39.PMC5324358.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3767058", "abstract": "When drugs bind to a protein, the intramolecular structures can be altered, resulting in conformational change of the protein. Donepezil, an Acetyl Cholinesterase inhibitor (AChE), is commonly prescribed to patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission. It is the “first-line” agents in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease used to improve cognitive function in the disease. In the present study, a cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin) has been isolated from buffalo brain using alkaline treatment, 40 to 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/dc/PMC3767058.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4541065", "abstract": "Background: Glucose is the preferred carbon and energy source in most organisms and plays an active role in the regulation of many biological processes. However, an excess of glucose leads to such undesirable conditions as diabetes and age-related diseases. Since Schizosaccharomyces pombe homologous of many human genes, it offers several advantages for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying human disease and aging studies. We have identified two glucose-repression-resistant mutants (ird5 and ird11) of S. pombe. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between lifespan extension and oxidative stress response induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide alongside the trehalose accumulation level by using the two S. pombe mutants (i.e. ird5 and ird11), which are repressed by glucose and are resistant to oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: We employed trehalose accumulation measurement and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting using the ird mutants in exponential and stationary phases and compared them to the wild type grown in repressed, de-repressed, and stressed conditions to clarify the possible relationship between glucose signaling, oxidative stress response, and lifespan in S. pombe. Results: The lifespan of the ird5 mutant was significantly longer that of either the ird11 mutant or the wild type cells. Under repressed condition, the trehalose content was increased remarkably on the 3rd day of the study in the ird11 mutant and the wild type. Under de-repressed condition, the level of intracellular trehalose was notably increased on the 3rd day in ird11. Under stressed condition, the trehalose level in ird11 was increased on the 3rd day as a pattern similar to that observed in the wild type. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated no significant correlation between the ird5 lifespan and the trehalose concentration. Likewise, the correlation between lifespan extension, trehalose accumulation, and cellular resistance to hydrogen peroxide was not significant.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/34/jjm-08-06-16851.PMC4541065.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054057", "abstract": "PHProteomicDB is a PHP-written module to help researchers in proteomics to share two-dimensional gel electrophoresis data using personal web sites. No technical or PHP knowledge is necessary except a few basics about web site management. PHProteomicDB has a user-friendly administration interface to enter and update data. It creates web pages on the fly displaying gel characteristics, gel pictures, and numbered gel spots with their related identifications pointing to their reference pages in protein databanks. The module is freely available at http://www.huvec.com/index.php3?rub=Download.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/94/main.PMC5054057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3625886", "abstract": "Introduction: Fetal weight (FW) estimation in late pregnancy is an important guide in obstetric care. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus against traumatic and infective insults. There possibly exists a relationship between FW and amniotic fluid index (AFI) that can be estimated by ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight low-risk pregnancies were prospectively studied by means of ultrasound over a 12-month period. FW was estimated using a combination of fetal parameters; bi-parietal diameter, fetal trunk cross sectional area, and femur length. AFI was assessed using the 4-quadrant method. Spearman's correlation was used to test possible relationship between amniotic fluid indices and estimated FW pairs. The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean AF1 and estimated fetal weight (EFW) pairs were as follows: at 27-29 weeks the values were 172.1 mm and 1,250.2 g; at 30-32 weeks AF1 and EFW values were 170.3 mm and 1,648.0 g; at 33-35 weeks values were 162.3 mm and 2,273.5 g; at 36-38 weeks values were 144.09 mm and 2,906.1 g; at 39-40 weeks AF1 and EFW values were 125.0 mm and 3,222.6 g. Overall, there was no statistically significant relationship between AFI and EFW (P > 0.05; r = 0.241). Conclusion: While FW calculations and amniotic index showed variations in value in late pregnancy, there does not appear to be a linear relationship between ultrasound estimate of FW and amniotic index. The implication of this is that fetal size need not be taken into cognizance when alterations in amniotic fluid values are noted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/03/JCIS-3-2.PMC3625886.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5228091", "abstract": "Here, we report on the draft genome of a copper-resistant and acidophilic Desulfosporosinus sp. BG, isolated from the tailings of a molybdenum-tungsten mine in Transbaikal area. The draft genome has a size of 4.52 Mb and encodes transporters of heavy metals. The phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated ribosomal proteins revealed that strain BG clusters together with the other acidophilic copper-resistant strains Desulfosporosinus sp. OT and Desulfosporosinus sp. I2. The K+-ATPase, Na+/H+ antiporter and amino acid decarboxylases may participate in enabling growth at low pH. The draft genome sequence and annotation have been deposited at GenBank under the accession number NZ_MASS00000000.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/b6/main.PMC5228091.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3810732", "abstract": "Campylobacter jejuni bacteria are highly diverse enteropathogens. Seventy-three C. jejuni isolates from blood collected in Finland were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing and serum resistance. Approximately half of the isolates belonged to the otherwise uncommon sequence type 677 clonal complex. Isolates of this clonal complex were more resistant than other isolates to human serum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/f6/PMC3810732.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2600212", "abstract": "In France, through exhaustive active surveillance, ≈17.1 million adult cattle were tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy from July 2001 through July 2007; ≈3.6 million were >8 years of age. Our retrospective Western blot study of all 645 confirmed cases found that 7 were H-type and 6 were L-type.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/a7/PMC2600212.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5329998", "abstract": "A cluster of symptoms including hallucinations characterizes schizophrenia. Hallucinations that occur in more than one modality simultaneously and emanate from a single source are called multimodal hallucinations (MMHs). The occurrence of simultaneous hallucinations as the major manifestations of a psychiatric disorder often was dismissed as factitious disorder or malingering. Conversely, MMHs have been reported in severe mental disorders including schizophrenia. Here, we report MMH in two patients of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and its successful management with clozapine. The significance of MMH on the course, prognosis, and treatment resistance of schizophrenia needs to be elucidated. Further systematic research is needed to address these issues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/74/IJPsyM-39-86.PMC5329998.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4864536", "abstract": " Background. Higher coffee consumption has been associated with decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. Our objective was to examine the relationship of coffee intake to colorectal cancer incidence in a large observational cohort of postmenopausal US women. Methods. Data were collected for the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study providing a follow-up period of 12.9 years. The mean age of our sample (N = 83,778 women) was 63.5 years. Daily coffee intake was grouped into 3 categories: None, moderate (>0–<4 cups), and high (4+ cups). Proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between coffee intake and colorectal cancer. Results. There were 1,282 (1.53", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/89/PMC4864536.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4063315", "abstract": "Objective: To design a new index categorizing the functional need for orthognathic treatment. Design: Laboratory-based study. Setting: Records were obtained from two UK hospital-based orthodontic departments. Participants: A panel of four consultant orthodontists, experienced in providing orthognathic care, devised a new index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need (IOFTN) with the aid of the membership of the British Orthodontic Society Consultant Orthodontists Group (COG). Twenty-three consultants and post-CCST level specialists took part in the study as raters to test the validity and reliability of the new index. Methods: A total of 163 start study models of patients who had previously undergone orthognathic treatment were assessed by the panel of four consultant orthodontists using the new index (IOFTN) and the agreed category was set as the ‘gold standard’. Twenty-one consultants and post-CCST level specialists then scored the models on one occasion and two scored 50 sets of models twice to determine the test–re-test reliability. Results: Kappa scores for inter-rater agreement with the expert panel for the major categories (1–5) demonstrated good to very good agreement (kappa: 0·64–0·89) for all raters. The percentage agreement ranged from 68·1 to 92", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/60/jor-41-02-077.PMC4063315.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2654359", "abstract": "Gastric cancer cells express a broad spectrum of the growth factor/cytokine receptor systems that organize the complex interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells in tumor microenvironment, which confers cell growth, apoptosis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, progression and metastasis. However, these abnormal growth factor/cytokine networks differ in the two histological types of gastric cancer. Importantly, activation of nuclear factor-kB pathway by Helicobacter pylori infection may act as a key player for induction of growth factor/cytokine networks in gastritis and pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Better understanding of these events will no doubt provide new approaches for biomarkers of diagnosis and effective therapeutic targeting of gastric cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d2/d3/PMC2654359.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4666127", "abstract": "In the early 1970s, studies in Leland Hartwell’s laboratory at the University of Washington launched the genetic analysis of the eukaryotic cell cycle and set the path that has led to our modern understanding of this centrally important process. This 45th-anniversary Retrospective reviews the steps by which the project took shape, the atmosphere in which this happened, and the possible morals for modern times. It also provides an up-to-date look at the 35 original CDC genes and their human homologues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/ce/4307.PMC4666127.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3574652", "abstract": "Raised blood pressure (BP) is common after stroke but its causes, effects, and management still remain uncertain. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) administered in the acute phase (≤72 hours) of stroke on death and dependency. Trials were identified from searching three electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Database). Three trials involving 3728 patients were included. Significant difference in BP values between treatment and placebo was found in two studies. No effect of the treatment was seen on dependency, death and vascular events at one, three or six months; the cumulative mortality and the number of vascular events at 12 months differed significantly in favour of treatment in one small trial which stopped prematurely. Evidence raises doubts over the hypothesis of a specific effect of ARBs on short- and medium-term outcomes of stroke. It is not possible to rule out that different drugs might have different effects. Further trials are desirable to clarify whether current findings are generalizable or there are subgroups of patients or different approaches to BP management for which a treatment benefit can be obtained.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/b6/PMC3574652.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5005986", "abstract": "Objectives: This study examined trends and socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the United States between 1969 and 2013. Methods: National vital statistics data and the National Longitudinal Mortality Study were used to estimate racial/ethnic and area- and individual-level socioeconomic disparities in CVD mortality over time. Rate ratios and log-linear regression were used to model mortality trends and differentials. Results: Between 1969 and 2013, CVD mortality rates decreased by 2.66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7b/92/IJMA-3-106.PMC5005986.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3088742", "abstract": "This report presents the case of a 70-year-old woman with a previous history of a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who developed general malaise and fatigue. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated an enhancing 6 × 7 cm necrotic lesion in the lower pole of the spleen suggestive of a metastasis. Given the highly suspicious nature of the lesion we proceeded to splenectomy. The tumour did not breach the splenic capsule, and there was no local diaphragmatic involvement. The mass was concluded to be a true metastasis of the original RCC rather than local recurrence of the disease. The causes of isolated solid splenic lesions are wide and varied, however a past or present history of malignancy should lead to a high index of suspicion for a splenic metastasis. We report an extremely unusual case of spread from a RCC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/29/crg0005-0166.PMC3088742.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5051235", "abstract": "Uterine fibroids are the most common uterine neoplasm of uterus and the female pelvis and the most common indication for hysterectomy worldwide. When the fibroid is large and fills the whole pelvis or is pedunculated, it becomes difficult to differentiate from ovarian mass clinically. Cervical fibroids pose enormous surgical difficulty by virtue of their relative inaccessibility and proximity to the anterior bladder, posterior rectum, and distorting the normal anatomical relationship of pelvic structures. A cervical fibroid especially with degenerative changes mimics an ovarian tumor and poses a clinical dilemma. This case is also exemplified for its rarity and diagnostic difficulty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/ba/JMH-7-144.PMC5051235.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3944958", "abstract": "Acute lung injury is caused by many factors including acute pancreatitis. There is no specific therapy directed at underlying pathophysiological mechanisms for acute lung injury. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in the resolution of lung injury in later phases of the disease. Some evidence exists demonstrating that TGF-β not only is involved in the late stages, but also contributes to lung injury early on in the progress of the disease. Acute pancreatitis was induced using ductal ligation in mice. TGF-β1, 2, and 3, TβRII, ALK-5, Smad2, 3, 4, and 7, and P-Smad2 expression in the lungs were analyzed at 9 and 24 h. We demonstrate that TGF-β1 levels in the lungs of mice with acute pancreatitis increase as early as 9 h after induction. We observed an increased expression of ALK-5 in acute pancreatitis at both 9 and 24 h. Inhibitory Smad7 expression was transiently increased at 9 h in acute pancreatitis, but reduced later at 24 h, with a concomitant increased nuclear translocation of phosphorylated Smad2. Our findings demonstrate activation of TGF-β signaling in the lungs as early as 24 h after acute pancreatitis, suggesting that TGF-β may represent a potential therapeutic candidate in acute pancreatitis-induced acute lung injury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/cc/PMC3944958.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3175399", "abstract": "Emergence and spread of drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is global concern. We evaluated trends of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae over years 1992–2009 in Pakistan. Resistance rates were compared between years (2007–2009) and (1992–2006). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria using the disk diffusion methodology against penicillin, ceftriaxone, tetracycline and ofloxacin. Additional antibiotics tested in 100 strains isolated during 2007–2009, included cefotaxime, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefipime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, cefixime, cefpodoxime, spectinomycin and azithromycin. Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 was used as control. Chi-square for trend analysis was conducted to assess resistance trend over the study period. During study period significant increase in combined resistance to penicillin, tetracycline and ofloxacin was observed (P value <0.01). Resistance rates during the two study period also increased significantly (P value <0.01). Ceftriaxone resistance was not observed. None of the isolates were found to be resistant or with intermediate sensitivity to additional antibiotics. Our findings suggest that penicillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline should not be used in the empirical treatment of gonorrhea in Pakistan. Ceftriaxone and cefixime should be the first line therapy; however periodic MICs should be determined to identify emergence of strains with reduced susceptibility.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/9f/PMC3175399.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4295344", "abstract": "Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete paracrine factors that may exert a protective effect on the heart after coronary artery occlusion. This study was done to determine the effect of hypoxia and serum levels on the mRNA expression and secretion of paracrine factors. Mouse bone marrow MSC were cultured with 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/22/PMC4295344.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3262572", "abstract": "Adjuvant breast radiation therapy after breast conservation surgery is recommended as it yields significant reduction in the risk of local recurrence, and confers a potential overall survival benefit. Although the standard breast radiation regimen has historically been delivered over 5–7 weeks; more novel, shorter courses of breast radiation are currently being employed, offering the advantage of more convenience and less time-commitment. Herein, we review the recent literature substantiating these abbreviated radiation treatment approaches and the methods of delivery thereof. In addition, we discuss imaged guided techniques currently being utilized to further refine the delivery of adjuvant breast radiation therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/37/62/PMC3262572.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4890927", "abstract": " Objective. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and morbidity data on Schistosoma mansoni infection in two rural areas: the Jequitinhonha valley (area 1) and the Rio Doce valley (area 2) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, covering the period from 2007 to 2010. Material and Methods. The parasitological stool tests were based on the quantitative method of Kato modified by Katz et al. Three clinical forms were considered: type I—schistosomiasis infection, type II—hepatointestinal form, and type III—hepatosplenic form. Results. The prevalence of infection among inhabitants of area 1 was 22.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/5d/PMC4890927.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3352475", "abstract": "When a neutral mutation arises in an invading population, it quickly either dies out or ‘surfs’, i.e. it comes to occupy almost all the habitat available at its time of origin. Beneficial mutations can also surf, as can deleterious mutations over finite time spans. We develop descriptive statistical models that quantify the relationship between the probability that a mutation will surf and demographic parameters for a cellular automaton model of surfing. We also provide a simple analytic model that performs well at predicting the probability of surfing for neutral and beneficial mutations in one dimension. The results suggest that factors – possibly including even abiotic factors – that promote invasion success may also increase the probability of surfing and associated adaptive genetic change, conditioned on such success.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/72/PMC3352475.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2963785", "abstract": "Purpose The most serious complication of suprapubic cystostomy is bowel injury. By computed tomography (CT), we investigated the risk factors of possible bowel interposition through the percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy tract. Materials and Methods From September to October 2009, we consecutively reviewed 795 abdominopelvic CT scans of adult patients performed for various reasons in our hospital. From these scans, we selected the films wherein the urinary bladder was distended more than 6 cm above the symphysis pubis. We then determined whether the bowel was interposed between the bladder and the skin at the routine puncture site of suprapubic cystostomy (the midline of the abdomen 3 cm above the upper margin of the symphysis pubis). We analyzed which factors influenced the possibility of the bowel being interposed between the bladder and the skin at the suprapubic puncture site. Results A total of 226 CT (148 males, 78 females) scans were selected. The mean patient age was 63 years (range, 26-84 years). The mean distance between the upper margin of the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus was 14.4 cm (range, 7.2-21.0 cm). In the multivariate analysis, obesity, a positive history of radical pelvic surgery, and a short distance (≤11 cm) between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus had significant correlations with bowel interposition in the assumed tract. Conclusions When performing a suprapubic cystostomy, extreme caution is needed to avoid possible bowel injury in patients who are obese, had a previous radical pelvic operation, or have a short distance between the upper margin of the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/64/kju-51-709.PMC2963785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3821212", "abstract": "A classic case of the bulimia nervosa in a young Indian female is reported. This is in the context of the impression that due to increasing western influence, and change in cultural concepts of beauty and thinness among women, illnesses previously considered rare in Indian subcontinent might be becoming more prevalent. Many of the established pre-disposing factors such as female gender, metropolitan domicile, family history of depressive disorder have conglomerated in this case. Rapid and sustained improvement with the low-dose Fluoxetine and the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is also worth paid attention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/43/IJPsyM-35-309.PMC3821212.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1618948", "abstract": "Aims. Our aim is to investigate, in 13 cases (delivering preterm) and 21 matched (for age, parity, and gestational age) controls (delivering at term), whether midtrimester amniotic fluid concentrations of elastase, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule predict asymptomatic intra-amniotic inflammation/infection and preterm labor. Results. Concentrations of all substances were not statistically different among mothers, delivering preterm or at term. SLPI concentrations significantly increased in women, going into labor without ruptured membranes, irrespective of pre- or term delivery (P < .007, P < .001, resp) and correlated with elastase (r =  0.508, P < .002). Conclusions. Midtrimester amniotic fluid SLPI concentrations significantly decrease when membrane rupture precedes pre- or full-term labor. However, none of the investigated substances predict preterm delivery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ca/66/PMC1618948.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2691155", "abstract": "Iodine deficiency is considered to be one of the most common nutrition disorders in the world and the world's greatest single cause of preventable brain damage. Despite a worldwide application of successful iodine supplementation programs over the last four decades, iodine deficiency remains a major public health problem throughout the world. All European countries except Iceland have experienced this health and socioeconomic threat to a greater or lesser extent. The fact that mild to severe iodine deficiency persists in many European countries may have important public health consequences, including impaired intellectual development of infants and children. Iceland has in the past been known for its high iodine status, based on results from studies of iodine status from 1939, 1988, and 1998 suggested to be due to high fish consumption. Fish together with milk and other dairy products are the main sources of iodine in the Icelandic diet, but iodized salt is not commonly used. In recent years fish and dairy intake has decreased, especially among young people. In this paper, historical data on iodine status and iodine intake in Iceland is reviewed and the need for further studies as well as possible need for public health actions evaluated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/70/FNR-53-1925.PMC2691155.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4013359", "abstract": "ABSTRACT The olfactory and respiratory mucosae of the Corriedale sheep were examined using lectin histochemistry in order to clarify the histochemical and glycohistochemical differences between these two tissues. The olfactory epithelium was stained with 13 lectins out of 21 lectins examined, while the respiratory epithelium was positive to 16 lectins. The free border of both of the olfactory and respiratory epithelia was stained with 12 lectins: Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), succinylated-wheat germ agglutinin (s-WGA), Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL), Solanum tuberosum lectin (STL), Datura stramonium lectin (DSL), Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin-I (BSL-I), Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-120), Erythrina cristagalli lectin (ECL), Concanavalin A (Con A), Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-E (PHA-E) and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-L (PHA-L). The associated glands of the olfactory mucosa, Bowman’s glands, were stained with 13 lectins. While both the goblet cells and mucous nasal glands were stained with 8 lectins; five of them (WGA, s-WGA, STL, Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA) and ECL) were mutually positive among the Bowman’s glands, mucous nasal glands and the goblet cells. These findings indicate that the glycohistochemical characteristics of the free borders of both olfactory and respiratory epithelia are similar to each other, suggesting that secretions from the Bowman’s glands and those of the goblet cells and mucous nasal glands are partially exchanged between the surface of two epithelia to contribute the functions of the respiratory epithelium and the olfactory receptor cells, respectively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/14/jvms-76-339.PMC4013359.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3982806", "abstract": "ABSTRACT We describe a case of human Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)-like myopathy that was characterized by the declined stainability of dystrophin at sarcolemma in a pig and the immunostaining for dystrophin on the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The present case was found in a meat inspection center. The pig looked appeared healthy at the ante-mortem inspection. Muscular abnormalities were detected after carcass dressing as pale, discolored skeletal muscles with prominent fat infiltrations and considered so-called “fatty muscular dystrophy”. Microscopic examination revealed following characteristics: diffused fat infiltration into the skeletal muscle and degeneration and regeneration of the remaining skeletal muscle fibers. Any lesions that were suspected of neurogenic atrophy, traumatic muscular degeneration, glycogen storage disease or other porcine muscular disorders were not observed. The immunostaining for dystrophin was conducted and confirmed to be applicable on FFPE porcine muscular tissues and revealed diminished stainability of dystrophin at the sarcolemma in the present case. Based on the histological observations and immunostaining results, the present case was diagnosed with BMD-like myopathy associated with dystrophin abnormality in a pig. Although the genetic properties were not clear, the present BMD-like myopathy implied the occurrence of dystrophinopathy in pigs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural case of myopathy associated with dystrophin abnormalities in a pig.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/2b/jvms-76-243.PMC3982806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3484592", "abstract": "Patients undergoing pneumonectomy can suffer by cardiovascular and respiratory postoperative complications that can affect patient’s outcome by increasing morbidity and mortality.  We describe a diaphragmatic hernia occurring after pneumonectomy. with late presentation and with epidural analgesia confusing the scenario suggesting that anesthesiologists should remain aware on this complication even in the late post operative period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1f/dd/hsrp-02-299.PMC3484592.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2910503", "abstract": "dsRNA can be detected by pattern recognition receptors, for example, TLR3, MDA-5, NLRP3 to induce proinflammatory cytokines responsible for innate/adaptive immunity. Recognized by endosomal TLR3 in myeloid DCs (mDCs), dsRNA can activate mDCs into mature antigen presenting cells (mAPCs) which in turn present antigen epitopes with MHC-I molecules to naïve T cells. Coadministration of protein and synthetic dsRNA analogues can elicit an antigen-specific Th1-polarized immune response which stimulates the CD8+ CTL response and possibly dampen Th17 response. Synthetic dsRNA analogues have been tested as vaccine adjuvant against viral infections in animal models. However, a dsRNA receptor, TLR3 can be expressed in tumor cells while other members of TLR family, for example, TLR4 and TLR2 have been shown to promote tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Thus, the promising potential of dsRNA analogues as a tumor therapeutic vaccine adjuvant should be evaluated cautiously.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ce/68/PMC2910503.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3884169", "abstract": "Porokeratoses are a group of hereditary or acquired disorders characterized by annular lesions with an atrophic center and a prominent peripheral ridge. Pathologically, porokeratosis is characterized by the presence of abnormal clones of keratinocytes that form a column of parakeratotic cells, called the cornoid lamella. Fifteen percent of patients of disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) have facial lesions; other regions like the extensor surface of extremities constitute the majority of reported cases. Exclusively facial lesions are probably less frequent. Rarely, actinic porokeratosis is confined to the nose only. Of reported porokeratosis cases, 7.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/05/cde-0005-0283.PMC3884169.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4606154", "abstract": "To evaluate effects of environmental conditions on the abundance and communities of three denitrifying genes coding for nitrite (nirK, nirS) reductase and nitrous oxide (nosZ) reductase on the roots of Eichhornia crassipes from 11 rivers flowing into the northern part of Dianchi Lake. The results showed that the abundance and community composition of denitrifying genes on E. crassipes root varied with different rivers. The nirK gene copies abundance was always greater than that of nirS gene on the roots of E. crassipes, suggesting that the surface of E. crassipes roots growth in Dianchi Lake was more suitable for the growth of nirK-type denitrifying bacteria. The DGGE results showed significant differences in diversity of denitrifying genes on the roots of E. crassipes among the 11 rivers. Using redundancy analysis (RDA), the correlations of denitrifying microbial community compositions with environmental factors revealed that water temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH were relatively important environmental factors to modifying the community structure of the denitrifying genes attached to the root of E. crassipes. The results indicated that the specific environmental conditions related to different source of rivers would have a stronger impact on the development of denitrifier communities on E. crassipes roots.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/9e/PMC4606154.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3116633", "abstract": "In the present study, we investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in the estrogen-metabolizing genes CYP17, CYP1B1, CYP1A1, and COMT and genomic instability in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 62 BC patients and 62 controls considering that increased or prolonged exposure to estrogen can damage the DNA molecule and increase the genomic instability process in breast tissue. Our data demonstrated increased genomic instability in BC patients and that individuals with higher frequencies of MN exhibited higher risk to BC when belonging Val/Met genotype of the COMT gene. We also observed that CYP17 and CYP1A1 polymorphisms can modify the risk to BC depending on the menopause status. We can conclude that the genetic background in estrogen metabolism pathway can modulate chromosome damage in healthy controls and patients and thereby influence the risk to BC. These findings suggest the importance to ally biomarkers of susceptibility and effects to estimate risk groups.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d7/e5/PMC3116633.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2844982", "abstract": "Since the first descriptions of Brugada as a new clinical entity defined by sudden cardiac death in patients with typical electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns, Brugada syndrome (BS) has been increasingly diagnosed. This syndrome is known as a disease that is inherited via an autosomal dominant trait, and the SCN5A mutation has been found in 20-25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/69/kcj-40-143.PMC2844982.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4072268", "abstract": "Recently, various calcium silicate-based sealers have been introduced for use in root canal filling. The MTA Fillapex is one of these sealers, but some of its physicochemical properties are not in accordance with the ISO requirements. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the flowability, pH level and calcium release of pure MTA Fillapex (MTAF) or containing 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/ea/jaos-22-03-0180.PMC4072268.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3249705", "abstract": "Aim: The aim of our study was to do an agreement analysis of two different laboratory methods used to measure electrolytes i.e., between the ISE based Beckman Coulter Synchron CX9 PRO Biochemistry analyzer and RAL's Ion3 Flame Photometer (Técnica para el Laboratorio, Barcelona, Spain), in serum samples. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done over a period of three months from September’09 through December’09 on routine biochemistry samples. A total of 6492 samples were received for routine biochemistry analysis from those 630 blood samples were randomly processed for this study. Two ml of sample was taken in a plain gel tube (LABTECH Disposables, Ahmedabad, India), centrifuged and further processed using both systems within one hour of the sampling to obtain the Na and K concentrations in the samples. The bias and variability of differences in measured values were analyzed according to Bland and Altman method. Results: Flame photometry method has drawbacks such as low throughput, requires manual operation, is a time consuming procedure. Ion selective electrodes technique is a more universal method for the high throughput determination of electrolytes in physiological samples; Beckman Coulter Synchron CX9 PRO is an example of such a system. The mean difference between the two methods (standard minus test) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/70/JLP-3-104.PMC3249705.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3018651", "abstract": "Lack of donor availability limits the number of human donor organs. The need for host immunosuppression complicates transplantation procedures. Ultrastructurally precise kidneys differentiate in situ following xenotransplantation in mesentery of embryonic pig renal primordia. The developing organ attracts its blood supply from the host, obviating humoral rejection. Engraftment of pig renal primordia transplanted directly into rats requires host immune suppression. However, insulin-producing cells originating from embryonic pig pancreas obtained very early following initiation of organogenesis [embryonic day 28 (E28)] engraft long term in nonimmune-suppressed diabetic rats or rhesus macaques. Engraftment of morphologically similar cells originating from adult porcine islets of Langerhans (islets) occurs in rats previously transplanted with E28 pig pancreatic primordia. Here, we review recent findings germane to xenotransplantation of pig renal or pancreatic primordia as a novel organ replacement strategy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/fe/PMC3018651.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5187646", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent in developing countries, contributing to high incidence of malnutrition and morbidity. This study aimed to find the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their association with nutritional status of children in Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from January-June 2016, among 418 school children under-5 years of age. Anthropometric data, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age Z-scores from each child and fecal samples were collected and screened for intestinal parasites using standard laboratory methods. Results: Among the intestinal parasitic infections detected, the prevalence of E. histolytica was higher (51.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/ba/IJMA-5-146.PMC5187646.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4434027", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this case report is to present the effects of vestibular stimulation on a child with hypotonic cerebral palsy through the use of swings. [Case Description] The subject was a 19-month-old boy with a diagnosis of hypotonic cerebral palsy (CP) and oscillating nystagmus. The subject had received both physical therapy and occupational therapy two times per week since he was 5 months old but showed little to no improvement. [Methods] Pre and post-intervention tests were completed by the researcher using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development II. The subject was provided with vestibular stimulation 3 times per week for 10 weeks in 1 hour sessions conducted by his mother as instructed by the researcher. During this research all other therapies were stopped to determine the effects of the vestibular stimulation and to exclude the effects of other therapies. [Results] The subject demonstrated improvement of 4 months in motor skills and of 3 months in mental skills as shown by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development II. [Conclusion] Vestibular stimulation was effective in improving postural control, movement, emotional well-being, and social participation of a child with hypotonic cerebral palsy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/6c/jpts-27-1279.PMC4434027.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3015564", "abstract": "Background: Advancements in technology have allowed laparoscopic surgery to expand into advanced procedures such as liver resection; however, the value and safety of laparoscopic liver surgery is still a topic for debate. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic nonanatomic hepatectomy using the LigaSure device in a swine model. Methods: Nonanatomic hepatic lobe resection was performed in 3 groups comparing the open finger-fracture method, the open method with the LigaSure device, and the laparoscopic method with the LigaSure device. The cut surfaces of the liver were evaluated for bleeding and biliary leakage at the time of the operation. The animals were inspected 48 hours later for hemorrhage and evaluated with cholescintigraphy (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid [HIDA] scan) for biliary leakage, in addition to histo-logical evaluation of liver specimens. Results: No hemorrhage or biliary leakage was noted in the groups where the LigaSure device was used, whereas 1 animal from the open finger-fracture method sustained a bile leak observed on HIDA scan. The operative blood loss was considerably less in the groups where the Liga-Sure device was used, and the shortest operative time was observed in the laparoscopic group. Conclusions: The LigaSure device can be safely and effectively used to perform a laparoscopic nonanatomic hepatectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/64/09/jsls-9-1-35.PMC3015564.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649645", "abstract": "Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is an extremely rare condition of gastrointestinal polyposis in which the main presenting features are diarrhoea and dysgeusia. The polyps in this condition are characteristically distributed throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract except the oesophagus, and these patients exhibit unique ectodermal abnormalities. Herein, we report a 50-year-old male who had recurrent episodes of severe haematochezia from the polyps in the colon. Further examination and investigations revealed a diagnosis of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. Proctocolectomy was carried out for medically refractory haematochezia and the patient is asymptomatic at present.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/3e/PMC3649645.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3395173", "abstract": "Migrant farmworkers represent one of the most marginalized and underserved populations in the United States. Acculturation theory cannot be easily mapped onto the transnational experience of migrant farmworkers, who navigate multiple physical and cultural spaces yearly, and who are not recognized by the state they constitute, “the Citizen's Other” (Kerber, 2009). This paper utilizes narrative analysis of a case study to illustrate, through the relationship of the narrator to migrant farmworkers and years of participant observation by the coauthors, how isolation from family and community, as well as invisibility within institutions, affect the health and well-being of migrant farmworkers in southeastern Georgia. Invisibility of farmworkers within institutions, such as health care, the educational system, social services, domestic violence shelters, and churches contribute to illness among farmworkers. The dominant American discourse surrounding immigration policy addresses the strain immigrants put on the social systems, educational system, and the health care system. Nurses who work with farmworkers are well positioned to bring the subjective experience of farmworkers to light, especially for those engaged with socially just policies. Those who contribute to the abundant agricultural produce that feeds Americans deserve the recognition upon which social integration depends.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/91/PMC3395173.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4229726", "abstract": "MyD88 is the canonical adaptor for inflammatory signaling pathways downstream of members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor families. MyD88 links IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) or TLR family members to IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK) family kinases via homotypic protein-protein interaction. Activation of IRAK family kinases leads to a variety of functional outputs, including the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), mitogen-activated protein kinases, and activator protein 1, making MyD88 a central node of inflammatory pathways. As more details of MyD88-dependent signaling have been elucidated, it has become clear that the functions of this critical signaling component can be influenced by multiple interaction partners in distinct subcellular compartments. In this review, we will focus on recent developments in the understanding of the assembly of MyD88 signaling complexes and the mechanisms leading to the diversification of MyD88-based signaling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/b1/biolrep-06-97.PMC4229726.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5154723", "abstract": "The purpose of this study was to determine if combining velocity-based training with eccentric focus (VEB) and velocity-based training (VBT) results in power and strength gains. Nineteen men and women collegiate track and field athletes participated in this study. The subjects completed a 12-week intervention with either a VEB program or a VBT program. To determine the effectiveness of each program, the subjects completed four exercise tests before and after the training period: vertical jump, medicine ball put test, 1RM projected bench press and 1RM projected squat. There were no significant differences between the VBT results and the VEB results. However, there were significant improvements between the pre-test and post-test measures for each group. There were increases in 1RM projected squat for VEB men, VBT men, and VBT women. There were also significant improvements in the VEB male vertical jump and medicine ball put test pre- to post-intervention. For track and field athletes, both programs may result in strength and power gains, however, the results cannot be used to conclude that one resistance training program is superior.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/39/PMC5154723.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2929603", "abstract": "We compared the effectiveness of three PCR protocols for the detection of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and one PCR protocol for detecting Bacteroidales as indicators of human fecal pollution in environmental samples. Quantitative PCR indicated that a higher concentration of B. adolescentis DNA was recovered from sewage samples on the 0.2 μm filters compared to the 0.45 μm filters, and there was no evidence of qPCR inhibitors in the DNA extracts. With the Matsuki method (1999), B. adolescentis was detected only in undiluted sewage samples. The King method (2007) performed well and detected B. adolescentis in all of the sewage dilutions (from undiluted to 10−4). In contrast, the Bonjoch approach (2004) was effective at detecting B. adolescentis at lower dilutions (10−3) of sewage samples and it gave false positive results with some (3/8) pig fecal samples. Human-specific Bacteroidales (HuBacs) were detected in the lower diluents of sewage samples but was positive in pig (6/8) and cattle fecal samples. PCR detection of B. adolescentis in marine samples from Puerto Rico and freshwater samples from Georgia indicated that the PCR method of King et al. (2007) and the modified Layton method for HuBac were in agreement in detecting human fecal pollution in most sites.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/13/PMC2929603.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2693832", "abstract": "We report on an exceptional vascular cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. A 30-yr-old man was admitted because of recurrent hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed circumferential, erythematous, and nodular vascular distensions with hematocystic spots in the terminal ileum resembling varicosis and subsequent computed tomography with 3-dimensional angiographic reconstruction revealed a vascular architecture around the terminal ileum. No other potential source of bleeding was identified. The patient was treated by ileocecectomy and the final diagnosis was of an arteriovenous malformation confined to the terminal ileum. He has been followed-up without a further hemorrhagic episode.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d4/4d/jkms-22-746.PMC2693832.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2615644", "abstract": "Background Animal experiments document effects of grape juice on cognitive performance and motor skills, and observational studies in humans suggest an inverse association between flavonoid intake and cognitive decline. These effects may be related to the antioxidant properties of polyphenols. Juice consumption and flavonoid intake may also affect appetite. Objective To study the acute effects of grape juice consumption on appetite, mood and implicit memory during a time of increased lethargy – the post-lunch dip. Design Thirty-five participants with a mean age of 26 years who smoked a mean of 11 cigarettes/day for 8 years were included in the study. It included a practice session and two treatment sessions. All sessions involved consumption of grape juice or an energy-matched placebo with lunch followed by assessments of mood, implicit memory, appetite and food intake. Results Mood decreased over time for both treatments, but there were no differences after lunch between grape juice and placebo for any measure. Conclusion This study did not document any acute effects of grape juice consumption on mood, implicit memory, appetite or food intake in smokers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/29/FNR-52-1891.PMC2615644.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3987278", "abstract": "We describe a male patient who presented with sudden onset severe headache and right sided ptosis that was diagnosed to be secondary to pituitary apoplexy on the background of diabetes mellitus. This was complicated by left ventricular failure and acute coronary syndrome. The case highlights the importance of considering hypocortisolism/hypopituitarism as an important and rare precipitant of an acute coronary event as occurred in the case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/96/IJEM-18-232.PMC3987278.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4825916", "abstract": "We report an interesting case in which overt aortic dissection mimicked two episodes of aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) (Stanford A, DeBakey I). This took place over the course of four days and had a major influence on the surgical treatment strategy. The first episode of IMH regressed completely within 15 hours after it was clinically diagnosed and verified using imaging techniques. The recurrence of IMH was detected three days thereafter, resulting in an urgent surgical intervention. Overt aortic dissection with evidence of an intimal tear was diagnosed intraoperatively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/5c/PMC4825916.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3343475", "abstract": "Tinnitus is the perception of a sound, a so-called “phantom sound,” in the absence of a physical sound. The phantom perception persists after transection of the auditory nerve, indicating that the site of tinnitus manifestation is in the central nervous system. Imaging studies in tinnitus sufferers have revealed increased neuronal activity—hyperactivity—in subcortical and cortical auditory centers. These studies have demonstrated that non-auditory brain areas, such as the limbic system, are involved in the neural basis of tinnitus, Finally human imaging studies have led to novel hypotheses for the generation of tinnitus, such as the thalamocortical dysrhythmia hypothesis. Imaging in animal models of tinnitus exhibit similarities to results from human studies and have revealed hyperexcitability of auditory brain centers as a neural correlate of tinnitus. We propose that the comparison between animal model and human studies will aid in the design of appropriate experimental paradigms aimed at elucidating the cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying tinnitus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/29/fnsys-06-00035.PMC3343475.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4454218", "abstract": "Background and aims Few studies evaluate the impact of anesthesia providers during procedures, such as colonoscopy, on low-risk patients. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of anesthesia providers on several outcome variables, including major morbidity, following screening colonoscopies. Methods A propensity-matched cohort study of 14,006 patients who enrolled with a national insurer offering health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), and Medicare Advantage plans for a screening colonoscopy between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007 were studied. Records were evaluated for completion of the colonoscopy, new cancer diagnosis (colon, anal, rectal) within 6 months of the colonoscopy, new primary diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI), new primary diagnosis of stroke, hospital admission within 7 days of the colonoscopy, and adherence to guidelines for use of anesthesia providers. Results The presence of an anesthesia provider did not affect major morbidity or the percent of completed exams. Overall morbidity within 7 days was very low. When an anesthesia provider was present, a nonsignificant trend toward greater cancer detection within 6 months of the procedure was observed. Adherence to national guidelines regarding the use of anesthesia providers for low-risk patients was poor. Conclusion A difference in outcome associated with the presence or absence of an anesthesia provider during screening colonoscopy in terms of MI, stroke, or hospital admission within 7 days of the procedure was not observed. Adherence to published guidelines for the use of anesthesia providers is low. The incidence of completed exams was unaffected by the presence of an anesthesia provider. However, a nonstatistically significant trend toward increased cancer detection requires further study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/24/jmdh-8-255.PMC4454218.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4940553", "abstract": " Introduction. High BMI is a risk factor for upper body breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) onset. Black cancer survivors are more likely to have high BMI than White cancer survivors. While observational analyses suggest up to 2.2 times increased risk of BCRL onset for Black breast cancer survivors, no studies have explored race or other social factors that may affect BCRL severity, operationalized by interlimb volume difference (ILD). Materials and Methods. ILD was measured by perometry for 296 overweight (25 > BMI < 50) Black (n = 102) or White (n = 194) breast cancer survivors (>6 months from treatment) in the WISER Survivor trial. Multivariable linear regression examined associations between social and physical factors and ILD. Results. Neither Black race (−0.26, p = 0.89) nor BMI (0.22, p = 0.10) was associated with ILD. Attending college (−4.89, p = 0.03) was the strongest factor associated with ILD, followed by having more lymph nodes removed (4.75, p = 0.01), >25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/63/2b/PMC4940553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5366370", "abstract": "Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesions (TFLs) are rare idiopathic benign fibrosclerosing lesions that clinically simulate a malignancy. TFLs are seen more frequently in males between 10 and 74 years of age. The usual site of involvement is the head and neck region, but rarely the extremities may be involved. Coexisting fibrosclerotic processes have been reported including retroperitoneal fibrosis, sclerosing cholangitis, sclerosing mediastinal fibrosis, and orbital pseudotumors. The etiology of this poorly understood entity remains unknown. Possible suggestions include exaggerated responses or autoimmune reactions to any chronic infection. The clinical and radiological appearance of TFLs is that of malignancy, but histopathology reveals them to be a benign process broadly classified under non-neoplastic, fibroinflammatory proliferations. The treatment strategies for these lesions are not well defined and variable and include steroids, surgery, and radiotherapy either alone or in combination. TFLs, albeit not fatal, have a high recurrence rate; patients should, therefore, be kept on long-term follow-up. We describe a young female patient presenting with a rapidly developing cheek swelling, which was diagnosed histopathologically as a TFLs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/43/IJMS-42-205.PMC5366370.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4355839", "abstract": "Background: Cigarette smoking is one of the preventable causes of diseases and deaths. The most important preventive measure is technique to resist against peer pressure. Any educational program should design with an emphasis upon theories of behavioral change and based on effective educational program. To investigate the interventions through educational program in prevention of cigarette smoking, this paper has used the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). Materials and Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study. Two middle schools were randomly selected from male students in Shiraz. Therefore, we randomly selected 120 students for the experimental group and 120 students for the control group. After diagnostic evaluation, educational interventions on the consequences of smoking and preventive skills were applied. Results: Our results indicated that there was a significant difference between students in the control and experimental groups in the means of perceived susceptibility (P < 0.000, t = 6.84), perceived severity (P < 0.000, t = −11.46), perceived response efficacy (P < 0.000, t = −7.07), perceived self-efficacy (P < 0.000, t = −11.64), and preventive behavior (P < 0.000, t = −24.36). Conclusions: EPPM along with educating skills necessary to resist against peer pressure had significant level of efficiency in improving preventive behavior of cigarette smoking among adolescents. However, this study recommends further studies on ways of increasing perceived susceptibility in cigarette smoking among adolescents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/ce/JEHP-4-4.PMC4355839.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4886569", "abstract": "Introduction Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has a significant role in the metabolism of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus; it also is a major determinant of the strength of bones. This hormone has a significant effect on three major health issues that people worldwide encounter, i.e., high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. Considering the limited and dispersed studies on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran and the relationship of vitamin D with lipid profiles in different people, this study was conducted to determine the vitamin D levels in patients and its relationship with their lipid profiles. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 1,110 patients who were referred to the two laboratories at Jihad Daneshgahi and to eight specialist laboratories in Mashhad through random sampling of patients for whom serum vitamin D and serum lipid tests were prescribed. The data that were obtained were entered into SPSS 13 software. Results Sixty-eight percent of the patients in the study were deficient in vitamin D. The vitamin D levels in males were significantly lower than those in females (p < 0.05). The relationship between age and vitamin D deficiency was significant as well (p < 0.05). A positive and significant relationship was observed between age and vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.000, r = 0.187), i.e., vitamin D deficiency was more apparent in patients whose ages were in the range of 40–59. The relationship between the levels of vitamin D and serum lipids was significant and positive (p = 0.05), with the exception of LDL. Conclusion About two-thirds of the population that was studied had a vitamin D deficiency. There was a positive and significant relationship between serum vitamin D and serum lipids and serum calcium. The results of this study showed the necessity for more research and the implementation of preventive measures related to vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended that vitamin D enrichment programs be planned and implemented.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/55/epj-08-2269.PMC4886569.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4743599", "abstract": "Introduction Theories of delusions which rely on a combination of abnormal experience and defective belief evaluation and/ or cognitive bias are the subject of an emerging consensus. This paper challenges the validity of these theories and constructs a two factor alternative. Methods The paper starts by identifying the difficulty the current theories have explaining the complex delusions of schizophrenia and then, by considering, first, the aetiology of somatopsychotic symptoms, and second, the literature on the relationship between confabulation and allopsychotic symptoms, demonstrates that the natural solution is to retain the experiential factor whilst replacing the second factor with confabulation. Results The paper is then able to demonstrate that the resultant two-factory theory can clarify recent work on the aetiological role of autonoetic agnosia and on the relationships between confabulation, delusion, and thought disorder. Conclusions The theory supersedes currently available theories in terms of its simplicity, fruitfulness, scope and conservatism and represents an advance in the search for unified theory of psychosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b4/77/pcnp-19-116.PMC4743599.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134180", "abstract": "Dual ectopic thyroid is a rare presentation of thyroid ectopia. Only a few cases have been reported in the world literature. Dual ectopic thyroid in the presence of a normally located thyroid is even rarer. We report a case of dual ectopic thyroid in the lingual and submandibular areas in a seventeen-year-old female with hypoplastic thyroid gland in its normal location. The patient presented with a midline swelling at the base of tongue with dysphagia. Thyroid function test revealed primary hypothyroidism. Ultrasonography of the neck showed hypoplastic thyroid in its normal location. A thyroid scan with Technetium-99 m pertechnate showed two intensely hyperfunctioning foci of ectopic thyroid tissue at a higher level in the midline consistent with dual ectopic thyroid, one at the base of tongue and the other in submental region. No uptake was seen in the normal bed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/65/PMC3134180.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2526387", "abstract": "We examined the antiallodynic interaction between gabapentin and adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine R-(-)isomer (R-PIA), in a rat model of nerve ligation injury. Rats were prepared with ligation of left L5-6 spinal nerves and intrathecal catheter implantation for drug administration. Mechanical allodynia was measured by applying von Frey filaments. Gabapentin and R-PIA were administered to obtain the dose-response curve and the 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/e6/jkms-23-678.PMC2526387.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4855970", "abstract": "Background: A previous hospital based study from Delhi revealed a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women. Several other studies with small sample size also indicate a rising trend of prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy in India. Objective: To assess prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women from various states/cities across India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted at Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal), Hyderabad (Telangana), Nasik (Maharashtra), Rohtak (Haryana), Pune (Maharashtra), New Delhi (Delhi), Srinagar (Kashmir), and Vizag (Andhra Pradesh) enrolling 2599 pregnant women. Estimation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies was carried out using Roche modular kit using ECLIA technology in a central laboratory. Results: We found in our study population that 13.13", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/96/12/IJEM-20-387.PMC4855970.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2882086", "abstract": "A 51-year-old woman with breast cancer presented with progressive diplopia. Neuro-ophthalmologic examination revealed right gaze palsy and peripheral facial nerve palsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal. However, two months later a repeat brain MRI revealed an enhancing round nodular mass at the right facial colliculus of the lower pons, at the location of the abducens nucleus. Localized metastasis to the abducens nucleus can cause gaze palsy in a patient with breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/52/79/kjo-24-186.PMC2882086.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3701829", "abstract": "Soft tissue myoepithelioma is a rare neoplasm composed of myoepithelial cells. Here, we describe the cytologic features of soft tissue myoepithelioma arising on the right forearm in an 18-year-old man. The excised tumor (3.0×1.8×1.5 cm) was well-demarcated, yellow-gray, soft, and myxoid. The cytologic smears showed round to spindle, epithelioid, and plasmacytoid cells in the myxoid background. The nuclei were uniform, round to ovoid, with finely distributed chromatin and eosinophilic or pale cytoplasm. The tumor cells demonstrated immunoreactivity for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), epithelial membrane antigen, S100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Electron microscopy showed intermediate filaments, desmosomes, and basal lamina.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/64/28/kjpathol-47-299.PMC3701829.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3304459", "abstract": " Aim. To investigate the ability of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vector to induce an immune response against a well-tolerated self-antigen. Methods. rMVA vectors expressing different form of α-fetoprotein (AFP) were produced and characterized. Naïve mice were vaccinated with MVA vectors expressing the AFP antigen in either a secreted, or a membrane-bound, or an intracellular form. The immune response was monitored by an IFNΓ ELISpot assay and antibody detection. Results. Vaccination with the membrane-associated form of AFP induced a stronger CD8+ T-cell response compared to the ones obtained with the MVA encoding the secreted or the intracellular forms of AFP. Moreover, the vaccination with the membrane-bound AFP elicited the production of AFP-specific antibodies. Conclusions. The AFP transmembrane form is more immunogenic. Expressing a membrane-bound form in the context of an MVA vaccination could enhance the immunogenicity of a self-antigen.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/af/PMC3304459.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4918165", "abstract": "We retrospectively analyzed data for 195 respiratory infection patients who had positive Staphyloccocus aureus cultures and who were hospitalized in 2 hospitals in Iowa and Maryland, USA, during 2003–2009. Odds for death for patients who also had influenza-positive test results were >4 times higher than for those who had negative influenza test results.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/dc/PMC4918165.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3195956", "abstract": "To investigate the biological effect of adenosine A2b receptor (A2bR) on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, three A2bR siRNA constructs were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The results showed that A2bR siRNA reduced the levels of A2bR mRNA and protein. In order to further detect the function of A2bR, we established a stable hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) expressing siRNA targeting the adenosine A2b receptor. Targeted RNAi significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and flow cytometry (FCM) showed that significantly more cells expressing A2bR siRNA were in the G0/G1 phase compared to the untransfected group ((89.56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/2b/PMC3195956.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211051", "abstract": "PURPOSE The aim of present study was to identify characteristic and response of mouse bone marrow (BM) derived low-adherent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) obtained by quantification of extracellular matrix (ECM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Non-adherent cells acquired by ECM coated dishes were termed low-adherent BMMSCs and these cells were analyzed by in vitro and in vivo methods, including colony forming unit fibroblast (CFU-f), bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), multi-potential differentiation, flow cytometry and transplantation into nude mouse to measure the bone formation ability of these low-adherent BMMSCs. Titanium (Ti) discs with machined and anodized surfaces were prepared. Adherent and low-adherent BMMSCs were cultured on the Ti discs for testing their proliferation. RESULTS The amount of CFU-f cells was significantly higher when non-adherent cells were cultured on ECM coated dishes, which was made by 7 days culturing of adherent BMMSCs. Low-adherent BMMSCs had proliferation and differentiation potential as adherent BMMSCs in vitro. The mean amount bone formation of adherent and low-adherent BMMSCs was also investigated in vivo. There was higher cell proliferation appearance in adherent and low-adherent BMMSCs seeded on anodized Ti discs than machined Ti discs by time. CONCLUSION Low-adherent BMMSCs acquired by ECM from non-adherent cell populations maintained potential characteristic similar to those of the adherent BMMSCs and therefore could be used effectively as adherent BMMSCs in clinic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/ec/jap-6-351.PMC4211051.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3163127", "abstract": "Osteopenia and osteoporosis are major complications of anorexia nervosa (AN). Since bone is a tissue requiring large amounts of energy, we examined the disproportionate increase in resting energy expenditure (REE) that occurs with refeeding of AN patients to determine if it was related to bone accretion. Thirty-seven AN patients aged 23.4 ± 4.8 years underwent a behavioral weight-gain protocol lasting a median of 66 days; 27 remained amenorrheic, and 10 regained menses. Sixteen controls aged 25.1 ± 4.7 years were age- and ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/1d/PMC3163127.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3595665", "abstract": "Numerous studies have investigated the formation of interhemispheric connections which are involved in high-ordered functions of the cerebral cortex in eutherian animals, including humans. The development of callosal axons, which transfer and integrate information between the right/left hemispheres and represent the most prominent commissural system, must be strictly regulated. From the beginning of their growth, until reaching their targets in the contralateral cortex, the callosal axons are guided mainly by two environmental cues: (1) the midline structures and (2) neighboring? axons. Recent studies have shown the importance of axona guidance by such cues and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this paper, we review these guidance mechanisms during the development of the callosal neurons. Midline populations express and secrete guidance molecules, and “pioneer” axons as well as interactions between the medial and lateral axons are also involved in the axon pathfinding of the callosal neurons. Finally, we describe callosal dysgenesis in humans and mice, that results from a disruption of these navigational mechanisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/29/PMC3595665.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4937150", "abstract": "Methyl donor nutrients are critical for embryonic development of brain. Hippocampus is the most susceptible brain region to various factors including prenatal supply of methyl donors. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expressed in hippocampus is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and stress sensitivity. Hippocampal GR expression is highly susceptible to epigenetic regulation, yet the effect of maternal methyl donor supplementation on epigenetic regulation of GR transcription in offspring hippocampus remains unclear. In this study, we fed sows with betaine (3 g/kg) throughout the gestation and analyzed the hippocampal expression of GR mRNA and its variants, as well as the CpG methylation status of the promoter and the microRNAs predicted to target 3’ UTR of porcine GR gene in neonatal piglets. Total GR mRNA (P<0.01) and its variants GR 1-4 (P<0.05) and 1-9,10 (P<0.01), were significantly higher in the hippocampus of betaine-treated piglets, while the content of GR protein was not significantly changed. The CpGs located in the –1650   –1515 segment of GR gene were hypermethylated (P<0.05). The hippocampal expression of miR-130b (P<0.05), miR-181a (P<0.05) and miR-181d (P<0.01) was significantly up-regulated. The targeting efficacy of miR-130b and miR-181d was validated in vitro using dual-luciferase reporter assay system. Our results demonstrate that maternal betaine supplementation during gestation enhances GR mRNA expression in offspring hippocampus, which involves alterations in miRNAs expression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/ac/jvms-78-921.PMC4937150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3928484", "abstract": "Extramedullary plasmacytoma involves organs outside the bone marrow; however, involvement of the pancreas is rare. We recently experienced a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the pancreas that was diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS-FNA, which has a high diagnostic accuracy and an excellent safety profile, is the modality of choice for establishing tissue diagnosis. We report a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the pancreas diagnosed using EUS-FNA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/a0/ce-47-115.PMC3928484.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3630945", "abstract": "Evidence accumulating in 2011–2012 indicates that there is significant intra- and inter-species transmission of influenza A viruses at agricultural fairs, which has renewed interest in this unique human/swine interface. Six human cases of influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus infections were epidemiologically linked to swine exposure at fairs in the United States in 2011. In 2012, the number of H3N2v cases in the Midwest had exceeded 300 from early July to September, 2012. Prospective influenza A virus surveillance among pigs at Ohio fairs resulted in the detection of H3N2pM (H3N2 influenza A viruses containing the matrix (M) gene from the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus). These H3N2pM viruses were temporally and spatially linked to several human H3N2v cases. Complete genomic analyses of these H3N2pM isolates demonstrated >99", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/53/emi201233a.PMC3630945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4707332", "abstract": "Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells. Multiple genetic loci contribute to disease susceptibility in humans, with the most responsible locus being the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Certain MHC alleles are predisposing, including the common HLA-A∗02:01. After the MHC, the locus conferring the strongest susceptibility to T1D is the regulatory region of the insulin gene, and alleles associated with reduced thymic insulin expression are predisposing. Mice express two insulin genes, Ins1 and Ins2. While both are expressed in beta cells, only Ins2 is expressed in the thymus. We have developed an HLA-A∗02:01-transgenic NOD-based T1D model that is heterozygous for a functional Ins2 gene. These mice exhibit reduced thymic insulin expression and accelerated disease in both genders. Immune cell populations are not grossly altered, and the mice exhibit typical signs of islet autoimmunity, including CD8 T cell responses to beta cell peptides also targeted in HLA-A∗02:01-positive type 1 diabetes patients. This model should find utility as a tool to uncover the mechanisms underlying the association between reduced thymic insulin expression and T1D in humans and aid in preclinical studies to evaluate insulin-targeted immunotherapies for the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/db/PMC4707332.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4251543", "abstract": "Objective Exposure to psychosocial stress has been identified as a possible stroke risk, but the role of stress resilience which may be relevant to chronic exposure is uncertain. We investigated the association of stress resilience in adolescence with subsequent stroke risk. Methods Register-based cohort study. Some 237 879 males born between 1952 and 1956 were followed from 1987 to 2010 using information from Swedish registers. Cox regression estimated the association of stress resilience with stroke, after adjustment for established stroke risk factors. Results Some 3411 diagnoses of first stroke were identified. Lowest stress resilience (21.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/38/jnnp-2013-307485.PMC4251543.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4059383", "abstract": "Data suggest that treatment of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency after traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a stress dose of hydrocortisone may improve the neurological outcome and the mortality rate. The mineralocorticoid properties of hydrocortisone may reduce the rate of hyponatremia and of brain swelling. The exaggerated inflammatory response may cause critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency by altering the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and hydrocortisone is able to restore a balanced inflammatory response rather than inducing immunosuppression. Hydrocortisone could also prevent neuronal apoptosis. Considering side effects, corticosteroids are not equal; when a high dose of synthetic corticosteroids seems detrimental, a strategy using a stress dose of hydrocortisone seems attractive. Finally, results from a large multicenter study are needed to close the debate regarding the use of hydrocortisone in TBI patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6a/db/PMC4059383.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4387321", "abstract": "Background A safe patient transition requires a complex set of physician skills within the interprofessional practice. Objective To evaluate a rotation which applies self-reflection and workplace learning in a TRAnsition of CarE Rotation (TRACER) for internal medicine (IM) residents. TRACER is a 2-week required IM resident rotation where trainees join a ward team as a quality officer and follow patients into postacute care. Methods In 2010, residents participated in semistructured, one-on-one interviews as part of ongoing program evaluation. They were asked what they had learned on TRACER, the year prior, and how they used those skills in their practice. Using transcripts, the authors reviewed and coded each transcript to develop themes. Results Five themes emerged from a qualitative, grounded theory analysis: seeing things from the other side, the ‘ah ha’ moment of fragmented care, team collaboration including understanding nursing scope of practice in different settings, patient understanding, and passing the learning on. TRACER gives residents a moment to breathe and open their eyes to the interprofessional practice setting and the patient's experience of care in transition. Conclusions Residents learn about transitions of care through self-reflection. This learning is sustained over time and is valued enough to teach to their junior colleagues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/97/JCHIMP-5-26230.PMC4387321.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5107271", "abstract": "Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVFs) induced by trauma in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) are rare and difficult to treat because of their unique midline location, multiplicity of arterial feeders, and critical venous drainage. We report a case of an endovascular treatment using dual lumen balloon microcatheter on a patient with post-traumatic SSS DAVF. By the use of dual lumen Scepter balloon microcatheter, proximal Onyx reflux was prevented. In this case, complete embolization of the DAVFs was achieved and the outcome of the patient was fairly good.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d9/5f/PMC5107271.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3990116", "abstract": "A young man presented with a large liver mass and positive hepatitis B virus markers. This 18-year-old male has developed ascites, jaundice, high serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level, liver mass and portal hypertension, without fever or calcification in the mass. All favored the diagnosis of rapidly, progressive hepatocellular carcinoma, however proven hepatoblastoma in liver biopsy. Hepatoblastoma usually manifests prior to the third year of life, but can rarely be seen in older children or adults. Although HCC rarely can be presented in young patients with HBV infection, but in patients without cirrhosis hepatoblastoma should be considered as the first possible diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/1a/mejdd-4-173.PMC3990116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5426104", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: Health-care communication skills training may be particularly needed in the Arabian Gulf countries because of the variety of cultures within the physician and patient populations. This study describes the implementation and results of a communication skills training program for physicians in Qatar that assessed previous training, and effect of previous training on participants' course evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a 2-day communication skills training course covering seven culturally adapted modules. Educational strategies included large and small group work with the standardized patient, demonstration videos, and lectures. At the end, participants completed a course evaluation survey. Data analysis performed with SPSS; frequencies and percentages were calculated, and Chi-square test applied to evaluate statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 410 physicians in Qatar have participated in the course over a period of 2 years. Evaluation ratings of the course were high. Participants rated the module on Breaking Bad News as the most useful, and the small group role-play as the most helpful course component. One-third of participants had previously participated in experiential communication skills training. There was no association between previous experience and evaluation of the course. CONCLUSION: Physicians in Qatar positively evaluated a 2-day communication skills course, though the majority of participants did not have any previous exposure to experiential communication skills training.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/53/JFCM-24-122.PMC5426104.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5411111", "abstract": "Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. FL is an incurable disease with treatment options ranging from a “watch-and-wait” approach to localized therapy with radiation or systemic therapy with rituximab in combination with chemotherapy regimens. This review summarizes the role of rituximab across the spectrum of FL treatment and the evolving therapeutic landscape with the emergence of novel agents currently in clinical development. Despite the prospect of new agents on the horizon, it is widely accepted that rituximab will remain as the cornerstone of therapy because of its established long-term efficacy. Many biologics, including rituximab, have lost exclusivity of composition-of-matter patent or will do so in the next few years, which is a concern for patients and physicians alike. Moreover, access to rituximab is challenging, particularly in countries with restricted resources. Together, these concerns have fueled the development of safe and effective biosimilars. The term “biosimilar” refers to a biologic product that is highly similar to an approved reference (or originator) product, notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in purity, potency, or safety. Biosimilars are developed to treat the same condition(s) using the same treatment regimens as an approved reference biologic, and have the potential to increase access to more affordable treatment of FL. Herein, we also discuss the potential benefits of eagerly awaited rituximab biosimilars, which may mitigate the impact of the lack of access to rituximab.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b1/cd/cmar-9-131.PMC5411111.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2915753", "abstract": "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia in the aged human population. It is characterized by the presence of two main pathological hallmarks in the brain: senile plaques containing β-amyloid peptide and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), consisting of fibrillar polymers of abnormally phosphorylated tau protein. Both of these histological characteristics of the disease have been simulated in genetically modified animals, which today include numerous mouse, fish, worm, and fly models of AD. The objective of this review is to present some of the main animal models that exist for reproducing symptoms of the disorder and their advantages and shortcomings as suitable models of the pathological processes. Moreover, we will discuss the results and conclusions which have been drawn from the use of these models so far and their contribution to the development of therapeutic applications for AD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/c3/PMC2915753.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3222075", "abstract": "Assessment of vasomotor tone is essential in defining appropriate resuscitation strategies for the hypotensive patient. Although changes in mean arterial pressure to cardiac output define arterial resistance, resistance is only one component of vasomotor tone. Compliance is the other component. The reciprocal of compliance is arterial elastance (Ea). Importantly, dynamic Ea can be estimated by the pulse pressure variation to stroke volume variation relation. Dynamic Ea is only one component of vasomotor tone, however, and increases in pulse pressure may not be proportional to increases in mean arterial pressure. Also, devices that use the arterial pressure pulse to calculate the stroke volume have an inherent bias that is different amongst devices based on their transfer function algorithms. The use of dynamic Ea for clinical decision-making thus needs to be validated separately for different devices and types of patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/10/PMC3222075.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3140349", "abstract": "The current developments in healthcare are unprecedented. The organization of health care is complex. Collaboration is essential to meet all the healthcare needs of patients and to achieve coordinated and unambiguous information. Multiprofessional education (MPE) or multidisciplinary training (MDT) seems a logical step to stimulate teamwork. However, collaboration and MPE are wrestling with the same problems: social identity and acceptance. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/a1/ZMA-27-28.PMC3140349.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3945483", "abstract": "The T helper cell subsets Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg play an important role in immune cell homeostasis, in host defense, and in immunological disorders. Recently, much attention has been paid to Th17 cells which seem to play an important role in the early phase of the adoptive immune response and autoimmune disease. When generating Th17 cells under in vitro conditions the amount of IL-17A producing cells hardly exceeds 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/55/6a/PMC3945483.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3543966", "abstract": "Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a rare and benign primary cardiac neoplasm of unknown prevalence. The incidence of CPF in the left ventricle is lower than that in other parts of the heart. A 65-year-old female was referred to our cardiology department for evaluation of a cardiac mass of the left ventricle. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a 1.8 × 1.7 cm highly mobile round mass attached by a stalk to the apical inferior wall of the left ventricle with an echolucent area. The mass was successfully removed without any postoperative complications and was identified as a CPF.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/18/kjim-28-89.PMC3543966.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3913974", "abstract": "A 53-year-old Asian woman was treated with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for lupus erythematosus. Within a few years, she noticed circle-shaped shadows in her central vision. Upon examination, the patient's visual acuity was 20 / 25 in both eyes. Humphrey visual field (HVF) testing revealed a central visual defect, and fundoscopy showed a ring-shaped area of parafoveal retinal pigment epithelium depigmentation. Fundus autofluorescence imaging showed a hypofluorescent lesion consistent with bull's eye retinopathy. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO) revealed patch cone mosaic lesions, in which cones were missing or lost. In addition, the remaining cones consisted of asymmetrical shapes and sizes that varied in brightness. Unlike previous studies employing deformable mirrors for wavefront aberration correction, our AO-SLO approach utilized dual liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulators. Thus, by using AO-SLO, we were able to create a photographic montage consisting of high quality images. Disrupted cone AO-SLO images were matched with visual field test results and functional deficits were associated with a precise location on the montage, which allowed correlation of histological findings with functional changes determined by HVF. We also investigated whether adaptive optics imaging was more sensitive to anatomical changes compared with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/51/54/kjo-28-100.PMC3913974.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3868135", "abstract": "Background: Anterior cervical interbody grafts/cages combined with a plate were frequently used in multilevel discectomies/corpectomies. In order to avoid additional posterior stabilization in patients who undergo anterior reconstructive surgery, an anterior cervical transpedicular screw fixation, which offers higher stability is desirable. We investigated in this study the anatomical (morphologic) characters for cervical anterior transpedicular screw fixation. Materials and Methods: Left pedicle parameters were measured on computed tomography (CT) images based on 36 cervical spine CT scans from healthy subjects. The parameters included outer pedicle width (Distance from lateral to medial pedicle surface in the coronal plane), outer pedicle height (OPH) (Distance from upper to lower pedicle surface in the sagittal plane), maximal pedicle axis length (MPAL), distance transverse insertion point (DIP), distance of the insertion point to the upper end plate (DIUP), pedicle sagittal transverse angle (PSTA) and pedicle transverse angle (PTA) at C3 to C7. Results: The values of outer pedicle width and MPAL in males were larger than in females from C3 to C7. The OPH in males was larger than in females at C3 to C6, but there was no difference at C7. The DIP and PTA were significantly greater in males than in females at C3, but there was no difference in the angle at C4-7. The PSTA was not statistically different between genders at C3, 4, 7, but this value in males was larger than females at C5, 6. The DIUP was significantly greater in males at C3, 4, 6, 7 but was non significant at C5. Conclusions: The placement of cervical anterior transpedicular screws should be individualized for each patient and based on a detailed preoperative planning.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/4f/IJOrtho-47-553.PMC3868135.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4608633", "abstract": "Here we report a case of nasolacrimal obstruction resulting from rice grains ingested over many years that had formed an obstructive mass. This is a hitherto unreported cause of nasolacrimal obstruction. We exclusively treated the obstruction safely with repeated irrigation with physiological saline. Although there have been various reports on new techniques such as the blind insertion of a bougie and insertion of a silicon tube under endoscopic guidance, successful treatment of this condition is possible with an old-fashioned approach using the time-honored tools of a syringe and an irrigation needle, if utilized patiently and repeatedly. In Japan, we call this ‘learning new lessons from the past’. This implies that newer techniques may not necessarily be superior and traditional techniques can offer advantages of safety and simplicity in treating this condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/e3/cop-0006-0307.PMC4608633.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3465122", "abstract": "This paper describes the synthesis of thermosensitive surfactants by polymerizing N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) into the Pluronic F68 surfactant and their application for a controlled drug release. Poly(NIPAAm)-Pluronic surfactants with different lengths of the NIPAAm block were synthesized by activating two hydroxyl groups of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) at the end of Pluronic F68 using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN, redox initiator), followed by adding the NIPAAm monomer into a reactor. The resultant poly(NIPAAm)-Pluronic surfactants were characterized by FT-IR and gel filtration chromatography (GPC). It was observed that their critical micellar concentrations increased with an increase in the length of the poly(NIPAAm) block. In addition, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles was prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion and solvent evaporation method using the poly(NIPAAm)-Pluronic surfactants in an aqueous continuous phase. At 37°C, nile red (model dye) was released from the PLGA microparticles in a more sustained manner when the length of poly(NIPAAm) was longer due to a thicker layer of shrunken poly(NIPAAm) at the surface of the microparticles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/58/IJPI-1-88.PMC3465122.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2698054", "abstract": "Objective To assess the technical feasibility of a newly designed stent-like electrode in rabbits. Materials and Methods A stent-like electrode was knitted from a single thread of nitinol wire and interconnected to a generator using similar wire. In order to gauge the extent of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), we measured the depth of the ablated area in cow liver using a combination of 180-sec time intervals and 20-watt power increments. For data processing, Cox regression analysis was used. RFA was also applied to the small intestine of rabbits using this stent-like electrode under six different sets of conditions: 10 watts for 1 min, 10 watts for 2 mins, 20 watts for 1 min, 20 watts for 2 mins, 30 watts for 1 min, and 30 watts for 2 mins. To determine the gross and microscopic findings, six animals were sacrificed immediately after the procedure and the results obtained under the different sets of conditions were correlated. Eight rabbits were monitored for 4 weeks prior to sacrifice. Results For both ex-vivo and in-vivo ablations, the depth of the thermal lesion showed linear correlation with both the duration of RFA and the power applied. RFA of the duodenum was technically successful in all 14 rabbits. The acute changes occurring in the rabbits' small intestine included color change, cytoplasmic denaturation, fibrin deposition and hemorrhage, among which hemorrhage of the mucosal layer was the earliest finding. RF ablation for 2 mins at 30 watts caused serosal hemorrhage. The gross and histologic changes occurring showed close correlation under all six sets of conditions. Conclusion Use of the stent-like electrode proves technically feasible but to determine the nature of the chronic change occurring in the gastrointestinal tract after RF ablation, further investigation and long-term follow-up in animals are required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/52/kjr-4-19.PMC2698054.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3458643", "abstract": "Introduction Rectal polypectomy causes thinning (or even perforation) of the rectal wall in addition to thermic injury at the polypectomy site. Case report We present a rare case of spontaneous rectal perforation after uncomplicated nerve sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy in a patient with a previous history of rectal polypectomy at the perforation site. The patient could be treated conservatively. There was complete healing of the fistula without any effect on functional results. This Conservative therapy for such rectal perforations is indicated if the patient's general condition remains stable without any signs of infection. Conclusions Polypectomy is an important risk factor for rectal perforation during nsEERPE. Adequate time interval should be given to allow healing and avoid adding further thermal wall damage which may obscure healing leading to complications like fistula. Conservative therapy for small missed rectal perforations constitutes an attractive, feasible and non invasive treatment entity. Following this principle we have not faced this complication in following similar cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/48/PMC3458643.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3966383", "abstract": "Because of recent interest in bats as reservoirs of emerging diseases, we investigated the presence of viruses in Mystacina tuberculata bats in New Zealand. A novel alphacoronavirus sequence was detected in guano from roosts of M. tuberculata bats in pristine indigenous forest on a remote offshore island (Codfish Island).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/31/PMC3966383.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3508557", "abstract": "Background The US Institute of Medicine has recommended an integrated, locally sensitive collaboration among the various members of the community, health care systems, and research organizations to improve dementia care and dementia research. Methods Using complex adaptive system theory and reflective adaptive process, we developed a professional network called the “Indianapolis Discovery Network for Dementia” (IDND). The IDND facilitates effective and sustainable interactions among a local and diverse group of dementia researchers, clinical providers, and community advocates interested in improving care for dementia patients in Indianapolis, Indiana. Results The IDND was established in February 2006 and now includes more than 250 members from more than 30 local (central Indiana) organizations representing 20 disciplines. The network uses two types of communication to connect its members. The first is a 2-hour face-to-face bimonthly meeting open to all members. The second is a web-based resource center (http://www.indydiscoverynetwork.org ). To date, the network has: (1) accomplished the development of a network website with an annual average of 12,711 hits per day; (2) produced clinical tools such as the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale; (3) translated and implemented the collaborative dementia care model into two local health care systems; (4) created web-based tracking software, the Enhanced Medical Record for Aging Brain Care (eMR-ABC), to support care coordination for patients with dementia; (5) received more than USD24 million in funding for members for dementia-related research studies; and (6) adopted a new group-based problem-solving process called the “IDND consultancy round.” Conclusion A local interdisciplinary “think-tank” network focused on dementia that promotes collaboration in research projects, educational initiatives, and quality improvement efforts that meet the local research, clinical, and community needs relevant to dementia care has been built.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/97/55/PMC3508557.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3820389", "abstract": " [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of augmented reality-based Otago exercise on balance, gait, and falls efficacy of elderly women. [Subjects] The subjects were 21 elderly women, who were randomly divided into two groups: an augmented reality-based Otago exercise group of 10 subjects and an Otago exercise group of 11 subjects. [Methods] All subjects were evaluated for balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), gait parameters (velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length), and falls efficacy. Within 12 weeks, Otago exercise for muscle strengthening and balance training was conducted three times, for a period of 60 minutes each, and subjects in the experimental group performed augmented reality-based Otago exercise. [Results] Following intervention, the augmented reality-based Otago exercise group showed significant increases in BBS, velocity, cadence, step length (right side), stride length (right side and left side) and falls efficacy. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the feasibility and suitability of this augmented reality-based Otago exercise for elderly women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/09/jpts-25-797.PMC3820389.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3844271", "abstract": "The study's purpose was to measure the impact of an individually designed lifestyle intervention program on the readers of a regional newspaper. A newspaper with 180,000 daily readers covered a story about three untrained and overweight adults who participated in an individually designed lifestyle intervention program. Their goals were to become physically fit and run a half marathon (21.1 km) after 14 weeks of training. The newspaper published on average three weekly articles throughout the project period, including the weekly training program and a record of the physical improvements made by the participants. The number of hits on the project's web site was recorded. Spin-off effects on the responses of readers were mapped. The project's web site had 25,000 unique weekly hits. Significant spin-off effects included the establishment of training groups which were still active after two years and the launch of a similar project by another regional newspaper. This individually designed lifestyle intervention program was successfully scaled up and reached a large number of the newspaper's readers. The collaboration between a newspaper and exercise researchers could also be adapted to other press media and represents a novel approach to improve participation in physical activities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/89/PMC3844271.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3308274", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To examine the performance of current screening recommendations for detecting dysglycemia in children and adolescents with obesity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, an oral glucose tolerance test and demographic (age, sex, family history of diabetes, and ethnicity), clinical (BMI z score, waist circumference, and pubertal stage), and laboratory variables used in current pediatric screening criteria for type 2 diabetes mellitus were measured in 259 overweight or obese youth aged 5–17 years. Glycemic status was based on American Diabetes Association (ADA) thresholds. The performance (sensitivity and specificity) of current screening criteria and newly developed models to identify isolated IGT were compared. RESULTS Dysglycemia was present in 20.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/41/711.PMC3308274.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2938463", "abstract": "During the past decades, a large body of information concerning the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on animals and humans has been accumulated. EDCs are of synthetic or natural origin and certain groups are known to disrupt the action of androgens and to impair the development of the male reproductive tract and external genitalia. The present overview describes the effects of the different classes of EDCs, such as pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, and phytoestrogens, including newly synthesized resveratrol analogs on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. The potential impact of these compounds on androgen production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult age is discussed. In addition, the possible role of EDCs in connection with the increasing frequency of abnormalities in reproductive development in animals and humans is discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/b7/PMC2938463.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4499277", "abstract": "Objective: To present the epidemiological features of bronchiolitis in a one-year period in patients of Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre of Sarajevo University. Introduction: Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection of early infant age. The disease is one the most common reason for hospitalization of children under the age of six months. The disease is characterized by occurrences in the winter season November–March. For daily diagnosing of severe forms of bronchiolitis as a clinical syndrome, often sufficient are the knowledge of the epidemiological data, age of the patient, clinical examination and insight into the risk factors. Patients and methods: The history of the disease in 155 infant patients, who were clinically treated because of bronchiolitis in the period from February 2013 to February 2014 in the Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Clinic in Sarajevo was retrospectively analyzed. Results: The majority of patients were aged less than 6 months (87.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/a6/MSM-27-154.PMC4499277.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3872879", "abstract": "Background: The A1chieve, a multicentric (28 countries), 24-week, non-interventional study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of insulin detemir, biphasic insulin aspart and insulin aspart in people with T2DM (n = 66 726) in routine clinical care across four continents. Materials and Methods: Data was collected at baseline, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks. This short communication presents the results for patients enrolled from Oriental, Morocco. Results: A total of 180 patients were enrolled in the study. Four different insulin analogue regimens were used in the study. Study patients had started on or were switched to biphasic insulin aspart (n = 146), insulin detemir (n = 22), insulin aspart (n = 6), basal insulin plus insulin aspart (n = 2) and other insulin combinations (n = 4). At baseline glycaemic control was poor for both insulin naïve (mean HbA1c: 9.0", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/11/IJEM-17-418.PMC3872879.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3311870", "abstract": "Despite their wealth and modern road systems, traffic injury rates in Middle Eastern countries are generally higher than those in Western countries. The authors examined traffic injuries in Qatar during 2000–2010, a period of rapid population growth, focusing on the impact of speed control cameras installed in 2007 on overall injury rates and mortality. During the period 2000–2006, prior to camera installation, the mean (SD) vehicular injury death rate per 100 000 was 19.9±4.1. From 2007 to 2010, the mean (SD) vehicular death rates were significantly lower: 14.7±1.5 (p=0.028). Non-fatal severe injury rates also declined, but mild injury rates increased, perhaps because of increased traffic congestion and improved notification. It is possible that speed cameras decreased speeding enough to affect the death rate, without affecting overall injury rates. These data suggest that in a rapidly growing Middle Eastern country, photo enforcement (speed) cameras can be an important component of traffic control, but other measures will be required for maximum impact.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3d/4b/injuryprev-2011-040147.PMC3311870.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3958712", "abstract": "Active contour models are very popular in image segmentation. Different features such as mean gray and variance are selected for different purpose. But for image with intensity inhomogeneities, there are no features for segmentation using the active contour model. The images with intensity inhomogeneities often occurred in real world especially in medical images. To deal with the difficulties raised in image segmentation with intensity inhomogeneities, a new active contour model with higher-order diffusion method is proposed. With the addition of gradient and Laplace information, the active contour model can converge to the edge of the image even with the intensity inhomogeneities. Because of the introduction of Laplace information, the difference scheme becomes more difficult. To enhance the efficiency of the segmentation, the fast Split Bregman algorithm is designed for the segmentation implementation. The performance of our method is demonstrated through numerical experiments of some medical image segmentations with intensity inhomogeneities. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/94/PMC3958712.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4774072", "abstract": "Background     objectives: There is a significant bone tissue loss in patients from diseases and traumatic injury. The current autograft transplantation gold standard treatment has drawbacks, namely donor site morbidity and limited supply. The field of tissue engineering has emerged with a goal to provide alternative sources for transplantations to bridge this gap between the need and lack of bone graft. The aim of this study was to prepare biocomposite scaffolds based on chitosan (CHT), polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) by freeze drying method and to assess the role of scaffolds in spatial organization, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro, in order to achieve bone graft substitutes with improved physical-chemical and biological properties. Methods: Pure chitosan (100CHT) and composites (40CHT/HAP, 30CHT/HAP/PCL and 25CHT/HAP/PCL scaffolds containing 40, 30, 25 parts per hundred resin (phr) filler, respectively) in acetic acid were freeze dried and the porous foams were studied for physicochemical and in vitro biological properties. Results: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the scaffolds showed porous microstructure (20-300 μm) with uniform pore distribution in all compositions. Materials were tested under compressive load in wet condition (using phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.4). The in vitro studies showed that all the scaffold compositions supported mesenchymal stem cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation as visible from SEM images, [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR. Interpretation     conclusions: Scaffold composition 25CHT/HAP/PCL showed better biomechanical and osteoinductive properties as evident by mechanical test and alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast specific gene expression studies. This study suggests that this novel degradable 3D composite may have great potential to be used as scaffold in bone tissue engineering.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/5f/IJMR-142-747.PMC4774072.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5173313", "abstract": "We sought to identify how gynecologic oncologists approach reproductive counseling for their fertile, reproductive age patients, and their experience with unplanned pregnancies. Members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) were surveyed electronically regarding consistency of counseling patterns of contraception and fertility concerns, most and least common contraceptive methods utilized, referral patterns, and incidence of unplanned pregnancy. Of the 1424 SGO members identified, 261 participated in the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 18", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/30/main.PMC5173313.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4641989", "abstract": "To improve the efficacy of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer patients, a low-iodine diet (LID) prior to the therapy is recommended. In iodine-rich areas such as Korea, however, a strict LID is very difficult to maintain. We experienced the cases of three patients showing low adherence to the LID before initial RAI therapy, and analyzed the main food source supplying iodine during the LID, and examined the influence of the poorly maintained LID on the efficacy of RAI therapy. The dietary intake during the LID periods were assessed using three-day dietary records and remnant thyroid activity after the second RAI administration was also evaluated. All patients' mean daily iodine intake during two-week LID periods exceeded the 100 µg guideline set by the Korean Thyroid Association (median 110.9 µg, ranges 100.4-117.0 µg). Although the typical food sources of iodine intake are seaweeds in Korea, salted vegetables were the main contributor to the patients' iodine intake during the LID periods. Remnant thyroid activity was shown on a follow-up scan in all of 3 patients suggesting low efficacy of RAI therapy. In summary, the patients with low adherence to the LID guideline showed unsuccessful remnant ablation, and the main food source of iodine was salted vegetables. Further studies are necessary to examine the relationship between adherence of the LID and RAI efficacy according to dietary iodine intake levels, as well as food sources that cause low adherence to the LID. These data can then be used to develop more practical LID guidelines.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/d3/cnr-4-267.PMC4641989.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124458", "abstract": "The use of somatostatin analogs is a new conservative therapeutic approach for the treatment of chyle fistulas developing after thyroid cancer surgery. The combination therapy with a total parenteral nutrition should avoid the high morbidity of a re-intervention with an uncertain outcome. This promising trend is supported by the present case report of a chyle leak occurring after total thyroidectomy with central and lateral neck dissection for a papillary carcinoma, which was treated successfully without immediate or distant sequelae.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/e5/cro0004-0255.PMC3124458.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4510358", "abstract": "Hepatic glycogenosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) can be caused by poor glycemic control due to insulin deficiency, excessive insulin treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, or excessive glucose administration to control hypoglycemia. Mauriac syndrome, which is characterized by hepatomegaly due to hepatic glycogenosis, growth retardation, delayed puberty, and Cushingoid features, is a rare diabetic complication. We report a case of hepatic glycogenosis mimicking Mauriac syndrome. A 14-year-old girl with poorly controlled type 1 DM was admitted to The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital for abdominal pain and distension. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly and a Cushingoid face. The growth rate of the patient had decreased, and she had not yet experienced menarche. Laboratory findings revealed elevated liver enzyme levels. A liver biopsy confirmed hepatic glycogenosis. Continuous glucose monitoring showed hyperglycemia after meals and frequent hypoglycemia before meals. To control hyperglycemia, we increased insulin dosage by using an insulin pump. In addition, we prescribed uncooked cornstarch to prevent hypoglycemia. After strict blood glucose control, the patient's liver functions and size normalized. The patient subsequently underwent menarche. Hepatic glycogenosis is a complication of type 1 DM that is reversible with appropriate glycemic control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/12/kjped-58-234.PMC4510358.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3328151", "abstract": "Children with musculoskeletal conditions experience muscle weakness, difficulty walking and limitations in physical activities. Standard treatment includes physiotherapy, casting, and surgery. The use of botulinum toxins appears as a promising treatment on its own, but usually as an adjunct to other treatment modalities and as an alternative to surgery. The objectives were to establish the evidence on the effectiveness, safety and functional outcome of BTX-A in children with musculoskeletal conditions. A literature search using five electronic databases identified 24 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Two randomized clinical trials were included; most studies were case studies with small sample sizes and no control group. Improvements in gait pattern, function, range of motion, reduction of co-contractions, and avoidance of surgical procedures were found following BTX-A injections. Adverse events were not reported in 10 studies, minor adverse events were reported in 13 children and there were no severe adverse events. Additional doses appear safe. BTX-A is a promising treatment adjunct in improving functional outcomes in children with musculoskeletal conditions. Future studies including larger samples, longer follow-up periods and a comparison group are required to provide evidence on the effectiveness and safety of this drug in children with musculoskeletal conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/29/PMC3328151.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2807110", "abstract": "Purpose Improving quality of life and quality and management of care of clients with a schizophrenic disorder by the use of a comprehensive internet based disease management (DM) platform. Presenting factors influencing the implementation of an internet based DM platform for clients with schizophrenia. Context The project started in December 2008. Two mental health care institutions in the south of the Netherlands participate in the implementation of the digital instrument (the DM platform). The implementation of the DM platform will be followed by a process and an effect evaluation. Data source Measurement instruments: In the effect evaluation, quality of life, number of symptoms of schizophrenia, quality of care, social functioning, self management, and insight in schizophrenia and its treatment will be measured. Process evaluation: Semi-structured interviews will be held with different (formal primary and secondary, and informal) caregivers, managers and clients of each institute. These interviews will be conducted before the implementation of the platform and one, two and three years later. Case description In the digital platform the guideline for people with schizophrenia will be implemented and also information for clients and their home caregivers. When the platform is ready clients will be able to communicate digital with their caregivers in the mental health institute and with their home caregivers and GPs. They also get information and feed-back about their illness and psycho education. (Preliminary) conclusions The effect evaluation starts in September 2009, the process evaluation has started in May 2009. We will have the first results in June 2009; they will be used to adjust the implementation and the development of the DM platform. In the meantime we can report about the building of the DM platform and what the expectations from the future users are. Discussion – What are the factors that influence the process of implementation of a digital tool that provides help and care on a distance? – In what way does the digital tool (care from a distance) stimulate people who need chronically care to be more self-supporting? – In what way does the digital tool support professionals to be able to stimulate people with schizophrenia to be more self-supporting?", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/19/PMC2807110.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4544139", "abstract": "Psoriasis is a common, chronic, disfiguring, inflammatory, and proliferative condition of the skin. It manifests with varying degrees of severity and can be treated with various immune modulators. This is a case report of a 57-year-old male patient of psoriasis on long-term oral methotrexate, who developed methotrexate toxicity when given an injection of methotrexate for unstable psoriasis. After recovery, the patient was started on cyclosporine 100 mg twice a day. After a week, he developed thrombocytosis, which reverted a week after cyclosporine was stopped. The patient is currently being managed with acitretin. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the various unpredictable adverse reactions encountered during treatment of psoriasis, especially when a combination or sequential treatment is used. There is a need for caution, as late sequelae of long-term administration of the systemic agents used in the treatment of psoriasis are still unknown.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/c2/JPP-6-160.PMC4544139.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3148532", "abstract": "A primary fibrosarcoma of the breast is a rare tumor. Here we report on a case of a primary fibrosarcoma of the breast that presented as a palpable left breast mass in a 47-year-old woman. The physical examination revealed a 3 cm sized, round mass in the left upper outer breast. The mammograms revealed a 3 cm sized, partially circumscribed and partially obscured, high density mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. An ultrasonogram demonstrated a 3 cm sized, ovoid, circumscribed and hypoechoic mass with peripheral increased vascularity on Doppler imaging. Surgical excision was performed and the pathology revealed a low grade fibrosarcoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/44/c2/jbc-14-156.PMC3148532.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4832960", "abstract": "Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) frequently colonizes the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and costly disease. But the relationship of H. pylori and GERD is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of H. pylori and its eradication on reflux esophagitis therapy. Methods: Patients diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by endoscopy were enrolled; based on rapid urease test and Warth–Starry stain, they were divided into H. pylori positive and negative groups. H. pylori positive patients were randomly given H. pylori eradication treatment for 10 days, then esomeprazole 20 mg bid for 46 days. The other patients received esomeprazole 20 mg bid therapy for 8 weeks. After treatment, three patient groups were obtained: H. pylori positive eradicated, H. pylori positive uneradicated, and H. pylori negative. Before and after therapy, reflux symptoms were scored and compared. Healing rates were compared among groups. The χ2 test and t-test were used, respectively, for enumeration and measurement data. Results: There were 176 H. pylori positive (with 92 eradication cases) and 180 negative cases. Healing rates in the H. pylori positive eradicated and H. pylori positive uneradicated groups reached 80.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/7a/CMJ-128-995.PMC4832960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5353833", "abstract": "Hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by elevated serum IgE, dermatitis, and immunodeficiency that predisposes to multiple skin and lung infections. The most frequent pathogen responsible for infections in these patients is Staphylococcus aureus. Tuberculosis (TB) in patients with HIES is an uncommon finding, and there are only a few reports of mycobacterial infections in known cases of HIES. We present a case of abdominal TB that developed in a 15-year-old boy who also had HIES.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/11/JFMPC-5-871.PMC5353833.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3468806", "abstract": "Phantom limb pain is a painful sensation that is perceived in a body part that no longer exists. To control this pain, many methods have been used such as medication, physical treatment, nerve block, neuromodulation, surgical treatment and mirror therapy. However, until now, there effects have been uncertain. We report the successful reduction of phantom limb pain using mirror therapy when other treatments initially failed to control the pain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/ef/kjpain-25-272.PMC3468806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5152782", "abstract": "A 51-year-old man underwent diagnostic work-up for an abnormal-appearing ampulla of Vater. Three hours after biopsy of the ampulla, the patient presented with intense symptoms suggesting acute pancreatitis, which was later confirmed with laboratory and radiographic examinations. Other causes were excluded and the acute pancreatitis was considered a procedural complication. This is a rarely reported complication that must be taken into consideration when biopsies are performed in the ampulla of Vater.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/20/ce-2016-043.PMC5152782.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3322207", "abstract": "It is rare for low-grade gliomas to disseminate to the leptomeninges. However, low-grade gliomas with dissemination to the leptomeninges have been occasionally reported in children, and have generally been associated with local recurrence. A 16-year-old boy sought evaluation for diplopia and gait disturbance. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine mass, which was proved to be fibrillary astrocytoma on biopsy, later. Radiation therapy (5400 cGy) was given and the patient's symptoms were improved. He was followed-up radiologically for brain lesion. Seven months after diagnosis he complained of back pain and gait disturbance. A brain MRI showed a newly-developed lesion at the left cerebellopontine angle without an interval change in the primary lesion. A spinal MRI demonstrated leptomeningeal dissemination of the entire spine. Radiation therapy (3750 cGy) to the spine, and adjuvant chemotherapy with a carboplatin plus vincristine regimen were administered. However, he had a progressive course with tumoral hemorrhage and expired 13 months after diagnosis. We report an unusual case of a low-grade brainstem glioma with spinal dissemination, but without local recurrence, and a progressive course associated with hemorrhage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/ce/jkns-51-109.PMC3322207.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3102830", "abstract": "We investigated the case of a young man with blurred vision in his left eye. His visual acuity was slightly decreased, and ophthalmoscopy disclosed a gray-white lesion in the macula. He had no systemic or ocular history. On the visual field test, the threshold sensitivity was decreased in the corresponding region. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated a disruption in the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction and undulation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with backscattering. We re-examined the patient after two weeks and after three months without any treatment. Visual acuity and visual field results were gradually normalized, and OCT demonstrated the recovery of continuity in the photoreceptor IS/OS junction, as well as decreased RPE irregularity with minimal backscattering. We used spectral domain OCT instead of time domain OCT (OCT3) so that we could provide better image resolution of the acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARPE). Finally, we observed recovery of the functional and anatomical changes in the ARPE patient with a resolution of the condition within three months following the initial examination, using OCT and visual field tests.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/19/kjo-25-222.PMC3102830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4691273", "abstract": "Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of hereditary diseases, which are autosomal recessive. CAH occurs due to defect in one of the cortisol coding genes and often clinically presents itself with signs of androgen overproduction. In this article, we report a case of CAH and Schmid metaphyseal dysplasia. Our literature review indicated that this report is the first attempt on CYP11B1 and Schmid dysplasia in a child. The specific diagnosis of 11-β-hydroxylase deficiency can be determined using high basal levels of deoxycorticosterone and/or 11-deoxycortisol serums.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/47/IJMS-41-64.PMC4691273.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4789387", "abstract": "We report the first microdeletion (26 kb) of the biotinidase gene (BTD) that involves three of the four exons of the gene. This deletion further exemplifies the importance of performing microarray analysis or other methodologies for a deletion of the BTD gene when the enzymatic activity indicates lower activity than can be attributed to the mutations identified by DNA sequencing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/a6/main.PMC4789387.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4615189", "abstract": "The nuclear envelope consists of 2 membranes separated by 30–50 nm, but how the 2 membranes are evenly spaced has been an open question in the field. Nuclear envelope bridges composed of inner nuclear membrane SUN proteins and outer nuclear membrane KASH proteins have been proposed to set and regulate nuclear envelope spacing. We tested this hypothesis directly by examining nuclear envelope spacing in Caenorhabditis elegans animals lacking UNC-84, the sole somatic SUN protein. SUN/KASH bridges are not required to maintain even nuclear envelope spacing in most tissues. However, UNC-84 is required for even spacing in body wall muscle nuclei. Shortening UNC-84 by 300 amino acids did not narrow the nuclear envelope space. While SUN proteins may play a role in maintaining nuclear envelope spacing in cells experiencing forces, our data suggest they are dispensable in most cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/d5/kncl-06-01-990857.PMC4615189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4629489", "abstract": "Background Disease-specific ankylosing spondylitis (AS) indices, including BASDAI (Bath AS Disease Activity Index), BASFI (Bath AS Functional Index), ASDAS (AS Disease Activity Score), and BASMI (Bath AS Metrology Index), are widely used in clinical trials and in some clinical settings, but not in most routine care. Laboratory tests usually are the only quantitative measures included in routine care of AS patients, but often are poorly informative. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) on a Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) is feasible and informative in many rheumatic diseases. Objective The aim of this study was to compare RAPID3 to BASDAI, BASFI, ASDAS, and BASMI in a cross-sectional analysis of 85 Korean AS patients collected in routine care. Methods MDHAQ/RAPID3, BASDAI, and BASFI were completed by patients, and ASDAS and BASMI assessed by health professionals. Indices and individual measures were compared using correlations, cross tabulations, scatter plots, and κ statistics. Results RAPID3 scores were correlated significantly with BASDAI (ρ = 0.82) and ASDAS-ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) (ρ = 0.76), at levels similar to the correlation of BASDAI with ASDAS-ESR (ρ = 0.81). All 21 patients with BASDAI scores of 4 or greater, indicating active AS, were among 39 patients who had RAPID3 scores of greater than 12, indicating high severity, whereas 79", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/7f/PMC4629489.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4248635", "abstract": "Osteochondral lesions of the femoral head are uncommon and few studies have reported their imaging findings. Since joints are at risk of early degeneration after osteochondral damage, timely recognition is important. Osteochondral lesions of femoral head may often be necessary to differentiate from avascular necrosis. Here, we report a case of osteochondral lesions on bilateral femoral heads. This lesion manifested as subchondral cysts in initial radiographs, which led to further evaluation by computed tomography arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed overlying cartilage defects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/80/kjr-15-792.PMC4248635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4748140", "abstract": " Introduction. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a paramyxovirus from the same subfamily as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and causes similar acute lower respiratory tract infection. Albuterol in the setting of acute RSV infection is controversial and has not yet been studied in HMPV. We sought to determine the frequency of albuterol use in HMPV infection and the association between albuterol administration and patient outcomes. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study identifying all patients hospitalized in a tertiary care children's hospital with laboratory-confirmed HMPV infection between January 2010 and December 2010. Results. There were 207 patients included in the study; 57", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/cc/PMC4748140.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357218", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance plays a part in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The association between the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ Pro to Ala alteration at codon 12 (Pro12Ala) polymorphism and the risk of insulin resistance has been confirmed. The association between the polymorphism and DN risk has also been widely studied recently, but no consensus was available up to now. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and reference lists of relevant articles was carried out, and then 18 case-control studies involving 3,361 DN cases and 5,825 control subjects were identified. RESULTS In the overall analysis, the Ala12 variant was observed to be significantly associated with decreased DN risk (odds ratio 0.76 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/30/1388.PMC3357218.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4274337", "abstract": "Abstract Objective Sleep disturbances are common among women in midlife; prevalence increases among perimenopausal/postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. Paroxetine 7.5 mg is the only nonhormonal treatment that has been approved in the United States for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. In two pivotal phase 3 studies evaluating its efficacy and safety, improvements in sleep disturbances were also prospectively evaluated. Methods Postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms were randomly assigned to paroxetine 7.5 mg (n = 591) or placebo (n = 593) once daily for 12 weeks (both studies) or 24 weeks (24-wk study). Predefined assessments on weeks 4, 12, and 24 included number of nighttime awakenings attributed to vasomotor symptoms, sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, and sleep-related adverse events. The two studies’ data for weeks 1 to 12 were pooled. Results At baseline, participants reported a mean of 3.6 awakenings/night attributed to vasomotor symptoms. Nighttime awakenings attributed to vasomotor symptoms were significantly reduced within 4 weeks of initiating paroxetine 7.5 mg treatment (39", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/da/gme-22-50.PMC4274337.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3793420", "abstract": "Background: The occurrence of periodontal diseases in humans has been a global problem. Certain risk factors affect the initiation, progression, and severity of periodontitis. The present study has been designed to assess the periodontal status in relation to risk factors such as age, gender, oral hygiene practices, and smoking among the young adults of the Sebha city in Libya. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,255 subjects aged between 18 years and 34 years. 1,006 (80.15", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fc/e1/DRJ-10-533.PMC3793420.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2825554", "abstract": "The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an specialized epithelium lying in the interface between the neural retina and the choriocapillaris where it forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (BRB). The main functions of the RPE are the following: (1) transport of nutrients, ions, and water, (2) absorption of light and protection against photooxidation, (3) reisomerization of all-trans-retinal into 11-cis-retinal, which is crucial for the visual cycle, (4) phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor membranes, and (5) secretion of essential factors for the structural integrity of the retina. An overview of these functions will be given. Most of the research on the physiopathology of diabetic retinopathy has been focused on the impairment of the neuroretina and the breakdown of the inner BRB. By contrast, the effects of diabetes on the RPE and in particular on its secretory activity have received less attention. In this regard, new therapeutic strategies addressed to modulating RPE impairment are warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/c3/PMC2825554.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3603068", "abstract": "Introduction: Simultaneous occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and Graves’ disease (GD) is rare. Aims and Objectives: We report a case of simultaneous occurrence of GD and HD, at presentation. Case Report: A 60-year-old lady presented with tremulousness of hands, palpitation, and excessive sweating. She had a history of weight loss and neck-swelling. Her weight was 46 kg, BMI 17, afebrile, regular pulse rate of 110/min with fine tremor in hands. Thyroid gland was symmetrically enlarged, firm, without any bruit, but mildly tender with lobular surface. There were no occular manifestations. Initial thyroid function tests (TFT) revealed: T3: 3.80 ng/ml (0.80-2.10), T4: 12.40 ug/dl (5.10-12), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): 0.20 μU/L (0.70-5). Her anti thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody: 374 IU/ml (normal [nl.] <35) and TSH receptor antibody: 15 U/L (nl. <1) were both strongly positive. Ultrasonogram of thyroid revealed a hypoechoic enlarged gland. 99mTc pertechnetate scan showed an enlarged gland with increased uptake of radiocontrast: 17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/5b/IJEM-16-338.PMC3603068.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2911606", "abstract": "Structure-activity relationship studies were carried out on macrocyclic hexaoxazole (6OTD) dimers, whose core structure stabilizes telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4). Two new 6OTD dimers having side chain amine and guanidine functional groups were synthesized and evaluated for their stabilizing ability against a telomeric G4 DNA sequence. The results show that the 6OTD dimers interact with the DNA to form 1:1 complexes and stabilize the antiparallel G4 structure of DNA in the presence of potassium cation. The guanidine functionalized dimer displays a potent stabilizing ability of the G4 structure, as determined by using a FRET melting assay (ΔTm = 14°C). ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/7a/PMC2911606.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3678689", "abstract": "Background: Calabash chalk, a popularly consumed geophagic material in Nigeria has been reported to contain lead, arsenic, alpha lindane, endrin, and endosulfan 11 among other pollutants. Aim: The continuous exposure of young children to this chalk necessitated this study on the bone morphometry and mineralization in young Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Fourteen young (weanling) Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 54-72 g were assigned into two groups of seven animals each. Group I served as control, while group II was the test group (TG). 40 mg/ml of C. chalk was administered as suspension to the test animals in group II. Animals in the control group were orally treated with 1ml of distilled water. Administration of the C. chalk in the animals lasted for 28 days, and the animals were sacrificed on day 29, using chloroform anaesthesia. The femur bones were dissected out, cleaned of flesh and sun-dried. The lengths and weights of the femur bones were measured using graphite furnace atomic mass spectrophotometer. Results: Results showed 1.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/6d/IJABMR-2-107.PMC3678689.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4224740", "abstract": "When elementary quantum systems, such as polarized photons, are used to transmit digital information, the uncertainty principle gives rise to novel cryptographic phenomena unachievable with traditional transmission media, e.g. a communications channel on which it is impossible in principle to eavesdrop without a high probability of being detected. With such a channel, a one-time pad can safely be reused many times as long as no eavesdrop is detected, and, planning ahead, part of the capacity of these uncompromised transmissions can be used to send fresh random bits with which to replace the one-time pad when an eavesdrop finally is detected. Unlike other schemes for stretching a one-time pad, this scheme does not depend on complexity-theoretic assumptions such as the difficulty of factoring.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/66/PMC4224740.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3425015", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between fasting insulin levels and metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in type 2 diabetic patients at the first clinic/hospital visit in Japan over the years 2000 to 2009. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In total, 4,798 drug-naive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were registered on their first clinic/hospital visits. Conventional clinical factors and fasting insulin levels were observed at baseline within the Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management (JDDM) study between consecutive 2-year groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using a model in which the dependent variable was fasting insulin values using various clinical explanatory variables. RESULTS Fasting insulin levels were found to be decreasing from 2000 to 2009. Multiple linear regression analysis with the fasting insulin levels as the dependent variable showed that waist circumference (WC), BMI, mean blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were significant, with WC and BMI as the main factors. ANCOVA after adjustment for age and fasting plasma glucose clearly shows the decreasing trend in fasting insulin levels and the increasing trend in BMI. CONCLUSIONS During the 10-year observation period, the decreasing trend in fasting insulin was related to the slight increase in WC/BMI in type 2 diabetes. Low pancreatic β-cell reserve on top of a lifestyle background might be dependent on an increase in MRFs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/63/1853.PMC3425015.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3969635", "abstract": "Background: Isolation of Brucella is the gold standard in the laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis. As Brucella is intracellular and the number of circulating bacteria is usually low, removal/dilution of antibacterial substances, concentration of bacteria and optimal culture conditions may enhance the rate of isolation. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the following study was to compare the lysis concentration (LC), clot culture and conventional Castaneda blood culture techniques for the isolation rate and recovery time in the diagnosis of human brucellosis. Materials and Methods: Blood cultures by LC, clot culture and conventional method were performed in 169 patients who had antibody titers ≥160 international units by the serum agglutination test. Results: Overall blood culture positivity was found to be 24.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/79/JLP-6-14.PMC3969635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4142913", "abstract": "Background Defining cancer stem cells and their origins is of much controversy,and constitutes a challenged knockout for cell targeting- anticancer drugs. Herein,we put forward a hypothetic model for cancer stem cells initiation from bone marrow stem cells. These later, will differentiate into an ancestral progenitor that activates a memorial program - the black box cassette- that is responsible of abnormal neo-organogenesis in the form of tumors and metastases. To approve this model, we assume that characterizing and investigating the most primitive forms of the bone marrow progenitors is required; both inside their niche and in circulation of cancer patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/fb/IJCP-06-108.PMC4142913.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3910311", "abstract": "Background Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been discovered to be a critical regulator of bone metabolism. Very recently, we found that higher circulating S1P levels were associated with higher rate of prevalent osteoporotic fracture in human. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 16 patients who underwent hip replacement surgeries. Bone marrow fluids were obtained during hip surgeries, and the S1P levels were measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. Bone mineral densities (BMDs) at various skeletal sites were obtained using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Among 16 patients, 4 patients were undergone operations due to hip fractures, and the others were done by any other causes. Bone marrow S1P levels were significantly lower in patients with hip fractures than in those without, before and after adjusting for confounding factors (P=0.047 and 0.025, respectively). We failed to demonstrate significant associations between bone marrow S1P levels and any BMD values (γ=0.026-0.482, P=0.171-0.944). Conclusions In conjunction with our previous findings, these suggest that the effects of gradient between peripheral blood and bone marrow, but not S1P itself, may be the most critical on bone metabolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/be/29/jbm-20-61.PMC3910311.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4519752", "abstract": "As a result of ancestral whole-genome and small-scale duplication events, the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and many eukaryotes still contain a substantial fraction of duplicated genes. In all investigated organisms, metabolic pathways, and more particularly glycolysis, are specifically enriched for functionally redundant paralogs. In ancestors of the Saccharomyces lineage, the duplication of glycolytic genes is purported to have played an important role leading to S. cerevisiae's current lifestyle favoring fermentative metabolism even in the presence of oxygen and characterized by a high glycolytic capacity. In modern S. cerevisiae strains, the 12 glycolytic reactions leading to the biochemical conversion from glucose to ethanol are encoded by 27 paralogs. In order to experimentally explore the physiological role of this genetic redundancy, a yeast strain with a minimal set of 14 paralogs was constructed (the “minimal glycolysis” [MG] strain). Remarkably, a combination of a quantitative systems approach and semiquantitative analysis in a wide array of growth environments revealed the absence of a phenotypic response to the cumulative deletion of 13 glycolytic paralogs. This observation indicates that duplication of glycolytic genes is not a prerequisite for achieving the high glycolytic fluxes and fermentative capacities that are characteristic of S. cerevisiae and essential for many of its industrial applications and argues against gene dosage effects as a means of fixing minor glycolytic paralogs in the yeast genome. The MG strain was carefully designed and constructed to provide a robust prototrophic platform for quantitative studies and has been made available to the scientific community.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/8e/zek804.PMC4519752.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4891547", "abstract": "When first introduced, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) was performed using a bronchoscope. The bronchoscope itself, however, has several disadvantages, including interruption of ventilation. Modifications of the standard PDT technique have suggested that PDT can be safely performed without a bronchoscope. However, the safety of these modifications is unclear and many modifications have yet to be widely adopted. This study retrospectively evaluated the safety of a simplified PDT technique using the Cook® Ciaglia Blue Rhino™ in 186 patients. After confirming the underlying structures by palpation, PDT was performed without a bronchoscope or blunt dissection, 2.0 cm below the cricothyroid membrane. Ultrasonography was used only when palpation was difficult. Except for bleeding in three patients with coagulopathy, none of the patients experienced any early or late complications, and there were no deaths related to PDT. These findings confirm that PDT can be safely performed using a simplified technique, which may be useful in situations with limited equipment and medical personnel.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/ca/kjae-69-301.PMC4891547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3928780", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of a radiographic analysis method for the location of mini-implants inserted in the posterior region of the maxilla.  Material and Methods Two self-drilling mini-implants were installed between the second premolar and the first molar on the right side and left side in three dry skulls. Three operators performed three occlusal radiographs, using an occlusal x-ray film holder, at three different times in each of the three skulls.  Results The interclass correlation coefficient showed a significantly high, positive correlation (p<0.05), indicating an excellent reliability between operators. The analysis of variance showed no significant differences in time and among the operators.  Conclusion Based of these findings, it may be concluded that this methodology can be used by several operators in longitudinal clinical studies on orthodontic mini-implants at the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial locations or longitudinal displacement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/4e/jaos-20-01-0099.PMC3928780.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2778453", "abstract": "Although legionnaires' disease frequently is acquired in health care institutions, little is known about the occupational risk of Legionella infection among health care workers. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to analyse antibody levels among exposed hospital workers and to determine the correlation between antibodies to Legionella and self-reported symptoms. The study included 258 hospital employees and a reference group of 708 healthy blood donors.  Hospital workers had a higher prevalence of Legionella antibody titres (≥1 : 128) than blood donors (odds ratio 3.4; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/c5/PMC2778453.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4399644", "abstract": "Summary  Introduction: Vertigo is a symptom that impacts the patients' quality of life and may force them to cease performing activities of daily living. Here, we discuss benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's disease (MD), which show exacerbated symptoms when they appear in association. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is an effective treatment in reducing vertigo, especially in conjunction with other therapies.  Aim: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with BPPV and MD before and after VR.  Method: We conducted a descriptive observational qualitative and quantitative case study with 12 patients aged 35 to 86 years. All patients diagnosed with BPPV and MD received treatment in the ENT clinic. The Brazilian DHI questionnaire, which assesses the quality of life with a focus on physical, emotional, and functional aspects, was used for data collection, and was completed by patients before the first session and after the fifth session of VR. Data were tested using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by Wilcoxon, Friedman, and Spearman correlation tests (p < 0.05).  Results: There were significant improvements in scores for all aspects, with median changes ranging from 12 to 0 in the physical, 6 to 1 in the emotional, and 11 to 1 in the functional aspect. There were no correlations between the scores and sample characteristics.  Conclusion: VR was an effective method for the treatment of patients with BPPV and MD; it improves quality of life and shows the maximal influence on physical aspect scores, regardless of age or gender.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b3/16/PMC4399644.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4583611", "abstract": "Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. The temporal trends in the risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) and the impact of socioeconomic status on these risk factors remain ambiguous. Objectives: The objectives of the present analysis were to investigate the potential association between various risk factors and MI in North Punjab, Pakistan, and to assess the status of the control of the risk factors associated with MI in this population. Patients and Methods: The present study included 515 patients admitted to the coronary care units or equivalent cardiology wards of the participating hospitals between 2011 and 2012 in North Punjab, Pakistan. The analysis was focused on identifying the socioeconomic status, lifestyle, family history of MI, and risk factors (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and hyperlipidemia). A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data. The lipid profile was recorded from the investigation chart of every patient. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests were used. Results: MI was common in the males at the age of 41 - 60 years as compared to the females (P = 0.015). Patients with a positive parental history of CHD experienced MI at a younger age (P = 0.0001) at a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m2. Sedentary lifestyle (70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/23/ircmj-17-07-13776.PMC4583611.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4655283", "abstract": "Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its comorbidities have reached epidemic proportions, with more than half a billion cases expected by 2030. Metabolomics is a fairly new approach for studying metabolic changes connected to disease development and progression and for finding predictive biomarkers to enable early interventions, which are most effective against T2D and its comorbidities. In metabolomics, the abundance of a comprehensive set of small biomolecules (metabolites) is measured, thus giving insight into disease-related metabolic alterations. This review shall give an overview of basic metabolomics methods and will highlight current metabolomics research successes in the prediction and diagnosis of T2D. We summarized key metabolites changing in response to T2D. Despite large variations in predictive biomarkers, many studies have replicated elevated plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids and their derivatives, aromatic amino acids and α-hydroxybutyrate ahead of T2D manifestation. In contrast, glycine levels and lysophosphatidylcholine C18:2 are depressed in both predictive studies and with overt disease. The use of metabolomics for predicting T2D comorbidities is gaining momentum, as are our approaches for translating basic metabolomics research into clinical applications. As a result, metabolomics has the potential to enable informed decision-making in the realm of personalized medicine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/8a/PMC4655283.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3214806", "abstract": "Endovascular coiling has become the primary treatment modality for the treatment of intracranial ruptured aneurysms in many centers. A multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT), ISAT study, has demonstrated that endovascular coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms has benefits over surgical clipping in those patients suitable for either treatment. Because RCT comparing conservative management with surgical clipping and with endovascular coiling have not been performed to date for unruptured intracranial aneurysms, the best management for unruptured aneurysm remains unclear. A RCT is ongoing to answer the question whether active treatment can improve the outcome of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms as compared with observation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/b4/ni-6-1.PMC3214806.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4025164", "abstract": "Background. A role of an estrogen-regulated, autocrine motogenic factor was assumed to be a major biological role of trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) in breast cancer. TFF1 is regarded as a predictive factor for positive response to endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients. The aim of our study was to examine TFF1 level distribution in breast carcinomas in order to distinguish estrogen-independent from estrogen-dependent TFF1 expression and to evaluate clinical usefulness of TFF1 status in early breast cancer during the first 3 years of follow-up. Methods. The study included 226 patients with primary operable invasive early breast carcinomas for whom an equal, a 3-year follow-up was conducted. TFF1 levels as well as estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels were measured in cytosolic extracts of tumor samples by immunoradiometric assay or by use of classical biochemical method, respectively. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied for data analyses. Results. Statistical analysis revealed that TFF1 levels were significantly higher in premenopausal patients (p=0.02), or in tumors with: lower histological grade (p<0.001), positive ER or PR status (p<0.001, in both cases). On the basis of TFF1 level distribution between ER-negative and ER-positive postmenopausal patients with tumors of different histological grade, 14 ng/mg was set as the cut-off value to distinguish estrogen-independent from estrogen-dependent TFF1 expression in breast cancer. Depending on menopausal and PR status, positive TFF1 status identified patients at opposite risk for relapse among ER-positive patients with grade II tumors. Among ER- and PR-positive premenopausal patients with grade II tumors, TFF1 status alone identified patients at opposite risk for relapse. Conclusions. Determination of TFF1 status might identify patients at different risk for relapse and help in making decision on administering adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer patients during the first 3 years of follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/80/ijmsv11p0663.PMC4025164.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1550900", "abstract": "The second study on tight glycaemia control by intensive insulin therapy (IIT) confirmed in medical intensive care unit patients the decrease in hospital mortality reported by the same team in the first IIT trial in surgical patients. However, methodological concerns, the high rate of hypoglycaemia in spite of the infusion of large doses of parenteral glucose and the frequent use of steroids presently preclude considering these results as recommendations in other intensive care units, but rather argue for the need for large-scale assessment of the IIT approach by multi-centre studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic modality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/e4/PMC1550900.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4067710", "abstract": "A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with gastric cancer. Fifty years previously, he had undergone gastroenterostomy with a Braun enteroenterostomy. At present, a distal gastrectomy and small intestinal partial resection were performed. Intraoperatively, the tumor was localized to the previous stomal site. HE staining showed that the tumor comprised two elements: a tubular adenocarcinoma on the gastric side and a neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) on the jejunal side. The final pathologic diagnosis was mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma based on an immunohistochemical analysis of endocrine markers and an elevated Ki-67 labeling index. The risk of later cancer development cancer recurrence near the gastrojejunostomy site is well known. Potentially, chronic enterogastric bile reflux may irritate the gastric mucosa and act as a promoter. Gastric NEC has a strong malignant potential. We suspect that, in the present case, the constant exposure to secondary bile may have induced a gastric mucosal adenocarcinoma, which finally differentiated into a NEC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/a9/cro-0007-0330.PMC4067710.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4056518", "abstract": "Urinary sodium (NaU) is one of the oldest parameters used in the evaluation of azotemia and oliguria. Over the past years, however, it has progressively been considered as obsolete and useless, especially in sepsis. It is common sense that NaU frequently does not correlate well with global renal blood flow. If intrarenal microcirculatory changes are more important in acute kidney injury (AKI) than changes in global renal blood flow, we speculate that decreases in NaU may be viewed as a possible marker of microcirculatory impairment in the kidneys. Recent findings by our group (some not yet published) in which sodium retentive capacity is preserved until advanced stages of AKI and the observation of decreases in NaU preceding increases in creatinine bring us to conclude that the new paradigm of abolishing NaU consideration from daily approaches to managing patients at risk for AKI must be reevaluated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/be/PMC4056518.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3424874", "abstract": "The incidence of tracheo-esophageal (TO) fistula is on the rise, especially after palliative management for esophageal malignancies. We report a case of cancer of esophagus who after chemotherapy and radiotherapy developed TO fistula. Placement of an esophageal stent helped him in taking food orally, but his cough and dyspnoea continued to worsen. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated a severely compressed trachea secondary to protrusion of esophageal stent which responded very well to an Ultraflex-covered tracheal stent and the patient achieved relief from cough and dyspnoea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/96/c2/LI-29-289.PMC3424874.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2923787", "abstract": "This report presents the case of a patient demonstrating multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) with a lung lesion that was successfully treated with an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab in combination with corticosteroid and tacrolimus. A 43-yr-old female with abnormal shadows on a chest X-ray was referred to the hospital for further examination. She was diagnosed as having MCD based on the characteristic pathology of inguinal lymph node, lung lesions, laboratory data, and undifferentiated arthritis. Corticosteroid and rituximab therapy did not fully ameliorate the symptoms; thus, the therapeutic regimen was changed to include tocilizumab, oral corticosteroid and tacrolimus. This regimen resulted in clinical remission and the dose of tocilizumab and corticosteroid could be tapered. Tocilizumab in combination with corticosteroid and tacrolimus may therefore be a beneficial treatment regimen for lung lesions associated with MCD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/2c/jkms-25-1364.PMC2923787.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4026663", "abstract": "Purpose In the treatment of interstitial cystitis, intravesical hyaluronic acid application may be suggested as a treatment option. In this randomized prospective study, the authors aimed to identify whether instilling the hyaluronic acid with electromotive drug administration (EMDA) would increase the tissue uptake and improve the efficacy. Materials and Methods The data of 31 patients who had been diagnosed with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) between 2004 and 2005 were examined. The patients were randomized to two groups: patients in group A received hyaluronic acid directly with a catheter and patients in group B received hyaluronic acid with EMDA. The patients were followed for 24 months and the two groups were compared at certain time intervals. The primary end points of the study were visual analogue scale (VAS) score, global response assessment, and micturition frequency in 24 hours. Results There were 6 males and 25 females. The two groups were similar in baseline parameters. The decrease in VAS score and the micturition frequency in 24 hours were significantly lower with EMDA at months 6 and 12. The difference between the two groups was not significant at months 1 and 24. Also, treatment with EMDA, positive KCl test, and pretreatment voiding frequency >17 were associated with higher response rates. Conclusions Hyaluronic acid installation is an effective glycosaminoglycan substitution therapy in patients with BPS/IC. Instillation of hyaluronic acid via EMDA can improve the efficacy of the treatment; however, lack of long-term efficacy is the major problem with this glycosaminoglycan substitution therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/04/kju-55-354.PMC4026663.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5256062", "abstract": "Brain hydatid cyst constitutes one of the leading causes of cranial mass in the endemic region, especially among the children. Symptoms of the disease are associated with rising of intracranial pressure and focal neurological deficit. Surgical excision of the cyst is essential to treatment. Here we present a 19 yr-old male livings in Ardabil, northwest of Iran, referred to Neurosurgery Clinic in Khanevadeh University Hospital, Tehran, Iran with a large brain hydatid cyst and atypical symptoms. He was treated by surgical excision of the cyst without any complication. There were not any clinical or radiological signs of recurrence after one-year follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/40/PMC5256062.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5175101", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a growing health problem in most of the developed countries. It is associated with many chronic diseases, affecting particularly endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Inflammation plays a key role in pathophysiology of obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inflammation status in obese children using neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. METHODS: In this study 130 obese and 57 healthy children were assessed retrospectively. According to Centers for Disease Control 2000 (CDC) BMI percentiles for childhood and adulthood, 85–95 percentile was considered as overweight and >95 percentile as obese. RESULTS: Lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios in the obese group were significantly higher compared to those in healthy controls (p=0.03 and p=0.045, respectively). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and CRP level in the obese group were significantly higher compared to those in healthy controls (p=0.02 and p=0.00, respectively). Thrombocyte/lymphocyte ratios were not significantly different between two groups (p=0.156). CONCLUSION: It is possible that childhood obesity which has been increasingly prevalent recently triggers the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis during the early years of life. Increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio might be associated with the severity of inflammation which plays a role in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Therefore, taking childhood obesity under control using diet and other treatment methods will prevent mortality and morbidity in the elderly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/53/NCI-2-87.PMC5175101.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2717698", "abstract": "Radiotherapy has a well-established role in the management of head and neck cancers. Over the past decade, a variety of new imaging modalities have been incorporated into the radiotherapy planning and delivery process. These technologies are collectively referred to as image-guided radiotherapy and may lead to significant gains in tumor control and radiation side effect profiles. In the following review, these techniques as they are applied to head and neck cancer patients are described, and clinical studies analyzing their use in target delineation, patient positioning, and adaptive radiotherapy are highlighted. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of potential areas of further radiotherapy advancement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6f/f3/PMC2717698.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3707257", "abstract": "PADMA 28 is a herbal multicompound remedy that originates from traditional Tibetan medicine and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, angioprotecting, and wound healing properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of this remedy on immunological angiogenesis and granulocytes metabolic activity in Balb/c mice. Mice were fed daily, for seven days, with 5.8 mg of PADMA (calculated from recommended human daily dose) or 0.085 mg (dose in the range of active doses of other herbal extracts studied by us previously). Results. Highly significant increase of newly formed blood vessels number in ex vivo cutaneous lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis test (LIA) after grafting of Balb/c splenocytes from both dosage groups to F1 hybrids (Balb/c × C3H); increase of blood lymphocytes and granulocytes number only in mice fed with lower dose of remedy; and significant suppression of metabolic activity (chemiluminescence test) of blood granulocytes in mice fed with higher dose of PADMA.  Conclusion. PADMA 28 behaves as a good stimulator of physiological angiogenesis, but for this purpose it should be used in substantially lower doses than recommended by producers for avoiding the deterioration of granulocyte function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b6/2d/PMC3707257.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4748675", "abstract": "Toxoplasmosis is a severe opportunistic infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The lung is a major site of infection after the central nervous system. In this report we described two cases of pneumonia due to Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV patients with antiretroviral therapy. Clinical and radiological abnormalities are not specific. Pulmonary toxoplasmosis should be considered in HIV-infected patients with late stage of HIV, CD4 count less than 100 cells/µl and a poor adherence to HAART.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/9f/LI-33-88.PMC4748675.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4270711", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message We describe the first valve-in-valve Corevalve transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the St. Jude Toronto stentless porcine aortic valve in the United States, which enabled this 59-year-old patient with a history of bacterial endocarditis and aortic regurgitation to avoid heart transplant with complete resolution of his severe left ventricular dysfunction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/99/ccr30002-0281.PMC4270711.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3310667", "abstract": "To determine whether women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) were more likely than men to have extensively drug-resistant TB, we reviewed 4,514 adults admitted during 2003–2008 for drug-resistant TB. Female sex independently predicted extensively drug-resistant TB, even after we controlled for HIV infection. This association needs further study.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/fc/PMC3310667.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649312", "abstract": "A 15 year old boy, with known diaphyseal aclasis, presented with a swollen left leg. The diagnosis of popliteal pseudoaneurysm, a known and well understood vascular complication, was delayed due to presentation suggestive of a chondrosarcoma. In this age group, sarcomatous change is more common and a potentially sinister complication of diaphyseal aclasis. Following a sarcoma MDT referral, the correct diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and CT angiogram. This case identifies one of the largest, non-ruptured popliteal pseudoaneurysms reported and illustrates an unusual complication of a rare orthopaedic genetic condition, which is potentially limb threatening.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/55/PMC3649312.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4692573", "abstract": "In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to pulmonary hypertension (PH) as a strong and independent risk factor for adverse outcome in the population of patients on long-term dialysis. Published results of observational studies indicate that the problem of PH refers mostly to patients on long-term hemodialysis and is less common in peritoneal dialysis patients. The main cause of this complication is proximal location of the arteriovenous fistula, causing chronically increased cardiac output. This paper presents the usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for measurement of the Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in the early diagnosis of PH in dialysis patients. Echocardiographic diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension with TTE, especially in the case of HD patients, ensures the selection of the proper location for the first arteriovenous fistula and facilitates the decision to switch to peritoneal dialysis or to accelerate the process of qualification for kidney transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/16/PMC4692573.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4061649", "abstract": "Background: The study was aimed to explore the association between arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and spirometer parameters of disease severity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with a view to identify whether the pulse oximetry can be used as an alternative to arterial values in the clinical management of COPD patients in a routine practice. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients with COPD were included in this study. After evaluation of each patient through history taking, physical examination and chest X-ray, SpO2 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/d5/JRMS-19-257.PMC4061649.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3536047", "abstract": " Purpose. To describe integration of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging into an ocular screening program. Methods. Fifty consecutive screening participants were included in this prospective pilot imaging study. Color and FAF (530/640 nm exciter/barrier filters) images were obtained with a 15.1MP Canon nonmydriatic hybrid camera. A clinician evaluated the images on site to determine need for referral. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular pathology detected by color fundus and FAF imaging modalities were recorded. Results. Mean ± SD age was 47.4 ± 17.3 years. Fifty-two percent were female and 58", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bc/d8/PMC3536047.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5399202", "abstract": "A 53-year-old man presented with diarrhoea and hypokalaemia and was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour of unknown origin with multiple liver metastases. Somatostatin analogues led to a reduction in the size of the tumours and improvement of his symptoms. However, after several years, the tumours grew in size, and the patient's clinical symptoms recurred. The patient underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the hepatic artery to treat the liver metastases. Immediately after embolization, the symptoms disappeared. Although the patient had an unresectable vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-producing neuroendocrine tumour, the endocrine symptoms were able to be controlled with chemotherapy and TAE, resulting in a long-term survival. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/04/1349-7235-56-0517.PMC5399202.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3969431", "abstract": " Study Design Case report.  Objective The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of tophaceous gout in the lumbar spine.  Methods Using a case report to illustrate the key points of gout in the spine, we provide a brief review of gout in the literature as it relates to its orthopedic and spinal manifestations as well as guidelines for management.  Results This case report details the occurrence of a large and clinically significant finding of tophaceous gout in the lumbar spine in a 24-year-old man with a known history of gout and a 3-year history of progressive back pain.  Conclusion A high index of suspicion can assist in diagnosis of patients presenting with back pain or neurologic findings with a history of gout. A previous history of gout (especially the presence of tophi), hyperuricemia, and the radiological characteristics presented here should aid the clinician in making the diagnosis of spinal gout. Early diagnosis has the potential to prevent the need for surgical intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e2/eb/PMC3969431.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3879284", "abstract": "Objective To investigate the dentoskeletal factors which may predict soft-tissue chin strain during lip closure. Methods The pretreatment frontal and lateral facial photographs and lateral cephalograms of 209 women (aged 18-30 years) with Angle's Class I or II malocclusion were examined. The subjects were categorized by three examiners into the no-strain and strain groups according to the soft-tissue chin tension or deformation during lip closure. Relationships of the cephalometric measurements with the group classification were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, and a classification and regression tree (CART) model was used to define the predictive variables for the group classification. Results The lower the value of the overbite depth indicator (ODI) and the higher the values of upper incisor to Nasion-Pogonion (U1-NPog, mm), overjet, and upper incisor to upper lip (U1-upper lip, mm), the more likely was the subject to be classified into the strain group. The CART showed that U1-NPog was the most prominent predictor of soft-tissue chin strain (cut-off value of 14.2 mm), followed by overjet. Conclusions To minimize strain of the soft-tissue chin, orthodontic treatment should be oriented toward increasing the ODI value while decreasing the U1-NPog, overjet, and U1 upper lip values.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/a0/kjod-43-279.PMC3879284.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4322149", "abstract": "Objective (s): Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder, primarily targeting the synovium and articular cartilage that leads to joint damage. Recent reports have suggested the role of adipocytokines in mediating joint damage; however it still is a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between serum values of adiopocytokines (leptin, visfatin) and radiographic joint damage in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients diagnosed with RA, based on Revised ACR Criteria 2010, with 1-5 year disease duration since diagnosis, were enrolled. Twenty-nine of patients had erosion in radiographic studies and 25patients had no erosion. Radiographic joint damages were defined according to Larsen Score. Additionally, serum levels of adipocytokines were measured and cross-sectional associations with radiographic damage were explored, adjusting for pertinent confounders. Results: The serum level of visfatin were significantly higher in patients with radiographic joint damage compared with patients with no joint damage (P=0.013). This difference remained significant after adjustment for C-reactive protein levels (P=0.008), but not after adjustment for disease duration (P=0.247). The mean leptin serum levels were not different between these two groups (P=0.903). There was a positive correlation between leptin levels and BMI (r=0.494, P<0.001). However, after adjustment for BMI, leptin levels had no difference between two groups (P=0.508). Conclusion: This study revealed that visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients with radiographic joint damage dependently to disease duration. Therefore, it seems that adipocytokine may be a valuable factor in therapeutic targets in the future.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9f/4c/PMC4322149.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4947208", "abstract": "Background: McCune Albright syndrome is rare with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 persons. The classical clinical triad consists of fibrous dysplasia of the bone, café-au-lait skin spots and precocious puberty. However, in rare cases, there may be primary hypogonadism and amenorrhea. Case Presentation: An eighteen-year-old female presented with amenorrhea. She had a short stature, round face, thick neck, and short fourth metacarpals and metatarsals. The secondary sexual characters were absent. Serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid concentrations were normal, but gonadotropin hormones were very low. X-ray examination revealed short fourth and fifth metacarpals, short left metatarsal, and short fibula. Conclusion: These local bony abnormalities along with the biochemical findings helped us to diagnose this case as an unusual presentation of primary hypogonadism with features of McCune Albright’s syndrome where there was amenorrhea rather than preocious puberty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1b/58/PMC4947208.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4719408", "abstract": "Introduction: Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee joint are rare occurrences. They are usually encountered as incidental findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or in arthroscopy. They may originate from both the cruciate ligaments and the menisci, from the popliteus tendon and alar folds, infrapatellar fat pad of Hoffa, and subchondral bone cysts. Those arising from the Hoffa’s fat pad, usually present as palpable mass at anterior aspect of the knee joint. We report a case of intraarticular ganglion cyst of knee arising from the infrapatellar fat pad and protruding anterolaterally through retinacular rent into the subcutaneous plane. Case Report: A 19-year-old young man, presented with a painless gradually increasing swelling at the anterior aspect of left knee of 9 months duration. MRI scan revealed a multilobulated, cyst with septations within the anterior aspect of the knee joint, just inferolateral to the patella, with deep extension into the infrapatellar fat pad, and superficial extension into the subcutaneous space across the retinaculum. After diagnostic arthroscopy, we performed an open excision of the cystic mass and confirmed the retinacular rent pre-operatively. Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection and debridement is the gold standard treatment in ganglion cyst of the knee. However, a subcutaneous extension may lead to incomplete arthroscopic resection: Leaving behind the residual tissue which may cause recurrence. Therefore, proper pre-operative evaluation of MR images of these cases is very important.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/d3/JOCR-5-69.PMC4719408.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4102013", "abstract": " Introduction. Surgical resection is the most effective treatment for neoplasm in the caudate lobe. Isolated caudate lobectomy is still a challenge for hepatobiliary surgeons. No widely accepted surgical strategy for the procedure has been developed yet. Objective. To get a better understanding of isolated caudate lobectomy and to optimize the procedure. Materials and Methods. 16 cases of isolated caudate lobectomy were reviewed to summarize the surgical experience. Results. All the 16 cases of isolated caudate lobectomy were carried out successfully, among which left side approach was adopted in two cases (12.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f8/5f/PMC4102013.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4168313", "abstract": "Background Elderly subjects are at risk of insufficient vitamin D status mainly because of diminished capacity for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. In cases of insufficient endogenous production, vitamin D status depends on vitamin D intake. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify the main food sources of vitamin D in elderly subjects and to analyse whether contributing food sources differ by sex, age, vitamin D status, body mass index (BMI), or household income. In addition, we analysed the factors that influence dietary vitamin D intake in the elderly. Design and subjects This is a cross-sectional study in 235 independently living German elderly aged 66–96 years (BMI=27±4 kg/m2). Vitamin D intake was assessed by a 3-day estimated dietary record. Results The main sources of dietary vitamin D were fish/fish products followed by eggs, fats/oils, bread/bakery products, and milk/dairy products. Differences in contributing food groups by sex, age, vitamin D status, and BMI were not found. Fish contributed more to vitamin D intake in subjects with a household income of <1,500 €/month compared to subjects with higher income. In multiple regression analysis, fat intake and frequency of fish consumption were positive determinants of dietary vitamin D intake, whereas household income and percentage total body fat negatively affected vitamin D intake. Other parameters, including age, sex, physical activity, smoking, intake of energy, milk, eggs and alcohol, showed no significant association with vitamin D intake. Conclusion Low habitual dietary vitamin D intake does not affect vitamin D status in summer, and fish is the major contributor to vitamin D intake independent of sex, age, vitamin D status, BMI, and the income of subjects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/56/FNR-58-23632.PMC4168313.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3309616", "abstract": "The problem of finger in the patient with diabetes mellitus is important consideration in diabetology. Generally, peripheral neuropathy that manifests with finger paresthesia is common. However, some recent reports mention the concern on trigger digits in diabetic patients. In this brief article, the authors focus review and discussion on this specific topic. The searching of standard database, PubMed, on available publication on this area selecting by keywords trigger digits and diabetes mellitus was done and all derived papers were extracted and further synthesized in this review article. Epidemiology and management of the condition are the mainly focused reviewed areas and presented in this article.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/9e/NAJMS-4-117.PMC3309616.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3166570", "abstract": " Pneumocystis is an opportunistic fungal respiratory pathogen that causes life-threatening pneumonia (Pcp) in patients suffering from defects in cell-mediated immunity, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and immunosuppression secondary to chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Despite major advances in health care, the mortality associated with Pcp has changed little over the past 25  years. Pcp remains a leading cause of death among HIV infected patients, with mortality rates of 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/61/fc/PMC3166570.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4323502", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between fracture pattern and the development of acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture. Methods This study included 59 patients who underwent bone cement augmentation for osteoporotic compression fracture below the L2 level, which can lead to radiculopathic radiating pain. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of radiculopathy (group A : back pain only; group B : back pain with newly developed radiating pain). We categorized compression fractures into three types by the position of the fracture line. The incidence of newly developed radiculopathy was examined retrospectively for each compression fracture type. Results The overall incidence of newly developed leg pain (group B) was 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/f3/jkns-57-32.PMC4323502.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3921023", "abstract": "Hemiparesis develops in response to a wide range of neurological disorders, such as stroke, neoplasms and several inflammatory processes. Occasionally, it may also occur due to a lesion located in the high cervical spinal cord. In this concise review, we describe the features of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma, which should be included in the large list of stroke mimics. Various concerns regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic conundrums relating to the condition are also discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9a/0a/PMC3921023.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3663321", "abstract": "Objective Niemann Pick disease (NPD) type A (NPA: MIM #257200) is a lipid storage disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance and occurrs by defect of the SMPD1 gene encoding sphingomyelinase. Disruption of this enzyme leads to the accumulation of sphingomyelin in brain and liver, which in turn causes dysfunction or damage of tissue. Methods We report firstly a 2.5 year old boy with NPA in southwest Iran. Initially, the diagnosis was resulted on the basis of clinical symptoms. The genomic DNA of the suspected individual was subjected to exon sequencing of the SMPD1 gene. According to the human reference sequence NM_000543.4, a novel single guanine deletion resulting in a frameshift mutation (p.Gly247Alafs*9) was observed in the SMPD1 gene that might be causative for the outcome of the disease. Findings The present report is the first molecular genetics diagnosis of the NPA in southwest Iran. The detected deletion in the SMPD1 gene is remarkable because of its novelty. Conclusion Despite similar morbidity SGA infants exhibited higher lethal complication rates following delayed meconium passage compared to AGA infants.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/6c/IJPD-23-233.PMC3663321.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5362871", "abstract": "Case summary A 7-year-old spayed domestic longhair cat from Perth, Western Australia, presented with left-sided head tilt, dysphonia, head shaking, inappetence and weight loss. A polypoid lesion had previously been removed from the external ear canal. Otitis media with extension into the external ear canal was suspected and investigated using video-otoscopy and computed tomography examination. Invasive disease with extension from the middle ear to the base of the skull, and intracranial extension into the caudal fossa and cranial cervical vertebral canal was detected. Cytology of external ear canal exudate showed capsulated budding yeasts and Cryptococcus gattii VGII was cultured. Treatment with amphotericin B infusions and oral fluconazole was prescribed, with nutritional support via oesophagostomy tube. The cat clinically recovered 12 months after treatment commenced. Relevance and novel information This case report describes the successful medical treatment of otogenic meningoencephalomyelitis due to C gattii (VGII) infection in a cat.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/99/62/10.1177_2055116915585022.PMC5362871.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5295791", "abstract": "Introduction Sex-related differences in clinical manifestations and consequences of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been poorly explored. Better understanding of sexual dimorphism in neurologic diseases such as PD has been announced as a research priority. The aim of our study was to determine independent sex differences in clinical manifestations and subtypes, psychosocial functioning, quality of life (QoL) and its domains between male and female individuals with PD. Patients and methods A comprehensive list of demographics, motor symptoms and subtypes, nonmotor features, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial functioning and general aspects of daily life was assessed in 157 individuals (108 males and 49 females) with idiopathic PD. In order to control for potential confounding variables, we applied Orthogonal Partial Least Squares – Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) to explore the strength of each feature to discriminate male and female patients with PD. Results While no sex difference was found in the total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score and cumulative daily dose of levodopa, females had significantly more severe anxiety (mean difference =2.2 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/bc/ndt-13-329.PMC5295791.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2848727", "abstract": "Purpose The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor, even after potentially curative R0 resection. This discrepancy may be due to the histopathological misclassification of R1 cases as curative resections (R0) in the past. Materials and methods To test this hypothesis, color coding of all resection margins and organ surfaces as part of a standardized histopathological workup was implemented and prospectively tested on 100 pancreatic head specimens. Results Thirty-five patients were excluded from the analysis owing to the pathohistological diagnosis; only pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, distal bile duct adenocarcinoma, and periampullary adenocarcinoma were included. Applying the International Union Against Cancer criteria, 32 cancer resections were classified R0 (49.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e8/f0/423_2009_Article_494.PMC2848727.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4049018", "abstract": "We report a case of primary clear-cell sarcoma (CCS) in the mediastinum. In October 2011, a 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for surgical resection. The tumor was completely excised by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The tumor was well encapsulated and did not invade the pleura. Histological examination led to a final diagnosis of primary CCS in the mediastinum. The patient remains alive without evidence of recurrence at 15 months after surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/40/cro-0007-0306.PMC4049018.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3284291", "abstract": "Plastic reconstruction for diabetic foot wounds must be approached carefully and follow sound micro-surgical principles as it relates to the anatomy of the designated flap chosen for coverage. First, the surgeon always needs to evaluate the local and general conditions of the presenting pathology and patient, respectively when considering a flap for reconstruction. The flap that is chosen is based on the vascularity, location, and size of the defect. Salvage of the failed flap and revisional reconstructive procedures are very challenging. Often, adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen, negative pressure wound therapy, vasodilators, and/or vascular surgery is required. In certain case scenarios, such as patients with poor general health and compromised local vascularity in which revisional flap coverage cannot be performed, the above mentioned adjunctive therapies could be used as a primary treatment to potentially salvage a failing flap.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/45/DFA-2-6435.PMC3284291.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3230029", "abstract": "Severe congenital neutropenia is a heterozygous group of bone marrow failure syndromes that cause lifelong infections. Mutation of the ELANE gene encoding human neutrophil elastase is the most common genetic alteration. A Korean female pediatric patient was admitted because of recurrent cervical lymphadenitis without abscess formation. She had a past history of omphalitis and isolated neutropenia at birth. The peripheral blood showed a markedly decreased absolute neutrophil count, and the bone marrow findings revealed maturation arrest of myeloid precursors at the promyelocyte to myelocyte stage. Her direct DNA sequencing analysis demonstrated an ELANE gene mutation (c.607G > C; p.Gly203Arg), but her parents were negative for it. She showed only transient response after subcutaneous 15 µg/kg/day of granulocyte colony stimulating factor administration for six consecutive days. During the follow-up observation period, she suffered from subsequent seven febrile illnesses including urinary tract infection, septicemia, and cellulitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/11/jkms-26-1646.PMC3230029.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3074093", "abstract": "Aim: We describe futures of ICU admission, demographic characteristics, treatment and outcome for critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed and suspected infection with the H1N1 virus admitted to the three different critical care departments in Turkey. Methods: Retrospective study of critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) at ICU. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbid conditions, and clinical outcomes were collected using a case report form. Results: Critical illness occurred in 61 patients admitted to an ICU with confirmed (n=45) or probable and suspected 2009 influenza A(H1N1). Patients were young (mean, 41.5 years), were female (54", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/08/ijmsv08p0270.PMC3074093.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5078664", "abstract": " Aim. This study seeks to review the psychosocial factors affecting patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) from a tertiary hospital in Australia. Methods. We audited patients with ESKD, referred to social work services from January 2012 to December 2014. All patients underwent psychosocial assessments by one, full-time renal social worker. Patient demographics, cumulative social issues, and subsequent interventions were recorded directly into a database. Results. Of the 244 patients referred, the majority were >60 years (58.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/47/PMC5078664.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5016812", "abstract": "Recreational substance use and misuse constitute a major public health issue. The annual rate of recreational drug overdose-related deaths is increasing exponentially, making unintentional overdose as the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. Marijuana is the most widely used recreational illicit drug, with approximately 200 million users worldwide. Although it is generally regarded as having low acute toxicity, heavy marijuana usage has been associated with life-threatening consequences. Marijuana is increasingly becoming legal in the United States for both medical and recreational use. Although the most commonly seen adverse effects resulting from its consumption are typically associated with neurobehavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms, cases of severe toxicity involving the cardiovascular system have been reported. In this report, the authors describe a case of cannabis-associated ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction leading to a prolonged cardiac arrest.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/1a/JCHIMP-6-31695.PMC5016812.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4575013", "abstract": "We present 2 patients showing afferent jejunal varix bleeding around hepaticojejunostomy caused by extrahepatic portal vein obstruction after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). The case 1 was a 58-year-old woman who had recurrent anemia and hematochezia 3 years after undergoing PPPD. On the portography, the main portal vein was obliterated and collaterals around hepaticojejunostomy were developed. After percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation and stent placement through the obliterated portal vein, jejunal varices had disappeared and thereafter no bleeding occurred for 32 months. The case 2 was a 71-year-old man who had frequent melena 7 years after PPPD. Portal stent insertion was first tried, but failed due to severe stenosis of the main portal vein. Therefore, meso-caval shunt operation was attempted in order to reduce the variceal flow. Although an episode of a small amount of melena occurred one month after the shunt operation, there was no occurrence of bleeding for the next 8 months. For the treatment of jejunal varices, a less invasive approach, such as the angiographic intervention of stent insertion, balloon dilatation, or embolization is recommended first. Surgical operations, such as a shunt or resection of the jejunal rim, could be considered when noninvasive approaches have failed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/54/kjhbps-16-37.PMC4575013.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3246055", "abstract": " Animal models for Parkinson’s disease (PD) are essential for understanding its pathogenesis and for development and testing of new therapies. Discoveries of endogenous neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain give new insight into the cell-based approach for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD. Although a great deal of interest has been focused on endogenous neurogenesis in neurotoxin-induced animal models for PD, it still remains controversial whether neural stem cells migrate into the injured area and contribute to repopulation of depleted dopaminergic neurons in neurotoxin-injured adult brains. The purpose of this review is to examine the data available regarding neurogenesis in neurotoxin-induced animal models of PD. It is hoped that data from the animal investigations available in the literature will promote understanding of the neurotoxin-induced animal models for PD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/b2/tox-22-101.PMC3246055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4660556", "abstract": "Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase the risk of transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection causing immense need to understand the patterns of STIs prevailing in the regions of a country for proper planning and implementation of STI control strategies. Due to the lack of adequate laboratory infrastructure in the country, information regarding the profile of STIs relies essentially on syndromic diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: To study the pattern of common STIs and the prevalence of HIV infection in patients attending the STI clinic of a tertiary care hospital in northern part of India using a syndromic approach. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data collected from the clinical records of 2700 patients over a period of 21 months (July 2012 to March 2014) was carried out at the Skin and VD Department of SMS Hospital, Jaipur. Detailed history, demographical data, and clinical features were recorded from all the patients. All patients were tested for HIV by ELISA and rapid plasma reagin. STIs were categorized in different syndromes as depicted by National AIDS Control Organization in the syndromic management of STIs. The data collected was analyzed statistically. The proportions were calculated for various syndromes and disease prevalence. Results: The overall most common STI was balanoposthitis, followed by genital herpes, vaginal/cervical discharge, molluscum contagiosum, genital warts, nonherpetic genital ulcer disease, lower abdominal pain, and urethral discharge in decreasing order. Among the study population, 2.55", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/25/IJSTD-36-158.PMC4660556.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3296174", "abstract": "Acromegaly is debilitating disease occasionally refractory to surgical and medical treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery, and in particular Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), has proven to be an effective noninvasive adjunct to traditional treatments, leading to disease remission in a substantial proportion of patients. Such remission holds the promise of eliminating the need for expensive medications, along with side effects, as well as sparing patients the damaging sequelae of uncontrolled acromegaly. Numerous studies of radiosurgical treatments for acromegaly have been carried out. These illustrate an overall remission rate over 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/27/f8/PMC3296174.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3760096", "abstract": "The objective of this study was to examine how nurses experience ethical values as they are expressed in daily practice in a Norwegian hospital. A growing focus in Western healthcare on effectiveness, production, and retrenchment has an influence on professional nursing standards and nursing values. Lack of resources and subsequent ethically difficult prioritizations imply a strain on nurses. This study is qualitative. Data collection was carried out by conducting 4 focus group interviews. The data was analyzed using content analysis. The results are presented in two main themes: (1) values and reflection are important for the nurses; (2) time pressure and nursing frustrations in daily work. The results demonstrate that nurses believe the ethical values to be of crucial importance for the quality of nursing; however, the ethical values are often repressed in daily practice. This results in feeling of frustration, fatigue, and guilty conscience for the nurses. There is a need for changes in the system which could contribute to the development of a caring culture that would take care of both patients and nurses. In an endeavour to reach this goal, one could apply caritative leadership theory, which is grounded on the caritas motive, human love, and mercy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/85/a9/PMC3760096.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3373294", "abstract": "Background Multidrug resistance, a major impediment to successful cancer chemotherapy, is the result of overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters extruding internalized drugs. Silencing of ABC transporter gene expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) could be an attractive approach to overcome multidrug resistance of cancer, although delivery of siRNA remains a major hurdle to fully exploit the potential of siRNA-based therapeutics. Recently, we have developed pH-sensitive carbonate apatite nanoparticles to efficiently carry and transport siRNA across the cell membrane, enabling knockdown of the cyclin B1 gene and consequential induction of apoptosis in synergy with anti-cancer drugs. Methods and results We report that carbonate apatite-mediated delivery of the siRNAs targeting ABCG2 and ABCB1 gene transcripts in human breast cancer cells which constitutively express both of the transporter genes dose-dependently enhanced chemosensitivity to doxorubicin, paclitaxel and cisplatin, the traditionally used chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, codelivery of two specific siRNAs targeting ABCB1 and ABCG2 transcripts resulted in a more robust increase of chemosensitivity in the cancer cells, indicating the reversal of ABC transporter-mediated multidrug resistance. Conclusion The delivery concept of multiple siRNAs against ABC transporter genes is highly promising for preclinical and clinical investigation in reversing the multidrug resistance phenotype of breast cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/b0/PMC3373294.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4022761", "abstract": "As a strategy for antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia, monotherapy is clearly optimal when both effective and tolerated. When a patient fails to respond to an adequate dose of an antipsychotic, alternatives include switching, administering a higher dose (above the licensed dose), polypharmacy or clozapine. Clozapine is the only option with established efficacy, but is less manageable than other antipsychotics. We therefore reviewed other options, focusing on the treatment of acute-phase schizophrenia. According to recent evidence, an antipsychotic may be viewed as ineffective within 1-4 weeks in acute-phase practice, although some differences may exist among antipsychotics. Whether a switching strategy is effective might depend on the initial antipsychotic and which antipsychotic is switched to. As weak evidence points toward augmentation being superior to continuation of the initial antipsychotic, inclusion of augmentation arms in larger studies comparing strategies for early non-responders in the acute-phase is justified. With respect to high-doses, little evidence is available regarding acute-phase treatment, and the issue remains controversial. Although evidence for antipsychotic switching, augmentation, and high-doses has gradually been accumulating, more studies performed in real clinical practice with minimal bias are required to establish strategies for early non-response to an antipsychotic drug in the treatment of acute-phase schizophrenia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/60/cpn-12-1.PMC4022761.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3543542", "abstract": "This case report describes a patient presenting with anterior knee pain (extensor mechanism pain), a poorly studied complaint in the HIV population. The final diagnosis was malignant fibrohistiocytoma, a rare condition among knee pathologies, successfully treated with endoprosthesis after tumor resection. This article focuses on what the authors learned after treating this patient, particularly on the difficulty in making a correct diagnosis of this group of patients due to lack of adequate epidemiological characterization. By assuming that the pathology was related to long-term infection and treatment of HIV (knee hoffitis), the authors underestimated the gravity of the case, almost compromising the result of treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/b1/JGID-4-212.PMC3543542.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5109268", "abstract": "The fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), namely “Wuweizi” in China, is a well-known herbal medicine and health food. At present, research focused on the extraction of effective chemical component and function identification. Little known about the secondary metabolism gene pathway of chemical composition. Its fruit color usually red, however, the white fruit color variation has been found. It made us interested in exploring which gene change lead to this result. In order to understand the genetic background of S. chinensis, we performed a transcriptome analysis of S. chinensis, including red fruit and skin of ‘Yanhong’ cultivar and white fruit and skin of ‘Jinwuwei’. We obtained 26.4 GB raw data (NCBI accession number: SSR4449123). De novo transcriptome assembly using Trinity revealed 92,415 transcripts and generated 71,443 unigenes. All unigenes were annotated in database. This study provides transcriptome of S. chinensis, which might be useful for comparative transcriptome analyses and understand gene expression of secondary metabolites.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/15/main.PMC5109268.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4684877", "abstract": "Insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) is a configuration of cardiovascular risk factors involved in the development of metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to diet, age, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, genetic factors that impair insulin signaling are centrally involved in the development and exacerbation of IRS. Genetic and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) genes are critically involved in the regulation of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. The generation of NO by the NOS enzymes is known to contribute to vascular homeostasis including insulin-mediated skeletal muscle vasodilation and insulin sensitivity. By contrast, excessive inhibition of NOS enzymes by exogenous or endogenous factors is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous molecule that competitively inhibits all the NOS enzymes and contributes to metabolic perturbations including IR. The concentration of ADMA in plasma and tissue is enzymatically regulated by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), a widely expressed enzyme in the cardiovascular system. In preclinical studies, overexpression of DDAH has been shown to reduce ADMA levels, improve vascular compliance, and increase insulin sensitivity. This review discusses the feasibility of the NOS/DDAH pathway as a novel target to develop vasoprotective insulin sensitizers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/12/PMC4684877.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4506101", "abstract": "Here we report a case of a 76-year-old man with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with simultaneous involvement of the right breast and left testicle. The patient underwent complete resection of the involved testis, followed by immunochemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) and prophylactic radiotherapy to the contralateral testis. Following this multimodal therapy, he achieved a complete response. This is a rare case of DLBCL involving both the breast and the testis in a male patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/35/crt-2013-245.PMC4506101.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1876179", "abstract": "Abstract Our aim was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the breast with SonoVue microbubbles for pre-operative size measurement of invasive breast carcinomas. Seven patients diagnosed with nine invasive breast carcinomas prospectively underwent gray-scale ultrasound and CEUS of the breast according to a standardized protocol. CEUS of the breast was performed by a Philips iU22 scanner equipped with a 4–8 MHz linear array transducer. We used a single dose of 2.4 ml SonoVue as contrast agent. Breast lesion morphology was scored according to the sonographic BI-RADS lexicon criteria and classified accordingly. The greatest tumor dimensions on gray-scale ultrasound and CEUS of the breast were finally compared with the greatest histopathologic tumor sizes. Gray-scale ultrasound underestimated the histopathologic tumor size in 6/9 cases (67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/0f/PMC1876179.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3162870", "abstract": "Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare tumorous form of calcifying odontogenic cyst and only a small number of cases have been described. It is a locally invasive neoplasm that is characterized by ameloblastoma-like epithelial islands, ghost cells and dentinoid. The present report describes a case of a 21-year-old male with a tumor in the posterior region of the mandible, showing features of DGCT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/79/15/JOMFP-13-97.PMC3162870.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5092022", "abstract": "When making an application of any crop protection material such as an herbicide or pesticide, the applicator uses a variety of skills and information to make an application so that the material reaches the target site (i.e., plant). Information critical in this process is the droplet size that a particular spray nozzle, spray pressure, and spray solution combination generates, as droplet size greatly influences product efficacy and how the spray moves through the environment. Researchers and product manufacturers commonly use laser diffraction equipment to measure the spray droplet size in laboratory wind tunnels. The work presented here describes methods used in making spray droplet size measurements with laser diffraction equipment for both ground and aerial application scenarios that can be used to ensure inter- and intra-laboratory precision while minimizing sampling bias associated with laser diffraction systems. Maintaining critical measurement distances and concurrent airflow throughout the testing process is key to this precision. Real time data quality analysis is also critical to preventing excess variation in the data or extraneous inclusion of erroneous data. Some limitations of this method include atypical spray nozzles, spray solutions or application conditions that result in spray streams that do not fully atomize within the measurement distances discussed. Successful adaption of this method can provide a highly efficient method for evaluation of the performance of agrochemical spray application nozzles under a variety of operational settings. Also discussed are potential experimental design considerations that can be included to enhance functionality of the data collected.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/53/jove-115-54533.PMC5092022.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3369471", "abstract": " Introduction. Patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy may undergo delayed completion axillary dissection. Where intraoperative analysis is available, immediate completion axillary dissection can be performed. Alternatively, patients may undergo primary axillary dissection for breast cancer, historically or when preoperative assessment suggests axillary metastases. This study aims to determine if there is a difference in the total number of lymph nodes or the number of metastatic nodes harvested between the 3 possible approaches. Methods. Three consecutive comparable groups of 50 consecutive patients who underwent axillary dissection in each of the above contexts were identified from the Portsmouth Breast Unit Database. Patient demographics, clinicopathological variables, and surgical treatment were recorded. The total pathological nodal count and the number of metastatic nodes were compared between the groups. Results. There were no differences in clinico-pathological features between the three groups for all features studied with the exception of breast surgical procedure (P < 0.001). There were no differences in total nodal harvest (P = 0.822) or in the number of positive nodes harvested (P = 0.157) between the three groups. Conclusion. The three approaches to axillary clearance yield equivalent nodal harvests, suggesting oncological equivalence and robustness of surgical technique.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/46/1c/PMC3369471.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5378966", "abstract": "Objective(s): Childhood cataract is a genetically heterogeneous eye disorder that results in visual impairment. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic mutations of connexin 50 gene among Iranian families suffered from autosomal dominant congenital cataracts (ADCC). Materials and Methods: Families, having at least two members with bilateral familial congenital cataract, were selected for the study. Probands were evaluated by detailed ophthalmologist’s examination, and the pedigree analysis was performed. PCR amplifications were performed corresponding to coding region and intron-exon boundaries of GJA8, a candidate gene responsible for ADCC. PCR products were subjected to bidirectional sequencing, and the co-segregation of identified mutations was examined and finally, the impact of identified mutations on biological functions of GJA8 was predicted by in silico examination. Results: Three different genetic alterations, including c.130G>A (p.V44M), c.301G>T (p.R101L) and c.134G>T (p.W45L) in GJA8 gene were detected among three probands. Two identified mutations, W45L and V44M have been already reported, while the R101L is a novel mutation and its co-segregation was examined. This mutation was exclusively detected in the ADCC and could not be found among the healthy control group. The result of bioinformatic studies of R101L mutation predicted that this amino acid substitution within GJA8 could be a disease-afflicting mutation due to its potential effect on the protein structure and biological function. Conclusion: Our results suggest that mutations of lens connexin genes such as GJA8 gene could be one of the major mechanisms of cataract development, at least in a significant proportion of Iranian patients with ADCC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/8a/IJBMS-20-288.PMC5378966.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2238993", "abstract": "Arabidopsis thaliana Protein Interactome Database (AtPID) is an object database that integrates data from several bioinformatics prediction methods and manually collected information from the literature. It contains data relevant to protein–protein interaction, protein subcellular location, ortholog maps, domain attributes and gene regulation. The predicted protein interaction data were obtained from ortholog interactome, microarray profiles, GO annotation, and conserved domain and genome contexts. This database holds 28 062 protein–protein interaction pairs with 23 396 pairs generated from prediction methods. Among the rest 4666 pairs, 3866 pairs of them involving 1875 proteins were manually curated from the literature and 800 pairs were from enzyme complexes in KEGG. In addition, subcellular location information of 5562 proteins is available. AtPID was built via an intuitive query interface that provides easy access to the important features of proteins. Through the incorporation of both experimental and computational methods, AtPID is a rich source of information for system-level understanding of gene function and biological processes in A. thaliana. Public access to the AtPID database is available at http://atpid.biosino.org/.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/86/gkm844.PMC2238993.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2736995", "abstract": "Multiple myeloma (MM) is a relatively rare haematological malignancy seen in older persons. It has an unknown aetiology and usually occurs incidentally within a family. However, several families have been reported with multiple cases of MM, so that the existence of hereditary MM has been postulated although no causative germline mutations have been detected so far. First-degree relatives of MM patients have been reported to have a relative risk between two and four times higher than normal of developing MM and we presume the risks are higher for relatives in the case of familial MM. Here we report on two families with MM who requested presymptomatic screening of healthy relatives. Although risk estimates for asymptomatic relatives in these types of families are not available, a clinically significant risk of developing MM cannot be excluded. We suggest that, in a research setting, screening for MM could be offered to individuals with more than one first-degree affected relative, or to those with one first-degree and at least one second-degree relative with MM. We propose a screening programme of annual protein electrophoresis of blood and urine, starting at age 40 (or earlier if a family member presented with MM at a younger age).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/3c/PMC2736995.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3184419", "abstract": "The use of image denoising techniques is an important part of many medical imaging applications. One common application is to improve the image quality of low-dose (noisy) computed tomography (CT) data. While 3D image denoising previously has been applied to several volumes independently, there has not been much work done on true 4D image denoising, where the algorithm considers several volumes at the same time. The problem with 4D image denoising, compared to 2D and 3D denoising, is that the computational complexity increases exponentially. In this paper we describe a novel algorithm for true 4D image denoising, based on local adaptive filtering, and how to implement it on the graphics processing unit (GPU). The algorithm was applied to a 4D CT heart dataset of the resolution 512  × 512  × 445  × 20. The result is that the GPU can complete the denoising in about 25 minutes if spatial filtering is used and in about 8 minutes if FFT-based filtering is used. The CPU implementation requires several days of processing time for spatial filtering and about 50 minutes for FFT-based filtering. The short processing time increases the clinical value of true 4D image denoising significantly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/c0/PMC3184419.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3368193", "abstract": "IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently described systemic fibroinflammatory disease associated with elevated circulating levels of IgG4 and manifests a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Although serum IgG4 level has been described to be the most sensitive and specific laboratory test for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD, it is recognized that an elevated serum IgG4 level can be encountered in other diseases. In this study, we sought to identify the frequency of IgG4-RD and other disease associations in patients with elevated serum IgG4 levels seen in clinical practice. Among 3,300 patients who underwent IgG subclass testing over a 2-year period from January 2009 to December 2010, 158 (4.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/76/PMC3368193.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4986112", "abstract": "Diosmin and hesperidin are natural flavonoid glycosides found in various plant materials, mainly in citrus fruits in different concentrations. Diosmin for pharmaceutical use is obtained mainly semi-synthetically from hesperidin. Hesperidin often accompanies diosmin as a natural impurity in different pharmaceutical formulations; therefore, a simple, fast and precise method for the simultaneous assay of diosmin and hesperidin in pharmaceutical formulations has been developed to control their contents. Chromatographic resolution was performed using a column with C-18 packing and the following mobile phase: methanol/water (45:55, v/v) with 0.025", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/38/PMC4986112.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3707218", "abstract": " Background. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and total macular volume (TMV) represent markers of neuroaxonal degeneration within the anterior visual pathway that might correlate with ambulation in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective. This study examined the associations between RNFLT and TMV with ambulatory parameters in MS. Methods. Fifty-eight MS patients underwent a neurological examination for generation of an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score and measurement of RNFLT and TMV using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Participants completed the 6-minute walk (6MW) and the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW). The associations were examined using generalized estimating equation models that accounted for within-patient, inter-eye correlations, and controlled for disease duration, EDSS score, and age. Results. RNFLT was not significantly associated with 6MW (P = 0.99) or T25FW (P = 0.57). TMV was significantly associated with 6MW (P = 0.023) and T25FW (P = 0.005). The coefficients indicated that unit differences in 6MW (100 feet) and T25FW (1 second) were associated with 0.040 and −0.048 unit differences in TMV (mm3), respectively. Conclusion. Integrity of the anterior visual pathway, particularly TMV, might represent a noninvasive measure of neuroaxonal degeneration that is correlated with ambulatory function in MS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/86/e3/PMC3707218.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4598906", "abstract": "Background: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the major cardiovascular diseases that leads to a significant amount of morbidity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Materials and Methods: This was a clinical trial study conducted on 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to the coronary care units of Shohada Hospital in Isfahan in 2013-2014. The participants were randomly assigned to control (n = 25) and study (n = 25) groups. The study group received cardiac rehabilitation in phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 was conducted in a hospital in Isfahan province that had no cardiac rehabilitation center but had minimal cardiac rehabilitation equipments. Phase 2 was conducted at home by follow-up through telephone and referring the patients to the hospital. The control group received usual cardiac rehabilitation. The data were collected via a demographic questionnaire and SF-36 quality of life questionnre before and 1 month after intervention by the researcher. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Results: In the study group, the mean scores in all domains of quality of life increased significantly after intervention (P < 0.05). In the control group, the mean scores of quality of life were not significantly different before and after intervention (P < 0.05). A significant difference was found between the study and control groups in all domains of quality of life except for general health and social function (P < 0.05) in favor of the study group. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that cardiac rehabilitation program could lead to improving the quality of life in the patients with acute coronary syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/fb/IJNMR-20-588.PMC4598906.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4433965", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate three muscle activities of drivers with post-stoke hemiplegia while they were driving using a steering wheel or a spinner knob, and to compare them with those of non-disabled drivers. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were four non-disabled drivers and five drivers with left hemiplegia. The subjects drove forward in a straight line for 5 m and then turned right or left using the steering wheel or spinner knob with only their right hand. EMG electrodes were placed over the anterior deltoid, biceps and triceps brachii on the right-side. [Results] While differences in muscle activation between the spinner knob and the steering wheel in the control group were not significant, those of the experimental group were significant. Activation of the biceps brachii while the control group turned the vehicle to the right using the spinner knob was significantly lower than when using the steering wheel. Activation of the biceps brachii while the experimental group turned the vehicle to the right using the spinner knob was significantly lower than that of the control group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that a spinner knob requires less activation of the main muscle than a steering wheel, especially in drivers who have had a stroke. The results could be used as basic data when driver rehabilitation specialists prescribe the spinner knob for patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/5d/jpts-27-1009.PMC4433965.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4994798", "abstract": "Background Self-management interventions improve different outcome variables in various chronic diseases. Their role in COPD has not been clearly established. We assessed the efficacy of an intervention called the self-management program on the need for hospital care due to disease exacerbation in patients with advanced COPD. Methods Multicenter, randomized study in two hospitals with follow-up of 1 year. All the patients had severe or very severe COPD, and had gone to either an accident and emergency (A   E) department or had been admitted to a hospital at least once in the previous year due to exacerbation of COPD. The intervention consisted of a group education session on the main characteristics of the disease, an individual training session on inhalation techniques, at the start and during the 3rd month, and a written action plan containing instructions for physical activity and treatment for stable phases and exacerbations. We determined the combined number of COPD-related hospitalizations and emergency visits per patient per year. Secondary endpoints were number of patients with visits to A   E and the number of patients hospitalized because of exacerbations, use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, length of hospital stay, and all-cause mortality. Results After 1 year, the rate of COPD exacerbations with visits to A   E or hospitalization had decreased from 1.37 to 0.89 (P=0.04) and the number of exacerbations dropped from 52 to 42 in the group of patients who received the intervention. The numbers of patients hospitalized, at 19 (40.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/11/copd-11-1939.PMC4994798.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2903979", "abstract": "Endothelial dysfunction is regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of vascular disease in obesity-related type 2 diabetes. The imbalance in repair and injury (hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia) results in microvascular changes, including apoptosis of microvascular cells, ultimately leading to diabetes related complications. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which the interplay between endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis may cause (micro)vascular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a1/9d/PMC2903979.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2782167", "abstract": "The neuronal migration disorders, X-linked lissencephaly syndrome (XLIS) and subcortical band heterotopia (SBH), also called \"double cortex\", have been linked to missense, nonsense, aberrant splicing, deletion, and insertion mutations in doublecortin (DCX) in families and sporadic cases. Most DCX mutations identified to date are located in two evolutionarily conserved domains. We performed mutation analysis of DCX in two Korean patients with SBH. The SBH patients had mild to moderate developmental delays, drug-resistant generalized seizures, and diffuse thick SBH upon brain MRI. Sequence analysis of the DCX coding region in Patient 1 revealed a c.386 C>T change in exon 3. The sequence variation results in a serine to leucine amino acid change at position 129 (S129L), which has not been found in other family members of Patient 1 or in a large panel of 120 control X-chromosomes. We report here a novel c.386 C>T mutation of DCX that is responsible for SBH.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/35/78/jkms-20-670.PMC2782167.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3075157", "abstract": "Glomus tumor is an infrequent and in most cases benign mesenchymal neoplasia which affects subcutaneous/submucosal tissue and occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, solid organs (e.g. liver, kidney) and the extremities. Visceral glomus tumor of the stomach generally presents with non-specific epigastric pain, loss of appetite and GI bleeding (melaena), often without haemodynamic instability. Macroscopic appearances on upper GI endoscopy are non-diagnostic. Endosonographic appearances are generally heterogenous and poorly-reflective, hence fail to differentiate glomus tumor from other potential diagnoses. Histological confirmation of the diagnosis is only possible when a fine needle biopsy is inclusive of abnormal tissue. These difficulties in diagnosis mean that in many cases, only immunohistochemical analysis of surgically resected tissue can distinguish glomus tumor from several possible differentials. Therefore, endoscopically-assisted laparoscopic curative wedge-resection of a lesion suspicious for glomus tumor of the upper gastrointestinal tract must be considered first-line in terms of a combined investigative and curative approach.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/a0/crg0002-0001.PMC3075157.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4793786", "abstract": "A 25-year-old male right-hand dominant warehouse operator presented with two hand infections within 12 weeks both requiring surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy. Subsequent testing confirmed Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA). This case highlights the need for prompt multidisciplinary management of hand infections to consider, diagnose and manage atypical infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fd/ac/icrp-2-84.PMC4793786.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4449848", "abstract": "Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important nosocomial pathogens and food chain has been considered as an assumed source for dissemination of VRE to human. Objectives: The presence of VRE isolates from food samples and typing of these isolates with Phene plate, a biochemical fingerprinting method, were investigated. Materials and Methods: Thirty samples of meat, chicken and cheese were analyzed for VRE during 2010. Antibiotic susceptibility tests and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were also examined. VRE isolates were typed with the Phene plate system (PhPlate), a biochemical fingerprinting method. Results: A total of 70 VRE isolates were obtained and identified as Enterococcus faecium by species-specific PCR. All the isolates carried vanA, while none of them harbored vanB. The VRE isolates included 35, 27, and 8 isolates from meat, chicken and cheese, respectively. Typing with the PhPlate revealed a diversity index of 0.78 for E. faecium, containing 10 common and four single types. The results of antibiotic susceptibility and MIC tests showed an increased resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, ampicillin and gentamicin, to which, 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/72/jjm-08-04-15815.PMC4449848.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970943", "abstract": "A 60-year-old man presented with headache, dizziness, and disorientation one day after consumption of isopropanol along with ethanol. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain performed immediately was unremarkable. The patient collapsed within the hospital 30 minutes after the CT scan was done, and remained comatose until death, showing no improvement with symptomatic treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine done 6 days after admission revealed bilaterally symmetrical hyperintensities involving the cerebral and cerebellar cortex and white matter, basal ganglia, thalami, and brainstem on T2-weighted, fluid attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion weighted images; similar hyperintensities were seen involving the swollen and edematous cervical spinal cord and cerebellar tonsillar herniation compressing the proximal cervical cord. Petechial hemorrhages were also noted within the brainstem. These features are compatible with toxic injury to the brain and cervical spinal cord. To our knowledge, the magnetic resonance imaging features of brain and spinal cord injury and cerebellar tonsillar herniation, secondary to isopropanol intoxication have not been reported in the published literature before. Video abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/fd/imcrj-7-057.PMC3970943.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3666598", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this case report was to investigate the effects of massage therapy on the sleep patterns of a woman with narcolepsy. Participant The 23-year-old woman’s primary symptoms included excessive daytime sleepiness and periodic leg movements (PLM), which were associated with her diagnoses of both narcolepsy and cataplexy. Intervention Five 45-minute massage therapy treatments were administered over a five-week period. The patient’s sleep patterns were recorded each week before the treatment. A final measurement was recorded in the sixth week. The sleep patterns were monitored using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, which included ten visual analogue scales. Results The results of this case report included an improvement in getting to sleep by 148", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e3/ca/PMC3666598.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5207608", "abstract": "Genetically-engineered mouse (GEM) models have provided significant contributions to our understanding of cancer biology and developing anticancer therapeutic strategies. The development of GEM models that faithfully recapitulate histopathological and clinical features of human cancers is one of the most pressing needs to successfully conquer cancer. In particular, doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse models allow us to regulate (induce or suppress) the expression of a specific gene of interest within a specific tissue in a temporal manner. Leveraging this mouse model system, we can determine whether the transgene expression is required for tumor maintenance, thereby validating the transgene product as a target for anticancer drug development (target validation study). In addition, there is always a risk of tumor recurrence with cancer therapy. By analyzing recurrent tumors derived from fully regressed tumors after turning off transgene expression in tumor-bearing mice, we can gain an insight into the molecular basis of how tumor cells escape from their dependence on the transgene (tumor recurrence study). Results from such studies will ultimately allow us to predict therapeutic responses in clinical settings and develop new therapeutic strategies against recurrent tumors. The aim of this review is to highlight the significance of doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse models in studying target validation and tumor recurrence.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/a3/jcp-21-243.PMC5207608.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3082122", "abstract": "Laribacter hongkongensis is an emerging pathogen in patients with community-acquired gastroenteritis and traveler's diarrhea. We herein report a case of L. hongkongensis infection in a 24-yr-old male with liver cirrhosis complicated by Wilson's disease. He was admitted to a hospital with only abdominal distension. On day 6 following admission, he complained of abdominal pain and his body temperature reached 38.6℃. The results of peritoneal fluid evaluation revealed a leukocyte count of 1,180/µL (polymorphonuclear leukocyte 74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/ee/jkms-26-679.PMC3082122.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4641218", "abstract": "The purpose of this study was to investigate implant-supported restoration as a technique for restoring missing teeth in patients with aplastic anemia. Recurrent bleeding from wound sites leads to persistent release of iron in the tissue. Excessive iron in tissue is related to clinical findings, including fibrosis, poor wound healing, and high level of angiogenesis, which are possible etiological factors of reduced osseointegration. A 44-year-old female patient with aplastic anemia was treated with multiple endosseous implants throughout the mandible and in the posterior region of the maxilla. After 14 implants were placed, radiological and clinical parameters were assessed during the follow-up period. Marginal bone did not change significantly during the follow-up period. The fine trabecular bone in intimate contact and enclosing the implant fixture was sufficient for successful osseointegration. None of the 14 implants were associated with compilations during the seven-year experimental period. This study suggests that dental implant procedures are a safe and reliable treatment option for restoration of missing dentition in patients with aplastic anemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/a3/jkaoms-41-265.PMC4641218.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3331878", "abstract": "Patients with hematologic malignancies are immunosuppressive and may develop cutaneous or invasive infections as a primary sign of immune suppression. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia M3) is caused by translocation of reciprocal chromosomal rearrangement t(15;17), which produces an oncogenic protein. We herein describe a 71-year-old man having cellulitis with leukocytopenia as a first sign of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Dermatologists and hematologists should keep in mind that patients with a hematologic malignancy, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, can develop cellulitis with leukocytopenia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/74/cde-0004-0047.PMC3331878.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3696905", "abstract": "Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) has shown to be crucial for monitoring in vivo biological processes. So far, only dual bioluminescence imaging using firefly (Fluc) and Renilla or Gaussia (Gluc) luciferase has been achieved due to the lack of availability of other efficiently expressed luciferases using different substrates. Here, we characterized a codon-optimized luciferase from Vargula hilgendorfii (Vluc) as a reporter for mammalian gene expression. We showed that Vluc can be multiplexed with Gluc and Fluc for sequential imaging of three distinct cellular phenomena in the same biological system using vargulin, coelenterazine, and D-luciferin substrates, respectively. We applied this triple imaging system to monitor the effect of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) delivered using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) on brain tumors in mice. Vluc imaging showed efficient sTRAIL gene delivery to the brain, while Fluc imaging revealed a robust antiglioma therapy. Further, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in response to sTRAIL binding to glioma cells death receptors was monitored by Gluc imaging. This work is the first demonstration of trimodal in vivo bioluminescence imaging and will have a broad applicability in many different fields including immunology, oncology, virology, and neuroscience.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/49/mtna201325a.PMC3696905.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3075190", "abstract": "Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) represents biliary papillary tumors mainly growing and is considered to be of relatively low-grade malignancy. Here we report a case of IPNB in whom the poorly differentiated component deeply infiltrated the bile duct wall. A 77-year-old male had an invasive carcinoma of the bile duct 3 cm in size. He underwent right hemihepatectomy with combined resection of the extrahepatic bile duct. Papillary growing tumor was observed in the common bile duct and the right posterior Glisson's pedicle was invaded. Histologic finding showed papillary adenocarcinoma in the surface layer superficially extending to the epithelium of the surrounding bile duct. In the subserosal layer, the tumor represented poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The tumor was diagnosed as invasive bile duct carcinoma arising from IPNB.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/b2/crg0002-0314.PMC3075190.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3881489", "abstract": " [Purpose] Dysfunction of lower extremity muscles is one risk factor of falls for amputee patients. However, the change in muscle activity pattern and balance ability of amputees who have no experience in standing with prosthesis during the period from prosthesis fitting to regaining the ability to walk has never been studied. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to elucidate changes over time in the muscle activity pattern and walking speed from first prosthesis fitting to hospital discharge. We also investigated the differences of muscle activity during standing between younger and elderly amputee patients. [Methods] Electromyography measurements were performed on the gastrocnemius of the intact leg during standing. The test subjects were asked to shift their center of gravity forward. [Results] Two unique patterns of gastrocnemius activities were observed over time. In a younger patient, the amount of muscular activity of the gastrocnemius gradually increased over time. In an elderly patient, however, the amount of muscular activity of gastrocnemius gradually decreased over time. [Conclusion] The time-dependent changes in gastrocnemius muscle activities are indicative postural control ability. Therefore, understanding the time-dependent changes in muscle activities during rehabilitation and the differences of postural control between younger and elderly patients would contribute to the development of effective rehabilitation programs for each patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/a5/jpts-25-1511.PMC3881489.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4283910", "abstract": "Oesophageal leiomyoma is a rare benign tumour of the oesophagus, which does not cause clinical symptoms in more than half of cases. Below we present the case of a symptomless oesophageal tumour. Due to the unequivocal result of imaging examinations and no histopathological diagnosis the patient was qualified for thoracotomy. During the operation the oesophageal tumour was suspected of passing through the hiatus into the abdominal cavity. The specimen revealed a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin without distinct traits of malignancy. The patient was admitted to the Surgical Department, where she was qualified for surgery, which was carried out by a team of surgeons and thoracic surgeons. The encapsulated tumour and oesophagus were resected. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations corres ponded to leiomyoma oesophagi. The lesion was radically resected. The size of the lesion was 22 × 14 × 13 cm. Three months after the surgery no traits of relapse were found.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/58/05/KITP-11-22562.PMC4283910.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3970271", "abstract": "Hemochromatosis is an inherited genetic disorder of iron metabolism which can also occur as a secondary result of iron-overload. It leads to organ damage such as cardiomyopathy, liver cirrhosis, hypogonadism, and diabetes. This paper discusses a case of secondary hemochromatosis associated with repeated transfusions, presenting as asymptomatic hypoparathyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism with multiple organ involvement. The 29-year-old female, who had severe aplastic anemia, received multiple transfusions totaling approximately 1,400 units of red blood cells over 15 years. During her routine laboratory examination, hypocalcemia was detected with decreased intact parathyroid hormone and increased thyroid stimulating hormone. Serum ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity had increased to 27,583.03 ng/mL, 291 µg/dL, and 389 µg/dL, respectively. She had unusually bronze skin and computed tomography revealed iron deposition in the thyroid, liver, and heart. Multiorgan involvement as seen in this case is rare in hemochromatosis associated with secondary transfusions. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first case report in Korea of hypoparathyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism due to iron deposition in the parathyroid and thyroid gland.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/fd/enm-29-91.PMC3970271.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4486620", "abstract": "PURPOSE To explore whether there is matching relation between the length and the tilting angle of terminal implants in the All-on-Four protocol by studying the effects of different implant configurations on stress distributions of implant, bone, and framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four implants were employed to support a full-arch fixed prosthesis and five three-dimensional finite element models were established with CT images, based on the length (S and L) and distal tilt angle (0°, 30° and 45°) of terminal implants for an edentulous mandible, which named: Tilt0-S, Tilt30-S, Tilt30-L, Tilt45-S and Tilt45-L. An oblique 240 N was loaded at second molar. The von Mises Stresses were analyzed. The implants were consecutively named #1 to #4 from the loading point. RESULTS 1) Tilt0-S had the greatest stress on the implants, with the other groups exhibiting variable reductions; the four implants of Tilt45-L demonstrated the greatest reduction in stress. 2) Tilt0-S had the greatest stress at bone around #1 implant neck, and Tilt45-L exhibited the least stress, which was a 36.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/e3/jap-7-240.PMC4486620.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3116104", "abstract": "Background and Objectives To determine the level of knowledge of stroke and heart attack (HA) symptoms and risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rural elderly people who are at risk for CVD. Subjects and Methods A total of 444 adults over the age of 60 living in a rural province of Korea with at least one CVD risk factor participated in this survey. Results A total of 72.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e6/55/kcj-41-259.PMC3116104.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3514425", "abstract": "We encountered an indigenous case of intestinal capillariasis with protein-losing enteropathy in the Republic of Korea. A 37-year-old man, residing in Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, admitted to the Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH) due to long-lasting diarrhea, abdominal pain, anasarca, and weight loss. He recalled that he frequently ate raw fish, especially the common blackish goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) and has never been abroad. Under the suspicion of protein-losing enteropathy, he received various kinds of medical examinations, and was diagnosed as intestinal capillariasis based on characteristic sectional findings of nematode worms in the biopsied small intestine. Adults, juvenile worms, and eggs were also detected in the diarrheic stools collected before and after medication. The clinical symptoms became much better after treatment with albendazole 400 mg daily for 3 days, and all findings were in normal range in laboratory examinations performed after 1 month. The present study is the 6th Korean case of intestinal capillariasis and the 3rd indigenous one in the Republic of Korea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/16/kjp-50-333.PMC3514425.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4283437", "abstract": "The influence of different brewing conditions on the concentration of the main caffeoylquinic acids (3-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA), 4-caffeoylquinic acid (4-CQA), and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA)) was investigated. For this purpose, twenty-four coffee brews were extracted and analyzed using HPLC-DAD at 325 nm. Our findings demonstrate the great impact of brewing techniques on the caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) content. The major isomer was 3-CQA, accounting for about 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/a5/PMC4283437.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3370312", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: The participation of humans in clinical cardiology trials remains essential, but little is known regarding participant perceptions of such studies. We examined the factors that motivated participation in such studies, as well as those that led to participant frustration. METHODS: Patients who had participated in hypertension and coronary arterial disease (phases II, III, and IV) clinical trials were invited to answer a questionnaire. They were divided into two groups: Group I, which included participants in placebo-controlled clinical trials after randomization, and Group II, which included participants in clinical trials in which the tested treatment was compared to another drug after randomization and in which a placebo was used in the washout period. RESULTS: Eighty patients (47 patients in Group I and 33 patients in Group II) with different socio-demographic characteristics were interviewed. Approximately 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/f2/cln-67-06-603.PMC3370312.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4563870", "abstract": "Catel–Manzke syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by Pierre Robin sequence with hyperphalangy and clinodactyly of the index finger. Recently, homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in TGDS have been discovered to cause Catel–Manzke syndrome. Here, we describe a 12-month-old male with molecularly confirmed Catel–Manzke syndrome who presented with Pierre Robin sequence (but without cleft palate) and hyperphalangy, and we compare his phenotype with the seven previously described patients with pathogenic variants in TGDS. Our patient is on the severe end of the phenotypic spectrum, presenting with respiratory complications and failure to thrive. Furthermore, our finding of a homozygous p.Ala100Ser pathogenic variant in our patient supports that it is a common mutation in Catel–Manzke syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/1c/main.PMC4563870.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4676666", "abstract": "Colonic perforation may occur as a complication of diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy. The risk factors for perforation after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) include an inexperienced endoscopist, a large tumor size, and submucosal fibrosis. The mechanisms of perforation include unintended endoscopic resection/dissection and severe thermal injury. Here, we report a case of colon perforation that occurred after ESD with snaring of a laterally spreading tumor. The perforation was completely unexpected because there were no colorectal ESD-associated risk factors for perforation, deep dissection, or severe coagulation injury in our patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/33/ce-48-6-570.PMC4676666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4012363", "abstract": "Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue disorder characterized by autoimmune activation, microvascular endothelium damage, and excessive collagen proliferation. The most affected hand presents claw hand deformity and microvascular disease. Deformed hands can cause functional disability and decrease the quality of life. A daily home program can improve mobility of scleroderma patients. Objective: We sought to determine the effect of a daily home exercise program on hand mobility among scleroderma patients. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized control trial. Twenty-eight participants were divided into two groups, both of which received the same daily home treatment: Group 1 with gloves (n = 14) and Group 2 without gloves (n = 14). The 2-week daily home program combined traditional Thai massage (TTM) with stretching exercises and heat. Hand mobility was assessed using hand mobility in scleroderma (HAMIS). The study was conducted in patients who were already on vasodilator drugs. Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in hand mobility after 2 weeks of daily home exercise program (P < 0.05). Wearing the glove, however, resulted in better thumb mobility. Conclusions: A daily home exercise program improved hand mobility among patients with scleroderma and wearing gloves may improve thumb mobility.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/c9/JAIM-5-50.PMC4012363.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4863798", "abstract": "Abstract Aortocaval fistula (ACF) after rupture of an abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm is a rare emergency situation, which has a high mortality. However, the diagnosis is usually delayed, which increases the difficulties of treatment. We describe a case that successfully delayed use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ACF resulting from rupture of abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm. We describe a special case of a 70-year-old male with an abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm rupturing into inferior vena cava (IVC). On account of his atypical presentation, the diagnosis had been delayed for half a year. Due to severe metabolic sequelaes of the ACF and preexisting conditions, the traditional open repair was too risky. Minimally invasive EVAR was performed with a successful result. There were no endoleak or fistula at the follow-up of 9th month. EVAR is the most suitable method in patients with ACF from rupture of abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm. Further educational programs should be developed, which may give rise to earlier diagnosis and treatment with better outcomes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/25/medi-95-e3570.PMC4863798.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3362991", "abstract": "Long-term therapy with the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin was shown to alter the clinical course of diffuse panbronchiolitis in the late 1980s. Since that time, macrolides have been found to have a large number of anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being antimicrobials. These observations provided the rationale for many studies performed to assess the usefulness of macrolides in other inflammatory diseases including skin and hair disorders, such as rosacea, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, alopecia areata, bullous pemphigoid, and pityriasis lichenoides. This paper summarizes a collection of clinical studies and case reports dealing with the potential benefits of macrolides antibiotics in the treatment of selected dermatoses which have primarily been classified as noninfectious and demonstrating their potential for being disease-modifying agents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/9b/dd/PMC3362991.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4942699", "abstract": "Over the past years, coregistered EEG-fMRI has emerged as a powerful tool for neurocognitive research and correlated studies, mainly because of the possibility of integrating the high temporal resolution of the EEG with the high spatial resolution of fMRI. However, additional work remains to be done in order to improve the quality of the EEG signal recorded simultaneously with fMRI data, in particular regarding the occurrence of the gradient artefact. We devised and presented in this paper a novel approach for gradient artefact correction based upon optimised moving-average filtering (OMA). OMA makes use of the iterative application of a moving-average filter, which allows estimation and cancellation of the gradient artefact by integration. Additionally, OMA is capable of performing the attenuation of the periodic artefact activity without accurate information about MRI triggers. By using our proposed approach, it is possible to achieve a better balance than the slice-average subtraction as performed by the established AAS method, regarding EEG signal preservation together with effective suppression of the gradient artefact. Since the stochastic nature of the EEG signal complicates the assessment of EEG preservation after application of the gradient artefact correction, we also propose a simple and effective method to account for it.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6d/c6/PMC4942699.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3087891", "abstract": "Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of carcinogenesis. Direct genotoxicity induced by cigarette smoke leads to initiation of carcinogenesis. Nongenotoxic (epigenetic) effects of cigarette smoke also act as modulators altering cellular functions. These two effects underlie the mechanisms of tumor promotion and progression. While there is no lack of general reviews on the genotoxic and carcinogenic potentials of cigarette smoke in lung carcinogenesis, updated review on the epigenetic effects and molecular mechanisms of cigarette smoke and carcinogenesis, not limited to lung, is lacking. We are presenting a comprehensive review of recent investigations on cigarette smoke, with special attentions to nicotine, NNK, and PAHs. The current understanding on their molecular mechanisms include (1) receptors, (2) cell cycle regulators, (3) signaling pathways, (4) apoptosis mediators, (5) angiogenic factors, and (6) invasive and metastasis mediators. This review highlighted the complexity biological responses to cigarette smoke components and their involvements in tumorigenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/4a/PMC3087891.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2707545", "abstract": "Introduction Little is known about the relationship between good self-reported health and disability in connection with life- expectancy. Aims and methods To show empirical evidence of the significant statistical association between self-reported health status and disability using Spanish survey data and to discuss implications for measures of life expectancy. Results We model jointly absence of disability and self-reported good-health status correcting for socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender and years of education. More than 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/91/PMC2707545.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4694661", "abstract": "Purpose Paravertebral blocks (PVBs) are a method of limiting postoperative pain for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We began providing ultrasound-guided PVBs for patients undergoing VATS in the spring of 2011, using an out-of-plane approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate this practice change. Methods Following institutional review board approval, we reviewed the charts of 114 patients undergoing VATS by one surgeon at our institution between January 2011 and July 2012. Of the 78 eligible patients, 49 patients received a PVB prior to surgery. We evaluated opioids administered in the perioperative period, pain scores, and side effects from pain medications. Results Patients who received a preoperative PVB required fewer narcotics intraoperatively and during their hospital stay (P=0.001 and 0.011, respectively). Pain scores on initial assessment and in recovery were lower in patients who received a PVB (P=0.005), as were dynamic and resting pain scores at 24 hours after surgery (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). Patients receiving a PVB had fewer episodes of treated nausea both in the postanesthesia care unit (P=0.004) and for the first 24 hours after surgery (P=0.001). These patients also spent less time in recovery (P=0.025) than the patients who did not receive a block. Conclusion The current study suggests improved outcomes in patients who underwent VATS with a preoperative PVB. All variables showed a trend toward improved results in patients who obtained a preoperative PVB.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/1f/lra-8-123.PMC4694661.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3363130", "abstract": "Colorectal cancer is rare in teenagers, especially without known risk factors. Colon cancer in young age is more likely to be diagnosed at advanced-stage, to present unfavorable tumor histology such as mucinous carcinoma, and poor outcome. We report a case of sporadic mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon in a 19-year-old male patient without any risk factors. He complained of severe left abdominal pain that developed 1 month ago. He had a distended abdomen with severe tenderness on the left lower quadrant. A distal descending colon mass causing mechanical obstruction was observed on abdominal computed tomography. Emergency colonoscopy showed a large, fungating mass obstructing the lumen at 40 cm from the anal verge. Biopsy of the colonic mass suggested a mucinous adenocarcinoma. After decompression by colonic stent, the patient was transferred to the general surgery department for left hemicolectomy. The lesion was confirmed to be a mucinous adenocarcinoma (7.0×4.5 cm). For hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer evaluation, immunohistochemical staining for MLH1 and MSH2 was normal. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis did not detect microinstability in any of the markers tested. The patient had no familial history of cancer. Mucinous adenocarcinoma has high frequencies of poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, loss of mismatch repair gene expression, and increased MUC2 expression. A mucinous histology is considerably more frequent in children and adolescent than in adults. Adequate invasive study is also necessary for young age patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/0f/ce-45-103.PMC3363130.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3963306", "abstract": "AIM: The aim of the following study is to compare pregnancy rates between the use of non-temperature and temperature controlled centrifugation on semen preparation technique in intrauterine insemination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted on 671 patients of idiopathic infertility who underwent homologous artificial insemination at Fertility Research Center from the period of January 2007 to September 2012. The couples were randomized into two groups namely, Group A-patients (n = 303) being treated with sperm prepared by using non-temperature controlled centrifuge and Group B-Patients (n = 368) being treated with sperm prepared by temperature (37°C) controlled centrifuge. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The clinical pregnancy rate Group A was 13.86", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9b/8a/JHRS-6-241.PMC3963306.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4712030", "abstract": "For selected patients ventricular assist device explantation is feasible. Freedom from heart transplantation and VAD support for >15 years following VAD removal is possible even if recovery is incomplete and the underlying cause for ventricular assist device implantation was a chronic form of cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography and rightheart catheterization are necessary to assess cardiac recovery. However, to date there is no gold standard for recovery assessment. Certain echocardiography parameters appeared highly predictive for long-term (≥5 years) post-weaning cardiac function and reliable for weaning decisions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/c1/hlv-07-280.PMC4712030.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658598", "abstract": "This study was carried out to verify the possibility that ducks are sources of Newcastle disease (ND) virus infection for chickens in mixed flocks. Immunosuppressed (IS) and non immunosuppressed (NIS) birds, at three different antibody levels (medium, low and absent) were used; the titres having been induced through vaccination, and Immunosuppression done using dexamethazone. Each of the 3 respective groups was further divided into 2 groups of about 12 ducks each: one challenged with velogenic ND virus; the other not challenged. Selected ducks from all groups had their antibody titres monitored serially using hemagglutination inhibition test, while two birds from each of the challenged groups were killed and respective tissues processed for ND viral recovery, using chicken embryo fibroblasts. In general, antibody titres of IS and NIS challenged ducks were significantly higher than their unchallenged counterparts (P < 0.05). Non-challenged pre-immunised ducks had a progressive decrease in antibody levels; non-immunised ducks did not seroconvert. Newcastle disease virus was isolated from livers and kidneys of the challenged ducks throughout the experimental period; indicating a possibility of viral excretion, especially when the birds are stressed. It, therefore, provides another possible model of viral circulation within mixed flocks.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/87/da/PMC3658598.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2636136", "abstract": "The study aimed to gauge ophthalmology resident doctors′ perception of their teaching programs and various methods used in it and to formulate a well structured program for teaching ophthalmology. Closed ended and open-ended questionnaires were used for survey of ophthalmology residents in West Maharashtra, India. Sixty-seven out of 69 residents of seven residency programs completed the questionnaire. On a scale of 0 (most unsatisfactory) to 4 (best), lectures with power point presentation had a median score of 4, didactic lectures 2, seminar 3, case presentation 4, wet lab 3 and journal club 3. There was a discrepancy in the actual number of surgeries performed by the resident doctors and their perception of the number needed to master those surgeries. Phacoemulsification and non-cataract surgery training was neglected in most programs. The residents wanted to be evaluated regularly and taught basic ophthalmic examination, use of equipments and procedures in greater depth.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b9/0e/IndianJOphthalmol-56-409.PMC2636136.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3360186", "abstract": "Background Not much is known regarding avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity. We propose a modified classification scheme that presents the four types of calcaneal avulsion fracture as described by surgical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and evaluation of their specific features. Methods Out of 764 cases of calcaneal fractures, we examined 20 cases (2.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/79/cios-4-134.PMC3360186.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4610342", "abstract": "Background: Management of hyperbilirubinemia remains a challenge for neonatal medicine because of the risk of neurological complications related to the toxicity of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of cord blood alkaline phosphatase level for predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Patients and Methods: Between October and December 2013 a total of 102 healthy term infants born to healthy mothers were studied. Cord blood samples were collected for measurement of alkaline Phosphatase levels immediately after birth. Neonates were followed-up for the emergence of jaundice. Newborns with clinical jaundice were recalled and serum bilirubin levels measured. Appropriate treatment based on serum bilirubin level was performed. Alkaline phosphatase levels between the non-jaundiced and jaundiced treated neonates were compared. Results: The incidence of severe jaundice that required treatment among followed-up neonates was 9.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/69/ijp-25-718.PMC4610342.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4184599", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Acute renal failure (ARF) secondary to severe malaria is uncommon. We report a case of a patient visiting Africa for the first time presenting with malaria and ARF. There was complete recovery after hemodialysis. Early initiation of hemodialysis proves to be useful in restoration of renal function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/97/ccr30002-0082.PMC4184599.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649536", "abstract": "Gastrointestinal metastasis of the breast cancer is rare and its management varies significantly from that of a primary bowel cancer. We report a case of invasive ductal cancer metastasizing to the rectum and masquerading as a rectal primary. A 60 year old caucasian woman presented with fresh rectal bleeding nine years after treatment of her primary breast cancer. The investigations revealed features suggestive of primary rectal malignancy and was managed accordingly. However, the surgical histopathology revealed poorly differentiated metastatic adenocarcinoma and the immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed origin from a breast primary. She had an uneventful post-operative recovery and remains disease free thus far. The continuing advancement in the management of breast cancer patients with resulting increase in the overall survival will lead to such unusual metastatic presentations. Hence, the awareness, identification and differentiation of such rare metastatic presentation are important in order to manage the patients appropriately in the future.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c9/99/PMC3649536.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5400162", "abstract": "Study Design In vitro disk explant culture. Objective Notochordal cells (NCs) have been shown to upregulate matrix production by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in coculture. To examine the translation of these in vitro results to a nativelike setting, the regenerative potential of NCs injected into NP tissue was assessed in this study. Methods NP explants were cultured after injection with NCs in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or with PBS alone (sham). At days 0 and 42, cell viability and morphology, water, DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content, and gene expression of anabolic markers were analyzed. Results NCs remained viable during culture, but their morphology changed. The biochemical content remained unchanged, except for the DNA content in the NC group. Overall ACAN expression remained unchanged, whereas COL2A1 decreased during culture. Conclusions No overall anabolic response was observed when NCs were injected into NP explants. NCs were found to survive but did not display the typical NC morphology by the end of the culture period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/16/48/10.1055_s-0036-1583174.PMC5400162.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3665138", "abstract": "We report F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) “positron emission tomography (PET) super scan” akin to “super scan” of conventional skeletal scintigraphy, in a rare case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney. A twelve year old male patient of metastatic PNET of the kidney was subjected to a “true” whole body F-18 FDG PET scan including lower limbs and skull region as per the institution protocol. The images revealed extensive hypermetabolic areas corresponding to the computed tomography described renal, hepatic, and pancreatic lesions along with intense and non-uniform uptake in the marrows of axial and appendicular skeletal system. Interestingly, low background tracer concentration was observed along with very low F-18 FDG uptake in the brain, skeletal muscles of limb, mediastinum, and bowel. In view of these findings, the scan can be interpreted as “PET super scan” due to its resemblance with the super scan of skeletal scintigraphy. A repeat F-18 FDG PET scan after chemotherapy revealed marked treatment response with disappearance of “super scan”-like pattern, reduction in number, size, metabolic activity of the lesions, and stimulated marrow sans the previously diseased portion. Though uncommon, the reporting physician should be aware of “PET super scan” and its implications as described in this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/5c/IJNM-27-115.PMC3665138.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4194864", "abstract": "The following commentary unites a collection of articles primarily concerned with prescription drug issues in Medicaid. It also features highlights from a piece outlining Australia's pharmaceutical delivery system. Specifically, in this issue, you will find comprehensive analyses of drug expenditure trends, issues regarding access to pharmaceuticals in Medicaid, and an evaluation of ongoing generic drug cost-containment programs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/50/PMC4194864.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5022334", "abstract": "Background: A large proportion of the patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma are young women. Therefore, minimally invasive endoscopic thyroidectomy with central neck dissection (CND) emerged and showed well-accepted results with improved cosmetic outcome, accelerated healing, and comforting the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), compared with conventional open procedure in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Methods: One-hundred patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from March 2014 to January 2015 in Jinan Military General Hospital of People's Liberation Army (PLA) were randomly assigned to robotic group or conventional open approach group (n = 50 in each group). The total operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, numbers of lymph node removed, visual analog scale (VAS), postoperative hospital stay time, complications, and numerical scoring system (NSS, used to assess cosmetic effect) were analyzed. Results: The robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA was successfully performed in robotic group. There were no conversion from the robotic surgeries to open or endoscopic surgery. The subclinical central lymph node metastasis rate was 35", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/5d/CMJ-129-2160.PMC5022334.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5340520", "abstract": "Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Pre-TAVI procedure workup includes computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the heart and aorta from aortic annulus to the iliofemoral arteries. Frequently, there are a number of incidental non-cardiac findings (INCFs) in pre-TAVI CTA. However, the frequency and clinical significance of these INCFs are unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of INCFs and their clinical significance. Methods This was a retrospective review of 67 patients who underwent dedicated pre-TAVI CTA from 2010 till 2015. Non-cardiovascular INCFs were classified according to their clinical significance into three categories. The first category includes findings that may require urgent treatment. The second category includes findings that need further follow-up. The third category includes incidental findings that require no further follow-up or recommendation. Results The total number of patients was 67, and the mean age was 73 ± 8 years. All patients had INCFs and the total number was 248. Of the patients, 69", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/53/cr-08-013.PMC5340520.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4853061", "abstract": "Objective:  To evaluate the use of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) clinically to prepare donor lungs for transplantation.  Methods:  A prospective study involving EVLP for the reconditioning of extended-criteria donor lungs, the criteria for which include aspects such as a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 mmHg. Between February of 2013 and February of 2014, the lungs of five donors were submitted to EVLP for up to 4 h each. During EVLP, respiratory mechanics were continuously evaluated. Once every hour during the procedure, samples of the perfusate were collected and the function of the lungs was evaluated.  Results:  The mean PaO2 of the recovered lungs was 262.9 ± 119.7 mmHg at baseline, compared with 357.0 ± 108.5 mmHg after 3 h of EVLP. The mean oxygenation capacity of the lungs improved slightly over the first 3 h of EVLP-246.1 ± 35.1, 257.9 ± 48.9, and 288.8 ± 120.5 mmHg after 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively-without significant differences among the time points (p = 0.508). The mean static compliance was 63.0 ± 18.7 mmHg, 75.6 ± 25.4 mmHg, and 70.4 ± 28.0 mmHg after 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively, with a significant improvement from hour 1 to hour 2 (p = 0.029) but not from hour 2 to hour 3 (p = 0.059). Pulmonary vascular resistance remained stable during EVLP, with no differences among time points (p = 0.284).  Conclusions:  Although the lungs evaluated remained under physiological conditions, the EVLP protocol did not effectively improve lung function, thus precluding transplantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ac/58/1806-3713-jbpneu-42-02-00095.PMC4853061.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897553", "abstract": " Introduction. ART has improved the survival of HIV-infected patients. However, patients in resource-poor countries have higher mortality rates, particularly the first months after initiating ART. In this study we tried to determine the survival factors in HIV-infected patients treated with HAART in Zewditu Memorial Hospital. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2008 to 2012. All HIV-infected patients above the age of 14 took first line ART. Data were collected, entered, and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS Version 20. Life table was used to estimate mortality after initiation of ART, and Kaplan-Meier was used to compare survival curves. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the predictors of mortality. Results. The incidence of mortality was 3.8/100 person-years. Independent predictors of mortality were WHO clinical stages 3-4 (HR = 2.39 at 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0d/16/PMC4897553.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327600", "abstract": "This study investigated the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and viral types in 33 cases of oral squamous cells carcinoma (OSCC) and compared the immunohistochemical expression of the cell-cycle markers p21 and pRb between cases of the disease with and without HPV. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue and amplified by PCR for the detection of HPV DNA. Viral typing was performed by dot blot hybridization. Immunohistochemistry was performed by the streptavidin-biotin technique. HPV DNA was detected in 11 (33.33", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/70/1678-7757-jaos-16-05-0340.PMC4327600.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3574988", "abstract": "Objective The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of oral chloral hydrate (CH) and promethazine (PZ) for sedation during electroencephalography (EEG) in children. Methods In a parallel single-blinded randomized clinical trial, sixty 1-10 year old children referred to EEG Unit of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital from January 2010 to February 2011 in Yazd, Iran, were evaluated. They were randomized to receive orally 70 mg/kg chloral hydrate or promethazine 1 mg/kg. The primary outcome was efficacy in adequate sedation and successful recording of EEG. Secondary outcome included clinical side effects, time from administration of the drug to adequate sedation, caregiver's satisfaction on a Likert scale, and total stay time in EEG Unit. Findings Twenty four cases with mean age 2.9±1.9 years were evaluated. Adequate sedation (Ramsay sedation score of four) was obtained in 43.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/12/IJPD-23-027.PMC3574988.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4260390", "abstract": "Hyperpigmentation of gingiva becomes more pronounced if it is associated with “gummy smile.” Correction of gummy smile and depigmentation together are key to complete patient satisfaction. An 810 nm (1.5 W, pulsed) GaAlAs diode laser was used to achieve the desired results in a 22-year-old female patient. The 6-month follow-up results showed excellent color and contour of the gingiva. Mere depigmentation without correcting gummy smile may look cosmetically good but esthetically unacceptable. Diode laser was used as it is known to be an excellent tool as compared with other conventional surgical procedures in terms of patient and operator comfort.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/3b/IJDENT-5-222.PMC4260390.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3798114", "abstract": "We establish that the nonlinear dynamics of collisions between particles favors the charging of an insulating, friable, self-replicating granular material that undergoes nucleation, growth, and fission processes; we demonstrate with a minimal dynamical model that secondary nucleation produces a positive feedback in an electrification mechanism that leads to runaway charging. We discuss ice as an example of such a self-replicating granular material: We confirm with laboratory experiments in which we grow ice from the vapor phase in situ within an environmental scanning electron microscope that charging causes fast-growing and easily breakable palmlike structures to form, which when broken off may form secondary nuclei. We propose that thunderstorms, both terrestrial and on other planets, and lightning in the solar nebula are instances of such runaway charging arising from this nonlinear dynamics in self-replicating granular matter.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/db/cf/PMC3798114.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3066709", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tObjective: Stroke is a major health problem, yet no studies on stroke have been reported from Palestine. This one-year, hospital-based study was conducted to determine the prevalence of risk factors and the in-hospital mortality rate in patients with ischemic stroke. Method: All patients admitted to Al-Watani government hospital and diagnosed with ischemic stroke between September 2006 and August 2007 were included in the study. Data were obtained by retrospective review of medical charts. Pearson Chi-square and independent t test were used in the univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality rates among the patients. Statistical testing and graphics were carried out using SPSS 15. Results: We identified 153 ischemic stroke patients (83 females and 70 males) of whom 92 were having a first-ever stroke (FES). Patients had several prevalent modifiable risk factors such as hypertension (HTN) (66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3d/9c/LJM-4-037.PMC3066709.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4623455", "abstract": "Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare, acquired disorder characterized by progressive unilateral facial atrophy of the skin, soft tissue, muscles, and underlying bony structures that may be preceded by cutaneous induration. It is sometimes accompanied by ipsilateral brain lesions and neurological symptoms. Here we present the case of a 10-year-old girl with right-sided PRS and recurrent monoplegic ataxia of the left leg. At 4 years of age, she presented with localized scleroderma over the right parietal region of her scalp; her face gradually became asymmetric as her right cheek atrophied. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemiatrophy of the face and skull base, and T2-weighted images showed increased signal in the right hemipons and hemicerebellar peduncle. Magnetic resonance angiography findings were unremarkable. She was treated with oral prednisolone, and her recurrent gait ataxia diminished within 2 months of the follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second case of PRS presenting with an abnormal involvement of the ipsilateral hemipons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/51/kjped-58-354.PMC4623455.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3889003", "abstract": "Midgut malrotation (MMR) is a congenital anomaly referring to either nonrotation or incomplete rotation of the primitive intestinal loop around the axis of the superior mesenteric artery during fetal development. Adult MMR is rare and majority of MMR in adults remains asymptomatic throughout life. The increasing use of diagnostic imaging for acute abdominal pain will lead to more incidental recognitions of MMR. Up to now, surgical treatment has been guided by the experience from pediatric surgery, and Ladd's procedure has been the treatment of choice in adults with MMR. However, a major dilemma arises when patients are essentially asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed with MMR during another abdominal affection like acute appendicitis. The surgeon has to decide whether it is necessary to also treat the MMR. Here, we report a rare case of a 37-year-old patient with acute left side appendicitis in association with asymptomatic MMR. We discuss whether correction of the asymptomatic malrotation was indicated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/98/JSTCR-5-38.PMC3889003.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4170664", "abstract": "Objectives The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized, three-dimensional, preformed titanium mesh as a barrier membrane for peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration. Materials and Methods Ten patients were recruited for this study. At the time of implant placement, all patients had fenestration or a dehiscence defect around the implant fixture. A mixture of particulate intraoral autologous bone and freeze-dried bone allograft was applied to the defect in a 1 : 1 volume ratio and covered by the preformed titanium mesh. A core biopsy specimen was taken from the regenerated bone four months postoperatively. Patients were followed for 12 months after the definitive prosthesis was placed. Results Satisfactory bone regeneration with limited fibrous tissue was detected beneath the preformed titanium mesh. Histologic findings revealed that newly formed bones were well-incorporated into the allografts and connective tissue. New growth was composed of approximately 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/f6/jkaoms-40-181.PMC4170664.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4007747", "abstract": "This study explored the extent to which nonprescription and prescription drugs misuse among adolescents/young adults are related to their perception that it is safer than illicit drugs, ease of access, and lower societal stigma. Adolescents/young adults (N = 465; M age = 18.57, SD = 0.86) completed an online survey about their nonprescription and prescription drug misuse, other substance use, and correlates of use. Perceived risk, societal stigma, and access to nonprescription and prescription drugs were predictive of misuse. Results support program planners working towards targeting perceived risk and societal stigma in reducing misuse and the need to restrict and monitor access to nonprescription and prescription drugs for adolescents/young adults.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/d1/PMC4007747.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3649445", "abstract": "The antioxidant gallic acid (GA) has been incorporated into cotton (CO) and polyamide (PA) through two different vehicles, that is, liposomes and mixed micelles, and their respective absorption/desorption processes have been studied. Moreover, in vitro percutaneous absorption tests of different cosmetotextiles have been performed to demonstrate antioxidant penetration within the layers of the skin. When GA was embedded into the cosmetotextiles, it always promoted a reservoir effect that was much more marked than that observed for polyamide. Similar penetration was observed in the textiles treated with GA in mixed micelles or liposomes in such compartments of the skin as the stratum corneum, epidermis, and even the dermis. GA was detected in receptor fluid only when CO was treated with MM. This methodology may be useful in verifying how encapsulated substances incorporated into textile materials penetrate human skin. Indeed, such materials can be considered strategic delivery systems that release a given active compound into the skin at specific doses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/6b/PMC3649445.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2709726", "abstract": "MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are often hosted in introns of protein-coding genes. Given that the same transcriptional unit can potentially give rise to both miRNA and mRNA transcripts raises the intriguing question of the level of interaction between these processes. Recent studies from transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, and miRNA-processing perspectives have investigated these relationships and yielded interesting, yet somewhat controversial findings. Here we discuss major studies in the field.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/15/c7/PMC2709726.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5076635", "abstract": "Animal killing for food production and the related operations are events that may induce pain, stress, fear and other forms of suffering to the animals. To face this problem and guarantee the animal welfare, the EU has adopted the Regulation (EC) N. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing. Electrical water bath stunning is one of the methods used in commercial slaughterhouses to protect poultry welfare. In particular, this method induces unconsciousness into the birds due to run of electrical current through the head and body. The aim of the present work was to find an optimal setting of electrical parameters to obtain an effective water bath stunning in a commercial poultry slaughterhouse. Moreover, the influence of the tested electrical parameters on meat quality was evaluated. All the experiments confirmed that high stunning frequencies induce a lower occurrence of lesions on carcasses but, on the other hand, require greater current intensities to be effective. A frequency of 750 Hz and an average current intensity of 200 mA for each bird in the water bath resulted as the best combination of electrical parameters to obtain a proper stunning without any consequence on the meat quality.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/8c/ijfs-2015-3-4576.PMC5076635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2671818", "abstract": "An adolescent with Hurler-Scheie syndrome is reported. This now 15 year-old-young woman was initially diagnosed at age 4. She was assessed for neurocognitive functioning at ages 5, 13, and 15 years. Results show a significant decline in intellectual functioning from the superior range to the average range from age 5 to age 13, and then no change from age 13 to age 15. The relationship between Hurler-Scheie syndrome, premorbid intellectual functioning, and cognitive–behavioral interventions are discussed in light of the longitudinal neurocognitive effects of this disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/03/PMC2671818.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3200302", "abstract": " Purpose. The value of nodal ratios (NRs) as a prognostic variable in breast cancer is continually being demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to use NR in patients with ≥4+ nodes to assess a correlation of NR with regional (lymph node) recurrence. Methods. Inclusion criteria was ≥8 nodes dissected with ≥4+ nodes after breast conservation therapy. Of 1060 patients treated from 1975 to 2003 who had a minimum of 8 nodes dissected, 273 were node+; 56 patients had ≥4+ involved nodes and were the focus of this study. Nodal ratios were calculated for each patient and grouped into 3 categories: high (≥70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d3/ce/PMC3200302.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3253153", "abstract": "It is well known that physical activity can aggravate the intensity of the headache, but the pathophysiological relationship between exertion and aura is still unknown. Anecdotal reports describe episodes of migraine preceded by head trauma and visual symptoms, migraine prodrome symptoms after unusually strenuous running with no subsequent head pain or recurrent attacks of hemiplegic migraine induced only by exertion. We describe the cases of three young men with recurrent episodes of migraine with aura occurring in the locker room shortly after a football match. Since the symptoms could mimic important pathologies in approximately 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/96/df/PMC3253153.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3980211", "abstract": "Ultrastructural studies conducted in situ using conventional transmission electron microscopy have had relatively little impact on defining the structural organization of chromatin. This is due to the fact that in routine transmission electron microscopy, together with the deoxyribonucleoprotein, many different intermingled substances are contrasted, masking the ultrastructure of chromatin. By selective staining of DNA in thin sections, using the Feulgen-like osmium-ammine reaction, these drawbacks have been overcome and worthwhile data have been obtained both on the gross morphology and the ultrastructural-functional organization of chromatin in situ. In the present study these results are reviewed and discussed in light of recent achievements in both interphase nuclear chromatin compartmentalization in interphase nuclei and in the structural organization of chromatin fibers in transcriptionally active and inactive chromatin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/b4/ejh-2014-1-2307.PMC3980211.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4357673", "abstract": "Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a disease with low mortality but high morbidity. The optimum treatment of KS depends upon several factors, including location of lesions, disease progression, severity of symptoms and patient preference. We report the long-term response to the use of intralesional doxorubicin to successfully treat a large cutaneous lesion of KS on a patient refractory to traditional treatments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/9d/cde-0007-0017.PMC4357673.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3703356", "abstract": "Parasecretion of the hematopoietic cytokines is considered as one of the mechanisms account for bone marrow hematopoiesis disorder. In this study, the level of IL-6 secreted by bone marrow stromal cells from a mouse model of aplastic anemia was analyzed. The aplastic anemia mouse model was established with cyclophosphamide in combination with chloramphenicol and 60Coγ radiation. The impairment of bone marrow hematopoiesis induced by irradiation and chemotherapeutic drugs was subsequently characterized by peripheral blood cell count, pathomorphological changes, and apoptosis rate. Furthermore, the in vitro proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and the IL-6 secretion levels of BMSC were analyzed. In our model of aplastic anemia, the number of peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells (BMC) were notably decreased, and the apoptosis rate of BMC increased. Furthermore, the proliferation of BMSC was obviously impeded while the IL-6 secretion levels of BMSC significantly increased. The findings of our study suggested that the IL-6 secretion level may be enhanced to some extent by the induction of aplastic anemia caused by irradiation and chemotherapeutic drugs and that the abnormal level of IL-6 might probably interfere with the stability of the bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/45/PMC3703356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2695163", "abstract": "Obsession with a youthful appearance has become commonplace in modern society and has resulted in an upswing in cosmetic procedures trying to reverse the aging process. We selectively review the literature on aging and cosmetic surgery, with particular regard for the aging face. We pay attention to psychosocial aspects of response to such cosmetic procedures, both in terms of outcome and with respect to risk factors for a poor outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/6a/PMC2695163.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3906791", "abstract": "Backgound: To investigate the differential lens proteomics between diabetic cataract, age-related cataract, and natural subjects. Materials and Methods: Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), mass spectrometry (MS), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed. Total soluble proteins in lenses of type I diabetic cataract, age-related cataract (nondiabetic) patients, and normal control were extracted and subjected to 2-DE. The differential protein spots were recovered, digested with trypsin, and further applied to MALDI-TOF-MS. ELISA analysis was used to determine the levels of differential proteins in lenses of three groups. Results: 2-DE analysis reflected that lens proteins of normal control, diabetic, and age-related cataract subjects were in the section of pH 5-9 and the relative molecular weights were 14-97 kDa, while relative molecular weight of more abundant crystallines was localized at 20-31 kDa. five differential protein spots were detected and identified using MALDI-TOF-MS, including beta-crystallin A3, alpha-crystallin B chain, chain A of crystal structure of truncated human beta-B1-crystallin, beta-crystallin B1, and an interesting unnamed protein product highly similar to alpha-crystallin B chain, respectively. ELISA analysis revealed that lenses of diabetic cataract patients should contain significantly more concentrations of beta-crystallin A3, alpha-crystallin B chain, and beta-crystallin B1 than those of age-related cataract patients and normal control. Conclusion: This study clearly reflected the differential proteins of diabetic cataract, age-related cataract lenses compared with natural subjects, and it is helpful for the further research on the principles and mechanisms of different types of cataract.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/1c/JRMS-18-984.PMC3906791.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3373050", "abstract": "A surveillance system to detect West Nile virus (WNV) was established in Cuba in 2002. WNV infection was confirmed by serologic assays in 4 asymptomatic horses and 3 humans with encephalitis in 2003 and 2004. These results are the first reported evidence of WNV activity in Cuba.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/90/b2/PMC3373050.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC394343", "abstract": "Macrolides, a class of antimicrobials isolated from Streptomycetes more than 50 years ago, are used extensively to treat sinopulmonary infections in humans. In addition, a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence indicates that long-term (years), low (sub-antimicrobial)-dose 14- and 15-membered ring macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin and azithromycin, express immunomodulatory and tissue reparative effects that are distinct from their anti-infective properties. These salutary effects are operative in various lung disorders, including diffuse panbronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, persistent chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, bronchiectasis, asthma and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. The purpose of this overview is to outline the immunomodulatory effects of macrolide antibiotics in patients with asthma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/e9/PMC394343.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2879544", "abstract": " \t\t\t\t\tPorphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola are periodontal pathogens that express virulence factors associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In this paper we tested the hypothesis that P. gingivalis and T. denticola are synergistic in terms of virulence; using a model of mixed microbial infection in rats. Groups of rats were orally infected with either P. gingivalis or T. denticola or mixed microbial infections for 7 and 12 weeks. P. gingivalis genomic DNA was detected more frequently by PCR than T. denticola. Both bacteria induced significantly high IgG, IgG2b, IgG1, IgG2a antibody levels indicating a stimulation of Th1 and Th2 immune response. Radiographic and morphometric measurements demonstrated that rats infected with the mixed infection exhibited significantly more alveolar bone loss than shaminfected control rats. Histology revealed apical migration of junctional epithelium, rete ridge elongation, and crestal alveolar bone resorption; resembling periodontal disease lesion. These results showed that P. gingivalis and T. denticola exhibit no synergistic virulence in a rat model of periodontal disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/94/PMC2879544.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4725419", "abstract": "Introduction The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire is capable of covering different stages of sleep, and it is regarded as one of the best ones available, and checking for its validity and reliability among depressed patients is a step in this direction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires in patients with depression. Methods In this study, 93 depressed patients were in the study group, and 100 patients were in the control group. The Persian translation of the PSQI and ESS questionnaires and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were at the disposal of both validity and reliability of PSQI and ESS, and its correlation with BDI scores were analyzed. Results In our study, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the PSQI questionnaire was 0.821. According to the PSQI and BDI-II scores, the results between the PSQI and ESS scores were significantly correlated. Conclusion Using the Persian PSQI and ESS questionnaires to evaluate sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with depression provides a reliable and valid measure for subjective sleep quality in clinical practice and research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/46/epj-07-1644.PMC4725419.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3676953", "abstract": "Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently identified cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family that is widely expressed throughout the body and has the ability to induce Th2 immune responses. In addition, IL-33 plays a key role in promoting host defenses against parasites through the expansion of a novel population of innate lymphoid cells. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the proinflammatory properties displayed by IL-33 are detrimental in several experimental models of inflammation; in others, however, IL-33 appears to have protective functions. In 2010, four different research groups consistently described the upregulation of IL-33 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Animal models of IBD were subsequently utilized in order to mechanistically determine the precise role of IL-33 in chronic intestinal inflammation, without, however, reaching conclusive evidence demonstrating whether IL-33 is pathogenic or protective. Indeed, data generated from these studies suggest that IL-33 may possess dichotomous functions, enhancing inflammatory responses on one hand and promoting epithelial integrity on the other. This review focuses on the available data regarding IL-33/ST2 in the physiological and inflammatory states of the gut in order to speculate on the possible roles of this novel IL-1 family member in intestinal inflammation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/f9/PMC3676953.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3377416", "abstract": "Eleven patients with drug-resistant pandemic (H1N1) 2009 were identified in South Korea during May 2009–January 2010. Virus isolates from all patients had the H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase gene. One isolate had the I117M mutation. Of the 11 patients, 6 were <59 months of age, and 5 had underlying immunosuppressive conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ee/7d/PMC3377416.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5407327", "abstract": "Introduction To investigate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) accuracy and digital rectal examination (DRE) accuracy in detecting prostate cancer according to body mass index (BMI) in Spanish men with an indication of the first prostate biopsy. Material and methods We reviewed the clinical and histopathological data of 1,319 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy. The patients were categorised according to the BMI as follows: <25 kg/m2 (normal weight); 25–29.9 kg/m2 (overweight); and ≥30 kg/m2 (obese). Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to assess PSA accuracy and DRE accuracy by calculating the area under the curve. Results The obesity rate of the cohort was 14", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/25/75/CEJU-70-00881.PMC5407327.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745621", "abstract": "Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious cause of liver disease affecting millions of people throughout the world. When HBV is acquired during pregnancy, prenatal transmission can occur to the fetus. Therefore, this study is aimed at estimating seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV infection among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic (ANC) of Arba Minch Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 232 pregnant women visiting ANC from February to April, 2015. Data regarding sociodemographic and associated factors were gathered using questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The overall seroprevalence of HBV infection was 4.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/bc/PMC4745621.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5348200", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Propofol is associated with pain during injection, which is stressful to patients. The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic effect of pretreatment with remifentanil and esmolol in minimizing propofol injection pain, compared with placebo. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial, 120 patients, scheduled for elective dental surgery under general anesthesia, were randomized to 1 of the 4 treatment arms (n = 30 each) receiving normal saline, remifentanil 0.35 μg/kg, esmolol 0.5 mg/kg, and 1 mg/kg before administration of propofol. During injection of 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5f/51/medi-96-e6288.PMC5348200.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4827899", "abstract": "Background Over-the-counter cold medicines, which contain amantadine, are widely used in the People’s Republic of China. Clinicians are familiar with the psychosis caused by long-term treatment with amantadine, especially in elderly patients; however, early-onset psychotic complications among healthy young individuals have rarely been reported. Case presentation This article reports the case of a 28-year-old patient who presented with hallucination–delusion syndrome soon after treatment with cold medicine containing amantadine hydrochloride and acetaminophen. The symptoms resolved completely after a 2-week course of paliperidone treatment. Conclusion Clinicians should be sensitive to the acute psychotic complications induced by an interaction between amantadine and acetaminophen.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/38/9b/ndt-12-781.PMC4827899.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3341829", "abstract": "As meniscal preservation particularly in younger active individuals with a symptomatic meniscal tear remains the preferred treatment option, various methods have been suggested to increase healing and success rates after meniscal repair. The recent increase in clinical use of platelet rich plasma has contributed to the increased use of fibrin clot, which virtually has the same healing property. However, despite the relative ease of acquisition and preparation of fibrin clots, delivering it to the desired target area arthroscopically is challenging. Therefore, we report with a pertinent literature review a novel method of planting a fibrin clot to the desired area of meniscal tear arthroscopically using our delivery system to enhance healing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7c/7b/ksrr-23-180.PMC3341829.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4636752", "abstract": "Introduction: A rare condition in newborns called congenital chylothorax (CC) occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates within the pleural cavity. Here is a presentation of a birth traumatic case with bilateral pleural effusion successfully treated by octreotide. Case Presentation: A 3100-g-term male newborn delivered vaginally from a 33-year-old mother was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with respiratory distress signs. Early chest x-ray (CXR) showed bilateral pleural effusion. The thoracentesis pleural fluid had been drained with these characteristics: glucose: 1.9425 mmol/l, protein: 11 g/l, cholesterol: 1.295 mmol/l, and triglycerides: 3.39 mmol/l. Counts of red blood cells and white blood cells were 10,000 and 2500 per Cu/mm, respectively; so, congenital chylothorax was diagnosed and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were initiated. Accumulation of plural fluid was approximately stopped after begging TPN for two weeks. Therefore, we started feeding with a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), but plural effusion was seen once again and we had to restart TPN. We decided to start octreotide subcutaneously (1 μg/kg/day). Finally, the CXR and ultrasound ’did not show any pleural effusion in both sides and the ultrasound done in the third month showed no pleural effusion either. Conclusions: Octreotide therapy as one of the conservative managements for CC can be considered before surgical methods. This treatment method also had some effects on the feeding initiation time and helped us to start feeding sooner. However, more studies like clinical trials are still necessary to investigate all aspects of octreotide treatment to determine the amount of its dose, initiation time, treatment duration, etc.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a3/da/ircmj-17-10-18915.PMC4636752.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4977740", "abstract": "A 64-year-old man was found to have a nodule in his right lung. He also complained of nausea and abdominal pain during the clinical course. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a duodenal ulcer associated with severe stenosis and a suspicion of malignancy. However, three subsequent biopsies revealed no evidence of malignancy. The fourth biopsy showed scattered large eosinophilic cells with an eccentric nucleus, leading to a diagnosis of Russell body duodenitis (RBD). RBD is an extremely rare disease, and little is known about its etiology and clinical course. The pathogenesis of RBD is discussed based on our experience with this case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/6b/ce-2015-131.PMC4977740.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5018275", "abstract": "Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as persistent and carcinogenic organic pollutants. PAHs contamination has been reported in water. Many of relevant regulatory bodies such as EU and EPA have regulated the limit levels for PAHs in drinking water. In this study, 13 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in tap water samples of Tehran and water for injection. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the extraction and determination of PAHs in the samples. Under the optimized conditions, the range of extraction recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of PAHs in water using internal standard (anthracene-d10) were in the range of 71-90", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a2/cb/PMC5018275.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5072152", "abstract": "Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) contains clinically important nontuberculous mycobacteria worldwide and is the second largest medical complex in the Mycobacterium genus after the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. MAC comprises several species that are closely phylogenetically related but diverse regarding their host preference, course of disease, virulence and immune response. In this study we provided immunologic and virulence-related insights into the M. colombiense genome as a model of an opportunistic pathogen in the MAC. By using bioinformatic tools we found that M. colombiense has deletions in the genes involved in p-HBA/PDIM/PGL, PLC, SL-1 and HspX production, and loss of the ESX-1 locus. This information not only sheds light on our understanding the virulence mechanisms used by opportunistic MAC pathogens but also has great potential for the designing of species-specific diagnostic tools.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/9b/main.PMC5072152.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3563437", "abstract": "Surgical coronary bypass has evolved continually, and recent developments favor performing coronary grafts with all-arterial conduits in order to obtain better long-term graft patencies. With bilateral internal mammary artery grafts and both radial arteries, four excellent arterial conduits exist for revascularization of the majority of multivessel disease patients, including those with valve disorders.  Using contemporary surgical techniques, it is possible to obtain greater than 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/18/hsrp-03-227.PMC3563437.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4932156", "abstract": "This study identifies and analyses the occupational risks associated with solid waste management practices in the informal enterprises of Gweru. Many concerns have been raised about the potential harm from waste to the environment and the general public, but the risks and consequent costs of occupational hazards in waste management have received little attention in the rush to adopt or adapt technologies such as composting. A multimethods research design that triangulates qualitative and quantitative research paradigms is employed in this study. The quantitative design involves physical characterisation of solid waste through material component separation and measurements as well as a questionnaire survey that investigates the risks associated with waste management. The qualitative component includes interviews, open-ended questionnaires, and field observations. Occupational risks occur at every stage in the waste management process, from the point where workers handle waste in the enterprises for collection or recycling to the point of ultimate disposal. Key findings from the study revealed that solid waste management practices are dominated by manual handling tasks hence the higher incidents of muscular-skeletal disorders. Other safety and health hazards associated with waste management in the informal enterprises of Gweru include incidents of diarrhoea, viral hepatitis, and higher incidents of obstructive and restrictive disorders. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4b/bf/PMC4932156.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4592910", "abstract": "The purpose of this study was to evaluate posterior corneal surface variation after femtosecond laser-assisted keratomileusis in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism. Patients were evaluated by corneal tomography preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months. We analyzed changes in the posterior corneal curvature, posterior corneal elevation, and anterior chamber depth. Moreover, we explored correlation between corneal ablation depth, residual corneal thickness, percentage of ablated corneal tissue, and preoperative corneal thickness. During follow-up, the posterior corneal surface did not have a significant forward corneal shift: no significant linear relationships emerged between the anterior displacement of the posterior corneal surface and corneal ablation depth, residual corneal thickness, or percentage of ablated corneal tissue. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0d/4c/PMC4592910.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3793554", "abstract": "Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the remineralization potential of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on enamel eroded by cola drinks. Subjects and Methods: A total of 30 healthy subjects were selected from a random sample of 1200 children and divided into two groups of 15 each wherein calcium and phosphorus analyses and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was carried out to investigate the remineralization of enamel surface. A total of 30 non-carious premolar teeth were selected from the human tooth bank (HTB) to prepare the in-situ appliance. Three enamel slabs were prepared from the same. One enamel slab was used to obtain baseline values and the other two were embedded into the upper palatal appliances prepared on the subjects’ maxillary working model. The subjects wore the appliance after which 30 ml cola drink exposure was given. After 15 days, the slabs were removed and subjected to respective analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Means of all the readings of soluble calcium and phosphorous levels at baseline,post cola-drink exposure and post cpp-acp application were subjected to statistical analysis SPSS11.5 version. Comparison within groups and between groups was carried out using ANOVA and F-values at 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/4f/CCD-4-331.PMC3793554.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3323842", "abstract": "Increasingly, spasticity is managed with surgically implanted Intrathecal Baclofen pumps. Intrathecal Baclofen pump revision surgery unrelated to programmable pump end-of-life is not uncommon, requiring special attention during pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. We aimed to identify and describe complications of Intrathecal Baclofen pump as well as to report avoidance and management of complications. Methods and Materials. Through 2002–2006, at the department of neurosurgery, Henry Ford and Oakwood Health Systems, Intrathecal Baclofen pumps were implanted in 44 patients: 24 children versus 20 adults; 30 “primary-implant-patients”; 14 “revision-only patients”. We evaluated reasons for revision surgeries and diagnostic workup requirements. Results. Eight primary-implant-patients required 14 revisions and 7 of revision-only patients needed 13 procedures. Seven patients with slowly increasing baclofen-resistant spasticity had either (i) unsuspected pump-catheter connector defects, (ii) an X-ray-documented pump-catheter connector defect, (iii) X-ray-demonstrated fractured catheter with intrathecal fragment. Implant infections occurred in 4 cases. Scintigraphy revealed occult CSF leakage N=1 and intrinsic pump failure N=1. Conclusion. Intrathecal Baclofen pumps, although very gratifying, have a high, technique-related complication incidence during implant life. Meticulous technique, high clinical suspicion, appropriate workup, and timely surgical management can reduce surgical complications of Intrathecal Baclofen pump implantation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/7a/PMC3323842.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3262567", "abstract": "CXCR4 is a 7-transmembrane G-protein chemokine receptor that allows for migration of hematopoietic cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral lymph nodes. Research has shown CXCR4 to be implicated in the invasion and metastasis of several cancers, including carcinoma of the breast. CXCL12 is the ligand for CXCR4 and is highly expressed in areas common for breast cancer metastasis, including the axillary lymph nodes. Axillary lymph nodes positive for breast carcinoma have been an important component of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent research. The goal of this paper is to analyze the literature that has explained the pathways from CXCR4 expression to breast cancer metastasis of the lymph nodes and the prognostic and/or predictive implications of lymph node metastases in the presence of elevated CXCR4.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/97/bc/PMC3262567.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3655555", "abstract": "Background: The role of physiotherapists in obstetrics and gynecology is pivotal. However, utilization of their capabilities depends on the cooperation of other health professionals in discharging their services to patients, who are the focus of the team. This study was designed to assess the attitude of obstetricians and gynecologists in south-western Nigeria towards involving physiotherapists in the management of patients with obstetric and gynecologic conditions. Methods: This was a descriptive survey of obstetricians and gynecologists from seven hospitals in south-western Nigeria. Sixty-seven participants, including 41 senior registrars and 26 consultants, participated in the study. More consultants (73.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cc/5c/PMC3655555.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3800713", "abstract": "Epiduroscopy is very useful in the treatment of not only low back pain caused by failed back surgery syndrome, epidural scar or herniated disc but also by chronic refractory low back pain which does not respond to interventional conservative treatment including fluoroscopically-directed epidural steroid injections and percutaneous adhesiolysis. Because cauterization using a laser fiber has become recently available, a wider opening is required to enter into the sacral canal in the case of epiduroscopic laser neural decompression (ELND). However, in a few patients, it is difficult to insert a device into the epidural space due to stenosis around the opening, and there is no alternative method. Herein, we report a case where a hiatus rasp specially designed for such patients was used to perform the operation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/1e/kjpain-26-392.PMC3800713.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5125184", "abstract": "Background and Aims: Organophosphate compound poisoning (OPCP) is associated with high incidence of delirium. Melatonin has been tried in the treatment of delirium and has shown a beneficial effect in OPCP. This study was conducted to know the effect of melatonin on duration of delirium and recovery profile in OPCP patients. Methods: Double-blind randomised placebo control trial in which 56 patients of OPCP confirmed by history and syndrome of OPCP with low plasma pseudocholinesterase, aged >18 years and weighing between 50 and 100 kg, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of <20 were studied. Group M (n = 26) received tablet melatonin 3 mg and Group C (n = 30) received placebo tablet at 9 PM, every night throughout the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for ICU, thrice a day. Sedation was provided with injection midazolam, fentanyl and lorazepam. Duration of mechanical ventilation, vital parameters, ICU stay, sedative and atropine requirement, were recorded. Results: The time taken to be delirium free was significantly lower in Group M (6 ± 2.92 days) compared to Group C (9.05 ± 2.75 days) (P = 0.001) and prevalence of delirium was significantly decreased in Group M compared to Group C from day 3 onwards. The requirement of midazolam (Group M - 2.98 ± 4.99 mg/day, Group C - 9.68 ± 9.17 mg/day, P < 0.001) and fentanyl (Group M - 94.09 ± 170.05 μg/day, Group C - 189.33 ± 156.38 μg/day, P = 0.03) decreased significantly in Group M. There was no significant difference in the average atropine consumption (P = 0.27), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.26), ICU stay (P = 0.21) and the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (P = 0.50). Conclusion: Orally given melatonin in organophosphate compound poisoning patients reduces the duration of delirium and the requirement of sedation and analgesia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/e3/IJA-60-814.PMC5125184.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5400460", "abstract": "Abstract Splenic abscess as a complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is rare. There have only been six cases in the literature. In most of these cases, the classic predisposing factors for developing splenic abscess were absent, leading to the hypothesis that transient bacteraemia caused by mucosal disruption during the surgical procedure and splenic ischaemia may play a role. These patients usually present in the late post-operative period with abdominal pain, fever and leucocytosis. The preferred treatment is intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage or splenectomy. We report a case of splenic abscess caused by Streptococcus anginosus that occurred 20 days after LSG in a 45-year-old woman without immunosuppressive conditions. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/c7/rjx072.PMC5400460.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4133032", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Besides its classical role in calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D is considered a potent immunomodulator that can affect the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D correction to a patient with new onset Graves’ disease (GD) with an underlying vitamin D deficiency. METHOD We describe the effect of vitamin D3 on untreated Graves’ disease with vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS A healthy Saudi woman in her 40s sought consultation with a three-month history of palpitation. She denied any history of heat intolerance, weight loss, menstrual irregularity or sweating. She has a history of chronic muscle aches and pains. Physical examination revealed a mild diffusely enlarged and non-tender thyroid gland with no bruit. She had no signs of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. In laboratory examinations, the initial thyroid function test, which was done in an outside hospital, revealed a TSH, 0.01 mIU/L; FT4, 22.5 pmol/L and FT3, 6.5 pmol/L. Vitamin D 25-OH level was done in our hospital and showed a result of 26.0 nmol/L with a TSH, 0.013 mIU/L; FT4, 16.7 pmol/L; and FT3, 3.8 pmol/L. TSH receptor antibody was positive. TC-99 m thyroid scintigraphy demonstrated an enlarged thyroid gland with increased radiotracer trapping and heterogeneous distribution. The patient was given only oral cholecalciferol 4000 IU per day since November 2012 (prescribed by an outside hospital) then from May 2013 onwards she was given 50,000 IU per month. Follow-up laboratory exams revealed improved vitamin D levels as well as TSH and FT4. She eventually improved both clinically and biochemically with a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the onset and/or development of GD and correction of the deficiency may be able to reverse it. However, further prospective clinical studies will be needed to define the role of vitamin D treatment in GD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/00/PMC4133032.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3135260", "abstract": "Osteoporosis-related fractures are a major public health problem and one in two women and one in four men are affected with osteoporosis-related fractures. Alendronate (Fosamax) is one of the first bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis effectively. Recently, however, there is a concern regarding long bone insufficiency fractures related to long-term alendronate therapy. We report a case of bilateral femoral insufficiency fractures likely related to long-term alendronate therapy, the classic symptoms, signs, and treatment of these fractures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/18/60/PMC3135260.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4979298", "abstract": "Background: Although prescription writing is a part of the medical students' curriculum, their prescribing skills are still poor either as a part of their examinations or as they go out as qualified health professionals which may be due to inadequate training. Educational intervention like patient-based teaching in pharmacology offers lifelike preparation and provides more relevance, easier recall, and help in improving prescribing skills. This study aims to determine the role of patient-based teaching in improving the prescribing skill of II year medical students compared to conventional case-based teaching. Materials and Methods: This prospective, comparative study was carried out after giving orientation to prescription writing as per the WHO prescribing guidelines (N = 50). The 25 students in control group were given case-based teaching and 25 students in test group were given patient-based teaching of prescription writing for the same five common clinical conditions. The prescription writing skill (knows how level) was assessed by evaluating the prescriptions written in the prescribed format and scored by a 14-point scoring system. Results: The mean scores obtained by the control (9.6) and test (12.04) groups were compared by unpaired Student’s t-test (P < 0.001). On comparing the individual parameters in the 14-point scoring by Chi-square test, significant difference was found regarding patient and doctor’s particulars, diagnosis, quantity, duration of therapy, and signature between study groups. Student feedback revealed that patient-based teaching enhanced responsibility, focus, and memory. Conclusion: Patient-based approach for prescription writing enables students to develop prescribing skills in a complete and professional way.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b0/2c/IJABMR-6-174.PMC4979298.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3292405", "abstract": "Objective To investigate whether aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium correlates with the presence and severity of endometriosis in patients with infertility and/or dysmenorrhea undergoing laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Patients The study involved 106 patients of reproductive age with symptoms of dysmenorrhea and infertility. Sixteen endometriosis-free asymptomatic patients were used as a control group. Methods Concomitant laparoscopy and hysteroscopy was carried out in all cases. An endometrial biopsy was taken to determine aromatase p450 expression by immunohistochemistry. Endometriosis was staged according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification. Results Endometriosis was diagnosed by laparoscopy in 92/106 symptomatic patients. In this group, aromatase expression was detected in the eutopic endometrium of 66/92 patients with endometriosis (72", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e1/1a/PMC3292405.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4679387", "abstract": "Persistent positivity of HPV-DNA testing is considered a prognostic index of recurrent disease in patients treated for CIN2+. HPV detection, and particularly genotyping, has an adequate high rate of sensitivity and specificity (along with an optimal reproducibility), for accurately predicting treatment failure, allowing for an intensified monitoring activity. Conversely, women with a negative HPV-test 6 months after therapy have a very low risk for residual/recurrent disease, which leads to a more individualized follow-up schedule, allowing for a gradual return to the normal screening scheme. HPV testing should be routinely included (with or without cytology) in post-treatment follow-up of CIN2+ patients for early detection of recurrence and cancer progression. HPV genotyping methods, as a biological indicator of persistent disease, could be more suitable for a predictive role and risk stratification (particularly in the case of HPV 16/18 persistence) than pooled HPV-based testing. However, it is necessary to be aware of the performance of the system, adhering to strict standardization of the process and quality assurance criteria.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/60/PMC4679387.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4421453", "abstract": "Disorders in water metabolism may occur in stroke patients. When hypernatremia arises in this setting, it is usually secondary to the development of central diabetes insipidus or it is the result of neurologic lesions that prevent patients from having free access to water. Much rarer are the cases of post-stroke hypernatremia caused by hypodipsia secondary to lesions of the thirst center. We report the case of a patient with severe hypernatremia, probably secondary to post-hemorrhagic stroke hypodipsia. The hypernatremia seen in this case was corrected by scheduling the patient’s water intake.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/b9/sfr057.PMC4421453.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3265995", "abstract": "Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of early onset dementia (EOD) is more common than it was once presumed. As such, and considering the substantial challenges EOD presents to the patient, caregivers, and health care providers, this study sought to investigate the mechanism of care delivered to these patients. A medical record chart review was conducted for 85 patients attending a memory disorder unit who initially presented to rule out EOD as a working diagnosis. The results suggest that while the majority of these patients received an extensive work-up and were heavily medicated, they remained at home, where they lacked adequate age-related services and could not be placed, despite the crippling caregiver burden. This manuscript is a platform to discuss our current system limitations in the care of these patients with an eye on new opportunities for this challenging group.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1a/81/PMC3265995.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3236006", "abstract": "We report a 52-year-old female with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip accompanied by acetabular dysplasia in whom quality of life (QOL) was improved by Kampo treatment. When she was 42 years old, she developed pain in the left hip joint, and early-stage OA of the hip was diagnosed by hip joint x-ray. Therefore, she took NSAIDs, and received conservative therapies such as diet and muscle training. However, pain in the hip joint increased and her activity of daily life (ADL) decreased at the age of 50, although she continued to receive the conservative therapies. At the age of 52, she consulted our department requesting Japanese Oriental (Kampo) Medicine. Kampo formulae; Keishikaryojutsubuto (12Tab/day: Kuracie Co. Ltd. Japan), and Boiougito (7.5 g/day: Kuracie Co. Ltd. Japan), were administered. Treatment for 3 months resulted in a decrease in the left hip joint pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and improvement of her ADL. One year later, her joint symptoms have not increased, and both the Harris hip score and the clinical evaluation criteria of osteoarthritis of the hip have improved. The course of this disease varies depending on the lifestyle of the patient, and Kampo formulations may offer safe, potent supplemental treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/2a/PMC3236006.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4005149", "abstract": "Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) may alter the biologic activity of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. The objective of our present study was to determine the joint effect of serum 25(OH)D and DBP on the risk of frailty. Five hundred sixteen male participants aged 70 years or older were recruited in Changsha city and its surrounding area in Hunan province of China. Frailty was defined as the presence of at least three of the five following criteria: weakness, low physical activity, slow walking speed, exhaustion, and weight loss. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D and DBP levels. Odds ratios (ORs) for frailty were evaluated across quartiles of 25(OH)D and DBP levels, adjusted age, education, and body mass index. The results showed that participants in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D and the highest quartile of DBP levels, the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D and the lowest quartile of DBP levels, and those in the the lower quartile of 25(OH)D and lowest quartile of DBP levels had significantly higher OR of being frail compared with those in the highest quartile of 25(OH)D and lowest quartile of DBP, with OR of 3.18 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8a/19/PMC4005149.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4977080", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of the study is to evaluate the visual acuity and patient satisfaction at varied distances under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions in patients bilaterally implanted with aspheric diffractive multifocal one-piece intraocular lenses. Methods In this retrospective–prospective study, 16 patients with a mean age of 66.2±9.2 years (range: 50–81 years) who had undergone bilateral phacoemulsification surgery with implantation of a Tecnis multifocal one-piece intraocular lens (ZMB00) were evaluated. Monocular and binocular uncorrected and distance-corrected visual acuities were measured at distance (20 ft), intermediate (70–80 cm), and near (35–40 cm) under photopic (85 cd/m2) and mesopic (3 cd/m2) lighting conditions and were compared using the paired t-test. All patients also completed a subjective questionnaire. Results At a mean follow-up of 9.5±3.9 months, distance, near, and intermediate visual acuity improved significantly from preoperative acuity. Under photopic and mesopic conditions, 93.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/83/opth-10-1471.PMC4977080.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5424666", "abstract": "Myxoid melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma, which is characterized by atypical spindle cells and dense mucin deposition in dermis. This tumor is usually seen in elderly people with a similar progress in other variants of melanoma. A 28-year-old male presented to our outpatient clinic with a 6-month history of a slowly growing asymptomatic pink lesion on his arm. Dermoscopic examination revealed pink-white cristalline structures and blue-grayish ovoid globules. The lesion was totally excised with initial diagnosis of basosquamous carcinoma, amelanotic melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Histopathological examination was consistent with myxoid melanoma. We present this case due to the rarity of myxoid melanoma and occurrence at such a young age.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ce/08/PMC5424666.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3764960", "abstract": "We report a unique case of giant obstructing inflammatory polyposis associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). A 25-year-old Japanese man with an UC history of 2 years and 6 months was referred to our institution because of diarrhea and melena. His computed tomography scan showed marked dilation of the transverse and descending colon; therefore, we performed total colectomy. Macroscopic evaluation of the excised specimen indicated constricting lesions with giant polyposis in the transverse and descending colon. The polyposis consisted of narrow worm- or noodle-like polyps that bridged over the irregular ulcers. Histologic evaluation of the excised specimen indicated transmural inflammation with a thickened proper muscular layer overlaid with inflammatory polyposis. Based on these data, a diagnosis of giant inflammatory polyposis should be considered in patients who have had UC. Although giant inflammatory polyposis is considered benign, surgical treatment may be indicated to avoid serious complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/99/crg-0007-0352.PMC3764960.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3529482", "abstract": "Given the rapidly ageing population, interest is growing in robots to enable older people to remain living at home. We conducted a systematic review and critical evaluation of the scientific literature, from 1990 to the present, on the use of robots in aged care. The key research questions were as follows: (1) what is the range of robotic devices available to enable older people to remain mobile, independent, and safe? and, (2) what is the evidence demonstrating that robotic devices are effective in enabling independent living in community dwelling older people? Following database searches for relevant literature an initial yield of 161 articles was obtained. Titles and abstracts of articles were then reviewed by 2 independent people to determine suitability for inclusion. Forty-two articles met the criteria for question 1. Of these, 4 articles met the criteria for question 2. Results showed that robotics is currently available to assist older healthy people and people with disabilities to remain independent and to monitor their safety and social connectedness. Most studies were conducted in laboratories and hospital clinics. Currently limited evidence demonstrates that robots can be used to enable people to remain living at home, although this is an emerging smart technology that is rapidly evolving.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/86/PMC3529482.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4451297", "abstract": "Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy, triggered by dietary wheat gluten and similar proteins of barley and rye in genetically susceptible individuals. This is a complex disorder involving both environmental and immune-genetic factors. The major genetic risk factor for CD is determined by HLA-DQ genes. Dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune systems can conceivably cause impairment of mucosal barrier function and development of localized or systemic inflammatory and autoimmune processes. Exposure to gluten is the main environmental trigger responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease, but exposure to gluten does not fully explain the manifestation of CD. Thus, both genetic determination and environmental exposure to gluten are necessary for the full manifestation of CD; neither of them is sufficient alone. Epidemiological and clinical data suggest that other environmental factors, including infections, alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition, and early feeding practices, might also play a role in disease development. Thus, this interaction is the condicio sine qua non celiac disease can develop. The breakdown of the interaction among microbiota, innate immunity, and genetic and dietary factors leads to disruption of homeostasis and inflammation; and tissue damage occurs. Focusing attention on this interaction and its breakdown may allow a better understanding of the CD pathogenesis and lead to novel translational avenues for preventing and treating this widespread disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/d2/PMC4451297.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045440", "abstract": "Oxidative stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Intravenous (IV) iron has been shown to increase oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in oxidative stress markers following administration of IV sodium ferric gluconate (SFG) to ESRD patients with and without administration of the antioxidant, α-lipoic acid. This is an open-label, crossover study. 125 mg of IV SFG was administered during control (C) and intervention (I) visits. During the I visit, 600 mg of α-lipoic acid was given orally prior to IV SFG. Blood samples were collected at defined time periods for F2-isoprostane (FIP), lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron indices. We recruited ten African-American ESRD subjects: 50", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/e6/PMC4045440.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4442326", "abstract": "Nanotechnology has been integrated into healthcare system in terms of diagnosis as well as therapy. The massive impact of imaging nanotechnology has a deeper intervention in cardiology i.e. as contrast agents, to target vulnerable plaques with site specificity and in a theranostic approach to treat these plaques, stem cell delivery in necrotic myocardium, etc. Thus cardiovascular nanoimaging is not limited to simple diagnosis but also can help real time tracking during therapy as well as surgery. The present review provides a comprehensive description of the molecular imaging techniques for cardiovascular diseases with the help of nanotechnology and the potential clinical implications of nanotechnology for future applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5d/50/IJMR-141-285.PMC4442326.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3153021", "abstract": "Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics by mutation, transformation, and/or acquisition of new genes which are normally associated with mobile elements (plasmids, transposons, and integrons). Mobile elements are the main driving force in horizontal gene transfer between strains, species, and genera and are responsible for the rapid spread of particular elements throughout a bacterial community and between ecosystems. Today, antibiotic resistant bacteria are widely distributed throughout the world and have even been isolated from environments that are relatively untouched by human civilization. In this review macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins, and tetracycline resistance genes and bacteria will be discussed with an emphasis on the resistance genes which are unique to environmental bacteria which are defined for this review as species and genera that are primarily found outside of humans and animals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/40/47/PMC3153021.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4980907", "abstract": "Hashimoto's encephalopathy is usually underdiagnosed and untreated because of complex neuropsychiatric manifestation. We report a case of an adolescent female with Hashimoto's encephalopathy who responded well to a combination of aspirin and levothyroxine. A 16-year-old girl presented at psychiatric emergency services with a depressive episode, menstrual irregularities, and a 5-month past history of thyroid swelling. On clinical examination, she was in a euthyroid state with insignificant neurological history. However, her previous investigation revealed a hypothyroid state. Her magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrated infarcts in the bilateral gangliocapsular region and left frontal periventricular deep white matter lesion. Ultrasonography of the thyroid and fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed lymphocytic thyroiditis. Anti-thyroid peroxidase (289 IU/ml) antibody titer was elevated (289 IU/mL). Her depressive symptoms responded well to antidepressants, mood stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and levothyroxine. She remained in the euthyroid state and then in the euthymic state for 3 years. Hashimoto's encephalopathy is steroid-responsive encephalopathy. Most researchers have observed a dramatic response to steroids with or without levothyroxine. A clinician may consider aspirin as an alternative to a steroid in long-term management to avoid steroid-related side effects and contraindications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ee/03/IJPsyM-38-357.PMC4980907.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4510799", "abstract": "Background: Severe developmental dysplasia of the hip is a surgical challenge. The purpose of this study is to describe the cementless arthroplasty with a distal femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV developmental hip dysplasia and to report the results of this technique. Materials and Methods: 12 patients (2 male and 10 female) of Crowe type IV developmental hip dysplasia operated between January 2005 and December 2010 were included in the study. All had undergone cementless arthroplasty with a distal femoral shortening osteotomy. Acetabular cup was placed at the level of the anatomical position in all the hips. The clinical outcomes were assessed and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate treatment effects. Results: The mean followup for the 12 hips was 52 months (range 36-82 months). The mean Harris hip score improved from 41 points (range 28-54) preoperatively to 85 points (range 79-92) at the final followup. The mean length of bone removed was 30 mm (range 25-40 mm). All the osteotomies healed in a mean time of 13 weeks (range 10-16 weeks). There were no neurovascular injuries, pulmonary embolism or no infections. Conclusion: Our study suggests that cementless arthroplasty with a distal femoral shortening is a safe and effective procedure for severe developmental dysplasia of the hip.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cd/b4/IJOrtho-49-442.PMC4510799.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4622037", "abstract": "Cardiovascular involvement in cases of Behcet’s disease is a rare but life-threatening condition, and prosthetic valve detachment is a frequent and serious complication attributable to Behcet’s disease following the surgical repair of aortic regurgitation. We report the case of a patient with Behcet’s disease presenting with contained aortic rupture around the aortic root. The patient had previously undergone aortic valve surgery three times due to recurrent prosthetic valve detachment. An emergency operation was performed, consisting of aortic root replacement (ARR) using a composite valved conduit and the replacement of the hemiarch. ARR may be an appropriate surgical option for patients with Behcet’s disease in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/2c/kjtcv-48-364.PMC4622037.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085335", "abstract": "Nonsyndromic hearing loss is a paradigm of genetic heterogeneity with 85 loci and 39 nuclear disease genes reported so far. Mutations of BSND have been shown to cause Bartter syndrome type IV, characterized by significant renal abnormalities and deafness and nonsyndromic nearing loss. We studied a Pakistani consanguineous family. Clinical examinations of affected individuals did not reveal the presence of any associated signs, which are hallmarks of the Bartter syndrome type IV. Linkage analysis identified an area of 18.36 Mb shared by all affected individuals between markers D1S2706 and D1S1596. A maximum two-point LOD score of 2.55 with markers D1S2700 and multipoint LOD score of 3.42 with marker D1S1661 were obtained. BSND mutation, that is, p.I12T, cosegregated in all extant members of our pedigree. BSND mutations can cause nonsyndromic hearing loss, and it is a second report for this mutation. The respected protein, that is, BSND, was first modeled, and then, the identified mutation was further analyzed by using different bioinformatics tools; finally, this protein and its mutant was docked with CLCNKB  and REN, interactions of BSND, respectively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/c6/PMC3085335.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5006341", "abstract": "We report a 2.5-year-old girl who presented with hoarseness of voice since 3 months of age and failure to thrive. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly with a deviation of the trachea and mediastinum to the right side. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed decreased flow across the right pulmonary artery, a small atrial septal defect (ASD) with a right-to-left shunt, and a dilated right atrium and right ventricle with severe tricuspid regurgitation suggestive of severe pulmonary hypertension. A silent large patent ductus arteriosus was also seen. Multiple detector computerized tomography aortogram confirmed the findings of absent right pulmonary artery and hypoplastic right lung with small cystic lesions suggestive of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in the right lower lobe. Hoarseness of voice was due to the left vocal cord palsy probably secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension (Ortner's syndrome).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/68/LI-33-553.PMC5006341.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3327044", "abstract": "Introduction: An automated system for differential white blood cell (WBC) counting based on morphology can make manual differential leukocyte counts faster and less tedious for pathologists and laboratory professionals. We present an automated system for isolation and classification of WBCs in manually prepared, Wright stained, peripheral blood smears from whole slide images (WSI). Methods: A simple, classification scheme using color information and morphology is proposed. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing our proposed method with a hematopathologist's visual classification. The isolation algorithm was applied to 1938 subimages of WBCs, 1804 of them were accurately isolated. Then, as the first step of a two-step classification process, WBCs were broadly classified into cells with segmented nuclei and cells with nonsegmented nuclei. The nucleus shape is one of the key factors in deciding how to classify WBCs. Ambiguities associated with connected nuclear lobes are resolved by detecting maximum curvature points and partitioning them using geometric rules. The second step is to define a set of features using the information from the cytoplasm and nuclear regions to classify WBCs using linear discriminant analysis. This two-step classification approach stratifies normal WBC types accurately from a whole slide image. Results: System evaluation is performed using a 10-fold cross-validation technique. Confusion matrix of the classifier is presented to evaluate the accuracy for each type of WBC detection. Experiments show that the two-step classification implemented achieves a 93.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/fc/JPI-3-13.PMC3327044.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3649775", "abstract": "Prohibitin, which can inhibit oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we investigate the effects of altering prohibitin levels in affected tissues in the interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10KO) mouse model with intestinal fibrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of IL-10 on prohibitin and the role of prohibitin in intestinal fibrosis of murine colitis. After the mice were treated with IL-10, prohibitin expression and localization were evaluated in IL-10KO and wild-type (WT, 129/SvEv) mice. The colon tissue was then investigated and the potential pathogenic molecular mechanisms were further studied. Fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and immunohistochemistry assays revealed a significant upregulation of prohibitin with IL-10 treatment. Furthermore, IL-10 decreases inflammatory cytokines and TGF-β1 in the IL-10KO model of Crohn's disease and demonstrates a promising trend in decreasing tissue fibrosis. In conclusion, we hypothesize that IL-10 treatment is associated with increased prohibitin and would decrease inflammation and fibrosis in an animal model of Crohn's disease. Interestingly, prohibitin may be a potential target for intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a7/81/PMC3649775.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2622758", "abstract": "Multiple local neuronal circuits support different, discrete frequencies of network rhythm in neocortex. Relationships between different frequencies correspond to mechanisms designed to minimise interference, couple activity via stable phase interactions, and control the amplitude of one frequency relative to the phase of another. These mechanisms are proposed to form a framework for spectral information processing. Individual local circuits can also transform their frequency through changes in intrinsic neuronal properties and interactions with other oscillating microcircuits. Here we discuss a frequency transformation in which activity in two co-active local circuits may combine sequentially to generate a third frequency whose period is the concatenation sum of the original two. With such an interaction, the intrinsic periodicity in each component local circuit is preserved – alternate, single periods of each original rhythm form one period of a new frequency – suggesting a robust mechanism for combining information processed on multiple concurrent spatiotemporal scales.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/80/ad/PMC2622758.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3180593", "abstract": "Longitudinal exchange experiments facilitate the quantification of the rates of interconversion between the exchanging species, along with their longitudinal relaxation rates, by analyzing the time-dependence of direct correlation and exchange cross peaks. Here we present a simple and robust alternative to this strategy, which is based on the combination of two complementary experiments, one with and one without resolving exchange cross peaks. We show that by combining the two data sets systematic errors that are caused by differential line-broadening of the exchanging species are avoided and reliable quantification of kinetic and relaxation parameters in the presence of additional conformational exchange on the ms–μs time scale is possible. The strategy is applied to a bistable DNA oligomer that displays different line-broadening in the two exchanging species.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/cf/10858_2011_Article_9547.PMC3180593.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3005948", "abstract": "Gene expression from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones has been demonstrated to facilitate physiologically relevant levels compared to viral and nonviral cDNA vectors. BACs are large enough to transfer intact genes in their native chromosomal setting together with flanking regulatory elements to provide all the signals for correct spatiotemporal gene expression. Until recently, the use of BACs for functional studies has been limited because their large size has inherently presented a major obstacle for introducing modifications using conventional genetic engineering strategies. The development of in vivo homologous recombination strategies based on recombineering in E. coli has helped resolve this problem by enabling facile engineering of high molecular weight BAC DNA without dependence on suitably placed restriction enzymes or cloning steps. These techniques have considerably expanded the possibilities for studying functional genetics using BACs in vitro and in vivo.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/be/PMC3005948.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4354132", "abstract": "A number of studies have confirmed the existence of tissue-type plasminogen activator-independent roles of neuroserpin, a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. In this review article, we aim to clarify this role. These unique roles of neuroserpin are involved in its neuroprotective effect during ischemic brain injury, its regulation of tumorigenesis, and the mediation of emotion and cognition through the inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and fibrinolysin, modification of Th cells, reducing plaque formation, promoting process growth and intracellular adhesion, and altering the expression of cadherin and nuclear factor kappa B.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/34/NRR-7-146.PMC4354132.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4866561", "abstract": "Objective Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for vertebral compression fracture, but may progress gradual vertebral height decrease in spite of vertebroplasty. Gradual vertebral height decrease also may induce aggravation of kyphotic change without severe pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease in the absence of recurrent severe back pain. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 44 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level at the thoracolumbar junction. All patients were taken vertebroplasty. Possible risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease, such as sex, age, bone mineral density, body mass index, level of compression fracture, volume of injected cement, cement leakage into disc space, and air clefts within fractured vertebrae, were analyzed. Results Gradual vertebral height decrease of augmented vertebrae occurred commonly when more than 4 cc of injected cement was used, and when air clefts within fractured vertebrae were seen on admission. In addition, the sagittal Cobb angle more commonly increased during the follow-up period in such cases. Conclusion Injection of more than 4 cc of cement during vertebroplasty and air cleft within fractured vertebrae on admission induced gradual vertebral height decrease in augmented vertebrae. Thus, longer follow-up will be needed in such cases, even when patients do not complain of recurrent severe back pain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/35/kjn-12-18.PMC4866561.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4782619", "abstract": "Phantoms are essentially required to generate boundary data for studying the inverse solver performance in electrical impedance tomography (EIT). A MATLAB-based boundary data simulator (BDS) is developed to generate accurate boundary data using neighbouring current pattern for assessing the EIT inverse solvers. Domain diameter, inhomogeneity number, inhomogeneity geometry (shape, size, and position), background conductivity, and inhomogeneity conductivity are all set as BDS input variables. Different sets of boundary data are generated by changing the input variables of the BDS, and resistivity images are reconstructed using electrical impedance tomography and diffuse optical tomography reconstruction software (EIDORS). Results show that the BDS generates accurate boundary data for different types of single or multiple objects which are efficient enough to reconstruct the resistivity images for assessing the inverse solver. It is noticed that for the BDS with 2048 elements, the boundary data for all inhomogeneities with a diameter larger than 13.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2f/29/PMC4782619.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5300828", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults regularly engaging in synchronized swimming-exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three female synchronized swimmers ranging in age from 49 to 85 years were recruited for the present study. The duration of synchronized swimming experience ranged from 1 to 39 years. The control group consisted of 36 age- and gender-matched community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (age range: 49 to 77 years). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) and compared between the synchronized swimmers and control participants. [Results] No significant differences in mean total MoCA-J scores were observed between the synchronized swimmers and control participants (23.2 ± 3.1 and 22.2 ± 3.6, respectively). Twenty-nine subjects in the control group and 17 in the synchronized swimming group scored below 26 on the MoCA-J, indicative of mild cognitive impairment. Significant differences in delayed recall—but not in visuospatial/executive function, naming, attention, language, abstraction, or orientation—were also observed between the two groups. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that synchronized swimming has beneficial effects on cognitive function, particularly with regard to recent memory.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/08/jpts-29-148.PMC5300828.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2193625", "abstract": "Somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) cause distinct genetic alterations at different regions of immunoglobulin genes in B lymphocytes: point mutations in variable regions and large deletions in S regions, respectively. Yet both depend on activation-induced deaminase (AID), the function of which in the two reactions has been an enigma. Here we report that B cell stimulation which induces CSR but not SHM, leads to AID-dependent accumulation of SHM-like point mutations in the switch μ region, uncoupled with CSR. These findings strongly suggest that AID itself or a single molecule generated by RNA editing function of AID may mediate a common step of SHM and CSR, which is likely to be involved in DNA cleavage.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/ac/012144.PMC2193625.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1750997", "abstract": "Progress in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been slow, perhaps in part due to the heterogeneity in the biology underlying this syndrome. Open lung biopsy is a feasible approach to define various subcategories of underlying histology. In experienced hands, with careful selection of patients and close attention to details of critical care management, including mechanical ventilator settings, the procedure is safe even in patients with severe disease. However, further work is needed to define which patients, if any, experience a beneficial effect on outcome from this procedure. More research is needed on assessing efficacy of potential therapies within histologically defined subgroups. In the future, various biomarkers may be available to non-invasively classify ARDS patients from the standpoint of responsiveness to various therapies, such as gluco-corticoids.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/d4/PMC1750997.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3342731", "abstract": "Tuberculosis of the oral cavity is a rare condition. A 55-year-old labourer was referred as a case of oral cancer for further management. The patient had no systemic symptoms. Biopsy of the lesion revealed caseating granulomatous inflammation. Chest X-ray and sputum revealed evidence of asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis. The purpose of this paper is to sensitize clinicians to consider oral tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with an Non-healing oral cavity ulcer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/62/IJMPO-32-180.PMC3342731.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709734", "abstract": "The study is an investigation of the acceptance and utilisation of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (Fansidar), the drug of choice for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy, and Insecticide-Treated Nets among pregnant women who access different health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Pregnant women (582) attending government primary healthcare antenatal clinics and 50 attending faith clinics purposively selected responded to structured instruments that were analysed using percentages, t-test correlation, and multiple regression. Acceptance and utilisation of RBM tools were higher in government clinics than faith clinics and in rural areas. Pregnant women in government clinics, 60.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d1/df/PMC4709734.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4973596", "abstract": "The transcription factor Sox2 is best known as a pluripotency factor in stem and precursor cells and its expression generally correlates with an undifferentiated state. Proposed modes of action include those as classical transcription factor and pre-patterning factor with influence on histone modifications and chromatin structure. Recently, we provided the first detailed analysis of Sox2 expression and function during development of oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS. Surprisingly, we found evidence for a role of Sox2 as differentiation factor and found it to act through modulation of microRNA levels. Thus, we add new facets to the functional repertoire of Sox2 and throw light on the networking activity of this multitasking developmental regulator.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/6a/kngs-01-01-962391.PMC4973596.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3220148", "abstract": "Hypoplasia is the result of disruption in the process of enamel matrix formation, which in turn causes defect in quality and thickness of enamel. Four cases of Turner's hypoplastic teeth with a previous history of trauma/infection in their primary predecessors at the age of 2-3 years have been reported. These hypoplastic teeth had turned non-vital without any carious insult, cavitation or further trauma. This article thereby stresses the importance of early detection of enamel hypoplasia and proper management at the earliest possible stage to enable an efficient prevention from clinically non-evident microbial invasion in the dentinal tubules and concomitant pulp pathosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/43/CCD-1-251.PMC3220148.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4181278", "abstract": "Introduction Postoperative atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary revascularization has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Aim of present investigation was to evaluate incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and its prognostic role in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery by-pass and disclose possible differences between off-pump and cardiopulmonary assisted revascularization. Methods Prospective cohort study of 229 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery by-pass at a tertiary heart surgery Centre. Off-pump treated patients were significantly older (70.5 vs 64.9 years, p<0.001). No other baseline differences were found. Patients who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation were followed up for an average period of 2 years. Results Post-operative occurred in 56/229 (24.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/f1/hlv-06-171.PMC4181278.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2815965", "abstract": "Investigations of community outbreaks of cyclosporiasis are challenged by case-patients’ poor recall of exposure resulting from lags in detection and the stealthy nature of food vehicles. We combined multiple techniques, including early consultation with food regulators, traceback of suspected items, and grocery store loyalty card records, to identify a single vehicle for a cyclosporiasis outbreak in British Columbia, Canada, in 2007.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/41/9c/PMC2815965.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5088131", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to investigate the postural control and cognitive performance of older adults when stepping backward with and without a concurrent cognitive task. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty young adults and twenty-eight older adults (mean age=21.3 ± 1.2 and 72.2 ± 5.7 years, respectively) were recruited. Participants were asked to step backward and then maintain a single-leg stance for 10 seconds with and without a concurrent auditory response task. The reaction time and error rate while performing the cognitive task were recorded. Postural stability after stepping back was measured in terms of total sway path and total sway area. [Results] The older subjects had significantly longer reaction times and higher error rates in both single- and dual-tasking. When dual-tasking, both groups had significantly longer reaction times than when single-tasking. Only the older adults showed significantly higher error rates. The older adults also had significantly longer total sway paths and larger total sway areas of single-leg stance after stepping back. Neither group showed a significant difference in total sway path and sway area between single- and dual-tasking. [Conclusion] Older adults have poorer cognitive performance and postural stability during both single- and dual-tasking. They tend to prioritize postural control over cognition in dual-tasking.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a4/12/jpts-28-2806.PMC5088131.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3604868", "abstract": "Purpose To report an unusual case of multifocal bacterial keratitis that despite success-ful treatment caused chronic ocular hypertension. Methods A 67-year-old woman with unilateral multifocal keratitis and no previous ocular pathology was admitted to our hospital. Corneal scrapings and conjunctival samples were obtained for culture and the patient received intensive therapy with fortified vancomycin and tobramycin eye drops. Results The cultures demonstrated two strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one resistant to ciprofloxacin and both sensitive to vancomycin. Treatment was effective and gradually discontinued after total cessation of the inflammatory activity. During the follow-up period, the patient developed late and persistent ocular hypertension of unknown etiology, in absence of any detectable inflammation or complication, and received permanent antiglaucoma therapy. Conclusion Differential diagnosis between fungal and bacterial infection is critical in cases of multifocal keratitis. Patients with multifocal bacterial keratitis may need intraocular pressure monitoring, even after complete infection healing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/5d/cop-0004-0023.PMC3604868.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5076646", "abstract": "The aim of the study was to assess the in vitro effect of phenols extracted from oil vegetation water (PEOW) on several food-borne strains. Antibacterial activity of PEOW was based on the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) on microtitre assay. The taxa tested were: Staphylococcus (n. 5), Listeria (n. 4), Escherichia (n. 2), Salmonella (n. 1), Pseudomonas (n. 3), Lactobacillus (n. 2) and Pediococcus (n. 1). S. aureus and L. monocytogens showed the lowest level of resistance to PEOW (MBC=1.5-3 mg/mL). In contrast, the Gram negative strains (e.g. S. Typhimurium and Pseudomonas spp.) were in some cases unaffected by the tested doses and the MBCs ranged between 6 to 12 mg/mL. Starter cultures were dramatically reduced on growth (e.g. Staphylococcus xylosus; 0.75 mg/mL MBC). The thresholds for pathogenic strains could be considered for further applications of PEOW in food models (e.g. shelf life or challenge test studies).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/a8/ijfs-2015-2-4519.PMC5076646.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4641191", "abstract": " Background. Dendritic cell- (DC-) tumor fusion cells stimulate effective in vivo antitumor responses. However, therapeutic approaches are dependent upon the coadministration of exogenous 3rd signals. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms for inadequate 3rd signaling by electrofused DC-tumor cell hybrids. Methods. Murine melanoma cells were fused with DCs derived from C57BL/6 mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine relative changes in Th (T helper) 1 and Th2 cytokine gene expression. In addition, changes in gene expression of fusion cells were determined by microarray. Last, cytokine secretion by fusion cells upon inhibition of signaling pathways was analyzed by ELISA. Results. qPCR analyses revealed that fusion cells exhibited a downregulation of Th1 associated cytokines IL-12 and IL-15 and an upregulation of the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Microarray studies further showed that the expression of chemokines, costimulatory molecules, and matrix-metalloproteinases was deregulated in fusion cells. Lastly, inhibitor studies demonstrate that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway could restore the secretion of bioactive IL-12p70 by fusion cells. Conclusion. Our results suggest that combining fusion cell-based vaccination with administration of inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway may enhance antitumor responses in patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c8/6e/PMC4641191.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5193284", "abstract": "In his article, ‘Homeostatic theory of obesity’, Marks suggested that imbalances in homeostatic processes could explain weight gain and obesity. He proposes that over-consumption of high-caloric, low-nutrient and low satiating foods, combined with a stressful environment, is the origin of weight gain. Once weight gain occurs, individuals may develop body dissatisfaction and negative affect, leading to continued over-consumption, which sets in motion a system of feedback loops that leads to a Circle of Discontent and further weight gain. In this article, we attempt to clarify certain problematic aspects of Marks framework and identify specific directions that researchers should pursue to address these shortcomings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/0a/10.1177_2055102915624512.PMC5193284.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4805141", "abstract": "Propolis is a mixture having hundreds of polyphenols including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). They have been using in several medical conditions/diseases in both in vitro and in vivo experimental setup. Cyclophosphamide (CP) has been used to treat a broad of malignancies including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Ewing’s sarcoma, breast cancer, testicular cancer, etc. It may cause several side effects after treatment. In this mini review, the protective effects of propolis and CAPE were compared each other in terms of effectiveness against CP-induced injuries.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/4c/JIE-5-105.PMC4805141.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4386111", "abstract": "We report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 64-year-old male who presented with symptoms and signs of brain involvement, including seizures and hypopituitarism. The diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy of a lytic skull lesion. The disease affecting the bone showed no sign of progression following a short course of cladribine. Signs of temporal lobe involvement led to an additional biopsy, which showed signs of nonspecific neurodegeneration and which triggered status epilepticus. Lesions noted in the brainstem were typical for the paraneoplastic inflammation reported in this condition. These lesions improved after treatment with cladribine. They remained stable while on treatment with intravenous immune globulin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/6e/crn-0007-0030.PMC4386111.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4946827", "abstract": "Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects, with an incidence of nine out of every 1,000 live births. The mortality of infants with CHD has decreased over the past 3 decades, but significant morbidity and mortality continue to occur if not diagnosed shortly after birth. Pulse oximetry was recommended as a screening tool to detect critical CHD in 2011 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association. Pulse oximetry is a tool to measure oxygen saturation, and based on the presence of hypoxemia, many cardiac lesions are detected. Due to its ease of application to the patient, providing results in a timely manner and without the need for calibrating the sensor probe, pulse oximetry offers many advantages as a screening tool. However, pulse oximetry has also important limitations of which physicians should be aware to be able to assess the significance of the pulse oximetry measurement for a given patient. This review aims to highlight the benefits and shortcomings of pulse oximetry within the context of screening for critical CHD and suggests future avenues to cover existing gaps in current practices.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/89/mder-9-199.PMC4946827.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4446399", "abstract": "In the last decade we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the proportion and absolute number of bacterial pathogens resistant to multiple antibacterial agents. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are currently considered as an emergent global disease and a major public health problem. The B-Debate meeting brought together renowned experts representing the main stakeholders (i.e. policy makers, public health authorities, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies and the scientific community at large) to review the global threat of antibiotic resistance and come up with a coordinated set of strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance in a multifaceted approach. We summarize the views of the B-Debate participants regarding the current situation of antimicrobial resistance in animals and the food chain, within the community and the healthcare setting as well as the role of the environment and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, providing expert recommendations to tackle the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/77/main.PMC4446399.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4324917", "abstract": " Background. Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices of people with filarial Lymphoedema in Nepal. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative methods in three endemic districts. Twenty-three patients with current Lymphoedema were recruited in the study. Results. Hydrocele was found to be a well-known condition and a major health problem in the studied communities. People with Lymphoedema primarily sought health care from traditional healers, whereas sometimes home-based care was their first treatment. Later Ayurvedic and allopathic hospital-based care were sought. Respondents reported various psychological problems such as difficulty in engaging in sexual intercourse, anxiety, worry and stress, depression, low self-esteem, feeling weak, fear of being abandoned, and fear of transmitting disease to the children. Standard foot care practices except washing were largely absent.  Conclusions. Lymphoedema in the limbs and hydrocele were found to be major health problems. The traditional health care providers were the first contact of care for the majority of respondents. Only a few patients had been practicing standard foot care practices.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/53/8a/PMC4324917.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4870362", "abstract": " Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyse by means of FEA the influence of 5 custom RAI designs on stress distribution of peri-implant bone and to evaluate the impact on microdisplacement for a specific patient case. Materials and Methods. A 3D surface model of a RAI for the upper right canine was constructed from the cone beam computed tomography data of one patient. Subsequently, five (targeted) press-fit design modification FE models with five congruent bone models were designed: “Standard,” “Prism,” “Fins,” “Plug,” and “Bulbs,” respectively. Preprocessor software was applied to mesh the models. Two loads were applied: an oblique force (300 N) and a vertical force (150 N). Analysis was performed to evaluate stress distributions and deformed contact separation at the peri-implant region. Results. The lowest von Mises stress levels were numerically observed for the Plug design. The lowest levels of contact separation were measured in the Fins model followed by the Bulbs design. Conclusions. Within the limitations of the applied methodology, adding targeted press-fit geometry to the RAI standard design will have a positive effect on stress distribution, lower concentration of bone stress, and will provide a better primary stability for this patient specific case.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/39/PMC4870362.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5149430", "abstract": "Objective: to compare neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with NSCLC (Non- Small- Cell Lung Cancer): with and without metastases at the time of diagnosis to find out if there is the importance of these cell ratios in the assessment of severity NSCLC. Material and Methods: this is the retrospective analysis of NRL and PRL in patients with NSCLC at the time of the diagnosis of disease before any anti tumor treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery). 57 of patients with NSCLC treated in the first three months of 2016. year were chosen at random regardless of sex and age. We examined full blood count cells (FBC), calculated NLR and PLR in every patient and compared obtained values in patients with and patients without metastases. Results: In 57 patients with NSCLC there were 15 males with metastases, 28 without metastases, and 8 females with metastases, 6 without metastases. Since there was no regularity in the distribution of obtained values of NLR and PLR we made the Mann-Whitney U test. Mean values are presented with a median and interquartile percentiles. There was no significant difference in NLR between patients without and with metastases (p = 0.614; p = NS) as well as in PLR (p=0,068; p=NS). Conclusion: There must be a link between the immune status of the organism and lung cancer development. Immune cells have become of interest in recent years and much work has been done to study their role in the genesis of cancer but it did not give satisfactory results. Further clinical studies on large number of patients and further laboratory examination of the role of immune cells in cancer development and suppression are required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/40/21/MSM-28-378.PMC5149430.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3350862", "abstract": "Human disease animal models are absolutely invaluable tools for our understanding of mechanisms involved in both physiological and pathological processes. By studying various genetic abnormalities in these organisms we can get a better insight into potential candidate genes responsible for human disease development. To this point a mouse represents one of the most used and convenient species for human disease modeling. Hundreds if not thousands of inbred, congenic, and transgenic mouse models have been created and are now extensively utilized in the research labs worldwide. Importantly, pluripotent stem cells play a significant role in developing new genetically engineered mice with the desired human disease-like phenotype. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells which represent reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells represent a significant advancement in research armament. The novel application of microRNA manipulation both in the generation of iPS cells and subsequent lineage-directed differentiation is discussed. Potential applications of induced pluripotent stem cell—a relatively new type of pluripotent stem cells—for human disease modeling by employing human iPS cells derived from normal and diseased somatic cells and iPS cells derived from mouse models of human disease may lead to uncovering of disease mechanisms and novel therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/ca/PMC3350862.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2887150", "abstract": "In the previous issue of Critical Care, Meybohm and colleagues provide evidence to support hypothermia as a kind of therapeutic option for patients suffering cardiac arrest. Although anesthetics had been used to induce hypothermia, sevoflurane post-conditioning fails to confer additional anti-inflammatory effects after cardiac arrest. Further research in this area is warranted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/30/27/PMC2887150.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4290200", "abstract": "Intravitreal application of Ozurdex® (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) which is a biodegradable, sustained-release dexamethasone implant has been reported to be effective in the treatment of macular edema. Migration of such implant into the anterior chamber has been recently described in cases without perfect zonular or the posterior capsular integrity. Herein, we report the first case with anterior migration of Ozurdex® implant that mislocated just behind the intraocular lens (IOL) in an intact capsular bag. It is thought that such implant migrated anteriorly towards into the posterior chamber through weak zonules as the present case had a medical history of uneventful phacoemulsification surgery with the implantation of posterior chamber IOL. However, the migrated implant was well tolerated since there was no sign of the corneal complication, rise in intraocular pressure, and anterior chamber reaction. Close follow-up was scheduled to find out any signs of anterior segment pathology. Meanwhile dexamethasone implant completely degraded at the 4th month of postoperative follow-up.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/bd/IJO-62-1086.PMC4290200.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5445198", "abstract": "Eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis is a disorder characterized by infiltration of the Auerbach myenteric plexus by eosinophils. As a cause of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis has been rarely reported and the majority of the reported cases in the literature were children. We experienced a case of eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis associated with CIPO in a 53-year-old female patient. Histologic examination of the resected descending colon showed moderate eosinophilic infiltrates with hypogangliosis in the myenteric plexus. Immunohistochemical study revealed increased number of CD4-positive lymphocytes and stronger but scantier glial fibillary acid protein expression in the inflamed myenteric plexus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/80/jptm-2016-09-07.PMC5445198.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2732439", "abstract": "Countywide antibiotic resistance patterns may provide additional information from that obtained from national sampling or individual hospitals. We reviewed susceptibility patterns of selected bacterial strains isolated from blood in San Francisco County from January 1996 to March 1999. We found substantial hospital-to-hospital variability in proportional resistance to antibiotics in multiple organisms. This variability was not correlated with hospital indices such as number of intensive care unit or total beds, annual admissions, or average length of stay. We also found a significant increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and proportional resistance to multiple antipseudomonal antibiotics. We describe the utility, difficulties, and limitations of countywide surveillance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/0e/PMC2732439.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2481455", "abstract": "The philosophy behind medical emergency teams (METs) or rapid response teams leaving the intensive care unit (ICU) to evaluate and treat patients who are at risk on the wards and to prevent or rationalise admission to the ICU is by now well established in many health care systems. In a previous issue of Critical Care, Jones and colleagues report their analysis of the impact on outcomes of METs in hospitals in Australasia and link this to reports appearing in the world literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/8a/PMC2481455.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3439992", "abstract": "Bronchial asthma is a chronic disorder accompanied by phenotypic transitions of bronchial epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) derived from patients with diagnosed asthma display predestination towards TGF-β-induced phenotypic switches. Since the interference between TGF-β and GSK-3β signaling contributes to pathophysiology of chronic lung diseases, we investigated the effect of lithium, a nonspecific GSK-3β inhibitor, on TGF-β 1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) in HBF and found that the inhibition of GSK-3β attenuates TGF-β 1-induced FMT in HBF populations derived from asthmatic but not healthy donors. Cytoplasmically sequestrated β-catenin, abundant in TGF-β 1/LiCl-stimulated asthmatic HBFs, most likely interacts with and inhibits the nuclear accumulation and signal transduction of Smad proteins. These data indicate that the specific cellular context determines FMT-related responses of HBFs to factors interfering with the TGF-β signaling pathway. They may also provide a mechanistic explanation for epidemiological data revealing coincidental remission of asthmatic syndromes and their recurrence upon the discontinuation of lithium therapy in certain psychiatric diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/71/e9/PMC3439992.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4309512", "abstract": "Objectives This 1-year prospective study evaluated the implant success rate and marginal bone response of non-submerged implants with platform and non-platform switching abutments in posterior healed sites. Material and methods Nineteen patients (9 male, 10 female) with posterior partially edentulous spaces, between the ages of 23 and 76 (mean = 55.4 years), were included in this study. A total of 30 implants (15 implants restored with platform switching [PS] abutments [control] and 15 implants restored with non-platform switching [NPS] abutments [test]) were assigned between two groups using a randomization procedure. The definitive abutments with conical connections were placed at the time of surgery, and the definitive restorations were placed at 3 months. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically using standardized radiographs at time of implant placement (0), 3, 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Data were analyzed using Friedman test with post hoc pairwise comparisons, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Pearson's chi-square test at the significance level of α = 0.05. Results At 12 months, all 30 implants remained osseointegrated corresponding to a 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/03/e4/clr0026-0220.PMC4309512.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3484830", "abstract": "Objective: Depth of cure of composite material is restricted and it depends on many parameters such as thickness. The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the depth of cure of two light-cured core build-up composites (Quixfil and Photocore) in different thicknesses, when cured for 60 seconds. Materials and Methods: The Vickers microhardness measurements were made for each side of the top irradiated surfaces of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8-mm-thick cylindrical blocks of two core build-up light-cured composites (Quixfil and Photocore) and a micro hybrid composite (Z250) as the control group. For each thickness a bottom to top Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) ratio was determined and a value of at least 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/bb/jod-9-255.PMC3484830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3982480", "abstract": "The level of TNF receptors on various cells of immune system and its association with the gene polymorphism were investigated. Determining the levels of membrane-bound TNFα receptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed by flow cytometry using BD QuantiBRITE calibration particles. Soluble TNFα receptor (sTNFRs) levels were determined by ELISA and genotyping was determined by PCR-RFLP. Homozygous TT individuals at SNP −609G/T TNFRI (rs4149570) showed lower levels of sTNFRI compared to GG genotype carriers. Homozygous carriers of CC genotype at SNP −1207G/C TNFRI (rs4149569) had lower expression densities of membrane-bound TNFRI on intact CD14+ monocytes compared to individuals with the GC genotype. The frequency differences in the CD3+ and CD19+ cells expressing TNFRII in relation to SNP −1709A/T TNFRII (rs652625) in healthy individuals were also determined. The genotype CC in SNP −3609C/T TNFRII (rs590368) was associated with a lower percentage of CD14+ cells expressing TNFRII compared to individuals with the CT genotype. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had no significant changes in the frequencies of genotypes. Reduced frequency was identified for the combination TNFRI −609GT + TNFRII −3609CC only. The polymorphisms in genes represent one of cell type-specific mechanisms affecting the expression levels of membrane-bound TNFα receptors and TNFα-mediated signaling.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/77/b8/PMC3982480.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3303873", "abstract": "The incidence and mortality of breast cancer have been recently influenced by several new therapeutic strategies. In particular our knowledge on cancer precursors, risk biomarkers, and genetics has considerably increased, and prevention strategies are being successfully explored. Since their discovery, retinoids, the natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have been known to play a crucial role in cell and tissue differentiation and their ability to inhibit carcinogenesis has made them the ideal chemopreventive agents studied in several preclinical and clinical trials. Fenretinide (4-HPR) is the most studied retinoid in breast cancer chemoprevention clinical trials due to its selective accumulation in breast tissue and its favorable toxicological profile. This agent showed a significative reduction of the incidence of second breast tumors in premenopausal women confirmed after 15-year followups. Considering Fenretinide protective action, a similar trend on ovarian cancer, this drug warrants reevaluations as a preventive agent for high-risk young women, such as BRCA-1 and 2 mutation carriers or with a high familial risk. This favorable effect therefore provides a strong rationale for a primary prevention trial in these unaffected cohort of women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/c3/PMC3303873.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5011577", "abstract": "[Purpose] To prospectively assess the effectiveness of neutral wrist nocturnal splinting in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by using clinical scores and nerve conduction studies (NCS). [Subjects and Methods] Forty-one patients enrolled in the study were clinically evaluated by a symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS), and were electrophysiologically evaluated by conventional NCS; distal motor latency (DML), sensory conduction velocity (SCV), and difference in sensory latency between the median and ulnar nerves (ΔDSL) were measured. Subjects were treated with wrist splinting. Patients who showed no improvement in symptoms were treated with other conservative treatments, the remaining patients continued to wear splints. SSS, FSS, and NCS were evaluated after splinting as well. [Results] The follow-up was completed in 20 patients (31 wrists) with splinting. SSS and FSS decreased, the DML shortened and ΔDSL decreased significantly after splinting for 3.03 ± 1.16 months. There were significant correlations between SSS and DML, SCV of wrist digit 2, and SCV of wrist digit 4. No correlations were found between SSS and ΔDSL, and FSS and the parameters of NCS. [Conclusion] Neutral wrist nocturnal splinting is effective in at least short term for CTS patients. There is a weak correlation between clinical scores and NCS, which suggests that both approaches should be used to effectively assess the therapeutic effect of CTS treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/95/jpts-28-2274.PMC5011577.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3973471", "abstract": "Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate in situ the occurrence of corrosion in the soldering point areas between the wire, silver brazing and band in Haas expanders.  Material and Methods Thirty-four 7-12-year-old patients who needed maxillary expansion with a Haas expander were randomly assigned to two groups of 17 individuals each, according to the oral hygiene protocol adopted during the orthodontic treatment: Group I (control), toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice and Group II (experimental), toothbrushing with the same dentifrice plus 0.12", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f2/06/jaos-19-06-0662.PMC3973471.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3519024", "abstract": "Kartagener's syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic ciliary disorder comprising the triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis. The basic problem lies in the defective movement of cilia, leading to recurrent chest infections, ear/nose/throat symptoms, and infertility. We hereby report three unusual cases of this rare entity – an infertile male with azoospermia in whom Bochdalek's diaphragmatic hernia coexisted, another case of an infertile female, and a third of an infertile male with oligospermia. The need for a high index of suspicion to make an early diagnosis cannot be overemphasized in such patients so that wherever possible, options for timely treatment of infertility may be offered and unnecessary evaluation of symptoms is avoided.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/c1/LI-29-366.PMC3519024.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4101542", "abstract": "Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from adult dental pulp are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells that can be directed to differentiate into osteogenic/odontogenic cells and also trans-differentiate into neuronal cells. The utility of DPSC has been explored in odontogenic differentiation for tooth regeneration. Alcohol abuse appears to lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay and mouth sores that are potentially precancerous. Persons who abuse alcohol are at high risk of having seriously deteriorated teeth, gums and compromised oral health in general. It is currently unknown if alcohol exposure has any impact on adult stem cell maintenance, stem cell fate determination and plasticity, and stem cell niche environment. Here we provide detailed experimental methods, analysis and information associated with our data deposited into Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) under GSE57255. Our data provide transcriptomic changes that are occurring by EtOH treatment of DPSCs at 24-hour and 48-hour time point.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/2b/main.PMC4101542.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2946610", "abstract": "Work has shown that stem cell transplantation can rescue or replace neurons in models of retinal degenerative disease. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) modified to overexpress neurotrophic factors are one means of providing sustained delivery of therapeutic gene products in vivo. To develop a nonrodent animal model of this therapeutic strategy, we previously derived NPCs from the fetal cat brain (cNPCs). Here we use bicistronic feline lentiviral vectors to transduce cNPCs with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) together with a GFP reporter gene. Transduction efficacy is assessed, together with transgene expression level and stability during induction of cellular differentiation, together with the influence of GDNF transduction on growth and gene expression profile. We show that GDNF overexpressing cNPCs expand in vitro, coexpress GFP, and secrete high levels of GDNF protein—before and after differentiation—all qualities advantageous for use as a cell-based approach in feline models of neural degenerative disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/99/3f/PMC2946610.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4439441", "abstract": "Magnesium fulfils important roles in multiple physiological processes. Accordingly, a tight regulation of magnesium homeostasis is essential. Dysregulated magnesium serum levels, in particular hypomagnesaemia, are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and have been associated with poor clinical outcomes. In cell culture studies as well as in clinical situations magnesium levels were associated with vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease and altered bone-mineral metabolism. Magnesium has also been linked to diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, fatigue and depression, all of which are common in CKD. The present review summarizes and discusses the latest clinical data on the impact of magnesium and possible effects of higher levels on the health status of patients with CKD, including an outlook on the use of magnesium-based phosphate-binding agents in this context.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8d/1b/PMC4439441.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3469857", "abstract": "Objective To compare survival outcomes and treatment-related morbidities between radical hysterectomy (RH) and primary chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with bulky early-stage cervical cancer. Methods We selected 215 patients with stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer (tumor diameter > 4 cm on magnetic resonance imaging) who underwent RH followed by tailored adjuvant therapy (n=147) or primary CRT (n=68) at two tertiary referral centers between 2001 and 2010. Results About twenty nine percent of patients were cured by RH alone and these patients experienced the best survival outcomes with the lowest morbidity rates. After the median follow-up times of 40 months, 27 RH (18.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/39/5c/jgo-23-226.PMC3469857.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4745495", "abstract": "A detailed study was carried out with the postharvest mangoes (namely, the Langra and the Khirshapat) treated with different levels of Bavistin DF (BDF) solution (namely, 250, 500, and 750 ppm) for obtaining results on biochemical changes as well as storability of postharvest mango. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. The Langra enriched a greater quantity of titratable acidity and total soluble solid (TSS) at 3rd day, over the Khirshapat. On the other hand, Khirshapat showed increased pulp pH and TSS at all the storage duration. The results explored that some physicochemical properties, namely, pulp pH, TSS, sugar (total, reducing, and nonreducing), and titratable acidity along with shelf life drastically decreased from untreated mangoes. Bavistin DF with the doses of 750 ppm showed better results in delaying the changes in physicochemical properties and extended shelf life.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/21/PMC4745495.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5181659", "abstract": "Background: Behavioral problems may affect individuals with dementia, increasing the cost and burden of care. Pet therapy has been known to be emotionally beneficial for many years. Robotic pets have been shown to have similar positive effects without the negative aspects of traditional pets. Robotic pet therapy offers an alternative to traditional pet therapy. Objective: The study rigorously assesses the effectiveness of the PARO robotic pet, an FDA approved biofeedback device, in treating dementia-related symptoms. Methods: A randomized block design with repeated measurements guided the study. Before and after measures included reliable, valid tools such as: RAID, CSDD, GDS, pulse rate, pulse oximetry, and GSR. Participants interacted with the PARO robotic pet, and the control group received standard activity programs. Five urban secure dementia units comprised the setting. Results: 61 patients, with 77", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/aa/jad-55-jad160703.PMC5181659.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5109794", "abstract": "Purpose To investigate the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea and treatment patterns for 3 years after the diagnosis in a nationwide database. Materials and Methods We created a cohort of patients diagnosed of BPH between 2007 and 2011 from the Health Insurance Review     Assessment database, a nationwide database of reimbursement. The diagnosis of BPH was defined as having the diagnosis of BPH (N40.0 in International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) as a primary or secondary diagnosis ≥2 times in 2008. The incidence of BPH in 2008 was calculated. Treatment patterns were determined in 3 months interval and traced for 3 years. The incidence and timing of surgery were also determined. For patients taking medications preoperatively, medication-free rate was calculated. Results The incidence of BPH was 2,105 per 100,000 men (mean age, 59.7±11.4 years), and increased with age. Surgery was performed for 7,955 patients (2.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d1/2e/icu-57-424.PMC5109794.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3307216", "abstract": "Extraosseous localization of radioisotope, used in bone scan, in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions is a well-known phenomenon. The causes of extraosseous accumulation of bone-seeking radiotracers should be kept in mind when bone-imaging studies are reviewed to avoid incorrect interpretations. We report an extremely rare occurrence of extraosseous accumulation of bone scintigraphy tracer in a renal calculus, in a patient with adenocarcinoma of prostate, that was demonstrated by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) fusion imaging.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/68/f1/JCIS-2-4.PMC3307216.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3779388", "abstract": "We report a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with a sudden change in mental status. From a psychiatric standpoint, his symptoms were consistent with a bipolar disorder. A neurology consult raised suspicion for vascular dementia, given the sudden onset of symptoms; however, the magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was unremarkable. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had findings that were suggestive of both vascular and frontotemporal lobe dementia based on parenchymal atrophy and a lacunar infarct near the thalamus. However, by co-registering the magnetic resonance images with a subsequent fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-18 FDG PET), and combining the functional data with the anatomic appearance, the diagnosis was narrowed to semantic dementia, which is one of the lesser known subtypes of frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/bd/JCIS-3-35.PMC3779388.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4478382", "abstract": "After evaluating the prevalence of early endothelial dysfunction, as measured by means of reactive hyperemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, we started a 6-month, double-blind, randomized trial to test the efficacy of an antioxidant diet (± alpha-lipoic acid supplementation) to improve endothelial dysfunction. Seventy-one children and adolescents, ages 17 ± 3.9 yrs, with type 1 diabetes since 9.5 ± 5.3 yrs, using intensified insulin therapy, were randomized into 3 arms: (a) antioxidant diet 10.000 ORAC + alpha-lipoic acid; (b) antioxidant diet 10.000 ORAC + placebo; (c) controls. BMI, blood pressure, fasting lipid profile, HbA1c, insulin requirement, dietary habits, and body composition were determined in each patient. An antioxidant diet significantly improved endothelial dysfunction when supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid, unlike diet with placebo or controls. A significant reduction in bolus insulin was also observed. We speculate that alpha-lipoic acid might have an antioxidant effect in pediatric diabetes patients by reducing insulin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/04/b8/PMC4478382.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3539474", "abstract": "Summary Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of capsulorhexis diameter, localization and shape on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) development after cataract extraction with phacoemulsification. Material/Methods We retrospectively analyzed of 297 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and AcrySof SA60AT implantation. In a first group of 97 patients, 53 received small capsulorhexis (3.9 to 4.9 mm in diameter) and 44 patients received large capsulorhexis (5.0 to 5.9 mm in diameter). Another group of 99 patients was split into subgroups – 66 patients whose capsulorhexis were centrally located and 33 patients whose capsulorhexis were paracentral. A third group of 101 patients was split into subgroups – a subgroup of 59 patients were classified as having a regularly rimmed capsulorhexis and a subgroup of 42 patients as having an irregularly rimmed capsulorhexis. At 6 months follow-up, PCO was classified as none, mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of quadrants involved. Results 86.79", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/38/PMC3539474.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4395927", "abstract": "The form of the public health system in India is a three tiered pyramid-like structure consisting primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. The content of India's health system is mono-cultural and based on western bio-medicine. Authors discuss need for health sector reforms in the wake of the fact that despite huge investment, the public health system is not delivering. Today, 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/95/JAIM-6-4.PMC4395927.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4775830", "abstract": "Abstract Introduction Effective interprofessional communication is intrinsic to safe health care. Despite the identified positive impact of collaborative radiographic interpretation between rural radiographers and referrers, communication difficulties still exist. This article describes the strategies that Australian rural radiographers use for communication of their radiographic opinion to the referring doctor. Methods In a two‐phase interpretive doctoral study completed in 2012, data were collected from radiographers working in rural New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania using a paper based questionnaire followed by in‐depth semistructured interviews. Data were analysed thematically in order to identify, analyse and report the emergent themes. Results The overarching theme was Patient Advocacy, where in the interest of patient care radiographers took measures to ensure that a referring doctor did not miss radiographic abnormalities. Strong interprofessional relationships enabled direct communication pathways. Interprofessional boundaries shaped by historical hierarchical relationships, together with a lack of confidence and educational preparation for radiographic interpretation result in barriers to direct communication pathways. These barriers prompted radiographers to pursue indirect communication pathways, such as side‐stepping and hint and hope. Conclusion A lack of formal communication pathways and educational preparation for this role has resulted in radiographers playing the radiographer–referrer game to overtly or covertly assist referrers in reaching a radiographic diagnosis. The findings from this study may be used to plan interventions for strengthening interprofessional communication pathways and improve quality of healthcare for patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/b9/JMRS-63-17.PMC4775830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4551785", "abstract": "PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to verify the clinical-feasibility of additive manufacturing by comparing the accuracy of four different manufacturing methods for metal coping: the conventional lost wax technique (CLWT); subtractive methods with wax blank milling (WBM); and two additive methods, multi jet modeling (MJM), and micro-stereolithography (Micro-SLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty study models were created using an acrylic model with the maxillary upper right canine, first premolar, and first molar teeth. Based on the scan files from a non-contact blue light scanner (Identica; Medit Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea), thirty cores were produced using the WBM, MJM, and Micro-SLA methods, respectively, and another thirty frameworks were produced using the CLWT method. To measure the marginal and internal gap, the silicone replica method was adopted, and the silicone images obtained were evaluated using a digital microscope (KH-7700; Hirox, Tokyo, Japan) at 140X magnification. Analyses were performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS The mean marginal gaps and internal gaps showed significant differences according to tooth type (P<.001 and P<.001, respectively) and manufacturing method (P<.037 and P<.001, respectively). Micro-SLA did not show any significant difference from CLWT regarding mean marginal gap compared to the WBM and MJM methods. CONCLUSION The mean values of gaps resulting from the four different manufacturing methods were within a clinically allowable range, and, thus, the clinical use of additive manufacturing methods is acceptable as an alternative to the traditional lost wax-technique and subtractive manufacturing.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/10/jap-7-294.PMC4551785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3118637", "abstract": "Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique disease with a clinical presentation, epidemiology, and histopathology differing from other squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. NPC is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancy with a marked racial and geographic distribution. Specifically, it is highly prevalent in southern China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. To date, most NPC patients have been diagnosed in the advanced stage, but the treatment results for advanced NPC are not satisfactory. This paper provides a brief overview regarding NPC, with the focus on the early detection of initial and recurrent NPC lesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bf/9e/PMC3118637.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4248036", "abstract": "Background Congenital epulis is a rare lesion of the newborn, presenting as mass in the oral cavity which can interfere with respiration and feeding. It should be distinguished from other lesions which can occur in newborns, both clinically and histopathologically. Case Details Here, we report a case of congenital epulis in a newborn female on the right alveolar ridge, along with an extensive review of literature and discuss the immunoprofiling. Conclusion Early diagnosis of CE in a newborn is of paramount importance in the successful management of these rare cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b5/3d/PMC4248036.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4626921", "abstract": "Introduction: This study was aimed at analyzing the need for routine use of frozen section analysis (FSA) before performing orthotopic neobladder (ONB) after radical cystectomy for carcinoma urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 patients underwent radical cystectomy from January 2000 to June 2013. Of these, 151 (65.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/9d/IJU-31-349.PMC4626921.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3124837", "abstract": "Workers with occupational contact dermatitis may have poor outcomes that impact their health, work, and quality of life. While there is information available on overall return to work, little is known about the actual return to work process. The objectives of the study were to describe the return to work experience and work outcome in workers with contact dermatitis following diagnosis. 78 workers with occupational contact dermatitis were followed for 6 months after assessment. Information collected included clinical presentation and status, the return to work process and work outcomes. Six months after assessment, 38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f4/00/PMC3124837.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5136431", "abstract": "Background: This observational, cross-sectional study investigates the impact of medication usage, physical activity (PA) and nutritional status on musculoskeletal health (MSH) in males and females aged 40-65 in the population of a post conflict, developing country. Methods: Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions (measured by DEXA scan), together with isometric hand grip strength (dynamometer) were evaluated in a total of 162 subjects (53 Males, average age 55.15±7.12 and 109 Females, 54.27±5.1). Additionally, bio-anthropometric assessments, medication usage, PA level and nutritional status were assessed. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in total subjects Body Mass Index (BMI), PA, BMD, T-score and Hand grip between genders. 42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/69/MA-70-359.PMC5136431.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3155853", "abstract": "Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent and persistent condition that is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, and which frequently requires tailored treatment for successful management. Methods: This consensus opinion-based review summarizes the discussions of a group of experts in the field of OAB that were assembled to evaluate the importance of correct diagnosis and appropriate pharmacotherapy in patients with OAB. Results: A thorough diagnostic process is crucial for allowing exclusion of underlying medical issues and differentiation from genitourinary conditions other than OAB. In addition, selecting the most appropriate pharmacotherapy needs to be carefully considered in the context of each patient with OAB. In general, patients with OAB tend to be older with various comorbidities and often receiving multiple concomitant medications. Treatment decisions should take into consideration the differing potential for antimuscarinic medications to alter cognitive and cardiovascular functions, both of which may be compromised in this patient population. Conclusion: Tailoring treatment to individual patients by comprehensive patient assessment may lead to more effective management of patients with OAB, especially those receiving polypharmacy for comorbidities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/83/PMC3155853.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4324958", "abstract": " Background. A development towards earlier postnatal discharge presents a challenge to find new ways to provide information and support to families. A possibility is the use of telemedicine. Objective. To explore how using an app in nursing practice affects the nurses' ability to offer support and information to postnatal mothers who are discharged early and their families. Design. Participatory design. An app with a chat, a knowledgebase, and automated messages was tried out between hospital and parents at home. Settings. The intervention took place on a postnatal ward with approximately 1,000 births a year. Participants. At the onset of the intervention, 17 nurses, all women, were working on the ward. At the end of the intervention, 16 nurses were employed, all women. Methods. Participant observation and two focus group interviews. The data analysis was inspired by systematic text condensation. Results. The nurses on the postnatal ward consider that the use of the app gives families easier access to timely information and support. Conclusions. The app gives the nurses the possibility to offer support and information to the parents being early discharged. The app is experienced as a lifeline that connects the homes of the new parents with the hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/f2/PMC4324958.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4441931", "abstract": "Abstract Background The purpose of the present study was to examine differences in lifestyle factors such as physical activity among homosexual (gay or lesbian), bisexual, and heterosexual Korean adolescents. Methods The sample consisted of 74,186 adolescents from grades 7—12 (ages 12—18) who participated in the 8th annual Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey in 2012. Of this sample, only 11,829 provided enough information regarding their romantic and sexual experiences to define them as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual. From this information, males were divided into gay (n = 323), bisexual (n = 243), and heterosexual (n = 6,501) groups, and females were divided into lesbian (n = 208), bisexual (n = 113), and heterosexual (n = 4,441) groups. Differences in lifestyle factors according to sexual orientation were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Results Males showed significant differences by sexual orientation group in terms of frequency of smoking (P = 0.029), alcohol consumption (P < 0.001), muscular strength exercises (P = 0.020), and walking for at least 10 minutes per week (P < 0.001). Females showed significant differences by sexual orientation group in terms of frequency of smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P < 0.001), vigorous physical exercise (P < 0.001), moderate physical exercise (P < 0.001), and muscular strength exercises (P < 0.001), as well as for self-reported mental stress (P < 0.001). Conclusion We concluded those gay and bisexual males and lesbian and bisexual females had significant lifestyle differences as compared with heterosexual adolescents. This effect was stronger for females than for males.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/ba/PMC4441931.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2684206", "abstract": "Hamstring injuries in sport can be debilitating. The anatomical complexity of this muscle makes uniform assessment of injury epidemiology difficult and insures that post-injury management strategies must be individually focused. This article reviews the anatomy of the hamstring, its role in athletic movement, common mechanisms of injury, and management guidelines with the goal of return into sporting activity in mind.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/08/PMC2684206.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4479762", "abstract": "Understanding the morphological anatomy of the root and root canal systems of the teeth increases the success rate of endodontic therapy. Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) are an essential aid in understanding the anatomy of teeth especially in mandibular premolars. Most commonly mandibular first and second premolars have a single root and a single canal. However, multiple root and canals have also been reported. The present case report discusses endodontic management of a three rooted mandibular first premolar using CBCT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6c/cf/JIOH-7-107.PMC4479762.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5056020", "abstract": "Background Aberrant expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA) in breast carcinoma tissue, and its natural expression in the testis, the tissue away from the immune system, makes them good candidates for cancer immunotherapy and vaccines designing. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the expression of a CTA (MAGE-1) in invasive breast cancer and its correlation with prognostic factors. Methods  Paraffin blocks of breast cancer tissues from 113 patients operated in 2011 - 2013 were stained for MAGE-1expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The associations of MAGE-1 expression with known prognostic factors were assessed by statistical analysis using SPSS 16. Results MAGE-1 expression was found in cancer cell cytoplasms of 30.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4c/24/ijcp-09-04-4404.PMC5056020.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4513173", "abstract": "Vascular injury presented immediately after the penetration, but delayed onset of vascular symptom caused by an embolism or vessel dissection after cervical fusion or traumatic event is extremely rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman who underwent an operation for cervical fusion for type II Odontoid process fracture. She presented symptoms of seizure with hemiparesis in 6 days after the operation. Multifocal acute infarction due to an embolism from the left VA (V3 segment) dissection was observed without a definite screw breach the transverse foramen. We hereby reported the instructive case report of delayed onset of vertebral artery dissection after posterior cervical fusion with type II odontoid process fracture patient. When a cervical operation performed in the cervical trauma patient, even if no apparent VA injury occurs before and during the operation, the surgeon must take caution not to risk cerebral infarction because of the delayed VA dissection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d3/a9/kjs-12-79.PMC4513173.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4345062", "abstract": "Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has been shown to be effective in increasing muscle strength and mass in elderly women. Because of the interaction of muscles and bones, these adaptions might be related to changes in bone parameters. 76 community-living osteopenic women 70 years and older were randomly assigned to either a WB-EMS group (n = 38) or a control group (CG: n = 38). The WB-EMS group performed 3 sessions every 14 days for one year while the CG performed gymnastics containing identical exercises without EMS. Primary study endpoints were bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (thip) as assessed by DXA. After 54 weeks of intervention, borderline nonsignificant intergroup differences were determined for LS-BMD (WB-EMS: 0.6 ± 2.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/6b/PMC4345062.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5061105", "abstract": "Purpose MR fingerprinting (MRF) can be used for quantitative estimation of physical parameters in MRI. Here, we extend the method to incorporate B1 estimation. Methods The acquisition is based on steady state free precession MR fingerprinting with a Cartesian trajectory. To increase the sensitivity to the B1 profile, abrupt changes in flip angle were introduced in the sequence. Slice profile and B1 effects were included in the dictionary and the results from two‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) acquisitions were compared. Acceleration was demonstrated using retrospective undersampling in the phase encode directions of 3D data exploiting redundancy between MRF frames at the edges of k‐space. Results Without B1 estimation, T2 and B1 were inaccurate by more than 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/23/5e/MRM-76-1127.PMC5061105.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4746875", "abstract": "Background: Evidence proposes that maternal calcium (Ca) supplement during pregnancy may be inversely associated with the off spring's blood pressure (BP) level. It is suggested that increased maternal Ca intake during pregnancy may result in lower BP in the off spring. The reduction in the incidence of hypertension in mothers is documented but the effects on the off spring are uncertain. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to summarize the evidence supporting an association between maternal dietary Ca intake during pregnancy and the BP in the off spring. In this systematic review, relevant papers were selected in three phases. After quality assessment, a reviewer extracted the data while the other one checked the extracted data. We summarized the information regarding the association of maternal Ca intake either by food or supplements with BP in the off spring. Results: Four randomized trials and three observational studies were included in this review. The results were more consistent among the studies including older children (1-9 years) where a higher maternal Ca intake was associated with a reduction in the off spring's systolic BP. One large randomized trial found a clinically and statistically significant reduction in the incidence of elevated BP in 7-year-old children [relative risk (RR) = 0.59, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/d4/JRMS-20-994.PMC4746875.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4737734", "abstract": "Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an uncommon, life-threatening drug reaction. The basic findings are skin rash, multiorgan involvement, and eosinophilia. Most of the aromatic anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine can induce DRESS. Herein we report a 14-year-old patient with DRESS syndrome related to carbamazepine use. The patient presented with signs of involvement of the skin, lungs, liver, and microscopic hematuria. Carbamazepine treatment was discontinued; antihistamines and steroids were started. Hyperglycemia, commencing on the first dose of the steroid given, persisted even after the discontinuation of steroids and improvement of other signs. There were no signs of pancreatitis or type 1 diabetes clinically in laboratory tests. Her blood glucose levels were regulated at first with insulin and later with metformin. Within 1 year of follow-up, still regulated with oral antidiabetics, she has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Formerly, long-term sequelae related to “drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome” such as hepatic and renal failure, type 1 diabetes mellitus, Grave's disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and lupus have also been reported. However, up to date, no cases with type 2 diabetes have been reported as long-term sequelae. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature presenting with type 2 diabetes as long-term sequelae.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/94/CEJI-40-25887.PMC4737734.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4870326", "abstract": "Methods about removal of intramedullary nail in complicated cases were reported in some literatures but there are no reports about nail removal in the ulna. The authors would like to report such a case and the technique. We removed bone of the inlet site and created another bony window using an osteotome to expose the interlocking screw holes. Only a bony window the size of 2 inter-interlocking holes at the most proximal part of the nail can be used to remove the nail with minimal damage of the triceps brachii tendon and soft tissue.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/c4/cios-8-210.PMC4870326.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4399183", "abstract": " Introduction Auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony (AN/AD) comprises a spectrum of pathology affecting the auditory pathways anywhere from the inner hair cells to the brainstem. It is characterized by an absent or atypical auditory brainstem response (ABR) with preservation of the cochlear microphonics and/or otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).  Objective Retrospective analysis of patients with AN/AD.  Methods Fifteen patients with AN/AD were included in this study and their records were retrospectively investigated.  Results Possible etiology of AN/AD was neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in three patients, family history of hearing loss in three patients, consanguineous marriage in two patients, head trauma in two patients, mental motor retardation in one patient, cerebrovascular disease in one patient, and there was no apparent cause in three patients.  Conclusion Otolaryngologists should keep in mind the diagnosis of AN/AD especially in patients complaining of difficulty in hearing and speech and audiological evidence of disassociation between pure tone and speech audiometry. ABR and OAE testing is recommended in these patients for AN/AD diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/4a/PMC4399183.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2915754", "abstract": "Recently, we demonstrated that C57BL/6 mice are more susceptible to experimental lagochilascariosis than BALB/c mice. To investigate the pattern of infection and the role of the genetic background on susceptibility to infection, we studied experimental lagochilascariosis in H-2a identical B10.A and A/J mice. Infected B10.A mice had a lower survival ratio and more severe lesions in the lungs than did A/J mice. Splenocytes of A/J mice immunized with the crude extract of the parasite showed increased proliferation and produced a higher level of interleukin 10 and interferon-γ in the presence of CE or concanavalin A when compared to B10.A mice. This suggests that resistance of A/J mice may be due to less severe lesions in lungs and other organs and a better immune response to parasite antigens. This paper provides evidence that major histocompatibility complex haplotype does not influence the survival to experimental infection with L. minor.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/54/07/PMC2915754.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3836934", "abstract": "Bow hunter's syndrome (BHS) is rare cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency that arises from mechanical compression of the vertebral artery by head rotation. There is no standardized diagnostic regimen or treatment of BHS. Recently, we experienced 2 cases resisted continues medication and treated by surgical approach. In both cases, there were no complications after surgery and there were improvements in clinical symptoms. Thus, we describe our cases with surgical decompression with a review of the relevant medical literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/b2/jkns-54-243.PMC3836934.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2693863", "abstract": "Major surgery in a patient with pancytopenia might be associated with increased surgical risks, especially for bleeding and infection. A 66-yr-old man was admitted to the hospital due to shortness of breath. His dyspnea was classified by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) as functional class III. Prior to admission, he had a 5-yr history of medical management for idiopathic aplastic anemia. The severity of aplastic anemia of the patient was graded as non-severe aplastic anemia. Echocardiography revealed reduced left ventricular function and severe aortic valve regurgitation (grade IV) with left ventricular end diastolic dimension measuring 87 mm. Because of dyspnea and echocardiographically documented aortic valve insufficiency, the patient underwent elective aortic valve replacement. Although extracorporeal circulation for valve operations might be associated with aggravation of impaired blood cell function, the patient recovered from surgery uneventfully. Here, we report a successful cardiac surgery with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with severe aortic valve insufficiency and concomitant idiopathic aplastic anemia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/43/jkms-22-912.PMC2693863.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4519597", "abstract": "Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria worldwide and is often initially diagnosed when cutaneous manifestations arise. We present two patients where misdiagnosis of PCT occurred due to the condition masquerading as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita histologically. In patients with undifferentiated bullous/erosive skin conditions occurring in photo-distributed regions, PCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis irrespective of histopathological findings on biopsies and further investigated and treated appropriately.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/83/cde-0007-0129.PMC4519597.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3460000", "abstract": "Purpose Studies on the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostate cancer are controversial. We evaluated the association between MS and prostate cancer characteristics in patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods From October 2003 to May 2011, patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value≥4 ng/ml or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) result underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MS was diagnosed according to the Adult Treatment Panel III. Clinicopathologic factors including PSA, DRE, prostate volume, age, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar level, and MS were considered for analysis. Results Three hundred fifty-four patients were enrolled (mean age, 68.86±8.95 years; mean PSA, 13.97±20.42 ng/ml). Seventy-five patients (21.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/60/kju-53-593.PMC3460000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4493292", "abstract": "Targeting feeding dynamics, a concept centered on the roles and interaction of the  caregiver and child in a feeding relationship, may have significant potential for obesity  intervention. The aim of this paper is to describe the 3-phase development of the Feeding  Dynamics Intervention (FDI), an acceptability and feasibility study on implementing the feeding dynamic roles (Study 1), development of the FDI content (Study 2), and a pilot study on use of the 6-lesson FDI to promote behaviors consistent with a feeding dynamic approach (Study 3). Sample population was mothers with young children, 2–5 years old. An effect size (Hedges' g) greater than 0.20 was seen in more than half (57", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/dc/PMC4493292.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5366304", "abstract": "In quadrupeds, the three-dimensional orientation of the heart with respect to the thorax is fundamentally different from that in humans. In this study, we assessed the best surgical approach to the tricuspid valve in sheep. Firstly, different surgical access sites to the tricuspid valve were tested in sheep cadavers, the anatomy was analyzed, and the optimal surgical approach to the tricuspid valve was determined. Secondly - along with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest -the chosen approach was tested in six adult sheep in vivo. Anatomical analyses revealed that a left thoracotomy provided optimal access to the aorta and left heart. However, visualization of the right heart was significantly impaired. In contrast, a right thoracotomy provided good access to the right heart, but the ascending aorta was difficult to approach. Therefore, in the in vivo studies, arterial cannulation was performed through a carotid (n = 4) or femoral (n = 2) artery. In conclusion, a right-sided thoracotomy allows good visualization of all components of the tricuspid valve complex in sheep, but not of the ascending aorta. Consequently, peripheral vessels are preferred for arterial cannulation. This work may stimulate the investigation of pathomechanisms and/or novel treatment options for tricuspid valve pathologies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/b2/jvs-18-67.PMC5366304.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4341321", "abstract": "Antidepressants have propensity to induce manic switch in patients with bipolar disorder. Opipramol is an atypical anxiolytic and antidepressant drug which predominantly acts on sigma receptors. Although structurally resembles tricyclic antidepressant imipramine it does not have inhibitory action on the reuptake of norepinephrine/serotonin and hence it is not presumed to cause manic switch in bipolar depression. Here, we describe a case of mania induced by opipramol, in a patient with bipolar affective disorder who was treated for moderate depressive episode with lithium and opipramol and we discuss neurochemical hypothesis of opipramol-induced mania.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/27/63/IJPsyM-37-96.PMC4341321.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3368427", "abstract": " Introduction. Overweight and perception of being overweight, may lead adolescent to lose weight. The aim of the present study was to investigate overweight adolescents' self-perceived weight, body dissatisfaction, and weight control behaviour during 1994–2010 in Finland. Methods. The country-representative, cross-sectional data of 15-year olds were obtained from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, conducted in 1994 (N = 1194; males: 48", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/42/PMC3368427.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3458786", "abstract": "Abstract There are a number of magnetic resonance imaging techniques available for use in the diagnosis and management of patients with cerebral metastases. This article reviews these techniques, in particular, the advanced imaging methodologies from which quantitative parameters can be derived, the role of these imaging biomarkers have in distinguishing metastases from primary central nervous system tumours and tumour mimics, and metrics that may be of value in predicting the origin of the primary tumour.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/f7/PMC3458786.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4355564", "abstract": "Acute pain induces depressed mood, and chronic pain is known to cause depression. Depression, meanwhile, can also adversely affect pain behaviors ranging from symptomology to treatment response. Pain and depression independently induce long-term plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). Comorbid conditions, however, have distinct patterns of neural activation. We performed a review of the changes in neural circuitry and molecular signaling pathways that may underlie this complex relationship between pain and depression. We also discussed some of the current and future therapies that are based on this understanding of the CNS plasticity that occurs with pain and depression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/07/45/PMC4355564.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5128711", "abstract": "Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5b/ec/PMC5128711.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3677809", "abstract": "Background We aimed to assess the relationship between gender and survival among adult patients newly enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda. We also specifically examined the role of antenatal services in favoring women’s access to HIV care. Methods From an observational cohort study, we assessed survival and used logistic regression and differences in means to compare men and women who did not access care through antenatal services. Differences were assessed on measures of disease progression (WHO stage and CD4 count) and demographic (age, marital status, and education), behavioral (sexual activity, disclosure to partner, and testing), and clinical variables (hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, and anemia). A mediational analysis that considered gender as the initial variable, time to death as the outcome, initial CD4 count as the mediator, and age as a covariate was performed using an accelerated failure time model with a Weibull distribution. Results Between 2004 and 2011, a total of 4775 patients initiated ART, and after exclusions 4537 (93.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a3/f8/PMC3677809.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3346986", "abstract": "Progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), once thought to be a purely psychosomatic disease, has advanced considerably and low-grade inflammation and changes in the gut microbiota now feature as potentially important. The human gut harbours a huge microbial ecosystem, which is equipped to perform a variety of functions such as digestion of food, metabolism of drugs, detoxification of toxic compounds, production of essential vitamins, prevention of attachment of pathogenic bacteria to the gut wall, and maintenance of homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. A subset of patients with IBS may have a quantitative increase in bacteria in the small bowel (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Qualitative changes in gut microbiota have also been associated with IBS. Targeting the gut microbiota using probiotics and antibiotics has emerged as a potentially effective approach to the treatment of this, hitherto enigmatic, functional bowel disorder. The gut microbiota in health, quantitative and qualitative microbiota changes, and therapeutic manipulations targeting the microbiota in patients with IBS are reviewed in this paper.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b7/38/PMC3346986.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433993", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of revised high-heeled shoes on the foot pressure ratio and static balance during standing. [Subjects and Methods] A single-subject design was used, 15 healthy women wearing revised high-heeled shoes and general high-heeled shoes in a random order. The foot pressure ratio and static balance scores during standing were measured using a SpaceBalance 3D system. [Results] Forefoot and rearfoot pressures were significantly different between the 2 types of high-heeled shoes. Under the 3 conditions tested, the static balance score was higher for the revised high-heeled shoes than for the general high-heeled shoes, but this difference was not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Revised high-heeled shoes are preferable to general high-heeled shoes, as they result in normalization of normalized foot pressure and a positive effect on static balance.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/00/jpts-27-1129.PMC4433993.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3357959", "abstract": "Herries provides a timely review of the archaeological and dating evidence of the transition from the Acheulean to the Middle Stone Age (MSA) in southern Africa, however, in relation to the site of Twin Rivers, Zambia he makes several fundamental errors of interpretation that demand correction. The stratigraphic sequence of the site is admittedly complex, but it deserves a more careful analysis than that offered by Herries. This detailed response by the most recent excavator of the site addresses Herries critique by placing the site in its historical context and then dealing with the central issue of the association of dated speleothem with the surviving archaeological deposits. Herries is shown to have mistakenly combined the dates from two separate cave passages and to have misunderstood the published sections, plans, and taphonomic assessment of each excavation area. His reinterpretation of the site as being significantly younger than published is based on a conflation of unrelated data.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/17/1e/PMC3357959.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4994356", "abstract": "Improving hand hygiene from high to very high compliance has not been documented to decrease healthcare-associated infections. We conducted longitudinal analyses during 2013–2015 in an 853-bed hospital and observed a significantly increased hand hygiene compliance rate (p<0.001) and a significantly decreased healthcare-associated infection rate (p = 0.0066).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/60/PMC4994356.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433997", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Wii Fit balance training (WBT) and progressive balance training (PBT) approaches on balance functions, balance confidence, and activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] A total of 30 patients were randomized into the WBT (n=15) and PBT (n=15) groups. [Methods] All of the subjects received exercise training based on a neurodevelopemental approach in addition to either Wii Fit or progressive balance training for total of 1 hour a day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Primary measurements were static balance function measured with a Wii Balance Board and dynamic balance function assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Dynamic Gait Index, and Functional Reach Test. Secondary measures were balance confidence assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale and activities of daily living evaluated with the Frenchay Activity Index. [Results] There was not remarkable difference between the two treatments in dynamic balance functions, balance confidence, and activities of daily living. [Conclusion] Although both of the approaches were found to be effective in improving the balance functions, balance confidence, and activities of daily living, neither of them were more preferable than the other for the treatment of balance in patients with chronic stroke.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/59/jpts-27-1145.PMC4433997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3249633", "abstract": "Various nuclear functional complexes contain cytoskeletal proteins as regulatory subunits; for example, nuclear actin participates in transcriptional complexes, and actin-related proteins are integral to chromatin remodeling complexes. Nuclear complexes such as these are involved in both basal and adaptive nuclear functions. In addition to nuclear import via classical nuclear transport pathways or passive diffusion, some large cytoskeletal proteins spontaneously migrate into the nucleus in a karyopherin-independent manner. The balance of nucleocytoplasmic distribution of such proteins can be altered by several factors, such as import versus export, or capture and release by complexes. The resulting accumulation or depletion of the nuclear populations thereby enhances or attenuates their nuclear functions. We propose that such molecular dynamics constitute a form of cytoskeleton-modulated regulation of nuclear functions which is mediated by the translocation of cytoskeletal components in and out of the nucleus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/a2/PMC3249633.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4327436", "abstract": "This study aimed to compare the apical sealing of root-end fillings performed with Lysanda (zinc oxide-eugenol paste) with radiopacifiers (iodoform or zinc oxide) and calcium hydroxide. Root-end cavities were prepared and filled with different materials, as follows: Group I – Lysanda paste with iodoform; Group II – Lysanda paste with iodoform and calcium hydroxide; Group III – Lysanda paste with iodoform and zinc oxide; Group IV – Lysanda paste with zinc oxide; Group V – mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). After filling, the teeth were immersed in 2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f6/b0/1678-7757-jaos-15-04-0317.PMC4327436.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4441786", "abstract": "Background: Disease preventing methods focus mostly on lifestyle factors such as physical activity, healthy diet and not smoking. Previous studies verified using theory and models to change unhealthy behaviors, so that health belief model (HBM) is a useful framework for describing the healthy nutrition behavior. Objectives: This study aimed to predict factors related to unhealthy nutrition and inactive life in students of Tehran University, Tehran, Iran based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study, proportional quota sampling from three different educational levels was conducted from October to December 2012. A self-administered validated instrument based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) with 69 items and four sections was used to collect data. In this study through using linear and logistic regression, the effect of body mass index, age, gender, marriage, self-efficacy, cues to action, knowledge, perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits and barriers on nutrition and physical activity behavior were assessed. SPSS version 18 was used to analyze data. Results: Totally, 368 students including 318 female students (86.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/f4/ircmj-17-03-18879.PMC4441786.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4332257", "abstract": "Purpose To determine the biomechanical response of an impacting airbag on eyes with different axial lengths with transsclerally fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL). Materials and methods Simulations in a model human eye were performed with a computer using a finite element analysis program created by Nihon, ESI Group. The airbag was set to be deployed at five different velocities and to impact on eyes with three different axial lengths. These eyes were set to have transsclerally fixated PC IOL by a 10-0 polypropylene possessing a tensile force limit of 0.16 N according to the United States Pharmacopeia XXII. Results The corneoscleral opening was observed at a speed of 40 m/second or more in all model eyes. Eyes with the longest axial length of 25.85 mm had the greatest extent of deformity at any given impact velocity. The impact force exceeded the tensile force of 10-0 polypropylene at an impact velocity of 60 m/second in all eyes, causing breakage of the suture. Conclusion Eyes with transsclerally fixated PC IOL could rupture from airbag impact at high velocities. Eyes with long axial lengths experienced a greater deformity upon airbag impact due to a thinner eye wall. Further basic research on the biomechanical response for assessing eye injuries could help in developing a better airbag and in the further understanding of ocular traumas.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/88/opth-9-263.PMC4332257.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3391626", "abstract": "Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare disorder caused by embryonic arrest of compaction. LVNC is sometimes associated with other congenital cardiac disorders; however, there have been few reports of its coexistence with a left ventricular aneurysm. A 40-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for renal infarction. She had a history of embolic cerebral infarction 10 years ago. Transthoracic echocardiography showed prominent trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses which are filled with blood from the left ventricular (LV) cavity. A thrombus in the akinetic apical wall was confirmed by contrast echocardiography. Using cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, we rejected a possible diagnosis of suspicion of coronary artery disease. She was diagnosed LVNC with a thrombus in apical aneurysm. Here, we report the first patient in Korea known to have LVNC accompanying LV congenital aneurysm presenting with recurrent embolism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/d7/jcu-20-103.PMC3391626.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5308563", "abstract": "Aim There is evidence that childhood trauma is a risk factor for the development of psychosis and it is recommended that childhood trauma is inquired about in all patients presenting with psychosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of childhood trauma in patients in the UK Early Intervention Service based on a case note review. Methods This is a retrospective case note study of 296 patients in an UK Early Intervention Service. Trauma history obtained on service entry was reviewed and trauma experienced categorized. Results were analyzed using crosstab and frequency analysis. Results The mean age of the sample was 24 years, 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/cf/ndt-13-269.PMC5308563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3139154", "abstract": "Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is an uncommon, sporadic, neurodegenerative disorder of mid- to late-adult life. We describe a further example of the pathologic heterogeneity of this condition. A 71-year-old woman initially presented dysarthria, clumsiness, progressive asymmetric bradykinesia, and rigidity in left arm. Rigidity gradually involved ipsilateral leg; postural instability with falls, blepharospasm, and dysphagia subsequently developed.  She has been previously diagnosed as unresponsive Parkinson's Disease. At our clinical examination, she presented left upper-arm-fixed-dystonia, spasticity in left lower limb and pyramidal signs (Babinski and Hoffmann). Brain MRI showed asymmetric cortical atrophy in the right frontotemporal cortex. Neuropsychological examination showed an impairment in visuospatial functioning, frontal-executive dysfunction, and hemineglect.  This case demonstrates that association of asymmetrical focal cortical and subcortical features remains the clinical hallmark of this condition. There are no absolute markers for the clinical diagnosis that  is complicated by the variability of presentation involving also cognitive symptoms that are reviewed in the paper. Despite the difficulty of diagnosing CBD, somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials, long latency reflexes, and correlations between results on electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) provide further support for a CBD diagnosis. These techniques are also used to identify neurophysiological correlates of the neurological signs of the disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/06/ce/PMC3139154.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3981301", "abstract": "Fibrosarcoma of the oral and maxillofacial region is a rare entity with poor prognosis. Most common sites are the extremities, with only one percent of fibrosarcoma arising in the head and neck area. Oral fibrosarcoma are locally infiltrative and destructive, spreads by haematogenous dissemination. The positive immunostaining for vimentin, together with negativity for muscular immunomarkers help to diagnosis the fibrosarcoma. Surgical management of fibrosarcoma in maxillofacial region is far from satisfactory, because of lack of inadequate clearance. This paper describes an unusual case of soft tissue fibrosarcoma of premaxillary region in an adult aged 71 years.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/67/PMC3981301.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4473297", "abstract": "Despite consensus on the neurological nature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), brain biomarkers remain unknown and diagnosis continues to be based on behavioral criteria. Growing evidence suggests that brain abnormalities in ASD occur at the level of interconnected networks; however, previous attempts using functional connectivity data for diagnostic classification have reached only moderate accuracy. We selected 252 low-motion resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) including typically developing (TD) and ASD participants (n = 126 each), matched for age, non-verbal IQ, and head motion. A matrix of functional connectivities between 220 functionally defined regions of interest was used for diagnostic classification, implementing several machine learning tools. While support vector machines in combination with particle swarm optimization and recursive feature elimination performed modestly (with accuracies for validation datasets <70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/8d/main.PMC4473297.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3634297", "abstract": "Background: Commission of crime and hostility and their forensic consequences in a patient with schizophrenia can worsen the patient's condition and disturb his family, society, and even the psychiatrist. Based on previous research, patients with schizophrenia are at a higher risk for crime. It is not clear whether this is due to the nature of schizophrenia, comorbidity of antisocial personality disorder, or the history of conduct disorder in childhood. In this study, we investigated this hypothesis. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 criminal and 30 non-criminal patients with schizophrenia, who had been referred by the court to the Forensic Medicine Center of Isfahan, were evaluated for antisocial personality disorder, history of conduct disorder, and psychopathy checklist-revise (PCL-R) score. Results: Frequency distribution of antisocial personality disorder (73.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/77/8d/JRMS-17-566.PMC3634297.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4374086", "abstract": "The author, a parent of a child with autism, describes an n=1 case in which his child's autism symptoms dramatically and rapidly improved following administration of a common antibiotic. The author asserts that this finding is not unusual in the autism population and that, when combined with prior recent medical research, suggests that a link between autism and the microbiome in some children is not just plausible, but in fact likely for some meaningful percentage of cases. The author argues for increased funding for a more thorough examination of links between autism and the microbiome and poses a series of questions to be further examined in future research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/ae/MEHD-26-26382.PMC4374086.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3973759", "abstract": "Positron emission tomography (PET) using 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) as a radioactive tracer is a useful technique for in vivo brain imaging. However, the anatomical and physiological features of the Harderian gland limit the use of FDG-PET imaging in the mouse brain. The gland shows strong FDG uptake, which in turn results in distorted PET images of the frontal brain region. The purpose of this study was to determine if a simple surgical procedure to remove the Harderian gland prior to PET imaging of mouse brains could reduce or eliminate FDG uptake. Measurement of FDG uptake in unilaterally adenectomized mice showed that the radioactive signal emitted from the intact Harderian gland distorts frontal brain region images. Spatial parametric measurement analysis demonstrated that the presence of the Harderian gland could prevent accurate assessment of brain PET imaging. Bilateral Harderian adenectomy efficiently eliminated unwanted radioactive signal spillover into the frontal brain region beginning on postoperative Day 10. Harderian adenectomy did not cause any post-operative complications during the experimental period. These findings demonstrate the benefits of performing a Harderian adenectomy prior to PET imaging of mouse brains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/f5/jvs-15-157.PMC3973759.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2913399", "abstract": "Aberrant organ development is associated with a wide spectrum of disorders, from schizophrenia to congenital heart disease, but systems-level insight into the underlying processes is very limited. Using heart morphogenesis as general model for dissecting the functional architecture of organ development, we combined detailed phenotype information from deleterious mutations in 255 genes with high-confidence experimental interactome data, and coupled the results to thorough experimental validation. Hereby, we made the first systematic analysis of spatio-temporal protein networks driving many stages of a developing organ identifying several novel signaling modules. Our results show that organ development relies on surprisingly few, extensively recycled, protein modules that integrate into complex higher-order networks. This design allows the formation of a complicated organ using simple building blocks, and suggests how mutations in the same genes can lead to diverse phenotypes. We observe a striking temporal correlation between organ complexity and the number of discrete functional modules coordinating morphogenesis. Our analysis elucidates the organization and composition of spatio-temporal protein networks that drive the formation of organs, which in the future may lay the foundation of novel approaches in treatments, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/82/msb201036.PMC2913399.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3025345", "abstract": "A pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare pulmonary vascular anomaly presenting as dyspnea or recurrent epistaxis. Ebstein's anomaly (EA), a congenital cardiac malformation, is also a rare condition. There have been no reports concerning the co-existence of PAVM with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and EA. A 40-year-old woman was admitted with a 2-month history of increasing dyspnea and several years of recurrent epistaxis. On transthoracic echocardiography, she was diagnosed with EA and agreed to undergo surgical treatment. A chest CT angiography showed a 12-mm serpiginous vascular structure suspicious for a PAVM and a liver CT suggested HTT. Although it is unclear whether or not a concurrent PAVM and EA have an embryologic or genetic relationship, we report a case of a PAVM with EA. Further genetic and embryonic studies are needed to identify a possible relationship of the two medical conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/40/kcj-40-684.PMC3025345.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2801639", "abstract": "Most lymphomas that involve the ocular adnexal structure are low grade, B cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. The treatment depends upon the grade and stage of the disease. High grade lymhoma requires treatment with systemic chemotherapy whereas the localized low grade (extranodal marginal zone lymphoma) can be successfully managed with local radiotherapy. Chlamydia psittaci infection is associated with low grade ocular lymphoma; however there is wide geographic variation in the strength of this association. Blanket antibiotic therapy is not advised unless there is proof of an infective agent. The monoclonal antibody, rituximab, may be successful for CD20 positive lymphoma, although it is likely that rituximab will have better long-term results when used in combination with systemic chemotherapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/55/PMC2801639.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2821473", "abstract": "In recent months, four different systems have been reported in the literature in which CCN2 transgenes were individually expressed in podocytes, hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes or respiratory epithelial cells to achieve overexpression in, respectively, the kidney, liver, heart, or lung. These transgenic systems have provided valuable information about the contribution of CCN2 to fibrosis in vivo and have begun to reveal the complexities of the underlying mechanisms involved. On the one hand, studies of these animals have revealed that CCN2 overexpression does not necessarily lead directly to fibrotic pathology but may cause severe non-fibrotic tissue damage due to its other effects on cell function (e.g. heart). On the other hand, overexpression of CCN2 in concert with signaling pathways associated with development (e.g. lung) or fibrosing injuries (e.g. kidney, liver) can lead to the initiation or exacerbation of fibrosis. The significance of these studies is discussed in the context of the requirement for interactions between CCN2 and co-stimulatory factors in the microenvironment for the manifestation of CCN2-dependent fibrosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2d/4b/12079_2009_Article_71.PMC2821473.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3961946", "abstract": "Background: In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) (family: Leguminosae) have been in clinical use for centuries. Aim: In the present study, we investigated the role of aqueous extract of root of Gg treatment on the dendritic morphology of hippocampal Cornu Ammonis area three (CA3) neurons, one of the regions concerned with learning and memory, in 1- month- old male Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of root of Gg was administered orally in four doses (75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. After the treatment period, all experimental animals were subjected to spatial learning (Morris water maze, Hebb-William's maze and elevated plus maze) tests. At the end of the spatial memory tests, the rats were deeply anesthetized with Pentobarbitone and killed their brains were removed rapidly and fixed in rapid Golgi fixative. Hippocampal CA3 neurons were traced using camera lucida, and dendritic arborization and intersections were quantified. These data were compared to those of age-matched control rats. Results: The aqueous root extract of Gg in the dose of 150 and 225 mg/kg/p.o showed a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement of dendritic arborization (dendritic branching points) and dendritic intersections along the length of both apical and basal dendrites in hippocampal (CA3) pyramidal neurons is comparable to control. Conclusion: Based on our results obtained, we conclude that constituents present in aqueous root extract of Gg have neuronal dendritic growth stimulating properties.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/d6/JNSBM-5-25.PMC3961946.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2657236", "abstract": "Introduction Our aim was to determine the characteristics of patients presenting with syncope at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods A review of medical records was conducted retrospectively at the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Patients aged 16 and above, admitted from January 2000 to December 2005 with the diagnosis of syncope made by the attending physician were included. Results A total of 269 patients were included (75", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/2d/PMC2657236.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2693544", "abstract": "Cervical cancer is almost invariably associated with infection by human papillomavirus. It is believed that the host genetic factors such as inflammation-induced cytokines may play a role in cervical carcinogenesis. The IL1B gene, encoding IL-1β cytokine, contains several single nucleotide polymorphisms. One of them which is in the positions -511 (C-T) related with promoter region has been associated with increased IL-1β production and with increased risk of developing a number of inflammatory diseases and gastric carcinoma. We assessed the association between the IL1B -511 polymorphism and cervical cancer risk in a hospital-based case-control study among 546 Korean women (182 cases; 364 age-matched controls). The allele frequencies of the case subjects (C, 0.42; T, 0.58) were not significantly different from those of control subjects (C, 0.43; T, 0.57). Control subjects were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The carriers with -511 C/T or T/T genotypes were at higher risk of cervical cancer with odds ratio of 2.42 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/56/7e/jkms-22-110.PMC2693544.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3809975", "abstract": " Background. The availability of large complex data sets generated by high throughput technologies has enabled the recent proliferation of disease biomarker studies. However, a recurring problem in deriving biological information from large data sets is how to best incorporate expert knowledge into the biomarker selection process. Objective. To develop a generalizable framework that can incorporate expert knowledge into data-driven processes in a semiautomated way while providing a metric for optimization in a biomarker selection scheme. Methods. The framework was implemented as a pipeline consisting of five components for the identification of signatures from integrated clustering (ISIC). Expert knowledge was integrated into the biomarker identification process using the combination of two distinct approaches; a distance-based clustering approach and an expert knowledge-driven functional selection. Results. The utility of the developed framework ISIC was demonstrated on proteomics data from a study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Biomarker candidates were identified in a mouse model using ISIC and validated in a study of a human cohort. Conclusions. Expert knowledge can be introduced into a biomarker discovery process in different ways to enhance the robustness of selected marker candidates. Developing strategies for extracting orthogonal and robust features from large data sets increases the chances of success in biomarker identification.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/28/f7/PMC3809975.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2609944", "abstract": "Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of bone marrow. Due to its high morbidity rate, early diagnosis and appropriate medical therapy is essential. Rapidly forming gingival hyperplasia is usually the first sign of this disease. This case report describes a 17-year-old female who presented rapid gingival overgrowth together with gingival bleeding in only two weeks time. A medical consultation was asked from hematology clinics and after a detailed medical examination Acute Monocytic Leukemia (FAB M5) was rendered. Chemotherapy was the choice of treatment. The patient responded well to chemotherapeutic induction regimen and after two months of medical therapy disease remised and gingival hyperplasia regressed. This case report shows that the gingival hyperplasia may represent an initial manifestation of an underlying systemic disease. Also, early medical therapy in acute monocytic leukemia may resolve the gingival hyperplasia that companies the disease progression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/a2/PMC2609944.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4334056", "abstract": "Endometriosis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease defined by the presence of extrauterine endometrial tissue. The aetiology of endometriosis is complex and multifactorial, where several not fully confirmed theories describe its pathogenesis. This review examines existing theories on the initiation and propagation of different types of endometriotic lesions, as well as critically appraises the myriad of biologically relevant evidence that support or oppose each of the proposed theories. The current literature suggests that stem cells, dysfunctional immune response, genetic predisposition, and aberrant peritoneal environment may all be involved in the establishment and propagation of endometriotic lesions. An orchestrated scientific and clinical effort is needed to consider all factors involved in the pathogenesis of this multifaceted disease and to propose novel therapeutic targets to reach effective treatments for this distressing condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b9/4c/PMC4334056.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2836545", "abstract": "Given an RNA sequence and two designated secondary structures A, B, we describe a new algorithm that computes a nearly optimal folding pathway from A to B. The algorithm, RNAtabupath, employs a tabu semi-greedy heuristic, known to be an effective search strategy in combinatorial optimization. Folding pathways, sometimes called routes or trajectories, are computed by RNAtabupath in a fraction of the time required by the barriers program of Vienna RNA Package. We benchmark RNAtabupath with other algorithms to compute low energy folding pathways between experimentally known structures of several conformational switches. The RNApathfinder web server, source code for algorithms to compute and analyze pathways and supplementary data are available at http://bioinformatics.bc.edu/clotelab/RNApathfinder.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/ea/gkp1054.PMC2836545.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4025415", "abstract": "Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded with two types of nano-composites in comparison to a conventional orthodontic composite. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human first premolars were randomly divided into 3 groups each containing 20 teeth. In group I, a conventional orthodontic composite (Transbond XT) was used to bond the brackets, while two nano-composites (Filtek TM Supreme XT and AELITE Aesthetic Enamel) were used in groups II and III respectively. The teeth were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, thermocycled in distilled water and debonded with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was also evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Results: AELITE Aesthetic Enamel nano-composite revealed a SBS value of 8.44±2.09 MPa, which was higher than Transbond XT (6.91±2.13) and Filtek TM Supreme XT (6.04±2.01). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between groups II and III (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between groups I and III, and between groups I and II (P > 0.05). Evaluation of ARI showed that Transbond XT left fewer adhesive remains on teeth after debonding. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that the aforementioned nano-composites can be successfully used for bonding orthodontic brackets.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/be/jod-10-461.PMC4025415.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4607072", "abstract": "Outcomes for triple-negative or hormone-refractory metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are poor and treatment options are limited. Described herein are cases of two women who developed MBC following adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative ductal carcinoma. Both underwent treatment with fulvestrant, followed by paclitaxel and letrozole or nab-paclitaxel. Following disease progression, both patients started single-agent eribulin mesylate (1.4 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle). The first patient is currently continuing on eribulin at full dose, despite interruption for hip surgery and the presence of grade 1 neuropathy in the hands and feet. The second patient had a partial response with eribulin, which was sustained for 4 months. She was able to tolerate the full dose of eribulin despite slight worsening of the neuropathy that was present at baseline. Eribulin may be a beneficial option for hormone-refractory MBC with extensive treatment experience.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/97/PMC4607072.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3563559", "abstract": "Introduction In the past 50 years, human cardiovascular tissue allografts, also called homografts, have been implanted into patients with different valvular diseases. The use of these allografts and  the number of cardiovascular tissue banks and their respective techniques increased. We conducted a survey to establish the quantity of allografts processed, and issued by, European tissue banks. The survey also included the collection of other relevant statistics. Methods In 2011, the Foundation of European Tissue Banks collected data from 19 different cardiovascular tissue banks in 11 European countries. Results From  2007 to 2010 the  data show a decrease in the number of hearts received, from 1700 to 1640 in 18 tissue banks; the average number of hearts received for cardiovascular tissue processing decreased from 113 to 91. The number of heart valves issued for transplantation increased from 1272 in 2007 to 1486 in 2010. The average rate of discard because of microbiological contamination was 20.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d4/09/hsrp-04-251.PMC3563559.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3214401", "abstract": "BACKGROUND: Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare disease and distinct clinicopathological entity. The optimal treatment strategy is still unclear. Because of rarity of PBL, we report our institute experience in PBL clinicopathological feature and treatment results. METHODS: 28 patients diagnosed with PBL were referred to Omid Hospital, cancer research center (CRC), between March 2001 and February 2009. Immunophenotype studies on 16 out of 28 pathological blocks were performed. We analyzed disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. RESULTS: 14 patients with PBL were analyzed retrospectively. 17 patients (60.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/b3/JRMS-16-814.PMC3214401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4775802", "abstract": " Background. Inflammation and oxidative stress (OxS) contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Patients with DKD were found to be more prone to CIN. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a proinflammatory cytokine, but its role in DKD and CIN is unknown. Methods. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled. The first group was comprised of healthy rats (HRs), whereas the other four groups were made up of diabetic rats (DRs), diabetic rats with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN + DRs), melatonin-treated diabetic rats (MTDRs), and melatonin-treated CIN + DRs (MTCIN + DRs). All groups except the HRs received 50 mg/kg/day streptozotocin (STZ). CIN + DRs were constituted by administrating 1.5 mg/kg of intravenous radiocontrast dye on the 35th day. MTDRs and MTCIN + DRs were given 20 mg/kg/day of intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (MT) from the 28th day for the constitutive seven days. Results. We observed increased IL-33 in the kidney tissue following induction of CIN in DRs. To determine whether MT is effective in preventing CIN, we administered MT in CIN + DRs and demonstrated that kidney tissue levels of OxS markers, inflammatory cytokines, and IL-33 were significantly diminished in MTCIN + DRs compared with other groups without MT treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Inhibition of IL-33 with MT provides therapeutic potential in DKD with CIN.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d8/ff/PMC4775802.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4592508", "abstract": "Myelomatous involvement of pleural effusions developing in patients with multiple myeloma is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported so far. It is thought to represent an aggressive clinical progression of disease and is usually associated with severe complications, poor prognosis and high mortality. Ferritin is a marker of inflammatory pathways that plays a significant role in plasma cell malignancies and has been studied as a prognostic factor for multiple myeloma. In severe inflammatory states such as septic shock or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, extreme levels of ferritin are thought to precipitate a cytokine storm associated with poor clinical outcomes. We present a case of myelomatous pleural effusion associated with extreme levels of ferritin and explore the possibility of a connection between this rare entity and other severe inflammatory states, which could account for its ominous outcomes and poor prognosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/fb/cro-0008-0349.PMC4592508.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2194070", "abstract": "The marginal zone of the spleen is a precisely ordered region that contains specialized subsets of B lymphocytes and macrophages. Disruption of the negative signaling inositol phosphatase, SH2-containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP), results in the loss of marginal zone B cells (MZBs) with reorganization of marginal zone macrophages (MZMOs) to the red pulp of the spleen. This primary macrophage defect, as revealed by selectively depleting SHIP in myeloid cells shows that MZMOs are specifically required for the retention of MZBs. The MZMO phenotype was reverted in SHIP/Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) double knockout mice, thus identifying the Btk activating pathway as an essential component being regulated by SHIP. Furthermore, we identified a direct interaction between the MARCO scavenger receptor on MZMOs and MZBs. Activation or disruption of this interaction results in MZB migration to the follicle. The migration of the MZMOs was further studied after the response to Staphylococcus aureus, which induced MZMOs to move into the red pulp while MZBs migrated into the follicular zone. The marginal zone is therefore a dynamic structure in which retention and trafficking of B cells requires specific macrophage–B cell interactions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/a0/20030684.PMC2194070.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3655300", "abstract": "We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior ascending branch of the left pulmonary artery, following a left upper lobectomy for pulmonary aspergillosis, for which we have done an endovascular treatment. This is the first case where complete pseudoaneurysm occlusion was accomplished after a transcatheter intra-aneurysmal N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (glue) injection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/53/kjr-14-455.PMC3655300.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4308029", "abstract": "The presence of cerebral palsy and that of slow growing brain tumors are risk factors for convulsive and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) needs electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring to be confirmed as it may be clinically subtle. Furthermore, it may present with a variety of ictal EEG morphologies. We report a case of a patient with cerebral palsy and a large central meningioma. Electroencephalogram showed a slow pattern of periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) (a pattern considered as being situated in the ictal–interictal continuum) on an alpha background. The patient was treated for NCSE successfully with benzodiazepines followed by up-titration of his antiepileptic drug doses.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/13/main.PMC4308029.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4638285", "abstract": "Neonicotinoids, some of the most widely used pesticides in the world, act as agonists to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of insects, resulting in death from abnormal excitability. Neonicotinoids unexpectedly became a major topic as a compelling cause of honeybee colony collapse disorder, which is damaging crop production that requires pollination worldwide. Mammal nAChRs appear to have a certain affinity for neonicotinoids with lower levels than those of insects; there is thus rising concern about unpredictable adverse effects of neonicotinoids on vertebrates. We hypothesized that the effects of neonicotinoids would be enhanced under a chronic stressed condition, which is known to alter the expression of targets of neonicotinoids, i.e., neuronal nAChRs. We performed immunohistochemical and behavioral analyses in male mice actively administered a neonicotinoid, clothianidin (CTD; 0, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg/day), for 4 weeks under an unpredictable chronic stress procedure. Vacuolated seminiferous epithelia and a decrease in the immunoreactivity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 were observed in the testes of the CTD+stress mice. In an open field test, although the locomotor activities were not affected, the anxiety-like behaviors of the mice were elevated by both CTD and stress. The present study demonstrates that the behavioral and reproductive effects of CTD become more serious in combination with environmental stress, which may reflect our actual situation of multiple exposure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/dc/jvms-77-1207.PMC4638285.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3059622", "abstract": "Dementia is a syndromic diagnosis, encompassing various stage of severity and different anatomo-physiological substrates. The hippocampus is one of the first and most affected brain regions affected by both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Moreover, chronic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major risk factor for developing dementia. Recent studies have demonstrated different relationship between the anatomical substrate and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) markers. Indeed, modifications of EEG rhythmicity is not proportional to the hippocampal atrophy, whereas changes in EEG activity are directly proportional to the load of subcortical CVD. The computation of the EEG spectral power and the analysis of the functional coupling of brain areas, through linear coherence, are two of the most known processing methods in EEG research. Two specific EEG markers, theta/gamma and alpha3/alpha2 frequency ratio have been reliable associated to the atrophy of amygdalo–hippocampal complex. Moreover, theta/gamma ratio has been related to MCI conversion in dementia and alpha3/alpha2 ratio has been specifically related to MCI conversion in AD. The functional coupling of brain areas is also modulated by hippocampal atrophy. In the MCI subjects, hippocampal atrophy is linked to an increase of interhemispheric coherence seen on frontal and temporal regions whereas subcortical CVD is linked to a decrease of coherence in fronto-parietal regions. In the present study the most significant results of recent studies on correlation between scalp EEG, cognitive decline, and anatomical substrate have been reviewed, with particular attention to the relationships between EEG changes and hippocampal atrophy. The following review is not intended to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature. Rather it identifies and discusses selected studies that are designed to find the specific correlation between scalp EEG markers and anatomo-pathological substrate. The principal aim is to propose a plausible neurophysiological theoretical model of the cognitive decline as mirrored by both structural and functional tools of research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/de/PMC3059622.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3357548", "abstract": "TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a new member of the TNF superfamily. It signals through TNFRSF12A, commonly known as Fn14. The TWEAK-Fn14 interaction regulates cellular activities including proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Although TWEAK has been reported to be associated with autoimmune diseases, cancers, stroke, and kidney-related disorders, the downstream molecular events of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling are yet not available in any signaling pathway repository. In this paper, we manually compiled from the literature, in particular those reported in human systems, the downstream reactions stimulated by TWEAK-Fn14 interactions. Our manual amassment of the TWEAK-Fn14 pathway has resulted in cataloging of 46 proteins involved in various biochemical reactions and TWEAK-Fn14 induced expression of 28 genes. We have enabled the availability of data in various standard exchange formats from NetPath, a repository for signaling pathways. We believe that this composite molecular interaction pathway will enable identification of new signaling components in TWEAK signaling pathway. This in turn may lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets in TWEAK-associated disorders.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/43/94/PMC3357548.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5436210", "abstract": "Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of the central nervous system among children. Medulloblastoma is an embryonal tumor, of which little is known about the pathogenesis. Several efforts have been made to understand the molecular aspects of its tumorigenic pathways; however, these are poorly understood. microRNA (miRNA), a type of non-coding short RNA, has been proven to be associated with a number of physiological processes and pathological processes of serious diseases, including brain tumors. Differentially expressed miRNAs serve an important role in numerous types of malignancy. The present study aims to define a differentially expressed set of miRNAs in medulloblastoma tumor tissue, compared with normal samples, to improve the understanding of the tumorigenesis. It was identified that 22 miRNAs were upregulated and 26 miRNAs were downregulated in the tumor tissue compared with the normal group. However, when the medulloblastoma tissue was compared with normal cerebellum tissue, 9 miRNAs were identified to be up or downregulated in the tumor samples. The differentially expressed miRNAs in the tumor tissue were identified in order to clarify the networks and pathways of tumorigenesis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Subsequently, key regulatory genes associated with the development of medulloblastoma were identified, including tumor protein p53, insulin like growth factor 1 receptor, argonaute 2, mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 and 3, sirtuin 1 and Y box binding protein 1.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cb/93/mmr-15-06-4109.PMC5436210.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4599472", "abstract": "Background The safety of deferring revascularization based on fractional flow reserve (FFR) during acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unclear. We evaluated the association of FFR and adverse cardiac events among patients with coronary lesions deferred revascularization based on FFR in the setting of ACS versus non-ACS. Methods and Results The study population (674 patients; 816 lesions) was divided into ACS (n=334) and non-ACS (n=340) groups based on the diagnosis when revascularization was deferred based on FFR values >0.80 between October 2002 and July 2010. The association and interaction between FFR and clinical outcomes was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models within each group (mean follow-up of 4.5±2.1 years). Subsequent revascularization of a deferred lesion was classified as a deferred lesion intervention (DLI), whereas the composite of DLI or myocardial infarction (MI) attributed to a deferred lesion was designated as deferred lesion failure (DLF). In the non-ACS group, lower FFR values were not associated with any increase in adverse cardiac events. In the ACS group, every 0.01 decrease in FFR was associated with a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular death, MI, or DLI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/09/jah30004-e002172.PMC4599472.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4309773", "abstract": "Introduction The Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire is widely used to screen for late-onset hypogonadism. The positive response to the ADAM questionnaire (positive ADAM) has been associated with depression and poorer quality of life in a number of studies. It is unclear whether there is any value of the ADAM questionnaire in psychiatric populations. In this study, we aimed to determine the utility of the ADAM questionnaire in a convenient sample of male psychiatric outpatients. Methods One hundred and seventy-six men (mean age: 54.3 years; standard deviation: 10.7 years; range: 40–80 years) completed the ADAM questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale. Anxiety was defined as a HADS anxiety subscore ≥8; depression as a HADS depression subscore ≥8; and moderate/severe impairment of health-related quality of life (HQoL) as AMS ≥37. ADAM, anxiety, and depression was used to model the moderate/severe impairment of HQoL. Results One hundred and sixty-four (93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/38/ndt-11-185.PMC4309773.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3811098", "abstract": "An increasing number of theoretical and empirical studies approach the function of the human brain from a network perspective. The analysis of brain networks is made feasible by the development of new imaging acquisition methods as well as new tools from graph theory and dynamical systems. This review surveys some of these methodological advances and summarizes recent findings on the architecture of structural and functional brain networks. Studies of the structural connectome reveal several modules or network communities that are interlinked by hub regions mediating communication processes between modules. Recent network analyses have shown that network hubs form a densely linked collective called a “rich club,” centrally positioned for attracting and dispersing signal traffic. In parallel, recordings of resting and task-evoked neural activity have revealed distinct resting-state networks that contribute to functions in distinct cognitive domains. Network methods are increasingly applied in a clinical context, and their promise for elucidating neural substrates of brain and mental disorders is discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/8d/DialoguesClinNeurosci-15-247.PMC3811098.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3304335", "abstract": "The group of pattern recognition receptors includes families of Toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors, C-type lectin receptors, and RIG-I-like receptors. They are key sensors for a number of infectious agents, some of which are carcinogenic, and they launch an immune response against them. Inherited structural variation in genes encoding these receptors and proteins of their signaling pathways may affect their function, modulating cancer risk and features of cancer progression. Relevant malignancies, valuable gene polymorphisms, prime questions about future directions, and answers to these questions are analyzed in this review. It is possible to suggest that polymorphisms of genes encoding pattern recognition receptors and proteins of their signaling pathways may be associated with almost all cancer types, particularly with those in which carcinogenic infectious agents are responsible for the substantial share of cases (namely gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma). The concept of selection of polymorphisms for further oncogenomic investigation, based on a combination of results from basic and epidemiological studies, is proposed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/1b/PMC3304335.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2826751", "abstract": "Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of mucinous carcinoma (MC) were compared with invasive ductal carcinoma-not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS). Clinicopathological characteristics and survivals of 104 MC patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared with those of 3,936 IDC-NOS. The median age at diagnosis was 45 yr in MC and 47 yr in IDC-NOS, respectively. The sensitivity of mammography and sonography for pure MC were 76.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/43/40/jkms-25-361.PMC2826751.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2795151", "abstract": "Multi detector-row CT (MDCT), the current preferred method for coronary artery disease assessment, is still affected by motion artefacts. To rule out motion artefacts, qualitative image analysis is usually performed. Our study aimed to develop a quantitative image analysis for motion artefacts detection as an added value to the qualitative analysis. An anthropomorphic moving heart phantom with adjustable heart-rate was scanned on 64-MDCT and dual-source-CT. A new software technique was developed which detected motion artefacts in the coronaries and also in the myocardium, where motion artefacts are more apparent; with direct association to the qualitative analysis. The new quantitative analysis managed to detect motion artefacts in phantom scans and relate them to artefact-induced vessel stenoses. Quantifying these artefacts at corresponding locations in the myocardium, artefact-induced vessel stenosis findings could be avoided. In conclusion, the quantitative analysis together with the qualitative analysis rules out artefact-induced stenosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/db/10554_2009_Article_9502.PMC2795151.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4944078", "abstract": " Purpose. To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for treating myopia and myopic astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Design. Case-series. Methods. Ten eyes of 10 patients with previous PKP and residual myopic astigmatism for whom pentacam imaging and thickness measurements were acceptable for laser vision correction. Manifest refraction (MR), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were obtained preoperatively and one day, one week, and one, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Cases were operated on the VisuMax® femtosecond laser platform with 500 kHz repetition rate. Results. The mean correction ratio for spherical errors was 0.84 ± 0.19 D and for the mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was 0.79 ± 0.13 D. Vector analysis showed a mean astigmatism reduction at the intended axis of 67 ± 25.25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bd/67/PMC4944078.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3063469", "abstract": "Objectives: The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic is in its third decade and has reached to alarming proportions worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million people are living with HIV with an estimated 56,300 infections happening each year in the United States. Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS via early testing along with pretest and post-test counseling is important for psychosocial stabilization and destigmatization. Risk reduction counseling as a preventive counseling method is equally important in high-risk individuals such as adolescents, substance abusers and in gay and bisexual population. The purpose of this review is to address a number of counseling strategies used for education and counseling of individuals at risk of getting HIV/AIDS and also among those who are HIV-infected. Methods: In order to collect materials for this review, a detailed search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, Academic Search Premier, Scopus, Web of Science and Social Sciences Citation Index databases was carried out for the time period 1995-2010. Results: Some of the various dimensions of counseling are negative approach counseling, assessing readiness to change, and motivational enhancement therapy. Conclusions: Multiple approaches are used by counselors in providing education and prevention counseling to ‘at risk’ individuals and also individuals who have been infected with the virus. No one method is superior to another and some gamut of techniques are practiced by HIV/AIDS counselors.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/06/b6/IJPVM-2-10.PMC3063469.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4216499", "abstract": "Background     objectives: Recent influenza antiviral resistance studies in South East Asia, Europe and the United States reveal adamantane and neuraminidase inhibitor (NAIs) resistance. This study was undertaken to evaluate antiviral resistance in influenza viruses isolated from various parts of India, during 2004 to 2011. Methods: Influenza viruses were analyzed genetically for known resistance markers by M2 and NA gene sequencing. Influenza A/H1N1 (n=206), A/H3N2 (n=371) viruses for amantadine resistance and A/H1N1 (n=206), A/H3N2 (n=272) and type B (n=326) for oseltamivir resistance were sequenced. Pandemic (H1N1) (n= 493) isolates were tested for H274Y mutation by real time reverse transcription (rRT)-PCR. Randomly selected resistant and sensitive influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses were confirmed by phenotypic assay. Results: Serine to asparagine (S3IN) mutation was detected in six isolates of 2007-2008. One dual-resistant A/H1N1 was detected for the first time in India with leucine to phenylalanine (L26F) mutation in M2 gene and H274Y mutation in NA gene. A/H3N2 viruses showed an increase in resistance to amantadine from 22.5 per cent in 2005 to 100 per cent in 2008 onwards with S3IN mutation. Fifty of the 61 (82", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/0b/IJMR-140-244.PMC4216499.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2430294", "abstract": "Background Modern drugs have made great contributions to better quality of life, less disabling symptoms, decreased demands of health care and a better prognosis. Despite this, one can nowadays notice an increasing proportion of negative side effects and adverse drug reactions due to extensive pharmacological treatment. Study objectives To examine if patient-focused drug surveillances were associated with a higher quality of drug treatment at nursing homes? Methods Physicians were told to systematically focus on the patient's basic health status as a fundamental starting point for further continuous medication, with the aim to obtain a rational drug usage. Setting An intervention study in nursing homes in Sweden. Outcomes Mortality, health care consumption and number of drugs. Health status and evaluation of drug therapy. Results No significant difference in mortality rate. Extensive health care consumption in both groups. Significant differences of examinations like weight, blood pressure and renal function. Monitoring and evaluation of medications showed significant differences favouring the intervention group. Due to existing polypharmacy there was a significant reduction of number of drugs in the intervention group vs. a significant increase in the control group. Conclusions The intervention seemed to have achieved significant positive results in ‘quality of drug treatment’, although it has shown immense lacks of monitoring the health status of frail elderly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/82/PMC2430294.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3150211", "abstract": "GABAergic interneurons are critical for the normal function and development of neural circuits, and their dysfunction is implicated in a large number of neurodevelopmental disorders. Experience and activity-dependent mechanisms play an important role in GABAergic circuit development, also recent studies involve a number of molecular players involved in the process. Emphasizing the molecular mechanisms of GABAergic synapse formation, in particular basket cell perisomatic synapses, this paper draws attention to the links between critical period plasticity, GABAergic synapse maturation, and the consequences of its dysfunction on the development of the nervous system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/99/PMC3150211.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3748675", "abstract": "Background: The square root of time (SqRT) model had been used to predict the uptake of volatile agents. Methods: We studied the rate of uptake of isoflurane in 10 patients using liquid isoflurane infusion through syringe pump into the closed circuit. The infusion rates were titrated to maintain a constant end tidal concentration of isoflurane of 1.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/f0/IJA-57-230.PMC3748675.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5099466", "abstract": " Objective. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is estimated to be 48,960 in 2015 in the US and projected to become the second and third leading causes of cancer-related deaths by 2030. The mean costs in 2015 may be assumed to be 79,800 per patient and for each resection164,100. Attempt is made to evaluate the results over the last 80 years, the number of survivors, and the overall survival percentage. Methods. Altogether 1230 papers have been found which deal with resections and reveal survival information. Only 621 of these report 5-year survivors. Reservation about surgery was first expressed in 1964 and five-year survival of nonresected survivors is well documented. Results. The survival percentage depends not only on the number of survivors but also on the subset from which it is calculated. Since the 1980s the papers have mainly reported the number of resections and survival as actuarial percentages, with or without the actual number of survivors being reported. The actuarial percentage is on average 2.75 higher. Detailed information on the original group (TN), number of resections, and actual number of survivors is reported in only 10.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c0/99/PMC5099466.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4005242", "abstract": "Purpose: To compare the outcome of Collagen cross-linking (CXL) with that following topography-guided customized ablation treatment (T-CAT) with simultaneous CXL in eyes with progressive keratoconus. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized single centre study of 66 eyes with progressive keratoconus. Of these, 40 eyes underwent CXL and 26 eyes underwent T-CAT + CXL. The refractive, topographic, tomographic and aberrometric changes measured at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months post-operatively were compared between both groups. Results: After a mean follow-up of 7.7 ± 1.3 months, the mean retinoscopic cylinder decreased by 1.02 ± 3.16 D in the CXL group (P = 0.1) and 2.87 ± 3.22 D in the T-CAT + CXL group (P = 0.04). The Best corrected visual acuity increased by 2 lines or more in 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/5c/IJO-62-229.PMC4005242.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4863489", "abstract": "This case report discusses the identification and management of complex canal configuration of 3-2-1 in the mesiobuccal (MB) root of the maxillary left first molar. Careful attention to details of the pulpal floor and applying the knowledge of the laws of orifice location along with deepening the subpulpal groove with ultrasonic tips helped in identifying the three MB canals. Manual scouting helped in understanding the anatomic configuration; the use of three-dimensional imaging technique and spiral computed tomography (SCT) confirmed the same. SCT images showed buccolingually wide and bulbous mesiobuccal root with three separate canals at coronal third that merged into two canals in the middle and exited as a single canal at the apex. This article highlights the role of SCT in three-dimensionally analyzing the unseen rarest canal configurations that ultimately enabled the clinician to thoroughly explore, debride, and obturate the entire root canal system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9b/2c/JISPCD-6-75.PMC4863489.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2862936", "abstract": "Chinese and Chumash traditional medical approaches are similar in terms of disease causation, use of acupuncture or healing touch, plants, spiritual and philosophical approaches. This article provides a brief comparison and discussion of Chinese and Chumash traditional medical practices. A table of 66 plants is presented along with Chinese and Chumash uses of each plant. These uses are compared and contrasted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b5/74/nem188.PMC2862936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4577250", "abstract": "Background The purpose of this study was to determine if eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) unresponsive to ranibizumab or bevacizumab would benefit from conversion to aflibercept. Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of subjects with DME unresponsive to ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab and subsequently converted to aflibercept. Results In total, 21 eyes from 19 subjects of mean age 62±15 years were included. The majority of subjects were male (63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/2a/opth-9-1715.PMC4577250.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2190701", "abstract": "Protein structural annotation and classification is an important and challenging problem in bioinformatics. Research towards analysis of sequence–structure correspondences is critical for better understanding of a protein's structure, function, and its interaction with other molecules. Clustering of protein domains based on their structural similarities provides valuable information for protein classification schemes. In this article, we attempt to determine whether structure information alone is sufficient to adequately classify protein structures. We present an algorithm that identifies regions of structural similarity within a given set of protein structures, and uses those regions for clustering. In our approach, called STRALCP (STRucture ALignment-based Clustering of Proteins), we generate detailed information about global and local similarities between pairs of protein structures, identify fragments (spans) that are structurally conserved among proteins, and use these spans to group the structures accordingly. We also provide a web server at http://as2ts.llnl.gov/AS2TS/STRALCP/ for selecting protein structures, calculating structurally conserved regions and performing automated clustering.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/3e/gkm1049.PMC2190701.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5040128", "abstract": "The retinal fractal dimension (FD) is a measure of vasculature branching pattern complexity. FD has been considered as a potential biomarker for the detection of several diseases like diabetes and hypertension. However, conflicting findings were found in the reported literature regarding the association between this biomarker and diseases. In this paper, we examine the stability of the FD measurement with respect to (1) different vessel annotations obtained from human observers, (2) automatic segmentation methods, (3) various regions of interest, (4) accuracy of vessel segmentation methods, and (5) different imaging modalities. Our results demonstrate that the relative errors for the measurement of FD are significant and FD varies considerably according to the image quality, modality, and the technique used for measuring it. Automated and semiautomated methods for the measurement of FD are not stable enough, which makes FD a deceptive biomarker in quantitative clinical applications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/64/6a/PMC5040128.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3818627", "abstract": "Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the congenital fusion of two of the seventh cervical vertebrae. A 50-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of neck pain and ataxia for 1 year. She had not urinary incontinence. She was referred to a neurosurgeon by a neurologist because of her progressive gait ataxia. Risk for brachial plexus injury because of compression or stretching by the clavicle accelerate with age. Therefore, the surgical approach of adults’ patients with Sprengel's deformity can intend suitable surgical conclusions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/5b/JRMS-18-526.PMC3818627.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2990594", "abstract": "This report reviews some of the new studies regarding new hormonal contraceptive formulations (e.g., Yaz, Qlaira®, extended-cycle or continuous combined contraceptives, subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, and ulipristal acetate as an emergency contraceptive). Recent data on the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and bone health are also reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/f5/medrep-02-58.PMC2990594.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2994127", "abstract": "Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection. The clinical manifestation of this infection can be severe enough to cause death. Although pertussis has been supposed to be a vaccine-preventable disease ever since the widespread vaccination of children against pertussis was started, since the 1990s, cases of pertussis and related fatalities are on the rise, especially in countries with high vaccination coverage. In Korea, there have been no deaths due to pertussis since 1990, and the vaccination rate continues to be approximately 94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f1/58/kjped-53-629.PMC2994127.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2676070", "abstract": "Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of three different provisional restoration materials on fibroblasts. Two bis-acrylic based [Tempofit Duomix (Detax), Protemp 3 Garant (3M ESPE)] and one urethan dimethacrylate [Revotek LC (GC Corporation)] based provisional restoration materials used. Methods: Materials were prepared according to the manufacturers’ instructions in standard teflon disks (2×5 mm) and four samples were extracted in 7 ml of Basal Medium Eagle with 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/1f/PMC2676070.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4360351", "abstract": "Background Radiotherapy plays an important role in the management of most malignant and many benign primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Radiotherapy affects both tumor cells and uninvolved normal cells; so, it is important to estimate absorbed dose to organs at risk in this kind of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the absorbed dose to chiasma, lens, optic nerve, retina, parotid, thyroid and submandibular gland in frontal lobe brain tumors radiotherapy based on treatment planning system (TPS) calculation and direct measurement on the phantom. Methods A head and neck phantom was constructed using natural human bone and combination of paraffin wax and Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as tissue-equivalent material. Six cylinders were made of phantom material which had cavities to insert Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) at several depths in order to measure absorbed dose to chiasma, lens, optic nerve, retina, parotid, thyroid and submandibular gland. Three routine conventional plans associated with tumors of this region and a new purposed technique were performed on the phantom and dose distribution and absorbed dose to critical organs were compared using treatment planning system (TPS) calculation and direct measurement on the phantom. Results Absorbed doses were measured with calibrated TLDs and are expressed in centigray (cGy). In all techniques absorbed dose to all organs except the lenses were at their tolerance dose levels and in the new purposed technique, absorbed dose to chiasma was significantly reduced. Conclusion Our findings showed differences in the range of 1-5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3c/3f/IJCP-08-047.PMC4360351.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4598602", "abstract": "The periostin is a matricellular protein expressed in collagen-rich tissues including some dental and periodontal tissues where it is regulated by mechanical forces, growth factors and cytokines. Interestingly the expression of this protein has been found modified in different gingival pathologies although the expression of periostin in normal human gingiva was never investigated. Here we used Western blot and double immunofluorescence coupled to laser-confocal microscopy to investigated the occurrence and distribution of periostin in different segments of the human gingival in healthy subjects. By Western blot a protein band with an estimated molecular mass of 94 kDa was observed. Periostin was localized at the epithelial-connective tissue junction, or among the fibers of the periodontal ligament, and never co-localized with cytokeratin or vimentin thus suggesting it is an extracellular protein. These results demonstrate the occurrence of periostin in adult human gingiva; its localization suggests a role in the bidirectional interactions between the connective tissue and the epithelial cells, and therefore in the physiopathological conditions in which these interactions are altered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/22/ejh-2015-3-2548.PMC4598602.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894035", "abstract": "Background and Aim: Readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge from the hospital is a common occurrence. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of readmissions in the hospital. We hypothesized that irrespective of the admission diagnosis polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate use of medications (PIM) leads to readmissions within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing the hospital records of 414 patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge from the hospital between January 2008 and December 2009. The data was stratified to see which patients were on polypharmacy and/or on PIM. Polypharmacy was defined as use of more than 5 medications. PIM was defined as per the modified Beers criteria. Day 0 was defined as the day of discharge and day1 was defined as the day-after Admission to the hospital. Statistical analysis was carried out using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data to see if polypharmacy and/or PIM was related to readmission within 30 days of discharge irrespective of admission diagnosis. Results: Polypharmacy was related to hospital readmission at day 1 and day 0, however inappropriate drug use was found to be not related at any day. Polypharmacy and PIM combined had a positive correlation to readmission only on days 1 and 0 and it was statistically significant. The use of minimal and appropriate use of drugs was statistically significant compared to polypharmacy and PIM use. Conclusions: Polypharmacy and PIM are under recognized cause of readmissions to the hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9a/8f/JFMPC-2-194.PMC3894035.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3531207", "abstract": "The Nucleic acid—Protein Interaction DataBase (http://npidb.belozersky.msu.ru/) contains information derived from structures of DNA–protein and RNA–protein complexes extracted from the Protein Data Bank (3846 complexes in October 2012). It provides a web interface and a set of tools for extracting biologically meaningful characteristics of nucleoprotein complexes. The content of the database is updated weekly. The current version of the Nucleic acid—Protein Interaction DataBase is an upgrade of the version published in 2007. The improvements include a new web interface, new tools for calculation of intermolecular interactions, a classification of SCOP families that contains DNA–binding protein domains and data on conserved water molecules on the DNA–protein interface.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/b0/gks1199.PMC3531207.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5066437", "abstract": "Background and Purpose The location of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) may differ according to ischemic stroke subtype, and the underlying pathomechanism may differ by their location. Here, we investigated the characteristics of CMBs according to various ischemic stroke subtypes to verify this issue. Methods Patients with acute ischemic stroke were consecutively included. The presence of CMBs was determined by gradient echo image sequence. The distribution of CMBs was classified as deep, lobar, or diffuse (both deep and lobar). The prevalence, risk factors, and distribution of CMBs were compared among patients with different stroke subtypes. Factors associated with the distribution of CMBs were investigated. Results Among the 1033 patients included in this study, ischemic stroke subtypes were classified as large artery atherosclerosis (LAA; n=432), small vessel occlusion (SVO; n=304), and cardioembolism (CE; n=297). The prevalence of CMBs was highest in patients with SVO (40.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/43/jos-2016-00360.PMC5066437.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709403", "abstract": "Aim of the study To analyse the incidence of appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms in appendectomy specimens and establish the epidemiological and histopathological features, treatment, and clinical course. Material and methods Between 2004 and 2013, 975 patients who underwent appendectomy in Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital were retrospectively analysed. Results Neuroendocrine neoplasm was detected in the nine of 975 (0.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/22/WO-19-26226.PMC4709403.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1950586", "abstract": "Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when an osseous abnormality of the proximal femur (cam) or acetabulum (pincer) triggers damage to the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage in the hip. Although the precise etiology of FAI is not well understood, both types of FAI are common in athletes presenting with hip pain, loss of range-of-motion, and disability in athletics. An open surgical approach to decompressing FAI has shown good clinical outcomes; however, this highly invasive approach inherently may delay or preclude a high level athlete’s return to play. The purpose of this study was to define associated pathologies and determine if an arthroscopic approach to treating FAI can allow professional athletes to return to high-level sport. Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI allows professional athletes to return to professional sport. Between October 2000 and September 2005, 45 professional athletes underwent hip arthroscopy for the decompression of FAI. Operative and return-to-play data were obtained from patient records. Average time to follow-up was 1.6 years (range: 6 months to 5.5 years). Forty two (93", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ee/0b/PMC1950586.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3854091", "abstract": "Recent reports have demonstrated that elevated plasma long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels are associated with cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. In the current study, we investigated the plasma PTX3 levels in 296 Malay subjects including the subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with or without DN by using an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Results showed that in males, plasma PTX3 levels in T2DM patients without DN were lower than that in the subjects with NGT (2.78 versus 3.98 ng/mL; P = 0.021). Plasma PTX3 levels in T2DM patients with DN were decreased compared to the patients without DN (1.63 versus 2.78 ng/mL; P = 0.013). In females, however, no significant alteration of plasma PTX3 levels among NGT subjects and T2DM patients with and without DN was detected. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between PTX3 and body mass index was found in male subjects with NGT (P = 0.012; r = −0.390), but not in male T2DM patients, neither in all females. The current study provided the first evidence that decreased plasma PTX3 levels are associated with T2DM and DN in Malay men and also suggested that PTX3 may have different effects in DN and chronic kidney diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/81/51/PMC3854091.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3532750", "abstract": "Total body irradiation (TBI) is a special radiotherapy technique, administered prior to bone marrow transplantation. Due to the complex nature of the treatment setup, in vivo dosimetry for TBI is mandatory to ensure proper delivery of the intended radiation dose throughout the body. Lithium fluoride (LiF) TLD-100 chips are used for the TBI in vivo dosimetry. Results obtained from the in vivo dosimetry of 20 patients are analyzed. Results obtained from forehead, abdomen, pelvis, and mediastinum showed a similar pattern with the average measured dose from 96 to 97", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/1a/JMP-37-214.PMC3532750.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4211219", "abstract": "Despite the fact that a biological classification of congenital vascular tumors and malformations was first published in 1982 by Mulliken and Glowacki, significant confusion still prevails due to the indiscriminate and interchangeable use of the terms hemangioma and vascular malformation. Hemangiomas are true neoplasms of endothelial cells and should be differentiated from vascular malformations which are localized defects of vascular morphogenesis. On an analysis of various scientific articles and latest edition of medical text books an inappropriate use of various terms for vascular lesions was found, contributing further towards the confusion. The widely accepted International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification differentiates lesions with proliferative endothelium from lesions with structural anomalies and has been very helpful in standardizing the terminologies. In addition to overcoming obstacles in communication when describing a vascular lesion, it is important that we adhere to the correct terminology, as the therapeutic guidelines, management and follow-up of these lesions differ.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/3f/JOMFP-18-117.PMC4211219.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4652004", "abstract": "Bullet injuries to the spine may cause injury to the anatomical structures with or without neurologic deterioration. Most bullet injuries are acute, resulting from direct injury. However, in rare cases, delayed injury may occur, resulting in claudication. We report a case of intradural bullet at the L3-4 level with radiculopathy in a 30-year-old male. After surgical removal, radicular and claudicating pain were improved significantly, and motor power of the right leg also improved. We report the case of intradural bullet, which resulted in delayed radiculopathy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/1d/jkns-58-393.PMC4652004.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3009445", "abstract": "The current technique for surgical treatment of the longitudinal spinal cord injury has proven to be successful for restoration of some motor function and alleviation of pain. This has been the first step in finding a cure for spinal cord injuries, but so far there are many obstacles still to be overcome. In this particular injury return of function from spinal cord surgery is only partial. Some of the main remaining problems are related to injury-induced neuronal death, direction and specificity of regeneration and muscle, and receptor disintegration from long time denervation. Currently this is a surgical procedure without any adjuvant treatments. In order to gain further functional improvement combinational therapies developed in basic science experiments are essential.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/6c/PMC3009445.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3835505", "abstract": "Hepatobiliary complications, such as stone recurrence, recurrent cholangitis, liver abscess, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma may occur after treatment for hepatolithiasis. However, few previous studies have addressed the risk factors and long-term outcomes after initial treatment. Eighty-five patients with newly diagnosed hepatolithiasis, actively treated for hepatolithiasis, constituted the cohort of this retrospective study. Patients were treated by hepatectomy or nonoperative percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy. Long-term complications, such as recurrent cholangitis, liver abscess, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma, and their relationships with clinical parameters were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 57.4 months. The overall hepatobiliary complication rate after the treatment was 17.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c1/a8/jkms-28-1627.PMC3835505.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5099332", "abstract": "Background and Objectives To compare clinical outcomes of staged versus \"one-time\" percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in intermediate to very high-risk patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and multivessel coronary disease (MVD). Subjects and Methods 1531 NSTE-ACS patients with multivessel PCI and meeting the criteria of intermediate to very high risk were screened from a prospectively registered database obtained from General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region between 2008 and 2012. They were categorized into \"one-time\" PCI (n=859) and staged PCI (n=672) according to intervention strategy. The primary outcomes included a 3-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization. Results At 3 years, no significant differences in MACE (20.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/d5/kcj-46-774.PMC5099332.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4876084", "abstract": "Background: In Korea, medical institutions make claims for insurance reimbursement to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Thus, HIRA databases reflect the general medical services that are provided in Korea. We conducted two pathology-related studies using a HIRA national patient sample (NPS) data (selection probability, 0.03). First, we evaluated the current status of general pathologic examination in Korea. Second, we evaluated pathologic issues associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods: The sample data used in this study was HIRA-NPS-2013-0094. Results: In the NPS dataset, 163,372 pathologic examinations were performed in 103,528 patients during the year 2013. Considering sampling weight (33.3), it is estimated that 5,440,288 (163,372 × 33.3) pathologic examinations were performed. Internal medicine and general surgery were the most common departments requesting pathologic examinations. The region performing pathologic examinations were different according to type of medical institution. In total, 490 patients underwent ESD, and 43.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/2d/jptm-2016-03-04.PMC4876084.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3540699", "abstract": "Defensive traits may evolve differently between sexes in dioecious plant species. Our current understanding of this process hinges on a partial view of the evolution of resistance traits that may result in male-biased herbivory in dioecious populations. Here, we present a critical summary of the current state of the knowledge of herbivory in dioecious species and propose alternative evolutionary scenarios that have been neglected. These scenarios consider the potential evolutionary and functional determinants of sexual dimorphism in patterns of resource allocation to reproduction, growth, and defence. We review the evidence upon which two previous reviews of sex-biased herbivory have concluded that male-biased herbivory is a rule for dioecious species, and we caution readers about a series of shortcomings of many of these studies. Lastly, we propose a minimal standard protocol that should be followed in any studies that intend to elucidate the (co)evolution of interactions between dioecious plants and their herbivores.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/c2/PMC3540699.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2267692", "abstract": "Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer, and its incidence is increasing worldwide because of the dissemination of hepatitis B and C virus infection. Patients with cirrhosis are at the highest risk of developing HCC and should be monitored every 6 months to diagnose the tumour at an early, asymptomatic stage. Patients with early-stage HCC should be considered for any of the available curative therapies, including surgical resection, liver transplantation and percutaneous image-guided ablation. Liver transplantation is the only option that provides cure of both the tumour and the underlying chronic liver disease. However, the lack of sufficient liver donation greatly limits its applicability. Resection is the treatment of choice for HCC in non-cirrhotic patients, who account for about 5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/2a/PMC2267692.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3612192", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to study the knowledge and attitude of the pediatricians and family physicians on the dental counterpart, i.e. pediatric dentistry and the objective of this study were to determine what can improve the knowledge and attitude on pediatric dentistry and suggest certain methodologies to more participation of physicians in improving oral health. Materials and Methods: A systematic random survey of 400 pediatricians and 400 family physicians received a questionnaire pertaining to individual details, approach towards pediatric dentistry, knowledge level and the training on oral health received. Results: Most of pediatricians and family physicians acknowledged the importance of pediatric dentistry. Less of pediatricians and more of family physicians predicted the parents may pose a barrier for referral. More number of pediatricians were aware of the oral benefits of breast feeding when compared to the family physician. Most of the practitioners in both groups were less aware of the first dental visit including ECC. Acknowledgement of the role in cleft lip and palate was more or less same in both groups of practitioners were as the effect of systemic disease on oral health was recognized by more number of pediatricians. Only a small percentage in both the groups acknowledged the cariogenicity of medicated syrups, which was substantiated by the fact that only a small number of physicians underwent dental training and most of them were accepting to undergo training. Conclusion: When basic medical training is provided in dental school, medical schools can also provide dental training. Dental lectures can also be incorporated into CME programs and recognition of pediatric dentistry by providing referral to needy patients have been suggested.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/d2/DRJ-9-561.PMC3612192.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5421498", "abstract": "Introduction: This study reports a rare patient of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma. In addition, an analysis of potential clues for the phenomenon is presented with a review of the literature. Patient Presentation: A 1-year-and-2-month-old boy fell from a height of approximately 2 m. The patient was in a superficial coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 when he was transferred to the authors’ hospital. Computed tomography revealed the presence of an acute subdural hematoma with a midline shift beyond 1 cm. His guardians refused invasive interventions and chose conservative treatment. Repeat imaging after 15 hours showed the evident resolution of the hematoma and midline reversion. Progressive magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the complete resolution of the hematoma, without redistribution to a remote site. Conclusions: Even though this phenomenon has a low incidence, the probability of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma should be considered when patients present with the following characteristics: children or elderly individuals suffering from mild to moderate head trauma; stable or rapidly recovered consciousness; and simple acute subdural hematoma with a moderate thickness and a particularly low-density band in computed tomography scans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/96/jcrsu-28-e287.PMC5421498.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3381549", "abstract": "Enterovirus 68 strains were detected in 14 specimens from children with respiratory tract infections and 1 specimen from a child with febrile convulsions during 2010 in Osaka, Japan. These strains had deletions in the 5′ untranslated region and were genetically different from reported strains. This virus is associated with respiratory tract infections in Japan.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/62/c0/PMC3381549.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4433734", "abstract": "Abstract Background To identify mental disorders and their prevalence in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods This descriptive study was carried out between January 2009 and January 2010 on 417 patients with RP, who were members of Iran RP Center. The necessary data were collected using questionnaires consisting two parts: The background characteristics and questions assessing the mental health and screening personality and psychosocial disorders, which were designed based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with Chi-square test to assess the relationship between background characteristics and each mental disorder. Scores in the range of 30 and 70 were considered normal. Results Patients with RP suffered from eight mental disorders with the following prevalence: Obsessive compulsive disorder (39.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/95/58/PMC4433734.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2828069", "abstract": "We describe the first, to our knowledge, cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay. Andes and Juquitiba (JUQ) viruses were characterized. JUQV was also confirmed in 5 Oligoryzomys nigripes reservoir species from Misiones. A novel Akodon-borne genetic hantavirus lineage was detected in 1 rodent from the Biologic Reserve of Limoy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f6/20/PMC2828069.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3532807", "abstract": "Rashes can occur in any part of the body. But rash which appears on face has got both psychological and cosmetic effect on the patient. Rashes on face can sometimes be very challenging to physicians and dermatologists and those associated with oral manifestations pose a challenge to dentists. Butterfly rash is a red flat facial rash involving the malar region bilaterally and the bridge of the nose. The presence of a butterfly rash is generally a sign of lupus erythematosus (LE), but it can also include a plethora of conditions. The case presented here is of a female with butterfly rash along with typical bright red discoloration of gingiva. The clinical, histopathological and biochemical investigations suggested the presence of rosacea.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/76/CCD-3-356.PMC3532807.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4609871", "abstract": "Fat loss is associated with shorter survival and reduced quality of life in cancer patients.  Effective intervention for fat loss in cachexia requires identification of the condition using prognostic biomarkers for early detection and prevention of further depletion. No biomarkers of fat mass alterations have been defined for application to the neoplastic state. Several inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in mediating fat loss associated with cachexia; however, plasma levels may not relate to adipose atrophy. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein may be a local catabolic mediator within adipose tissue rather than serving as a plasma biomarker of fat loss. Plasma glycerol and leptin associate with adipose tissue atrophy and mass, respectively; however, no study has evaluated their potential as a prognostic biomarker of cachexia-associated fat loss. This review confirms the need for further studies to identify valid prognostic biomarkers to identify loss of fat based on changes in plasma levels of biomarkers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/41/PMC4609871.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC165589", "abstract": "Background The scientific literature poses a perplexing dilemma for pregnant women with respect to the consumption of fish from natural bodies of water. On one hand, fish is a good source of protein, low in fat and a rich source of other nutrients all of which have presumably beneficial effects on developing embryos and fetuses. On the other hand, consumption of fish contaminated with environmental toxicants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been associated with decrements in gestation and birth size. Methods 2,716 infants born between 1986–1991 to participants of the New York State Angler Cohort Study were studied with respect to duration of maternal consumption of contaminated fish from Lake Ontario and its tributaries and gestation and birth size. Hospital delivery records (maternal and newborn) were obtained for 92", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1e/5d/PMC165589.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3484311", "abstract": "The pace of genomic discoveries in the field of cancer is revolutionizing our understanding of the biological dynamics of cancerous growth and, at the same time, fueling research for newer and smarter cancer therapies to reverse the effects of these alterations. These dynamics are driving a tremendous paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics, drug development and clinical trial design with the hope of eliminating the current structure and approach of cancer care, to one which is driven by the underlying biology of the tumor and, thus highly personalized. Much of this paradigm shift has been fueled by the current availability of novel technologies, platforms and bioinformatic tools. Today, therapies are being rationally designed to target the precise genetic alterations with better clinical outcomes with reduced morbidity. Therefore, molecular profiling of tumors to identify the multiplicity of alterations in a tumor is an essential and necessary companion for targeted therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/84/PMC3484311.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3270465", "abstract": "The aim of this study is pharmacochemistry of Iranian flora Artemisia sieberi and its antimalarial effects on Plasmodium berghei in vivo. This is the first application of A. sieberi for treatment of murine malaria. A. sieberi were collected at flowering stage from the Khorassan and Semnan provinces of Iran; the aerial parts were air-dried at room temperature and then powdered. The powder was macerated in methanol, filtered with Bokhner hopper and solvent was separated in rotary evaporator. Total herbal extract was subsequently processed for ether and chloroform extracts preparation. The toxicity of herbal extract was assessed on naive NMRI mice with high, average and low doses; then pathophysiological signs were assessed. Finally, the antimalarial efficacy was investigated on two groups of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Percentage of parasitaemia and pathophysiology were also evaluated. The results of this assessment showed no toxicity even by high concentration of herbal extract. A significant reduction in percentage of parasitaemia was observed; no alterations of hepatosplenomegaly and body weight were indicated in study group. A. sieberi extracts showed antimalarial effects against murine malaria with some efficacies on reducing pathophysiology. However, there is requirement to find the major component of this herbal extract by further studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/00/43/PMC3270465.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4361911", "abstract": "Multiple myeloma is the fourteenth cause of cancer-related death. The symptoms of myeloma are mostly nonspecific, and there is significant delay between the first symptoms and diagnosis of myeloma. Atopic eczema is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with dysregulation of the immune system. It generally develops in early childhood but can also occur in adults. Eczema is associated with a variety of hematological and solid malignancies, and possibly multiple myeloma. We report a patient with eczema that developed 5 years before the diagnosis of multiple myeloma but was mistaken for psoriasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/7e/cro-0008-0058.PMC4361911.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4004847", "abstract": " An increased incidence of Hashimoto thyroiditis has been reported in patients with Turner syndrome, but several cases of Graves’ disease were also described ten to 20 years ago. We report the case of a patient with Turner syndrome who developed Graves’ disease, 3 years after successful treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (GH). A diagnosis of Graves’ disease was made and treatment with thiamazole was started, which resulted in normalization of the thyroid function. It is important to monitor thyroid function as well as growth parameters in patients with Turner syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/9c/cpe-15-055.PMC4004847.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2808872", "abstract": "The laboratory mouse is the premier animal model for studying human disease and thousands of mutants have been identified or produced, most recently through gene-specific mutagenesis approaches. High throughput strategies by the International Knockout Mouse Consortium (IKMC) are producing mutants for all protein coding genes. Generating a knock-out line involves huge monetary and time costs so capture of both the data describing each mutant alongside archiving of the line for distribution to future researchers is critical. The European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA) is a leading international network infrastructure for archiving and worldwide provision of mouse mutant strains. It operates in collaboration with the other members of the Federation of International Mouse Resources (FIMRe), EMMA being the European component. Additionally EMMA is one of four repositories involved in the IKMC, and therefore the current figure of 1700 archived lines will rise markedly. The EMMA database gathers and curates extensive data on each line and presents it through a user-friendly website. A BioMart interface allows advanced searching including integrated querying with other resources e.g. Ensembl. Other resources are able to display EMMA data by accessing our Distributed Annotation System server. EMMA database access is publicly available at http://www.emmanet.org.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/01/gkp799.PMC2808872.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3759107", "abstract": "A 28-year-old healthy male complaining of vision loss in his right eye was discovered to have localized bi-nasal macular edema in the presence of a pituitary adenoma. The presence of a junctional scotoma composed by a central scotoma in the right eye associated with superior temporal quadrantanopia in the fellow eye was seen. The pattern detected in the visual field suggested the presence of an expansive mass at the level of the optic chiasm. Optical coherence tomography findings also revealed subtle macular thickness beyond normal in the superior and nasal quadrants of both maculae. This report illustrates the importance of suspecting a pituitary adenoma in the light of uncharacteristic retinal alterations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/c4/IJO-61-351.PMC3759107.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4403533", "abstract": "Hydatid cyst is an important endemic zoonosis in Iran. It may be seen in various organs of body. Musculoskeletal system is rarely involved by hydatid cyst, the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. On clinical basis, it may resemble any soft tissue tumor. A 70-years old housewife living in Ardoghesh, a village in Neyshabur, northeast Iran, was admitted to general surgery clinic because of a painless mass in the back of her left thigh. This case emphasizes that hydatidosis should be included in differential diagnosis of any soft tissue mass especially in regions where hydatidosis is endemic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/59/PMC4403533.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5348471", "abstract": "Objective We analyzed the proportion of cancer-caused hospitalization expenses in total hospitalization expenses from national authoritative data and explored influencing factors of the proportion so as to provide effective data information for more rational utilization of health resources. Methods Two-level lineal regression model was used to explore influencing factors of ratios of the cancer inpatient expenditure over the total inpatient expenditure of hospitals in China in 2015. A total of 40.76 million inpatient medical records were used to generate the outcome variables, while the explanatory variables were from hospital information database and China Health and Family Planning Statistical Yearbook and literatures. Results Inpatient expenditure pattern for cancer (IEPC) varied largely across provinces, ranging from 3.03", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/04/cjcr-29-1-11.PMC5348471.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4330492", "abstract": "West Nile encephalitis was first identified in 1937, but until now, it was never diagnosed in Korea. A 58-yr-old Korean man was admitted with headache and cognitive dysfunction. The patient had been on a business trip in Guinea. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis. The patient complained of both leg weakness,and arachnoiditis and myelitis were observed on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A specific neutralizing antibody for West Nile virus was positive in serum. After a treatment with interferon-α 3mu, follow up CSF findings recovered completely after 3 months later. The first case of West Nile encephalitis in Korea was imported from Guinea, and was cured successfully. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/e8/jkms-30-343.PMC4330492.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3452284", "abstract": "Topiramate is known to be efficacious in migraine prophylaxis, but its optimal dose has not been systematically studied in the Asian population. Here, we show that a fixed low dose of topiramate 25 mg/day is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis and also attest to advantages in terms of medication cost savings and more favourable side effect profile.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/6e/PMC3452284.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4759973", "abstract": "Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of snoring in an adult male university population, and to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in facial profile shape, malocclusion type, or palatal morphology among snorer and nonsnorer. Materials and Methods: Berlin questionnaire was given to 840 students and employees aged 18–45 years (24 ± 40). Both snorers and nonsnorers were assessed for the facial profile type, malocclusion type, and palatal morphology. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used to compare the difference between the two groups. Results: The prevalence of snoring was 16.28", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/d8/JOS-4-108.PMC4759973.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3640547", "abstract": "SUMMARY In November 2009, we initiated a multistate investigation of Salmonella Montevideo infections with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern JIXX01.0011. We identified 272 cases in 44 states with illness onset dates ranging from 1 July 2009 to 14 April 2010. To help generate hypotheses, warehouse store membership card information was collected to identify products consumed by cases. These records identified 19 ill persons who purchased company A salami products before onset of illness. A case-control study was conducted. Ready-to-eat salami consumption was significantly associated with illness (matched odds ratio 8·5, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4f/28/S0950268812001859a.PMC3640547.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3399344", "abstract": " Objectives. Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) has one of the highest incidences of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) worldwide. Rates of T1DM are increasing and the search for environmental factors that may be contributing to this increase is continuing. Methods. This was a population-based case control design involving the linkage of data from a diabetes database with live birth registration data. 266 children aged 0–15 years with T1DM were compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Chi-square analysis and multivariate conditional logistic regression were carried out to assess maternal and infant factors (including maternal age, marital status, education, T1DM, hypertension, birth order, delivery method, gestational age, size-for-gestational-age, and birth weight). Results. Cases of T1DM were more likely to be large-for-gestational-age (P = 0.024) and delivered by C-section (P = 0.009) as compared to controls. C-section delivery was associated with increased risk of T1DM (HR 1.41, P = 0.015) when birth weight and gestational age were included in the model, but not when size-for-gestational-age was included (HR 1.3, P = 0.076). Conclusions. Birth by C-section was found to be a risk factor for the development of T1DM in a region with high rates of T1DM and birth by C-section. These findings may have an impact on health practice, health care planning, and future research.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/e4/PMC3399344.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3774968", "abstract": " Background. Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are highly aggressive cancers with high mortality. However, biological markers for the progression and prognosis of GBC are currently unavailable in the clinic. Objective. To identify biomarkers for predicting GBC metastasis and prognosis. Methods. We examined ALDH1A3 and GPX3 expressions in 46 squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASC) and 80 adenocarcinomas (AC) by using immunohistochemistry. Results. Positive ALDH1A3 and negative GPX3 expressions were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and invasion of SC/ASCs and ACs. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that either positive ALDH1A3 (P < 0.001) or negative GPX3 (P < 0.001) expression significantly correlated with decreased overall survival in both SC/ASC and AC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that positive ALDH1A3 expression or negative GPX3 expression was an independent poor-prognostic predictor in both SC/ASC and AC patients. Conclusions. Our study suggested that positive ALDH1A3 and negative GPX3 expressions are closely associated with clinical pathological behaviors and poor prognosis of gallbladder cancer.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/5b/PMC3774968.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3703714", "abstract": "In order to manage the outdoor thermal environment with regard to human health and the environmental impact of waste heat, quantitative evaluations are indispensable. It is necessary to use a thermal environment evaluation index. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the psychological thermal responses of the human body and winter outdoor thermal environment variables. Subjective experiments were conducted in the winter outdoor environment. Environmental factors and human psychological responses were measured. The relationship between the psychological thermal responses of the human body and the outdoor thermal environment index ETFe (enhanced conduction-corrected modified effective temperature) in winter was shown. The variables which influence the thermal sensation vote of the human body are air temperature, long-wave thermal radiation and short-wave solar radiation. The variables that influence the thermal comfort vote of the human body are air temperature, humidity, short-wave solar radiation, long-wave thermal radiation, and heat conduction. Short-wave solar radiation, and heat conduction are among the winter outdoor thermal environment variables that affect psychological responses to heat. The use of thermal environment evaluation indices that comprise short-wave solar radiation and heat conduction in winter outdoor spaces is a valid approach.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/ac/PMC3703714.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3018164", "abstract": "We have evolved a robust two-component signal transduction pathway from a sensor kinase (SK) and non-partner response regulator (RR) that show weak cross-talk in vitro and no detectable cross-talk in vivo in wild-type strains. The SK, CpxA, is bifunctional, with both kinase and phosphatase activities for its partner RR. We show that by combining a small number of mutations in CpxA that individually increase phosphorylation of the non-partner RR OmpR, phosphatase activity against phospho-OmpR emerges. The resulting circuit also becomes responsive to input signal to CpxA. The effects of combining these mutations in CpxA appear to reflect complex intragenic interactions between multiple sites in the protein. However, by analyzing a simple model of two-component signaling, we show that the behavior can be explained by a monotonic change in a single parameter controlling protein–protein interaction strength. The results suggest one possible mode of evolution for two-component systems with bifunctional SKs whereby the remarkable properties and competing reactions that characterize these systems can emerge by combining mutations of the same effect.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/80/9e/msb2010105.PMC3018164.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3995738", "abstract": "Dengue virus (DENV) is an important human pathogen whose byzantine relationship with the immune response is poorly understood. DENV causes dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, diseases for which palliative care is the only treatment. DENV immunopathogenesis studies are complicated by the lack of an immunocompetent small-animal model, and this has hindered anti-DENV drug and vaccine development. This review describes strategies that DENV uses to evade the type I interferon response and focuses on how data gained from the study of DENV NS5-mediated STAT2 degradation may be used to create immunocompetent DENV mouse models and design anti-DENV therapeutics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a1/e6/jkst-3-e27715.PMC3995738.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3506037", "abstract": "Reversal of early ischemic injury on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) occurs rarely. In a stroke patient who abruptly developed stupor and left hemiparesis, DWI scanned 78 min after onset demonstrated a large ischemic injury in the right hemisphere with a DWI-ASPECTS (Albert Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score) of 5 points, although baseline brain CT was perfectly normal. MR angiography (MRA) showed an occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery trunk, and the patient received intravenous thrombolysis 105 min after onset. A second MRA 30 h later showed complete vessel recanalization, and DWI demonstrated a perfect reversal of the initial large ischemic injury, associated with very small thrombus-fragmented cortical surface infarctions. Outcome at 3 months was a modified Rankin Scale score of 0, and the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image showed only a small final infarction at the cortical surface. Hyper-acute DWI-defined large ischemic injury may very rarely represent a nearly perfect reversible area, and it may be a therapeutic target.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/d5/crn-0004-0177.PMC3506037.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4735539", "abstract": "Lung transplantation is a method useful in such non-malignant end-stage parenchymal and vascular diseases as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, or primary pulmonary hypertension. The main aim of this procedure is to extend the patient's lifespan and quality of life. However, the availability of the operation is limited by organ access. In this paper we present the case of a 58-year-old female in the fourth stage of COPD, who was classified to have a single lung transplantation. Because of some technical problems it was decided to transplant a left donor lung in the right recipient lung locus. Positive cross match was demonstrated retrospectively, and we applied five courses of plasmapheresis. Human immunoglobulin and rituximab treatment were performed to decrease the impact of lymphocytotoxic antibodies. The patient survived 498 days after transplantation, 271 in the hospital.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1b/97/KITP-12-26545.PMC4735539.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4324271", "abstract": "Background: Medline is one of the most important databases in the biomedical field. One of the most important hosts for Medline is Elton B. Stephens CO. (EBSCO), which has presented different search methods that can be used based on the needs of the users. Visual search and MeSH-controlled search methods are among the most common methods. The goal of this research was to compare the precision of the retrieved sources in the EBSCO Medline base using MeSH-controlled and visual search methods. Methods: This research was a semi-empirical study. By holding training workshops, 70 students of higher education in different educational departments of Kashan University of Medical Sciences were taught MeSH-Controlled and visual search methods in 2012. Then, the precision of 300 searches made by these students was calculated based on Best Precision, Useful Precision, and Objective Precision formulas and analyzed in SPSS software using the independent sample T Test, and three precisions obtained with the three precision formulas were studied for the two search methods. Results: The mean precision of the visual method was greater than that of the MeSH-Controlled search for all three types of precision, i.e. Best Precision, Useful Precision, and Objective Precision, and their mean precisions were significantly different (P <0.001). Sixty-five percent of the researchers indicated that, although the visual method was better than the controlled method, the control of keywords in the controlled method resulted in finding more proper keywords for the searches. Fifty-three percent of the participants in the research also mentioned that the use of the combination of the two methods produced better results. Conclusion: For users, it is more appropriate to use a natural, language-based method, such as the visual method, in the EBSCO Medline host than to use the controlled method, which requires users to use special keywords. The potential reason for their preference was that the visual method allowed them more freedom of action.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/b5/832-837.PMC4324271.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4626924", "abstract": "A young female presenting with right flank pain, fever, raised creatinine and bilateral hydronephrosis was treated with antibiotics elsewhere, with presumptive diagnosis of bilateral pyelonephritis. She had partial relief in symptoms and her creatinine level showed an improvement. Three months later during evaluation at our center she had anuria, hypertensive crisis and pulmonary edema which were managed with emergency bilateral percutaneous nephrostomies. Cross-sectional imaging and ureteroscopy suggested bilateral synchronous intramural mid-ureteric lesions as underlying pathology. Histopathology of the ureteric segments during laparotomy revealed caseating granulomas suggestive of tuberculosis. This clinical presentation has not been previously described in urinary tuberculosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/26/bb/IJU-31-360.PMC4626924.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2929507", "abstract": "The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) comprises at least 17 closely-related species of the β-proteobacteria subdivision, widely distributed in natural and man-made inhabitats. Bcc bacteria are endowed with an extraordinary metabolic diversity and emerged in the 1980s as life-threatening and difficult-to-treat pathogens among patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. More recently, these bacteria became recognized as a threat to hospitalized patients suffering from other diseases, in particular oncological patients. In the present paper, we review these and other traits of Bcc bacteria, as well as some of the strategies used to identify and validate the virulence factors and determinants used by these bacteria. The identification and characterization of these virulence factors is expected to lead to the design of novel therapeutic strategies to fight the infections caused by these emergent multidrug resistant human pathogens.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/07/PMC2929507.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2698116", "abstract": "Herein, we report on an unusual case of craniopharyngioma arising in the temporal lobe with no prior history of surgery and with no connection to the craniopharyngeal duct. MR images showed a cystic tumor with a small solid portion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a craniopharyngioma occurring in the temporal lobe.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c0/a8/kjr-5-72.PMC2698116.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4240245", "abstract": " Background: During March 2009 a novel Influenza A virus emerged in Mexico. We describe the clinical picture of the pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Influenza in cancer patients during the 2009 influenza season.  Methods: Twelve centers participated in a multicenter retrospective observational study of cancer patients with confirmed infection with the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus (influenza-like illness or pneumonia plus positive PCR for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus  in respiratory secretions). Clinical data were obtained by retrospective chart review and analyzed.   Results: From May to August 2009, data of 65 patients were collected. Median age was 51 years, 57 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/25/aa/PMC4240245.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3968447", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that is released from the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with GLP-1 analogs has proven to be of clinical use for patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with residual β-cell function, may also respond to treatment, but the acute metabolic effects of GLP-1 analogs on these patients in reaction to both oral and intravenous glucose challenges are not well understood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Seventeen patients with type 1 diabetes, half of whom had residual insulin production, underwent two mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) and two intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs), with and without pretreatment with exenatide. No exogenous bolus insulin was administered for the studies. Glucose excursions, insulin secretion rates (ISRs), and levels of glucagon, endogenous GLP-1, and gastric inhibitory polypeptide were measured after the meal or glucose loads. RESULTS During the MMTT, glucose levels were suppressed with exenatide in patients with or without residual insulin production (P = 0.0003). Exenatide treatment did not change the absolute ISR, but the ISR to glucose levels were increased (P = 0.0078). Gastric emptying was delayed (P = 0.0017), and glucagon was suppressed (P = 0.0015). None of these hormonal or glucose changes were detected during the IVGTT with exenatide administration. CONCLUSIONS Exenatide showed a significant antidiabetogenic effect prior to an oral meal in patients with type 1 diabetes involving glucagon suppression and gastric emptying, while preserving increased insulin secretion. GLP-1 analogs may be useful as an adjunctive treatment in type 1 diabetes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/02/93/210.PMC3968447.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3824642", "abstract": "Arginine residues are very important for the structure of proteins and their action. Arginine is essential for many natural processes because it has unique ionizable group under physiological conditions. Numerous mimetics of arginine were synthesized and their biological effects were evaluated, but the mechanisms of actions are still unknown.  The aim of this study is to see if oxy- and sulfoanalogues of arginine can be recognized by human arginyl-tRNA synthetase (HArgS)—an enzyme responsible for coupling of L-arginine with its cognate tRNA in a two-step catalytic reaction. We make use of modeling and docking studies of adenylate kinase (ADK) to reveal the effects produced by the incorporation of the arginine mimetics on the structure of ADK and its action. Three analogues of arginine, L-canavanine (Cav), L-norcanavanine (NCav), and L-sulfoarginine (sArg), can be recognized as substrates of HArgS when incorporated in different peptide and protein sequences instead of L-arginine. Mutation in the enzyme active center by arginine mimetics leads to conformational changes, which produce a decrease the rate of the enzyme catalyzed reaction and even a loss of enzymatic action. All these observations could explain the long-lasting nature of the effects of the arginine analogues.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ae/25/PMC3824642.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3671691", "abstract": " Objectives. Tonsillitis is a common infection in all age groups, especially under the age of five. Organisms causing this condition vary from place to place. Our aim is to find out the main causative agents of this condition in our hospital. Patients and Methods. Fifty-two consenting patients who needed tonsillectomy in Khamis civil hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between September 2006 and April 2007, were enrolled for the study. Swabs were taken from their inner surfaces and cultured for anaerobes and aerobes according to standard microbiological techniques. Results. Fifty-two patients, consisting of 30 males and 22 females were enrolled. Their mean age was 9.81 ± 6.47. Nearly 65", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2b/3e/PMC3671691.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4393909", "abstract": "Pancreas is a doubled-entity organ, with both an exocrine and an endocrine component, reciprocally interacting in a composed system whose function is relevant for digestion, absorption, and homeostasis of nutrients. Thus, it is not surprising that disorders of the exocrine pancreas also affect the endocrine system and vice versa. It is well-known that patients with chronic pancreatitis develop a peculiar form of diabetes (type III), caused by destruction and fibrotic injury of islet cells. However, less is known on the influence of diabetes on pancreatic exocrine function. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) has been reported to be common in diabetics, with a prevalence widely ranging, in different studies, in both type I (25–74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/f9/PMC4393909.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5011454", "abstract": "Background   Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an established treatment for end-stage arthritis, congenital deformity, and trauma with good long-term clinical and functional outcomes. Delayed sciatic nerve injury is a rare complication after THA that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Methods   We present a case of sciatic nerve motor and sensory deficit in a 52-year-old patient 2 years after index left THA. Electromyography (EMG) results and imaging with radiographs and CT of the affected hip demonstrated an aberrant acetabular cup screw in the posterior-inferior quadrant adjacent to the sciatic nerve. Case Description   The patient underwent surgical exploration that revealed injury to the peroneal division of the sciatic nerve due to direct injury from screw impingement. A literature review identified 11 patients with late-onset neuropathy after THA. Ten patients underwent surgical exploration and pain often resolved after surgery with 56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b2/0a/PMC5011454.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5048032", "abstract": "Human tuberculosis remains a huge global public health problem with an estimated 1/3rd of the population being infected. Defensins are antibacterial cationic peptides produced by a number of cell types, most notably neutrophil granulocytes and epithelial cells. All three defensin types (α-, β-, and θ-defensins) have antibacterial activities, mainly through bacterial membrane permeabilization. Defensins are effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including mycobacteria and are active both intra- and extracellularly. Mycobacterial resistance has never been demonstrated although the mprF gene encoding resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is present in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. In addition to their antibacterial effect, defensins are chemoattractants for macrophages and neutrophils. There are many cases for their use for therapy or prophylaxis in tuberculosis as well. In conclusion, we propose that there is considerable scope and potential for exploring their use as therapeutic/prophylactic agents and more comprehensive survey of defensins from different species and their bioactivity is timely.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/33/PMC5048032.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4445704", "abstract": "Intimal accumulation of smooth muscle cells contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions and restenosis following endovascular procedures. Arterial smooth muscle cells display heterogeneous phenotypes in both physiological and pathological conditions. In response to injury, dedifferentiated or synthetic smooth muscle cells proliferate and migrate from the tunica media into the intima. As a consequence, smooth muscle cells in vascular lesions show a prevalent dedifferentiated phenotype compared to the contractile appearance of normal media smooth muscle cells. The discovery of abundant stem antigen-expressing cells in vascular lesions also rarely detected in the tunica media of normal adult vessels stimulated a great scientific debate concerning the possibility that proliferating vascular wall-resident stem cells accumulate into the neointima and contribute to the progression of lesions. Although several experimental studies support this hypothesis, others researchers suggest a positive effect of stem cells on plaque stabilization. So, the real contribute of vascular wall-resident stem cells to pathological vascular remodelling needs further investigation. This review will examine the evidence and the contribution of vascular wall-resident stem cells to arterial pathobiology, in order to address future investigations as potential therapeutic target to prevent the progression of vascular diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/46/aa/ijsc-08-09.PMC4445704.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3936667", "abstract": "Background and Objectives The aim of this study is to determine whether the hyperproliferative and hyperkeratotic characters of cholesteatoma are associated with differentiation of keratinocytes in cholesteatoma by examining the localization of marker proteins, such as involucrin, filaggrin, and cytokeratins. Materials and Methods Immunohistochemical study was carried out in 30 cholesteatoma tissues and 10 retroauricular skins to examine the expression of involucrin, filaggrin, cytokeratin 4, 10 and 16. The staining results were graded as negative, weakly positive (<10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/10/kja-16-124.PMC3936667.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5245945", "abstract": "Introduction: Simultaneous bilateral fractures of the neck of femur is rare. Hypocalcemia, epilepsy, osteoporosis and electrical injuries are known to cause similar injuries. Case Report: We report a case of a 43-year-old male who sustained an electrical shock injury following which he fell from a height of around 4 feet. Radiological studies confirmed bilateral transcervical neck of femur fracture. Laboratory investigations revealed the patient had extremely low levels of vitamin D (11.1ng/ml). Patient was treated with three 6.5 mm cannulated cancellous screws on each side. Patient had good functional outcome at the end of one year. Conclusion: We report this case as a rare etiological combination of hypovitaminosis D and electrical injury causing bilateral neck of femur fracture. Such injuries should be diagnosed at the earliest and goal of treatment should be to preserve both the hip joints. Early management would avoid potential complications like non-union and avascular necrosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/21/JOCR-6-70.PMC5245945.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3096769", "abstract": "Purpose The objectives of this study were to evaluate the results in the outpatient treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis with release of the common extensor origin according to Hohmann and to determine any prognostic factors. Methods Eighty tennis elbows in 77 patients with a characteristic history of activity-related pain at the lateral epicondyle interfering with the activities of daily living refractory to conservative care for at least 6 months and a confirmatory physical examination were included. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the QuickDASH score system. Data were collected before the operation and at the medians of 18 months (range 6–36 months; short term) and 4 years (range 3–6 years; medium term) postoperatively. Results The mean QuickDASH was improved both at the short- and the medium-term follow-ups and did not change significantly between the follow-ups. At the final follow-up, the QuickDASH was improved in 78 out of 80 elbows and 81", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1c/c3/167_2011_Article_1477.PMC3096769.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3835937", "abstract": "Major depressive disorder is an extremely debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Nevertheless, currently available antidepressant medications still have important limitations, such as a low response rate and a time lag for treatment response that represent a significant problem when dealing with individuals who are vulnerable and prone to self-harm. Recent clinical trials have shown that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, ketamine, can induce an antidepressant response within hours, which lasts up to 2 weeks, and is effective even in treatment-resistant patients. Nonetheless, its use is limited due to its psychotomimetic and addictive properties. Understanding the molecular pathways through which ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects would help in the developing of novel antidepressant agents that do not evoke the same negative side effects of this drug. This review focuses specifically on the effects of ketamine on three molecular mechanisms that are relevant to depression: synaptogenesis, immunomodulation and regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/c5/mp201387a.PMC3835937.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4589837", "abstract": "We present the case of a 22-year-old male with longstanding progressive fatigue, weakness and pain around his hips due to an undiagnosed parathyroid adenoma. The resultant primary hyperparathyroidism ultimately caused pathologic fractures. He was admitted to the hospital for further assessment and excision of the parathyroid adenoma. A few days after admission, he fell down while walking and was referred to our team. X-rays showed a displaced left femoral neck fracture (FNF) and right humeral shaft fracture with poor bone quality. His humeral fracture was treated conservatively, and the FNF was treated with total hip replacement. Three days later, he underwent parathyroidectomy. This case demonstrates the importance of a thorough investigation of progressive weakness even in a young individual and illustrates the importance of early diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma to avoid the devastating end results of this condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/bc/rjv117.PMC4589837.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3087943", "abstract": "Non-human primates (NHPs) are a very valuable experimental model for diabetes research studies including experimental pancreatic islet transplantation. In particular NHPs are the recipients of choice to validate pigs as possible source of pancreatic islets. The aim of this study was to quantify glycated hemoglobin percentage in NHPs and to assess whether changes in values reflect the metabolic trends after diabetes induction and islet transplantation. Sera from 15 NHPs were analyzed. 9 NHPs were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ), and 3 of them received porcine islet transplants. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) percentage was measured with an assay based on a latex immunoagglutination inhibition methodology. Whereas diabetes and its duration were associated with increasing HbA1c levels, postislet transplantation blood glucose normalization was paralleled by a decrease in the HbA1c percentage. Our data provide evidence that HbA1c is a useful tool to monitor glucose metabolism in NHPs.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2e/2c/PMC3087943.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4606949", "abstract": " Background: Controlling the hemodynamic situation of patients who have spinal operation is of prime importance, and maintaining the heart rate and blood pressure in normal or low- normal levels in these patients can reduce their bleeding loss. One of the commonly used drugs for this purpose is remifentanil. Another sedative-hypnotic-analgesic drug, with acceptable effects is dexmedetomidine. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine with remifentanil in spinal operation.   Methods: In a double blind randomized clinical trial, using random sampling method, 60 patients with the age range of 15-65 years who were candidates for posterior spinal fusion operation were included. Induction of anesthesia was performed, and both groups received isoflurane 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/18/c4/MJIRI-29-215.PMC4606949.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3437074", "abstract": "Factitious disorders are characterized by physical or psychological manifestations that are intentionally produced or feigned with no apparent external incentives in order to assume the sick role. These disorders are rarely reported or may be under-reported in Saudi patients. We describe here two male and female Saudi cases of such disorders. Both presented predominantly with features of Munchausen's syndrome. Like most psychiatric patients both had sought help from traditional healers prior to their reporting to the hospitals. Inspite of the socio-cultural factors, it is clear that doctors’ awareness and acceptance of the possibility of factitious disorders is a prerequisite to making the diagnosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/13/JFCM-6-49.PMC3437074.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2963726", "abstract": "We report a four-year-old boy with a nevus covering all the plantar side of his second finger on the left foot. He was also affected by congenital phimosis. Surgical excision of the nevus was indicated, but the skin defect would have been too large to be directly closed. The foreskin was taken as a full-thickness skin graft to cover the cutaneous defect of the finger. The graft intake was favourable and provided a functional repair with good aesthetic characteristic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fa/30/PMC2963726.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4608071", "abstract": "Background We assessed high cholesterol (HC) awareness, treatment, and control rates among US Hispanic/Latino adults and describe factors associated with HC awareness and management. Methods and Results Baseline data (collected 2008–2011) from a multisite probability sample of Hispanic/Latino adults in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (18 to 74 years old; N=16 207) were analyzed. HC was defined as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL and/or total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL or use of cholesterol-lowering medication. Among Hispanic/Latino adults with HC, almost half (49.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/41/jah30004-e001867.PMC4608071.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3555209", "abstract": "Bone complications occur frequently in Gaucher disease (GD) and reduce the quality of life of these patients. Skeletal involvement is an important indication for treatment to ameliorate symptoms and reduce the risk of irreversible and debilitating disease. Bone biomarkers have been used to assess disease status and the response to therapy in a number of bone disorders. Here, we examine the literature for evidence of abnormalities in bone turnover markers in patients with type 1 GD to assess whether they might be useful for the assessment of bone involvement in GD. We have found that bone biomarkers in GD show highly variable results which do not currently support their routine use for clinical assessment of bone status, as an indication for therapy initiation, or for monitoring the response to therapy. A greater understanding of bone markers and their relation to the bone manifestations of GD is required.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/bb/ff/PMC3555209.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5027219", "abstract": "This study describes results on sexual maturation and characteristics of natural spawned eggs to develop a method for the production of stable, healthy fertilized eggs from captive-reared yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi. A total of 59 yellowtail kingfish were captured off the coast of Jeju Island, after which the broodstock was cultured in indoor culture tank (100 m3) until they were 6.1–14.9 kg in body weight. As part of the rearing management for induced sex maturation, the intensity of illumination was maintained at 130 lux. The photoperiod (light/dark; L/D) was set to a 12 L/12 D from October 2013 to January 2014, and 15 L/9 D from February 2014 to June 2014. Feeds comprised mainly EP (Extruded Pellets), with squid cuttlefish added for improvement of egg quality, and was given from April to June 2014. The first spawning of yellowtail kingfish occurred in May 3, 2014, at a water temperature of 17.0°C. Spawning continued until June 12, 2014, with the water temperature set at 20.5°C. Time of spawning was 26 times at this period. The total number of eggs that spawned during the spawning period was 4,449×103. The buoyant rate of spawning eggs and fertilization rate of buoyant eggs during the spawned period were 76.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/04/99/DR-20-141.PMC5027219.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4170663", "abstract": "Cavernous sinus thrombosis not only presents with constitutional symptoms including fever, pain and swelling but also with specific findings such as proptosis, chemosis, periorbital swelling, and cranial nerve palsies. It is known to occur secondary to the spread of paranasal sinus infections in the nose, ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses. However, paranasal sinus infection of dental origin is rare. The following is a case of cavernous sinus thrombosis due to the spread of an abscess in the buccal and pterygomandibular spaces via buccal mucosal laceration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/a4/jkaoms-40-195.PMC4170663.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC317365", "abstract": "Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease which runs its course for the remainder of the patient's life frequently causing disability of varying degrees. Negative effects on Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are well documented and a subject of clinical study. The Multiple Sclerosis QOL 54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire was developed to measure HRQOL in patients with MS. It is composed of 54 items, and is a combination of the SF-36 and 18 disease-specific items. Objective The objective of this project was to translate the MSQOL-54 into French Canadian, and to make it available to the Canadian scientific community for clinical research and clinical practice. Methods Across all French speaking regions, there are occurrences of variation. They include the pronunciation, sentence structure, and the lexicon, where the differences are most marked. For this reason, it was decided to translate the US original MSQOL-54 into French Canadian instead of adapting the existing French version. The SF-36 has been previously validated and published in French Canadian, therefore the translation work was performed solely on the 18 MS specific items. The translation followed an internationally accepted methodology into 3 steps: forward translation, backward translation, and patients' cognitive debriefing. Results Instructions and Items 38, 43, 45 and 49 were the most debated. Problematic issues mainly resided in the field of semantics. Patients' testing (n = 5) did not reveal conceptual problems. The questionnaire was well accepted, with an average time for completion of 19 minutes. Conclusion The French Canadian MSQOL-54 is now available to the Canadian scientific community and will be a useful tool for health-care providers to assess HRQOL of patients with MS as a routine part of clinical practice. The next step in the cultural adaptation of the MSQOL-54 in French Canadian will be the evaluation of its psychometric properties.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/92/PMC317365.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4706392", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Insulin detemir is commonly used in obese patients with diabetes mellitus as it is considered hepatoselective and causes less weight gain. We describe a relative lack of effectiveness of detemir in patients with significant NAFLD and hypertriglyceridemia, compared to isophane insulin. This may affect how such patients are managed with insulin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/f7/CCR3-4-083.PMC4706392.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3263176", "abstract": "Hypoglycemia is a very common side effect of insulin therapy and, to a lesser extent, of treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents. Severe hypoglycemia can precipitate adverse cardiovascular outcomes such as myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmia. These are mainly secondary to autonomic activation which results in hemodynamic changes, vasoconstriction and rise in intravascular coagulability and viscosity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/05/IJEM-16-102.PMC3263176.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5370511", "abstract": "Fibronectin is a matrix glycoprotein which has not only been found to be over-expressed in several cancers, but has been shown to participate in several steps of tumorigenesis. The purpose of this review is to illustrate how aberrant fibronectin expression influences tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. In particular, this review will focus on the interactions between cell receptor ligands and fibronectin and how this interaction influences downstream signaling events that aid tumor progression. This review will further discuss the possible implications of therapeutic drugs directed against fibronectin and/or cellular interactions with fibronectin and will additionally discuss novel approaches by which to limit intra- and extra-tumoral fibronectin expression and the cellular events which lead to aberrant fibronectin expression. It is anticipated that these studies will set a basis for future research that will not only aid understanding of fibronectin and its prognostic significance, but will further elucidate novel targets for therapeutics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/26/jcav08p0674.PMC5370511.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3042627", "abstract": "This paper presents a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a 22-year-old female patient with type I diabetes mellitus, who was successfully treated with surgery and long-term antifungal medication. The patient had initially been submitted to extraction of an upper third molar by a general dental practitioner but was referred to our department three days postoperatively because of double vision. Immediately following histopathological confirmation of the infection, the patient was administered Amphotericin B and Posaconazole intravenously. Surgical excision of the affected site was relatively conservative. The patient was free of the disease 15 months after initial admission to the hospital and has recently returned for reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to increase  the awareness of general dental practitioners regarding uncommon serious conditions in diabetic patients, which may be confused with periodontal or dental diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/a3/PMC3042627.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC1538885", "abstract": "In silico screening based on the structures of the ligands or of the receptors has become an essential tool to facilitate the drug discovery process but compound collections are needed to carry out such in silico experiments. It has been recognized that absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/tox) are key properties that need to be considered early on, even during the database preparation stage. FAF-Drugs is an online service based on Frowns (a chemoinformatics toolkit) that allows users to process their own compound collections via simple ADME/Tox filtering rules such as molecular weight, polar surface area, logP or number of rotatable bonds. SMILES (Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System), CANSMILES (canonical smiles) or SDF (structure data file) files are required as input and molecules that pass or do not pass the filters are sent back in CANSMILES format. This service should thus help scientists engaging in drug discovery campaigns. Other utilities and several compound collections suitable for in silico screening are available at our site. FAF-Drugs can be accessed at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/45/59/PMC1538885.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3273409", "abstract": "Background Although there have been many studies of the efficacy and safety of wavefront- guided (WF) and cross-cylinder photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), there are few studies on moderate-to-high astigmatism cases. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of WF and cross-cylinder PRK in moderate-to-high astigmatism. Methods In a comparative cohort, the results of two before-and-after clinical trials conducted on moderate-to-high astigmatism were studied. In the first trial, 50 eyes of 25 patients with stable refraction were enrolled in a before-and-after clinical trial to undergo WF PRK using the VISX™ (VISX Inc, Santa Clara, CA) system. The second clinical trial enrolled 48 eyes of 24 patients with stable refraction and moderate-to-high astigmatism to undergo PRK by the cross-cylinder method using a NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser system (NIDEK Co Ltd, Gamagori, Japan). Results After 6 months, 80", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b4/20/PMC3273409.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4045529", "abstract": " Background. It is crucial to differentiate between reactive and malignant lymphadenopathies. Elastosonography measures the elasticity of the tissue. Having a reference value for benign lymph nodes (LNs) is important in interpretation. The purpose of this study is to determine the reference elastosonography values of cervical LNs. Methods. 97 LNs were evaluated by B-mode and elastosonography. Depth, length, width, length to width ratio, hilar-cortical thickness, strain ratio, and elasticity scores were measured. Results. In 18.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d0/49/PMC4045529.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4164187", "abstract": "We present a 49-year-old man with a traumatic subamputation of the forefoot, associated with lacerated wound in correspondence of the dorsal surface of the right foot, with injuries of tendinous, ligamentous and vascular structures and with the loss of talus head. The patient underwent salvage arthrodesis of the talonavicular and calcanealcuboid joints with graft bone harvested from the iliac crest. The patient was re-evaluated during a clinical and radiographic follow-up. The arthrodesis was consolidated in ∼3 months. There were no infectious problems and the patient has resumed normal work activities. At a sixth month follow-up, the patient had returned to work and remained pain free while walking. Early anatomic reduction, stable fixation and ligament reconstruction are essential for a good outcome. Primary arthrodesis is a viable option for severe midfoot fracture dislocations, because it facilitates rehabilitation and functional recovery and obviates the need for a secondary arthrodesis should arthritis arise.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/c1/rju007.PMC4164187.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3561606", "abstract": "Purpose A survey of quality control (QC) currently undertaken in UK radiotherapy centres for high dose rate (HDR) and pulsed dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy has been conducted. The purpose was to benchmark current accepted practice of tests, frequencies and tolerances to assure acceptable HDR/PDR equipment performance. It is 20 years since a similar survey was conducted in the UK and the current review is timed to coincide with a revision of the IPEM Report 81 guidelines for quality control in radiotherapy. Material and methods All radiotherapy centres in the UK were invited by email to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on their current brachytherapy QC practice, including: equipment type, patient workload, source calibration method, level of image guidance for planning, prescribing practices, QC tests, method used, staff involved, test frequencies, and acceptable tolerance limits. Results Survey data was acquired between June and August 2012. Of the 64 centres invited, 47 (73", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/2d/JCB-4-19999.PMC3561606.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4779004", "abstract": "Abstract Few studies have reported on readmissions among cancer patients receiving inpatient palliative care (IPC). This study investigated readmissions in cancer patients after their first discharge from IPC in Taiwan from 2002 to 2010. This study was a secondary data analysis using information from the National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan from 2002 to 2010. We included subjects ≥20 years old diagnosed with malignant neoplasms who were listed in the registry of catastrophic illness. Patients diagnosed with cancer before January 1, 2002 or who had ever been admitted to an inpatient hospice palliative care unit before the study period were excluded. Readmission was defined as hospital readmission at least once after discharge from first admission to IPC until mortality or the end of the study period. A total of 42,022 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. The majority of these patients were male (60.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/24/medi-95-e2782.PMC4779004.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3883190", "abstract": "Fractures of the acromion and scapula are known to occur after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. We present a case of a fracture at the base of the acromion 5 months after arthroplasty treated successfully with dual plating of the acromion. Eighteen months after fracture fixation, the patient had 160 degrees of active forward flexion, a QuickDASH of 29.5, a Constant score of 69 and she was satisfied with the result. A concomitant review of the literature produced, in addition to our patient, 56 cases. These were used to produce a classification system, based on bony and functional anatomy as follows. Tip fractures are of the most lateral or anterior portion of the acromion, those of the body of the acromion are medial to the tip but lateral to the beginning of the scapular base. Fractures at the scapular base are termed fractures of the base of the acromion and those more medial to that, fractures of the scapular spine. The functional results of these case series demonstrated poorer functional outcomes for more medial fractures. As future research in this domain increases, clarity on the nomenclature of these fractures will allow for prognostication and treatment based on fracture location as well as comparison between studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/59/IJSS-7-149.PMC3883190.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4278140", "abstract": "Background: Exercise can be beneficial for cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal or neurological systems, and other factors including mood, and may be beneficial in reducing fall risks, dementia and variables associated with quality of life (QOL). Parkinson's disease (PD) produces progressive motor and cognitive deterioration that may leave those inflicted unable to participate in standard exercise programs. Alternative forms of exercise such as yoga may be successful in improving physical function, QOL and physiological variables for overall well-being. Aim: This randomized controlled pilot study investigated the effectiveness of yoga intervention on physiological and health-related QOL measures in people with PD. Methods and Materials: Thirteen people with stage 1-2 PD were randomized to either a yoga (n = 8) or a control group (n = 5). The yoga group participated in twice-weekly yoga sessions for 12 weeks. Participants were tested at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), clinical measures of health-related QOL and physiological measures. Results: Significant improvement in UPDRS scores (P = .006), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.036) and average forced vital capacity (P = 0.03) was noted in the yoga group over time. Changes between groups were also noted in two SF-36 subscales. Positive trends of improvement were noted in depression scores (P = 0.056), body weight (P = 0.056) and forced expiratory volume (P = 0.059). Yoga participants reported more positive symptom changes including immediate tremor reduction. Conclusions: The results suggest that yoga may improve aspects of QOL and physiological functions in stages 1-2 PD. Future larger studies are needed to confirm and extend our findings of the effects of yoga in PD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/61/IJY-8-74.PMC4278140.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5290108", "abstract": "To what extent the risks of neonatal morbidities are directly related to premature birth or to biological mechanisms of preterm birth remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the effect of exposure to amniotic fluid (AF) infection and elevated cytokine levels on the mortality and pulmonary, intestinal, and neurologic outcomes of preterm infants, and whether these associations persist after adjustment for gestational age at birth. This retrospective cohort study included 152 premature singleton infants who were born at ≤ 32 weeks. AF obtained by amniocentesis was cultured; and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels in AF were determined. The primary outcome was adverse perinatal outcome defined as the presence of one or more of the followings: stillbirth, neonatal death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. Logistic regression analysis was adjusted for gestational age at birth and other potential confounders. In bivariate analyses, elevated AF IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome. These results were not changed after adjusting for potential confounders, such as low Apgar scores, mechanical ventilation, and surfactant application. However, the independent effect of elevated cytokine levels in AF disappeared when additionally adjusted for low gestational age at birth; consequently, low gestational age remained strongly associated with the risk of adverse perinatal outcome. In conclusion, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in AF are associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, but this risk is not independent of low gestational age at birth. Culture-proven AF infection is not associated with this risk. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/37/dd/jkms-32-480.PMC5290108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3579123", "abstract": "Introduction: Chemotherapy was shown to improve survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The initiation and completion rates for perioperative chemotherapy are variable. Our aim is to compare the likelihood of initiating and completing neoadjuvant (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients who underwent of RC for MIBC. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RC between 1992 and 2011. NAC was advised for patients with clinical stage ≥T2, hydronephrosis, extensive lymphovascular invasion (LVI), or prostatic stromal invasion. Patients with ≥pT3 or lymph node metastases were considered for AC. Results: A total of 363 patients were considered for perioperative chemotherapy. Among the 141 patients who were offered NAC, 125 (88.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/95/IJU-28-424.PMC3579123.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3108775", "abstract": "Leukemic infiltration of the kidney is usually silent, and the admission of the patients with renal dysfunction or acute kidney injury is uncommon. We present a 34-year old hemodialysis patient with new onset of uncontrolled hypertension, erythropoietin-resistant anemia, thrombocytopenia, and Bell’s palsy. On admission, his blood pressure (BP) was 210/110 mmHg and he had petechiae and purpura at upper and lower extremities. Renal ultrasonography (USG) showed bilaterally enlarged kidneys without hydronephrosis, unlike his previous USG, which determined bilaterally atrophic kidneys. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, hypertensive crisis due to bilateral leukemic cell infiltration of kidneys, tumor lysis syndrome, and leukemic involvement of the facial nerve were diagnosed. Despite intense antihypertensive management, his BP was not controlled. After prednisolone, daunorubicine, and vincristine therapy, the size of kidneys diminished and his BP dropped under normal range. In conclusion, pathological findings such as uncontrolled hypertension, flank pain, skin rashes, and abnormal blood count should be considered carefully, even in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving renal replacement therapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/11/PMC3108775.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3130922", "abstract": "Recurrence of microbial keratitis in the presence of protozoal infection is very rare and infrequently reported unless predisposing factors are present. The association of recurrent microbial keratitis and synthetic microfibrils has never previously been reported to our knowledge. This single interventional case study describes the clinical course and treatment of a contact lens wearer who was treated for Acanthamoeba keratitis with superinfection from bacterial organisms in the presence of synthetic microfibrils. The presence of synthetic fibrils on a corneal ulcer base may act as a nidus for pathological organisms and interfere with normal corneal healing. This may result in infection recurrence and the growth of resistant opportunistic organisms.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/49/0f/PMC3130922.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3690746", "abstract": "Myosin VI (Myo6) functions in endocytosis in conjunction with binding partners including adaptor protein (AP)-2, disabled 2 (Dab2), and GAIP interacting protein C terminus 1 (GIPC1). This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of Myo6 in macrophages and its possible role in the endocytosis of lipoproteins during the induction of foam cell formation. Expression of Myo6, AP-2 (α2 subunit), and Dab2 in THP-1 macrophages and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages was demonstrated at the mRNA and protein level, but GIPC1 was only detected at the mRNA level. Immunofluorescence showed that Myo6 was distributed similarly to F-actin in both macrophage types. AP-2α2 was found to have a similar subcellular distribution to Myo6 and Dab2 in THP-1 cells. Myo6 was located within membrane ruffles and protrusions of the plasma membrane. These results suggest that in macrophages Myo6 is required for several functions including cell adhesion, cell progression, and macropinocytosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidised LDL (oxLDL) decreased Myo6 and GIPC1 mRNA expression in THP-1 cells, but uptake of the fluorescence-labelled lipoproteins was unaffected by knockdown of the expression of Myo6 or associated proteins with siRNA. Our findings, therefore, do not support the idea that Myo6 plays a major role in foam cell formation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c5/2d/PMC3690746.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4452297", "abstract": "High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) also predicts CV disease. There are no reports comparing these markers as predictors of MS. Methods. Cross-sectional study comparing Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP as predictors of MS in asymptomatic subjects was carried out; 152 subjects without known atherosclerosis participated. Data were collected on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, and hsCRP and Lp-PLA2 activity levels. A logistic regression analysis was performed with each biomarker and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for MS. Results. Mean age was 46 ± 11 years, and 38", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4a/1d/PMC4452297.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4013985", "abstract": "Genetic polymorphisms in genes related to neurotransmitters or hormones affect personality or behavioral traits in many animal species including humans. In domestic animals, the allele frequency of such genes has been reported to be different among breeds and it may account for breed differences in behavior. In this study, we investigated breed differences in horses in the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4), which has been reported to affect horse personality. We collected samples from seven horse breeds including those native to Japan and Korea, and compared the sequence of the DRD4 exon3 region among these breeds. We found that there were two types of polymorphisms (VNTR and SNPs) in the exon3 region, and some of them seemed to be breed-specific. In addition, we found that the allele frequency of G292A, reported to be associated with horse personality, differed greatly between native Japanese horses and Thoroughbred horses. The frequency of the A allele which is associated with low curiosity and high vigilance, was much lower in native Japanese horses (Hokkaido, 0.03; Taishu, 0.08) than in Thoroughbreds (0.62). This difference may account for breed differences in personality or behavioral traits. Further studies of the function of these polymorphisms and their effect on behavior are indicated.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/13/jes-24-031.PMC4013985.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3845552", "abstract": "Rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs), a group of allosteric inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), have been actively tested in a variety of cancer clinical trials, and some have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of certain types of cancers. However, the single agent activity of these compounds in many tumor types remains modest. The mTOR axis is regulated by multiple upstream signaling pathways. Because the genes (e.g., PIK3CA, KRAS, PTEN, and LKB1) that encode key components in these signaling pathways are frequently mutated in human cancers, a subset of cancer types may be addicted to a given mutation, leading to hyperactivation of the mTOR axis. Thus, efforts have been made to demonstrate the potential impact of genetic alterations on rapalog-based or mTOR-targeted cancer therapy. This review will primarily summarize research advances in this direction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/86/cjc-32-05-270.PMC3845552.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5343055", "abstract": "The effects of acidic pH on several voltage-dependent ion channels, such as voltage-dependent K+ and Ca2+ channels, and hyperpolarization-gated and cyclic nucleotide-activated cation (HCN) channels, were examined using a whole-cell patch clamp technique on mechanically isolated rat mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus neurons. The application of a pH 6.5 solution had no effect on the peak amplitude of voltage-dependent K+ currents. A pH 6.0 solution slightly, but significantly inhibited the peak amplitude of voltage-dependent K+ currents. The pH 6.0 also shifted both the current-voltage and conductance-voltage relationships to the depolarization range. The application of a pH 6.5 solution scarcely affected the peak amplitude of membrane currents mediated by HCN channels, which were profoundly inhibited by the general HCN channel blocker Cs+ (1 mM). However, the pH 6.0 solution slightly, but significantly inhibited the peak amplitude of HCN-mediated currents. Although the pH 6.0 solution showed complex modulation of the current-voltage and conductance-voltage relationships, the midpoint voltages for the activation of HCN channels were not changed by acidic pH. On the other hand, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels were significantly inhibited by an acidic pH. The application of an acidic pH solution significantly shifted the current-voltage and conductance-voltage relationships to the depolarization range. The modulation of several voltage-dependent ion channels by an acidic pH might affect the excitability of mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus neurons, and thus physiological functions mediated by the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus could be affected in acidic pH conditions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2f/90/kjpp-21-215.PMC5343055.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2854398", "abstract": "Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased propensity for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low-grade inflammation is characteristic of metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein, the best characterized biomarker of inflammation, is also an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events. This review outlines the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in contributing to increased cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome by inducing endothelial cell dysfunction and activating monocytes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e1/b4/11883_2010_Article_98.PMC2854398.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4902372", "abstract": "Abstract Myasthenia gravis is occasionally associated with thymoma that needs surgical resection and may progress to severe respiratory failure. We experienced a rare case of myasthenia crisis during antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C, in whom mediastinal thymoma was discovered and successfully managed with surgical thymectomy and meticulous medical care. A 47-year-old-male patient complained of sudden diplopia 1 week after stopping 11-week administration of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Ophthalmologic examinations revealed ptosis on the right eyelid and restricted right eye movement. Myasthenia gravis was confirmed by positive repetitive nerve stimulation test and positive serum antiacetylcholine receptor antibody test, and mediastinal thymoma was found on chest CT scan. The ocular myasthenia gravis progressed to respiratory failure even after discontinuing antiviral treatment but eventually recovered with thymectomy, anticholinesterase administration, steroid pulse therapy, and prolonged ventilator care. We describe the clinical features of this life-threatening complication of interferon treatment along with previous myasthenia crisis cases by interferon for chronic hepatitis C. In patients with chronic hepatitis C who is going to receive interferon-based antiviral treatment, physicians need to keep in mind the potential life-threatening manifestations of myasthenia gravis before and during antiviral treatment especially when patients complain of muscular weakness and easy fatigability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/05/medi-95-e3782.PMC4902372.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3793312", "abstract": "Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ). In rodents, MIA results in changes in cytokine profiles and abnormal behaviors in the offspring that model these neuropsychiatric conditions. Given the central role that mitochondria have in immunity and other metabolic pathways, we hypothesized that MIA will result in a fetal imprinting that leads to postnatal deficits in the bioenergetics of immune cells. To this end, splenocytes from adult offspring exposed gestationally to the viral mimic poly(I:C) were evaluated for mitochondrial outcomes. A significant decrease in mitochondrial ATP production was observed in poly(I:C)-treated mice (45", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/6f/PMC3793312.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4906765", "abstract": "Background: Present investigation is based on the clinicopatho-biochemical alteration related to natural tick borne bovine babesiosis in Punjab state. Methods: Blood samples from jugular vein of 542 bovines (cattle 466 and buffaloes 76) having history of tick infestation, fever, hemoglobinurea or anemia were collected and tested for Babesia bigemina by blood smear examination and PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene to distinguish clinically and subclinically infected groups. Further the hemato-biochemical parameters were correlated with the status of infection. Results: Overall, of the 542 samples tested 16.42 ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/18/PMC4906765.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3944315", "abstract": " [Purpose] This study examined the effects of a relaxation chair and resting with simple range of motion exercises during computer work and low back muscle strengthening exercises after computer work on pain and the flexion-relaxation (FR) ratio of one computer worker with LBP. [Subjects] The subject of this study was a 37 year-old male who complained of severe LBP pain at the L4 level. [Methods] In the study, the subject worked on a computer for 5 h each day for 3 days and followed a different program each day. [Results] In Session 1, the FR ratios before and after work were 19", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/c1/jpts-321.PMC3944315.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3425855", "abstract": "Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels were first reported in heart cells and are recently known to be involved in a variety of neural functions in healthy and diseased brains. HCN channels generate inward currents when the membrane potential is hyperpolarized. Voltage dependence of HCN channels is regulated by intracellular signaling cascades, which contain cyclic AMP, PIP2, and TRIP8b. In addition, voltage-gated potassium channels have a strong influence on HCN channel activity. Because of these funny features, HCN channel currents, previously called funny currents, can have a wide range of functions that are determined by a delicate balance of modulatory factors. These multifaceted features also make it difficult to predict and elucidate the functional role of HCN channels in actual neurons. In this paper, we focus on the impacts of HCN channels on neural activity. The functions of HCN channels reported previously will be summarized, and their mechanisms will be explained by using numerical simulation of simplified model neurons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/12/b7/PMC3425855.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3114616", "abstract": "Internal mammary lymph nodes as solitary site of recurrent ovarian cancer have not been previously described. In this case report, 3 cases of late and very late isolated recurrence in internal mammary lymph nodes are presented. 18F-FDG-PET/CT allowed the diagnosis which was suspected by the increase of the serum CA-125 level in 2 out of 3 cases. Local treatment, consisting of surgery (in 2 patients) and radiation therapy (in 1 patient), permitted an optimal long-term disease control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/85/cro0004-0060.PMC3114616.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4806285", "abstract": "Stress and stress hormones, glucocorticoids (GCs), exert widespread actions in central nervous system, ranging from the regulation of gene transcription, cellular signaling, modulation of synaptic structure, and transmission and glial function to behavior. Their actions are mediated by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors which are nuclear receptors/transcription factors. While GCs primarily act to maintain homeostasis by inducing physiological and behavioral adaptation, prolonged exposure to stress and elevated GC levels may result in neuro- and psychopathology. There is now ample evidence for cause-effect relationships between prolonged stress, elevated GC levels, and cognitive and mood disorders while the evidence for a link between chronic stress/GC and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases is growing. This brief review considers some of the cellular mechanisms through which stress and GC may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and PD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/8a/PMC4806285.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4673560", "abstract": "Protection and deprotection strategies involving the N-acetyl group are widely utilized in nucleoside and nucleotide chemistry. Herein, we present a mild and selective N-deacetylation methodology, applicable to purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, by means of Schwartz's reagent, compatible with most of the common protecting groups used in nucleoside chemistry.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/39/f6/PMC4673560.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2908803", "abstract": "We report a case of corneal perforation with preseptal cellulitis in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). A 17-yr-old female patient who was undergoing combination chemotherapy for ALL was referred due to upper lid swelling and pain in the right eye for 2 days. Visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20. Initial examination showed no abnormal findings, other than swelling of the right upper eyelid. Computed tomography showed a finding of preseptal cellulitis. Microbiologic study of bloody and purulent discharge revealed Serratia marcescens. Corneal melting and perforation with iris prolapse were detected in the right eye on the 16th day. Emergent tectonic keratoplasty was performed. Seven months after surgery, visual acuity in the right eye was 20/300, and the corneal graft was stable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/3b/jkms-25-1251.PMC2908803.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3184760", "abstract": "Objective: In this study, the effect of bur cutting efficacy was evaluated on microleakage of class V composite restorations with two adhesive systems. Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were produced on sound extracted human teeth, which had been assigned randomly to one of six groups (N=15) as follows: Groups 1 and 6 were prepared using used rough diamond bur; Group 2 and 5 were prepared using new rough diamond bur; Group 3 and 4 were prepared using soft diamond bur. After application of Single Bond (3M Dental Product, USA) in groups 4,5 and 6 and Clearfil SE Bond [Kurary Medical Inc. Japan] in groups 1,2 and 3, all cavities were restored with composite resin. The teeth were thermocycled and microleakage was evaluated by dye penetration. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni’s correction were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that gingival margins significantly leaked more than occlusal margins for all bur types and bonding systems. Using the same adhesive system in gingival margins, significant difference was seen between bur types and using the same bur type in occlusal margins, there was a significant difference between the two types of adhesive systems. Conclusion: Cutting efficiency of bur had a great effect on microleakage of resin composite restorations. So long term use of burs may result in an increase in microleakage of composite resin restorations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/4b/jod-7-218.PMC3184760.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3941735", "abstract": "We report a case of rare cervical isthmic spondylolisthesis of C6-7 combined occult spinal bifida at C6, and review the radiologic finding, different diagnosis and treatment. A 23-year old female presented nuchal, back pain after traffic accident. Radiologic finding showed the 6th cervical isthmic defect, spondylolisthesis and dysplasia. The patient was conservatively treated about 8 weeks, and 10 months after injury, she was symptom free with full range of motion of cervical spine and she was followed up. Cervical spondylolysis is a very rare condition. This clinical importance is vulnerable to trauma. For whatever reasons, symptomatic patients need to be treated by conservative or surgical option.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/2a/kjs-10-35.PMC3941735.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4605376", "abstract": "Diabetes represents a challenging global health issue in the 21st century. Data from sub-Saharan African populations are scarce and are usually restricted to urban settings. The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in rural and urban areas in Senegal. Methods. In a community-based survey between January and May 2012, we included 1027 adults aged ≥18 years living in northern Senegal. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were collected during household visits. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes. Results. Mean age of participants was 48.0 ± 16.9 years and 65.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/36/9d/PMC4605376.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4782623", "abstract": "The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stereoscopic display alignment errors on visual fatigue and prefrontal cortical tissue hemodynamic responses. We collected hemodynamic data and perceptual ratings of visual fatigue while participants performed visual display tasks on 8 ft × 6 ft NEC LT silver screen with NEC LT 245 DLP projectors. There was statistical significant difference between subjective measures of visual fatigue before air traffic control task (BATC) and after air traffic control task (ATC 3), (P < 0.05). Statistical significance was observed between left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin (l DLPFC-HbO2), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deoxygenated hemoglobin (l DLPFC-Hbb), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deoxygenated hemoglobin (r DLPFC-Hbb) on stereoscopic alignment errors (P < 0.05). Thus, cortical tissue oxygenation requirement in the left hemisphere indicates that the effect of visual fatigue is more pronounced in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a0/fe/PMC4782623.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3772303", "abstract": "Clinical features of acute myocarditis range from a subclinical state to a fulminant state. Fulminant myocarditis with ventricular arrhythmia or atrioventricular block is associated with a high mortality rate. In cases in which aggressive medical therapy for fulminant myocarditis is not likely to be successful, intensive and emergency mechanical circulatory support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or intra-aortic balloon pump, should be considered. We report life salvage of acute fulminant myocarditis in a 53-year-old woman presented with malignant arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock supported by ECMO.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/ea/kcj-43-565.PMC3772303.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5080394", "abstract": "This review summarizes the current understanding of the feasibility of functional imaging for brachytherapy. In following subsections the role of ultrasound, power doppler imaging, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic dose calculation and targeted brachytherapy is analyzed. The combination of functional imaging with the new tools for intraoperative dose calculation and optimization opens new and exciting times in brachytherapy. New optimized protocols are needed and should be tested in controlled trials, to demonstrate an advantage of such a new paradigm.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ab/cd/JCB-1-12025.PMC5080394.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4216683", "abstract": "The molecular basis of attenuation of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 ZB strain remains unknown. To understand the genetic changes of attenuation, we compared the entire genomes of three different rabbit-passaged attenuated ZB strains (ZB/CHA/58(att), ZBRF168, and ZBRF188) and their virulent parental strains (ZBCF22 and YNBS/58). The results showed that attenuation may be brought about by 28 common amino acid substitutions in the coding region, with one nucleotide point mutation in the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) and another one in the 3′-UTR. In addition, a total of 21 nucleotides silent mutations had been found after attenuation. These substitutions, alone or in combination, may be responsible for the attenuated phenotype of the ZB strain in cattle. This will contribute to elucidation of attenuating molecular basis of the FMDV ZB strain.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8c/ac/PMC4216683.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4972100", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Serine metabolism is likely to play a critical role in cancer cell growth. A recent study reports the identification of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of serine synthesis that targets 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the first enzyme of the serine synthesis pathway, and selectively abrogates the proliferation of PHGDH overexpressing breast cancer cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/d0/kmco-03-04-1164280.PMC4972100.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4311361", "abstract": "Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare disease of central nervous system with myriads of presentation. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and relies on neuroimaging which may be normal at the onset. It is a diagnostic challenge at its first attack. Here we present a case of ADEM which initially presented with atypical feature and normal neuroimaging but later turned out to be a case of ADEM. Early diagnosis and treatment holds the key for favorable outcome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/41/JFMPC-3-443.PMC4311361.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4421671", "abstract": "Sodium or calcium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate or analog) is an ion-exchange resin commonly used to treat hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is known to cause digestive complications, such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. Although rare, colonic necrosis and perforation are very severe complications associated with the medication. In this case report, we present a case of calcium polystyrene sulfonate-induced colonic necrosis and perforation to remind clinicians of this rare, but dangerous, toxicity associated with this commonly used medication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/f6/sfr113.PMC4421671.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3324992", "abstract": "Intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections provide short-term symptom amelioration for arthritic conditions involving structural damage or degenerative changes in the knee. Conventional palpation-guided anatomical injections frequently result in inaccurate needle placement into extra-articular tissue and adjacent structures. The purpose of this review was to determine the effect of ultrasound guidance on the accuracy of needle placement, clinical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in comparison with anatomical landmark-guided intra-articular large joint injections, with particular emphasis on the knee. A total of 13 relevant studies were identified; five studied the knee, seven studied the shoulder, one used both the knee and shoulder, and none studied the hip. Ultrasound was used in seven studies; the remaining studies utilized air arthrography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance arthrography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Across all studies (using all imaging modalities and all joints), needle placement accuracy ranged from 63", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/a9/PMC3324992.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4762964", "abstract": "Background Complication following fracture of a central venous catheter can be catastrophic to both the patient and the attending doctor. Catheter fracture has been attributed to several factors namely prolong mechanical force acting on the catheter, and forceful removal or insertion of the catheter. Case Details In the present case, the fracture was suspected during the process of removal. The tip of the catheter was notably missing, and an emergency chest radiograph confirmed our diagnosis of a retained fracture of central venous catheter. The retained portion was removed by the interventional radiologist using an endovascular loop snare and delivered through a femoral vein venotomy performed by the surgeon. Conclusion Endovascular approach to retrieval of retained fractured catheters has helped tremendously to reduce associated morbidity and the need for major surgery. The role of surgery has become limited to instances of failed endovascular retrieval and in remote geographical locations devoid of such specialty.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/dc/PMC4762964.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3181601", "abstract": "Modulation of recurrent inhibition is critical not only for the normal function of highly excitable regions of the brain, especially the limbic system, but may also be a primary determining factor for the viability of neurons in these regions. Standard extracellular and intracellular recordings from in vitro brain slices of rat hippocampi were employed to show that recurrent inhibition onto CA1 neurons can be modulated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Besides reducing the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) at resting membrane potential conditions, different NMDA antagonists, including the endogenous substance N-acetyl-L-aspartyl-L-glutamic acid (NAAG), are able to block long-term potentiation (LIP) of recurrent inhibition completely at concentrations that are not sufficient to block LTP of the excitatory drive onto pyramidal neurons. This LTP of recurrent inhibition may play a significant role in stimulus discrimination and learning, as simulated in a biophysical computer model of a basic neuronal circuit. Both the amplitude of the IPSP and LTP of the recurrent inhibitory circuit also undergo developmental changes showing their highest expression and vulnerability to chronic NMDA antagonist injections in juvenile rats. Finally, blocking NMDA receptor-dependent transmission in the recurrent inhibition loop may lead to an overall increased excitability of the neuronal network. This may resemble the positive schizophrenic symptoms observed in man, presumably caused by elevated levels of the endogenous NMDA antagonist NAAG.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/f4/DialoguesClinNeurosci-2-287.PMC3181601.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4500009", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated how participation in a recreation program influences electroencephalogram changes in the demented elderly. [Subjects] Fourteen patients were included in the experimental group and 18 in the control group. [Methods] They had no regular exercise habits, and walked independently, and scored 11–23 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination, and thus had no apraxia and could communicate. To empirically verify changes in electroencephalograms of the demented elderly for depression, sleep disorder, and life quality through their participation in the therapeutic recreation program, male and female citizens >65 years old at a geriatric hospital were included. The experimental group attended therapeutic recreation programs regularly for 3 months and control group did not. [Results] Electroencephalogram values were higher in the experimental than in the control group, demonstrating that the therapeutic recreation program enhances electroencephalogram values. However, post-program electroencephalograms between the two groups showed minor differences for all variables, except for the anti-stress index and brain quotient. [Conclusion] The therapeutic recreation program caused changes in brain activation, and this method revealed the relation between the activity program and emotion via the anti-stress index.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fe/22/jpts-27-1909.PMC4500009.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3745977", "abstract": " Purpose. From our previous clinical work with overweight/obese youth, we identified the need for research to create an effective weight management intervention to address the growing prevalence of adolescent metabolic syndrome. Formative assessment through an adaptive community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was conducted toward the development of a nutritional and physical activity (DVD) and clinician toolkit for a school-based health center (SBHC) weight management intervention. Methods. We first conducted parent and adolescent interviews on views and experiences about obesity while convening a community advisory council (CAC) recruited from two participating urban New Mexico high schools. Thematic findings from the interviews were analyzed with the CAC to develop culturally and developmentally appropriate intervention materials. Results. Themes from the parent and adolescent interviews included general barriers/challenges, factors influencing motivation, and change facilitators. The CAC and university-based research team reached consensus on the final content of nutrition and physical activity topics to produce a DVD and clinician toolkit through six monthly sessions. These materials used in the SBHC intervention resulted in a greater reduction of body mass index when compared to adolescents receiving standard care. Conclusions. Formative assessment using an adaptive CBPR approach resulted in the creation of culturally and age appropriate weight reduction materials that were acceptable to study participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00841334.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/be/f0/PMC3745977.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3364093", "abstract": "We report herein a case of idiopathic adrenal hematoma. A 59-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a 7.0 cm mass in the right upper abdominal cavity. The tumor was suspected to originate from either the posterior segment of the liver or the right adrenal gland. His chief complaint was weight loss of 8 kg over the previous 6 months. He had no past medical history and took no medications, including no anticoagulants. Laboratory data were almost normal except for a slight elevation of PIVKA-II. The origin of the tumor was found to be the adrenal gland, as angiography revealed the blood supply to the mass to derive from the right superior and inferior adrenal arteries. A fine needle biopsy of the lesion was unable to confirm the diagnosis. Open right adrenalectomy was performed. The histopathological findings of the surgical specimen revealed a hematoma with normal adrenal tissue. In the absence of any obvious etiology, the diagnosis was idiopathic adrenal hematoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/46/crg-0006-0171.PMC3364093.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3237269", "abstract": "Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of diabetes mellitus and hypertension as well as other demographic and clinical characteristics on perceived health status in primary health centers in Oman. Methods: In a cross-sectional retrospective study, 450 patients (aged ≥ 18 years) seen at six primary health centers in Wilayat A’ Seeb in the Muscat region, Oman, were selected. Perceived health status of the physical (PSCC) and mental (MSCC) components of quality-of-life were assessed using the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12). The analyses were performed using univariate statistical techniques. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54 ± 12 years and they were mostly female (62", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/a4/IJPVM-2-256.PMC3237269.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3327078", "abstract": "Congenital complete heart block could be absolutely asymptomatic. Increased awareness of suspecting an atrioventricular heart block in patients with slow heart rate and electrocardiograph examination will ensure recognition of this problem. The possibility of sudden cardiac death in these patients should not be forgotten. The goal in the peri-operative anaesthetic management is to preserve the heart rate and maintain haemodynamic stability. Herein, we present a case of congenital complete heart block posted for elective caesarean section for an obstetric indication. We would like to highlight the advantage of bupivacaine–fentanyl combination in maintaining haemodynamic stability and peri-operative heart rate control with temporary pacemaker.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/05/e0/IJA-56-72.PMC3327078.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4574338", "abstract": "ABSTRACT We report a case of accessory scrotum (AS) in the perineal region with peduncular lipoma, diagnosed prenatally. A male fetus of 31 weeks’ gestation was referred to our department with a perineal mass. Prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass of 1.0 × 1.2 cm located posterior to the scrotum. No other abnormalities were noted during pregnancy. The patient was delivered vaginally at 38 weeks of gestation. On physical examination, a soft peduncular mass with a rugged and pigmented swelling was located between the normally developed scrotum and the anus. There were no specific symptoms or any other associated congenital anomalies. We completely excised the mass at one month of age. A histological examination revealed lipoma, with tissue suggestive of scrotum, so a definite diagnosis of AS was made. AS is a rare congenital anomaly of the scrotum. We review the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/ce/2186-3326-77-3-0501.PMC4574338.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3370317", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE: Due to their toxicity, diesel emissions have been submitted to progressively more restrictive regulations in developed countries. However, in Brazil, the implementation of the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy (Euro IV standards for vehicles produced in 2009 and low-sulfur diesel with 50 ppm of sulfur) was postponed until 2012 without a comprehensive analysis of the effect of this delay on public health parameters. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy on health indicators and monetary health costs in Brazil. METHODS: The primary estimator of exposure to air pollution was the concentration of ambient fine particulate matter (particles with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 µm, [PM2.5]). This parameter was measured daily in six Brazilian metropolitan areas during 2007-2008. We calculated 1) the projected reduction in the PM2.5 that would have been achieved if the Euro IV standards had been implemented in 2009 and 2) the expected reduction after implementation in 2012. The difference between these two time curves was transformed into health outcomes using previous dose-response curves. The economic valuation was performed based on the DALY (disability-adjusted life years) method. RESULTS: The delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy will result in an estimated excess of 13,984 deaths up to 2040. Health expenditures are projected to be increased by nearly US11.5 billion for the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that a significant health burden will occur because of the postponement in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy. These results also reinforce the concept that health effects must be considered when revising fuel and emission policies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/ce/cln-67-06-639.PMC3370317.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4104452", "abstract": "This review is aimed to focus on NSCLC as an emerging and promising model for active immunotherapy and the challenges for its inclusion in the current clinical scenario. Cancer vaccines for NSCLC have been focused as a therapeutic option based on the identification of a tumor hallmark and the active immunization with the related molecules that triggers cellular and/or humoral responses that consequently destroy or delay the rate of malignant progression. This therapeutic intervention in an established disease state has been aimed to impact into prolonging patient´s survival with ethically accepted quality of life. Understanding of relationship between structure and function in cancer vaccines is essential to interpret their opportunities to impact into prolonging survival and increasing quality of life in cancer patients. It is widely accepted that the failure of the cancer vaccines in the NSCLC scenario is related with its introduction in the advanced disease stages and poor performance status of the patients due to the combination of the tumor induced immunosuppression with the immune senescence. Despite first, second and emerging third line of onco-specific treatments the life expectancy for NSCLC patients diagnosed at advanced stages is surrounding the 12 months of median survival and in facts the today real circumstances are extremely demanding for the success inclusion of cancer vaccines as therapeutic choice in the clinical scenario. The kinetics of the active immunizations encompasses a sequential cascade of clinical endpoints: starting by the activation of the immune system, followed by the antitumor response and finalizing with the consequential impact on patients’ overall survival. Today this cascade of clinical endpoints is the backbone for active immunization assessment and moreover the concept of cancer vaccines, applied in the NSCLC setting, is just evolving as a complex therapeutic strategy, in which the opportunities for cancer vaccines start from the selection of the target cancer hallmark, followed by the vaccine formulation and its platforms for immune potentiating, also cover the successful insertion in the standard of care, the chronic administration beyond progression disease, the personalization based on predictors of response and the potential combination with other targeted therapies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/90/CTMC-13-2551.PMC4104452.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2592742", "abstract": "The current gold standard for the diagnosis of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) remains invasive monitoring. Given that invasive monitoring is not always available or clinically feasible, there is growing interest in non-invasive methods of assessing ICP using diagnostic modalities such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Increased ICP is transmitted through the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the optic nerve, causing distention of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). In this issue of Critical Care, Geeraerts and colleagues describe a non-invasive method of diagnosing elevated ICP using MRI to measure the ONSD. They report a positive correlation between measurements of the ONSD on MRI and invasive ICP measurements. If the findings of this study can be replicated in larger populations, this technique may be a useful non-invasive screening test for elevated ICP in select populations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/78/59/PMC2592742.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4925654", "abstract": "Purpose To analyze the relative position of the mandibular foramina (MnFs) in patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion. Materials and Methods Computed tomography (CT) images were collected from 85 patients. The vertical lengths of each anatomic point from the five horizontal planes passing through the MnF were measured at the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, condyle, and the gonion. The distance from the anterior ramus point to the posterior ramus point on the five horizontal planes was designated the anteroposterior horizontal distance of the ramus for each plane. The perpendicular distance from each anterior ramus point to each vertical plane through the MnF was designated the horizontal distance from the anterior ramus to the MnF. The horizontal and vertical positions were examined by regression analysis. Results Regression analysis showed the heights of the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, and condyle for the five horizontal planes were significantly related to the height of the MnF, with the highest significance associated with the MnF-mandibular plane (coefficients of determination (R2): 0.424, 0.597, and 0.604, respectively). The horizontal anteroposterior length of the ramus and the distance from the anterior ramus point to the MnF were significant by regression analysis. Conclusion The relative position of the MnF was significantly related to the vertical heights of the sigmoid notch, coronoid process, and condyle as well as to the horizontal anteroposterior length of the ascending ramus. These findings should be clinically useful for patients with skeletal class III mandibular prognathism.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/3a/isd-46-77.PMC4925654.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4979801", "abstract": "Abstract Outcomes of adult patients with dengue infections requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admissions remain unclear. We assessed the clinical manifestations and prognostic factors of patients critically ill with severe dengue. This retrospective study was done in a tertiary referral hospital with 96 adult ICU beds. All of the patients with laboratory-confirmed severe dengue infections and admitted to the ICU were enrolled between July 31 and November 31, 2015, during the large outbreak period. The medical records of all the recruited patients were reviewed for the following information: age, gender, clinical manifestations, disease severity scores, underlying conditions, laboratory examinations, and outcomes. The primary endpoint was to find the predictors of ICU mortality. During the study period, 4787 patients with dengue infections required ICU admission. One hundred forty-three (2.99", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6d/b3/medi-95-e4376.PMC4979801.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4486613", "abstract": "PURPOSE This study evaluated the fracture load of customized zirconia abutments with titanium insert according to preparation depths, with or without 5-year artificial aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six identical lithium disilicate crowns (IPS e.max press) were fabricated to replace a maxillary right central incisor and cemented to the customized zirconia abutment with titanium insert on a 4.5×10 mm titanium fixture. Abutments were fabricated with 3 preparation depths (0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm). Half of the samples were then processed using thermocycling (temperature: 5-55℃, dwelling time: 120s) and chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycles, 49 N load). All specimens were classified into 6 groups depending on the preparation depth and artificial aging (non-artificial aging groups: N5, N7, N9; artificial aging groups: A5, A7, A9). Static load was applied at 135 degrees to the implant axis in a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses of the results were performed using 1-way ANOVA, 2-way ANOVA, independent t-test and multiple linear regression. RESULTS The fracture loads were 539.28 ± 63.11 N (N5), 406.56 ± 28.94 N (N7), 366.66 ± 30.19 N (N9), 392.61 ± 50.57 N (A5), 317.94 ± 30.05 N (A7), and 292.74 ± 37.15 N (A9). The fracture load of group N5 was significantly higher than those of group N7 and N9 (P<.017). Consequently, the fracture load of group A5 was also significantly higher than those of group A7 and A9 (P<.05). After artificial aging, the fracture load was significantly decreased in all groups with various preparation depths (P<.05). CONCLUSION The fracture load of a single anterior implant restored with lithium disilicate crown on zirconia abutment with titanium insert differed depending on the preparation depths. After 5-year artificial aging, the fracture loads of all preparation groups decreased significantly.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/f2/jap-7-183.PMC4486613.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4451563", "abstract": "We summarized the most recent findings on the role of autophagy in antiviral immune response. We described how viruses have developed strategies to subvert the autophagic process. A particular attention has been given to Epstein-Barr and Kaposi's sarcoma associated Herpesvirus, viruses studied for many years in our laboratory. These two viruses belong to γ-Herpesvirus subfamily and are associated with several human cancers. Besides the effects on the immune response, we have described how autophagy subversion by viruses may also concur to the enhancement of their replication and to viral tumorigenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ec/68/PMC4451563.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4942706", "abstract": "Spatially distributed sequential stimulation (SDSS) has demonstrated substantial power output and fatigue benefits compared to single electrode stimulation (SES) in the application of functional electrical stimulation (FES). This asymmetric electrode setup brings new possibilities but also new questions since precise placement of the electrodes is one critical factor for good muscle activation. The aim of this study was to compare the power output, fatigue and activation properties of proximally versus distally placed SDSS electrodes in an isokinetic knee extension task simulating knee movement during recumbent cycling. M. vastus lateralis and medialis of seven able-bodied subjects were stimulated with rectangular bi-phasic pulses of constant amplitude of 40 mA and at an SDSS frequency of 35 Hz for 6 min on both legs with both setups (i.e. n=14). Torque was measured during knee-extension movement by a dynamometer at an angular velocity of 110 deg/s. Mean power, peak power and activation time were calculated and compared for the initial and final stimulation phases, together with an overall fatigue index. Power output values (Pmean, Ppeak) were scaled to a standardised reference input pulse width of 100 μs (Pmean,s, Ppeak,s). The initial evaluation phase showed no significant differences between the two setups for all outcome measures. Ppeak and Ppeak,s were both significantly higher in the final phase for the distal setup (25.4 ± 8.1 W vs. 28.2 ± 6.2 W, p=0.0062 and 34.8 ± 9.5 W vs. 38.9 ± 6.7 W, p=0.021, respectively). With distal SDSS, there was modest evidence of higher Pmean and Pmean,s (p=0.071, p=0.14, respectively) but of longer activation time (p=0.096). The rate of fatigue was similar for both setups. For practical FES applications, distal placement of the SDSS electrodes is preferable.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/31/ejtm-2016-2-6016.PMC4942706.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2656326", "abstract": "Bipolar disorder can be a devastating disease state for individuals with the disease and also for family members. Proper recognition and treatment is vital to the successful management of this disease state. Through increased community and practitioner awareness, along with efforts to increase awareness for proper assessment, the rate of diagnosed bipolar disorder is increasing. Recent years have brought about the introduction of several new medications with approved indications for the treatment of bipolar disorder. In addition to new agents, traditional mood stabilizing medications have also been released in different formulations to better enhance tolerability without jeopardizing efficacy. One particular product is extended-release divalproex sodium. In the following article, we review the clinical presentation of bipolar disorder, its epidemiology, and the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action for divalproex. In addition, we specifically review the role of extended-release divalproex in bipolar disorder through a critical analysis of the currently available published primary literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c6/04/PMC2656326.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5088139", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study investigated the association between proprioception, including joint position sense and kinetic sense, and handwriting legibility in healthy children. [Subjects and Methods] Assessment of joint position sense, kinetic sense, and handwriting legibility was conducted for 19 healthy children. Joint position sense was assessed by asking the children to flex their right elbow between 30° to 110° while blindfolded. The range of elbow movement was analyzed with Compact Measuring System 10 for 3D motion Analysis. Kinetic sense was assessed using the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. The children were directed to write 30 words from the Korean alphabet, and the legibility of their handwriting was scored for form, alignment, space, size, and shape. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. [Results] There was significant negative correlation between handwriting legibility and Kinetic sense. A significant correlation between handwriting legibility and Joint position sense was not found. [Conclusion] This study showed that a higher Kinetic sense was associated with better legibility of handwriting. Further work is needed to determine the association of handwriting legibility and speed with Joint position sense of the elbow, wrist, and fingers.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/cd/jpts-28-2849.PMC5088139.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4228650", "abstract": "Follicular occlusion tetrad is a symptom complex consisting of four conditions having a similar pathophysiology. It includes Hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp and pilonidal sinus. The exact pathogenesis of this group of disease is unknown but evidence suggests that they share the same pathological process initiated by follicular occlusion in apocrine gland bearing areas. Though each of these conditions is commonly encountered singly, follicular occlusion tetrad as a symptom complex has been rarely reported in the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/90/13/IDOJ-5-491.PMC4228650.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4553284", "abstract": "Background Many shoulder diseases are related to glenohumeral joint synovitis and effusion. The purpose of the present study is to detect effusion within the biceps long head tendon sheath as the sign of glenohumeral joint synovitis using ultrasonography, and to evaluate the clinical meaning of effusion within the biceps long head tendon sheath. Methods A consecutive series of 569 patients who underwent ultrasonography for shoulder pain were reviewed retrospectively and ultimately, 303 patients were included. The authors evaluated the incidence and amount of the effusion within the biceps long head tendon sheath on the ultrasonographic short axis view. Furthermore, the authors evaluated the correlation between the amount of effusion within the biceps long head tendon sheath and the range of motion and the functional score. Results The effusion within the biceps long head tendon sheath was detected in 58.42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/31/65/cios-7-351.PMC4553284.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3041191", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE Stimulated serum C-peptide (sCP) during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) is the gold standard measure of endogenous insulin secretion, but practical issues limit its use. We assessed urine C-peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR) as an alternative. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Seventy-two type 1 diabetic patients (age of diagnosis median 14 years [interquartile range 10–22]; diabetes duration 6.5 [2.3–32.7]) had an MMTT. sCP was collected at 90 min. Urine for UCPCR was collected at 120 min and following a home evening meal. RESULTS MMTT 120-min UCPCR was highly correlated to 90-min sCP (r = 0.97; P < 0.0001). UCPCR ≥0.53 nmol/mmol had 94", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/12/b1/607.PMC3041191.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3259543", "abstract": "Pectus excavatum exists as varying anatomic deformities and compression of the right heart by the chest wall can lead to patient symptoms including dyspnea and chest pain with exertion. Echocardiography can be difficult but is critical to the evaluation and diagnosis of this patient population. Modifying standard views such as biplane transthoracic and 3-D transesophageal views may be necessary in some patients due to limitations from the abnormal anatomy of the deformed anterior chest wall. Apical four-chamber views when seen clearly can usually visualize any extrinsic compression to the right ventricle of the heart.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/6a/jcu-19-192.PMC3259543.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3825976", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common gynecological problem. Repair with synthetic materials such as prolene mesh has become a popular approach in prolapsus surgery. Migration of synthetic materials can cause serious complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a complaint of sensation of fullness and a feeling of a foreign material protruding during defecation. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. Prolene mesh was detected in sacral region but resection of the mesh could not be conducted because of dense adhesions causing frozen pelvis. The migrated prolene mesh was resected transanally. DISCUSSION Genital prolapse or genital hernia is described as the protrusion of pelvic organs along the vagina. It is one of the common gynecological conditions that affect the quality of life in women. Mesh migration is a well-known clinical pathology. CONCLUSION Mesh migration is a serious complication after sacral colpopexy. Surgical resection of migrated mesh can be difficult due to dense adhesions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a2/14/main.PMC3825976.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4712056", "abstract": "Zinner syndrome, the association of congenital seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral renal agenesis, is more often reported in adults or older adolescents. We present a case of a boy, followed up in our hospital since birth for right renal agenesis who at the age of 4 years presented a right paravesical cyst on ultrasound. The cyst was initially considered as an ureterocele. The diagnosis of Zinner syndrome was made later, at the age of 15 years by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging; at that moment the cyst had increased in size and had changed in aspect. This malformation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic cyst in male patients with renal agenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e8/7f/PMC4712056.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4441241", "abstract": "Buccal exostoses are broad-based, non-malignant surface growth occurring on the outer or facial surface of the maxilla and/or mandible, found usually in the premolar and molar region. Etiology is still not established, but it has been suggested that the bony overgrowth can be because of abnormally increased masticatory forces to the teeth. They tend to appear in early adolescence and may very slowly increase in size with time. They are painless, self-limiting and may increase patient concern about poor esthetics, inability to perform oral hygiene procedures, and compromised periodontal health by causing food lodgment. The following article presents a very rare case of bilateral buccal-sided maxillary exostoses and its management with surgical exploration.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/81/90/JIOH-7-62.PMC4441241.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5020426", "abstract": "Background Sleep disorders are accompanied by several complications, and currently used soporific drugs can induce unwanted effects such as psychomotor impairment, tolerance, amnesia, and rebound insomnia. Objectives The present study was carried out to investigate if Ocimum basilicum has a sleep-prolonging effect. Materials and Methods This work was an experimental study on 72 mice which were randomly divided into 9 groups: saline (control); diazepam (3 mg/kg, positive control); hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of Ocimum basilicum (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg); ethyl acetate fraction (EAF, 50 mg/kg); n-butanol fraction (NBF, 50 mg/kg); water fraction (WF, 50 mg/kg); and saline containing 10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f5/2e/ircmj-18-07-24261.PMC5020426.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897517", "abstract": "A study was conducted to determine the impacts of soil disturbance and compaction on soil physical properties and tree growth and the effectiveness of tillage in maintaining or enhancing site productivity for intensively managed Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon sites in Dedza, Malawi. The results indicate that about fifty-two percent of the area of compacted plots was affected by the vehicular traffic. Seventy percent of the trees were planted on microsites with some degree of soil disturbance. Soil bulk density at 0–20 cm depth increased from 0.45 to 0.66 Mg m−3 in the most compacted portions of traffic lanes. Soil strength in traffic lanes increased at all 60 cm depth but never exceeded 1200 kPa. Volumetric soil water content in compacted traffic lanes was greater than that in noncompacted soil. Total soil porosity decreased 13.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e5/cf/PMC4897517.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3564092", "abstract": "Objective The objectives of this study were a) to develop a physical activity program for nursery schools, and b) to evaluate the effects of this program on fundamental movement skills of preschool age children in Iran. Methods In this quasi-experimental study 147 children from five nursery schools in five different cities in Iran were enrolled. A physical activity program was developed for nursery children. Trained nursery physical activity instructors conducted the program for 10 weeks for all subjects. The levels of gross motor development of all subjects were measured before intervention and after 10 weeks physical activity program employing the Test of Gross Motor Development-edition 2 (TGMD-2). Findings The participants in this study had a mean (SD) age of 4.95 (0.83) years. At the end of the study, scores of subjects at all components of TGMD-2 (including locomotor, object control, sum of standard scores and gross motor quotient) were significantly improved compared to the baseline scores (P<0.001). Based on descriptive rating of the \"Gross Motor Quotient\" in the base line, 11.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/71/IJPD-22-357.PMC3564092.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3144672", "abstract": "Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome in humans. The pathogenesis of FSGS may be associated with glomerular visceral epithelial cell (GEC; podocyte) injury, leading to apoptosis, detachment, and “podocytopenia”, followed by glomerulosclerosis. Mutations in α-actinin-4 are associated with FSGS in humans. In cultured GECs, α-actinin-4 mediates adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics. FSGS-associated α-actinin-4 mutants show increased binding to actin filaments, compared with the wild-type protein. Expression of an α-actinin-4 mutant in mouse podocytes in vivo resulted in proteinuric FSGS. GECs that express mutant α-actinin-4 show defective spreading and motility, and such abnormalities could alter the mechanical properties of the podocyte, contribute to cytoskeletal disruption, and lead to injury. The potential for mutant α-actinin-4 to injure podocytes is also suggested by the characteristics of this mutant protein to form microaggregates, undergo ubiquitination, impair the ubiquitin-proteasome system, enhance endoplasmic reticulum stress, and exacerbate apoptosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/20/82/PMC3144672.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4553340", "abstract": " Introduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism in women from The Danish General Suburban Population Study (GESUS) on the number of children born, the number of pregnancies, and the number of spontaneous abortions. Methods. Retrospective cross sectional study of 11254 women participating in GESUS. Data included biochemical measurements and a self-administrated questionnaire. Results. 6.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/ab/PMC4553340.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5321588", "abstract": "PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the effects of four different lateral occlusion schemes and different excursions on peri-implant strains of a maxillary canine implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four metal crowns with different occlusion schemes were attached to an implant in the maxillary canine region of a resin model. The included schemes were canine-guided (CG) occlusion, group function (GF) occlusion, long centric (LC) occlusion, and implant-protected (IP) occlusion. Each crown was loaded in three sites that correspond to maximal intercuspation (MI), 1 mm excursion, and 2 mm excursion. A load of 140 N was applied on each site and was repeated 10 times. The peri-implant strain was recorded by a rosette strain gauge that was attached on the resin model buccal to the implant. For each loading condition, the maximum shear strain value was calculated. RESULTS The different schemes and excursive positions had impact on the peri-implant strains. At MI and 1 mm positions, the GF had the least strains, followed by IP, CG, and LC. At 2 mm, the least strains were associated with GF, followed by CG, LC, and IP. However, regardless of the occlusion scheme, as the excursion increases, a linear increase of peri-implant strains was detected. CONCLUSION The peri-implant strain is susceptible to occlusal factors. The eccentric location appears to be more influential on peri-implant strains than the occlusion scheme. Therefore, adopting an occlusion scheme that can reduce the occurrence of occlusal contacts laterally may be beneficial in reducing peri-implant strains.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/42/ff/jap-9-45.PMC5321588.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5040074", "abstract": "A 26-year-old male member of the Australian Defense Force presented with a history of central abdominal pain of 4 weeks duration and peripheral eosinophilia consistent with eosinophilic enteritis. Acute hookworm disease was diagnosed as the cause. Adult worms recovered from feces after therapy with albendazole were morphologically consistent with Ancylostoma ceylanicum. As the patient had been deployed with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands for 6 months prior to this presentation, it is very likely that the A. ceylanicum was acquired in Solomon Islands. Until now, it has been assumed that any Ancylostoma spp. recovered from humans in Solomon Islands is A. duodenale. However, this case demonstrates that human hookworm infection acquired in the Solomon Islands could be caused by A. ceylanicum.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/74/ed/kjp-54-4-533.PMC5040074.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4130894", "abstract": "Xanthoma is an uncommon nonneoplastic lesion resulting from the accumulation of histiocytes. It predominantly shows cutaneous manifestations associated with dyslipidemia. However, xanthoma of the esophagus is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 14 cases have been reported thus far. The clinical significance of this lesion has not been established. However, this lesion should be distinguished grossly from ectopic sebaceous glands and small subepithelial tumors such as carcinoid and granular cell tumor. Moreover, signet ring cell carcinoma, which contains round cells with abundant cytoplasm and has similar histologic features to xanthoma, should be distinguished microscopically.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/d5/ce-47-358.PMC4130894.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3708426", "abstract": "Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction, although rare in the western world, is a common cause of major and life threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding among the poor in developing countries. Patients have large spleens and stunted growth. The diagnosis is easily confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. Endoscopy sclerotherapy is the best option for the control of acute variceal bleeding. For secondary prophylaxis of bleeding, the choice lies between repeated sclerotherapy and a portosystemic shunt. We believe that due consideration should be given to performing a splenectomy and a lienorenal shunt. Performed by experienced surgeons, it carries a low operative mortality of 1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3d/e3/PMC3708426.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4554163", "abstract": "Abstract East Asian patients with diabetes have a higher risk for renal complications and strokes than Europeans. We aimed to evaluate the effect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C→T polymorphism, which was associated with a higher stroke risk and was common in the Chinese population, as well as homocysteine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels on the risk of new-onset diabetes (NOD). A total of 2422 subjects without diabetes were followed-up for 7 years. NOD was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or self-reported physician diagnosis of diabetes. Compared with subjects with MTHFR 677CC genotype, those with TT genotype had a higher risk of NOD in females (odds ratio 2.78, 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/88/a1/medi-94-e563.PMC4554163.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4379478", "abstract": "Objectives: The stomach is a sensitive digestive organ that is susceptible to exogenous pathogens from the diet. In response to such pathogens, the stomach induces oxidative stress, which might be related to the development of both gastric organic disorders such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer, and functional disorders such as functional dyspepsia. This study was accomplished to investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopuncture (GLP) on chronic gastric ulcers in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each: the normal, the control, the normal saline (NP) and the GLP groups. In this study, the modified ethanol gastritis model was used. The rats were administrated 56", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/62/0f/2093-6966-v18-n01-072.PMC4379478.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5307627", "abstract": " Background: Improper nutritional knowledge is one of the most important causes of nutritional problems, which can affect practice and cause more complications. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Iranian households with socioeconomic status (SES).   Methods: The study population was 14,136 households (57 clusters of 8 individuals in each province) who lived in urban and rural regions of 31 provinces of Iran. The sample size of the study was selected using multistage cluster sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and interview with the qualified person in each family was used to collect data. The questionnaire included demographic, SES and nutritional KAP questions. Using principle component analysis, some variables including household assets, occupation and education level of the heads of the families and respondents and the number of family members were used to construct family SES. The SES was categorized as good, moderate and weak. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables.   Results: The percentage of knowledge about growing up, acquiring energy and being healthy as reasons for eating food was 24.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/72/d4/mjiri-30-426.PMC5307627.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5028793", "abstract": "Human HLA-E can, in addition to self-antigens, also present pathogen-derived sequences, which elicit specific T-cell responses. T-cells recognize their antigen presented by HLA-E highly specifically and have unique functional and phenotypical properties. Pathogen specific HLA-E restricted CD8+ T-cells are an interesting new player in the field of immunology. Future work should address their exact roles and relative contributions in the immune response against infectious diseases. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e8/fb/PMC5028793.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4904486", "abstract": "Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare proliferative histiocytic disease of unknown etiology. Histologically, it is characterized by granuloma-like proliferation of Langerhans-type dendritic cells derived from bone marrow. Many investigators have suggested the possible role of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, and Cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Objectives: In this study, we have investigated the presence of Cytomegalovirus in Langerhans cell histiocytosis in Iranian children. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, we have investigated the presence of Cytomegalovirus DNA expression, using paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 30 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and 30 age and site-matched controls by qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Results: No significant difference in prevalence of Cytomegalovirus presence between patients and controls was found. Cytomegalovirus was found by qualitative PCR in only 2 (6.66", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fb/90/ijp-26-02-673.PMC4904486.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3361229", "abstract": "This paper reports the application of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and pattern recognition methods to rapid and automatic discrimination of the genotypes (parent, transgenic, and parent-transgenic hybrid) of cotton plants. Diffuse reflectance NIR spectra of representative cotton seeds (n = 120) and leaves (n = 123) were measured in the range of 4000–12000 cm−1. A practical problem when developing classification models is the degradation and even breakdown of models caused by outliers. Considering the high-dimensional nature and uncertainty of potential spectral outliers, robust principal component analysis (rPCA) was applied to each separate sample group to detect and exclude outliers. The influence of different data preprocessing methods on model prediction performance was also investigated. The results demonstrate that rPCA can effectively detect outliers and maintain the efficiency of discriminant analysis. Moreover, the classification accuracy can be significantly improved by second-order derivative and standard normal variate (SNV). The best partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) models obtained total classification accuracy of 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ff/6e/PMC3361229.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2877608", "abstract": "Purpose Akathisia remains a common side effect especially from antipsychotic medication. If the condition is diagnosed the management options are limited. Subjects/methodology We tested a structured relaxation program on nine patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia suffering from akathisia. All patients were rated on Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS) before the relaxation program, immediately after and again one week later. Results The mean BAS score was before the relaxation 3.3 which reduced to 1.4 immediately after to finally 1.0 a week later. A Wilcoxon signed ranks test revealed a significant reduction in BAS score from baseline to endpoint (P = 0.026; Z = −2.232) and a highly significant reduction from baseline to follow-up (P = 0.008; Z = −2.636). Discussion Although the study has a number of limitations the relaxation program appears to be a promising alternative to traditional treatment of akathisia. The patients appreciated the relaxation session but none of them managed to carry it out on their own without professional encouragement. The findings in this case series warrant further investigation with larger numbers of patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/8a/PMC2877608.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4264495", "abstract": "Two female patients with histories of cancer who showed cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) complications and bilateral anterior uveitis with hypopyon were examined. Both patients had suffered from COP and received intermitted systemic corticosteroid administration (SCA). The first patient, a 65-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer, showed bilateral uveitis with hypopyon. The topical corticosteroid treatment was ineffective. After SCA for the treatment of COP was started, the hypopyon gradually dissipated. Upon termination of SCA, uveitis relapses were controlled by renewed SCA. The other patient, a 69-year-old woman with a history of ovarian cancer, showed bilateral anterior uveitis with hypopyon. Her intraocular outcome did not improve by the topical corticosteroid administration, but SCA that was applied to treat COP led to remission of uveitis. Imaging examinations, biochemical analysis, symptoms or HLA-B27 antigen screenings in either patient did not explain the development of uveitis. Bilateral anterior uveitis is commonly related to autoimmune disease or systemic syndrome. We report two cases with COP that developed bilateral anterior uveitis with hypopyon resistant to topical administration but responsive to systemic administration of corticosteroid. These findings suggest that COP can be associated with the etiology of anterior uveitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1d/9a/cop-0005-0365.PMC4264495.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3395187", "abstract": "Chitosan is a natural polymer which has limited solubility. Chitosan gets solubilized at acidic pH but is insoluble at basic pH. In the present study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) was prepared which shows high swelling in basic pH and thus can delay the drug release and can act as matrix for extended release formulation. CMC was characterized by FTIR and NMR. pH-sensitive hydrogels of theophylline were formulated using CMC and carbopol 934. Hydrogels were evaluated for swelling, drug content in vitro drug release studies, and in vivo studies on rabbit. The swelling studies have shown little swelling in acidic pH 432", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/23/c0/PMC3395187.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4189999", "abstract": " Aim. To determine the prevalence of dental caries among a representative sample of preschool children (4-5 years old) who were accompanied by their parents to the dental centre of the Arab American University in Jenin whether they come seeking dental treatment or as visitors with adult patients. Materials and Methods. 1376 children of both sexes were investigated by three calibrated and trained examiners for dental caries using the dmft index according to the WHO method. Results. 76", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/42/29/PMC4189999.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5122241", "abstract": "Background: The data and determinants of mortality due to stroke in myocardial infarction (MI) patients are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in risk factors for hospital mortality among MI patients with and without stroke history. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective, cohort study; 20,750 new patients with MI from April, 2012 to March, 2013 were followed up and their data were analyzed according to having or not having the stroke history. Stroke and MI were defined based on the World Health Organization's definition. The data were analyzed by logistic regression in STATA software. Results: Of the 20,750 studied patients, 4293 had stroke history. The prevalence of stroke in the studied population was derived 20.96", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/cb/JRMS-21-74.PMC5122241.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2906154", "abstract": "Telomere homolog oligonucleotides (T-oligos) activate an innate telomere-based program that leads to multiple anticancer effects. T-oligos act at telomeres to initiate signaling through the Werner protein and ATM kinase. We wanted to determine if T-oligos have antiangiogenic effects. We found that T-oligo-treated human melanoma (MM-AN) cells had decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2, angiopoeitin-1 and -2 and decreased VEGF secretion. T-oligos activated the transcription factor E2F1 and inhibited the activity of the angiogenic transcription factor, HIF-1α. T-oligos inhibited EC tubulogenesis and total tumor microvascular density matrix invasion by MM-AN cells and ECs in vitro. In melanoma SCID xenografts, two systemic T-oligo injections decreased by 60", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/9b/PMC2906154.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4755966", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study evaluated the immediate and short-term effects of a combination of prolonged passive muscle stretching (PMS) and whole body vibration (WBV) on the spasticity, strength and balance of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] A randomized two-period crossover trial was designed. Twelve subjects with cerebral palsy aged 10.6 ± 2.4 years received both PMS alone as a control group (CG) and a combination of PMS and WBV as an experimental group (EG). After random allocation to the trial schedules of either EG-CG or CG-EG, CG received prolonged PMS while standing on a tilt-table for 40 minutes/day, and EG received prolonged PMS for 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes WBV. Both CG and EG received the treatment 5 days/week for 6 weeks. [Results] Immediately after one treatment, EG resulted in better improvement in scores on the Modified Ashworth Scale than CG. After the 6-week intervention, EG also showed significantly decreased scores on the Modified Ashworth Scale compared to CG. Both CG and EG showed significantly reduced the performance times in the five times sit to stand test, and EG also showed significantly increased scores on the pediatric balance scale. [Conclusion] This study showed that 6 weeks of combined prolonged PMS and WBV had beneficial effects on the spasticity, muscle strength and balance of children and adolescents with CP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/f4/jpts-28-007.PMC4755966.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4797448", "abstract": "Parasite infections are increasing worldwide due to increasing migration and traveling. Parasitic infections can affect lungs and present as a focal or diffuse lung diseases. High index of suspicion and detailed history are most important. We present a case of interstitial pneumonitis caused by parasite infestation, which was diagnosed on transbronchial lung biopsy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/2a/LI-33-222.PMC4797448.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3303681", "abstract": "This study aimed to develop an equipment and system of resistance exercise (RE), based on squat-type exercise for rodents, with control of training variables. We developed an operant conditioning system composed of sound, light and feeding devices that allowed optimized RE performance by the animal. With this system, it is not necessary to impose fasting or electric shock for the animal to perform the task proposed (muscle contraction). Furthermore, it is possible to perform muscle function tests in vivo within the context of the exercise proposed and control variables such as intensity, volume (sets and repetitions), and exercise session length, rest interval between sets and repetitions, and concentric strength. Based on the experiments conducted, we demonstrated that the model proposed is able to perform more specific control of other RE variables, especially rest interval between sets and repetitions, and encourages the animal to exercise through short-term energy restriction and “disturbing” stimulus that do not promote alterations in body weight. Therefore, despite experimental limitations, we believe that this RE apparatus is closer to the physiological context observed in humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2a/5f/PMC3303681.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4649715", "abstract": "Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the esophagus are very rare, and the majority are high grade (poorly differentiated). They occur most frequently in males in their sixth and seventh decades of life. There have been no concrete data published on clinical features or on prognosis. We report a case of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the esophagus in a 66-year-old Saudi female with progressive dysphagia and weight loss. Upper endoscopy revealed an esophageal ulcerated mass.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/82/5a/crg-0009-0327.PMC4649715.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5040083", "abstract": "The study of antigenic epitopes from Toxoplasma gondii has not only enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of antigens, the reactions between antigens and antibodies, and many other aspects of immunology, but it also plays a significant role in the development of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines. In the present study, T. gondii GRA6 epitopes were identified using bioinformatics tools and a synthetic peptide technique. The potential B cell epitopes of GRA6 predicted by bioinformatics tools concentrated upon 3 regions of GRA6, 1-20 aa, 44-103 aa, and 172-221 aa. Ten shorter peptides from the 3 regions were synthesized and assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after infection. Three of the 10 peptides (amino acids 44-63, 172-191, and 192-211) tested were recognized by all sera and determined to be immunodominant B-cell epitopes of GRA6. The results indicated that we precisely and accurately located the T. gondii GRA6 epitopes using pig sera collected at different time points after infection. The identified epitopes may be very useful for further studies of epitope-based vaccines and diagnostic reagents.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/24/kjp-54-4-431.PMC5040083.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4325401", "abstract": "Background: Self-esteem is a determinant factor of mental health. Individuals with low self-esteem have depression, and low self-esteem is one of main symptoms of depression. Aim of this study is to compare the effects of problem-solving skills and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 80 women. Sampling was done in Mashhad healthy centers from December 2009 to June 2010. Women were randomly divided and assigned to problem-solving skills (n = 26), relaxation (n = 26), and control groups (n = 28). Interventions were implemented for 6 weeks and the subjects again completed Eysenck self-esteem scale 9 weeks after delivery. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test by SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that the mean of self-esteem scale scores was 117.9 ± 9.7 after intervention in the problem-solving group, 117.0 ± 11.8 in the relaxation group, and 113.5 ± 10.4 in the control group and there was significant difference between the groups of relaxation and problem solving, and also between intervention groups and control group. Conclusions: According to the results, problem-solving skills and relaxation can be used to prevent and recover from postpartum depression.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f9/0f/IJNMR-20-105.PMC4325401.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4974428", "abstract": "Key Clinical Message Neuromyelitis optica is a rare inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that predominantly targets the optic nerves and spinal cord. Our case represents an unusual and severe course of neuromyelitis optica. Despite several forms of treatment, our patient died after a severe and short‐term attack.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/36/f4/CCR3-4-782.PMC4974428.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3198189", "abstract": "Ingestion of disk batteries may have serious complications such as esophageal burn, perforation, and tracheoesophageal fistula, particularly when the battery is caught in the esophagus. Proper placement of the tracheal tube is critical when tracheoesophageal fistula was occurred from esophageal impaction the battery. Endoscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract in infants and children is an important and effective tool for the diagnosis and treatment of foreign body ingestion. But upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in infant and children has very high risk of tracheal compression and airway compromise. We present a case of ventilatory compromise during insertion of the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in 16-month-old child with tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to disk battery ingestion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/2d/kjae-61-257.PMC3198189.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3687444", "abstract": "Abnormalities of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients consist of EGFR overexpression and EGFR (HER1) gene mutations. Structural dysfunction of the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR is associated with the clinical response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with NSCLC. The most common EGFR gene mutations occur as either deletions in exon 19 or as substitution L858R in exon 21 and cause a clinically beneficial response to gefinitib or erlotinib treatment. Unfortunately, the majority of patients finally develop resistance to these drugs. Acquired resistance is linked to secondary mutations localised in the EGFR gene, mainly substitution T790M in exon 20. Through intense research a few different mechanisms of resistance to reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been identified: amplification of MET or IGF-1R genes, abnormalities of PTEN and mTOR proteins as well as rare mutations in EGFR and HER2 genes. Extensively investigated new drugs could be of significant efficiency in NSCLC patients with secondary resistance to reversible EGFR TKI.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e0/3c/WO-16-19727.PMC3687444.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3119581", "abstract": "A 63-year-old woman, who presented with severe jaundice and elevated serum conjugated bilirubin level, denied alcohol and drug use and showed no evidence of viral hepatitis. Based on clinical and laboratory features, she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis with primary biliary cirrhosis. Hematological and immunochemical assays, radiographic imaging, clinical examination, and liver biopsy were conducted. Laboratory results were the following: negative for fluorescence antinuclear antibody, negative for antismooth muscle antibodies but positive for antinuclear antibody (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and antimitochondrial M2 antibody, high titers of serum globulin, and positive for cytomegalovirus IgM. Liver biopsy showed submassive lobular necrosis, inflammation with broad areas of parenchymal collapse, and chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. The patient responded well to corticosteroid therapy. This case might illustrate an association between cytomegalovirus infection and the occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5e/ca/PMC3119581.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5382564", "abstract": "In this review, we explain why and how rabbit monoclonal antibodies have become outstanding reagents for laboratory research and increasingly for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Starting with the unique ontogeny of rabbit B cells that affords highly distinctive antibody repertoires rich in in vivo pruned binders of high diversity, affinity and specificity, we describe the generation of rabbit monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology, phage display and alternative methods, along with an account of successful humanization strategies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/00/1a/emm201723a.PMC5382564.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4038423", "abstract": "Background Agomelatine, the first melatonergic antidepressant, has been postulated to enhance the dopaminergic activity at the central nervous system by 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 2C (5-HT2C) antagonism, yet the impact of melatonergic agonism on this pathway is unclear. Previous studies employing simplified, yet reliable, proxy (retinal) measures of the central nervous system dopaminergic activity, namely the standard electroretinogram (ERG) technique, suggested a reduction of the dopaminergic activity of the main ERG parameter, the b-wave, by pure melatonin, notably a hormone devoid of any antidepressant activity. Therefore, the antidepressant effects of the melatonergic antidepressant drug agomelatine should be reflected by a differential b-wave trend at ERG versus the effect exerted by pure melatonin, which was eventually found to be due to a contrasting effect on central dopaminergic transmission between the two drugs. Objective and methods The aim of the present preliminary ERG study carried out on healthy volunteers (n=23) receiving agomelatine was to explore the impact of this antidepressant drug on b-wave amplitude and latency of cones in daylight conditions using standard ERG. Results As postulated, agomelatine induced an enhancement of retinal dopaminergic activity, in contrast to what has been previously documented for melatonin. Conclusion Given the limits of this explorative study, especially the lack of a control group and that of a luminance response function to measure retinal sensitivity, further studies in clinical samples are recommended to allow more tenable conclusions about the potential role of ERG in discriminating between 5-HT antagonism and melatonergic (MT) agonism in relationship to the claimed antidepressant effect of agomelatine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/ea/ndt-10-907.PMC4038423.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4936462", "abstract": "Inhaled corticoids (ICS) made a dramatic breakthrough in the management of asthma in the late eighties resulting in a sharp reduction in morbidity and mortality in the following decades. Soon after, the association between ICS and long acting β2 agonists (LABA) soon became the gold standard of maintenance asthma treatment. With the advent of sputum induction it has become clear that asthma could not be considered as a unique entity but rather a display of several inflammatory phenotypes. Eosinophilic phenotype shows good response to ICS while non-eosinophilic, and in particular the neutrophilic phenotype, seems to be more resistant. Severe asthmatics show insufficient asthma control despite ICS/LABA. Those who are allergic and eosinophilic may benefit from add-on treatment with anti-IgE or anti-IL-5. Severe neutrophilic asthma could benefit from maintenance treatment with macrolides while thermoplasty offers some promise to those in whom airway smooth muscle hypertrophy contributes to disease instability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/ec/jtim-2015-0014.PMC4936462.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5402548", "abstract": "Abstract Background: Juvenile polyposis syndrome, a rare disorder in children, is characterized with multiple hamartomatous polyps in alimentary tract. A variety of manifestations include bleeding, intussusception, or polyp prolapse. In this study, we present an 8-month-old male infant of juvenile polyposis syndrome initially presenting with chronic anemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest case reported in the literature. Methods: We report a rare case of an 8-month-old male infant who presented with chronic anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding initially. Panendoscopy and abdominal computed tomography showed multiple polyposis throughout the entire alimentary tract leading to intussusception. Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell (RBC) bleeding scan revealed the possibility of gastrointestinal tract bleeding in the jejunum. Histopathological examination on biopsy samples showed Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was excluded, whereas the diagnosis of juvenile polyposis syndrome was established. Results: Enteroscopic polypectomy is the mainstay of the treatment. However, polyps recurred and occupied the majority of the gastrointestinal tract in 6 months. Supportive management was given. The patient expired for severe sepsis at the age of 18 months. Conclusion: Juvenile polyposis syndrome is an inherited disease, so it is not possible to prevent it. Concerning of its poor outcome and high mortality rate, it is important that we should increase awareness and education of the parents at its earliest stages.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a9/b3/medi-95-e4550.PMC5402548.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2950041", "abstract": "RNA silencing plays an important role in development through the action of microRNAs, which fine tune the expression of a large portion of the genome. It is also very important in innate immune responses, especially in antiviral and antibacterial defenses in plants, insects, and animals. Two recent papers now indicate that apicomplexan parasites display the ability to interfere with host microRNA populations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/7b/1757-594X-0002-0000000042.PMC2950041.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4401292", "abstract": "Abstract The natriuretic peptides are a family of related hormones that play a crucial role in cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. They have recently emerged as potentially important clinical biomarkers in heart failure. Natriuretic peptides, particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the inactive N-terminal fragment of BNP, NT-proBNP, that has an even greater half-life than BNP, are elevated in heart failure and therefore considered to be excellent predictors of disease outcome. Nesiritide, a recombinant human BNP, has been shown to provide symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in acute decompensated heart failure, although recent reports have suggested an increased short-term risk of death with nesiritide use. This review article describes: the current use of BNP and its inactive precursor NT-proBNP in diagnosis, screening, prognosis and monitoring of therapy for congestive heart failure, the renoprotective actions of natriuretic peptides after renal failure and the controversy around the therapeutic use of the recombinant human BNP nesiritide.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f3/e6/PMC4401292.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4178137", "abstract": "The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the anatomic localization of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in naturally infected pigs and to determine whether oral fluid could be used to detect the virus in infected animals. Two sows, seven 2-month-old grower pigs, and 70 6-month-old gilts were included in this study. PRRSV in sera and oral fluid were identified by nested reverse transcription PCR (nRT-PCR) while lung, tonsil, and tissue associated with oral cavity were subjected to nRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. In sows, PRRSV was identified in oral fluid and tonsils. PRRSV was also detected in oral fluid, tonsils, salivary glands, oral mucosa, and lungs of all seven grower pigs. However, viremia was observed in only two grower pigs. Double staining revealed that PRRSV was distributed in macrophages within and adjacent to the tonsillar crypt epithelium. In gilts, the North American type PRRSV field strain was detected 3 to 8 weeks after introducing these animals onto the farm. These results confirm previous findings that PRRSV primarily replicates in tonsils and is then shed into oral fluid. Therefore, oral fluid sampling may be effective for the surveillance of PRRSV in breeding herds.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f9/64/jvs-15-361.PMC4178137.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3272350", "abstract": "The prevalence and severity of tooth wear is increasing in industrialised nations. Yet, there is no high-level evidence to support or refute any therapeutic intervention. In the absence of such evidence, many currently prevailing management strategies for tooth wear may be failing in their duty of care to first and foremost improve the oral health of patients with this disease. This paper promotes biologically sound approaches to the management of tooth wear on the basis of current best evidence of the aetiology and clinical features of this disease. The relative risks and benefits of the varying approaches to managing tooth wear are discussed with reference to long-term follow-up studies. Using reference to ethical standards such as “The Daughter Test”, this paper presents case reports of patients with moderate-to-severe levels of tooth wear managed in line with these biologically sound principles.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/51/ef/PMC3272350.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2416758", "abstract": "With the hypothesis that depression affects memory through a mechanism other than that of the benzodiazepines, the present study evaluated the acute effect of diazepam 10 mg upon explicit memory in patients with major depression. A double-blind, placebo (starch 50 mg) controlled experiment was carried out with 19 patients randomly divided into diazepam (n = 10) and placebo (n = 9) groups. They were evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and tests were conducted for immediate and delayed (short-term) memory with emotionally toned stimuli (negative, positive, neutral), recognition, and semantic memory in visual or auditory modality. The Visual Analog Mood scale (VAMS) was applied to measure anxiety and mood changes after the administration of drugs (30 minutes and 6 hours). Higher scores in the positively toned list among patients who received diazepam were observed, at the 30-minute compared with the 6-hour evaluation. The recall index of positive words in the diazepam group was positive and significantly different from the index of the placebo group. No anterograde amnesia following diazepam was observed. The neural model of a dysfunction of limbic prefrontal cortical structures that impairs the modulation of the amygdala in major depression may explain the present results. Consequently, the action of diazepam on the amygdala, which has been proposed to be the basis of its anxiolytic action, might be altered, modifying the modulation of memory in our patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ed/cb/PMC2416758.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3573780", "abstract": "The authors present two cases of syphilis: one mimicking reactive arthritis and the other Mucha-Habermann disease. Both reports illustrate syphilis as ‘the great imitator’, a description given by Sir William Osler, and call attention to the strong need for awareness among physicians of all specialties, especially the younger ones, who are not used to seeing this increasingly prevalent disease, as it once was in the past.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/48/cde-0005-0015.PMC3573780.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3894760", "abstract": "Objectives  The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of secretion and the expression of mucin glycoprotein-2 (MG2) and lactoferrin in individuals with or without periodontitis.  Material and Methods  Five individuals with aggressive periodontitis (APG), 5 with generalized chronic periodontitis (CPG) and 5 without periodontitis (CG) were enrolled after informed consent. Non-stimulated and stimulated submandibular and sublingual saliva was collected and samples analyzed by Western blot probed with specific antibodies.  Results  Stimulated and non-stimulated salivary flow rates did not differ among groups. Western blot analysis revealed that stimulation led to: an increase in MG2 expression in all groups, and to lactoferrin expression in APG and CPG. In non-stimulated saliva, CG exhibited the highest expression of both glycoproteins. In stimulated saliva, CG exhibited the highest expression of MG2, whereas APG the highest of lactoferrin.  Conclusions  The pattern of secretion of MG2 and lactoferrin in health and disease is complex. Although the present study analyzed samples from a limited number of participants, the reduced expression of MG2 and lactoferrin in APG and CPG under non-stimulated condition, the predominant circumstance of salivary secretion during the day, suggests that these salivary constituents may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of these diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/09/fd/jaos-20-02-0180.PMC3894760.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3159010", "abstract": "Members of the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes the species Plasmodium, Eimeria, Toxoplasma, and Babesia amongst others, are the most successful intracellular pathogens known to humankind. The widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance to most drugs used to date has sparked a great deal of research and commercial interest in the development of vaccines as alternative control strategies. A few antigens from the asexual and sexual stages of apicomplexan development have been identified and their genes characterised; however, the fine cellular and molecular details of the effector mechanisms crucial for parasite inhibition and stimulation of protective immunity are still not entirely understood. This paper provides an overview of what is currently known about the protective immune response against the various types of apicomplexan parasites and focuses mainly on the similarities of these pathogens and their host interaction. Finally, the evolutionary relationships of these parasites and their hosts, as well as the modulation of immune functions that are critical in determining the outcome of the infection by these pathogenic organisms, are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f1/00/PMC3159010.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4719355", "abstract": "Introduction: Giant cell tumour is the commonest benign bone tumour arising at the epiphyseometaphyseal regions of long bones. Around the knee is commonest site followed by distal radius. A giant cell tumour of the distal fibula is extremely rare. We report here a case of giant cell tumour of distal fibula. There are very few similar cases reported worldwide and it is the purpose of this report to describe the management of such a case. Case Report: A 17 year old girl presented with swelling of ankle and pain while walking for six months. Radiographs were suggestive of a giant cell tumour, computerised tomography revealed cortical break, en block resection was done with ipsilateral proximal fibula used in reconstruction of ankle mortise. Conclusion: Giant cell tumour of long bones are common but those involving the distal fibula are exceedingly rare. The management of such tumours with high recurrence rates can be easily accomplished by en block resection and reconstruction of the ankle mortise with proximal fibula ensuring good range of motion of the joint post operatively.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/fa/70/JOCR-5-52.PMC4719355.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3405647", "abstract": "Early infection is a recognised complication after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Our centre uses multiple combination bactericidal testing (MCBT) when determining appropriate peritransplant prophylactic regimens. To evaluate our strategy, we compared the incidence of posttransplant infection in patients whose peritransplant antimicrobial regimens were determined using MCBT versus standard sensitivity testing.  Patients with CF who were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and underwent lung transplantations between 2000 and 2010 were included. Data was collected from clinical records and our microbiology database. Microorganisms cultured were mapped against antibiotic resistance, method of sensitivity testing, and antibiotics administered peritransplant.  129 patients were identified (mean age 28, male : female, 63 : 66). Fifty patients (38.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/54/PMC3405647.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3116005", "abstract": "We present a rare case of microgranular variant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) associated with ider(17)(q10)t(15;17)(q22;q12) of an old-age patient. The initial chromosome study showed a 46,XX,del(6)(?q21q25),der(15)t(15;17)(q22;q12),ider(17)(q10)t(15;17)[10]/47,sl,+ider(17)(q10)t(15;17)[3]/46,XX[16]. FISH signals from a dual color dual fusion translocation PML-RARA probe were consistent with the results of conventional cytogenetics. Because of the rarity of ider(17)(q10)t(15;17) in microgranular APL, further studies on both gene dosage effect of this chromosomal abnormality and the influence of ider(17)(q10)t(15;17) on clinical features such as prognosis, survival, and treatment response of APL cases are recommended.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c5/0c/kjlm-31-86.PMC3116005.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3338224", "abstract": "Background: Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, we have all been unfortunately exposed to an increasingly toxic and polluted world. Among the most dangerous of these pollutants is mercury, which is considered to be the most toxic non-radioactive heavy metal. Fermented foods may help cleanse the body of heavy metals. Fermentation breaks down the nutrients in foods by the action of beneficial microorganisms and creates natural chelators that are available to bind toxins and remove them from the body. Aims: The current study was designed to determine the impact of feeding a high fiber probiotic fermented mare's milk on the biological effects of mercury toxicity in rat model. Methods and Materials: The high fiber fermented mare's milk containing probiotics was prepared and its sensory properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity were determined. A rat model of mercury toxicity was used. The effect of feeding the high fiber probiotic fermented mare's milk to rats, along with mercury ingestion, was determined by the analysis of several biochemical markers in serum and histopathological examinations of brain and kidney. Results: The high fiber fermented mare's milk containing probiotics was found to be acceptable by all test panels and volunteers. Mercury ingestion was found to cause biochemical and histopathological alterations in rat serum and tissues. The mercury-treated rats showed a decrease in body weight and an increase in kidney weight. Sera of the mercury treated rats showed alterations in biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes in brain and kidney. However, the rats fed high fiber fermented mare`s milk along with mercury ingestion showed improved histopathology of kidney and brain, and there was restoration of the biochemical parameters in serum to almost normal values. Conclusions: Feeding high fiber fermented mare`s milk may reduce the toxic effects of mercury.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/38/NAJMS-2-569.PMC3338224.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3421482", "abstract": "The presence of a large palatal or maxillary defect after partial or total maxillectomy for tumor, trauma or congenital deformation poses a challenge to prosthodontists, particularly when the use of an implant cannot be considered. This case report described the use of an air valve in a hollow silicone obturator to manufacture an inflatable obturator that could be extended further into undercut area to retain itself. The inflatable obturator exhibited adequate retention, stability and border sealing, thereby improving the masticatory, pronunciation and swallowing functions of patients. It may be a suitable alternative treatment option to an implant-retained obturator.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/69/3a/ijos201222a.PMC3421482.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4963579", "abstract": " Introduction. We evaluated the effects of a therapy that combines myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) in young overweight women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by oligo- or anovulation and hyperandrogenism, correlated to insulin resistance. Methods. We enrolled 46 patients affected by PCOS and, randomly, we assigned them to two groups, A and B, treated, respectively, with the association of MI plus DCI, in a 40 : 1 ratio, or with placebo (folic acid) for six months. Thus, we analyzed pretreatment and posttreatment FSH, LH, 17-beta-Estradiol, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, androstenedione, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, HOMA index, and fasting glucose and insulin. Results. We recorded a statistically significant reduction of LH, free testosterone, fasting insulin, and HOMA index only in the group treated with the combined therapy of MI plus DCI; in the same patients, we observed a statistically significant increase of 17-beta-Estradiol levels. Conclusions. The combined therapy of MI plus DCI is effective in improving endocrine and metabolic parameters in young obese PCOS affected women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dc/3b/PMC4963579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3847959", "abstract": "Chronic mastitis is a prolonged inflammatory breast disease, and little is known about its etiology. We identified 85 cases and 112 controls from 5 hospitals in Morocco and Egypt. Cases were women with chronic mastitis (including periductal, lobular, granulomatous, lymphocytic, and duct ectasia with mastitis). Controls had benign breast disease, including fibroadenoma, benign phyllodes, and adenosis. Both groups were identified from histopathologically diagnosed patients from 2008 to 2011, frequency-matched on age. Patient interviews elicited demographic, reproductive, breastfeeding, and clinical histories. Cases had higher parity than controls (OR = 1.75, 1.62–1.90) and more reported history of contraception use (OR = 2.73, 2.07–3.61). Cases were less likely to report wearing a bra (OR = 0.56, 0.47–0.67) and less often used both breasts for breastfeeding (OR = 4.40, 3.39–5.72). Chronic mastitis cases were significantly less likely to be employed outside home (OR = 0.71, 0.60–0.84) and more likely to report mice in their households (OR = 1.63, 1.36–1.97). This is the largest case-control study reported to date on risk factors for chronic mastitis. Our study highlights distinct reproductive risk factors for the disease. Future studies should further explore these factors and the possible immunological and susceptibility predisposing conditions. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cb/56/PMC3847959.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3897843", "abstract": "The large amount of data on cancer genome research has contributed to our understanding of cancer biology. Indeed, the genomics approach has a strong advantage for analyzing multi-factorial and complicated problems, such as cancer. It is time to think about the actual usage of cancer genomics in the clinical field. The clinical cancer field has lots of unmet needs in the management of cancer patients, which has been defined in the pre-genomic era. Unmet clinical needs are not well known to bioinformaticians and even non-clinician cancer scientists. A personalized approach in the clinical field will bring potential additional challenges to cancer genomics, because most data to now have been population-based rather than individual-based. We can maximize the use of cancer genomics in the clinical field if cancer scientists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians think and work together in solving unmet clinical needs. In this review, we present one imaginary case of a cancer patient, with which we can think about unmet clinical needs to solve with cancer genomics in the diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, monitoring the status of cancer, and personalized treatment decision.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/75/gni-11-174.PMC3897843.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3904174", "abstract": "Atherosclerosis is a progressive human pathology that encompasses several stages of development. Endothelial dysfunction represents an early sign of lesion within the vasculature. A number of risk factors for atherosclerosis, including hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, target the vascular endothelium by re-programming its transcriptome. These profound alterations taking place on the chromatin rely on the interplay between sequence specific transcription factors and the epigenetic machinery. The epigenetic machinery, in turn, tailor individual transcription events key to atherogenesis to intrinsic and extrinsic insults dictating the development of atherosclerotic lesions. This review summarizes our current understanding of the involvement of the epigenetic machinery in endothelial injury during atherogenesis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fb/54/PMC3904174.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4499952", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of intraoral application of low-level laser therapy (660 nm) to control pain, swelling and interincisal opening following the extraction of mandibular third molars. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients underwent removal of lower third molars using the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. In the postoperative period, all patients received four consecutive daily sessions of low-level laser therapy, beginning 24 hours after the surgery. Intraoral applications using the diode laser with 660 nm wavelength in the continuous scan mode were performed covering the entire surgical area, which was divided into four quadrants, each of 1 cm2 area at a distance of 1 cm. The energy applied at each point was 5 J/cm2 during 8 seconds. [Results] The swelling and interincisal opening returned to normal 24 hours after the first low-level laser therapy application (Friedman test). Moreover, the pain intensity was reduced on the third postoperative day, according to the Friedman test. [Conclusion] Low-level laser therapy (660 nm), at the dosimetry used in this study, was effective in reducing postoperative pain and swelling following oral surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/12/jpts-27-1645.PMC4499952.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3819851", "abstract": "Although transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective way of providing analgesia in post-operative abdominal surgery patients; however, it can be considered as an anesthetic technique in high-risk cases for surgery. We report a case of a geriatric female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the respiratory failure, hypotension, posted in an emergency with old perforation leading to peritonitis. The surgery was successfully conducted under bilateral TAP block, which was used as a sole anesthetic technique. TAP block can be considered as an anesthetic technique for abdominal surgery in moribund patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5a/8e/JOACP-29-540.PMC3819851.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2987505", "abstract": "Isotretinoin, a drug used for moderate to severe acne, has been repeatedly associated with various psychiatric complications, although a definitive causal relationship has not been established to date. This case report describes a 25-year-old male who developed obsessive-compulsive disorder at the age of 23 years following isotretinoin treatment for acne (10–20 mg/day) since the age of 16 years. Although standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder caused mood swings, the combination of fluvoxamine 300 mg/day and olanzapine 15 mg/day significantly improves the clinical picture. Although rare, severe adulthood psychiatric complications may occur following isotretinoin treatment, requiring management which is individually tailored to the patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c4/f2/PMC2987505.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4274541", "abstract": "Background: Gentamicin (GM) is used as antibiotic for Gram-negative infections, but its administration is limited due to a side-effect of nephrotoxicity. It was attempted to investigate the effect of Althaea officinalis flower extract (AOFE) against nephrotoxicity induced by GM in male rats. Methods: 30-year-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 as a negative control group received AOFE 250 mg/kg/day. Groups 2-5 received saline, AOFE 50 mg/kg/day, AOFE 250 mg/kg/day, and AOFE 500 mg/kg/day for 9 days, respectively, and GM (100 mg/kg/day) was added from the 3rd day on. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained, animals were sacrificed, and the kidneys were removed immediately. Results: Gentamicin (in group 2) significantly increased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as the pathological damage score (P < 0.05) when compared with group 1. Low dose of AOFE did not decrease the nephrotoxicity induced by GM while the high dose of AOFE aggravated renal toxicity (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Although AOFE acts as an antioxidant, at the doses used in the current study did not ameliorate nephrotoxicity induced by GM.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/6a/IJPVM-5-1360.PMC4274541.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4441929", "abstract": "Abstract Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a repository of patient health information shared among multiple authorized users. As a modern method of storing and processing health information, it is a solution for improving quality, safety and efficiency of patient care and health system. However, establishment of EHR requires a significant investment of time and money. While many of healthcare providers have very limited capital, application of open source software would be considered as a solution in developing national electronic health record especially in countries with low income. The evidence showed that financial limitation is one of the obstacles to implement electronic health records in developing countries. Therefore, establishment of an open source EHR system capable of modifications according to the national requirements seems to be inevitable in Iran. The present study identifies the impact of application of open source software in developing national electronic health record in Iran.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/69/64/PMC4441929.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3303522", "abstract": "Background: The etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP) is not fully understood. It is generally considered to be a T-cell mediated chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease. There is increasing evidence that chronic inflammation is linked to the diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and is involved in the induction of aberrant angiogenesis. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of OLP by immunohistochemistry, using the CD34 antibody. Materials and Methods: Forty tissue sections (7 of erosive lichen planus, 18 of reticular oral lichen planus, and 15 of normal oral mucosa), were assessed for microvessel density (MVD) in five selected areas of high inflammatory infiltrate by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD34 antibody. Results and Conclusion: The mean MVD was 44.47 in the control group (normal oral mucosa) and 97.24 in the OLP group, showing that there is increased angiogenesis in the latter. Reticular OLP had mean MVD of 84.61 and erosive OLP had mean MVD of 129.71, showing relatively greater angiogenesis in erosive OLP as compared to reticular OLP. Thus, angiogenesis can be considered to play a role in both the etiopathogenesis and the progression of OLP.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/93/5a/JOMFP-16-45.PMC3303522.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4313442", "abstract": " Background: Aging can cause loss of balance, which may lead to physical and psychological problems. As the role of the otolith organs in maintaining postural stability has been emphasized in recent years, the present study investigated the effect of aging on saccular function using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP).   Methods: The participants were assigned into two groups; group one included 31 young adults with a mean age of 22.15 (range: 19-26 yr) and group two consisted of 31 old adults with a mean age of 69.76 years (range: 61-79 yr). All participants hearing sensitivity was normal with no history of balance problems. VEMP was recorded for all subjects using tone burst 500 Hz stimuli at the threshold level and 95 dB nHL intensity level through air-conduction stimulation via an insert receiver.   Results: There was a significant difference in the cVEMP response threshold (p< 0.001), P1 wave latency (p<0.001), P1/N1 amplitude (p< 0.001), and asymmetry ratio of P1/N1 amplitude (p< 0.05) between the two groups. No significant difference was found between the left and right ears or in N1 wave latency between the two groups.   Conclusion: VEMP abnormalities observed in healthy older adults showed the sensitivity of this test in identifying early signs of vestibular dysfunction. VEMP is an easy-to-use test that requires a short time to be performed. Therefore, it can be used as a selective objective screening test to detect vestibular disorders ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/01/93/MJIRI-28-117.PMC4313442.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4004134", "abstract": " Background. Perforation peritonitis is the one of the commonest emergency encountered by surgeons. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the spectrum of perforation peritonitis managed in a single unit of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Methods. A retrospective study was carried out between May 2010 and June 2013 in a single unit of the department of Surgery, Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi. It included 400 patients of perforation peritonitis (diffuse or localized) who were studied retrospectively in terms of cause, site of perforation, surgical treatment, complications, and mortality. Only those patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for management of perforation peritonitis were included. Results. The commonest cause of perforation peritonitis included 179 cases of peptic ulcer disease (150 duodenal ulcers and 29 gastric ulcers) followed by appendicitis (74 cases), typhoid fever (48 cases), tuberculosis (40 cases), and trauma (31). The overall mortality was 7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ea/c6/PMC4004134.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4296270", "abstract": "Charcoal can be used for preoperative localization of metastatic lymph nodes in the neck. Charcoal remains stable without causing foreign body reactions during as hort period. However, foreign body reactions may develop if charcoal is left in situ for more than 6 months. We reported a case of charcoal granuloma mimicking local recurrence on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography and ultrasonography in a 47-year-old woman who had cervical lymph node dissection due to metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/d8/kjr-16-196.PMC4296270.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4102014", "abstract": "Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, described in 1964 by Lesch and Nyhan, is a X-linked recessive disorder, occurring in 1 : 100000 to 1 : 380000 live births. LNS is characterized by a decrease in activity of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, an enzyme involved in purine metabolism, resulting in overproduction of uric acid. Hyperuricemia and neurological features including choreoathetoid spasticity, self-mutilation, and mental retardation clinically characterize this syndrome. In LNS patients the typical feature is loss of tissue from biting themselves with partial or complete amputation of fingers, lips, and tongue. The self-mutilation compares with the eruption of the deciduous teeth. Several drugs trials have been administered to improve self-destructive behavior and invasive treatment approaches, such as extractions of teeth and orthognathic surgery, have been suggested with variable effectiveness. Nowadays prevention is, therefore, the standard of care. The role of dentistry is essential in the management of the self-mutilating behavior, because the teeth represent the main self-injury instrument. This report presents a revision of various therapeutic approaches to manage self-destruction, highlighting the effectiveness of a preventive treatment. It describes a new technique: a resin mouthguard, realized at Gaslini Hospital, to obtain immediate healing of the oral lesions, confirmed in the follow-up period.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1d/b5/PMC4102014.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2838227", "abstract": "Scorpion venoms consist of a complex of several toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological properties and actions, as well as chemical compositions, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. These venoms are associated with high morbility and mortality, especially among children. Victims of envenoming by a scorpion suffer a variety of pathologies, involving mainly both sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation as well as central manifestations such as irritability, hyperthermia, vomiting, profuse salivation, tremor, and convulsion. The clinical signs and symptoms observed in humans and experimental animals are related with an excessive systemic host inflammatory response to stings and stings, respectively. Although the pathophysiology of envenomation is complex and not yet fully understood, venom and immune responses are known to trigger the release of inflammatory mediators that are largely mediated by cytokines. In models of severe systemic inflammation produced by injection of high doses of venom or venoms products, the increase in production of proinflammatory cytokines significantly contributes to immunological imbalance, multiple organ dysfunction and death. The cytokines initiate a cascade of events that lead to illness behaviors such as fever, anorexia, and also physiological events in the host such as activation of vasodilatation, hypotension, and increased of vessel permeability.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7b/0f/PMC2838227.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4617441", "abstract": "Cytokines are well known mediators of numerous physiological and pathological processes. They contribute to the regulation of normal hematopoiesis but increasing data suggest that they also have a clinical impact in some hematopoietic malignancies. In particular, there is evidence that cytokines are implicated in the functional symptoms of Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph− MPNs), suggesting that evaluation of circulating levels of cytokines could be of clinical interest for the characterization of patients at the time of diagnosis and for disease prognosis. In this review, we present the current knowledge on alteration of circulating cytokine profiles in MPNs and their role in myelofibrosis pathogenesis. Phenotypic correlation, prognostic value of cytokines, and impact of JAK inhibitors are also discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6b/e7/PMC4617441.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4795346", "abstract": "Background     objectives: Studies have shown that certain flaviviruses influence susceptibility of mosquitoes by inhibiting/enhancing replication of important flaviviruses. Hence, a study was designed to determine whether Bagaza virus (BAGV), a flavivirus isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes in India, alters susceptibility of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to Japanese encephalitis (JEV) and West Nile viruses (WNV). Methods: JEV and WNV infection in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in the presence of BAGV was carried out by intrathoracic (IT) inoculation and oral feeding methods. Mosquitoes were infected with BAGV and WNV/JEV either simultaneously or in a phased manner, in which mosquitoes were infected with BAGV by IT inoculation followed by super-infection with JEV/WNV after eight days post-infection (PI). JEV and WNV yield on 7th and 14th day PI after super-infection was determined by 50 per cent tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) method. Results: In Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes, prior infection with BAGV significantly reduced JEV and WNV replication while in Cx. quinquefasciatus, BAGV influence was only seen with WNV. Reduction in virus titre was observed in IT inoculated and oral fed mosquitoes irrespective of the infection mode. JEV replication was also found reduced in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes persistently infected with BAGV at passage four. Interpretation     conclusions: BAGV infection in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes altered their susceptibility to JEV and WNV producing low virus yield. However, the role of BAGV in inhibiting JEV/WNV replication in field mosquitoes needs further investigations.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0c/fc/IJMR-142-44.PMC4795346.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3955635", "abstract": "We studied the precision of quantification of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, OATP2B1, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in human livers by surrogate peptide based LC-MS/MS approach using two different internal standards: stable isotope labeled peptide (SIL) versus stable isotope labeled protein (SILAC). The SIL peptides were procured commercially and the SILAC proteins were generated in-house by labeling arginine and/or lysine residues in cells expressing these transporters. Liver tissue (n = 20) was homogenized and the membrane fraction was isolated. The membranes were trypsin digested and the peptides were analyzed using LC-MS/MS under optimized conditions. The precision in the quantification of proteins in three independently trypsin digested samples from each liver was calculated as the standard deviation of the log transformed protein concentration. The precision of the SIL internal standard method was either slightly (P < 0.05, paired t-test) better than that of the SILAC method (OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and P-gp) or not different (OATP2B1). Trypsin digestion, as measured by the response of the labeled peptide derived from the SILAC protein, was consistent across liver samples. These results indicate that when maximum trypsin digestion is ensured, the SIL internal standard method can be used with confidence for quantification of drug transporters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/35/PMC3955635.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5143745", "abstract": " Rationale. Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common comorbidity in patients with CF. In spite of increased screening, diagnosis, and treatment of CFRD, the mortality rate in patients with CFRD still far exceeds the mortality rate in those without CFRD. Guidelines suggest that screening for CFRD be performed annually using the 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Adherence to recommended screening has been poor, with only approximately one-quarter of adults with CF undergoing OGTT in 2014. Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for diagnosis may become an alternative. Objectives. Our objective was to determine whether abnormal CGM predicts subsequent development of CFRD, lung function, and body mass index (BMI) decline and increased rate of CF pulmonary exacerbations in adults with CF. Methods. In a prospective single center pilot trial from September 2009 to September 2010, 21 adult patients due for routine OGTT were recruited to complete simultaneous 3-day CGM and 2-hour 75 gram OGTT. Subsequently, clinical information was reviewed from 2008 to 2015. Conclusions. There was a moderate correlation between interpreted results of 2-hour OGTT and CGM (p = 0.03); CGM indicated a greater level of glucose impairment than OGTT. Glucose >200 mg/dL by CGM predicted development of CFRD (p = 0.0002).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/2c/46/PMC5143745.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2838371", "abstract": "Ovarian cancer affects approximately 25,000 women in the United States each year and remains one of the most lethal female malignancies. A standard approach to therapy is surgical cytoreduction, after which the remaining microscopic residual disease is treated with chemotherapy. The vast majority of patients have disease recurrence, underscoring the crucial need for approaches to control the regrowth, or colonization, of tissues after local treatment. Improved therapies require mechanistic information about the process of metastatic colonization, the final step in metastasis, in which cancer cells undergo progressive growth at secondary sites. Studies of metastasis suppressors are providing insights into events controlling metastatic colonization. This paper reviews our laboratory's approach to the identification, characterization, and functional testing of the JNKK1/MKK4 metastasis suppressor in ovarian cancer metastatic colonization. Specifically, we demonstrate that interaction of ovarian caner cells with the omental microenvironment activates JNKK1/MKK4 resulting in decreased proliferation without affecting apoptosis. The potential role of the omental microenvironment, specifically milky spot structures, is also described. It is our goal to provide this work as a usable paradigm that will enable others to study metastasis suppressors in clinical and experimental ovarian cancer metastases.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/36/PMC2838371.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2688651", "abstract": " Background. The use of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) may help to establish the antitumor activity of enzastaurin, a novel protein kinase C-beta II (PKC-βII) inhibitor, in mouse xenografts. Methods. The hematologic cell line RAJI and the solid tumor cell line U87MG were each implanted in NOD/SCID mice. Standard tumor growth measurements and [18F]FDG PET imaging were performed weekly for up to three weeks after tumor implantation and growth. Results. Concomitant with caliper measurements, [18F]FDG PET imaging was performed to monitor glucose metabolism. Heterogeneity of glucose uptake in various areas of the tumors was observed after vehicle or enzastaurin treatment. This heterogeneity may limit the use of [18F]FDG PET imaging to measure enzastaurin-associated changes in xenograft tumors. Conclusion. [18F]FDG PET imaging technique does not correlate with standard caliper assessments in xenografts to assess the antitumor activity of enzastaurin. Future studies are needed to determine the use of [18F]FDG PET imaging in preclinical models.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/19/c7/PMC2688651.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3558708", "abstract": "Systematic reviews are currently favored methods of evaluating research in order to reach conclusions regarding medical practice. The need for such reviews is necessitated by the fact that no research is perfect and experts are prone to bias. By combining many studies that fulfill specific criteria, one hopes that the strengths can be multiplied and thus reliable conclusions attained. Potential flaws in this process include the assumptions that underlie the research under examination. If the assumptions, or axioms, upon which the research studies are based, are untenable either scientifically or logically, then the results must be highly suspect regardless of the otherwise high quality of the studies or the systematic reviews. We outline recent criticisms of animal-based research, namely that animal models are failing to predict human responses. It is this failure that is purportedly being corrected via systematic reviews. We then examine the assumption that animal models can predict human outcomes to perturbations such as disease or drugs, even under the best of circumstances. We examine the use of animal models in light of empirical evidence comparing human outcomes to those from animal models, complexity theory, and evolutionary biology. We conclude that even if legitimate criticisms of animal models were addressed, through standardization of protocols and systematic reviews, the animal model would still fail as a predictive modality for human response to drugs and disease. Therefore, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal-based research are poor tools for attempting to reach conclusions regarding human interventions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/59/b2/ijmsv10p0206.PMC3558708.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4012127", "abstract": "We present a rare case of radiopaque lesion with radiolucent rim in the right body of mandible, with history of extraction of involved tooth, which made diagnosis confusing unless pre-extraction intraoral periapical radiography radiograph was recovered, finally diagnosed as benign cementoblastoma. It was surgically managed, with no recurrence of the lesion more than 2 years of follow-up. Benign cementoblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic ectomesenchymal origin, usually associated with roots of first mandibular molar.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/83/CCD-5-92.PMC4012127.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3139867", "abstract": "Fructose is a sugar present in sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, and fruits. Fructose intake has increased markedly in the last two centuries, primarily due to increased intake of added sugars. Increasing evidence suggests that the excessive intake of fructose may induce fatty liver, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and kidney disease. These studies suggest that excessive intake of fructose might have an etiologic role in the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiorenal disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/91/db/PMC3139867.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3377411", "abstract": "During February and March 2010, the New York State Department of Health investigated secondary and tertiary vaccinia contact transmission from a military vaccinee to 4 close contacts. Identification of these cases underscores the need for strict adherence to postvaccination infection control guidance to avoid transmission of the live virus.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5f/89/PMC3377411.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4642217", "abstract": "Nickel oxide (NiO), deposited onto the strontium titanate (SrTiO3) (110)-(4 × 1) surface, was studied using photoemission spectroscopy (PES), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and low-energy He+ ion scattering (LEIS), as well as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The main motivation for studying this system comes from the prominent role it plays in photocatalysis. The (4 × 1) reconstructed SrTiO3(110) surface was previously found to be remarkably inert toward water adsorption under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. Nickel oxide grows on this surface as patches without any apparent ordered structure. PES and LEIS reveal an upward band bending, a reduction of the band gap, and reactivity toward water adsorption upon deposition of NiO. Spectroscopic results are discussed with respect to the enhanced reactivity toward water of the NiO-loaded surface.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/13/fb/PMC4642217.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4376932", "abstract": "We present the first report of a case of fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody (anti-GBM antibody). A 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for high fever and anuria. On the first hospital day, we initiated hemodialysis for renal dysfunction. Laboratory data revealed normocytic-normochromic anemia with schistocytes in the peripheral smear, thrombocytopenia, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, decreased serum haptoglobin, and negative results for both direct and indirect Coombs tests. Based on these results, we diagnosed TMA. Assays conducted several days later indicated a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin motif 13 (ADAMTS13) activity of 31.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/6a/nne-0005-0030.PMC4376932.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4323823", "abstract": "Background Few studies have investigated functional capacity self‐assessment tools in either prediction of future major adverse cardiac outcomes beyond all‐cause mortality or direct comparisons with clinically available biomarkers. Methods and Results We estimated functional capacity using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire in 8987 sequential stable patients without acute coronary syndrome who were undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography with 3‐year follow‐up of major adverse cardiac events (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke). A low DASI score provided independent prediction of a 4.8‐fold increase in future risk of incident major adverse cardiac events at 3 years (quartiles 1 versus 4 hazard ratio [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/42/jah3-3-e000960.PMC4323823.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3234143", "abstract": "Background: Peripartum hysterectomy is a major operation and is invariably performed in the presence of life threatening hemorrhage during or immediately after abdominal or vaginal deliveries. Material and Methods: A Medline search was conducted to review the recent relevant articles in English literature on emergency peripartum hysterectomy. The incidence, indications, risk factors and outcome of emergency peripartum hysterectomy were reviewed. Results: The incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy ranged from 0.24 to 8.7 per 1000 deliveries. Emergency peripartum hysterectomy was found to be more common following cesarean section than vaginal deliveries. The predominant indication for emergency peripartum hysterectomy was abnormal placentation (placenta previa/accreta) which was noted in 45 to 73.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/88/NAJMS-3-358.PMC3234143.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3430040", "abstract": "BACKGROUND: Opioid and local anesthetic infusion by an epidural catheter is widely used as a postoperative pain management method after major abdominal surgeries. There are several agents nowadays to provide sufficient analgesia. The agents which cause less side effects but better quality of analgesia are more valuable. We aimed to postoperatively compare the analgesic, hemodynamic and arrhythmogenic effects of epidural levobupivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-fentanyl solutions. METHODS: Fifty patients were scheduled to undergo major abdominal surgery in this clinical trial. The parameters were recorded pre- and post-operatively. In Group I (n=25), bupivacaine with fentanyl solution and in Group II (n=25), levobupivacaine with fentanyl solution was infused via epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). According to the preoperative and postoperative holter recording reports, the arrhythmogenic effects were examined in four catagories: ventricular arrhythmia (VA), supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA), atrioventricular conduction abnormalities and pauses longer than two seconds. RESULTS: Mean visual analog scale (VAS) values of groups did not differ at all time. They were 6 at the end of the surgery (0. Min, p = 0.622). The scores were 5 in Group I and 4 in Group II in 30. min (p = 0.301). The frequency of SVA was higher in bupivacaine group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that same concentration of epidural levobupivacaine and bupivacaine with fentanyl provide stable postoperative analgesia and both were found safe for the patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/de/JRMS-16-1159.PMC3430040.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1269479", "abstract": "Tracheostomies have been around for close to 3000 years, so one would hope that the controversies might have been thrashed out by now, but apparently not. Judging by some recent publications it would appear that we still do not know when or how to insert them. Monitoring is fundamental to critical care; two papers describe novel/modified techniques for assessing traumatic brain injury and cardiac output. The intensive care unit imposes a heavy treatment burden, particularly on the elderly. What impact does this have on the lives of the survivors?", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/02/db/PMC1269479.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3024376", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the correlation between abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults after adjusting for the effects of visceral adipose tissue (VAT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The SAT/VAT ratio (SVR) was calculated using abdominal computed tomography in 2,655 subjects. We used regression analyses to assess whether the SVR predicted MetS. RESULTS For both sexes, the prevalence of elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL, and elevated fasting glucose significantly decreased with increasing quintiles of SVR (P for trend < 0.05). The prevalence and odds ratios of MetS significantly decreased as the SVR increased (men: odds ratio 0.5 [95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/48/504.PMC3024376.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4630710", "abstract": "Background: Aphthous lesions are one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity. They can cause severe pain, and there is no definite treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Zataria multiflora (ZM, a thyme-like plant) essential oil for the control and treatment of aphthous lesions. Materials and Methods: This Triple blind clinical trial study was performed on 28 patients who were divided into two groups (eight men and six women in each group) and given ZM or placebo (control). The healing time, pain intensity, and aphthous zone diameter were recorded for each patient and followed for 6-month. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney and Friedman tests (P < 0.05). Results: After 6-month of follow-up, 4 patients in the placebo group and 6 patients in the ZM group suffered from recurrent aphthous lesions. The average complete healing time and duration of burning sensation were significantly lower in the ZM group (P < 0.05). Significant difference was observed between the two groups with regard to the diameter of lesions and halo of the lesions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, ZM shortened the healing period compared to placebo.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2c/27/DRJ-12-456.PMC4630710.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5338984", "abstract": "Purpose This study was conducted to compare the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), morphological features, and central corneal thickness (CCT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with age-matched, nondiabetic control subjects using EM-3000 Specular Microscope. Study design This was a prospective, hospital-based, nonrandomized, case–control, observational, and quantitative study. Subjects and methods The study included 57 patients (57 eyes) with type 2 DM and 45 control (nondiabetic) subjects (45 eyes). The corneal endothelial structure and CCT were examined in all eyes by noncontact specular microscopy using EM-3000 Specular Microscope. The endothelial structure was studied for ECD, coefficient of variation of cell area (CV), and percentage of hexagonal cells. Results The study included 36 eyes without diabetic retinopathy (DR), 14 eyes with nonproliferative DR, and 7 eyes with proliferative DR. There were 26 eyes with a duration of ≤10 years and 31 eyes with a duration of >10 years. Also, there were 24 eyes with HbA1c ≤7.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/2b/opth-11-481.PMC5338984.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4327269", "abstract": "In some situations, endodontic infections do not respond to therapeutic protocol. In these cases, it is suggested the administration of an alternative intracanal medication that presents a wide spectrum of action and has an in-depth effect on the root canal system. The purpose of this study was to assess the antimicrobial action of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and polyethylene glycol and natrosol vehicles with different associations and concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by using the agar dilution method. The culture media (Müller-Hinton agar) were prepared containing antimicrobial agents at multiple two-fold dilutions of 0.25 to 16 µg/mL, and with the vehicles at the concentrations of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30 and 25", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/5b/1678-7757-jaos-15-05-0453.PMC4327269.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3870847", "abstract": "Ubiquitination is crucial for cellular processes, such as protein degradation, apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. Dysregulation of the ubiquitination network accounts for the development of numerous diseases, including cancer. Thus, targeting ubiquitination is a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Both apoptosis and autophagy are involved in tumorigenesis and response to cancer therapy. Although both are categorized as types of cell death, autophagy is generally considered to have protective functions, including protecting cells from apoptosis under certain cellular stress conditions. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy by ubiquitination.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7e/f6/cjc-32-12-640.PMC3870847.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4804068", "abstract": "The present study represents the first report on the gastrointestinal endoparasite fauna of a free-ranging “urban” colony of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) living within the city of Valdivia, Chile. A total of 40 individual faecal samples of South American sea lions were collected during the year 2012 within their natural habitat along the river Calle-Calle and in the local fish market of Valdivia. Coprological analyses applying sodium acetate acetic formalin methanol (SAF) technique, carbol fuchsin-stained faecal smears and Giardia/Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISAs, revealed infections with 8 different parasites belonging to protozoan and metazoan taxa with some of them bearing anthropozoonotic potential. Thus, five of these parasites were zoonotic (Diphyllobothriidae gen. sp., Anisakidae gen. sp., Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Balantidium). Overall, these parasitological findings included four new parasite records for Otaria flavescens, that is, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Balantidium, and Otostrongylus. The current data serve as a baseline for future monitoring studies on anthropozoonotic parasites circulating in these marine mammals and their potential impact on public health. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/16/bc/PMC4804068.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4190431", "abstract": "The Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research is a prestigious scientific award established by the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR)—a leading cancer research charitable organization in the United States that is committed to supporting innovative cancer research on the global scale that aims to cure cancer. Each year, the Szent-Györgyi Prize honors an outstanding researcher whose original discoveries have expanded our understanding of cancer and resulted in notable advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. The prize also promotes public awareness of the importance of basic cancer research and encourages the sustained investment needed to accelerate the translation of these research discoveries into new cancer treatments. This report highlights the history and mission of the Szent-Györgyi Prize, its role in promoting discovery-oriented cancer research, and the pioneering work led by the 2014 prize winner, Dr. James Allison. Dr. Allison's work in the area of cancer immunotherapy led to the successful development of immune checkpoint therapy, and the first drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cc/49/cjc-33-09-416.PMC4190431.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3483326", "abstract": "The anterior choroidal artery has several kinds of variations. Among them, the transposition of anterior choroidal artery and posterior communicating artery origins has been extremely rare. We report a case with cerebral aneurysm arising from posterior communicating artery which origin was distal to the anterior choroidal artery and review the relevant literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/84/1b/jkns-52-240.PMC3483326.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3684830", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Transposases, enzymes that catalyze the movement of mobile genetic elements, are the most abundant genes in nature. While many bacteria encode an abundance of transposases in their genomes, the current paradigm is that the expression of transposase genes is tightly regulated and generally low due to its severe mutagenic effects. In the current study, we detected the highest number of transposase proteins ever reported in bacteria, in symbionts of the gutless marine worm Olavius algarvensis with metaproteomics. At least 26 different transposases from 12 different families were detected, and genomic and proteomic analyses suggest that many of these are active. This high expression of transposases indicates that the mechanisms for their tight regulation have been disabled or no longer exist. IMPORTANCE The expansion of transposable elements (TE) within the genomes of host-restricted symbionts and pathogens plays an important role in their emergence and evolution and might be a key mechanism for adaptation to the host environment. However, little is known so far about the underlying causes and evolutionary mechanisms of this TE expansion. The current model of genome evolution in host-restricted bacteria explains TE expansion within the confines of the paradigm that transposase expression is always low. However, recent work failed to verify this model. Based on our data, we hypothesize that increased transposase expression, which has not previously been described, may play a role in TE expansion, and could be one explanation for the sometimes very rapid emergence and evolution of new obligate symbionts and pathogens from facultative ones.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/0f/mBio.00223-13.PMC3684830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5177707", "abstract": "Joubert syndrome (JS) is characterized by the “molar tooth sign” (MTS) with cerebellar vermis agenesis, episodic hyperpnea, abnormal eye movements, and hypotonia. Ocular and oculomotor abnormalities have been observed; however, Horner syndrome (HS) has not been documented in children with JS. We present the case of a 2-month-old boy having ocular abnormalities with bilateral nystagmus, left-dominant bilateral ptosis, and unilateral miosis and enophthalmos of the left eye, which were compatible with HS. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of the MTS. Neck MRI showed no definite lesion or mass around the cervical sympathetic chain. His global development was delayed. He underwent ophthalmologic surgery, and showed some improvement in his ptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the association of HS with JS has not yet been described. We suggest that early neuroimaging should be considered for neonates or young infants with diverse eye abnormalities to evaluate the underlying etiology.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c9/54/kjped-59-S32.PMC5177707.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2872831", "abstract": "Bronchial anthracosis was recently defined in the English radiology literature as a luminal narrowing associated with anthracotic pigmentation on bronchoscopy without a relevant history of pneumoconiosis or smoking. Anthracosis refers to the presence of carbon particles in the lungs, not to a disorder per se. Anthracofibrotic lesions carry the potential risk of massive hemorrhage during endobronchial procedures. This report describes a case of general anesthesia for a left modified radical mastectomy due to an intraductal carcinoma in a patient with known bronchial anthracofibrosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/58/kjae-58-307.PMC2872831.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5045832", "abstract": "Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that can manifest as a spectrum of symptoms including erythema, inflammatory lesions, edema, and telangiectasia. Treatment decisions need to be adapted to reflect the nature and severity of the different symptoms present. In this report, we discuss the case of a female patient diagnosed with severe, inflamed papulopustular rosacea (PPR) presenting with a large number of inflammatory lesions and severe background erythema. This patient responded well to a treatment regimen consisting of a short course of antibiotics in combination with a corticosteroid, followed by monotherapy with isotretinoin to reduce the inflammation. Brimonidine gel, used as needed, was then added to isotretinoin to target the remaining background erythema. This case of severe PPR required a combinatorial treatment regimen to effectively target all symptoms present. The patient continued to apply topical metronidazole throughout the different treatment regimens prescribed over the course of almost 1 year. Use of topical metronidazole helped to repair and protect the skin barrier, which minimized the occurrence of dermatological adverse events when topical treatments were used. We conclude that in patients with severe disease and an important inflammatory component, a rapid response can be obtained with a multimodal, tailored approach that also includes treatment to repair and protect the skin barrier.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/32/40268_2016_Article_141.PMC5045832.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4649764", "abstract": "Abstract This article reviews four important screening principles applicable to screening mammography in order to facilitate informed choice. The first principle is that screening may help, hurt, or have no effect. In order to reduce mortality and mastectomy rates, screening must reduce the rate of advanced disease, which likely has not happened. Through overdiagnosis, screening produces substantial harm by increasing both lumpectomy and mastectomy rates, which offsets the often-promised benefit of less invasive therapy. Next, all-cause mortality is the most reliable way to measure the efficacy of a screening intervention. Disease-specific mortality is biased due to difficulties in attribution of cause of death and to increased mortality due to overdiagnosis and the resulting overtreatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. To enhance participation, the benefit from screening is often presented in relative instead of absolute terms. Third, some screening statistics must be interpreted with caution. Increased survival time and the percentage of early-stage tumors at detection sound plausible, but are affected by lead-time and length biases. In addition, analyses that only include women who attend screening cannot reliably correct for selection bias. The final principle is that accounting for tumor biology is important for accurate estimates of lead time, and the potential benefit from screening. Since “early detection” is actually late in a tumor's lifetime, the time window when screen detection might extend a woman's life is narrow, as many tumors that can form metastases will already have done so. Instead of encouraging screening mammography, physicians should help women make an informed decision as with any medical intervention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/50/cc/jwh.2015.5220.PMC4649764.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4279671", "abstract": "Background According to the literature, the occurrence of dysphagia is high in cases of stroke, and its severity can be enhanced by loss of teeth and the use of poorly fitting prostheses. Objective To verify that the status of oral health influences the level of oral intake and the degree of swallowing dysfunction in elderly patients with stroke in chronic phase. Methods Thirty elderly individuals affected by stroke in chronic phase participated. All subjects underwent assessment of their oral condition, with classification from the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and nasoendoscopic swallowing assessment to classify the degree of dysphagia. The statistical analysis examined a heterogeneous group (HG, n=30) and two groups designated by the affected body part, right (RHG, n=8) and left (LHG, n=11), excluding totally dentate or edentulous individuals without rehabilitation with more than one episode of stroke. Results There was a negative correlation between the need for replacement prostheses and the FOIS scale for the HG (P=0.02) and RHG (P=0.01). Differences in FOIS between types of prostheses of the upper dental arch in the LHG (P=0.01) and lower dental arch in the RHG (P=0.04). A negative correlation was found between the number of teeth present and the degree of dysfunction in swallowing liquid in the LHG (P=0.05). There were differences in the performance in swallowing solids between individuals without prosthesis and those with partial prosthesis in the inferior dental arch (P=0.04) for the HG. Conclusion The need for replacement prostheses, type of prostheses, and the number of teeth of elderly patients poststroke in chronic phase showed an association with the level of oral intake and the degree of oropharyngeal dysphagia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/42/cia-10-029.PMC4279671.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3682266", "abstract": "The C-MAC video laryngoscope substantially reduced poor glottic views and increased intubation success in ICU patients with at least one predictor for difficult intubation. However, all video-assisted and optical intubation devices have different view angles, thus producing different images with particular distortion, and even experts in 'old-fashioned' airway management need a substantial level of training with a certain device before using it safely and successfully in critical situations and patients. Video laryngoscopes, regardless of a particular brand or device, cannot be used intuitively - they require expert skills and routines to be turned into a life-saving airway management tool.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/d0/PMC3682266.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4257829", "abstract": "In the province of Gipuzkoa, Spain (≈700,000 inhabitants), 7–12 episodes of human listeriosis were recorded annually during 2009–2012. However, during January 2013–February 2014, 27 episodes were detected, including 11 pregnancy-associated cases. Fifteen cases in 2 epidemiologically unrelated outbreaks were caused by a rare type of Listeria monocytogenes, sequence type 87 serotype 1/2b. ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/22/5c/PMC4257829.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3270454", "abstract": "Toothbrushes are commonly used in hospital settings and may harbor potentially harmful microorganisms. A peer-reviewed literature review was conducted to evaluate the cumulative state of knowledge related to toothbrush contamination and its possible role in disease transmission. A systematic review was conducted on adult human subjects through three distinct searches. The review resulted in seven experimental and three descriptive studies which identified multiple concepts related to toothbrush contamination to include contamination, methods for decontamination, storage, design, and environmental factors. The selected studies found that toothbrushes of healthy and oral diseased adults become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria from the dental plaque, design, environment, or a combination of factors. There are no studies that specifically examine toothbrush contamination and the role of environmental factors, toothbrush contamination, and vulnerable populations in the hospital setting (e.g., critically ill adults) and toothbrush use in nursing clinical practice.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/60/44/PMC3270454.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3530028", "abstract": "Even though sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of acute injury and illness, few clinical facilities are configured to take an integrated approach to resuscitation and stabilization. Emergency care is a high-impact and cost-effective form of secondary prevention; disease surveillance at facilities delivering acute and emergency care is essential to guide primary prevention. Barriers to emergency care implementation in the region include limited documentation of the acute disease burden, a lack of consensus on regionally appropriate metrics to facilitate impact evaluation, and the lack of coordinated advocacy for acute disease prevention and emergency care. Despite these challenges, interest in creating dedicated acute care facilities and emergency training programs is rapidly expanding in Africa. We describe one such initiative at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, with a focus on the development of the emergency medicine residency program.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/86/jphp201241a.PMC3530028.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3376463", "abstract": "Understanding tolerance mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level holds the promise to establish novel immune intervention therapies in patients with allergy or autoimmunity and to prevent transplant rejection. Administration of mAb against the CD4 molecule has been found to be exceptionally well suited for intentional tolerance induction in rodent and non-human primate models as well as in humanized mouse models. Recent evidence demonstrated that regulatory T cells (Treg) are directly activated by non-depleting CD4 ligands and suggests Treg activation as a central mechanism in anti-CD4-mediated tolerance induction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of Treg in peripheral tolerance, addresses the putative mechanisms of Treg-mediated suppression and discusses the clinical potential of harnessing Treg suppressive activity through CD4 stimulation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/68/fimmu-03-00164.PMC3376463.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4154916", "abstract": " BACKGROUND   Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. The HCV genotype has a geographic distribution and an important role in clinical and histological outcomes. This study determined HCV genotypes and their related risk factors among patients from Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran.   METHODS   In a cross-sectional study, 223 patients infected with HCV who referred to Ahwaz Jundishapour University Hospitals (AJSUH) and Hepatitis Clinic were enrolled. Specific and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were performed to determine viral infection and genotype analysis. Liver enzymes including ALT and AST and the correlated risk factors were also determined.   RESULTS   The HCV genotype distribution was as follows: genotype 1a (41.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/c9/MEJDD-3-126.PMC4154916.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4685118", "abstract": "Exchanging of medical data requires efficient authentication and protection of medical data that can be illegally modified. Watermarking plays an important role in protecting, sharing, and securing medical data. In this work, a robust nonblind medical image watermarking scheme is proposed. The process involves two steps: the embedding and the extraction phase. During the embedding phase, l-level FRWPT is performed on the host image and the watermark is embedded into the modified reference image. In the second phase, inverse FRWPT is performed on the watermarked image to extract the watermark from the watermarked image. The proposed scheme is tested on mammograms images and is subjected to common attacks like Gaussian filtering, median filtering, compression, sharpening, and contrast adjustments. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme is robust.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/ac/PMC4685118.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4055982", "abstract": "In critical illness, septic shock is a contributing factor in nearly half of all cases of acute kidney injury (AKI). Traditional approaches to prevention of organ dysfunction in early sepsis have focused on prevention of hypoperfusion by optimisation of systemic haemodynamics, primarily by fluid resuscitation. Fluid administration to a target central venous pressure (CVP) of 8 to 12 mmHg (12 to 15 mmHg in mechanically ventilated patients) is currently recommended for the early resuscitation of septic shock. However, in the previous issue of Critical Care, Legrand and colleagues report that higher CVP in the first 24 hours of ICU admission with septic shock was associated with increased risk for development or persistence of AKI over the next 5 days. This study highlights a potential association between venous congestion and the development of septic AKI, suggesting that CVP-targeted fluid resuscitation in septic shock might not be beneficial for renal function.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3e/bd/PMC4055982.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3192519", "abstract": "Conventional nonsurgical endodontic treatment has a high degree of clinical success, but in certain cases surgical intervention becomes necessary. This is the case report of a patient presenting with bilaterally separate periapical lesions in the maxillary anterior region. One lesion was managed by periapical surgery using a novel and safe method of separating the soft tissue mass of the periapical lesion which was in proximity to vital and vulnerable anatomical tissues, and the other was managed by long-term intracanal medicament, emphasizing the need of application of treatment in the best interest of the patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d1/b7/JSTCR-3-44.PMC3192519.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3958654", "abstract": "Foot ulceration (FU) remains a serious concern for patients worldwide. We analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of FU in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted for 252 HD patients who were followed up for 5 years. Patients were categorized according to whether they developed FU or not. The FU group (17", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/56/67/PMC3958654.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3833404", "abstract": " Objective. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) plays an important role in obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR). The study aims to investigate the effect of metformin, a widely used agent to improve IR, on PEDF production both in vivo and in vitro. Methods. SD rats were divided into normal control group, high fat group (HF group), and metformin group (MET group). Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was performed to evaluate insulin sensitivity. IR models of 3T3-L1 and HepG2 cells were established and then treated with metformin and inhibitor of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). Results. In vivo, the HF group showed increased serum PEDF which is negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity, while the MET group revealed decreased serum PEDF and downregulated PEDF expression in fat and liver, concomitant with significantly improved IR. In vitro, the IR cells showed enhanced PEDF secretion and expression, whereas metformin lowered PEDF secretion and expression, accompanied with increased glucose uptake. Metformin stimulated AMPK phosphorylation in fat and liver of the obese rats, while in vitro, when combined with AMPK inhibitor, the effect of metformin on PEDF was abrogated. Conclusions. Metformin inhibits the expression and secretion of PEDF in fat and liver via promoting AMPK phosphorylation, which is closely associated with IR improvement.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0c/13/PMC3833404.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3866832", "abstract": "This study was aimed at defining molecular species of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in immune complexes with immunoglobulin M (IgM). Having in mind the oligoreactivity of IgM and its preference for carbohydrate antigens, there is the possibility that it can selectively recognize known PSA glycoisoforms. PSA-IgM complexes and free PSA fractions were separated from the sera of subjects with prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by gel filtration and subjected to on-chip immunoaffinity and ion-exchange chromatography. PSA-immunoreactive species were detected using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. The obtained spectra were analyzed for protein and glycan composition. The general pattern of the molecular species of PCa PSA and BPH PSA found in complexes with IgM was similar. It comprised major peaks at 17 kDa and minor peaks at 28 kDa, corresponding to the entire mature glycosylated PSA. The main difference was the presence of incompletely glycosylated 26.8 kDa species, having putative paucimannosidic structures, observed in PCa PSA-IgM, but not in BPH PSA-IgM. Characteristic PCa PSA-IgM glycoforms pose the question of the possible role of glycosylation as a framework for immune surveillance and may be of interest in light of recent data indicating mannose-containing glycans as cancer biomarker.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/8d/PMC3866832.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3476929", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE To examine determinants of racial/ethnic differences in diabetes incidence among postmenopausal women participating in the Women’s Health Initiative. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data on race/ethnicity, baseline diabetes prevalence, and incident diabetes were obtained from 158,833 women recruited from 1993–1998 and followed through August 2009. The relationship between race/ethnicity, other potential risk factors, and the risk of incident diabetes was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models from which hazard ratios (HRs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b3/7b/2226.PMC3476929.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4566758", "abstract": "Homeopathy claims a curative reaction from small doses of a substance, high doses of which cause symptoms similar to those the patient is suffering from. Hormesis is a concept of biphasic dose-response to different pharmacological and toxicological agents. According to this concept, a small dose of a noxious agent can exert a beneficial action. A hypothesis is defended here that hormesis as a general principle can be assumed only for the factors present in the natural environment thus having induced adaptation of living organisms. Generalizations of the hormesis phenomenon used in support of homeopathy are unfounded. Low-dose impacts may be associated with a higher risk in a state of organ sub-compensation or failure especially in the elderly patients. Practical recommendations should be based neither on the hormesis as a default approach nor on the postulates of homeopathy. All clinically relevant effects, hormetic or not, should be tested by the methods of evidence-based medicine.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/81/JIE-4-74.PMC4566758.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4616639", "abstract": "Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) on baseline ultrasound (BUS). The imaging features of 30 TART lesions pathologically or clinically confirmed in 15 patients who had undergone BUS were evaluated, and the sonographic characteristics of the lesions were analyzed. All 15 cases were bilateral and located near the testicular mediastinum. Approximately 56.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7f/13/medi-94-e1471.PMC4616639.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2989715", "abstract": " Introduction. This study compares hip fracture rates in Long Term Care (LTC) residents with those in the community to determine if their high rate of fracturing reflects the extreme age and predominantly female nature of that population. Methods. Hospital discharge data in London Ontario (population 350,000) and Statistics Canada data were used to correct the hip fracture rate in the LTC setting for age and gender. Results. The risk of hip fracture is 1.8 times greater in LTC than in the community for people of similar age and gender. The rate in women is 1.5 times higher whereas in men it is 4.3 times higher. In the oldest residents, the risk in men exceeds that of women in LTC. Conclusion. The high hip fracture rate in LTC is not just a reflection of the age and predominantly female nature of this population. The oldest men in LTC are a particularly high risk group, deserving more attention.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/aa/8b/PMC2989715.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4401142", "abstract": "Abstract We have attempted a fine characterization of the angiogenic response induced by multiple myeloma endothelial cells (MMEC) by using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that in the CAM assay MMEC induced an angiogenic response comparable to that of a well-known angiogenic cytokine, namely fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), while RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression of endostatin mRNA detected in MM treated CAM was significantly lower respect to control CAM. These data suggest that angiogenic switch in MM may involve loss of an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, such as endostatin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7f/d6/PMC4401142.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3674723", "abstract": "Preeclampsia, a relatively common pregnancy disorder, is one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous research, the etiology of this syndrome remains not well understood as the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is complex, involving interaction between genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors. Preeclampsia, originating in placenta abnormalities, is induced by the circulating factors derived from the abnormal placenta. Recent work has identified various molecular mechanisms related to placenta development, including renin-angiotensin system, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and lipoxin A4. Interestingly, advances suggest that vacuolar ATPase, a key molecule in placentation, is closely associated with them. Therefore, this intriguing molecule may represent an important link between various causes of preeclampsia. Here, we review that vacuolar ATPase works as a key link between multiple causes of preeclampsia and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms. The novel findings outlined in this review may provide promising explanations for the causation of preeclampsia and a rationale for future therapeutic interventions for this condition.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/6b/PMC3674723.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3647579", "abstract": "Metabolic syndrome has been defined as a group of risk factors that directly contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance seems to have a fundamental role in the genesis of this syndrome. Over the past years to the present day, basic and translational research has used small animal models to explore the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome and to develop novel therapies that might slow the progression of this prevalent condition. In this paper we discuss the animal models used for the study of metabolic syndrome, with particular focus on cardiovascular changes, since they are the main cause of death associated with the condition in humans.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/16/PMC3647579.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2728192", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Testosterone is needed for normal male development, muscle strength, bone mineralization, hematopoietic function, and sexual and reproductive functions. The main purpose of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer is to reduce tumor progression, but therapy is often accompanied by significant adverse effects. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of androgen deprivation therapy on body composition and resting metabolic rate in patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study was performed to evaluate the body composition of 16 elderly males (aged 63–96; median age 71) with prostate cancer scheduled for orchiectomy, one year before and after surgery. Body composition was measured by DEXA, and energy expenditure, fat and carbohydrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS Body weight (p=0.01), lean mass (p=0.004), and lipid oxidation (p=0.001) decreased significantly. Carbohydrate oxidation (p=0.02), FSH (p=0.0001) and LH (p=0.0001) levels increased significantly. Changes in fat mass (p=0.06) and bone mineral density (p=0.48) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS After 12 months of androgen deprivation therapy, elderly men with metastatic prostate cancer exhibit a decline in lean body mass and lipid oxidation, together with increased carbohydrate oxidation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/4b/PMC2728192.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4300856", "abstract": "One way to image the molecular pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is by positron emission tomography using probes that target amyloid fibrils. However, these fibrils are not closely linked to the development of the disease. It is now thought that early stage biomarkers that instigate memory loss comprise of Aβ oligomers (AβOs). Here we report a sensitive molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast probe that is specific for AβOs. We attach oligomer-specific antibodies onto magnetic nanostructures and show the complex is stable and it binds to AβOs on cells and brain tissues to give a MRI signal. When intranasally administered to an AD mouse model, the probe readily reached hippocampal AβOs. In isolated samples of human brain tissue, we observed an MRI signal that distinguished AD from controls. Such nanostructures that target neurotoxic AβOs are potentially useful for evaluating the efficacy of new drugs and ultimately for early-stage AD diagnosis and disease management.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/94/e1/PMC4300856.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4167657", "abstract": " Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of clonidine on intraoperative analgesia, sedation, intraocular and blood pressure, arrhythmia, and ischemia.  Methods. Forty patients undergoing cataract surgery were allocated into two groups. They were monitored with Holter machine, the pupil was dilated, and 30 minutes later, 20 patients received clonidine (4 µg/kg), while the other 20 patients were given a 0.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/d6/35/PMC4167657.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3014717", "abstract": "Cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently has roots in childhood, including following childhood-onset hypertension. Incidence of CVD has increased in developing countries in East Africa during recent urbanization. Effects of these shifts on childhood hypertension are unclear. Our objectives were to (1) Determine the prevalence of hypertension among primary schoolchildren in Khartoum, Sudan; (2) Determine whether hypertension in this setting is associated with obesity. We performed a cross sectional study of 6-12y children from two schools randomly selected in Khartoum, Sudan. Height, weight, BMI, BP and family history of hypertension were assessed. Age-, height- and gender-specific BP curves were used to determine pre-hypertension (90–95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/fd/46/PMC3014717.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4017454", "abstract": "Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients suffering from chronic depression or schizophrenia. Background Psychiatric disorders are common in untreated celiac disease. Patients and methods Two hundred Iranian inpatient men with in chronic phase of depressive disorders or schizophrenia, and 200 age-matched healthy male subjects were screened for celiac disease by anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies. The mean age of the study patients was 37 years. Results One (1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/73/26/GHFBB-5-090.PMC4017454.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2671414", "abstract": "Dengue–malaria co-infection reports are scarce. Of 1,723 consecutive febrile patients in Cayenne Hospital, 238 had dengue (174 early dengue fever cases) and 393 had malaria (371 acute malaria); 17 had both. Diagnosis of 1 of these 2 infections should not rule out testing for the other infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4c/c4/PMC2671414.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3748572", "abstract": "Background: Heart failure is one of the chronic heart diseases and a debilitating condition of increased prevalence in the elderly. One of the important and non-pharmacological strategies for improving clinical outcomes in these patients is promotion of the self-care. Background and social environment in which a patient is trying to control his disease is an important factor in the self-care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of family support intervention on the self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in university hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. A total of 62 patients with heart failure were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 32) groups. Supportive intervention including three educational sessions with the delivery of educational booklet and follow-up by telephone was performed for caregivers of patients in the experimental group. Data were collected using the questionnaire of self-care behaviors, which was completed before and 1 month after the intervention in both the groups, and the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent and paired t-tests. Results: The results indicate that after the intervention, self-care behavior scores in the experimental group and control group were 47.2 and 28.4, respectively, and independent t-test revealed that the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Family-focused supportive interventions can be used as an effective method for improving the self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/21/42/IJNMR-18-152.PMC3748572.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4718378", "abstract": "Summary The burden of infectious diseases preventable by vaccination decreased considerably over last decades in all countries provided with effective immunization schedules. Implementation of these programs with new vaccines has started discussion on duality between mandatory and recommended vaccinations. Regional autonomy has allowed the Veneto Region, with introduction of Law 7/2007, to experience suspension of all mandatory childhood vaccinations, replaced by an active and free offer of all vaccines recognized as safe and effective. Coverage's trends and acceptance of invitation are carefully monitored to avoid loss of compliance and reduction of immunized children. The evaluation, performed on population of Rovigo ULSS18 for 2002-2008 birth cohorts (2008 is the first concerned by the change), revealed no fall for previously mandatory vaccinations, but rather a slight increase. Percentage of non-vaccinated children was negligible. The leading cause of non-vaccination to polio was inability to deliver the letter of invitation due to wrong address. An informed dissent was expressed only by a minority (0.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/e6/1121-2233-54-181.PMC4718378.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4154276", "abstract": " Background Hypertension is a risk factor for life threatening diseases such as cerebrovascular accidents, coronary artery diseases, congestive heart failure and chronic renal failure. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes including obesity has increased over the past few years in Iran. The first step for modification of cardiovascular diseases in a defined population is to assess the prevalence of their risk factors. This study was conduceted to assess personnel blood pressure and its risk factors in one of the medical universities of Tehran in the Health Day of 2013.   Methods: This cross sectional study was performed from May 19, 2013 to May 24, 2013 (I.R. of Iran’s Health Weak) in one of the medical universities of Tehran. Participants completed voluntarily a researcher-made questionnaire which composed of demographic characteristics and variables about risk factors and preventive factors of cardiovascular diseases such as smoking, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, physical exercise status and so on. Blood pressure was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer and weight and height were measured by a ground analogue scale.   Results: Of 195 persons participated in this study, 180 persons (92.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0b/38/mjiri-28-36.PMC4154276.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3625959", "abstract": "Lysosomes are cytoplasmic organelles present in almost all eukaryotic cells, which play a fundamental role in key aspects of cellular homeostasis such as membrane repair, autophagy, endocitosis and protein metabolism. The characterization of the genes and enzymes constituting the lysosome represents a central issue to be addressed toward a better understanding of the biology of this organelle. In humans, mutations that cause lysosomal enzyme deficiencies result in >50 different disorders and severe pathologies. So far, many experimental efforts using different methodologies have been carried out to identity lysosomal genes. The Human Lysosome Gene Database (hLGDB) is the first resource that provides a comprehensive and accessible census of the human genes belonging to the lysosomal system. This database was developed by collecting and annotating gene lists from many different sources. References to the studies that have identified each gene are provided together with cross databases gene related information. Special attention has been given to the regulation of the genes through microRNAs and the transcription factor EB. The hLGDB can be easily queried to retrieve, combine and analyze information on different lists of lysosomal genes and their regulation by microRNA (binding sites predicted by five different algorithms). The hLGDB is an open access dynamic project that will permit in the future to collapse in a unique publicly accessible resource all the available biological information about lysosome genes and their regulation. Database URL: http://lysosome.unipg.it/", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/70/bat024.PMC3625959.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3638275", "abstract": "A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a type of sarcoma that arises from peripheral nerves or cells of the associated nerve sheath. This tumor most commonly metastasizes to the lung and metastases to the spinal cord and brain are very rare. We describe a case of young patient with spinal cord and brain metastases resulting from MPNST. An 18-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of low back pain and radiating pain to his anterior thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a paraspinal mass that extended from the central space of L2 to right psoas muscle through the right L2-3 foraminal space. The patient underwent surgery and the result of the histopathologic study was diagnostic for MPNST. Six months after surgery, follow-up images revealed multiple spinal cord and brain metastases. The patient was managed with chemotherapy, but died several months later. Despite complete surgical excision, the MPNST progressed rapidly and aggressively. Thus, patients with MPNST should be followed carefully to identify local recurrence or metastasis as early as possible.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/53/jkns-53-190.PMC3638275.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5385785", "abstract": "Context: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of osteoid osteoma has a high technical and clinical success rate. However, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population, especially in technically challenging locations. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA of osteoid osteoma in pediatric population. Patients and Methods: From June 2009 to May 2014, 30 patients with osteoid osteoma were treated with CT-guided RFA in common (25 cases) and technically challenging (five cases: four near articular surface and one in sacrum) locations. Therapy was performed under general anesthesia with a three-array expandable RF probe for 6 min at 90°C and power of 60–100 W. The patients were discharged next day under instruction. The treatment success was evaluated in terms of pain relief before and after (1 day, 1 month, and 6 months) treatment. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/cc/IJRI-27-88.PMC5385785.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3832981", "abstract": " Introduction. Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated inflammatory disease in which pathogenesis T helper (Th) lymphocytes (Th1, Th17, and Th22) play an important role. The aim of the study was to assess the serum levels of some cytokines involved in the Th17 and Th22 responses in psoriatic patients. Material and Methods. The study comprised 60 psoriatic patients and 30 healthy controls. In the serum collected from psoriatic patients and healthy controls, the concentrations of IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-20, IL-22, and IL-23 were examined with ELISA kits. Severity of psoriatic skin lesions was assessed by means of PASI, BSA, and PGA scores. Results. IL-6, IL-20, and IL-22 concentrations were significantly higher in psoriatic patients in comparison with the control group. The positive correlations between the concentrations of IL-22 and IL-20 and severity of psoriasis assessed with PASI and BSA scores as well as IL-17 and PASI score were found. There was also a positive correlation between IL-23 and IL-17 concentrations. Conclusions. Results of the conducted studies suggest that Th22 response may contribute to the skin and systemic inflammatory disease in psoriasis. It seems that early identification of soluble biomarkers and initiation of well-matched treatment may prevent exacerbation and progression of psoriasis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/10/87/PMC3832981.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4449842", "abstract": "Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the major bacterial agents of the sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, especially among young females. There is no data regarding the prevalence of genital Chlamydia infection among young females in Kashan, Iran. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of endocervical C. trachomatis infection among females aged 17 - 35 years in Kashan, Iran. Patients and Methods: In the current descriptive study, 255 endocervical swab samples were collected from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of Kashan, Iran from December 2012 to July 2013. Cervical swabs were placed in transport media and sent to the laboratory. To identify C. trachomatis in the samples Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify a sequence in the cryptic plasmid, generating a fragment of about 512base pair. Demographic data was collected considering the relevant risk factors by a standard questionnaire. Results: A total of 255 females were tested. The prevalence of genital C. trachomatis was 2.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/e0/jjm-08-04-15576.PMC4449842.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4590848", "abstract": "The causative agents of rabies are single-stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses in the genus Lyssavirus of Rhabdoviridae, consisting of twelve classified and three as yet unclassified species including classical rabies virus (RABV). Highly neurotropic RABV causes rapidly progressive encephalomyelitis with nearly invariable fatal outcome. Rapid and reliable diagnosis of rabies is highly relevant for public and veterinary health. Due to growing variety of the genus Lyssavirus observed, the development of suitable molecular assays for diagnosis and differentiation is challenging. This work focused on the establishment of a suitable real-time RT-PCR technique for rabies diagnosis as a complement to fluorescent antibody test and rabies tissue culture infection test as gold standard for diagnosis and confirmation. The real-time RT-PCR was adapted with the goal to detect the whole spectrum of lyssavirus species, for nine of which synthesized DNA fragments were used. For the detection of species, seven probes were developed. Serial dilutions of the rabies virus strain CVS-11 showed a 100-fold higher sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to heminested RT-PCR. Using a panel of thirty-one lyssaviruses representing four species, the suitability of the protocol could be shown. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained by heminested PCR allowed correct classification of all viruses used.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/32/ac/PMC4590848.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4996062", "abstract": "Abstract A suspicious breast mass was intra-operatively found in a female patient previously operated for breast augmentation with the Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) implants. The neoplasm was verified as xanthoma and an asymptomatic microrupture of PIP was also detected. This report discusses possible association of breast xanthoma with PIP implant rupture.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/62/icrp-3-011.PMC4996062.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3402659", "abstract": "A pentane extract of flowers of common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca (Asclepiadaceae), elicited significant orientation from both male and female Culex pipiens in a dual-port flight olfactometer. Analysis of the extract by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed six major constituents in order of relative abundance: benzaldehyde, (E)-β-ocimene, phenylacetaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, nonanal, and (E)-2-nonenal. Although not all were collected from the headspace profile of live flowers, a synthetic blend of these six compounds, when presented to mosquitoes in the same levels and proportions that occur in the extract, elicited a response comparable to the extract. Subtractive behavioral bioassays demonstrated that a three-component blend consisting of benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, and (E)-2-nonenal was as attractive as the full blend. These findings suggest the potential use of synthetic floral-odor blends for monitoring or control of both male and female disease-vectoring mosquitoes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/ee/PMC3402659.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4485177", "abstract": "Since their discovery in 1981, the cardiac natriuretic peptides (cNP) atrial natriuretic peptide (also referred to as atrial natriuretic factor) and brain natriuretic peptide have been well characterised in terms of their renal and cardiovascular actions. In addition, it has been shown that cNP plasma levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality in populations with no apparent heart disease as well as in patients with established cardiac pathology. cNP secretion from the heart is increased by humoral and mechanical stimuli. The clinical significance of cNP plasma levels has been shown to differ in obese and non-obese subjects. Recent lines of evidence suggest important metabolic effects of the cNP system, which has been shown to activate lipolysis, enhance lipid oxidation and mitochondrial respiration. Clinically, these properties lead to browning of white adipose tissue and to increased muscular oxidative capacity. In human association studies in patients without heart disease higher cNP concentrations were observed in lean, insulin-sensitive subjects. Highly elevated cNP levels are generally observed in patients with systolic heart failure or high blood pressure, while obese and type-2 diabetics display reduced cNP levels. Together, these observations suggest that the cNP system plays a role in the pathophysiology of metabolic vascular disease. Understanding this role should help define novel principles in the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/db/ec-04-R25.PMC4485177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4813063", "abstract": "Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an inborn error of branched chain amino acid metabolism that may manifest as acute neonatal metabolic acidosis or as chronic intermittent form with developmental delay or recurrent episodes of acute metabolic acidosis. Early diagnosis is the key to prevent morbidity and mortality. Brain imaging abnormalities are rarely described in IVA. We report a case of chronic intermittent IVA with acute presentation in a 4-month-old infant who presented with acute metabolic acidosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed symmetric signal intensity changes in bilateral lentiform nuclei with an unreported T1-weighted (T1W) symmetric hyperintense ring-like appearance in bilateral putamen.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/fe/IJRI-26-131.PMC4813063.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4791666", "abstract": "Purpose To find the most accurate mathematical description of the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) distribution in the general male population. Materials and Methods We compared the fitness of various well-known mathematical distributions with the IELT distribution of two previously published stopwatch studies of the Caucasian general male population and a stopwatch study of Dutch Caucasian men with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE). The accuracy of fitness is expressed by the Goodness of Fit (GOF). The smaller the GOF, the more accurate is the fitness. Results The 3 IELT distributions are gamma distributions, but the IELT distribution of lifelong PE is another gamma distribution than the IELT distribution of men in the general male population. The Lognormal distribution of the gamma distributions most accurately fits the IELT distribution of 965 men in the general population, with a GOF of 0.057. The Gumbel Max distribution most accurately fits the IELT distribution of 110 men with lifelong PE with a GOF of 0.179. There are more men with lifelong PE ejaculating within 30 and 60 seconds than can be extrapolated from the probability density curve of the Lognormal IELT distribution of men in the general population. Conclusions Men with lifelong PE have a distinct IELT distribution, e.g., a Gumbel Max IELT distribution, that can only be retrieved from the general male population Lognormal IELT distribution when thousands of men would participate in a IELT stopwatch study. The mathematical formula of the Lognormal IELT distribution is useful for epidemiological research of the IELT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5e/61/icu-57-119.PMC4791666.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3214376", "abstract": "BACKGROUND: To compare the early and late cardiovascular events as well as side effects of Osvix, a generic form of Clopidogrel versus Plavix regimens in patients with chronic stable angina, undergoing bare metal stent (BMS) or drug eluting stent (DES) placement, this study was carried out. METHODS: A total of 442 patients with chronic stable angina who were scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in a randomized, double blind, multi-centric clinical trial being performed in 6 distinct university hospitals in 5 cities of Iran from March 2007 to November 2009. Baseline, demographic and history of risk factors were recorded using the patients’ medical charts. Stenting procedure was performed via transfemoral approach using low osmolar contrast agents. Patients underwent BMS or DES placements based on the physician selection and were randomly assigned to Osvix or Plavix groups. Patients were followed by telephone in 0 and 6 months intervals regarding the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including death, myocardial infarction, in-stent thrombosis, stroke, target lesion revascularization, and target vascular revascularization. Angina episodes, bleeding, liver enzymes, neutrophils and platelets count were also assessed in these intervals. RESULTS: There was not any significant difference between these two groups regarding the baseline characteristics. In the DES group, the 6-month mortality rate and the incidence of MACE in Osvix and Plavix groups were 0.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1a/8a/JRMS-16-640.PMC3214376.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5095629", "abstract": "Effects of a bacterial probiotic (BP) on ruminal fermentation and plasma metabolites were evaluated in four Holstein cattle (body weight, 645 ± 62 kg; mean ± SD) with induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). SARA was induced by feeding a SARA-inducing diet, and thereafter, 20, 50 or 100 g per head of a commercial BP was administered for 7 consecutive days during the morning feeding. Cattle without BP served as the control. The 24-hr mean ruminal pH in the control was lower, whereas those in the BP groups administered 20 or 50 g were significantly higher compared to the control from days 2 to 7. Circadian patterns of the 1-hr mean ruminal pH were identical (6.4–6.8) among all cattle receiving BP. Although the mean minimum pH in the control on day –7 and day 0 was <5.8, the pH in the treatment groups on day 7 was >5.8 and significantly higher than that of the control group ( >5.2). Ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not affected by BP treatment; however, the BP groups had lower lactic acid levels compared with the control group at 20:00 on day 7. Additionally, non-esterified fatty acid levels decreased from 8:00 to 20:00 in all BP groups on day 7. These results suggest that administration of 20 to 50 g of a multi-strain BP for 7 days might improve the low pH and high lactic acid level of the ruminal fluid in SARA cattle.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4a/20/jvms-78-1595.PMC5095629.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5418936", "abstract": "Background: Glycaemic control is suboptimal in a large proportion of people with type 2 diabetes who are consequently at an increased and avoidable risk of potentially severe complications. We sought to explore attitudes and practices among healthcare professionals that may contribute to suboptimal glycaemic control through a review of recent relevant publications in the scientific literature. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant publications from January 2011 to July 2015. The electronic search was complemented by a manual search of abstracts from key diabetes conferences in 2014/2015 available online. Results: Recently published data indicate that glycaemic control is suboptimal in a substantial proportion (typically 40", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/71/10.1177_1479164116679775.PMC5418936.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4638075", "abstract": "Background: Pleurisy is a common extra pulmonary complication of tuberculosis, but current methods for diagnosing it are fairly crude. Here we product a meta-analysis for the available evidence on the ability of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in pleural fluid to serve as a diagnostic marker of tuberculous pleurisy (TP). Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases systematically for studies measuring sensitivity, specificity and other measures of diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid TNF-α in the diagnosis of TP were meta-analyzed by Stata, version 12 and meta-disc. Results: A total of six publications reporting seven case-control studies were identified. Pooled results indicated that pleural fluid TNF-α showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.89 (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/14/3d/JRMS-20-701.PMC4638075.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5329996", "abstract": "Background: Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are an important cause of academic underachievement in children and are also associated with comorbidities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which further have an impact on the child's education. Aims: To estimate the prevalence and psychosocial profile and psychiatric comorbidities in children with SLD in two settings, i.e., on special (remedial) education and schools and to compare the findings with normal children. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in schools situated in urban and semi-urban areas and special education schools. A total of 96 children were chosen for the study. After taking informed consent from the parents, the details about socioeconomic status, family, developmental history, and school history of the children were collected on a semi-structured pro forma and then the children were screened for SLD. They were administered colored/standard progressive matrices and Malin's intelligence scale for assessing their intelligence quotient and NIMHANS SLD index and developmental psychopathology checklist to study psychopathology. Chi-square test and ANOVA were done. Results: The prevalence of SLD in schools is found out to be 6.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/3c/IJPsyM-39-76.PMC5329996.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2151873", "abstract": "Cellular hypoxia is a fundamental mechanism of injury in the critically ill. The study of human responses to hypoxia occurring as a consequence of hypobaria defines the fields of high-altitude medicine and physiology. A new paradigm suggests that the physiological and pathophysiological responses to extreme environmental challenges (for example, hypobaric hypoxia, hyper-baria, microgravity, cold, heat) may be similar to responses seen in critical illness. The present review explores the idea that human responses to the hypoxia of high altitude may be used as a means of exploring elements of the pathophysiology of critical illness.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/50/93/PMC2151873.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2216064", "abstract": " Objectives: We performed a phase I trial to assess the safety and tolerance of a Lactobacillus vaginal suppository for prevention of recurrent UTI. Methods: Premenopausal women with a history of recurrent UTI were randomized to use L. crispatus CTV-05 or placebo vaginal suppositories daily for five days. Results: 30 women were randomized (15 to L. crispatus CTV-05). No severe adverse events occurred. Mild to moderate vaginal discharge and genital irritation were reported by women in both study arms. Seven women randomized to L. crispatus CTV-05 developed pyuria without associated symptoms. Most women had high concentrations of vaginal  -producing lactobacilli before randomization. L. crispatus,  L. jensenii, and L. gasseri were the most common  Lactobacillus species identified, with stable prevalence over time. Conclusions: L. crispatus CTV-05 can be given as a vaginal suppository with minimal sideeffects to healthy women with a history of recurrent UTI. Mild inflammation of the urinary tract was noted in some women.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/c9/PMC2216064.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3350961", "abstract": " Background. To determine clinical profile and management of retinoblastoma among children at Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo. Patients and methods. The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma seen at the University Hospital of Kinshasa from January 1985 till December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic profile, clinical data, modes of treatment and outcome were analysed. Results. A total of 49 children, of whom 40 had adequate data on record were identified as retinoblastoma (28 males and 12 females). Nine cases had bilateral disease. The median age at the first symptoms was 9 months (range, 1 month to 6 years) for unilateral retinoblastoma and 18 months (range, 1 month to 3.5 years) for bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at the first oncology consultation was 2.4 years (range, 6 months to 6 years) for unilateral retinoblastoma and 2.4years (range, 9 months to 4 years) for bilateral disease. Leukokoria was present in 67.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/44/e1/PMC3350961.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733380", "abstract": " Study Design Case report.  Objective Temporary external ventricular drainage for refractory thoracolumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is not reported in the literature. We describe a recent case that utilized this technique.  Methods Retrospective review of the patient's case notes was performed and the literature on this subject reviewed.  Results The patient underwent multiple complex spinal surgeries for resection of innumerable metastatic ependymoma lesions. A case of significant refractory CSF leak developed and as a last resort a right frontal external ventricular drain was placed. The CSF leak ceased, and the patient was eventually discharged home without further complication.  Conclusion External ventricular drainage can be a viable option for temporary proximal CSF diversion to treat refractory thoracolumbar CSF leaks.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/21/6f/PMC4733380.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3134091", "abstract": " Objectives. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of etoricoxib (90 mg) relative to celecoxib (200/400 mg), and the nonselective NSAIDs naproxen (1000 mg) and diclofenac (150 mg) in the initial treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in Norway. Methods. A previously developed Markov state-transition model was used to estimate costs and benefits associated with initiating treatment with the different competing NSAIDs. Efficacy, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular safety, and resource use data were obtained from the literature. Data from different studies were synthesized and translated into direct costs and quality adjusted life years by means of a Bayesian comprehensive decision modeling approach. Results. Over a 30-year time horizon, etoricoxib is associated with about 0.4 more quality adjusted life years than the other interventions. At 1 year, naproxen is the most cost-saving strategy. However, etoricoxib is cost and quality adjusted life year saving relative to celecoxib, as well as diclofenac and naproxen after 5 years of follow-up. For a willingness-to-pay ceiling ratio of 200,000 Norwegian krones per quality adjusted life year, there is a >95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1f/00/PMC3134091.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5073681", "abstract": "Only a few cases of Turner syndrome (TS) with ischemic stroke have been reported. Various arteriopathies of the cerebral arteries, including fibromuscular dysplasia, congenital hypoplasia, moyamoya syndrome, and premature atherosclerosis have been assumed to be the cause of ischemic stroke in TS. There has been no case report of a TS patient presenting with an embolic stroke pattern without any cerebral arteriopathy. A 28-year-old woman with TS was referred to our hospital because of abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. She underwent brain MRI at the referring hospital because she experienced sudden-onset diffuse headache. Diffusion-weighted imaging revealed multiple acute embolic infarcts in different vascular territories. Intracranial and extracranial arterial disease was not detected on cerebral magnetic resonance angiography and carotid sonography. Embolic source workups, including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and transcranial Doppler shunt study, were all negative. Hypercoagulability and vasculitis panels were also negative. Our patient was diagnosed with cryptogenic embolic stroke. This is the first report of a TS patient with an embolic stroke pattern. Our case shows that ischemic stroke in TS could be due to embolism as well as the various cerebral arteriopathies documented in previous reports.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/aa/crn-0008-0199.PMC5073681.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3465944", "abstract": "Ciliate mating systems are highly diversified, providing unique opportunities to study sexual differentiation and its implications for mating dynamics. Many species of ciliates have multiple (>2) sexes. More sexes may mean more choice and an opportunity for evolution of preferential mating. We asked if the multiple sexes of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila mate preferentially among each other. We quantified pairing frequencies among four sexes of T. thermophila using experiments that allowed the sexes to compete as mating partners. We found that all sexes mated equally frequently among each other, that is, we found no evidence of preferential mating with respect to sex. This suggests that the “mate choice” in this ciliate is binary, between whether to form a pair or not and, in this regard, sex facilitates only self-/non-self-distinction. Thus, presence of multiple sexes does not necessarily result in the evolution of mating bias, which could decrease the maximum amount of mating that would otherwise be possible in a population. Our result of random mating verifies a key assumption in the theoretical model of sex ratio evolution in T. thermophila. Investigation into molecular differences between the sexes will be necessary to reveal the mechanistic basis of random mating among them.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/82/a3/PMC3465944.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4868200", "abstract": "[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine which is better in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, core stability exercises or conventional exercises. [Subjects and Methods] Forty participants with hemiplegia were recruited in the Department of Neurology of Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang between January 2014 and February 2015 and randomly divided into either an experimental or control group. The patients in the control group performed conventional exercises for six weeks, and those in the experiment group performed core stability exercises for six weeks. The outcomes were evaluated using Modified Barthel Index and Berg Balance Scale. [Results] After treatment, the Modified Barthel Index and Berg Balance Scale were significantly increased in both groups when compared with the baseline. The Modified Barthel Index was significantly lower in the control group compared with the experimental group. The Berg Balance Scale scores in the control group were relatively lower than those in the experimental group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. [Conclusion] Core stability exercises have a better effect on patients with hemiplegia than conventional exercises.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/8a/jpts-28-1131.PMC4868200.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5361997", "abstract": "Case summary A 3-year-old male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat with a history of chronic regurgitation since being obtained as a kitten was presented for weight loss and regurgitation of all ingested food. The cat was in poor body condition and had a firm swelling in the ventral neck at the time of presentation. Thoracic radiographs showed severe dilation of the entire cervical and cranial intrathoracic esophagus to the level of the heart base. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed a persistent right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and severe dilation of the cervical and intrathoracic esophagus cranial to the heart base. CTA also showed a bicarotid trunk and Kommerell’s diverticulum to be present, which are rare vascular structures in the cat. Esophagoscopy showed esophageal dilation and multiple compact trichobezoars obstructing the esophagus. Removal of the obstructing trichobezoars resulted in resolution of clinical signs, and the cat was able to drink water and eat a canned food slurry without regurgitation. Surgical correction was not pursued. Relevance and novel information Vascular ring anomaly (VRA) should be considered in all cats with a history of regurgitation, regardless of their age at the time of presentation. CTA is a valuable diagnostic imaging procedure that allows differentiation of a VRA from other causes of esophageal obstruction and provides information about the VRA that can be used to determine amenability to surgical correction.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/70/10.1177_2055116915614590.PMC5361997.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4392032", "abstract": "Purpose Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a relatively rare clinical entity of controversial significance characterized by the existence of hydroxyapatite microliths located in the seminiferous tubules. The aim of this study was to observe the natural course of changes in the calcific density of pediatric TM. Materials and Methods We included a total of 23 TM patients undergoing scrotal ultrasound (US) on at least two occasions from July 1997 to August 2014. We retrospectively analyzed the patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, specific pathological features, and clinical outcomes. We measured the calcified area and compared the calcific density between the initial and final USs. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 11.3±4.6 years, and the follow-up period was 79.1±38.8 months (range, 25.4-152.9 months). During the follow-up period, no patients developed testicular cancer. Calcific density on US was increased in the last versus the initial US, but not to a statistically significant degree (3.74", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bd/34/kju-56-318.PMC4392032.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3128942", "abstract": "Humans are sero-negative toward bluetongue viruses (BTVs) since BTVs do not infect normal human cells. Infection and selective degradation of several human cancer cell lines but not normal ones by five US BTV serotypes have been investigated. We determined the susceptibilities of many normal and human cancer cells to BTV infections and made comparative kinetic analyses of their cytopathic effects, survival rates, ultra-structural changes, cellular apoptosis and necrosis, cell cycle arrest, cytokine profiles, viral genome, mRNAs, and progeny titers. The wild-type US BTVs, without any genetic modifications, could preferentially infect and degrade several types of human cancer cells but not normal cells. Their selective and preferential BTV-degradation of human cancer cells is viral dose–dependent, leading to effective viral replication, and induced apoptosis. Xenograft tumors in mice were substantially reduced by a single intratumoral BTV injection in initial in vivo experiments. Thus, wild-type BTVs, without genetic modifications, have oncolytic potentials. They represent an attractive, next generation of oncolytic viral approach for potential human cancer therapy combined with current anti-cancer agents and irradiation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cf/d2/PMC3128942.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5407341", "abstract": "Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of basic ureteroscopic skills with and without Roboflex Avicenna by subjects with no prior surgical training. Material and methods Ten medical students were divided in two groups: Group 1 was trained with Roboflex Avicenna and Group 2 with flexible ureteroscope alone, using the K-box® simulator model. Participants were scored on their ability to perform or not two exercises, recording the time. In addition, the participants were evaluated on the quality of their performance for the following parameters: respect of the surrounding environment, flow of the operation, orientation, vision centering and stability. Results The first exercise was completed only by three and four out of five of students in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Stability with the scope was significantly more accurate in the first group compared with the second (P = 0.02). There were no differences in timing, flow or orientation between groups. Although not significant, a tendency of respecting the surrounding tissue and maintaining centered vision was perceived more in the first group. As for the second exercise, there were no differences between groups in regard of orientation, flow, respecting the surrounding tissue, stability or the ability of maintaining centered vision. Although not significant, the second group had a tendency of performing the exercise faster. Conclusions According to these preliminary results, the acquisition of basic ureteroscopic skills with and without robotic fURS in the K-box® simulator, by subjects with no prior surgical training, is similar.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c3/e3/CEJU-70-01180.PMC5407341.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4722569", "abstract": "Introduction: Fractures have been described mainly following falling accidents in horse-related injuries. Horse bites are uncommon accidents. We present a case of open fracture of the forearm due to horse bite. Case Report: A 35-year-old male farm-worker presented to the emergency room with alleged history of horse bite to the right forearm about 2 hours prior to presentation while feeding the horse. There was deformity of the forearm with multiple puncture wounds, deep abrasions and small lacerations on the distal-third of the forearm. Copious irrigation with normal saline was done and he was administered anti-tetanus and postexposure rabies prophylaxis. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy was commenced. Radiographs revealed fracture of radius and ulna in the mid-shaft region. He underwent emergency wound debridement, and the ulna was stabilised with an intra-medullary square nail. Seventy-two hours later, he underwent re-debridement and conversion osteosynthesis. He had an uneventful recovery and at three-month follow-up, the fractures had healed radiographically in anatomic alignment. At two-year follow-up, he is doing well, is pain free and has a normal range of motion compared to the contralateral side. Conclusion: Horse bites behave as compound fractures however rabies prophylaxis will be needed and careful observation is needed. Early radical debridement, preliminary skeletal stabilisation, re-debridement and conversion osteosynthesis to plate, and antibiotic prophylaxis were the key to the successful management of our patient.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/aa/3d/JOCR-4-7.PMC4722569.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2699443", "abstract": "BRAF is the main effector of KRAS in the RAS-RAF-MAPK axis, a signaling pathway downstream of EGFR. The activation of this cascade is an important pathway in cancer development and is considered a key pathway for therapeutic molecules. Recent studies in metastatic colorectal cancer found that an oncogenic activation of BRAF by a point mutation in exon 15 (V600E) could bypass the EGFR-initiated signaling cascade with the effect that patients bearing the mutant BRAF allele are not likely to benefit from EGFR-targeted therapies. We designed an allele-specific PCR and screened 65 salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) of the main histopathological types for the BRAF V600E mutation. All 65 SGC in this cohort (100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/47/79/PMC2699443.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4676292", "abstract": "The activity of HBF4 (aqueous solution) as a catalyst in propargylation reactions is presented. Diverse types of nucleophiles were employed in order to form new C–O, C–N and C–C bonds in technical acetone and in air. Good to excellent yields and good chemoselectivities were obtained using low acid loading (typically 1 mol-", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/6e/ejoc2015-7544.PMC4676292.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2782171", "abstract": "Choriocarcinoma is one of the malignant tumors of trophoblastic cells characterized by the secretion of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (1-3). Cutaneous metastasis is a rare presentation of choriocarcinoma but a poor prognostic sign because it is associated only with widespread disease (3-5). A 52-yr-old female complaining of dyspnea for 2 months, presented with fingertip sized erythematous nodules on the left side of the neck and the right side of the upper back of 1 month duraton. She has suffered from Behçet's disease since 1999. Microscopic examination of a nodule of upper back demonstrated biphasic pattern of cytotrophoblasts and hCG-positive syncytiotrophoblasts, and the typical histologic features of choriocarcinoma. She was referred to the gynecological oncology department. After 17 cycles of combination chemotherapy, the serum hCG level has fallen from 700,000 to under 2.0 mIU/mL and the skin lesions have almost disappeared. However, after 3 months, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed due to elevated serum hCG level (4,447.7 mIU/mL), and she is scheduled to receive post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ff/a3/jkms-20-683.PMC2782171.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4524269", "abstract": "Background In New Zealand, trastuzumab is standard therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive early and metastatic breast cancer. Given the requirement for ongoing adjuvant or maintenance treatment and intravenous (IV) delivery, such a regimen consumes considerable health care resources. The development of a subcutaneous (SC) trastuzumab formulation with a short administration time offers the potential to reduce hospital expenditure. The aim of this study was to determine medical resource utilization associated with administration of trastuzumab SC injection via handheld syringe vs trastuzumab IV infusion in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in New Zealand. Methods This noninterventional, descriptive study was conducted at the outpatient oncology centers at Auckland City and Tauranga Hospitals. Trained observers recorded times associated with health care professional (HCP) tasks and consumables use associated with preparation and administration of trastuzumab IV or SC in women with early or metastatic breast cancer. The cost for each formulation was calculated as the mean cost of HCP time (based on Pharmaceutical Management Agency hourly rates) plus the mean cost of consumables used. Results Use of trastuzumab SC vs IV reduced mean chair time by 36.95 minutes and total nurse time by 6.12 minutes; there was a 20.45-minute reduction in pharmacist time when the SC formulation was used. After adding consumable costs, the overall estimated saving with trastuzumab SC vs IV was 76.94 (New Zealand dollars) per patient per cycle. Conclusions Compared with trastuzumab IV infusion, administration of trastuzumab via SC injection reduced time spent in the clinic and decreased HCP resources and consumables needed to administer treatment. These reductions could contribute to a decrease in health care costs and an improvement in the efficiency of HER2-positive breast cancer treatment delivery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/6e/ceor-7-423.PMC4524269.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3469915", "abstract": "Objectives: The highly lipid-soluble opioids, sufentanil and fentanyl, are used in combination with low-concentration bupivacaine to provide combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia during labour. We designed a prospective, randomized, single-blind study to compare the efficacy of these two opioids with bupivacaine in terms of the quality of analgesia, side-effects and maternal and foetal outcome. Methods: Sixty parturients requesting labour analgesia were divided into two groups randomly. Group S (n=30) received bupivacaine heavy (2.5 mg) and sufentanil (5 mcg) intrathecally and 10 mL intermittent bolus of sufentanil 0.30 mcg/mL in bupivacaine 0.125", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8f/34/IJA-56-365.PMC3469915.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4268194", "abstract": "Background: Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic with opioid and nonopioid properties, which extensively used in the relief of mild to moderate pain. Tramadol poisoning is a common cause of acute pharmaceutical poisoning in Iran. There are a few studies about clinical and laboratory findings related to acute tramadol poisoning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and laboratory findings in tramadol acute poisoning cases. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with acute tramadol poisoning who referred to Loghman Hakim Hospital Poison Center during January to April 2012. Data such as patient's age, sex, time of ingestion, ingested dose, cause of poisoning, mean duration of hospitalization, patient's clinical presentations, laboratory findings, therapeutic measures, and patient's outcome have collected in a predesigned checklist. Results: A total of 144 patients including 111 men (77", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7a/8f/JRMS-19-855.PMC4268194.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5021926", "abstract": "Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which the adrenal cortex fails to respond appropriately to stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to produce cortisol. The disease is characterized in laboratory testing by glucocorticoid deficiency and markedly elevated ACTH levels. FGD may present in infancy or early childhood with symptoms related to low cortisol and high ACTH, such as hyperpigmentation, severe hypoglycemia, failure to thrive and recurrent infections. Mutations in the MC2R accessory protein (MRAP) cause FGD types 2, which accounts for approximately 15–20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f9/e4/main.PMC5021926.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4657070", "abstract": " Background     Aims. The currently available treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in children is costly and with much toxicity. So, predicting the likelihood of response before starting therapy is important. Methods. Serum adiponectin, vitamin D, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were measured before starting pegylated-interferon/ribavirin therapy for 50 children with CHC. Another 21 healthy children were recruited as controls. Results. Serum adiponectin, vitamin D, and AFP were higher in the CHC group than healthy controls (p < 0.0001, p = 0.071, and p = 0.87, resp.). In univariate analysis, serum adiponectin was significantly higher in responders than nonresponders (p < 0.0001) and at a cutoff value ≥8.04 ng/mL it can predict treatment response by 77.8", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4d/41/PMC4657070.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4395695", "abstract": "[Purpose] This study compared the energy expenditure during the Y-balance test (YBT) between elderly women with good binocular visual acuity (BVA) and those with poor BVA. [Subjects] Twenty-one elderly women who could walk independently were recruited from a community dwelling. Eleven participants had a BVA equal to or less than 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), and the other 10 participants had a BVA equal to or better than 0.3 logMAR. [Methods] The participants had an accelerometer attached over the L3 spinous process for measurement of energy expenditure and performed the YBT in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. [Results] The normalized reach distance in the good BVA group during the YBT in three directions and composite reach distance were significantly longer compared with the values in the poor BVA group. The energy expenditure in the good BVA group during the YBT in the three directions was significantly reduced compared with the values in the poor BVA group. [Conclusion] We suggest that visual acuity in the elderly influences dynamic balance and energy expenditure. Elderly subjects with poor BVA showed poor dynamic balance control and an inefficient biomechanical cost strategy compared to subjects with good BVA.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6e/b5/jpts-27-697.PMC4395695.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4709675", "abstract": "MicroRNA-378a (miR-378a, previously known as miR-378) is one of the small noncoding RNA molecules able to regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level. Its two mature strands, miR-378a-3p and miR-378a-5p, originate from the first intron of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 beta (ppargc1b) gene encoding PGC-1β. Embedding in the sequence of this transcriptional regulator of oxidative energy metabolism implies involvement of miR-378a in metabolic pathways, mitochondrial energy homeostasis, and related biological processes such as muscle development, differentiation, and regeneration. On the other hand, modulating the expression of proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, or interleukin-8, influencing inflammatory reaction, and affecting tumor suppressors, such as SuFu and Fus-1, miR-378a is considered as a part of an angiogenic network in tumors. In the latter, miR-378a can evoke broader actions by enhancing cell survival, reducing apoptosis, and promoting cell migration and invasion. This review describes the current knowledge on miR-378a linking oxidative/lipid metabolism, muscle biology, and blood vessel formation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/24/45/PMC4709675.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3658857", "abstract": "Clinical interventions using protein kinase C (PKC) modulators have been proposed for eradication of HIV-1-infected cellular reservoirs which persist in patients despite prolonged antiretroviral therapy. The effects of some of these agents have not been assessed in a developing vertebrate model. This study examines the developmental and toxicological effects of these compounds on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Treatment of zebrafish through the first week of development with various PKC pathway modulators did not elicit gross physical defects or elevated incidences of death at lower doses. Higher concentrations resulted in rapid death for both later-stage embryos and larvae. Each compound had a threshold dose for lethality. The defined nonlethal doses may be useful toward assessing the effects of modulating PKC activity on zebrafish development. They may further provide some guidance for the potential dosing of PKC modulators in clinical trials toward the goal of HIV-1 reservoir eradication.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7e/cb/PMC3658857.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4336919", "abstract": "Studies that have used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggest that individuals with psychoses have brain alterations, particularly in frontal and temporal cortices, and in the white matter tracts that connect them. Furthermore, these studies suggest that brain alterations may be particularly prominent, already at illness onset, in those individuals more likely to have poorer outcomes (eg, higher number of hospital admissions, and poorer symptom remission, level of functioning, and response to the first treatment with antipsychotic drugs). The fact that, even when present, these brain alterations are subtle and distributed in nature, has limited, until now, the utility of MRI in the clinical management of these disorders. More recently, MRI approaches, such as machine learning, have suggested that these neuroanatomical biomarkers can be used for direct clinical benefits. For example, using support vector machine, MRI data obtained at illness onset have been used to predict, with significant accuracy, whether a specific individual is likely to experience a remission of symptoms later on in the course of the illness. Taken together, this evidence suggests that validated, strong neuroanatomical markers could be used not only to inform tailored intervention strategies in a single individual, but also to allow patient stratification in clinical trials for new treatments.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3e/22/DialoguesClinNeurosci-16-491.PMC4336919.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3085236", "abstract": "Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate one-month hospital mortality in victims with injuries of the extremities. Methods: All accident victims admitted to the Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, during the period from July 2004 to June 2005, were evaluated in an observational study. Patients were classified using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Patients with severe injuries of the extremities (AIS 3–4) were compared with those without injuries or with minor extremity injuries (AIS 0–2). Results: A total of 3489 accident victims were evaluated; 3244 (92.98", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c5/72/PMC3085236.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2844596", "abstract": "To determine whether radical hysterectomy is necessary in the treatment of endometrial cancer patients with cervical involvement, we reviewed the medical records of women who underwent primary surgical treatment for endometrial carcinoma and selected patients with pathologically proven cervical invasion. Among 133 patients, 62 patients underwent extrafascial hysterectomy (EH) and 71 radical or modified radical hysterectomy (RH). The decision regarding EH or RH was made at the discretion of the attending surgeon. The sensitivity of pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging for cervical invasion was 44.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/10/ec/jkms-25-552.PMC2844596.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4207413", "abstract": "A new series of 2-pyrazolin-1-ylthiazoles 8a–d and 13–16 was synthesized by cyclization of N-thiocarboxamide-2-pyrazoline with different haloketones and 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses as well as NMR, IR, and mass spectral data. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities, and also their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against most of test organisms was performed. Amongst the tested ones, compound 8c displayed excellent antimicrobial activity.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ef/0f/PMC4207413.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4390675", "abstract": "Stress coping mechanisms are critical to minimize or overcome damage caused by ever changing environmental conditions. They are designed to promote cell survival. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway is mobilized in response to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, ultimately in order to regain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. Various elements of coping responses to ER stress including Perk, Ask1, Bip, Chop, Gadd34, Ire1, Atf4, Atf6, and Xbp1 have been identified and were found to be inducible in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, suggesting that, as a normal part of the cellular adaptive mechanism, these coping responses, including the UPR, play a pivotal role in the development of preimplantation embryos. As such, the UPR-associated molecules and pathways may become useful markers for the potential diagnosis of stress conditions for preimplantation embryos. After implantation, ER stress-induced coping responses become physiologically important for a normal decidual response, placentation, and early organogenesis. Attenuation of ER stress coping responses by tauroursodeoxycholate and salubrinal was effective for prevention of cell death of cultured embryos. Further elucidation of new and relevant ER stress coping responses in periimplantation embryos might contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the regulation of normal development of embryonic development and potentiation of embryonic development in vitro.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/db/cerm-42-1.PMC4390675.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4783484", "abstract": "Few preoperative extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) cases with pituitary adenoma have been reported. No such case had long follow-up to see the outcome of EPM. We reported a 38-year-old man complaining of nausea, malaise and transient loss of consciousness who was found to have severe hyponatremia. Neurologic deficits including altered mental status, behavioral disturbances, dysarthria and dysphagia developed despite slow correction of hyponatremia. Endocrine and imaging studies revealed hypopituitarism, nonfunctional pituitary macroadenoma and extrapontine myelinolysis. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed after three weeks of supportive therapy, when neurological symptoms improved significantly. The patient recovered function completely 3 months after surgery. Our case indicates that outcome of EPM can be good even with prolonged periods of severe neurologic impairment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/54/b4/jkns-59-161.PMC4783484.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3658369", "abstract": " Objective. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the link between the age of onset of mood disorders and the complexity of the personality traits. Methods. 209 patients with major depressive or manic/hypomanic episodes were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Axis I diagnoses and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Results. 17.2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/75/1e/PMC3658369.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3444000", "abstract": "Social activity is typically viewed as part of an engaged lifestyle that may help mitigate the deleterious effects of advanced age on cognitive function. As such, social activity has been examined in relation to cognitive abilities later in life. However, longitudinal evidence for this hypothesis thus far remains inconclusive. The current study sought to clarify the relationship between social activity and cognitive function over time using a coordinated data analysis approach across four longitudinal studies. A series of multilevel growth models with social activity included as a covariate is presented. Four domains of cognitive function were assessed: reasoning, memory, fluency, and semantic knowledge. Results suggest that baseline social activity is related to some, but not all, cognitive functions. Baseline social activity levels failed to predict rate of decline in most cognitive abilities. Changes in social activity were not consistently associated with cognitive functioning. Our findings do not provide consistent evidence that changes in social activity correspond to immediate benefits in cognitive functioning, except perhaps for verbal fluency.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/33/29/PMC3444000.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3136069", "abstract": "In a woman with severe Asherman's syndrome, curettage followed by placement of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) (IUCD with cyclical hormonal therapy) was tried for 6 months, for development of the endometrium. When this failed, autologous stem cells were tried as an alternative therapy. From adult autologous stem cells isolated from patient's own bone marrow, endometrial angiogenic stem cells were separated using immunomagnetic isolation. These cells were placed in the endometrial cavity under ultrasound guidance after curettage. Patient was then given cyclical hormonal therapy. Endometrium was assessed intermittently on ultrasound. On development of endometrium with a thickness of 8 mm and good vascularity, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer was done. This resulted in positive biochemical pregnancy followed by confirmation of gestational sac, yolk sac, and embryonic pole with cardiac activity on ultrasound. Endometrial angiogenic stem cells isolated from autologous adult stem cells could regenerate injured endometrium not responding to conventional treatment for Asherman's syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/61/07/JHRS-4-43.PMC3136069.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2636057", "abstract": "Background: Many eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) require vitreous surgery despite complete regression of new vessels with pan retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP). Changes in the vitreous caused by diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy may continue to progress independent of laser regressed status of retinopathy. Diabetic vitreopathy can be an independent manifestation of the disease process. Aim: To examine this concept by studying the long-term behavior of the vitreous in cases of PDR regressed with PRP. Materials and Methods: Seventy-four eyes with pure PDR (without clinically evident vitreous traction) showing fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) proven regression of new vessels following PRP were retrospectively studied out of a total of 1380 eyes photocoagulated between March 2001 and September 2006 for PDR of varying severity. Follow-up was available from one to four years. Results: Twenty-three percent of eyes showing FFA-proven regression of new vessels with laser required to undergo surgery for indications produced by vitreous traction such as recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, secondary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and tractional macular edema within one to four years. Conclusion: Vitreous changes continued to progress despite regression of PDR in many diabetics. We identifies this as “clinical diabetic vitreopathy” and propose an expanded classification for diabetic retinopathy to signify these changes and to redefine the indications for surgery.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/19/6a/IndianJOphthalmol-56-23.PMC2636057.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3670626", "abstract": "Primary adenocarcinoma of the trachea is extremely rare and a standard treatment does not exist due to nonavailability of evidence-based randomized control studies. This paper reports the case of a 60-year-old male, who presented with cough and occasional respiratory distress. Bronchoscopic examination and a computed tomography scan revealed a soft tissue mass in the trachea arising from the posterior tracheal wall. Cytological examination and immunochemistry confirmed primary adenocarcinoma of the trachea. Excision of the tumor followed by three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy was performed, and a dose of 56 Gy was delivered to the primary site. Two and a half years after treatment, the patient has no clinical or radiological evidence of the disease, and no late complication has occurred.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d8/38/cro-0006-0280.PMC3670626.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4426530", "abstract": "Vertebral artery compressing the medulla and causing intractable vomiting has only been reported once previously. We report a case of a 69-year-old woman with intractable nausea and vomiting causing a 50 pound weight loss and who failed medical management and whose symptoms were completely reversed following microvascular decompression (MVD).", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0f/b8/JCVJS-6-89.PMC4426530.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4303902", "abstract": "Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and life-altering disease that severely limits the daily activities of millions of Americans, and it is one of the most common causes of disability in the world. With obesity on the rise and the world’s population living longer, the prevalence of OA is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades, generating burdensome socioeconomic costs. This review summarizes current pharmaceutical, nonpharmaceutical, and prospective new treatments for OA, with primary focus on the dietary supplement avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). ASU modulates OA pathogenesis by inhibiting a number of molecules and pathways implicated in OA. Anticatabolic properties prevent cartilage degradation by inhibiting the release and activity of matrix metalloproteinases and increasing tissue inhibitors of these catabolic enzymes. ASU also inhibits fibrinolysis by stimulating the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor. Anabolic properties promote cartilage repair by stimulating collagen and aggrecan synthesis via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor, ERK, and prostaglandin E2. Chondroprotective effects are mediated by correcting growth factor abnormalities, increasing TGF-β, and decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial fluid. ASU also inhibits cholesterol absorption and endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis, which mediate reactive oxygen species pathology in chondrocytes. At the clinical level, ASU reduces pain and stiffness while improving joint function, resulting in decreased dependence on analgesics.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/92/df/PMC4303902.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4755982", "abstract": "[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of wearing the tight pants on the trunk flexion and pelvic tilting angles in the stand-to-sit movement and a seated posture. [Subjects] Nine male subjects were recruited. [Methods] The trunk flexion angle and pelvic posterior tilting angle were measured using a motion-capture system during the stand-to-sit movement and in a seated posture. [Results] The trunk flexion and the posterior pelvic tilting angles during the stand-to-sit movement and in the seated posture when wearing tight pants significantly increased compared with those when wearing of general pants. [Conclusion] Therefore, wearing tight pants could produce musculoskeletal disorders via abnormal movement and posture in the lumbar spine and pelvis. So the effects of wearing tight pants need to be investigated in further studies to reveal their direct relationship to musculoskeletal problems.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4d/c3/jpts-28-093.PMC4755982.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2931378", "abstract": "The challenges of lung cancer radiotherapy are intra/inter-fraction tumor/organ anatomy/motion changes and the need to spare surrounding critical structures. Evolving radiotherapy technologies, such as four-dimensional (4D) image-based motion management, daily on-board imaging and adaptive radiotherapy based on volumetric images over the course of radiotherapy, have enabled us to deliver higher dose to target while minimizing normal tissue toxicities. The image-guided radiotherapy adapted to changes of motion and anatomy has made the radiotherapy more precise and allowed ablative dose delivered to the target using novel treatment approaches such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and proton therapy in lung cancer, techniques used to be considered very sensitive to motion change. Future clinical trials using real time tracking and biological adaptive radiotherapy based on functional images are proposed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/b1/d4/PMC2931378.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4196300", "abstract": "Chondrolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors characterized by the proliferation of mature adipocytes associated with variable amounts of mature cartilaginous tissue. Herein, we describe a case of chondrolipoma of the tongue in a 35-year-old Indian male. The lesion presented as a nodular, sessile, pink mass on posterio-dorsal surface of left side of the tongue since approximately 20 years. Histopathologically, the mass revealed a well circumscribed, encapsulated proliferation of mature adipocytes with islands of well formed mature cartilaginous tissue. Chondrolipomas are uncommon in the oral cavity, with only 14 cases being reported in the English literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f4/9d/JOMFP-18-276.PMC4196300.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3921282", "abstract": "Ossified lipoma or osteolipoma are rarely reported. It is defined as a histologic variant of lipoma that has undergone osseous metaplasia. Osteolipoma presents with a dominant osseous component within a lipoma. We report a case of a histologically confirmed osteolipoma on the nuchal ligament independent of bone. The patient was a 51-year-old female who presented with a 5-year history of a painless, progressively enlarging mass on the posterior neck. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a circumscribed mass compatible with fat between the C2 and C6 spinous processes with a large calcified irregular component. The mass with dual components was totally removed under general anesthesia and no recurrence was observed after 6 months of follow-up. We also reviewed the clinicopathologic features of previously reported osteolipomas in the literature and suggest that although osteolipoma is a rare variant of lipoma, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a lipoma of the posterior neck mixed with a bony component is encountered.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0e/cc/jkns-54-518.PMC3921282.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3355635", "abstract": "In classical proteome analyses, final experimental data are (a) images of 2D protein separations obtained by gel electrophoresis and (b) corresponding lists of proteins which were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). For data annotation, software tools were developed which allow the linking of protein identity data directly to 2D gels (“clickable gels”). GelMap is a new online software tool to annotate 2D protein maps. It allows (i) functional annotation of all identified proteins according to biological categories defined by the user, e.g., subcellular localization, metabolic pathway, or assignment to a protein complex and (ii) annotation of several proteins per analyzed protein “spot” according to MS primary data. Options to differentially display proteins of functional categories offer new opportunities for data evaluation. For instance, if used for the annotation of 2D Blue native/SDS gels, GelMap allows the identification of protein complexes of low abundance. A web portal has been established for presentation and evaluation of protein identity data related to 2D gels and is freely accessible at .", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ec/27/fpls-03-00087.PMC3355635.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2730594", "abstract": "We propose a constrained version of Mumford and Shah's (1989) segmentation model with an information-theoretic point of view in order to devise a systematic procedure to segment brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for parametric T1-Map and T1-weighted images, in both 2-D and 3D settings. Incorporation of a tuning weight in particular adds a probabilistic flavor to our segmentation method, and makes the 3-tissue segmentation possible. Moreover, we proposed a novel method to jointly segment the T1-Map and calibrate RF Inhomogeneity (JSRIC). This method assumes the average T1 value of white matter is the same across transverse slices in the central brain region, and JSRIC is able to rectify the flip angles to generate calibrated T1-Maps. In order to generate an accurate T1-Map, the determination of optimal flip-angles and the registration of flip-angle images are examined. Our JSRIC method is validated on two human subjects in the 2D T1-Map modality and our segmentation method is validated by two public databases, BrainWeb and IBSR, of T1-weighted modality in the 3D setting.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/dd/f3/PMC2730594.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4733706", "abstract": "Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive technique used to alter cortex excitability that has been proposed as an efficient method for treating brain hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-frequency rTMS could have any beneficial effects in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Fourteen patients with RLS were given high-frequency rTMS (15 Hz, 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/df/41/CMJ-128-1728.PMC4733706.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC161823", "abstract": "Background Malaria control programmes utilising indoor residual spraying are only effective if a high coverage of targeted structures is achieved and an insecticide that is effective against the specific mosquito vector is correctly applied. Ongoing monitoring of spraying operations is essential to assure optimal programme performance and early corrective action, where indicated. Methods Successful development and application of a computerised spraying operations management system in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa during 1998 resulted in its adaptation and introduction in neighbouring Maputo Province, southern Mozambique during 2000. The structure and components of this computerised management system are described, and its' operational benefit in southern Mozambique, where community-based spray operators apply intradomiciliary insecticide, are reviewed. Conclusions The computerised management system allowed malaria programme management and field supervisors to monitor spraying coverage, insecticide consumption and application rates on an ongoing basis. The system supported a successful transition to community-based spraying, while assuring correct insecticide application and spraying completion according to schedule.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c7/05/PMC161823.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2801018", "abstract": "Genital TB may present as on abdominopelvic mass mimicking ovarian malignancy because clinical and laboratory findings are similar. Family history is very important and should be considered for differential diagnosis. Three cases of genital TB with presentation of abdominopelvic masses and with no signs and symptoms of TB were presented. Two of them had positive family history of pulmonary TB. Tissue diagnosis was the best method for diagnosis of genital TB, but it should be reminded that if positive family history of TB was present, mini laparotomy should be done to take biopsy and to make rapid diagnosis before treatment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ad/ac/PMC2801018.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4905905", "abstract": "[Purpose] The effects of various rhythmic auditory stimulation tempos on stroke gait pattern changes when training patients with a smartphone-based rhythmic auditory stimulation application were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen patients with chronic stroke were included. Cadence during comfortable walking was measured (baseline). After the baseline findings were recorded, rhythmic auditory stimulation with five different tempos (i.e., −10", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e3/a2/jpts-28-1538.PMC4905905.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4245869", "abstract": "Objective This study was designed to evaluate, histomorphometrically, the association of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bioactive glass (BG) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. Material and Methods Nine mongrel dogs were included in the study. Three-wall intrabony defects were surgically created at the mesial and distal aspect of first mandibular molar and exposed to plaque accumulation for 1 month. The defects were randomly assigned to the groups: control, BG, PRP, PRP+BG. Dogs were sacrificed 90 days after the surgeries. The histometric parameters evaluated were: length of sulcular and junctional epithelium, connective tissue adaptation, new cementum, new bone, defect extension and area of new bone filling the defect. Results A superior area of new bone was observed in PRP+BG and BG (13.80±2.32 mm2 and 15.63±2.64 mm2, respectively) when compared to the other groups (8.19±1.46 mm2 and 8.81±1.47 mm2 for control and PRP, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the remaining parameters. Conclusion Within the limits of this study, it may be concluded that PRP failed to provide statistically significant improvements in the histometric parameters.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/45/40/jaos-19-01-0082.PMC4245869.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3703333", "abstract": " Aims. To seek high risk population for diabetes and to improve their health care by investigating the characteristics and outcome of hospitalization in hospitals with predominant Arab patients in Northern Israel. Methods. Retrospective analysis of the prevalence of diabetes and the outcome of diabetic in comparison to nondiabetic patients hospitalized in the internal medicine and intensive cardiac units in two major hospitals with one-year postdischarge data between 1.1.2009 and 31.12.2009. Results. Thirty-nine percent of the patients were diagnosed with diabetes. The preponderance of women in the diabetes group was noted. Diabetic patients had an increase in the duration of hospitalization (P = 0.0008), with one hospital having a high readmission rate for the diabetic patients. The average glycemia during hospitalization exceeded the recommended threshold of 180 mg", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/88/e6/PMC3703333.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3841272", "abstract": "Objective MR perfusion and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) are well known imaging studies to evaluate hemodynamic change between prior to and following superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis in moyamoya disease. But their side effects and invasiveness make discomfort to patients. We evaluated the ivy sign on MR fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images in adult patients with moyamoya disease and compared it with result of SPECT and MR perfusion images. Methods We enrolled twelve patients (thirteen cases) who were diagnosed with moyamoya disease and underwent STA-MCA anastomosis at our medical institution during a period ranging from September of 2010 to December of 2012. The presence of the ivy sign on MR FLAIR images was classified as Negative (0), Minimal (1), and Positive (2). Regions were classified into four territories: the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), the anterior MCA, the posterior MCA and the posterior cerebral artery. Results Ivy signs on preoperative and postoperative MR FLAIR were improved (8 and 4 in the ACA regions, 13 and 4 in the anterior MCA regions and 19 and 9 in the posterior MCA regions). Like this result, the cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) on SPECT was significantly increased in the sum of CVR in same regions after STA-MCA anastomosis. Conclusion After STA-MCA anastomosis, ivy signs were decreased in the cerebral hemisphere. As compared with conventional diagnostic modalities such as SPECT and MR perfusion images, the ivy sign on MR FLAIR is considered as a useful indicator in detecting brain hemodynamic changes between preoperatively and postoperatively in adult moyamoya patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/37/jkns-54-302.PMC3841272.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1559914", "abstract": "Studies during the last two decades have provided new insights into the molecular mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the milestone findings in AD research was the demonstration that neurofibrillary degeneration characterized by tau pathology is central to the pathogenesis of AD and other tauopathies and that abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau is pivotal to neurofibrillary degeneration. This article reviews the recent research advances in tau pathology and the underlying dysregulation of the protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation system. An updated model of the mechanism of neurofibrillary degeneration is also presented, and a promising therapeutic target to treat AD by correcting dysregulation of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3f/4d/PMC1559914.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5079701", "abstract": "Background The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the risk of developing noninfectious rhinitis (NIR) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and methods This is a longitudinal population-based study comprising 3,612 randomly selected subjects from Gothenburg, Sweden, aged 25–75 years. Lung function was measured at baseline with spirometry and the included subjects answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. At follow-up, the subjects answered a questionnaire with a response rate of 87", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/ef/copd-11-2617.PMC5079701.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5270607", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Fas ligand (FasL) and its receptor Fas have been implicated in granulosa cell apoptosis during follicular atresia. Although interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is believed to be involved in the regulation Fas expression in differentiated granulosa or granulosa-luteal cells, the expression of this cytokine and its role in the regulation of the granulosa cell Fas/FasL system and apoptosis during follicular maturation have not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we have examined the presence of IFN-γ in ovarian follicles at different stage of development by immunohistochemistry and related their relative intensities with follicular expression of Fas and FasL, and with differences in granulosa cell sensitivity to Fas activation by exogenous agonistic Anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (Fas mAb). Although IFN-γ immunostaining was detectable in oocyte and granulosa cells in antral follicles, most intense immunoreactivity for the cytokine was observed in these cells of preantral follicles. Intense immunoreactivity for IFN-γ was most evident in granulosa cells of atretic early antral follicles where increased Fas and FasL expression and apoptosis were also observed. Whereas low concentrations of IFN-γ (10-100 U/mL) significantly increased Fas expression in undifferentiated granulosa cells (from preantral or very early antral follicles) in vitro, very higher concentrations (≥ 1,000 U/mL) were required to up-regulate of Fas in differentiated cells isolated from eCG-primed (antral) follicles. Addition of agonistic Fas mAb to cultures of granulosa cells at the two stages of differentiation and pretreated with IFN-γ (100 U/mL) elicited morphological and biochemical apoptotic features which were more prominent in cells not previously exposed to the gonadotropin in vivo. These findings suggested that IFN-γ is an important physiologic intra-ovarian regulator of follicular atresia and plays a pivotal role in regulation of expression of Fas receptor and subsequent apoptotic response in undifferentiated (or poorly differentiated) granulosa cells at an early (penultimate) stage of follicular development.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2a/bf/dr-20-4-315.PMC5270607.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3818821", "abstract": "Skin metastases are rare in the routine clinical practice of dermatology, but are of major clinical significance because they usually indicate advanced disease. We reviewed the literature on skin metastasis regarding recent trends in clinical presentation and diagnosis of the most common cutaneous lesions. An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed from May 26, 2011 to July 16, 2013 relating cutaneous metastases. Articles chosen for reference were queried with the following prompts: “Cutaneous metastases”, “clinical presentation”, “histological features”, and “immunohistochemistry”. Further searches included “treatment” and “management” options for “metastatic breast”, “metastatic colorectal”, “metastatic melanoma”, “metastatic lung”, and “hematologic cancers.” We also reviewed the literature on the current management of melanoma as a model for all cutaneous metastatic disease. Our own clinical findings are presented and compared to the literature. Additionally, we highlight the most useful immunohistochemical studies that aid in diagnoses. Several novel therapies and combination therapies such as electrochemotherapy, vemurafenib, and imiquimod will be discussed for palliative treatment of cancers that have been found to improve cutaneous lesions. We review these notable findings and developments regarding skin metastases for the general dermatologist.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/58/NAJMS-5-499.PMC3818821.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4966376", "abstract": "Aim of study: The aim of this study is to assess wavefront aberration and contrast sensitivity (CS) after implantation of foldable iris claw – artiflex- and rigid iris claw – artisan- phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). Materials and Methods: A nonrandomized prospective comparative case study was performed on 57 eyes; of which, 54 were myopia and 3 were hyperopia. Twenty-four patients had artisan pIOL implantation and 33 had artiflex pIOL implantation. Higher-order aberration (HOA) and CS were obtained 1 year after surgery. Results: Total HOA in artisan group was greater than artiflex group (P = 0.044) with a mean HOA of 0.44 ± 0.15 root mean square (RMS) for artisan and 0.35 ± 0.15 RMS for artiflex. Although, there were no significant differences in the vertical trefoil, vertical coma, horizontal trefoil, horizontal coma, secondary astigmatism, quatrefoil, and fourth order spherical aberration in two groups. CS in mesopic conditions was better in artiflex-treated eyes at three spatial frequencies of 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) (P = 0.003, P = 0.007, and P = 0.00, respectively), and no significant difference was seen between two lenses at 3 cpd. Conclusion: Although the components of HOA were not significantly different between two groups, total HOA was higher in artisan group, which may be due to the slight differences in each component, increasing the HOA as a total. CS was significantly better in artiflex group.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f7/07/IJO-64-382.PMC4966376.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3719107", "abstract": "Distorted sex ratios occur in hematologic disorders. For example, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) displays disproportionate sex ratios with a large male excess. However, the underlying genetics for these disparities are poorly understood, and gender differences for specific cytogenetic abnormalities have not been carefully investigated. We sought to provide an initial characterization of gender representation in genetic abnormalities in CLL by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We confirm the well known skewed male-tofemale (M/F sex ratio) of  1.5 in our CLL study population, but also determine the genotypic M/F sex ratio values corresponding to specific FISH DNA probes. Genetic changes in CLL detectable by four FISH probes were statistically compared with respect to gender. Initial FISH evaluations of 4698 CLL patients were retrospectively examined and new findings of the genotypic M/F sex ratios for these probes are reported. This study represents the largest CLL survey conducted in the United States using FISH probes. The CLL database demonstrated that FISH abnormalities (trisomy 12, 13q14.3 deletion and 17p13.1 deletion) probes had skewed M/F ratios of  1.5. Also, by statistical analysis it was shown that ATM gene loss (11q22.3q23.1 deletion) solely or with other abnormalities was considerably higher in males with an M/F ratio of 2.5 and significantly different from M/F ratios of 1.0 or 1.5. We hypothesize that interactions involving these autosomal abnormalities (trisomy 12, and deletions of 11q22.3, 13q14.3, and 17p13.1), and the sex chromosomes may provide the genetic basis for the altered phenotypic M/F ratio in CLL.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/df/a3/PMC3719107.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3883340", "abstract": "Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a localized resorptive process that commences on the surface of the root below the epithelial attachment and the coronal aspect of the supporting alveolar process, namely the zone of the connective tissue attachment’ early diagnosis, elimination of the resorption and restorative management are the keys to a successful outcome. Treatment done was a combined non-surgical root canal therapy, surgical treatment to expose the resorptive defect and the resorptive defect was filled up with reverse sandwich technique and finally the bony defect filled with platelet rich fibrin (PRF), hydroxylapatite and PRF membrane. Significant bone fill was obtained in our case after a 2 year follow-up period. This case report presents a treatment strategy that might improve the healing outcomes for patients with ICR.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/11/92/CCD-4-536.PMC3883340.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4085205", "abstract": " [Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effect of an 8-week program of joint mobilization on changes in pelvic obliquity and pain level in seventeen female university students aged in their 20’s with sacroiliac joint dysfunction by dividing them into two groups: a joint mobilization group (MWM) and a control group. [Subjects] Seventeen subjects were selected from female university students aged in their 20’s attending N University in Cheon-An City, Korea, The subjects had sacroiliac joint syndrome, but experienced no problems with daily living and had no previous experience of joint mobilization exercise. The subjects were randomly assigned to a joint mobilization group of eight and a control group of nine who performed joint mobilization exercise. [Methods] Body fat and lean body mass were measured using InBody 7.0 (Biospace, Korea). The Direct Segmental Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Method (DSM-BIA) was used for body composition measurement. A pressure footstool (Pedoscan, DIERS, Germany) and a trunk measurement system (Formetric 4D, DIERS, Germany), a 3D image processing apparatus with high resolution for vertebrae, were used to measure 3D trunk images of the vertebrae and pelvis obliquity, as well as static balance ability. [Result] The MWM group showed a significantly better Balance than the control group. In addition, the results of the left/right and the front/rear balance abilities were significantly better than those of the control group. [Conclusion] This study proved that a combination of mobilization with movement and functional training was effective in reducing pelvis malposition and pain, and improving static stability control.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a5/c6/jpts-26-845.PMC4085205.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4193081", "abstract": "Under Medicare, swing beds are beds that can be used by small rural hospitals to furnish both acute and post-acute care. The swing-bed program was instituted under the provisions of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-499). Under Medicare, post-acute care in the hospital would be covered as services equivalent to skilled nursing facility level of care. Data show that the program has had a rapid rate of growth. By 1987, swing beds accounted for 9.7 percent of the admissions to skilled nursing facility services, 6.0 percent of the covered days of care, and 6.2 percent of the reimbursements. Over one-half of the swing-bed services are furnished in the North Central States.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/c3/33/PMC4193081.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4897584", "abstract": "We deal with the new class of pre-ℐ-regular pre-ℐ-open sets in which the notion of pre-ℐ-open set is involved. We characterize these sets and study some of their fundamental properties. We also present other notions called extremally pre-ℐ-disconnectedness, locally pre-ℐ-indiscreetness, and pre-ℐ-regular sets by utilizing the notion of pre-ℐ-open and pre-ℐ-closed sets by which we obtain some equivalence relation for pre-ℐ-regular pre-ℐ-open sets.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/4e/PMC4897584.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4211521", "abstract": "Lichen sclerosus et atrophicans (LSA) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology, characterized by atrophy. We report a case of LSA with frontoparietal distribution, mimicking scleroderma en coup de sabre, causing scarring alopecia. The case was associated with Borrelia infection. The lesion improved with 2 cycles of antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone 2 gr/day i.v for 21 days associated with UVA-1 therapy and local and systemic vitamin E supply (400 mg 2x/day per os for 3 months). This case stresses the importance of identifying clinical manifestations associated with Lyme disease and the use of tissue PCR to detect borrelial DNA in patients with these lesions, but characterized by negative serology for Borrelia.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/29/a7/PMC4211521.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4325414", "abstract": "Background: Nurses as the major group of health service providers need to have a satisfactory quality of work life in order to give desirable care to the patients. Workplace violence is one of the most important factors that cause decline in the quality of work life. This study aimed to determine the quality of work life of nurses in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and its relationship with workplace violence. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-correlational study. A sample of 186 registered nurses was enrolled in the study using quota sampling method. The research instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: Demographic information, quality of work life, and workplace violence. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS version 16. Results: The subjects consisted of 26.9", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/eb/6d/IJNMR-20-56.PMC4325414.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3066627", "abstract": "The primary aim of this study was to compare the experience of an early abortion (1st trimester) to a late abortion (2nd and 3rd trimester) relative to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms after controlling for socio-demographic and personal history variables. Online surveys were completed by 374 women who experienced either a 1st trimester abortion (up to 12 weeks gestation) or a 2nd or 3rd trimester abortion (13 weeks gestation or beyond). Most respondents (81", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ba/41/PMC3066627.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4610882", "abstract": "Patient adherence to many osteoporosis treatments, primarily bisphosphonates, is generally poor, thus leading to a significant reduction in antifracture efficacy. Patient perceptions about the necessity of the prescribed medication to treat osteoporosis and the concerns about the potential adverse effects are important and potentially modifiable determinants of adherence, in addition to other factors, such as difficult dosing regimens and high dosing frequency. Denosumab (Dmab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which, through the prevention of the RANKL/RANK interaction, inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and significantly reduces the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures. It is administered subcutaneously every 6 months for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Preference and adherence to Dmab treatment were assessed in various clinical trials. Although with some limitations, available data suggest that Dmab is preferred to bisphosphonates, produces greater satisfaction than bisphosphonates, and would be preferentially chosen for long-term treatment. Moreover, patient perceptions about the necessity of Dmab treatment clearly outweigh the concerns about the injections, and positive beliefs about treatment positively influence medication-taking behavior. According to these data, Dmab may represent a reasonable alternative to bisphosphonates, particularly for osteoporotic women in whom a suboptimal or even poor adherence to oral treatments is expected.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/c3/ijwh-7-833.PMC4610882.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3664198", "abstract": "Otology concerns the biological study of ear alterations and diseases, solely. So, the diagnosis of audiovestibular diseases tends to be idiopathic or is based on theoretical concepts such as idiopathic sudden deafness, Ménière disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, tinnitus, hyperacusis, or idiopathic facial paralysis. The treatment for these pathologies is symptomatic. Otosociology takes the aetiology and pathogenesis of the ear and situates them within the social and cultural environment of the patient. Then, audiovestibular disease is based on evidence, and the treatment options seek to solve the causes and consequences produced. Otosociology should be considered as a new discipline. Otosociology came into being since otology does not provide definitive solutions for the audiovestibular alterations produced from the point of view of the ear, whereas otosociology finds these solutions within the social/cultural environment of the patient. Where otology emphasises the diseases of the ear, otosociology deals with social manifestations. Where otology deals with idiopathic diseases, otosociology deals with causes and pathogeny produced by interactions in the social and cultural surroundings of the patient. Where otology offers symptomatic treatment, otosociology offers treatment of causes and consequences. Otosociology can fill significant voids in audiovestibular processes from the perspective of the patient's social environment.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ab/ac/PMC3664198.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4929382", "abstract": "Oesophageal involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) is uncommon and most often accompanied by involvement of more distal parts. Its presentation is mostly non-specific, and therefore a diagnosis, especially in isolated oesophageal disease, is difficult. We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient who was referred to our gastroenterology department because of a para-oesophageal abscess. Under antibiotic treatment the abscess healed, but despite great diagnostic efforts, its aetiology remained unclear. Three years later the patient was hospitalized again because of an abscess at the same site. Endoscopy showed disseminated ulcerations of the lower oesophagus, raising suspicion of CD. After excluding other possible causes, we made the diagnosis of isolated CD of the oesophagus. We review the available literature on this topic and discuss the clinical presentation, symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histology as well as treatment of oesophageal CD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/91/ee/crg-0010-0132.PMC4929382.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3728615", "abstract": "Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with pleural effusion is extremely rare. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for spreading erythema on his trunk and extremities, as well as dyspnea. One year before admission, he had visited us with a 1-year history of erythema and purpura on his legs and occasional fever. Given the diagnosis of APS, we initiated a combination therapy of aspirin and warfarin, but the skin lesions had gradually worsened. A biopsy specimen revealed marked thrombosis in the dermal and subcutaneous small vessels. In addition, chest X-ray and computed tomography demonstrated a large pleural effusion in the left lung. He underwent repeated drainage of the pleural effusion but the effusion recurred. We added oral prednisolone 30 mg daily to his prior anticoagulant therapy. The skin lesions and pleural effusion rapidly improved and disappeared without any complication. Corticosteroids might be a choice of treatment for intractable pleural effusion in APS patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/55/ef/cde-0005-0198.PMC3728615.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3931269", "abstract": "Purpose: To assess the patterns of use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapeutic agents in New Zealand men with prostate cancer. Methods: Men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2006 and 2011 were identified from the New Zealand Cancer Registry. Through data linkage with the Pharmaceutical Collection and the National Minimum Dataset information on subsidised anti-androgens, luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, chemotherapeutic agents, and orchidectomy was retrieved. The frequency of ADT and chemotherapy use in the first year post-diagnosis was assessed by patients' age, ethnicity, and extent of disease at diagnosis. Results: The study population included 15,947 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, of whom 4978 (31", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/89/jcav05p0214.PMC3931269.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4752070", "abstract": "Objective  To describe the surgical technique and initial experience with a single-port retroperitoneal renal biopsy (SPRRB). Materials and Methods  Between January and April 2013, five children underwent SPRRB in our hospital. A single 1.5 cm incision was performed under the 12th rib at mid-axillary line, and an 11 mm trocar was inserted. A nephroscope was used to identify the kidney and dissect the perirenal fat. After lower pole exposure, a laparoscopic biopsy forceps was introduced through the nephroscope working channel to collect a renal tissue sample. Results  SPRRB was successfully performed in five children. The mean operative time was 32 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was less than 10 mL. The hospital stay of all patients was two days because they were discharged in the second postoperative day, after remaining at strict bed rest for 24 hours after the procedure. The average number of glomeruli present in the specimen was 31. Conclusion  SPRRB is a simple, safe and reliable alternative to open and videolaparoscopic approaches to surgical renal biopsy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/08/95/1677-5538-ibju-41-1-0168.PMC4752070.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3448224", "abstract": "Objective Sweat chloride measurement is considered a standard diagnostic tool for cystic fibrosis (CF). This study was performed to compare sweat chloride values obtained by quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis (classic test) with sweat crystallization detected by direct observation of a drop of perspiration under light microscopy in patients with and without CF. Methods The tests using both techniques were performed simultaneously in patients with and without CF. Cutoff values of ≥60 mmol/L of chloride concentration for the classic sweat test was considered for diagnosis of CF. In crystallization method, observation of typical dendritic forms of salt crystals under light microscopy was interpreted positive. Findings Sixty patients suspected to CF (31 males and 29 females) with age range of 9 months to 2 years underwent the sweat test using both techniques. Median sweat chloride values was 26.13+10.85 in group with negative and 72.76+12.78 mmol/L in group with positive sweat test, respectively. All the patients who had positive sweat test in classic method showed typical dendritic forms of salt crystal in sweat crystallization test, which provided the test with 100", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/ca/IJPD-22-102.PMC3448224.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4327495", "abstract": "Objectives a) to evaluate the interexaminer reliability in caries detection considering different diagnostic thresholds and b) to indicate, by using Kappa statistics, the best way of measuring interexaminer agreement during the calibration process in dental caries surveys. Methods Eleven dentists participated in the initial training, which was divided into theoretical discussions and practical activities, and calibration exercises, performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the initial training. For the examinations of 6-7-year-old schoolchildren, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations were followed and different diagnostic thresholds were used: WHO (decayed/missing/filled teeth – DMFT index) and WHO + IL (initial lesion) diagnostic thresholds. The interexaminer reliability was calculated by Kappa statistics, according to WHO and WHO+IL thresholds considering: a) the entire dentition; b) upper/lower jaws; c) sextants; d) each tooth individually. Results Interexaminer reliability was high for both diagnostic thresholds; nevertheless, it decreased in all calibration sections when considering teeth individually. Conclusion The interexaminer reliability was possible during the period of 6 months, under both caries diagnosis thresholds. However, great disagreement was observed for posterior teeth, especially using the WHO+IL criteria. Analysis considering dental elements individually was the best way of detecting interexaminer disagreement during the calibration sections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b7/a7/1678-7757-jaos-15-06-0480.PMC4327495.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5054131", "abstract": "We developed an R function named “microarray outlier filter” (MOF) to assist in the identification of failed arrays. In sorting a group of similar arrays by the likelihood of failure, two statistical indices were employed: the correlation coefficient and the percentage of outlier spots. MOF can be used to monitor the quality of microarray data for both trouble shooting, and to eliminate bad datasets from downstream analysis. The function is freely avaliable at http://www.wriwindber.org/applications/mof/.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8b/d5/main.PMC5054131.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3134184", "abstract": "Inflammation is a defensive process against tissue injury. Once this self-protective strategy is initiated, an effective resolution of the process is crucial to avoid major and unnecessary tissue damage. If the underlying event inducing inflammation is not addressed and homeostasis is not restored, this process can become chronic and lead to angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein involved in angiogenesis, cancer, and inflammation. The effects of TSP-1 have been studied in many preclinical tumor models, and mimetic peptides are being tested in cancer clinical trials. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining its role in inflammatory processes are not well understood. This paper will discuss the role of TSP-1 in inflammation and its interaction with key receptors that may explain its functions in that process. Recent literature will be reviewed showing novel mechanisms by which this multifaceted protein could modulate the inflammatory process and impact its resolution.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/38/ba/PMC3134184.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5210340", "abstract": "Background The safety and effectiveness of the fully repositionable LOTUS valve system as compared with the balloon‐expandable Edwards SAPIEN 3 prosthesis for the treatment of aortic stenosis has not been evaluated to date. Methods and Results All patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 or the LOTUS valve system were included into the Swiss Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Registry. An adjusted analysis was performed to compare the early clinical safety outcome according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 definition. Between February 2014 and September 2015, 140 and 815 patients were treated with the LOTUS and the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve, respectively. There was no difference in crude and adjusted analyses of the early safety outcome between patients treated with LOTUS (14.3", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/57/38/JAH3-5-e004088.PMC5210340.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3361181", "abstract": " Background. Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone shown to be related to several metabolic, inflammatory, and hemostatic factors related to chronic kidney disease. Recent animal studies have reported that infusion of recombinant leptin into normal rats for 3 weeks fosters the development of glomerulosclerosis. However, few studies have examined the association between leptin and CKD in humans. Therefore, we examined the association between plasma leptin levels and CKD in a representative sample of US adults. Methods. We examined the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants >20 years of age (n = 5820, 53.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/05/c0/PMC3361181.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5219563", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Background: Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by a decrease in the thyroid gland hormones. This disease is very common at all age ranges. Regarding its long term therapeutic procedure, this disease can affect the quality of life and the mental health of the patients. The present study aimed to compare the quality of life and mental health in hypothyroid patients and normal people.  Methods:  This descriptive-analytic investigation was performed using convenience sampling on 95 patients with hypothyroidism and 95 normal cases referring to Motahari clinic between October 2014 and August 2015. Data were collected through General Health Questionnaire (consisted of 4 fields; physical signs, anxiety, social function disorder, depression) and Quality of life Questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Independent t- test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Variance analysis. P-values<0.05 were considered as significant.   Results:  Both control (normal) and test (patient) groups were matched in demographic characteristics in this study (P>0.001). The results showed that there was no significant difference between the quality of life of patients and that of the normal people (test and control groups) (P>0.001). But the comparison of mental health level of patients (59.70) and normal people (48.68) showed a significant difference at all aspects (P<0.001)  Conclusion: Considering and improving the mental health status of such patients can be positively effective in their treatment procedure. Considering this key point in a country like Iran with rich religious backgrounds can be useful in designing self-care and therapeutic programs and even for all people.  ", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/1a/IJCBNM-5-30.PMC5219563.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4897541", "abstract": "For the treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), pharmacological induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production may be a promising approach. To date, numerous studies have been done on identifying the novel HbF-inducing agents and understanding the underlying mechanism for stimulating the HbF production. In this review, we have summarized the identified HbF-inducing agents by far. By examining the action mechanisms of the HbF-inducing agents, various studies have suggested that despite the ability of stimulating HbF production, the chemotherapeutic agents could not be practically applied for treating β-hemoglobinopathies, especially β-thalassemia, due to the their cytotoxicity and growth-inhibitory effect. Owing to this therapeutic obstacle, much effort has been put on identifying new HbF-inducing agents from the natural world with the combination of efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Therefore, this review aims to (i) reveal the novel screening platforms for identifying potential inducers with high efficiency and accuracy and to (ii) summarize the new identified natural remedies for stimulating HbF production. Hopefully, this review can provide a new insight into the current status and future perspectives in fetal hemoglobin reactivation for treating β-thalassaemia and SCD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3b/fb/PMC4897541.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4672978", "abstract": "Right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery is a rare anomaly. The incidence of bilateral ductus arteriosus is sporadic, and a right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus is therefore extremely rare. Since the symptoms and signs of isolation of the left subclavian artery can include the absence or underdevelopment of the left arm, subclavian steal syndrome, or pulmonary artery steal syndrome, the proper therapeutic approach is controversial. We report a case in which surgical reconstruction was used to treat isolation of the left subclavian artery with right aortic arch in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus and a ventricular septal defect.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/34/c9/PMC4672978.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5346607", "abstract": "Purpose The aim of this study was to retrospectively observe and analyze the long-term treatment outcomes of 191 elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) who were treated with californium-252 (252Cf) neutron brachytherapy (NBT) in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Material and methods From January 2002 to November 2012, 191 patients with ESCC underwent NBT in combination with EBRT. The total radiation dose to the reference point via NBT was 8-25 Gy-eq in two to five fractions with one fraction per week. The total dose via EBRT was 50-60 Gy, which was delivered over a period of 5 to 6 weeks with normal fractionation. Results The median survival time for the 191 patients was 23.6 months, and the 5-year rates for overall survival (OS) and local-regional control (LRC) were 28.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/3d/JCB-9-29468.PMC5346607.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4322023", "abstract": "[Purpose] The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on intestinal Calcium (Ca) absorption in estrogen deficiency state has not been studied yet. We examined the bone mineral content (BMC) of lumbar spine and Ca balance such as intestinal Ca absorption and Ca accumulation in ovariectomized (OVX) rats after 8 weeks of DHEA administration. [Methods] Seventeen female Sprague-Dawley rats, 6 weeks old, were randomized into two groups: OVX control rats (OC, n = 8) and OVX rats with DHEA treatment (OD, n = 9). DHEA was administered to the OD group intraperitoneally at 20 mg DHEA/kg body weight for 8 weeks while the OC group was treated with vehicle only. [Results] The BMC normalized by body weight of the lumbar spine (trabecular-abundant region) in the OD group was found to be significantly higher compared to that in the OC group. The femoral wet weight normalized by body weight in the OD group was significantly higher compared to that in the OC group. The intestinal Ca absorption, rate of intestinal Ca absorption, Ca accumulation, and rate of Ca accumulation decreased from the 4th and 5th of the experimental diet period to the end of the experimental period, but interaction of time and group was not observed. In both periods, all parameters did not differ between the groups. [Conclusion] The present study confirmed the positive effect of DHEA on trabecular bone mass in ovariectomized rats. On the other hand, DHEA administration might have limited the impact on intestinal Ca absorption in estrogen deficiency state.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/98/be/jenb-18-4-333.PMC4322023.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4097900", "abstract": "Context: Mindfulness forms an important component of meditation practice and has been increasingly popular around the world. There has been growing interest in studying the mindful component of various meditation techniques. One of the various forms of mindfulness is the practice of a unique technique called cyclic mediation (CM). We aimed at ascertaining the level of mindfulness in experienced practitioners of CM using a Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Materials and Methods: MAAS was administered anonymously in a classroom setup and two of the project coordinators were present to supervise the administration and to assist the participants where necessary. We executed a cross sectional design. One hundred and thirty-three (n = 133) healthy male volunteers (66 meditators and 67 non-meditators) with ages ranging from 25 to 35 years participated in the study. Meditators had a minimum 3 years experience of meditation. Results: Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20. The data were checked for normality and an independent samples t-test was employed to compare the means of both the groups. MAAS scores were significantly higher in meditators as compared with the non-meditators (P < 0.001). We found a positive correlation (r = 0.620) between the years of meditation practice and the levels of trait mindfulness. Conclusions: CM can lead to development of higher levels of mindfulness and may have the ability to positively impact mental states and attention, thereby offering the potential for prevention of clinical levels of psychopathology and improving overall psychological well-being in healthy individuals.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e4/89/IJY-7-142.PMC4097900.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3820395", "abstract": " [Purpose] This study proposed a new neck support tying (NST) method using Thera-Band for the prevention of neck and shoulder pain in workers doing overhead work. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the new NST method using Thera-Band on cervical ROM and shoulder pain after overhead work. [Subjects] Fourteen male subjects were recruited. [Methods] This study measured the cervical ROM and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper and middle trapezius (UT and MT) muscles after the control and NST groups had performed overhead work. [Results] The cervical flexion, extension, and lateral flexion angles of the NST group were significantly larger than those of the control group. The PPTs of UT and MT of the NST group were significantly higher than those of the control group [Conclusion] The NST prevented ROM reduction and pain in the cervical and shoulder regions.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/8c/jpts-25-843.PMC3820395.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4801233", "abstract": "The global epidemic of metabolic disease is a clear and present danger to both individual and societal health. Understanding the myriad factors contributing to obesity and diabetes is essential for curbing their decades-long expansion. Emerging data implicate environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The phenylsulfamide fungicide and anti-fouling agent tolylfluanid (TF) was recently added to the list of EDCs promoting metabolic dysfunction. Dietary exposure to this novel metabolic disruptor promoted weight gain, increased adiposity, and glucose intolerance as well as systemic and cellular insulin resistance. Interestingly, the increase in body weight and adipose mass was not a consequence of increased food consumption; rather, it may have resulted from disruptions in diurnal patterns of energy intake, raising the possibility that EDCs may promote metabolic dysfunction through alterations in circadian rhythms. While these studies provide further evidence that EDCs may promote the development of obesity and diabetes, many questions remain regarding the clinical factors that modulate patient-specific consequences of EDC exposure, including the impact of genetics, diet, lifestyle, underlying disease, pharmacological treatments, and clinical states of fat redistribution. Currently, little is known regarding the impact of these factors on an individual’s susceptibility to environmentally-mediated metabolic disruption. Advances in these areas will be critical for translating EDC science into the clinic to enable physicians to stratify an individual’s risk of developing EDC-induced metabolic disease and to provide direction for treating exposed patients.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/d0/nihms747893.PMC4801233.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1297613", "abstract": "This commentary discusses Laporta and coworkers analysis of a case study on the causes of and solutions for staff turnover in an intensive care setting. Staff turnover is a significant issue for health care leaders due to the shrinking workforce in Western countries and an increased demand for intensive care services as the population ages. The commentary considers reasons for turnover such as burnout and generational diversity, and highlights the importance of a team work approach to address the issue of turnover.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f7/3c/PMC1297613.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3353108", "abstract": "Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained wide acceptance as nephron-sparing therapy for small renal masses in select patients. Generally, it is a safe procedure with minor morbidity and acceptable short-term oncologic outcome. However, as a result of the close proximity of vital structures, such as the bowel, ureter, and large vessels, to the ablative field, complications regarding these structures may occur. This is the first article describing appendiceal perforation as a complication of computed tomography-guided RFA despite hydrodissection. When performing this innovative and promising procedure one should be aware of the possibility of particular minor and even major complications.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/a6/270_2011_Article_281.PMC3353108.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3645453", "abstract": "Objective To investigate the influence of maintenance spray on resin bonding to dentin. Materials and methods The crown of extracted, caries-free human molars was transversally sectioned with a model trimmer to prepare the dentin surfaces from mid-coronal sound dentin, and then uniformly abraded with #600 silicon carbide paper. The dentin surfaces were randomly divided into three groups: oil-free spray group where maintenance cleaner for air bearing handpieces was sprayed onto the dentin surface for 1 s and rinsed with water spray for 30 s; oil-containing spray group where maintenance cleaner for micro motor handpieces was sprayed onto the dentin surface for 1 s and rinsed with water spray for 30 s; and control group where the surface was rinsed with water spray for 30 s and then air-dried. These surfaces were then bonded with Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray Medical), and resin composite (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray Medical) build-up crowns were incrementally constructed on the bonded surfaces. After storage for 24 h in 37°C water, the bonded teeth were sectioned into hour-glass shaped slices (0.7-mm thick) perpendicular to the bonded surfaces. The specimens were then subjected to microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test. Results Maintenance spray-contaminated specimens (oil-free and oil-containing spray groups) showed significantly lower μTBS than control specimens (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the spray-contaminated groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Maintenance spray significantly reduces the bond strength of Clearfil SE Bond to dentin.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0e/4a/PMC3645453.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4295315", "abstract": "Background: Fungi have been extensively isolated and investigated from skin in various parts of the world. Determining the mycoflora of normal people is important when the role of skin is considered as a reservoir for microorganisms. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the incidence of fungal flora on interdigital spaces of the human foot. Patients and Methods: Samples were collected from interdigital spaces of 865 girl students who lived in the dormitories of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. A part of the sample was digested with 20", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/22/f4/jjm-07-12188.PMC4295315.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5321592", "abstract": "Although many prosthetic materials exist for fabrication of implant-supported telescopic overdentures, available materials have not been thoroughly evaluated from a functional standpoint. This case report describes the use of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) based polymer for an implant-supported telescopic overdenture, a seldom used material in dentistry. This material is lighter than traditional materials, can accommodate changes in retentive forces, and is an easily retrievable by CAD/CAM fabrication. This case highlights the possibility of using new polymer materials for implant-supported telescopic overdentures.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/da/71/jap-9-74.PMC5321592.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3702237", "abstract": "The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of using an approach to 24-hour pulse wave velocity (PWV) analysis similar to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring analysis in the management of patients with renal transplantation. Overall, 41 patients aged between 18 and 55 years who had end-stage renal disease resulting from glomerulopathy were recruited from the kidney transplant waiting list. All the measurements were performed before kidney transplantation and at 1 and 20 weeks after transplantation. The Pulse Time Index of Norm (PTIN) was calculated with the Vasotens® technology for the estimation of the 24-hour PWV, defined as the percentage of the 24-hour period during which the PWV does not exceed 10 m/second. Before kidney transplantation, the mean PTIN in the whole group was 56.3 (standard deviation, 18.4). Then, a week after the renal transplantation, a decrease in the PTIN was observed in most cases, going to 27.6 (standard deviation, 11.1). After 20 weeks, the mean PTIN in the whole group increased again to 52.0 (standard deviation, 23.6). In our study, we found that the persistence of arterial stiffness disturbances after kidney transplantation appears to be relatively predictable. We determined the cutoff value of PTIN that could predict the two states of PTIN: a state of improvement or a state of decline/without change. The cutoff value of PTIN at 45", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/83/3f/PMC3702237.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4649880", "abstract": "Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is rare and aggressive form of chronic infectious pyelonephritis. No single clinical or radiological feature is diagnostic of XGP. A 75-year-old man with prostatic enlargement presented with difficulty and burning micturition fever, abdominal and flank pain. X-ray, ultrasonography and computed tomography scan diagnosis was right kidney pyonephrosis. Intravenous urography revealed non-excretory right kidney. Right nephrectomy was done. Histological diagnosis of XGP was made. In all patients of prostatic enlargement, renal function must be assessed for the extent of damage. Surgery is the treatment choice in most cases. Pre- and post-operative antibiotics are key factors for successful management and better prognosis.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9e/f0/JFMPC-2-396.PMC4649880.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4598887", "abstract": "From year to year, it is important to get an overview of the occurrence of causative agents in febrile neutropenic patients to determine the empiric treatment. Thus our aims were to evaluate a four-year period regarding the prevalence of bloodstream infections and the most important causative agents. During this period, 1,361 patients were treated in our hematology ward because of various hematological disorders. 812 febrile episodes were recorded in 469 patients. At that time, 3,714 blood culture (BC) bottles were sent for microbiological investigations, 759 of them gave positive signal. From the majority of positive blood culture bottles (67.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9d/bc/eujmi-05-199.PMC4598887.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3204212", "abstract": "The study deals with infant mortality (IMR) that is one of the most important aspects of indigenous vulnerability. Background The Sami are one of very few indigenous peoples with an experience of a positive mortality transition. Objective Using unique mortality data from the period 1750–1900 Sami and the colonizers in northern Sweden are compared in order to reveal an eventual infant mortality transition. Findings The results show ethnic differences with the Sami having higher IMR, although the differences decrease over time. There were also geographical and cultural differences within the Sami, with significantly lower IMR among the South Sami. Generally, parity has high explanatory value, where an increased risk is noted for children born as number five or higher among siblings. Conclusion There is a striking trend of decreasing IMR among the Sami after 1860, which, however, was not the result of professional health care. Other indigenous peoples of the Arctic still have higher mortality rates, and IMR below 100 was achieved only after 1950 in most countries. The decrease in Sami infant mortality was certainly an important factor in their unique health transition, but the most significant change occurred after 1900.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/2d/GHA-4-8441.PMC3204212.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3079867", "abstract": "Background and Objectives: Anthropometric variables and their relation to conventional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in railway employees have been inadequately studied in India. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Solapur division of the Central railway in the year 2004, to assess the anthropometric variables in railway employees and their relation to conventional CAD risk factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 995 railway employees, with 872 males and 123 females participated in this cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, fasting lipid profile, and blood sugar level. Various anthropometric indices were calculated for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and abdominal volume index (AVI). Statistical analysis was done by EPI Info 6 statistical software. Results: Compared to all other obesity indices, WHtR was most prevalent in both genders. High WHtR was present in 699 (80.16", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/b5/IJEM-15-31.PMC3079867.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC1933185", "abstract": "PrimerZ (http://genepipe.ngc.sinica.edu.tw/primerz/) is a web application dedicated primarily to primer design for genes and human SNPs. PrimerZ accepts genes by gene name or Ensembl accession code, and SNPs by dbSNP rs or AFFY_Probe IDs. The promoter and exon sequence information of all gene transcripts fetched from the Ensembl database (http://www.ensembl.org) are processed before being passed on to Primer3 (http://frodo.wi.mit.edu/cgi-bin/primer3/primer3_www.cgi) for individual primer design. All results returned from Primer 3 are organized and integrated in a specially designed web page for easy browsing. Besides the web page presentation, csv text file export is also provided for enhanced user convenience. PrimerZ automates highly standard but tedious gene primer design to improve the success rate of PCR experiments. More than 2000 primers have been designed with PrimerZ at our institute since 2004 and the success rate is over 70", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/24/b4/gkm383.PMC1933185.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4275864", "abstract": "INTRODUCTION Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilage nodules originating from the synovia, bursa and tendon sheaths. Although it is extremely rare in the ankle joint, malignant transformation is possible. The choice of treatment is usually open surgery for excision of loose bodies and synovectomy. Limited data is available concerning arthroscopic approaches. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 28-year-old male patient was evaluated for pain and swelling of the right ankle joint. Based on the findings of physical examination and radiographic investigations, arthroscopic surgery was performed due to ankle impingement syndrome. A diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis was made following the pathological survey. DISCUSSION Synovial chondromatosis is slowly progressive and is considered to be a self-limiting situation. Treatment strategies are decided on according to the patient's complaints, age and disease stage. Open or arthroscopic surgery. can be performed. Some advantages of arthroscopic surgery are wide visualization areas, easy access to areas difficult to reach, lower morbidity, no necessity for casting and immobilization, early rehabilitation and quick recovery period. CONCLUSION In conclusion, arthroscopic management can be successful in selected patients with synovial osteochondromatosis localized to the ankle joint.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e2/22/main.PMC4275864.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3357245", "abstract": "OBJECTIVE The association between quantity of fruit and vegetable (F   V) intake and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not clear, and the relationship with variety of intake is unknown. The current study examined the association of both quantity and variety of F   V intake and risk of T2D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined the 11-year incidence of T2D in relation to quantity and variety of fruit, vegetables, and combined F   V intake in a case-cohort study of 3,704 participants (n = 653 diabetes cases) nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk study, who completed 7-day prospective food diaries. Variety of intake was derived from the total number of different items consumed in a 1-week period. Multivariable, Prentice-weighted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/34/8f/1293.PMC3357245.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5111500", "abstract": "We report a case of dramatic outcome of severe hemolytic disease in a newborn due to RH1 incompatibility. A newborn with A RH1 blood group was admitted in the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital for the problem of hydrops fetalis associated with RH1 incompatibility. The blood group of his mother, aged 31, was AB RH1-negative and that of his 37 year old father was A RH1. The mother had a history of 4 term deliveries, 3 abortions, and 1 living child. There was no prevention by anti-D immunoglobulin postpartum. The mother’s irregular agglutinin test was positive and the pregnancy was poorly monitored. The laboratory tests of the newborn showed a high total serum bilirubin level (30 mg/L) and macrocytic regenerative anemia (Hemoglobin=4 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume = 183 fL, reticulocytes count =176600/m3). The blood smear showed 1256 erythroblasts per 100 leukocytes, Howell–Jolly bodies and many macrocytes. The direct antiglobulin test was positive. He was transfused with red blood cell concentrates and treated with conventional phototherapy. The evolution was unfavourable; he died three days after the death of his mother. The monitoring of these high-risk pregnancies requires specialized centers and a close collaboration between the gynaecologist and the blood transfusion specialist to strengthen the prevention, as well as clinico-biological monitoring in patients with a history of RH1 fetomaternal alloimunization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/76/d4/cm-89-565.PMC5111500.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3042669", "abstract": "This paper aims to highlight the importance of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate the multitude of beneficial effects that properly designed exercise training has in this population. RA is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease characterised by decrements to joint health including joint pain and inflammation, fatigue, increased incidence and progression of cardiovascular disease, and accelerated loss of muscle mass, that is, “rheumatoid cachexia”. These factors contribute to functional limitation, disability, comorbidities, and reduced quality of life. Exercise training for RA patients has been shown to be efficacious in reversing cachexia and substantially improving function without exacerbating disease activity and is likely to reduce cardiovascular risk. Thus, all RA patients should be encouraged to include aerobic and resistance exercise training as part of routine care. Understanding the perceptions of RA patients and health professionals to exercise is key to patients initiating and adhering to effective exercise training.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6c/1f/PMC3042669.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3477574", "abstract": "Portal hypertension in children represents a particular diagnostic and management challenge for several reasons: (1) treatment outcomes should be evaluated in relationship with a long-life expectancy, (2) pediatric patients with portal hypertension constitute an heterogeneous population, both in terms of individual characteristics and diversity of liver diseases; making comparison between treatment outcomes very difficult, (3) application of techniques and procedures developed in adult patients (v.gr. TIPS) face size limitations in small children, and (4) absence of data from well-controlled trials in children forces pediatric specialists to adapt results obtained from adult cohorts suffering from diseases such as HCV and alcoholic cirrhosis. Despite those limitations, substantial progress in the treatment of children with portal hypertension has been achieved in recent years, with better outcomes and survival. Two main factors influence our therapeutic decision: age of the patient and etiology of the liver disease. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of complications of portal hypertension in children need to be described taking such factors into consideration. This paper summarizes current knowledge and expert opinion.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/1c/5f/PMC3477574.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3326805", "abstract": "Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) is a global health problem including both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and non-sexually transmitted infections (non-STIs) of the reproductive tract. RTI/STI is an important concern, as it possess risk for human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Hence a community study was done in Hubli, in terms of active search of the cases based on the symptoms, clinical examination, and feasible laboratory tests along with providing treatment, counseling, and follow-up. Objectives: The objective was to know the prevalence of RTIs among the reproductive age group women and the socio-demographic factors influencing the occurrence of the disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a simple random sampling technique to select households. A pretested structured pro forma was used to collect data on RTIs from 656 women of 15–45 years, residing in the field practice area. This was followed by clinical examination and collection of samples for laboratory tests in Urban Health Training Centre, attached to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. Results: The prevalence of RTIs among the reproductive age group women was 40.4", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d5/92/IJCM-37-34.PMC3326805.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3491791", "abstract": "Background: Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a less understood entity. The purpose of this study was to diagnose mucoid degeneration of anterior cruciate ligament and to assess the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment in these patients. Materials and Methods: Between December 2007 and November 2011, 20 patients were diagnosed to be suffering from mucoid degeneration of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathology, and arthroscopy findings. 12 patients were males and 8 patients were females, with mean age of 42.2 years for males (range 28-52 years) and 39.4 years for females (range 30–54 years). They presented with pain on terminal extension (n=10) and on terminal flexion (n=2) without history of significant preceding trauma. MRI showed an increased signal in the substance of the ACL both in the T1- and T2-weighted images, with a mass-like configuration that was reported as a partial or complete tear of the ACL by the radiologist. At arthroscopy, the ACL was homogenous, bulbous, hypertrophied, and taut, occupying the entire intercondylar notch. A debulking of the ACL was performed by a judicious excision of the degenerated mucoid tissue, taking care to leave behind as much of the intact ACL as possible. Releasing it and performing a notchplasty treated impingement of the ACL to the roof and lateral wall. In one patient, we had to replace ACL due to insufficient tissue left behind to support the knee. Results: Good to excellent pain relief on terminal flexion–extension was obtained in 19 of 20 knees. The extension deficit was normalized in all knees. Lachman and anterior drawer test showed a firm endpoint in all, and 85", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/99/IJOrtho-46-561.PMC3491791.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3988434", "abstract": "Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Vienna nomogram prostate biopsy model in the detection of prostate cancer in our local population. We also assessed the incidence of complications from using such a template. Materials and Methods From January 2006 to June 2007, 120 men with either elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) scores (>4 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination were enrolled prospectively to undergo extraction of 6 to 18 cores for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, as indicated by the Vienna nomogram. Results The mean age was 62.6±8.3 years (range, 40-86 years). The mean PSA score was 13.42 ng/mL. The mean number of cores obtained was 9.68±3.1. According to the Vienna nomogram, 27 out of a total of 120 patients had prostate cancer, for a detection rate of 22.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/97/77/kju-55-245.PMC3988434.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4430000", "abstract": "Aim: To date, the available information regarding the quality of primary health care services in Albania is scarce. The aim of our study was to assess the quality of primary health care services in Albania based on physicians’ perceptions towards the quality of the services provided to the general population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January-March 2013 including a representative sample of 132 physicians (59 men aged 41.3±6.9 years and 73 women aged 43.7±4.8 years; overall response rate: 132/150=88", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/4a/MA-69-123.PMC4430000.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4266122", "abstract": "Background The purposes of the present study were morphometric characterization of rostellar hooks of Taenia multiceps and to investigate the association of hook length variation and the variability within two mitochondrial genes of sheep isolates of the parasite. Methods Up to 4500 sheep brains were examined for the presence of C. cerebralis. Biometric characters based on the larval rostellar hook size were measured for each individual isolate. Representative mitochondrial CO1 and 12S rRNA gene sequences for each of the isolates were obtained from NCBI GenBank. Morphometric and genetic data were analyzed using cluster analysis, Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and random effects model. Results One hundred and fourteen sheep (2.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/f8/PMC4266122.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4576417", "abstract": "Background  Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of human bacterial diarrhea in most parts of the world. Most C. jejuni infections are acquired from contaminated poultry, milk, and water. Due to health care costs and human suffering, it is important to identify all possible sources of infection. Unpasteurized milk has been associated with several outbreaks of C. jejuni infection. Campylobacter has been identified on fresh fruit, and other gastrointestinal pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and Cryptosporidium have been involved in fruit juice outbreaks. C. jejuni is sensitive to the acidic environment of fruit juice, but co-cultures with the amoeba, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, have previously been shown to protect C. jejuni at low pH. Methods To study the influence of A. polyphaga on the survival of C. jejuni in milk and juice, the bacteria were incubated in the two products at room temperature and at 4°C with the following treatments: A) C. jejuni preincubated with A. polyphaga before the addition of product, B) C. jejuni mixed with A. polyphaga after the addition of product, and C) C. jejuni in product without A. polyphaga. Bacterial survival was assessed by colony counts on blood agar plates. Results Co-culture with A. polyphaga prolonged the C. jejuni survival both in milk and juice. The effect of co-culture was most pronounced in juice stored at room temperature. On the other hand, A. polyphaga did not have any effect on C. jejuni survival during pasteurization of milk or orange juice, indicating that this is a good method for eliminating C. jejuni in these products. Conclusion Amoebae-associated C. jejuni in milk and juice might cause C. jejuni infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/13/ae/IEE-5-28675.PMC4576417.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5361022", "abstract": "[Purpose] Friction massage (friction) of the popliteal fossa is provided for the purpose of relieving pain related to circulatory disorders by improving venous flow in the lower legs. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of enhancing the venous flow based on measuring the blood flow velocity of the popliteal vein before and after providing friction to the patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy male university students participated in the study. The Doppler ultrasonography (DU) was used to measure the blood flow velocity of the popliteal vein, in order to verify the effects of enhancing the venous flow by comparing the measured values before and after a friction massage. [Results] The result of comparing the blood flow velocity before and after providing friction showed that there was a significant increase after friction. [Conclusion] This study proved that friction to the popliteal fossa is effectively enhances venous flow by increasing the blood flow velocity in the popliteal vein.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/89/ac/jpts-29-511.PMC5361022.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5015381", "abstract": "Background The long‐term progression of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in pediatric patients compared with adult patients has not been previously characterized. In this study, we compared outcome and long‐term progression of pediatric and adult DCM populations. Methods and Results Between 1988 and 2014, 927 DCM patients were consecutively enrolled. The pediatric population (aged <18 years at enrollment) included 47 participants (5.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bc/d6/JAH3-5-e003450.PMC5015381.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3656529", "abstract": "Proteus syndrome (PS) is a rare hamartomatous disorder characterized by various cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, including vascular malformations, lipomas, hyperpigmentation, and several types of nevi. Partial gigantism with limb or digital overgrowth is pathognomonic of PS. We report a rare case of PS in a 50-year-old man who presented with inferior wall myocardial infarction and was incidentally detected to have hypertrophy of index and middle fingers of both the hands.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/60/62/IJHG-18-356.PMC3656529.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4178342", "abstract": "Background: Abnormal lipid homeostasis has been reported in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) as well as in other haematological disorders. However, there is little information on the lipid profile of SCA subjects in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). This study determined the lipid profile of adult SCA subjects in VOC and in steady state (SSCA). Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight (58) adults with HbSS (30 in steady state and 28 in vaso-occlusive crisis) and 24 age-matched healthy individuals with HbAA genotype were recruited into this study. Standard methods were used for the determination of blood pressure (BP), packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin phenotype. After an overnight fast, 5 ml of venous blood was obtained from each SSCA and the controls while samples were collected upon admission in the VOC group. Plasma lipid profile was determined using enzymatic method. Differences between two groups were determined using independent Student's t-test or Man-Whitney U as appropriate. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly lower while the ratio of triglyceride (TG) to HDL (TG/HDL) was significantly higher in SSCA compared with the controls. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and TC were significantly lower in SCA subjects in VOC compared with controls. However, TC, TG, LDL and TG/HDL were significantly lower while HDL was significantly higher in VOC compared with SSCA. Conclusion: Sickle cell anaemia subjects have defective fasting lipid metabolism which becomes pronounced with VOC.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/5c/20/NMJ-55-428.PMC4178342.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4020453", "abstract": "Obesity is a key public health issue for US youth. Previous research with primarily white samples of youth has indicated that sexual minority females have higher body mass index (BMI) and sexual minority males have lower BMI than their same-gender heterosexual counterparts, with sexual orientation differences in males increasing across adolescence. This research explored whether gender and sexual orientation differences in BMI exist in nonwhite racial/ethnic groups. Using data from Waves I–IV (1995–2009) of the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 13,306, ages 11–34 years), we examined associations between sexual orientation and BMI (kg/m2) over time, using longitudinal linear regression models, stratified by gender and race/ethnicity. Data were analyzed in 2013. Among males, heterosexual individuals showed greater one-year BMI gains than gay males across all race/ethnicity groups. Among females, white and Latina bisexual individuals had higher BMI than same-race/ethnicity heterosexual individuals regardless of age; there were no sexual orientation differences in black/African Americans. Sexual orientation disparities in BMI are a public health concern across race/ethnicity groups. Interventions addressing unhealthy weight gain in youth must be relevant for all sexual orientations and race/ethnicities.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/65/6d/PMC4020453.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4961858", "abstract": "Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been increasingly recognized as an important cause of chronic pulmonary infections. The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which is composed of two species, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracelluare, is the most commonly encountered pathogen associated with NTM lung disease. MAC pulmonary infection typically presents in a fibrocavitary form or a nodular bronchiectatic form. However, there have been atypical presentations of MAC pulmonary infections, including solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN). There have been several previous reports of SPN due to MAC infection in the United States, Japan, and Korea. In 2009, Sekine and colleagues reported a case of MAC pulmonary infection presenting with multiple nodules. To date, however, there have been no cases of NTM lung infection with multiple cavitary pulmonary nodules, and neither a fibrotic change nor nodular bronchiectasis. The present case showed a multiple cavitating nodular lung infection due to MAC, which is very rare and different from the typical presentation of MAC pulmonary infections. We also showed that percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration can be a useful diagnostic tool to evaluate a case of multiple cavitary nodules.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/67/kjfm-37-248.PMC4961858.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4384875", "abstract": "Goal: The goal of the research was to determine the efficacy of a fixed combination of tramadol and paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the treatment of pain of patients with the advanced stage of cancer. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Center for Palliative Care, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from January 1st to December 31st 2013. A total of 353 patients who were treated with a fixed combination of tramadol and acetaminophen (37.5 mg and 325 mg) at the initial dosage 3x1 tablet (112.5 mg tramadol and 975 mg acetaminophen) for pain intensity 4, up to 4x2 tablets (300 mg of tramadol and 2600 mg paracetamol) for pain intensity 7 and 8. If the patient during previous day has two or more pain episodes that required a “rescue dose” of tramadol, increased was the dose of fixed combination tramadol and acetaminophen to a maximum of 8 tablets daily (300 mg of tramadol and 2600 mg paracetamol). Statistical analysis was performed by biomedical software MedCalc for Windows version 9.4.2.0. The difference was considered significant for P<0.05. Results: The average duration of treatment with a fixed combination tramadol and acetaminophen was 57 days (13-330 days). Already after 24 hours of treatment the average pain score was significantly lower (p<0.0001) compared to the admission day [5.00 (4:00 to 8:00) during the first days versus 2.00 (1:00 to 7:00) during the second day of treatment]. The average dose of the fixed combination tramadol and acetaminophen tablets was 4.8 ± 1.8 (180 mg of tramadol and 1560 mg paracetamol). Side effects, in the treatment of pain with a fixed combination tramadol and acetaminophen, were found in 29.18", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ba/23/MSM-27-42.PMC4384875.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3786661", "abstract": "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. A combination of upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction comprises the clinical ALS phenotype. Although the ALS phenotype was first observed by Charcot over 100 years ago, the site of ALS onset and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of motor neuron degeneration remain to be elucidated. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enables non-invasive assessment of the functional integrity of the motor cortex and its corticomotoneuronal projections. To date, TMS studies have established motor cortical and corticospinal dysfunction in ALS, with cortical hyperexcitability being an early feature in sporadic forms of ALS and preceding the clinical onset of familial ALS. Taken together, a central origin of ALS is supported by TMS studies, with an anterograde transsynaptic mechanism implicated in ALS pathogenesis. Of further relevance, TMS techniques reliably distinguish ALS from mimic disorders, despite a compatible peripheral disease burden, thereby suggesting a potential diagnostic utility of TMS in ALS. This review will focus on the mechanisms underlying the generation of TMS measures used in assessment of cortical excitability, the contribution of TMS in enhancing the understanding of ALS pathophysiology and the potential diagnostic utility of TMS techniques in ALS.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/65/06/jnnp-2012-304019.PMC3786661.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5009041", "abstract": "A perioperative blood management program is one of a number of important elements for successful patient care in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and surgeons should be proactive in its application. The aims of blood conservation are to reduce the risk of blood transfusion whilst at the same time maximizing hemoglobin (Hb) in the postoperative period, leading to a positive effect on outcome and cost. An individualized strategy based on patient specific risk factors, anticipated blood loss and comorbidities are useful in achieving this aim. Multiple blood conservation strategies are available in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods and can be employed in various combinations. Recent literature has highlighted the importance of preoperative Hb optimization, minimizing blood loss and evidence-based transfusion guidelines. Given TKA is an elective procedure, a zero allogenic blood transfusion rate should be the aim and an achievable goal.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/24/ksrr-28-179.PMC5009041.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5330041", "abstract": "Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which requires laboratory diagnosis for confirmation. Materials and Methods: In this study serum samples from adults with acute undifferentiated fever (duration ≤15 days) were tested for IgM antibodies to Leptospira by ELISA, PCR for rrs gene and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for LipL32 and LipL41. Results: Among the 150 sera tested, three were positive by PCR, LAMP and IgM ELISA/modified Faines’ criteria, two by only PCR; seven only by LAMP assay and forty fulfilled modified Faine's criteria (illness clinically compatible and IgM ELISA positive for leptospirosis). Clinical correlation revealed renal compromise, low platelet count and severe jaundice were significantly related to leptospirosis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that LAMP assay could be useful for diagnosis of leptospirosis during the 1st week of illness whereas IgM ELISA forms the mainstay of diagnosis from the 2nd week onward. Further studies especially community based, comparing ELISA, PCR, LAMP, culture and microscopic agglutination test are required to evaluate the veracity of these findings.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/32/75/JGID-9-3.PMC5330041.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4705789", "abstract": "The development of the spinal cord needs a concerted interaction of transcription factors activating diverse genes and signals from outside acting on the specification of the different cells. Signals have to act on the segments of the embryo as well as on the cranial-caudal axis and the dorso-ventral axis. Additionally the axons of the motoneurons have to cross the central nervous system barrier to connect to the periphery. Intensive anatomical studies have been followed by molecular characterization of the different subsets of transcription factors that are expressed by cells of the developing spinal cord. Here, intensive studies for the most important appearing cells, the motoneurons, have resulted in a good knowledge on the expression patterns of these proteins. Nonetheless motoneurons are by far not the only important cells and the concert activity of all cells besides them is necessary for the correct function and integrity of motoneurons within the spinal cord. This article will briefly summarize the different aspects on spinal cord development and focuses on the differentiation as well as the functionalization of motoneurons.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/41/5a/NRR-10-1773.PMC4705789.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3352444", "abstract": "Life history traits of wild animals can be strongly influenced, both phenotypically and evolutionarily, by hunting and fishing. However, few studies have quantified fishery selection over long time periods. We used 57 years of catch and escapement data to document the magnitude of and trends in gillnet selection on age and size at maturity of a commercially and biologically important sockeye salmon stock. Overall, the fishery has caught larger fish than have escaped to spawn, but selection has varied over time, becoming weaker and less consistent recently. Selection patterns were strongly affected by fish age and sex, in addition to extrinsic factors including fish abundance, mesh size regulations, and fish length variability. These results revealed a more complex and changing pattern of selective harvest than the ‘larger is more vulnerable’ model, emphasizing the need for quantified, multi-year studies before conclusions can be drawn about potential evolutionary and ecological effects of fishery selection. Furthermore, the results indicate that biologically robust escapement goals and prevention of harvest of the largest individuals may help prevent negative effects of size-selective harvest.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/3c/37/PMC3352444.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3945284", "abstract": "Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the treatment of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and allergic rhinitis. However, the effects of LLLT on human monocyte polarization into M1 macrophages are unknown. To evaluate the effects of LLLT on M1-related cytokine and chemokine production and elucidate the mechanism, the human monocyte cell line THP-1 was treated with different doses of LLLT. The expression of M1-related cytokines and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL10, and TNF-α) was determined by ELISA and real-time PCR. LLLT-associated histone modifications were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Mitochondrial involvement in the LLLT-induced M1-related cytokine expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell surface markers for monocyte polarization. The results showed that LLLT (660 nm) significantly enhanced M1-related cytokine and chemokine expression in mRNA and protein levels. Mitochondrial copy number and mRNA levels of complex I-V protein were increased by LLLT (1 J/cm2). Activation of M1 polarization was concomitant with histone modification at TNF-α gene locus and IP-10 gene promoter area. This study indicates that LLLT (660 nm) enhanced M1-related cytokine and chemokine expression via mitochondrial biogenesis and histone modification, which may be a potent immune-enhancing agent for the treatment of allergic diseases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/31/bf/PMC3945284.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3354464", "abstract": "Pheochromocytomas have been described in association with vascular abnormalities like renal artery stenosis. A 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the complaints of headache, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and hypertension. For last several days, he was having a dull aching abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed the presence of a left adrenal pheochromocytoma. An inferior vena cava (IVC) venogram via the right jugular vein demonstrated occlusion of the IVC inferior to the right atrium. Surgical removal of pheochromocytoma was done, followed by anticoagulant treatment for IVC thrombosis, initially with subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin, and then with oral warfarin, resulting in restoration of patency. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of pheochromocytoma in IVC thrombosis has not been reported so far from India. Possible mechanisms of such an involvement are discussed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/b0/JCDR-3-160.PMC3354464.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4154902", "abstract": " BACKGROUND   Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a CF trans-membrane regulator (CFTR) defect. Its prevalence is 1:2500 in Caucasians, 1:15300 among African Americans and is rare in Southeast Asia. The present study aims to review demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of Iranian children diagnosed with CF who referred to a Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Tehran, Iran during a ten-year period.   METHODS   In a retrospective study from 1991-2000, all hospitalized patients with documented CF were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and sweat chloride levels above 60 mEq/L.   RESULTS   A total of 233 patients [females: 91 (39.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/bb/ac/MEJDD-2-20.PMC4154902.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4914389", "abstract": "Nasal dermal sinus is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of the dermal sinus associated with a dumbbell-shaped dermoid and demonstrate the detailed anatomy. The patient was a boy aged 1 year and 4 months with a small pit at his nasion from birth and developed swelling of the forehead. The sagittal view of a T2-weighted image demonstrated a dumbbell-shaped, mixed intense dermoid at the foramen cecum. The sinus tract was depicted as a strand of isointensity between the dermoid and the nasion. Serial sagittal views of T1-weighted images revealed the capsule of the dermoid enhanced with contrast medium, and that the subcutaneous abscess was in continuity with the dermoid. On diffusion-weighted imaging, both the dermoid and subcutaneous abscess were demonstrated as a hyperintensity. Serial sections of the sagittal and coronal computed tomography scans clearly showed an enlarged fonticulus frontalis and foramen cecum remnant and dehiscence of the crista galli. The purulent dermoid cyst including the capsule and the dermal sinus tract were removed completely. We describe our detailed anatomical relationship between the sinus tract with dumbbell-shaped dermoid and the surrounding structures, and emphasize the importance of these anatomy for operation.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/01/65/PMC4914389.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3204674", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy (LATG), we compared its early surgical outcomes with those of conventional open total gastrectomy (OTG) in patients who were diagnosed as having early gastric cancer preoperatively. Methods We retrospectively analyzed early surgical outcomes in 190 consecutive patients who underwent total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer between January 2009 to April 2010. The patients were divided into those who underwent LATG and those who underwent OTG. Their early surgical outcomes were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of LATG. Results There was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates (P = 0.291). But in the analysis of other early surgical outcomes, we found that LATG could improve time to first flatus (P < 0.001), time to commencement of soft diet (P = 0.034), administration of analgesics (P = 0.024), pain score (Numeric Rating Scale), and hospital discharge (P = 0.045). Conclusion Although LATG didn't show better results for postoperative complications than those of OTG, LATG contributes to the improvement of early surgical outcomes, including bowel movement, pain score and hospital discharge. Therefore, we suggest that LATG could be a method to improve early surgical outcomes in patients who need total gastrectomy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/08/jkss-80-245.PMC3204674.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2808915", "abstract": "The Nearest Neighbor Database (NNDB, http://rna.urmc.rochester.edu/NNDB) is a web-based resource for disseminating parameter sets for predicting nucleic acid secondary structure stabilities. For each set of parameters, the database includes the set of rules with descriptive text, sequence-dependent parameters in plain text and html, literature references to experiments and usage tutorials. The initial release covers parameters for predicting RNA folding free energy and enthalpy changes.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d2/45/gkp892.PMC2808915.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3961937", "abstract": "Mucocele of the appendix is an aseptic dilatation secondary to obstruction. The preoperative clinical diagnosis of appendiceal mucoceles can therefore be difficult because of this lack of clinical symptomotology. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice in benign mucocele. We report a case presenting to the surgeons where initial clinical findings and investigations suggested a cyst in the right adnexa. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed mucocele of the appendix and laparoscopic appendicectomy was done.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dd/90/JNSBM-5-204.PMC3961937.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4980897", "abstract": "Background: A range of psychological disorders occur in women in the postpartum period apart from the traditional blues, postpartum depression and psychosis. These include obsession of infanticide, PTSD, morbid preoccupations regarding child birth and disorders of mother-infant relationships, though they are under emphasized. Methods: it is a cross-sectional study conducted in the tertiary maternity care hospital. A total of 152 study subjects were interviewed on MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) within 2 weeks after delivery. Results: The psychiatric morbidity was seen in 67 (44", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/94/c1/IJPsyM-38-309.PMC4980897.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2172245", "abstract": "To complete the cell cycle, the cleavage furrow draws the plasma membrane toward the cell center, pinching the cytoplasm into two lobes that are subsequently separated into two cells. The position of the cleavage furrow is induced by the mitotic spindle during early anaphase. Although the mechanism of cleavage furrow positioning is not understood at a molecular level, recent results suggest that it might be mediated by local relief from the inhibitory effects of microtubules.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d6/c2/200310112.PMC2172245.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5312826", "abstract": "Nickel nanoparticles supported by the yttria-stabilized zirconia (111) surface show several preferential epitaxial relationships, as revealed by in situ X-ray diffraction. The two main nanoparticle orientations are found to have their [111] direction parallel to the substrate surface normal and ∼41.3 degrees tilted from this direction. The former orientation is described by a cube-on-cube stacking at the oxide–metal interface and the latter by a so-called coherent tilt strain-relieving mechanism, which is hitherto unreported for nanoparticles in literature. A modified Wulff construction used for the 111-oriented particles results in a value of the adhesion energy ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 Jm2, whereby the lower end corresponds to more rounded particles and the upper to relatively flat geometries. Upon oxidation at 10–3 Pa of molecular oxygen and 673 K, a NiO shell forms epitaxially on the [111]-oriented particles. Only a monolayer of metallic nickel of the top (111) facets oxidizes, whereas the side facets seem to react more severely. An apparent size increase of the remaining metallic Ni core is discussed in relation to a size-dependent oxidation mechanism, whereby smaller nanoparticles react at a faster rate. We argue that such a preferential oxidation mechanism, which inactivates the smallest and most reactive metal nanoparticles, might play a role for the long-term degradation of solid oxide fuel cells.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/4f/00/PMC5312826.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5375633", "abstract": "Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro bond strength of metal brackets bonded with: total etch, total etch with erbium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er:YAG) and self-etching adhesive systems, submitted to thermal-mechanical cycling, simulating 1 year of orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods For the study, 80 bovine incisors were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n=16 each): XT- acid etching + Transbond XT, XT/Er:YAG- Transbond XT associated with Er:YAG laser irradiation (λ=2.94 μm, 60 mJ, 10 Hz) and SEP- Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer. Samples were submitted to thermal-mechanical cycling, simulating 1 year of orthodontic treatment. Afterward, the shear bond strength test was performed in a universal test machine at a speed of 0.5mm/min. Samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope and by scanning electron microscopy for analysis of enamel surface and adhesive remnant index. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney (with Bonferroni correction) statistical tests. Results Statistically significant difference was observed between the groups studied (p<0.05). Groups XT and SEP showed the highest bond strength values, without statistical difference between them, while group XT/Er:YAG showed reduction in bond strength values. Higher frequency of adhesive failures between enamel and adhesive system was verified for groups XT and XT/Er:YAG. Conclusion The conventional (XT) and self-etching (SEP) adhesive systems showed mean bond strength values, similar between them, whereas the previous application of Er:YAG laser promoted the lowest bond strength values.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c6/ae/ccide-9-019.PMC5375633.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5370330", "abstract": "We present a case of pleural tuberculosis (TB) in a patient on infliximab for ankylosing spondylitis. A 36-year-old male presented to our hospital with low back ache of inflammatory type along with multiple symmetric inflammatory type of joint pain. Further clinical examination, laboratory and radiological investigations were suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis. He was initially treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but citing poor response it was decided to initiate biologic therapy using infliximab (antitumor necrosis factor-alpha). Mantoux test and chest radiograph were done before the therapy to rule out TB. Following three doses of infliximab, patient came with complaints of fever and cough for 1 week. On investigation, it was found to be a case of pulmonary TB. This shows the importance of close monitoring of patient for TB among patients on infliximab even though the screening test has come out to be negative.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/1e/05/JPP-8-41.PMC5370330.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4587009", "abstract": "Primary myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) of the lung is exceedingly rare. We report here, to the best of our knowledge, the first pediatric case having primitive pulmonary MC. The originality of our case was the disappearance of the pulmonary opacity spontaneously, without any treatment. The difficulties in our case were the diagnosis of this rare entity and its subsequent treatment. In fact, given the rarity of these tumors, recommendations regarding chemotherapy or radiation, were difficult to formulate.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/7d/be/LI-32-497.PMC4587009.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4713919", "abstract": "Hemorrhagic cystitis is defined by lower urinary tract symptoms that include dysuria, hematuria, and hemorrhage and is caused by viral or bacterial infection or chemotherapeutic agents. Reports of hemorrhagic cystitis caused by non-typhoidal salmonella (NTS) are extremely rare. We report a case of a 41-year-old man with hemorrhagic cystitis from NTS that caused massive bleeding and shock. The patient was hospitalized for uncontrolled diabetes and obstructive uropathy related to severe cystitis. A urine culture was positive for group D NTS. This case demonstrated that hemorrhagic cystitis in a patient with a risk factor such as diabetes can be a manifestation of local extra-intestinal NTS infection.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e9/58/main.PMC4713919.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3325484", "abstract": "N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels highly permeable to calcium and essential to excitatory neurotransmission. The NMDARs have attracted much attention because of their role in synaptic plasticity and excitotoxicity. Evidence has recently accumulated that NMDARs are negatively regulated by intracellular calcium binding proteins. The calcium-dependent suppression of NMDAR function serves as a feedback mechanism capable of regulating subsequent Ca2+ entry into the postsynaptic cell, and may offer an alternative approach to treating NMDAR-mediated excitotoxic injury. This short review summarizes the recent progress made in understanding the negative modulation of NMDAR function by DREAM/calsenilin/KChIP3, a neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) protein.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8f/ba/PMC3325484.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5052967", "abstract": "Amisulpride, recently introduced atypical antipsychotic, is well-known for its broad spectrum effectiveness and lower profile for extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). Its selective affinity for dopamine receptors in the limbic structures, but not in the striatum, leads to a low risk of extrapyramidal side effects. Here, we report two cases of EPS associated with lower dose of amisulpride. The proposed mechanism for its causation is also discussed. Authors invite more studies, specifically from the Indian context to find out the incidence of EPS and other associated side effects.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/47/IJPsyM-38-480.PMC5052967.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4809128", "abstract": "Background: Low health literacy (HL) of patients has obtained more attention as a risk factor for poor adherence to treatment and adverse outcomes in chronic disease's management particular in diabetes care. Diabetes Numeracy Test-15 (DNT-15) has been developed specifically for this purpose. The objective of the current study is to evaluate psychometric properties of Iranian (Persian) version of the DNT-15. Methods: The shortened version of the DNT (15-items) was completed by 120 patients with diabetes. The Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 for internal consistency was conducted. Content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity were also evaluated. Results: The average score on the DNT was 72", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/87/aa/IJPVM-7-43.PMC4809128.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3536060", "abstract": " Background. Management of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains challenging. We have assessed a panel of circulating proteins in children with PH to investigate their value as predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers. From these determinations, we aim to develop a practical, noninvasive tool to aid in the management of pediatric PH. Methods. Twelve cytokines and growth factors putatively associated with lung or vascular disease were examined in plasma specimens from 70 children with PH using multiplex protein array technology. Associations between hemodynamics, adverse events, and protein markers were evaluated. Results. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and IL-6 were associated with important hemodynamics. Of the twelve proteins, VEGF and IL-6 were significantly, univariately associated with the occurrence of an adverse event, with odds ratios (95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/da/9c/PMC3536060.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2792951", "abstract": "Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease, in which pancreatic β cells are destroyed in genetically predisposed individuals. While the direct contribution of autoantibodies to the disease pathogenesis is controversial, it is generally recognised that the mechanism of β cell destruction is mediated by autoreactive T cells that had escaped the thymic selection. We aimed to design a method to detect circulating CD8+ T cells autoreactive against an epitope of the glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantigen, isoform 65 (GAD65) ex vivo in T1D patients by using HLA class I tetramers. Low frequencies of GAD65 peptide-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMC) of normal controls after GAD65 peptide-specific stimulation. Conversely, their frequencies were significantly higher than in controls in PBMC of T1D patients after GAD65 peptide stimulation. These preliminary data are encouraging in order to develop a reliable assay to be employed in large-scale screening studies.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/52/df/PMC2792951.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3324998", "abstract": "Purpose To investigate equivalency of results from multivariable regression (MR) and propensity score matching (PSM) models, observational research methods used to mitigate bias stemming from non-randomization (and consequently unbalanced groups at baseline), using, as an example, a large study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) initial maintenance therapy. Methods Patients were 32,338 health plan members, age ≥40 years, with COPD initially treated with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination (FSC), tiotropium (TIO), or ipratropium (IPR) alone or in combination with albuterol. Using MR and PSM methods, the proportion of patients with COPD-related health care utilization, mean costs, odds ratios (ORs), and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for utilization events were calculated for the 12 months following therapy initiation. Results Of 12,595 FSC, 9126 TIO, and 10,617 IPR patients meeting MR inclusion criteria, 89.1", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/26/21/PMC3324998.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4362009", "abstract": "Since its introduction in the early 1990s, endoscopic ultrasound-assisted fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been used for sampling of extraintestinal mass lesions and peri-intestinal lymphadenopathy. Although EUS-FNA is highly accurate, lymphomas can be challenging to diagnose using EUS-FNA. We present the case of a 60-year-old male who had experienced upper abdominal discomfort for 1 month. Computerized tomography (CT) examination revealed multiple soft-tissue shadows located above the pancreatic body. The biggest shadow had a cross-sectional area of 7.7 cm × 7.2 cm. Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) imaging showed increased uptake of 18F-FDG by these soft-tissue shadows. To investigate further, EUS was performed and it revealed the presence of multiple hypoechoic round lymph nodes. During the procedure, EUS-FNA was performed, but only a few dyskaryotic cells were observed by cytological evaluation. EUS-assisted retroperitoneoscopy and lymph node biopsy were performed to obtain more tissue for immunohistochemical analysis and subclassification of lymphoma. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by this technique. EUS-assisted transendoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy is an alternative procedure for the diagnosis of lymphomas.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/9e/EUS-4-69.PMC4362009.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3469890", "abstract": "Background: Periodontal subgingival pathogens affect local and systemic immune responses and initiate an acute phase systemic inflammatory response characterized by the release of C-reactive proteins (CRPs). This study has been carried out to evaluate the serum concentration of CRPs, which can be used as a marker of periodontal disease as well as a risk indicator for cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study a total number of 45 subjects were selected from the outpatient department of periodontics a mean age of 40 years. Based on the periodontal status, the subjects were divided into 3 groups of 15 subjects each. Group I: Control group [with attachment loss (AL) ≤ 2 mm and pocket depth (PD) < 3 mm], Group II: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (AL ≤ 5 mm), Group III: chronic periodontitis (AL ≥ 2 mm, PD ≥ 5 mm), which includes moderate and severe periodontitis. The clinical parameters recorded were plaque index,gingival index, bleeding index, probing PD, and clinical attachment levels and scoring was done on 6 surfaces of all teeth. For the CRP assessment, blood samples were collected from subjects at the time of clinical examination. Analysis of covariance was used for comparison of mean values between the groups to adjust the ages (P value < 0.05). Results: Overall, the mean CRP levels were high in subjects with generalized aggressive and chronic periodontitis compared with controls. This was found to be statistically significant. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.012) was found in the CRP level between groups I and II and between groups II and III, and between groups I and III. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated an increase in serum CRP levels in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis as compared with the controls.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/d0/46/DRJ-9-261.PMC3469890.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4377769", "abstract": "Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a well-established treatment modality for nephrology patients, using two conventional methods: membrane (mTPE) or centrifugal TPE (cTPE). Although the efficacy of both treatments has been described, there are few reports that compare these methodologies. Here we describe three nephrology patients who were treated with both mTPE and cTPE. The mTPE method, but not the cTPE method, was associated with persistent difficulty anticoagulating the extracorporeal circuit in all three patients. In mTPE procedures, the doses of heparin bolus and infusion rate were important determinants of whether the circuit clotted. With a heparin bolus at or below 2000 IU, clotting occurred in 67", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b2/44/sft163.PMC4377769.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4143654", "abstract": "ABSTRACT Understanding the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistance and the relationship between emergence of resistant bacteria and clinical treatment can facilitate design of effective treatment strategies. We here examined antimicrobial susceptibilities of Escherichia coli isolated from dogs admitted to a university hospital (University hospital) and companion animal clinics (Community clinics) in the same city and investigated underlying multidrug-resistance mechanisms. The prevalence of E. coli with intermediate and resistant interpretations to ampicillin (AMP), enrofloxacin (ENR) and chloramphenicol (CHL) was higher in the University hospital than in the Community clinics cases. Use of antimicrobials, including fluoroquinolone, was also significantly higher in the University hospital than in the Community clinics cases. Upon isolation using ENR-supplemented agar plates, all ENR-resistant isolates had 3–4 nucleotide mutations that accompanied by amino acid substitutions in the quinolone-resistance-determining regions of gyrA, parC and parE, and 94.7", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a6/f6/jvms-76-937.PMC4143654.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4772616", "abstract": "A case report of a 47-year-old woman with triple-negative breast cancer on a clinical trial called PRIMETIME (NCT02518958) who received the anti-PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab and the experimental anticancer agent RRx-001 is presented. Although initially diagnosed and treated for anti-PD-1-induced pneumonitis, clinical and radiological abnormalities triggered further investigation, leading to the diagnosis of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM). This example highlights the importance of exercising due diligence in determining immune-related adverse events and suggests that PD-1-induced pneumonitis should be a diagnosis of exclusion rather than a diagnosis by default. A case history and review of the literature are presented for PTTM, which we propose to define as a paraneoplastic syndrome.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/de/02/cro-0009-0068.PMC4772616.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4524525", "abstract": "Background In 2011, the traditional Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) COPD spirometry-based severity classification system was revised to also include exacerbation history and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) scores. This study examined how COPD patients treated in primary care are reclassified by the new GOLD system compared to the traditional system, and each system’s level of agreement with patient’s or physician’s severity assessments. Methods In this US multicenter cross-sectional study, COPD patients were recruited by 83 primary care practitioners (PCPs) to complete spirometry testing and a survey. Patients were classified by the traditional spirometry-based system (stages 1–4) and under the new system (grades A, B, C, D) using spirometry, exacerbation history, mMRC, and/or CAT results. Concordance between physician and patient-reported severity, spirometry stage, and ABCD grade based on either mMRC or CAT scores was examined. Results Data from 445 patients with spirometry-confirmed COPD were used. As compared to the traditional system, the GOLD mMRC system reclassifies 47", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/42/copd-10-1477.PMC4524525.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3743138", "abstract": "Chylothorax, a known complication of surgery for Congenital Diaphragmatic hernia, can sometimes be resistant to treat. Octeriotide (Somatostatin analogue) can be useful in this situation. However, the dose and schedule of Octeriotide therapy in neonates is not well established. We report two cases of resistant chylothorax following surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia which were successfully managed by using an escalating infusion of octeriotide. The literature on the subject is also reviewed.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8a/2b/JCN-1-91.PMC3743138.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3168163", "abstract": "We describe a girl with Sotos syndrome presenting at two and a half years age with developmental delay. She has camptodactyly which has not previously been reported in Sotos syndrome but is a common finding in Weaver syndrome. Both these conditions have been reported to have NSD1 gene mutations. This report is consistent with the conditions being allelic.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/07/3c/IJHG-13-73.PMC3168163.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3706904", "abstract": "H7N9 influenza is a new emerging infection and has high mortality. Both chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) had some limitations in assessing such patients. We performed daily lung ultrasound in a patient with H7N9 influenza. Lung ultrasound and lung ultrasound score showed high consistency with CT and the progression of pneumonia. Ultrasound can be adjutant to chest radiography and CT in caring for patients with H7N9 influenza.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/e4/b9/PMC3706904.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3220150", "abstract": "Malformations of vascular nature originate as anomalies caused due to errors in vasculogenesis. These tumors are generally broadly classified into vascular tumors (hemangiomas) and vascular malformations (venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations, lymphatic malformations). These descriptive tumors and malformations have been categorized based on the architectural assembly of vessels. Lymphangiomas are further subclassified microscopically into capillary, cavernous, cystic and lymphangioendothelioma, depending upon their histopathological features. Lymphatic malformations or lymphangiomas are uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, usually occurring in the head and neck region, characterized by collections of ectatic lymph vessels that form endothelial lined cystic spaces. Advancements in the knowledge of pathogenesis of such vascular malformations are continuously changing their treatment protocols. Early recognition is of utmost importance for initiation of proper treatment and avoiding serious complications. Hemangiolymphangioma is a variant of lymphangioma showing vascular component. Herewith, we present a case of vascular malformation diagnosed as hemangiolymphangioma histopathologically in a 9-year-old girl, along with a review of literature regarding its categorization.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/83/49/CCD-1-259.PMC3220150.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4131789", "abstract": "Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) are at a higher risk of developing cervical lesions. In the current study, self and clinician-collected vaginal and cervical samples from women were processed to detect HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with PGMY09/11 primers. HPV genotypes were determined using type-specific PCR. HPV DNA detection showed good concordance between self and clinician-collected samples (84.6", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c4/d1/0074-0276-mioc-109-03-00352.PMC4131789.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5138482", "abstract": " Background. In this study, the cut-out risk of Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) was investigated in nine different positions of the lag screw for two fracture types by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Methods. Two types of fractures (31-A1.1 and A2.1 in AO classification) were generated in the femur model obtained from Computerized Tomography images. The DHS model was placed into the fractured femur model in nine different positions. Tip-Apex Distances were measured using SolidWorks. In FEA, the force applied to the femoral head was determined according to the maximum value being observed during walking. Results. The highest volume percentage exceeding the yield strength of trabecular bone was obtained in posterior-inferior region in both fracture types. The best placement region for the lag screw was found in the middle of both fracture types. There are compatible results between Tip-Apex Distances and the cut-out risk except for posterior-superior and superior region of 31-A2.1 fracture type. Conclusion. The position of the lag screw affects the risk of cut-out significantly. Also, Tip-Apex Distance is a good predictor of the cut-out risk. All in all, we can supposedly say that the density distribution of the trabecular bone is a more efficient factor compared to the positions of lag screw in the cut-out risk.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/f0/2f/PMC5138482.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3168193", "abstract": "Allozyme electrophoresis was used to examine 12 enzymatic systems in two populations of the genus Neoplecostomus from the Paraná River basin. Samples of Neoplecostomus sp. 1 were collected in Paraitinguinha stream of the Tietê River basin, in the municipality of Salesópolis, São Paulo State, and those of Neoplecostomus sp. 2 from São Domingos stream of the Rio Grande River basin, in the municipality of Muzambinho, Minas Gerais State. The genetic variability of the two populations was estimated by Nei’s expected heterozygosity and was considered lower than average for populations of freshwater fish. The proportion of polymorphic loci was low (only 5.26", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/8b/63/PMC3168193.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5029114", "abstract": "Background: Despite the progress made, animal bites and rabies are one of the important health problems in the country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of animal bites and rabies during 2004–2014 in Lorestan Province to prevent them in population of the province for the future prospective aspects. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, all those cases bitten in the province, during 2004 and 2014, were studied. The required information about the age, sex, the bitten organ, type of the invasive animal time, and location of the event were collected in questionnaires and then analyzed. Results: The total number of cases of animal rabies during the period of study was 43,892, shown at the rate of 223.23 in 100,000 people. Seventy-eight percent of animal bites in rural areas, 41.42", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/29/b1/IJPVM-7-104.PMC5029114.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5172541", "abstract": "A branch and bound algorithm is proposed for the two-dimensional protein folding problem in the HP lattice model. In this algorithm, the benefit of each possible location of hydrophobic monomers is evaluated and only promising nodes are kept for further branching at each level. The proposed algorithm is compared with other well-known methods for 10 benchmark sequences with lengths ranging from 20 to 100 monomers. The results indicate that our method is a very efficient and promising tool for the protein folding problem.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/cf/63/main.PMC5172541.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4015248", "abstract": "Haematological and cytokine alterations in malaria are a broad and controversial subject in the literature. However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated various cytokines in a single patient group during the acute and convalescent phases of infection. The aim of this study was to sequentially characterise alterations in haematological patters and circulating plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in patients infected with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum from a Brazilian endemic area during the acute and convalescent phases of infection. During the acute phase, thrombocytopaenia, eosinopaenia, lymphopaenia and an increased number of band cells were observed in the majority of the patients. During the convalescent phase, the haematologic parameters returned to normal. During the acute phase, P. vivax and P. falciparum patients had significantly higher interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17, interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor levels than controls and maintained high levels during the convalescent phase. IL-10 was detected at high concentrations during the acute phase, but returned to normal levels during the convalescent phase. Plasma IL-10 concentration was positively correlated with parasitaemia in P. vivax and P. falciparum-infected patients. The same was true for the TNF-α concentration in P. falciparum-infected patients. Finally, the haematological and cytokine profiles were similar between uncomplicated P. falciparum and P. vivax infections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/dc/30/0074-0276-mioc-109-02-00154.PMC4015248.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4971145", "abstract": "Osteonecrosis in isolated fractures of the acetabulum without dislocation of hip seems to be a known complication, but to our knowledge it has not been reported adequately. The causative nature of post-traumatic femoral head osteonecrosis has not been studied critically. The pathophysiology of osteonecrosis in this case also eludes us. Striking evidence points towards the intra-operative blood loss and low mean arterial pressure possibly leading to hypo-perfusion of femoral head leading to osteonecrosis. Fractures of the acetabulum pose a difficult problem for the patient and the surgeon because of possible complications. Thus any surgeon involved in surgery for fractures of the acetabulum should be aware of the possibility of this potential complication. Here is a 61-year male, who sustained a complex fracture of the acetabulum without hip dislocation, subsequently was treated surgically with internal fixation using an anterior approach, 10 months after surgery patient developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c2/a4/hp-26-185.PMC4971145.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4779876", "abstract": "Pneumopericardium is defined as the presence of air inside the pericardial space. Usually, it is reported as a complication of blunt or penetrating chest trauma, but rare iatrogenic and spontaneous cases have been reported. Pneumopericardium is relatively stable if it does not generate a tension effect on the heart. However, it may progress to tension pneumopericardium, which requires immediate pericardial aspiration. We report a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium occurred in a 70-year-old man who presented dyspnea at emergency department. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade due to large pericardial effusion, and iatrogenic tension pneumopericardium occurred due to misuse of the drainage device. After evacuating the pericardial air through the previously implanted catheter, the patient became stable. We report this case to increase the awareness of this fatal condition and to help increase the use of precautions against the development of this condition during emergency procedures. Graphical Abstract", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/e5/c9/jkms-31-470.PMC4779876.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3799273", "abstract": "Introduction Brain abscess in pregnancy is very rare, which mostly progresses to neurological abnormalities. Case Presentation The patient is a 24-year-old pregnant woman. She was referred to Saitama hospital due to severe headache and nausea on October 2008. Brain MRI detected a 1.5 cm abscess mass with extensive edema in the right frontal lobe. We performed intensive therapy using some antibiotics that included cefotaxime and meropenem and depressants for intracranial pressure for six weeks. There was a good prognosis for the woman and her fetus without any sign of neurological abnormalities. Conclusion Early medical intervention is required before it is too late for brain abscess in pregnancy.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/e2/JRI-14-152.PMC3799273.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5220118", "abstract": "Abstract A 31-year-old gentleman who had undergone an emergent esophagectomy and reconstruction with a colon interposition graft, presented with a long-standing cologastric stricture. He had undergone multiple attempts at endoscopic dilation over multiple decades with little symptomatic relief. He underwent a resection and reconstruction of the anastomosis entirely through an abdominal approach. He did well from surgery and experienced complete symptomatic relief immediately. Complications of colon interposition grafts can occasionally be treated using an abdominal incision only.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/4f/rjw229.PMC5220118.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC5036575", "abstract": "Background As the relationship between psychological stress and platelet activation has been widely studied in recent years, activated platelets lead to certain biochemical changes, which occur in the brain in patients with mental disorders. However, data relating to the mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with panic disorder (PD) are both limited and controversial. Herein, we aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the red cell distribution width (RDW) levels combined with MPV levels in patients with PD. Patients and methods Between January 2012 and June 2015, data of 30 treatment-naïve patients (16 females, 14 males; mean age: 37±10 years; range: 18–59 years) who were diagnosed with PD and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (10 females, 15 males; mean age: 36±13 years; range: 18–59 years) (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. The white blood cell count (WBC), MPV, and RDW levels were measured in both groups. Results The mean WBC, MPV, and RDW levels were 9,173.03±2,400.31/mm3, 8.19±1.13 fl, and 12.47±1.14", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9c/79/ndt-12-2435.PMC5036575.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4033334", "abstract": "Inflammation at both systemic and local intraperitoneal levels commonly affects peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Interest in inflammatory markers as targets of therapeutic intervention has been considerable as they are recognised as predictors of poor clinical outcomes. However, prior to embarking on strategies to reduce inflammatory burden, it is of paramount importance to define the underlying processes that drive the chronic active inflammatory status. The present review aims to comprehensively describe clinical causes of inflammation in PD patients to which potential future strategies may be targeted.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/ec/0b/PMC4033334.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4131781", "abstract": "Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected clinical form of public health importance that is quite prevalent in the northern and eastern parts of Egypt. A comprehensive study over seven years (January 2005-December 2011) was conducted to track CL transmission with respect to both sandfly vectors and animal reservoirs. The study identified six sandfly species collected from different districts in North Sinai: Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus kazeruni, Phlebotomus sergenti, Phlebotomus alexandri, Sergentomyia antennata and Sergentomyia clydei. Leishmania (-)-like flagellates were identified in 15 P. papatasi individuals (0.5", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/95/06/0074-0276-mioc-109-03-00299.PMC4131781.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4289859", "abstract": "Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis (SSA) is rare and often difficult to manage condition. The sternoclavicular joint is an unusual site of septic arthritis in healthy persons, but may be commonly involved in intravenous drug users, primary or secondary immunosuppressive disorders, infections or the presence of infected central lines. After thorough literature search, no cases have yet been reported on SSA leading to vocal cord palsy. The following case describes a male patient who presented to hospital with left vocal cord palsy and symptoms consistent with aero-digestive tract malignancy. Radiological examination and subsequent response to treatment demonstrated the only causative pathology to be an ipsilateral septic sternoclavicular joint.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/30/74/rju147.PMC4289859.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC2894249", "abstract": "Highly uniform and c-axis-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated in predefined patterns by a low temperature homoepitaxial aqueous chemical method. The nucleation seed patterns were realized in polymer and in metal thin films, resulting in, all-ZnO and bottom-contacted structures, respectively. Both of them show excellent geometrical uniformity: the cross-sectional uniformity according to the scanning electron micrographs across the array is lower than 2", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/6d/12/PMC2894249.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4361206", "abstract": "This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2015 and co-published as a series in Critical Care. Other articles in the series can be found online at http://ccforum.com/series/annualupdate2015. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/67/bd/PMC4361206.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2837830", "abstract": "Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were discovered almost three decades ago, but there is still considerable debate regarding their role(s) in insect olfaction, particularly due to our inability to knockdown OBPs and demonstrate their direct phenotypic effects. By using RNA interference (RNAi), we reduced transcription of a major OBP gene, CquiOBP1, in the antennae of the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus. Previously, we had demonstrated that the mosquito oviposition pheromone (MOP) binds to CquiOBP1, which is expressed in MOP-sensitive sensilla. Antennae of RNAi-treated mosquitoes showed significantly lower electrophysiological responses to known mosquito oviposition attractants than the antennae of water-injected, control mosquitoes. While electroantennogram (EAG) responses to MOP, skatole, and indole were reduced in the knockdowns, there was no significant difference in the EAG responses from RNAi-treated and water-injected mosquito antennae to nonanal at all doses tested. These data suggest that CquiOBP1 is involved in the reception of some oviposition attractants, and that high levels of OBPs expression are essential for the sensitivity of the insect’s olfactory system.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/33/94/10886_2010_Article_9762.PMC2837830.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3260950", "abstract": "Research on liposome formulations has progressed from that on conventional vesicles to new generation liposomes, such as cationic liposomes, temperature sensitive liposomes, and virosomes, by modulating the formulation techniques and lipid composition. Many research papers focus on the correlation of blood circulation time and drug accumulation in target tissues with physicochemical properties of liposomal formulations, including particle size, membrane lamellarity, surface charge, permeability, encapsulation volume, shelf time, and release rate. This review is mainly to compare the therapeutic effect of current clinically approved liposome-based drugs with free drugs, and to also determine the clinical effect via liposomal variations in lipid composition. Furthermore, the major preclinical and clinical data related to the principal liposomal formulations are also summarized.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/0a/28/PMC3260950.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3887162", "abstract": "Warthin's tumor is the second most common type of salivary gland tumor. Microscopically, Warthin's tumor displays a proliferative epithelial component and lymphoid stroma. Carcinomas arising from the epithelial component are well known, but malignant transformations of the lymphoid stroma are rare. When they do occur, they are most commonly B-cell type non-Hodgkin lymphomas. A 60-year-old male patient underwent surgical resection of a parotid mass. After superficial parotidectomy, microscopic examination indicated that the tumor was of epithelial components with basaloid and oncocytic columns of cells neighboring lymphoid components. In addition to the lymphoid follicles with distinct germinal centers, there were large, bizarre and extremely atypical neoplastic cells seen in the lymphoid component. Large neoplastic cells were diffusely CD20 and CD30 positive. The patient was diagnosed with \"Warthin's tumor and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with expression of CD30.\" The histopathologic and clinical features are discussed along with a review of the literature.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f0/34/kjpathol-47-579.PMC3887162.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4845418", "abstract": "Introduction: Subtrochanteric fractures have a bimodal age distribution. They are mostly due to high violence trauma in the younger age group. They almost always require open reduction and internal fixation. Due to the increase in the emergence of native bone setters, these fractures are increasingly been managed by these spurious bone setters using native splints. As a result, non-union rate is high among such patients. These patients definitely need open reduction with internal fixation +/- bone grafting. The choice of implants used can be either a dynamic condylar screw plate (DCS) orproximal femoral nail (PFN). Case series: Here we have used a surgical grade 316 L stainless steel proximal femoral anatomical locked compression plate (PF-LCP). We analyzed 13 patients with established non unions of subtrochanteric fractures treated in our centre by the use of the PF-LCP. There were 10 males and 3 females. The average age was 48.23 years. All our patients were followed up by serial radiographs at 6, 12, 18, 24 weeks and thereafter at 6 months interval. Union was achieved in 11 out of 13 patients at 12 weeks whereas two patients had delayed union which eventually healed at 18 weeks and 24 weeks. The average Harris hip score at 1 year follow-up was excellent in eight, good in four and fair in one patient respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that in complicated non-unions, the use of PF-LCP has a definite positive role in the management of such cases.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/c7/d2/JOCR-6-65.PMC4845418.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3155855", "abstract": "Background: We recently indicated that patient age on its own is not a determinant of quality of allied health care received after an acute stroke. It has not been tested whether other non-age variables influence care decisions made by allied health professionals. This paper explores demographic and stroke-related variables that are putatively associated with the quality of care provided to acute stroke patients by allied health professionals. Methods: Data were retrospectively audited from 300 acute stroke patient records regarding allied health care. Compliance with each of 20 indicators of allied health care quality was established. The influence of various demographic and stroke-related variables on each performance indicator was examined. We undertook a series of analyses using univariate logistic regression models to establish the influence of these variables on care quality. Results: Patient age had a significant correlation with only one process indicator (early mobilization). Seven variables, including stroke severity and level of dependence, were associated with patient age. The majority of these age proxies had significant associations with process indicator compliance. Correlations between non-age variables, in particular stroke severity and comorbidity, suggest the potential for complex confounding relationships between non-age variables and quality of allied health care. Conclusion: Compliance with individual indicators of allied health care was significantly associated with variables other than patient age, and included stroke severity, previous independence, comorbidities, day of admission, stroke unit admission, and length of stay. The inter-relationships between these non-age variables suggest that their influence on quality of care is complex.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/cd/5f/PMC3155855.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC3125515", "abstract": "Most patients suffering from psychiatric disorders respond to combinations of psycho- and psychopharmacotherapy; however there are patients who profit little if anything even after many years of treatment. Since about a decade different modalities of targeted neuromodulation – among them most prominently – deep brain stimulation (DBS) – are being actively researched as putative approaches to very treatment-resistant forms of those disorders. Recently, promising pilot data have been reported both for major depression (MD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Given the fact that patients included in DBS studies had been treated unsuccessfully for many years with conventional treatment methods, renders these findings remarkable. Remarkable is the fact, that in case of the long-term studies underway for MD, patients show a stable response. This gives hope to a substantial percentage of therapy–resistant psychiatric patients requiring new therapy approaches. There are no fundamental ethic objections to its use in psychiatric disorders, but until substantial clinical data is available, mandatory standards are needed. DBS is a unique and very promising method for the treatment of therapy–resistant psychiatric patients. The method allows manipulating pathological neuronal networks in a very precise way.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/de/d5/PMC3125515.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4325121", "abstract": "Purpose To evaluate changes in differential renal function (DRF), as a functional outcome, in children who underwent redo pyeloplasty for management of failed pyeloplasty and to examine the factors that affect functional outcomes. Materials and Methods Between January 2002 and November 2010, a total of 18 patients who underwent redo pyeloplasty for persistent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed pyeloplasty were enrolled in this study. We assessed perioperative factors and evaluated changes in renal cortical thickness (RCT), renal function, and hydronephrosis by use of serial ultrasound and diuretic renography. Results The mean follow-up period was 44.83±28.86 months. After redo pyeloplasty, prevention of further functional deterioration was observed in only 12 of the 18 patients. After dividing the patients according to this observation, we discovered significant differences in both change in DRF (dDRF) and change in RCT (dRCT) (difference between before and after initial pyeloplasty) between the two groups (p<0.001). Additionally, we noted a significant positive correlation between dRCT and dDRF. All patients showed improvements in hydronephrosis grade and relief of symptoms compared with before redo pyeloplasty. Conclusions Redo pyeloplasty should be considered in cases of failed pyeloplasty to preserve renal function and obtain relief from symptoms. If patients show severe deterioration of DRF or a decrease in RCT after initial pyeloplasty, preservation of DRF in these patients after redo pyeloplasty could be difficult. Therefore, redo pyeloplasty should be performed before severe deterioration of DRF or decrease in RCT.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8c/c2/kju-56-157.PMC4325121.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC3642939", "abstract": "Hydatid disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is endemic in many parts of the world, including Iran. This parasitic tapeworm can produce cysts in almost every organ of the body, with the liver and lung being the most frequently targeted organs. However, the cyst tends to appear in different and sometimes unusual body sites in various geographical areas of the world. This review provides information on the reported cases of the unusual body sites of the hydatid cyst from Iran in the last 20 years. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, IranMedex, Society Information Display (SID), Magiran, and Irandoc using the keywords of “hydatid cyst and Iran” and “Echinococcus granulosus and Iran”, and 463 published cases of the hydatid cyst in unusual body sites from Iran were reviewed, evaluated, and discussed. The most common locations were the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and orbit), musculoskeletal system, heart, and kidney, while some less common locations were the spleen, pancreas, appendix, thyroid, salivary gland, adrenal gland, breast, and ovary.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/5a/33/PMC3642939.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC2817809", "abstract": "Cysticercosis is an infection with larval cysts of the cestode Taenia solium. Through pathways that are incompletely understood, dying parasites initiate a granulomatous reaction that, in the brain, causes seizures. Substance P (SP), a neuropeptide involved in pain-transmission, contributes to inflammation and previously was detected in granulomas associated with dead T. crassiceps cysts. To determine if SP contributes to granuloma formation, we measured granuloma-size and levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 within granulomas in T. crassiceps-infected wild type (WT) mice and mice deficient in SP-precursor (SPP) or the SP-receptor (neurokinin 1, NK1). Granuloma volumes of infected SPP- and NK1-knockout mice were reduced by 31 and 36", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/70/1c/PMC2817809.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC5421177", "abstract": "Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformations with high mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of CHD reported previously ranged from 4 per 1000 live births to 50 per 1000 live births. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to document the prevalence of CHD in Langfang district of Hebei Province, China by analyzing data collected by hospitals located in 11 the counties of the district, as supported by a public health campaign. Methods: A total of 67,718 consecutive 3-month-old infants were included from July 19, 2012 to July 18, 2014. Structural abnormalities were diagnosed based on echocardiography findings, including two-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography results. Results: Of the 67,718 infants, 1554 were found to have cardiac structural abnormalities. The total prevalence of CHD was 22.9 per 1000 live births, a value significantly higher than the previously reported prevalence of 8 cases per 1000 live births. The top five most common cardiac abnormalities were as follows: atrial septal defect (ASD, 605 cases, 8.93‰); ventricular septal defect (550 cases, 8.12‰); patent ductus arteriosus (228 cases, 3.37‰); pulmonary stenosis (66 cases, 0.97‰); and tetralogy of Fallot (32 cases, 0.47‰). The CHD prevalence differed by gender in this study (χ2 = 23.498, P < 0.001), and the majority of ASD cases were females. Regional differences in prevalence were also found (χ2 = 24.602, P < 0.001); a higher prevalence was found in urban areas (32.2 cases per 1000 live births) than in rural areas (21.1 cases per 1000 live births). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of CHD in preterm versus full-term infants (χ2 = 133.443, P < 0.001). Prevalence of CHD in infants of maternal aged 35 years or over was significantly higher (χ2 = 86.917, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of CHD in Langfang district was within the range reported using echocardiography. Echocardiography can be used to early diagnose the CHD.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/86/4a/CMJ-130-1069.PMC5421177.pdf"}
{"id": "PMC4461384", "abstract": "Objective: The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of erythropoietin (EPO) to prevent acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with critical illness or perioperative care. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing EPO with placebo for AKI prevention in adult patients with critical illness or perioperative care were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Web of Science, and Clinical Trials.gov until October 2014. The outcomes of interest included the incidence of AKI, dialysis requirement, mortality, and adverse event. Fixed effect model was used to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/7a/af/PMC4461384.tar.gz"}
{"id": "PMC4637496", "abstract": "Accumulating evidence has indicated that amputation induces functional reorganization in the sensory and motor cortices. However, the extent of structural changes after lower limb amputation in patients without phantom pain remains uncertain. We studied 17 adult patients with right lower limb amputation and 18 healthy control subjects using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter (WM) were investigated. In amputees, a thinning trend was seen in the left premotor cortex (PMC). Smaller clusters were also noted in the visual-to-motor regions. In addition, the amputees also exhibited a decreased FA in the right superior corona radiata and WM regions underlying the right temporal lobe and left PMC. Fiber tractography from these WM regions showed microstructural changes in the commissural fibers connecting the bilateral premotor cortices, compatible with the hypothesis that amputation can lead to a change in interhemispheric interactions. Finally, the lower limb amputees also displayed significant FA reduction in the right inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, which is negatively correlated with the time since amputation. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the amputation of lower limb could induce changes in the cortical representation of the missing limb and the underlying WM connections.", "pdf_url": "ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_package/a5/56/PMC4637496.tar.gz"}