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Do polidocanol concentration and time affect the properties of foam used for sclerotherapy?

Higher concentration of POL and rapid injection optimize foam stability and bubble size distribution, but other important foam characteristics are largely independent of differences in the generation and injection of foam. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

MRI is a valuable tool in exploring the different internal anatomical features of the cloacal anomaly; and when combined with endoscopy, MRI can make other preoperative conventional imaging unnecessary.

Does replication and meta-analysis of common variants identify a genome-wide significant locus in migraine?

TSPAN-2 encodes an integral membrane protein involved in oligodendrogenesis. This new finding supports the plausible implication of neuroglia in the pathophysiology of MO and MTA.

TNFRSF10C CNV in patients with CRC is associated with distant metastatic disease. With further validation, such genetic profiles could be used clinically to support optimal systemic treatment strategies versus more aggressive local therapies in patients with CRC, including radiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Does intraperitoneal administration of bevacizumab intraoperatively affect abdominal wound healing in rats?

Intraperitoneal bevacizumab administered intraoperatively does not significantly affect abdominal wound healing in rats.

Karyotypic evaluation is recommended when isolated clubfoot is identified on prenatal sonogram because other subtle associated malformations may not be detected ultrasonographically in the early second trimester.

Does overexpression of tumor suppressor TSLC1 by a survivin-regulated oncolytic adenovirus significantly inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth?

These data suggest that an oncolytic adenovirus expressing TSLC1 is effective and support that SD55-TSLC1 may be a potent antitumoral agent for future clinical trials of liver cancer.

The authors conclude that radical surgical procedure can prolong survival times in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients who had a complete resection of cancer tissue in the primary operation or those who experienced a disease-free interval of more than 12 months after primary operation are most likely to benefit from second operation in recurrent ovarian cancer. Radical surgical procedure should be offered to these patients to enhance efficacy of second-line chemotherapy, which is of limited value in bulky recurrent disease.

Does knockdown of polycomb-group RING finger 6 modulate mouse male germ cell differentiation in vitro?

PCGF6 may play important roles in male germ cell development.

All referred patients should continue to have their pathology centrally reviewed. This practice will help facilitate optimal prostate cancer management and improve quality of care. While these findings are dated given pathologic practice change, such changes do not necessarily equate with disparity elimination or reduction; conclusions can only be drawn with a more recent audit to see if such disparities still exist.

Does potassium repletion fail to interfere with reduction of serum lithium by sodium polystyrene sulfonate in mice?

Potassium repletion did not interfere with the ability of SPS to lower serum lithium concentration in animals experimentally poisoned with lithium.

Topical lidocaine/prilocaine gel is an effective agent for reducing the discomfort associated with 25% TCA peeling. However, it should only be used with TCA below 30% concentrations due to its ability to enhance the depth of the peel.

Is tNF-α blockade ineffective in animal models of established polycystic kidney disease?

While it remains possible that TNF-α inhibition may be effective in truly preventative settings, our observations suggest this pathway is less likely to exhibit therapeutic or disease-modifying efficacy following the standard clinical diagnosis of disease.

Blebbistatin prevents the inhibitory effects of thrombin on intercellular Ca(2+) wave propagation. The findings demonstrate that myosin II-mediated actomyosin contractility plays a central role in thrombin-induced inhibition of gap junctional IC and of hemichannel-mediated paracrine IC.

Does blockade of brain angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibit the development of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive rats?

Brain AT1R blockade suppresses AF inducibility and maintenance independent of depressor response in hypertensive rats.

Women undergoing surgery for anterior/apical prolapse demonstrated significant improvements in bowel symptoms after surgery. Those receiving concomitant PR had a significantly greater margin of improvement.

Should endodontists place implants?

The majority of responding endodontists believed that dental implant placement is within the scope of endodontic practice. Governing bodies of the specialty of endodontics might consider discussing whether formal implant training should be incorporated into future curricula.

High consumption of fruit and vegetables offers an advantage in survival among the rising number of men living after a PCa diagnosis, possibly through the epigenetic effect of some nutrients.

Do capsaicin receptors mediate free radical-induced activation of cardiac afferent endings?

The results of these experiments indicate that blockade of capsaicin receptors inhibits activation of vagal and sympathetic cardiac afferent fibers by free oxygen radicals. The fact that capsazepine and ruthenium red did not affect the afferent response to bradykinin suggests that this effect of the blockers was specific for capsaicin receptors. The possible functional implications of this interaction are discussed.

Our data suggest that low concentrations of BPA activate the PKG and EGFR/ERK/c-fos pathways through a cross-talk between GPR30 and ER-α, which in turn stimulates GC-1 cell proliferation. The present study provides a novel insight regarding the potential role of GPR30 and ER-α in mediating the proliferative effects of BPA in male germ cells.

Cue-induced behavioural activation: a novel model of alcohol craving?

Cue-induced behavioural activation was specific to alcohol cues, reproducible, persistent and could be blocked by naltrexone, and its correlation with human self-report of craving makes it a potentially useful model for studying alcohol craving.

Improvements in trunk extension endurance were independently associated with CMCs in balance in older adults. Leg strength, leg power, and RPP were not associated with CMC in balance. Poor trunk extension endurance may be a rehabilitative impairment worthy of further study as a modifiable factor linked to balance among older adults.

Female military medical school graduates entering surgical internships: are we keeping up with national trends?

The sex disparity between military and civilian medical students occurs before entry. Once in medical school, women are just as likely to enter general surgery or surgical subspecialty as their male counterparts. Increased ratio of women in the class is unlikely to lead to a shortfall except in specific subspecialties.

Right-hand 2D:4D might be a better indicator of prenatal androgenisation than left-hand 2D:4D. The view that 2D:4D has allometric properties (Kratochvil L, Flegr J. 2009. Differences in 2nd to 4th digit length ratio in humans reflect shifts along the common allometric line. Biol Lett 5:643-646.) is not supported. Bone lengths contribute to the sex difference in 2D:4D. In addition, there might be a sex difference in fingers' soft tissue, which should be investigated. Because of measurement unreliability, correlations between 2D:4D and variables of interest are about one-third smaller in the BBC internet study than in studies in which 2D:4D is based on expert-measured finger lengths.

Does plasma lipoprotein ( a ) indicate risk for 4 distinct forms of vascular disease?

Lp(a) constitutes a stable risk factor of similar magnitude for 4 major forms of vascular disease. This association was not altered by exposure to standard lipid-lowering therapy.

Our data demonstrate that the splice variant-derived isoforms SOM1 and SOM3 induce opposing effects in primary human endothelial cells and in a whole animal model, most likely through the induction of different target genes.

Does ambrisentan improve exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with portopulmonary hypertension?

The present study demonstrates significant improvement of exercise capacity and clinical symptoms without relevant safety concerns during ambrisentan treatment in patients with PoPH.

School-based sexual education is effective at reducing the risk of unprotected intercourse and STIs in early adulthood. Influence from friends in adolescence may also have a positive effect on the risk of STIs in later life.

Does infragenual cuff-compression reduce venous contamination in contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the calf?

Infragenual cuff-compression minimizes venous overlay in three-dimensional CE-MRA at calf level by reduction of contrast agent supply in the superficial veins.

There is a need for all healthcare professionals to recognise that children have spiritual needs that can include religious beliefs, and that it is part of their duty of care to attempt to identify and meet such needs.

Do effects of zinc and iron supplementation fail to improve motor and language milestone scores of infants and toddlers?

After 1 y, neither zinc nor iron-folic acid supplementation in Nepali children improved the attainment of motor or language milestones.

The evaluation results suggest new research directions for the improvement and development of Information Extraction for molecular and environmental biology. The Bacteria Track tasks remain publicly open; the BioNLP-ST website provides an online evaluation service, the reference corpora and the evaluation tools.

Does meta-analysis of structural MRI studies in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder indicate treatment effects?

  Basal ganglia regions like the right globus pallidus, the right putamen, and the nucleus caudatus are structurally affected in children with ADHD. These changes and alterations in limbic regions like ACC and amygdala are more pronounced in non-treated populations and seem to diminish over time from child to adulthood. Treatment seems to have positive effects on brain structure.

Activation of PI3K might protect cholangiocarcinoma cells from oxaliplatininduced cytotoxicity. Although the inhibition of PI3K and the inhibition of mTOR both enhance oxaliplatin-induced cytotoxicity, PI3K inhibition has a greater effect. Targeting the PI3K pathway may be a useful approach to improve the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma.

Do perioperative reductions in circulating lymphocyte levels predict wound complications after excisional breast cancer surgery?

Perioperative changes in lymphocyte levels could provide a practical predictive marker for wound complications on which selective antibiotic prophylaxis could be based.

PGK1 is a prognostic biomarker of chemoresistance to paclitaxel treatment in breast cancer.

Is higher anti-tumour efficacy of platinum ( IV ) complex LA-12 associated with its ability to bypass M-phase entry block induced in oxaliplatin-treated human colon cancer cells?

Higher malignant cell toxicity and ability to bypass cell cycle arrest important for the cell damage repair suggest LA-12 to be a more effective candidate for elimination of colon tumours from a variety of genetic backgrounds, compared with oxaliplatin.

In patients who undergo either ORIF or IMN for tibial shaft fractures, obesity and its related medical comorbidities are associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative medical complications, infection, nonunion, and implant removal compared to non-obese patients.

Discontinuation of reimbursement of benzodiazepines in the Netherlands: does it make a difference?

A total reduction of almost 14 prescription days was observed over eight trimesters after implementation of the regulation to terminate the reimbursement of benzodiazepines. Short-term users were mainly responsible for this reduction in prescription days in 2009 and 2010. Although long-term users did not alter their benzodiazepine use in 2009 and 2010, the number of long-term users decreased slightly.

In the present findings we showed that low concentration of DC (<2.0 µg/mL) exhibited protective effects against FasL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. FasL treatment to HeLa cells resulted in a concentration-dependent induction of cell death, and treatment with low concentrations of DC (0.1-2 µg/mL) significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated the FasL-induced cell death as measured by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Further, the FasL-induced apoptotic features in HeLa cells, such as morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest was also inhibited by DC (0.5 µg/mL). Tetracycline and minocycline also showed similar anti-apoptotic effects but were not significant when compared to DC, tested at same concentrations. Further, DC (0.01-16 µg/mL) did not influence the hydrogen peroxide- or cisplatin-induced intrinsic apoptotic pathway in HeLa cells. Protein analysis using Western blotting confirmed that FasL-induced cleavage/activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, were inhibited by DC treatment at low concentration (0.5 µg/mL). Considering the overall data, we report for the first time that DC exhibited anti-apoptotic effects at low concentrations in HeLa cells by inhibition of caspase activation via FasL-induced extrinsic pathway.

Bulbar urethroplasty using buccal mucosa grafts placed on the ventral, dorsal or lateral surface of the urethra: are results affected by the surgical technique?

In our experience the placement of buccal mucosa grafts into the ventral, dorsal or lateral surface of the bulbar urethra showed the same success rates (83% to 85%) and the outcome was not affected by the surgical technique. Moreover, stricture recurrence was uniformly distributed in all patients.

Consistent with expectations, prevalence of high BMI in this sample of rural Appalachian children exceeds national averages. Prevalence of overweight varied by age and sex; boys are particularly vulnerable to developing obesity, especially as they age. Preliminary survey data suggest that eating breakfast at home and at school and increased hours of television viewing may be associated with higher BMI, especially in younger boys.

Do tNFα inhibitors restrict T cell activation and cycling via Notch-1 signalling in inflammatory bowel disease?

TNFα inhibitors potently inhibit T cell function. By demonstrating for the first time that Notch-1 mediates the inhibitory effects of adalimumab and infliximab on T cell cycling, this study reveals a new mode of action and also an underlying signalling pathway by which biological agents act in IBD.

Thalidomide plus interferon maintenance therapy increased progression-free survival but not overall survival and was associated with slightly more toxicity than maintenance with interferon alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00205751).

Is provisional stenting the effective option?

Provisional stenting appears to offer the same longer term outcome as elective stenting in this selected group of patients. Improvement in the results of conventional balloon angioplasty in the past 10 years means that a policy of obtaining an ideal result without the use of stents appears to be practicable in many of these patients, with consequent cost savings.

Terpinen-4-ol induced-human leukemic HL-60 cell death was via both autophagy and apoptosis.

Does counteracting autophagy overcome resistance to everolimus in mantle cell lymphoma?

These results suggest that autophagy induction protects MCL cells from Akt/mTOR targeting and counteracting autophagy may represent an attractive strategy for sensitizing MCL cells to everolimus-based therapy.

The improvement strategies applied showed to be effective in detecting PIEAR, as well as the prevention of such errors. However, we must continue working with this strategy, promoting a culture of safety for all the professionals involved, and trying to achieve the goal that 100% of the analytical and samples are properly identified.

Do an update on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in rural northeast China?

The prevalence of MetS was high in the rural areas of China, especially among females. In addition to some of the more conventional risk factors associated with MetS, including age, sex, annual income and educational status, we also found that having more than one child and frequent consumption of tea and beans were risk factors for MetS, while smoking was a common factor among those that did not have MetS in rural Northeast China.

Incorporation of the actual treatment time substantially influences the result of this exemplary ITT analysis. The resulting risk ratio is clearly in accordance with clinical implications and in close agreement with those of other beta-blocker trials in heart failure. Entering the actual treatment time into a Cox-proportional hazards model as an explanatory variable is reasonable if not necessary from a clinical point of view and thus may strengthen the validity of ITT analysis.

Is esophageal eosinophilia increased in rural areas with low population density : results from a national pathology database?

Population density is strongly and inversely associated with esophageal eosinophilia and EoE. This association is robust to varying case definitions and adjustment factors. Environmental exposures that are more prominent in rural areas may be relevant to the pathogenesis of EoE.

Extraversion was associated with MMI performance, whereas both extraversion and agreeableness were associated with acceptance offers. Adoption of the MMI may affect diversity in medical student personalities, with potential implications for students' professional growth, specialty distribution, and patient care.

Does smoking increase the risk of pre- and postoperative complications in patients with pilonidal disease?

Smoking has a detrimental effect on the natural history and on treatment results of pilonidal disease. Patients should be encouraged to cease smoking prior to pilonidal surgery.

Tezosentan administered during the first day after MI in rats, in addition to improving acutely hemodynamic conditions, markedly increases long-term survival. This increase is associated with a decrease of pulmonary edema and prevention of cardiac hypertrophy. Tezosentan could be a safe and useful therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of ischemic HF.

Does task-shifting training improve stroke knowledge among Nigerian non-neurologist health workers?

Our data support the effectiveness of stroke-specific task-shifting training for non-neurologist health workers in a low resource setting. Interim studies with intermediate outcomes are needed to show that improved knowledge results in better care despite resource limitation. Randomized controlled trials will be useful to confirm findings and translate knowledge improvement into practical intervention.

In twenty-five RCC samples, the mRNA level of metastin receptor was identified to be significantly higher than non-neoplastic renal cortex by real-time RT-PCR (p=0.011). Immunohistochemical study also detected metastin receptor protein in all RCC tumors. In vitro, this study showed that metastin inhibited migration and invasion of Caki-1 and ACHN cells. In contrast, it had no effects on cell proliferation. Metastin (10 micromol/l) induced excessive formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers in Caki-1 and ACHN cells; this phenomenon was inhibited by pretreating pharmacological Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632) to those cells.

Does azelnidipine suppress the progression of aortic aneurysm in wild mice model through anti-inflammatory effects?

This study demonstrates that combined treatment with angiotensin II and β-aminopropionitrile induces degenerative AAs in wild-type mice, and azelnidipine prevents aneurysm progression via its anti-inflammatory effect.

Myocardial beta-AR density is reduced after AMI in the absence of heart failure, and the reduction predicts later LV dilation. These data are suggestive of an enhanced sympathetic drive to the heart, having an important etiologic role in LV remodeling after AMI.

Does resistance training improve muscle strength and functional capacity in multiple sclerosis?

Twelve weeks of intense progressive resistance training of the lower extremities leads to improvements of muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis, the effects persisting after 12 weeks of self-guided physical activity.

The association between paternal arrest and imprisonment and adverse outcomes in adolescence is accounted for by well-established social and familial risk factors. Paternal imprisonment may not, in itself, increase the risk for child behaviour and substance use problems.

Can a four-session biofeedback regimen be used effectively for treating children with dysfunctional voiding?

Biofeedback therapy is one of the most widely used techniques in dysfunctional voiding in children. The regime of use has not been well defined, and the results of this study showed that a regime of four sessions of biofeedback therapy may be as safe and effective as the previously defined open-ended six to ten sessions.

A two-staged analysis demonstrated that rs2282679 in GC was associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration and could be a risk factor for hip fracture in Japanese RA patients.

Can the thick drop/smear examination for malaria be replaced by a rapid diagnostic test in first intention?

These results concerning malaria (and its epidemiological data) in Mayotte show that the initial use of an Optimal IT test instead of the thin/thick blood smear results in a faster management of patients with malaria, although the Optimal IT test is slightly less sensitive and requires training/practice.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be used in patients with tumors larger than 5 cm.

Is childhood energy intake associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents?

Higher childhood and early adolescent energy intake is associated with greater NAFLD risk, and the macronutrients from which energy intake is derived are less important. These associations appear to be mediated, at least in part, by fat mass at the time of outcome assessment.

K-ras mutation analysis seems to be a powerful tool to determine the malignant potential of cystic pancreatic tumors before and after surgery. Dilatation of the main pancreatic duct on computed tomography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is highly suggestive for malignancy in these rare tumors.

Can digital examination substitute anorectal manometry for the evaluation of anal canal pressures?

Although digital examination does not substitute anorectal manometry, a good correlation exists between the two techniques. In this sense, digital examination may afford an approximate clinical evaluation of some fecal continence mechanisms in those centers where manometry is not available.

We found no relationship between the dietary iron intake and biochemical indicators of the iron status in an elderly population. If no gastrointestinal or another organ-related cause might be found, iron deficiency can hardly be attributed to an impaired iron intake without a nutritional investigation. Other parameters may also play an important role in its multifactorial pathogenesis.

Is atelectasis a major cause of hypoxemia and shunt after cardiopulmonary bypass : an experimental study?

Atelectasis is produced to a much larger extent after CPB than after anesthesia alone or with sternotomy and it explains most of the marked post-CPB increase in shunt and hypoxemia. Surgery per se contributes to a lesser extent to postoperative atelectasis and gas exchange impairment.

These data suggest an intriguing and possibly novel role for sEH in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which deserves additional investigation.

Do pregnant women who report a reduction in cigarette consumption consume less tobacco?

Women smoking daily in the first trimester of pregnancy had a lower exposure to tobacco than daily smoking non-pregnant women. Twelve months later (six months after delivery) analyses of serum thiocyanate indicated that postpartum women underestimated their tobacco consumption.

Our data suggest that the growth of the immature cerebellum is particularly rapid during late gestation. However, this accelerated growth seems to be impeded by premature birth and associated brain injury. The long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities seen in survivors of premature birth may be attributable in part to impaired cerebellar development.

Is C-11 Methionine PET/CT Able to Localise Sestamibi-Negative Parathyroid Adenomas?

Additional pre-interventional imaging with Met-PET/CT was able to identify hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in 74% of patients with pHPT and negative sestamibi scans, thus enabling successful parathyroid surgery.

Upregulation of Bcl-2 directly induced by miR-21 is associated with apoptosis, chemoresistance and proliferation of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells.

Can exercise therapy improve the outcome of microdiscectomy?

A 4-week postoperative exercise program can improve pain, disability, and spinal function inpatients who undergo microdiscectomy. [Key words: electromyogram median frequency, exercise therapy, intervertebral disc prolapse, microdiscectomy, randomized controlled trial, spinal function.

Systemic hypertension treated with hypotensive medications may be a risk factor for increased progression of optic nerve parameters in glaucoma suspects compared with age-matched normotensive subjects.

Does aging adversely affect the cigarette smoke-induced glutathione adaptive response in the lung?

These data suggest that the age-related maladaptive response to CS sensitizes the lung to both inflammation and oxidation potentially contributing to the development of CS-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Direct peritoneal resuscitation enhanced blood flow to organs incited in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure that follows hemorrhagic shock.

Are oxidative damages critical in pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis : implication of antioxidants in its treatment?

Oxygen-derived free radicals seem to be one of the important mediators in generation of reflux esophagitis, which suggests that the combination of antioxidant and anti-secretory medications will be ideal and more beneficial in the prevention and treatment of reflux esophagitis than currently prescribed antisecretory treatment alone.

Our comprehensive omics approach, carried out in industrially relevant conditions, enabled the identification of key pathways affecting erythromycin yield and suggests strategies for rapid increase in the production of secondary metabolites in industrial environment.

Are pelvic computed tomography, bone scan and pelvic lymphadenectomy necessary in the staging of prostatic cancer?

The use of pelvic CT and bone scans for clinical staging in patients with a PSA level of<or = 20 ng/mL should not be advocated because they have a very low yield and are not cost effective. We question the role of a modified pelvic lymphadenectomy for staging purposes, either by an open or laparoscopic procedure, because the yield of positive diagnoses is very low.

Intrauterine stress impairs hippocampal function during postnatal development. The knowledge of deleterious effects of intrauterine stress may be helpful in establishing primary prevention strategies of pregnant women exposed to this risk factor.

Is endothelin-1 involved in plasma mediated stimulation of neutrophil adherence during coronary artery bypass grafting?

We conclude, that soluble stimuli capable of stimulation of PMN adhesion are released following myocardial ischaemia during CABG and ET-1 may be involved in PMN stimulation.

We report minor R>L asymmetry in hippocampal volumes in controls and present some evidence to suggest that there is a change in the natural R>L asymmetry during the progression of AD.

Do etomidate and thiopental inhibit the release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in the human renal artery?

Etomidate and thiopental inhibit the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxant response to acetylcholine in the human renal artery, an effect that appears to be attributable to the cytochrome P450-inhibiting properties of these anesthetics.

In the CAD patients treated on a long-term basis with beta-blockers, survival is strongly influenced by persistent exercise SPECT ischemia on treatment. Therefore exercise SPECT on treatment could be a useful tool for selecting those who might benefit from additional anti-ischemic therapeutic interventions.

Does family history of education predict eating disorders across multiple generations among 2 million Swedish males and females?

Family history of education predicts ED in gender- and disorder-specific ways, and in females the effect is observed across multiple generations. Particularly given that these effects may have grown stronger in more recent cohorts, these findings highlight the need for further research to clarify the underlying mechanisms and identify promising targets for prevention. Speculatively, one such mechanism may involve greater internal and external demands for academic success in highly educated families.

Our results identify TLR4 expression in human CRCs and activation of PI3K with LPS treatment. These findings suggest possible treatment strategies targeting TLR4 in CRC.

Is expression of human Piwi-like genes associated with prognosis for soft tissue sarcoma patients?

In this study, we identified a significant association between the expression of Piwi-like 2 and 4 mRNAs and the tumor-specific survival of soft tissue sarcoma patients. Furthermore, a connection between sex and the impact of Piwi-like mRNA expressions on STS patients' prognosis was shown for the first time.

These data suggest that ziprasidone has cognitive benefits unrelated to an influence on other disease parameters.

Does epinephrine prevent muscle blood flow increases after perineural injection of tetrodotoxin?

Vasoconstriction in the perisciatic muscles by epinephrine may contribute to the prolongation of tetrodotoxin-induced sciatic nerve blocks and the reduction of systemic toxicity of tetrodotoxin.

Castration therapy results in decreased levels of the Ku70 protein in prostate cancer cells. Because the Ku70 protein is essential for the NHEJ repair of DSBs and its downregulation impairs DNA repair, this offers a possible explanation for the increased radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells following castration.

Does administration of zoledronic acid enhance the effects of docetaxel on growth of prostate cancer in the bone environment?

In conclusion, the use of the osteolysis-inhibitory agent ZOL in combination with docetaxel inhibits growth of prostate tumors in bone and represents a potential treatment option.

This study demonstrates that increased FTO levels in the liver are involved in oxidative stress and lipid deposition, which characterize NAFLD.

Is advanced age associated with poorer bladder cancer-specific survival in patients treated with radical cystectomy?

Greater patient age at the time of RC for BCa is independently associated with adverse outcomes. Better understanding of factors associated with postoperative outcomes in this growing segment of the population is necessary. Prospective corroboration and further refinement of similar analyses in other large datasets is needed.

Carnosine is neuroprotective in focal cerebral ischemia and appears to influence deleterious pathological processes that are activated after the onset of ischemia.

Does platelet-Rich Fibrin improve the Viability of Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model?

PRF enhances the viability of diced cartilage grafts and should be considered an appropriate biological wrapping material for cartilage grafting.

To sum up, in our collective, serologic testing for rubella, toxoplasmosis and hepatitis B is carried out in almost all pregnant women. The high rate of women not screened for HIV infection clearly contradicts the recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health and calls for increased education of physicians.

Does prosthesis-patient mismatch affect long-term survival after mechanical valve replacement?

In a large aortic valve surgery population, prosthesis-patient mismatch occurred in 43% of patients, and those with significant mismatch had worse long-term outcomes than those with minimal mismatch.

The duality of HIF1 in pain regulation may have an impact on the side effects of drugs targeting HIF1, which are being developed, for example, as anticancer agents. Specifically, in patients with cancer neuropathy, however, temporary HIF1 inhibition might provide a welcome combination of growth and pain reduction.

Is hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulated by phosphorylation of GSK3-β via PI3 K/Akt signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma?

Our data showed that the hypoxia-induced EMT in OSCC was enhanced by GSK3-β phosphorylation, suggesting that GSK3-β may be important in the invasion and metastasis of OSCC.

Most prominent is the loss of several genes involved in the utilisation of the polysaccharide chitin. In particular, the disruption of three extracellular chitinases responsible for enzymatic breakdown of chitin makes A. salmonicida unable to grow on the polymer form of chitin. These, and other losses could restrict the variety of carrier organisms A. salmonicida can attach to, and associate with. Gene acquisition and gene loss may be related to the emergence of A. salmonicida as a fish pathogen.

Is human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication inhibition by the bidentate iron chelators CP502 and CP511 caused by proliferation inhibition and the onset of apoptosis?

Iron chelators with high affinities for iron, which are under development for the treatment of iron overload, could contribute to the reduction of HIV-1 replication in infected patients by cellular proliferation inhibition rather than by a direct antiviral action.

Injection of BTX-A to the submandibular glands of children with neurological disorders is a safe procedure and results in a reduction in drooling in the majority of patients. Children with severe neurological dysfunction respond to BTX-A injections as effectively as their less impaired peers and the degree of response does not appear to be associated with the severity of neurological disability. BTX-A injection is a good initial procedure when drooling surgery is being considered.

Does prima-1 induce apoptosis in bladder cancer cell lines by activating p53?

Prima-1 is able to restore the transcriptional activity of p53. Experimental studies in vivo may be conducted to test this molecule as a new therapeutic agent for urothelial carcinomas of the bladder, which characteristically harbor p53 mutations.

Histoplasmosis is an under-recognized disease in India and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of male patients with prolonged fever, adrenal enlargement, hepato-splenomegaly, oral ulcers and granulomatous disease on histopathology without response to ATT. When tissue biopsy specimens show granulomas, fungal stains should be routinely performed. Treatment with itraconazole leads to an excellent outcome in most patients.

Vitamin D deficiency before bariatric surgery: should supplement intake be routinely prescribed?

Before surgery, we demonstrated a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese French patients as compared to the general population. The incidence was also higher than previous American studies. Screening for hypovitaminosis D may routinely be considered in morbid obesity. Long-term observation is, however, needed to assess the advantages and potential side effects of systematic vitamin D supplements.

Abuse of cannabis and cocaine pre-treatment was more strongly related to "at fault" crashes than to all crashes. Interaction between these substances means that the effects of combined abuse cannot be predicted from simple main effects.

Does laparoscopic sigmoid resection with transrectal specimen extraction have a good short-term outcome?

Laparoscopic sigmoid resection with transrectal specimen extraction is feasible and has a good short-term outcome.

Rates of immunization coverage are improving dramatically in the WHO African Region. The huge increases in spending on immunization and the related improvements in programme performance are linked predominantly to increases in donor funding.

Do [ Neutrophils induce the maturation and activation of immature dendritic cells during adaptive immune responses ]?

LPS-PMN can induce the maturation and activation of imDCs, including the cytokine secretion, specific antigen presentation and Th1 differentiation, thus promoting the type I immunity to microbial pathogens.

Combination of brain injury and hypoxia-hypotension induces a severe hemodynamic alteration associated with a decreased pressor responsiveness to phenylephrine. Transient hypoxia-hypotension is responsible for the depressed alpha-1 adrenergic reactivity.

Does fAK inhibition abrogate the malignant phenotype in aggressive pediatric renal tumors?

This study provides a fundamental understanding of tumorigenesis in difficult to treat renal tumors and provides an impetus for new avenues of research and potential for novel, targeted therapies.

This study showed that acupuncture had neuroprotective effects against focal ischemia in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model.

Gastric cancer surgery: Billroth I or Billroth II for distal gastrectomy?

Billroth II method of anastomosis was associated with higher rate of early postoperative complications. Therefore, we conclude that the Billroth I method should be the first choice after a distal gastrectomy as long as the anatomic and oncological environment of an individual patient allows us to perform it. However more prospective studies should be designed to compare the overall surgical outcomes of both anastomosis methods.

Alveolar inflammation reflected by increased nitric oxide production was related to serum-induced PFP and myofibroblast conversion, linking the active alveolitis process to cell proliferation and lung fibrosis in patients with SSc.

Is coronary distensibility index measured by computed tomography associated with the severity of coronary artery disease?

CTA-measured CDI is inversely related to the severity of CAD independent of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and CAC.

Forty-two percent of subjects with SAR were sensitized to myxomycete spores. A significant subset of subjects who had SAR symptoms and otherwise negative skin test results showed sensitization to myxomycetes. These spores are present in the outdoor air during the summer and autumn and might be significant aeroallergens.

Does wenxin Keli suppress ventricular triggered arrhythmias via selective inhibition of late sodium current?

Wenxin Keli suppressed EADs, DADs, and triggered ventricular arrhythmias via selective inhibition of late INa.

Our results implicate an important role for inflammasome proteins NLRP3 and ASC in the regulation of the systemic inflammatory response and the development of cerebral damage during pneumococcal meningitis, which may dependent on the pneumococcal serotype.

Is shrinkage of human coronary arteries an important determinant of de novo atherosclerotic luminal stenosis : an in vivo intravascular ultrasound study?

These results show that both compensatory enlargement and paradoxical shrinkage occurs in the atherosclerotic coronary artery. Next to plaque accumulation, the type of atherosclerotic remodelling is an important determinant of luminal narrowing.

These results suggest no effect of either R72P allele on breast cancer risk but a significantly reduced survival for 72P homozygous breast cancer patients. The finding of codon 72 genotype as an independent prognostic marker for breast cancer warrants further studies.

Does supplementation of highly concentrated β-cryptoxanthin in a satsuma mandarin beverage improve adipocytokine profiles in obese Japanese women?

We concluded that increasing the intake of β-cryptoxanthin to approximately 4 mg per day for 3 weeks may have beneficial effects on the serum adipocytokine status and consequently alleviate progression of metabolic syndrome.

ALN effectively alleviated ASDD post-PLF in ovariectomized rats. These data indicate that ALN can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to attenuate ASDD progression in osteoporosis.

Does comparison of fecal and cecal microbiotas reveal qualitative similarities but quantitative differences?

Fecal sample analysis captures a large percentage of the microbial diversity present in the ceca. However, the qualitative similarities in OTU presence are not a good representation of the proportions of OTUs within the microbiota from each sampling site. The fecal microbiota is qualitatively similar to cecal microbiota but quantitatively different. Fecal samples can be effectively used to detect some shifts and responses of cecal microbiota.

The diagnostic value of provocative clinical tests in UNE is poor.

Does chromosome-associated protein D3 promote bacterial clearance in human intestinal epithelial cells by repressing expression of amino acid transporters?

CAP-D3 down-regulates transcription of genes that encode amino acid transporters (SLC7A5 and SLC3A2) to promote bacterial autophagy by colon epithelial cells. Levels of CAP-D3 protein are reduced in patients with active UC; strategies to increase its levels might restore mucosal homeostasis to patients with active UC.

More than one quarter of the patients with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL had creatinine clearance <60 mL/min. This expressive number of patients, that would not have their renal dysfunction detected by the serum creatinine parameter alone, had double the risk of death, longer total hospital stay and post-surgical hospital stay than the other patients with serum creatinine < 1.5mg/dL.

Do direct and up-close views of plant cell walls show a leading role for lignin-modifying enzymes on ensuing xylanases?

The spatial resolution of STXM clearly revealed time-dependent progression and spatial distribution of laccase and xylanase activities, whereas ToF-SIMS analyses confirmed that laccase promoted protein penetration into fibre samples, leading to an overall increase in polysaccharide degradation. Spectromicroscopic visualizations of plant cell wall chemistry allowed simultaneous tracking of changes to lignin and polysaccharide contents, which provides new possibilities for investigating the complementary roles of lignin-modifying and carbohydrate-active enzymes.

These data reveal that human NK cells are regulated by a fine-tuned collaborative action between different types of immune cells, which may reflect a novel immune-escape mechanism by which tumors dynamically regulate their functions at distinct tumor microenvironments.

Does vascular endothelial growth factor modulate matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in asthma?

These results indicate that there is a close relationship between VEGF and MMP-9 expression and that inhibition of VEGF receptor down-regulates the expression of MMP-9. These findings suggest that VEGF signaling regulates MMP-9 expression and plays a critical role in initiation and maintenance of asthma.

Power spectral heart rate analysis during low thoracic bupivacaine spinal anesthesia is compatible with decreased sympathetic activity during stable hemodynamic intervals. Insertion of hip endoprosthesis resulted in a dramatic, transient increase in sympathetic activity, indicating that sympathetic activation was still possible despite the presence of surgical anesthesia from the subarachnoid block.

Can you have dementia with an MMSE score of 30?

Although rare, it is possible to achieve a score oF 30/30 on the MMSE even iF a subject is suFFering From a dementing illness.

15-PGDH is down-regulated in gastric cancer, which could potentially lead to accelerated tumor progression. Importantly, our data indicate that a proinflammatory cytokine linked to gastric carcinogenesis, IL-1beta, suppresses 15-PGDH expression at least partially by inhibiting promoter activity of the 15-PGDH gene.

Does oral P. gingivalis infection alter the vascular reactivity in healthy and spontaneously atherosclerotic mice?

This study demonstrates that oral P gingivalis affects the alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vascular responsiveness in both healthy and spontaneous atherosclerotic mice, reinforcing the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases.

Ventilators and ventilation modes do not influence the IC measurements. The observed changes have no clinical effects and are reversible, provided that increased Vm is maintained for no longer than 45 minutes.

Is loss of the endothelial glycocalyx associated with increased E-selectin mediated adhesion of lung tumour cells to the brain microvascular endothelium?

These data suggest that metastasising lung cancer cells facilitate their own adhesion to the brain endothelium by secreting factors that damage the endothelial glycocalyx, resulting in exposure of the previously shielded adhesion molecules and engagement of the E-selectin-mediated adhesion axis.

Mutation of the EGFR L2 domain was analyzed in mCRC patients. Our findings do not provide sufficient evidence that EGFR L2 domain mutation is correlated with resistance to cetuximab.

Does increasing the nodal yield improve outcomes in contemporary patients without nodal metastasis undergoing radical prostatectomy?

The number of LNs did not have any prognostic significance in our contemporary cohort of patients with LN-negative prostate cancer. This suggests that the risk of missed clinically significant micrometastasis may be minimal in patients currently treated with RP and having a lower LN yield.

Morphometric brain changes in GAERS could be relevant to their hyperanxious and epileptic phenotypes. This model may be useful in illuminating the pathogenesis of affective disorders generally, as well as modeling psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy.

Incidentally identified syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformations: is early interventional surgery necessary?

The long-term clinical courses of patients with asymptomatic, incidentally identified syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformations were observed to be benign. MRI parameters did not provide predictable values to recommend interventional surgery. Unless changes in neurological or MRI findings are detected, early interventional surgery is not necessary.

Laparoscopic staging in cervical cancer is a safe and feasible technique but it does not modify the prognosis of LACC patients.

Does the association between APOE and dementia seem to be mediated by vascular factors?

Presence of APOE epsilon4/* seems to increase the risk for dementia and AD independently of its effect on dyslipidemia and atherogenesis.

Patients with spastic shoulder pain treated with a botulinum toxin type A infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle of the paretic side have a higher likelihood of pain relief (between 2.43- and 3.11-fold).

Does difference imaging reveal ordered regions of RNA in turnip yellow mosaic virus?

The differences between virus and empty capsid indicate that substantial parts of the RNA are icosahedrally ordered and that the exit of RNA on freeze-thawing is accompanied by the loss of at least one pentamer unit.

These results suggest that rmhTNF has potential for developing an effective anti-tumor reagent for some tumors.

Does exercise training normalize sympathetic outflow by central antioxidant mechanisms in rabbits with pacing-induced chronic heart failure?

These results suggest that an upregulation in central antioxidative mechanisms and suppressed central prooxidant mechanisms may contribute to the exercise training-induced beneficial effects on autonomic activity in CHF.

The precision of fit of the first CNC-milled prostheses presented a comparable fit to the conventional cast frameworks. Consequently, this new technique could be a valid option for the routine fabrication of frameworks for implant prostheses.

Does riluzole attenuate increases in hippocampal glutamate concentrations in a rabbit model of repeated transient global cerebral ischemia?

Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, is released in excessive amounts during brain ischemia and may result in neuronal injury and death. Riluzole, a neuronal sodium channel blocker, has neuroprotective properties in some animal models of brain ischemia, possibly because of its ability to inhibit the release of glutamate from synaptic vesicles. However, this microdialysis study failed to demonstrate any attenuation of glutamate release during transient global ischemia after the administration of either 2 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg of riluzole.

Vitamin D had a protective effect against breast cancer in premenopausal women of normal weight in subtropical Taiwan, especially an intake greater than 5 µg per day.

Do overexpression of miR-196b and HOXA10 characterize a poor-prognosis gastric cancer subtype?

Co-activation of miR-196b and HOXA10 characterized a poor-prognosis subgroup of patients with gastric cancer. Elucidation of the biologic function of miR-196b and HOXA10 is warranted.

These data show that Cdk5 regulates the onset and extent of remodeling of the Drosophila MB. Given the wide phylogenetic conservation of Cdk5, we suggest that it is likely to play a role in developmental remodeling in other systems, as well. Moreover, we speculate that the well-established role of Cdk5 in neurodegeneration may involve some of the same cellular mechanisms that it uses during developmental remodeling.

Are mutations in the area composita protein αT-catenin associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy?

These findings might point to a causal relationship between CTNNA3 mutations and ARVC. This first report on the involvement of an area composita gene in ARVC shows that the pathogenesis of this disease extends beyond desmosomes. Since the frequency of CTNNA3 mutations in ARVC patients is not rare, systematic screening for this gene should be considered to improve the clinical management of ARVC families.

Skin inflammatory lesions can be selectively targeted using anti-EDA antibody-cytokine fusion proteins and the pharmacodelivery of IL4 confers a therapeutic benefit by shifting the cytokine balance.

Obstacles to the use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke. Is time the only barrier?

Delayed presentation to hospital is the main factor limiting the use of thrombolysis in acute stroke, but additional patients would be treated if those with no contraindication, advanced age or rapidly recovering stroke were considered as eligible.

High dose simvastatin affects multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in skeletal muscle, including the pro-inflammatory pathways. Thus, our results demonstrate that clinically used high statin dosages may lead to unexpected metabolic effects in non-hepatic tissues. The lipidomic profiles may serve as highly sensitive biomarkers of statin-induced metabolic alterations in muscle and may thus allow us to identify patients who should be treated with a lower dose to prevent a possible toxicity.

Do h3K27me3 demethylases regulate in vitro chondrogenesis and chondrocyte activity in osteoarthritis?

Overall, we show that H3K27me3 demethylases modulate chondrogenesis and that enhancing this activity may improve production of tissue-engineered cartilage. In contrast, targeted inhibition of H3K27me3 demethylases could provide a novel approach in OA therapeutics.

Each hour delay in the TTP decreased chances for good outcome by approximately 2% independent of patient eligibility for acute recanalization therapies.

Does alpha-tocopherol but not beta-tocopherol inhibit thrombin-induced PKC activation and endothelin secretion in endothelial cells?

These data suggest that alpha-Toch strongly inhibits thrombin-induced endothelin secretion in vitro at least partly through PKC inhibition.

Steadily decreasing sequencing costs are increasing the appeal of WGS as an alternative approach for detecting complex patterns of pyrazinamide resistance in MDR-TB.

Do serum lactates correlate with mortality after operations for complex congenital heart disease?

Serum lactate levels may be a useful predictor of mortality in children less than 1 year of age who have undergone cardiopulmonary bypass. An elevation in serum lactate level after a complex operation for congenital heart disease should be taken as a serious indicator of potential mortality.

Supported employment appears to be a promising approach for people with severe mental illness, but more studies are needed, with close attention to program implementation and long-term follow-up.

Does the workup for bariatric surgery require a routine upper gastrointestinal series?

The upper GI series can be safely omitted from the routine preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing gastric bypass. At a cost of $741.00 per examination, this change represents significant potential savings. Similar evaluations of other routine preoperative tests may well provide a better basis for the evaluation of these complex patients.

A co-managed GFC offering an organized fracture program for the elderly can reduce hospital length-of-stay and time-to-operation in hip fracture patients. A significant effect can be observed within the first year after establishment of a GFC.

Do monocyte derived dendritic cells from HIV-1 infected individuals partially reconstitute CD4 T-cell responses?

Antigen presentation by dendritic cells partially restores impaired antigen specific CD4 T-cell responses associated with HIV-1 infection. Immunization strategies which target dendritic cells may therefore offer significant advantages in the ability to stimulate HIV-specific protective immune responses.

The incidence of renal biopsy-proven AAV was higher in patients living in northern Saskatchewan smaller communities and rural settings. A significantly longer time to diagnosis existed for patients outside the urban centre and was associated with poorer BVAS, VDI and FFS scores.

Does the glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibit U937 cell adhesion and neutrophil release via RhoA/ROCK1-dependent and independent pathways?

The present findings indicate that Dex suppressed neutrophil release through ROCK1-independent mechanisms and inhibited the adhesion of U937 mononuclear cells through ROCK1-dependent non-genomic mechanisms that did not involve RhoA.

Our findings support the hypothesis that subnormal levels of vitamin D are associated with acute wheeze in young children.

Does synovitis occur in some clinically normal and asymptomatic joints in patients with early arthritis?

Even asymptomatic joints in patients with RA and undifferentiated arthritis of recent onset reveal histologic signs of synovitis. The earliest changes may occur before symptoms. Histologic changes also persist after resolution of previous early symptoms. Evidence of inflammation was not present in asymptomatic joints in our 5 patients diagnosed with ReA.

The study revealed that long-term chronic cigarette-smoking can lead to haemostatic dysfunction in chronic smokers. Smoking should be generally discouraged as it could have far-reaching medical implications on this group of subjects, especially in bleeding emergency cases.

Is change in PSA velocity a predictor of overall survival in men with biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer treated with nonhormonal agents : combined analysis of four phase-2 trials?

This hypothesis-generating study suggests that within-subject changes in PSA velocity after initiation of nonhormonal therapy may correlate with OS in men with BRPC. If validated in prospective trials, change in PSA velocity may represent a reasonable intermediate end point for screening new agents in these patients.

The beneficial effects seen in periodontal regeneration after treatment with EMD may be related to an increase of the mineralization markers BSP and OPN at mRNA level.

Patient information leaflets for antidepressants: are patients getting the information they need?

Further guidance and tightening of the approval process for PILs are needed to ensure they are more standardised in content and contain more information that is wanted by and is useful to patients.

Although circulating leptin levels are associated with obesity and inflammatory markers, they are not significantly related to the risk of CVD or mortality in women with diabetes.

Is heat shock protein 60 associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

This study was the first epidemiological study to demonstrate an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and HSP60, thus suggesting that HSP60 may play an important role in the type 2 diabetes mellitus pathology.

Our results demonstrate that obstruction of the bladder elicits structural and functional plasticity in afferents as a result of ongoing neurotrophic interactions. Neurotrophic interactions offer a potential mechanism whereby symptoms and bladder hyperactivity develop with obstruction associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Do gut CD103+ dendritic cells express indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase which influences T regulatory/T effector cell balance and oral tolerance induction?

We identified a new IDO-dependent pathway leading to acquisition of tolerogenic functions in mucosal CD103-expressing DCs, indicating IDO as a possible therapeutic target for gut disorders.

Bias can occur in evaluation of surgical skills but is dependent on the individual reviewer. Resident identification can alter the score, depending on the evaluator.

Are low copy number and high 4977 deletion of mitochondrial DNA in uterosacral ligaments associated with pelvic organ prolapse progression?

The alternations of mtDNA may play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis and process of POP formation.

The number of studies in the field of dental implantology in which BMPs have been used is still too small for establishing clinical protocols of their use in order to improve a recipient bone bed prior to implant placement or to enhance the integration process of an implant.

Does sustained TNF production by central nervous system infiltrating macrophages promote progressive autoimmune encephalomyelitis?

Sustained TNF production by infiltrating macrophages associated with progressive EAE exacerbates disease severity by promoting inflammation and disruption of BBB integrity, thereby counteracting establishment of an anti-inflammatory environment required for disease remission.

High NLR levels, white blood cell counts, and neutrophil counts at admission are independently correlated with SR after primary PCI.

Anti-Müllerian hormone serum values and ovarian reserve: can it predict a decrease in fertility after ovarian stimulation by ART cycles?

Our data confirm the clinical usefulness of AMH in ART-cycles to customize treatment protocols and suggest the necessity of verifying an eventual permanent decrease in AMH levels after IVF.

Higher reserve buffers the effect of cortical thinning on cognition in healthy middle-aged adults. The investigated proxies might be underpinned by slightly different neural networks. Advancing in the understanding of the influences of reserve in healthy middle-aged adults is crucial to facilitate early interventions.

Does deep hypothermia and rewarming alter glutamate levels and glycogen content in cultured astrocytes?

The extracellular concentration of glutamate increases, whereas the intracellular glycogen content decreases when astrocytes are exposed to a sequence of deep hypothermia and rewarming. This effect of hypothermia is prevented when astrocytes are exposed to hyperoxic conditions.

Collectively, the present study demonstrates that paeonolum protects zebrafish and PC12 cells against MPP(+)-induced neurotoxicity.

Salivary aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase: possible markers in periodontal diseases?

Our results revealed that periodontal destruction such as periodontal pockets, gingival bleeding and suppuration are related to higher ALP and AST levels in saliva. Salivary AST could be used as a useful marker for monitoring periodontal disease. The increase in salivary ALP activity in periodontitis demonstrated could be associated with alveolar bone loss, a key feature of periodontal disease. More studies are necessary to evaluate which specific clinical, microbiological and histological characteristics of periodontal disease are associated with elevated levels of AST and ALP in saliva.

We suggest that LWR mediates the dissociation of heterochromatic regions of homologues at the end of meiotic prophase I. Our model proposes that when there is less LWR protein, homologues remain together longer, allowing for more normal spindle formation in mutant backgrounds and therefore more accurate meiotic chromosome segregation.

Does low peripheral blood viral HIV-2 RNA in individuals with high CD4 percentage differentiate HIV-2 from HIV-1 infection?

Low levels of HIV-2 replication and virion expression characterize individuals with high CD4+ lymphocyte counts, suggesting that a very different dynamic equilibrium exists between virus and host for HIV-2 compared with HIV-1. By analogy with HIV-1, our data implicate a considerably lower turnover of HIV-2 virion RNA in vivo with a markedly reduced production of infectious genomes in individuals during the subclinical phase of infection.

At steady state, intrarenal accumulation of CsA and its secondary metabolites should depend on the CYP3A5 genotype of the liver and kidneys. This may contribute to interpatient variability in the risk of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

Is the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand amphiregulin a negative regulator of hepatic acute-phase gene expression?

Our data support the relevance of EGFR-mediated signalling in the modulation of cytokine-activated pathways. We have identified AR as a key regulator of hepatic APP gene expression during inflammation and liver regeneration.

The severity of ED correlated with the number of occluded vessels documented by coronary angiography, in male patients with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the presence of hypertension had a significant influence over erectile function only in patients with three-vessel occlusion.

Extending life for people with a terminal illness: a moral right and an expensive death?

The existence of certain moral positions in the views of society does not ethically imply, and pragmatically cannot mean, that all are translated into policy. Our findings highlight normative tensions and the importance of critically engaging with these normative issues (in addition to the current focus on a procedural justice approach to health policy). Future research should focus on i) the extent to which these perspectives are supported in society, ii) how respondents' perspectives relate to specific resource allocation questions, and iii) the characteristics of respondents associated with each perspective.

EDTA influences sCD21 levels determined by ELISA and therefore sCD21 measurements should be carried out using one type of blood collection tube throughout the experiment/medical examination.

Do male gender and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predict a poor clinical response in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy?

Male gender and coexisting COPD were shown to be independent predictors of non-response to CRT in this cohort of patients fulfilling current criteria for CRT.

Atrial based pacing does not improve QoL in the two years after pacing when compared with VVI(R) pacing.

Is revascularization for acute ischemic stroke safe for rivaroxaban users?

Thrombolysis and/or endovascular thrombectomy might be safe for patients treated with the new anticoagulant rivaroxaban.

Our findings provide proof of principle that the selective delivery of autoantigen peptides to LSECs by NPs can induce antigen-specific Tregs and enable effective treatment of autoimmune disease. These findings highlight the importance of Treg induction by LSECs for immune tolerance.

Is neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin , a marker of tubular dysfunction , increased in long-term virologically controlled patients receiving a tenofovir/emtricitabine + nevirapine regimen?

Plasma and urinary NGAL concentrations remained in the normal range in this long-term virologically controlld population without any overt renal disease. The usefulness of NGAL in detecting sub-clinical renal dysfunction appears to be very limited.

TEM resection of neoplasms located on the lateral rectal wall have a higher risk of bleeding. The learning curve for transanal endoscopic microsurgery appears to be negligible in surgeons with experience in minimal invasive surgery.