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Knowledge mining from single graph plays an important role in decision support systems on single graphs such as social networks, bioinformatics, etc. In recent years, the problem of Frequent Subgraph Mining (FSM) from a single graph have been developed and attracted several studies. However, the problem of mining association rules or links from frequent subgraphs has not had many contributions. In this article, we state the problem of direct mining association rules from frequent subgraphs. Existing approaches on this topic perform the task in two phases. First, they traverse the search space to directly discover parent-child relationships from the discovered frequent subgraphs, then association rules are generated. We propose a one-phase algorithm, named So-GPARs, to generate rules as soon as frequent supergraphs are constructed from already existing frequent subgraphs. Our experiments on three single graph datasets show that the one-phase algorithm is more efficient than the two-phase algorithm in terms runtime of the rules generating phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large graphs are often used to simulate and model complex systems in various research and application fields. Because of its importance, frequent subgraph mining (FSM) in single large graphs is a vital issue, and recently, it has attracted numerous researchers, and played an important role in various tasks for both research and application purposes. FSM is aimed at finding all subgraphs whose number of appearances in a large graph is greater than or equal to a given frequency threshold. In most recent applications, the underlying graphs are very large, such as social networks, and therefore algorithms for FSM from a single large graph have been rapidly developed, but all of them have NP‐hard (nondeterministic polynomial time) complexity with huge search spaces, and therefore still need a lot of time and memory to restore and process. In this article, we present an overview of problems of FSM, important phases in FSM, main groups of FSM, as well as surveying many modern applied algorithms. This includes many practical applications and is a fundamental premise for many studies in the future. This article is categorized under:Algorithmic Development > Association RulesAlgorithmic Development > Structure Discovery [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted a comparative proteomic analysis to identify potential genetic markers for the biological function of chemolithoautotrophic iron oxidation in the marine bacterium Ghiorsea bivora. To date, this is the only characterized species in the class Zetaproteobacteria that is not an obligate iron‐oxidizer, providing a unique opportunity to investigate differential protein expression to identify key genes involved in iron‐oxidation at circumneutral pH. Over 1000 proteins were identified under both iron‐ and hydrogen‐oxidizing conditions, with differentially expressed proteins found in both treatments. Notably, a gene cluster upregulated during iron oxidation was identified. This cluster contains genes encoding for cytochromes that share sequence similarity with the known iron‐oxidase, Cyc2. Interestingly, these cytochromes, conserved in both Bacteria and Archaea, do not exhibit the typical β‐barrel structure of Cyc2. This cluster potentially encodes a biological nanowire‐like transmembrane complex containing multiple redox proteins spanning the inner membrane, periplasm, outer membrane, and extracellular space. The upregulation of key genes associated with this complex during iron‐oxidizing conditions was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR. These findings were further supported by electromicrobiological methods, which demonstrated negative current production by G. bivora in a three‐electrode system poised at a cathodic potential. This research provides significant insights into the biological function of chemolithoautotrophic iron oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membership fees are an important source of sustained revenue for not-for-profit organizations. Moreover, these membership programs facilitate loyalty to the organization and provide certainty to a percentage of revenue intake. In this study, we examine how frequency of visits, satisfaction with membership programs, length of membership, age, average household income, and driving time affect membership retention in a children’s museum. Findings indicate that all of the factors above influence membership renewal intention. We summarize this study with recommendations for both member recruitment and retention for not-for-profit organizations that utilize membership programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular signaling by small GTPases is critically dependent on proper spatio-temporal orchestration of activation and output. In addition to their core G (guanine nucleotide binding)-domain, small GTPases comprise a hypervariable region (HVR) and a lipid anchor that are generally accepted to control subcellullar localization. The HVR encodes in many small GTPases a polybasic region (PBR) that permits chargemediated association to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane or to intracellular organelles. Over the past 15-20 years, evidence has accumulated for specific proteinprotein interactions, mediated by the HVR, that control both targeting and signaling specificity of small GTPases. Using the RhoGTPase Rac1 as a paradigm we here review a series of protein partners that require the Rac1 HVR for association and that control various aspects of localized Rac1 signaling. Some of these proteins represent Rac1 activators, whereas others mediate Rac1 inactivation and degradation and yet others potentiate Rac1 downstream signaling. Finally, evidence is discussed which shows that the HVR of Rac1 also contributes to effector interactions, co-operating with the N-terminal effector domain. The complexity of localized Rac1 signaling, reviewed here, is most likely exemplary for many other small GTPases as well, representing a challenge to identify and define similar mechanisms controlling the specific signaling induced by small GTPases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The RhoGTPase Rac1 is activated in a polarised fashion and controls cell motility. We previously showed that Rac1 binds the PP2A inhibitor SET and recruits nuclear SET to the cytosol. We show that a SET mutant, lacking a nuclear localization signal, SET(ΔNLS), promotes cell spreading and motility. This was accompanied by an increase in the number and frequency of membrane ruffles. Pharmacological inhibition of PP2A did not mimic the effects of SET(ΔNLS), however, we found that expression of SET and SET(ΔNLS) increases the levels of the MAP kinases ERK1 and ERK2. Structured summary of protein interactions: RAC1 physically interacts with SET by pull down ( View interaction ). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

. Studies from tertiary care medical centres have linked hepatitis C virus (HCV) to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between HCV positivity and insulin resistance/diabetes in the US population. Three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1988 and 2008 were used. HCV infection was diagnosed using a positive serologic anti-HCV test. Additionally, diabetes was diagnosed as fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL and/or the use of hypoglycaemic medications. Insulin resistance was defined as a homeostasis of model assessment (HOMA) score of >3.0. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of each of the potential risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM). The SUDAAN 10.0 was used to run descriptive and regression analyses. A total of 39 506 individuals from three NHANES cycles (1988-1994, 1999-2004 and 2005-2008) with complete demographic and relevant clinical data were included. Over these three NHANES cycles, prevalence of hepatitis C did not significantly change. During the first NHANES cycle (1988-1994), insulin and diabetes were independently associated with hepatitis C. However, during the later study cycles (1998-2008), these associations were no longer significant. In contrast, other important known risk factors for diabetes and IR (male gender, non-Caucasian race, age and obesity) remained significant over all three NHANES cycles. Although HCV infection was independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes and IR in the US population over a decade ago, assessment of the later NHANES cycles shows that this relationship may have become diluted by the rapid rise of other risks for diabetes, specifically, the prevalence of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is an important complication after hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). Recent observations suggested that azithromycin might improve lung function in BOS after HSCT. We conducted a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study on azithromycin in patients with BOS after HSCT. The treatment group (n=10) received oral azithromycin 250 mg daily while the control group (n=12) received placebo daily for 12 weeks. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by the St George Respiratory Questionnaires and spirometry at baseline (drug commencement), 1, 2, 3 (drug cessation) and 4 months (1 month after drug cessation). There was no significant difference in the baseline demographic characteristics between the treatment and the control groups in age, gender, time from HSCT to BOS, time since diagnosis of BOS, chronic GVHD, baseline respiratory symptom scores and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Throughout and after 3 months of treatment, there were no significant changes in respiratory symptom scores and FEV1 measurements between the treatment and the control groups. In conclusion, there was no significant benefit of 3 months of oral azithromycin on the respiratory symptoms and lung function in patients with relatively late BOS after HSCT in this randomized placebo-controlled study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on dentoalveolar structures during orthodontic force application using a novel organ culture system. Methods: Mandibles were dissected from 28-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats, sliced into 1.5mm and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO(2), prior to application of a 50g force to each mandible slice. Slices were randomly divided into three groups of control, 5 and 10min LIPUS application and cultured for five days before histological and histomorphometrical analysis. Results: Cementum and predentine thickness and subodontoblast and periodontal ligament cell counts were increased in the ultrasound groups, with increases statistically significant in the 10min treated groups. Odontoblasts remained viable during LIPUS exposure and osteoclast activity was increased by LIPUS. Conclusions: LIPUS may influence remodelling of the dentine-pulp complex and associated tissues during orthodontic force application ex vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of malignant blood disorders, such as leukemia, that can provide a better chance of long-term remission involves myeloablation followed by transplantation of matched donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). For successful engraftment and re-establishment of hematopoiesis to occur in the recipient, the transplanted HSCs must first migrate from the blood circulation to the bone marrow (BM), a process known as homing, then localize and anchor in suitable microenvironments within the BM, a process known as lodgment. After lodgment, the specific fate of the transplanted HSCs is determined through complex, bidirectional interactions with various stromal cell components in the niche. Ultimately, these interactions dictate the clinical outcome of the transplantation. Through the use of transgenic mouse models, considerable evidence has been accumulated in an attempt to unveil the possible underlying mechanisms that govern these processes. Here, we will emphasize the major factors that are involved in the regulation of lodgment of transplanted HSCs. Specifically, we will first introduce early observations on the spatial distribution of hematopoietic progenitors within the BM, then we will discuss the soluble factors, chemokines, cell-cell interactions, and cell-matrix interactions that have been studied and known to influence the site of HSC lodgment within the BM following transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the long-term outcomes in women and men after valve replacement surgery. Design: Observational study. Setting: Postoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR). Patients: 3118 patients (1261 women, 1857 men) who underwent AVR or MVR between 1976 and 2006 (2255 AVR, 863 MVR), with mean follow-up of 5.6 (4.5) years. Main outcome measures: The independent effect of gender on the risk of long-term complications (reoperation, stroke and death) after valve replacement surgery using multivariate actuarial methods. Results: After implantation of an aortic valve bioprosthesis, women had a significantly lower rate of reoperation compared to men (comorbidity-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.4; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.2 to 0.9). In contrast, if an aortic mechanical prosthesis had been implanted, women were more at risk for late stroke compared to men (HR 1.7; CI 1.1 to 2.7). After adjustment for age and co-morbidities, women had significantly better long-term survival compared to men after bioprosthetic AVR (HR 0.5; CI 0.3 to 0.6), but there was no survival difference between genders after mechanical AVR. Trends existed towards better survival for women after bioprosthetic MVR (HR 0.6; CI 0.4 to 1.0) and mechanical MVR (HR 0.8; CI 0.5 to 1.1). Conclusion: The long-term outcomes after valve replacement surgery differ between women and men. Although women have more late strokes after valve replacement, they undergo fewer reoperations and have better overall long-term survival compared to men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

PurposeTo define molecular and ophthalmic features of a rare phenotype in autosomal dominant (ad) retinitis pigmentosa (RP)MethodsA 32-year-old woman (proband) with adRP and the low-frequency damped electroretinographic (ERG) wavelet phenotype and her mother were studied with optical coherence tomography (OCT), chromatic perimetry and ERG. A previously reported adRP patient with this ERG phenotype (Lam et al) was also studied with OCT. Genotype in the two families was determined with DNA sequencing.ResultsERGs from the proband were identical to those reported previously. Chromatic perimetry and ERG stimulus intensity series indicated that there can be severely reduced rod function in addition to substantial cone dysfunction. A heterozygous deletion in peripherin/RDS (Met152del3 atGAA) was present in the patient and the affected mother. There were foveal cystoid changes and pericentral splitting of the inner nuclear layer. ONL thickness and vision tapered with eccentricity, and ‘blind’ regions without discernible ONL showed a thickened, delaminated inner retina. Similar OCT findings were present in the reported adRP patient with this ERG; the patient was heterozygous for a 4-bp deletion (Leu107del4 ctGAGT) in PRPF31.ConclusionsThe low-frequency damped ERG wavelet phenotype is genetically heterogeneous. Inner retinal structural abnormalities are also present in this rare disease expression.Eye (2009) 23, 230–233 doi:10.1038/eye.2008.264; published online 15 August 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical detection of structural narrowing of the upper airway may facilitate early recognition of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). To determine whether the craniofacial profile predicts the presence of OSA, the upper airway and craniofacial structure of 239 consecutive patients (164 Asian and 75 white subjects) referred to two sleep centres (Hong Kong and Vancouver) were prospectively examined for suspected sleep disordered breathing. Methods: All subjects underwent a history and physical examination with measurements of anthropometric parameters and craniofacial structure including neck circumference, thyromental distance, thyromental angle, and Mallampati oropharyngeal score. OSA was defined as an opnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of ⩾5/hour on full overnight polysomnography. Results: Discriminant function analysis indicated that the Mallampati score (F =0.70), thyromental angle (F = 0.60), neck circumference (F = 0.54), body mass index (F = 0.53), and age (F = 0.53) were the best predictors of OSA. After controlling for ethnicity, body mass index and neck circumference, patients with OSA were older, had larger thyromental angles, and higher Mallampati scores than non-apnoeic subjects. These variables remained significantly different between OSA patients and controls across a range of cut-off values of AHI from 5 to 30/hour. Conclusions: A crowded posterior oropharynx and a steep thyromental plane predict OSA across two different ethnic groups and varying degrees of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The utilization of diathermy (electrocautery) as an energy source in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation has generated positive early clinical results. Although this technology is available and affordable, it has not been well studied for this indication. The objectives of this study were: (1) to characterize atrial lesions created by diathermy, (2) to determine relationships between power setting, tissue contact time, and lesion depth and (3) to histologically compare diathermy and unipolar radiofrequency lesions. Methods: Fresh bovine atrial tissue samples were used to create endocardial lesions using a unipolar diathermy system with a blade tip. A total of 120 lesions were created at varying power settings and tissue contact times. Subendocardial temperatures were recorded. All lesions were examined grossly, then fixed, sectioned and evaluated histologically by a blinded pathologist. Comparisons were made with saline irrigated unipolar radiofrequency lesions. Results: Gross examination revealed extensive tissue destruction of the endocardial surface at the point of contact. Histological examination showed minimal penetrance of the lesions beyond the destroyed tissue margin of the endocardium. This was corroborated by the finding of minimal thermal penetration beyond the endocardium and superficial myocardium. There was a linear relationship between the power setting (15–55watts), depth of penetrance (2–15mm) at varying contact times (1–5s/cm). Conclusions: In this in vitro model, lesions created by diathermy were not transmural, even with high power settings and prolonged contact times. At these settings, significant tissue destruction was observed that may predispose to atrial perforation without achieving penetration. Diathermy did not constitute an effective energy source in the creation of transmural lesions for atrial fibrillation ablation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

LTC4 synthase(LTC4S) catalyzes the conjugation of LTA4 with glutathione to form LTC4, the parent compound of the cysteinyl leukotrienes(cysLTs). LTC4S is an 18kD membrane protein that belongs to MAPEG superfamily. Mutational analysis of LTC4S indicates that Arg-51 and Tyr-93 are critical in enzyme catalysis. LTC4S expression is upregulated by IL-4 in both the human and the mousein vitroderived-mast cells. The cysLTs exert their biological activities through binding to their G-protein coupled receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2. Targeted disruption of mouse LTC4S gene and of the mouse CysLT1 gene markedly reduced the plasma leakage induced by innate or by adaptive immune inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in community-based, middle-aged Chinese women, and to compare the differences between gender with a similar study in men.Design: A cross-sectional study conducted in Hong Kong from 1998 to 2000.Setting: Sleep questionnaires were distributed to women (30 to 60 years old) in three offices and two community centers. All were invited to undergo full polysomnography in a sleep laboratory.Participants: Questionnaires were distributed to 1,532 women, and 854 questionnaires were returned. Polysomnography was conducted in 106 respondents.Measurements and Results: Conservative estimated prevalence of SDB (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > = 5) and OSAS (AHI > or = 5 plus excessive daytime sleepiness [EDS]) were 3.7% and 2.1%, respectively. Age-specific prevalence of OSAS was 0.5%, 2.2%, and 6.1% in the 30- to 39-year-old, 40- to 49-year-old, and 50- to 60-year-old age groups, respectively. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis identified body mass index (BMI) and age as predictors of SDB. Compared to Chinese men, the prevalence of SDB and OSAS in women was lower, but the gender difference decreased with age. The AHI of affected women was also significantly lower despite comparable BMI. Compared to men, women with SDB had same degree of self-reported snoring and a similar degree of EDS despite the lower AHI.Conclusions: This study demonstrated an estimated prevalence of OSAS at 2.1% among middle-aged Chinese women in Hong Kong, with a 12-fold rise from the fourth to the sixth decade of life. BMI and age were significant independent predictors of SDB. Compared to men, women with SDB had lower AHIs, despite similar BMIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To establish an updated clinical profile of adenocarcinoma of the lung.Design: Retrospective review of clinical charts, chest radiography, and computed tomography of consecutive patients who attended Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between June 1995 and December 1997.Results: In the 115 patients studied, 13% were <40 years of age (33.3% ever smokers). Haemoptysis is more common among patients with early disease, while finger clubbing was detected more commonly among smokers and ex-smokers. Most (98.3%) patients had abnormal chest radiology including presence of mass lesion, pleural effusion, collapse/consolidation, and effusion. Patients with adenocarcinoma were significantly more likely to be younger, female, in advanced disease (stage IIIB and IV), non-smoker, and symptomatic on presentation (p<0.05) than those with squamous cell lung cancer (n=128).Conclusion: The clinical profile of Chinese adenocarcinoma patients should help clinicians in the diagnosis and management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the quality of life of aged patients after aortic value replacement to determine functional outcomes. Application of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 questionnaire in the study; Univariate predictors of operative mortality; Comparison of the cost of treatment for aged and younger patients.

BACKGROUND: CEP290-associated inherited retinal degeneration causes severe early-onset vision loss due to pathogenic variants in CEP290. EDIT-101 is a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing complex designed to treat inherited retinal degeneration caused by a specific damaging variant in intron 26 of CEP290 (IVS26 variant). METHODS: We performed a phase 1-2, open-label, single-ascending-dose study in which persons 3 years of age or older with CEP290-associated inherited retinal degeneration caused by a homozygous or compound heterozygous IVS26 variant received a subretinal injection of EDIT-101 in the worse (study) eye. The primary outcome was safety, which included adverse events and dose-limiting toxic effects. Key secondary efficacy outcomes were the change from baseline in the best corrected visual acuity, the retinal sensitivity detected with the use of full-field stimulus testing (FST), the score on the Ora-Visual Navigation Challenge mobility test, and the vision-related quality-of-life score on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (in adults) or the Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (in children). RESULTS: EDIT-101 was injected in 12 adults 17 to 63 years of age (median, 37 years) at a low dose (in 2 participants), an intermediate dose (in 5), or a high dose (in 5) and in 2 children 9 and 14 years of age at the intermediate dose. At baseline, the median best corrected visual acuity in the study eye was 2.4 log10 of the minimum angle of resolution (range, 3.9 to 0.6). No serious adverse events related to the treatment or procedure and no dose-limiting toxic effects were recorded. Six participants had a meaningful improvement from baseline in cone-mediated vision as assessed with the use of FST, of whom 5 had improvement in at least one other key secondary outcome. Nine participants (64%) had a meaningful improvement from baseline in the best corrected visual acuity, the sensitivity to red light as measured with FST, or the score on the mobility test. Six participants had a meaningful improvement from baseline in the vision-related quality-of-life score. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile and improvements in photoreceptor function after EDIT-101 treatment in this small phase 1-2 study support further research of in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to treat inherited retinal degenerations due to the IVS26 variant of CEP290 and other genetic causes. (Funded by Editas Medicine and others; BRILLIANCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03872479.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a model-based method for quantifying heat flow and storage in thermal systems using data from multiple thermal sensors. This approach avoids stringent requirements on the system geometry and sensor positions and enables calorimetry to be performed under a broader range of circumstances than is accessible with existing calorimeters, such as when nonlinear heat transfer occurs, when spatially separated heat sources are active or when multiple thermal masses participate. Using experimental data from a model thermal system, this paper provides a tutorial on the construction of nonlinear lumped-element heat transfer models and the use of system identification to estimate the parameters of these models from calibration data. The calibrated models are then used to estimate unknown energy inputs to the thermal system from sensor data. Our best model enabled the measurement of the total input energy with 0.02% accuracy; the instantaneous input power could be measured with a root-mean-square error of 10% of the average input power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the risk of non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after cataract extraction (CE) in the fellow eye of patients with prior NAION. Records of 325 eligible patients with NAION at the Bascom Palmer Institute in Miami, Florida from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2001 were reviewed. Results show that those with unilateral NAION are at higher risk of developing NAION in the fellow eye after CE, as 53% of those who underwent CE and 19% of those who did not undergo CE developed NAION in the fellow eye.

Nitrofurantoin remains a key oral antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) option in the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) due to multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram negative bacilli (GNB). However, there have been concerns regarding decreased nitrofurantoin efficacy with renal insufficiency. In our experience over the past three decades, nitrofurantoin has been safe and effective in treating AUC in hospitalized adults with renal insufficiency. Accordingly, we retrospectively reviewed our recent experience treating AUC in hospitalized adults with decreased renal function (CrCl < 60 ml/min) with nitrofurantoin. Excluded were complicated urinary tract infections. Urinary isolated susceptibility testing was done by micro broth dilution (MBD). Treatment duration was 5-7 days. Cure was defined as eradication of the uropathogen and failure was defined as minimal/no decrease in urine colony counts. Of 26 evaluable patients with renal insufficiency (CrCl < 60 ml/min), nitrofurantoin eradicated the uropathogen in 18/26 (69%) of patients, and failed in 8/26 (31%). Of the eight failures, five were due to intrinsically resistant uropathogens, e.g., Proteus sp., and one failure was related to an alkaline urine. Of the treatment failures, only two were due to renal insufficiency, i.e., CrCl < 30 ml/min. Since there are few oral antibiotics available to treat AUC due to MDR GNB uropathogens, these results have important ASP implications. Currently, nitfurantoin is not recommended if CrCl < 60 ml/min. In our experience, used appropriately against susceptible uropathogens, nitrofurantoin was highly effective in nearly all patients with CrCl = 30-60 ml/min., and only failed in two patients due to renal insufficiency (CrCl < 30 ml/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been no consensus on the best catheterization strategy for the management of postoperative urinary retention. A prospective randomized trial was undertaken to establish the best practice guidelines for the management of postoperative urinary retention. We also evaluated the contemporary incidence of urinary retention following different categories of general surgery and examined risk factors associated with its occurrence. All patients who underwent elective inpatient surgery between January 2002 and June 2003 were recruited in the study. Patients who developed postoperative urinary retention were randomized to either having in-out catheterization or placement of an indwelling catheter for 24 h after surgery. A total of 1448 patients were recruited. The overall incidence of urinary retention was 4.1% ( n=60). Significant risk factors associated with postoperative urinary retention included old age, anorectal procedures and use of spinal anaesthesia. Comparison of re-catheterization and urinary tract infection rates between patients who were treated with in-out versus overnight catheterization showed no significant differences. Postoperative urinary retention should be managed by in-out catheterization. Indwelling catheterization for 24 h appeared to bestow no additional benefits. The incidence of urinary retention increased with age, anorectal procedures and the use of spinal anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin plays a major role in coordinating the integrated response of the brain to changes in nutritional state. Leptin receptor expressing neurones within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus sense circulating leptin and densely innervate other regions of the hypothalamus, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In the ARC, leptin is known to alter the expression of genes with important roles in the control of energy balance, and the aim of the present study was to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the action of leptin in these nuclei. Mice were ad libitum fed, or fasted for 48 h when receiving either sham or i.p. leptin treatment. We used laser capture microdissection and microarrays to identify leptin-regulated transcripts within the ARC. Expression of 639 genes are increased and 452 decreased within the fasted ARC. Leptin regulates 15% and 20% of these genes, respectively. In addition to expected changes in Pomc, Agrp, Npy and Cart, pathway analysis indicated that leptin regulated other genes concerned with energy homeostasis and endocrine function. As previously reported for the PVN, leptin also altered the expression of genes involved in nervous system development and synaptic function. However, aside from a small number of such genes (e.g. Gap43), leptin influenced the expression of different sets of neuronal developmental genes in the ARC and PVN. In conclusion, the present study identifies a set of genes that are regulated, at least in part, by leptin in the ARC, highlighting these as candidates for possible roles in leptin action and resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Structural composition of a lignite humic acid (HA) fraction was studied by means of solid-state 13C NMR, different solution-state 1H NMR pulse techniques and thermally assisted hydrolysis–methylation with TMAH and TMAAc followed-up with pyrolysis–GC–MS experiments. The results verified that certain aliphatic compounds have their special tasks in the complicated structural network of lignite HA material, and aprotic solvents with strong electron-donor powers are needed to release the tightly bound certain aliphatics from the macromolecular network for obtaining a fully dissolved HA solution. The occurrence of the relatively large content of different carboxylic acids as their free-acid forms was surprising. The structural interpretations performed by special 1H NMR pulse techniques verified the complexity of aliphatic moieties, the presence of hydroaromatic carbons, residual lignin derivatives, the abundance of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, and the ability of aliphatics to form intermolecular bridges between aromatic building blocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The current trend towards decreasing the age for selection of a tissue over a mechanical prosthesis has led to a dilemma for patients aged 50–65 years. This cohort study examines the long-term outcomes of mechanical versus bioprosthetic valves in middle-aged patients. Methods: Patients (N =659) aged between 50 and 65 years who had first-time aortic valve replacement (AVR) and/or mitral valve replacement (MVR) with contemporary prostheses were followed prospectively after surgery. The total follow-up was 3402 patient-years (mean 5.1±4.1 years; maximum 18.3 years). Outcomes were examined with multivariate actuarial methods. A composite outcome of major adverse prosthesis-related events (MAPE) was defined as the occurrence of reoperation, endocarditis, major bleeding, or thromboembolism. Results: Ten-year survival was 73.2±4.2% after mechanical AVR, 75.1±12.6% after bioprosthetic AVR, 74.1±4.6% after mechanical MVR, and 77.9±7.4% after bioprosthetic MVR (P =NS). Ten-year reoperation rates were 35.4% and 21.3% with aortic and mitral bioprostheses, respectively. Major bleeding occurred more often following mechanical MVR (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 9.0; P =0.022), and the incidence of any thromboembolic event was more common after mechanical MVR (HR: 4.7; CI 1.4, 13.3; P =0.01). Overall freedom from MAPE at 10 years was 70.2±4.1% for mechanical AVR patients, 41.0±30.3% for bioprosthetic AVR patients, 53.3±8.8% for mechanical MVR patients, and 61.2±9.2% for bioprosthetic MVR patients. Although a trend existed towards more MAPE amongst middle-age patients with tissue valves, multivariate analysis did not identify the presence of a bioprosthesis as an independent risk factor for MAPE (HR: 1.3; CI 0.9, 2.0; P =0.22). Conclusions: In middle-aged patients, MAPE may occur more often in patients with bioprosthetic valves, but definitive conclusions necessitate the accumulation of additional follow-up. At present, these data do not support lowering the usual cutoff for implantation of a tissue valve below the age of 65. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Traditional harvesting of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) for use as a conduit in coronary bypass surgery involves the dissection of a rim of tissue surrounding the artery on either side. Recent studies, primarily observational, have suggested that skeletonization of the ITA can improve conduit flow, increase length, and reduce the risk of deep sternal infection in high risk patients. Furthermore, skeletonization of the ITA can potentially preserve intercostal nerves and reduce post-operative pain and dysesthesias associated with ITA harvesting. In order to assess the effects of ITA skeletonization, we report a prospective, randomized, within-patient study design that shares many features of a cross-over study. Methods: Patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery harvest will be randomized to having one side skeletonized and the other harvested in a non-skeletonized manner. Outcome measures include ITA flow and length measured intra-operatively, post-operative pain and dysesthesia, evaluated at discharge, four weeks, and three months post-operatively, and sternal perfusion assessed using single photon emission computed tomography. Harvest times as well as safety endpoints of ITA injury will be recorded. Discussion: This study design, using within-patient comparisons and paired analyses, minimizes the variability of the outcome measures, which is seldom possible in the evaluation of surgical techniques, with minimal chance of carryover effects that can hamper the interpretation of traditional cross-over studies. This study will provide a valid evaluation of clinically relevant effects of internal thoracic artery skeletonization in improving outcomes following coronary artery bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder in many ethnic populations. Patients with OSA have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). No sleep apnea-specific HRQOL measure has been validated in Chinese patients.Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional sample of 106 Chinese OSA patients and a longitudinal sample of 51 patients in Hong Kong completed a Chinese (Cantonese) version of SAQLI for assessment of its acceptability, scaling assumptions, reliability, validity, and responsiveness.Results: The instrument was understood and seen as relevant by 97% of subjects. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, item-scale convergent validity and discriminatory validity, and construct validity were good to excellent. Construct validity was confirmed by significant correlations with SF-36 subscale scores. However, factor analysis showed that only items of daily functioning and symptom domains all loaded on the hypothesized scales. Longitudinal data showed that SAQLI was more responsive than SF-36 to changes after treatment.Conclusion: Hence, this version of SAQLI was an acceptable, psychometrically valid, and responsive HRQOL measure for evaluating impact of illness and treatment effectiveness in Chinese OSA patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regeneration of the thymus was studied in rats that were treated with a single oral dose of the organotin compound di-n-butyltin dichloride (DBTC). After an initial maximum depletion of cortical BrdU+ thymocytes on day 2 after treatment, repopulation appeared to start on day 3 as indicated by an increased number of BrdU+ cells in the subcapsular region. On day 5, when thymocyte depletion was most pronounced, a relative increase of BrdU+ cells was observed all over the cortex. In comparison with controls, the thymoblast population on day 5 appeared to harbour increased numbers of CD4- CD8- and immature CD4- CD8+ CD53- thymoblasts, while the number of CD4+ CD8+ blasts had decreased. In comparison with day 3, however, the number of CD4+ CD8+ blasts had increased again. Results together have been interpreted as indicative for thymus regeneration starting from CD4- CD8- blasts which differentiate to immature CD4- CD8+ and then to CD4+ CD8+ blasts. Further characterization revealed that the majority of the CD4- CD8- and CD4- CD8+ CD53- blasts expressed high levels of CD2 and no or low levels of T cell receptor (TcR)αβ. The high expression of CD2 on repopulating thymoblasts may be an additional indication of their activated state and for a role of interaction with the ligand LFA-3 on thymic epithelial cells during this phase of thymocyte differentiation. The number of CD4- CD8- TcRαβhigh cells was increased on day 5 after dosing. The origin of this population and the possible implication of its development during thymus regeneration after chemically induced thymus atrophy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymic changes in the rat induced by the thymus atrophy-inducing organotin compound di-n-butyltin dichloride (DBTC) were examined using FACS analyses. The number of CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes was reduced by DBTC treatment from Day 2 onwards and reached minimum level on Days 4 and 5 after dosing. On these days the CD4-CD8-and both the CD4-CD8 + and CD4+ CD8-subsets were not affected. On Day 2 we observed a reduced proportion of transferrin receptor (CD71)-positive CD4- OX44 cells, representing the cycling immature CD4+ CD8+ cells, and of CD71+ OX44 cells, representing the cycling CD4+ CD8 cells, but not of CD71+ CD4- CD8-cells. When compared to controls, the FSChigh cell population of DBTC-treated rats contained less CD4 OX44 and OX44- cells, which were further characterized as CD2high and T-cell receptor (TcR)αβlow.Moreover, fewer TcRαβhigh cells were detected in the OX44-thymoblast subset of DBTC-treated rats. The number of CD4-CD8-thymoblasts appeared marginally decreased while the numbers of CD4+ OX44+ cells, representing mature CD4+ cells, were not affected. These data indicate that DBTC causes a preferential initial depletion of immature CD4-CD8+CD2high TcRαβlow thymoblasts. This initial event may result in a decreased formation of CD4+ CD8+ thymoblasts and of small CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes. These characteristics of the initially depleted subset indicate a specific anti-proliferative effect of DBTC and may give clues for the mechanism involved in the induction of thymus atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONCLUSIONS: Character counting appears to be a useful technique of obtaining a rough estimate of visual acuity in subjects unable to be tested by standard methods, such as those with non-organic visual loss.Eye (2005) 19, 622–624. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701583 Published online 28 May 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of lipase, Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) and porcine pancreas lipase (PPL), were used to hydrolyze virgin coconut oil (VCO). The hydrolysis process was carried out under four parameters, VCO to buffer ratio, lipase concentration, pH, and temperature, which have a significant effect on hydrolysis of lipase. CRL obtained the best hydrolysis condition at 1 : 5 of VCO to buffer ratio, 1.5% of CRL concentration, pH 7, and temperature of 40°C. Meanwhile, PPL gave different results at 1 : 4 of VCO to buffer ratio, 2% of lipase concentration, pH 7.5, and 40°C. The highest hydrolysis degree of CRL and PPL was obtained after 16 hours and 26 hours, reaching 79.64% and 27.94%, respectively. Besides, the hydrolysis process was controlled at different time course (every half an hour) at the first 4 hours of reaction to compare the initial hydrolysis degree of these two lipase types. FFAs from hydrolyzed products were isolated and determined the percentage of each fatty acid which contributes to the FFAs mixture. As a result, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) made up the main contribution in composition of FFAs and lauric acid (C12) was the largest segment (47.23% for CRL and 44.23% for PPL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an instrument for measuring pressure changes and heat flows of physical and chemical processes occurring in gram-scale solid samples under high pressures of reactive gases. Operation is demonstrated at 1232 °C under 33 bars ofpure hydrogen. Calorimetric heat flow is inferred using a grey- box non-linear lumped-element heat transfer model of the instrument. Using an electrical calibration heater to deliver 900 J/1W pulses at the sample position, we demonstrate a dynamic calorimetric power resolution of 50 mW when an 80-s moving average is applied to the signal. Integration of the power signal showed that the 900 J pulse energy could be measured with an average accuracy of 6.35% or better over the temperature range 150-1100 °C. This instrument is appropriate for the study of high-temperature metal hydride materials for thermochemical energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) is the most common complication of HCV infection leading to liver transplantation. We evaluated the impact of aetiology of liver disease on patient and graft survival following liver transplantation for HCC. From the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (2002-2011), all adults who underwent liver transplantation for HCC were retrospectively included. Aetiology of liver disease was grouped into HCV, HBV, HCV- HBV co-infection and nonviral liver disease. Of 8,733 liver transplant recipients with HCC, 5507 had HCV, 631 had HBV, 163 were co-infected, and 2432 had nonviral causes of liver disease. In follow-up (48 ± 32 months), 8.2% had graft failure and 29.5% died. The mean rates of graft failure were 9.5%, 4.7%, 6.1% and 6.4% in HCV, HBV, HCV- HBV co-infection and nonviral liver disease, respectively ( P < 0.0001). Post-transplant mortality rate in patients with HBV was 20.2%, HCV 31.0%, HCV- HBV 28.5% and nonviral 28.5% ( P < 0.0001). This difference was significant starting one year post-transplant and became even more prominent later in follow-up. Five-year post-transplant survival was 64.7% in HCV, 77.7% in HBV, 71.0% in HCV- HBV and 69.1% in nonviral HCC ( P < 0.0001). A diagnosis of HCV in patients with HCC was also independently associated with an increased risk of both graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.84 (1.46-2.33), P < 0.0001) and mortality (1.35 (1.21-1.50), P < 0.0001) in multivariate analysis. Patients with HCV-related HCC are at higher risk of adverse post-transplant outcomes. These patients should be considered for preemptive interferon-free antiviral therapy prior to or immediately following liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Interferon and ribavirin negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQL) during treatment. Aim To compare the impact of interferon and/or ribavirin-containing regimens on HRQL to interferon- and ribavirin-free regimens. Methods HRQL data from nine multinational phase 3 clinical trials of sofosbuvir (SOF)- based regimens with and without ledipasvir (LDV), pegylated interferon (IFN) or ribavirin (RBV) were used. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) HRQL questionnaire was administered to subjects prospectively at baseline, during treatment, and 12 and 24 weeks after treatment cessation. Results A total of 3460 CH-C with SF-36 data were included (52.2 ± 10.3 years, 62.6% male, 73.6% treatment-naïve, 15.0% cirrhotic, 68.2% HCV genotype 1 and 20.1% genotype 3). Compared to baseline HRQL, at the end of treatment, severe HRQL decrements were noted in IFN + RBV ± SOF regimens (on average, -3.8 to -24.3 on a 0-100 scale for different HRQL domains), while moderate decrements were noted in SOF + RBV ± LDV (-2.8 to -8.6). In contrast, in SOF/LDV without RBV, HRQL improvements were noted during treatment (+2.3 to +5.2). By 12 weeks post-treatment, HRQL returned to baseline in IFN + RBV ± SOF (P > 0.05) and improved in all IFN-free arms (+2.6 to +7.8). In multivariate analysis, a lower end of treatment HRQL was associated with IFN + RBV + SOF and a higher end of treatment HRQL was associated with SOF/LDV. By post-treatment-12, SOF/LDV was additionally associated with higher mental health scores. These improvements in HRQL scores were maintained 24 weeks post-treatment. Conclusions Removing interferon and ribavirin has led to substantial improvement of health-related quality of life during treatment. This may result in better patient experience and higher adherence to treatment regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HCV is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in the U.S. The Center for Disease Control ( CDC) has recently recommended ' Birth Cohort Screening' of the U.S. Adult population to reduce the future burden of undiagnosed HCV infections in the U.S. Our aim was to assess independent predictors of receiving treatment in a cohort of HCV-infected patients. The Hepatitis C follow-up questionnaires of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys ( NHANES) conducted from 2001 to 2010 were used. The NHANES participants who tested positive for HCV RNA were followed by CDC 6 months after initial testing with questions related to their awareness of their infection and history or intention to receive treatment. A total of 500 NHANES participants tested positive for HCV RNA and were targeted for follow-up. Of these, only 203 had completed the follow-up questionnaire (response rate of 40.6%). Of these, only 101 (50%) knew about their HCV positivity before NHANES, and from them, only 34 (17%) had received treatment. In multivariate analysis, prior knowledge about their HCV infection in HCV-positive individuals was independently associated with receiving routine care from a doctor or HMO, with higher income, female gender, being in poor or fair health and not consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. On the other hand, the knowledge about HCV infection was the only independent predictor of receiving anti- HCV treatment (odds ratio 6.14). Knowledge about having HCV infection is the only independent predictor of receiving treatment. Therefore, birth cohort screening of the U.S. General population could lead to wider identification of HCV and potentially better management of the future burden of HCV and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]