Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and family history are significant risk factors associated with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The presence of aberrant immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies against specific EBV antigens in healthy individuals can be predictive of the disease. Very limited reports explored the EBV IgA antibody presence within families of sporadic ...

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes chronic infection, which often causes hepatocellular carcinoma. Overexpression of 3β-hydroxysterol Δ24-reductase (DHCR24) by HCV has been shown to impair the p53-mediated cellular response, resulting in tumorigenesis. In the present study, the molecular mechanism by which HCV promotes the expression of DHCR24 was investigated. A significant ...

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental malformation of as yet undetermined etiology. We report a single center's experience of this diagnosis and present an estimation of the population incidence. Within our institution, all placentae are examined within a pathology department that provides a dedicated perinatal service. In this ...

In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of transplantation-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is high, and there is disparity in the prevalence rates of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection between patients with renal disease and the general population. It was hypothesized that oral HHV-8 transmission among patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment contributes to the ...

In order to assess the contribution of different parenteral routes as risk exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), samples from nine surveys or cross-sectional studies conducted in two Brazilian inland regions were pooled, including a total of 3,910 subjects. Heterogeneity among the study results for different risk factors was ...

The interleukin 28B (IL-28B) rs12979860 C/T polymorphism is a predictor of spontaneous and treatment-induced hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. The C/C genotype is associated with higher serum cholesterol, predictor of a favorable outcome in chronic hepatitis C. Whether IL-28B polymorphism and serum cholesterol play a role in modulating the history ...

To assess the use of antibiotic de-escalation in patients with hospital-acquired severe sepsis in an academic setting. We reviewed all episodes of severe sepsis treated over a 1-yr period in the department of intensive care. Antimicrobial therapy was considered as appropriate when the antimicrobial had in vitro activity against the ...

Dipeptidyl peptidase -4 inhibitors represent a novel way to augment the incretin system and one of the newest class of medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Their mechanism of action is to decrease the inactivation of glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, both of which are ...

In this essay, we propose that embryos express a metabolic phenotype necessarily different from that of differentiated somatic cells and more like that of rapidly proliferating cancer cells. This metabolic adaptation, known as the Warburg effect, supports rapid cell proliferation. One of the hallmarks of the Warburg effect is that ...

To examine trajectories of depressive symptoms in caregivers of critically ill adults from intensive care unit admission to 2 months postintensive care unit discharge and explore patient and caregiver characteristics associated with differing trajectories. Longitudinal descriptive study. Medical intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital. Fifty caregivers and 47 ...

A multipronged approach to improve vital organ perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation that includes sodium nitroprusside, active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an impedance threshold device, and abdominal pressure (sodium nitroprusside-enhanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation) has been recently shown to increase coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures and higher rates of return of spontaneous circulation vs. ...

HOIL-1L and its binding partner HOIP are essential components of the E3-ligase complex that generates linear ubiquitin (Ub) chains, which are critical regulators of NF-κB activation. Using crystallographic and mutational approaches, we characterize the unexpected structural basis for the specific interaction between the Ub-like domain (UBL) of HOIL-1L and the ...

Although more than 30 million patients in the United States undergo ambulatory surgery each year, it remains unclear what percentage of these patients receive a perioperative nerve block. We reviewed data from the 2006 National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery to determine the demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and clinical factors associated with ...

The PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway plays an important role in cancer progression and cell survival. Akt activation is associated with poor outcome in endocrine-treated breast cancer, whereas high levels of cytoplasmic Akt2 are associated with an improved overall survival. Proximity ligation assays (PLAs) were used to determine quantitative expression levels ...

Most natural fold systems are not sinusoidal in profile. A widely held view is that such irregularity derives solely from inherited initial geometrical perturbations. Although, undoubtedly, initial perturbations can contribute to irregularity, we explore a different (but complementary) view in which the irregular geometry results from some material or system ...

In the deformation of layered materials such as geological strata, or stacks of paper, mechanical properties compete with the geometry of layering. Smooth, rounded corners lead to voids between the layers, while close packing of the layers results in geometrically induced curvature singularities. When voids are penalized by external pressure, ...

We describe recent work on striped patterns in a system of block copolymers. A by-product of the characterization of such patterns is a new formulation of the eikonal equation. In this formulation, the unknown is a field of projection matrices of the form P=e⊗e, where e is a unit vector ...

This paper describes a class of lightweight structures known as compliant shell mechanisms. These are novel reconfigurable solutions for advanced structures, such as morphing shells and deployable membranes. They have local, discrete corrugations, which articulate and deform to achieve dramatic changes in the overall shape of the shell. The unique ...

An analytical model founded on geometric and potential energy principles for kink band deformation in laminated composite struts is presented. It is adapted from an earlier successful study on confined layered structures that was formulated to model kink band formation in the folding of geological layers. This study's principal aim ...

The mechanisms by which delamination contributes to the failure of fibre-reinforced composites are reviewed. Through-thickness failure owing to interlaminar stresses is considered first, and the effect of delamination in impact and compression after impact. The way in which in-plane failure can occur by delamination and matrix cracks joining up to ...

We study high-amplitude folding in layered rocks with two-dimensional numerical simulations. We employ the finite-element method to model shortening of an incompressible multi-layer with power-law viscous rheology. The Lagrangian numerical mesh is deformed and re-meshed to accurately follow the layer interfaces. Three settings are considered: (i) pure shearing of a ...

Buckling-driven delamination is considered among the most critical failure modes in composite laminates. This paper examines the propagation of delaminations in a beam under pure bending. A pre-developed analytical model to predict the critical buckling moment of a thin sub-laminate is extended to account for propagation prediction, using mixed-mode fracture ...

We present a novel approach to analyse the fracture of fibre-reinforced composites. Experimental results on mode I fracture of glass fibre and carbon fibre unidirectional laminates presented here and published by others in the open literature formed the basis for the analytical and numerical results presented. When details of the ...

Modelling the longitudinal compressive failure of carbon-fibre-reinforced composites has been attempted for decades. Despite many developments, no single model has surfaced to provide simultaneously a definitive explanation for the micromechanics of failure as well as validated predictions for a generic stress state. This paper explores the reasons for this, by ...

Understanding what happens in terms of delamination during buckling of laminate materials is of importance across a range of engineering sectors. Normally concern is that the strength of the material is not significantly impaired. Carton-board is a material with a laminate structure and, in the initial creation of carton nets, ...

An efficient analytical model is described which predicts the value of compressive strain below which buckle-driven propagation of delaminations in aerospace composites will not occur. An extension of this efficient strip model which accounts for propagation transverse to the direction of applied compression is derived. In order to provide validation ...

The problem of localized bulging in inflated membrane tubes shares the same features with a variety of other localization problems such as formation of kink bands in fibre-reinforced composites and layered structures. This type of localization is known to be very sensitive to imperfections, but the precise nature of such ...

Laminated paperboard is used as a packaging material for a wide range of products. During production of the packaging, the fold lines are first defined in a so-called creasing (or scoring) operation in order to obtain uncracked folds. During creasing as well as folding, cracking of the board is to ...

Joint-derived stem cells are a promising alternative cell source for cartilage repair therapies that may overcome many of the problems associated with the use of primary chondrocytes (CCs). The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro functionality and in vivo phenotypic stability of cartilaginous tissues engineered using ...

Analyses in comparative political economy have the potential to contribute to understanding health inequalities within and between societies. This article uses a varieties of capitalism approach that groups high-income countries into coordinated market economies (CME) and liberal market economies (LME) with different labor market institutions and degrees of employment and ...

Since the global withdrawal of rofecoxib (Vioxx) in 2004, concerns about public health effects of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) have grown. A systematic review of the research evidence on behavioral, health, and cost effects, published in 2005, found four studies meeting inclusion criteria, which showed that DTCA increases prescribing volume and ...

The regeneration of skeletal muscles relies on the function of satellite cells that are quiescent myogenic precursors associated with adult skeletal muscle fibers. Upon injury, the satellite cells are activated, divide extensively, and differentiate into new myofibers. These events are accompanied by the remodeling of the surrounding extracellular matrix, which ...

The systematic control over surface chemistry is a long-standing challenge in biomedical and nanotechnological applications for graphitic materials. As a novel approach, we utilize graphite-binding dodecapeptides that self-assemble into dense domains to form monolayer-thick long-range-ordered films on graphite. Specifically, the peptides are rationally designed through their amino acid sequences to ...

The Streptococcus mutans ComX-regulon encompasses > 200 mostly uncharacterized genes, including cinA. Here we report that cinA is regulated by ComX in the presence of the competence stimulating peptide (CSP), wherein loss of CinA (strain SmuCinA) results in reduced transformability with or without added CSP by 74- and 15-fold, respectively ...

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited form of pure red cell aplasia that usually presents in infancy or early childhood and is associated with congenital malformations in ∼30-50% of patients. DBA has been associated with mutations in nine ribosomal protein (RP) genes in about 53% of patients. We completed a ...

ABSTRACT: The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a new care model that reorganizes primary care to improve access, coordination, quality, satisfaction, and comprehensive patient-centered care. Nurse practitioners should understand the PCMH concept, appraise the evidence, and become leaders in this transformation.

ABSTRACT: The ever-growing vaccination schedule can cause patients, parents, and nurse practitioners undue concern. Combination vaccines may provide an answer. This integrative review demonstrates that pentavalent vaccines offer adequate immunity, are well tolerated, and safe when compared to vaccines administered separately.

ABSTRACT: Screening, treatment, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections requires a thorough assessment of psychosocial, behavioral, cultural, and clinical factors. This article offers a summary of the most recent CDC data, prevention guidelines, and steps to implementing current evidence into clinical practice.

Abnormal hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic pain development after nerve injury. Nerve injury profoundly reduces the expression of big conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) (BK) channels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). However, little is known about how nerve injury affects BK channel activity in DRG neurons. In ...

This review describes the different gene therapy technologies applied to approach lysosomal storage disorders, monogenic conditions, with known genetic and biochemical defects, for many of which animal models are available. Both viral and nonviral procedures are described, underlying the specific needs that the treatment of genetic disorders requires. Lysosomal storage ...

The Mycoplasma pulmonis Vsa proteins are a family of size- and phase-variable lipoproteins that shield the mycoplasmas from complement and modulate attachment to abiotic surfaces. Mycoplasmas producing a long Vsa protein hemadsorb poorly and yet are proficient at colonizing rats and mice. The effect of the length of the Vsa ...

Macromolecular crowding is recognized as an important factor influencing folding and conformational dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids. Previous views of crowding have focused on the mostly entropic volume exclusion effect of crowding, but recent studies are indicating the importance of enthalpic effects, in particular, changes in electrostatic interactions due ...

Although improving glucose metabolism by inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) may prove beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes or diet-induced obesity, it may have detrimental effects by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonists are often used to treat dyslipidemia in patients, especially ...

Arboviral encephalitis is a potentially devastating human disease with no approved therapies that target virus replication. We previously discovered a novel class of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-based inhibitors active against neurotropic alphaviruses such as western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) in cultured cells. In this report, we describe initial development of these novel antiviral ...

Mucins are linear O-glycosylated glycoproteins involved in inflammation, cell adhesion, and tumorigenesis. Cancer-associated mucins often possess increased expression of the T (Galβ1,3GalNAcαThr/Ser) and Tn (GalNAcαThr/Ser) cancer antigens, which are diagnostic markers for several cancers, including colon cancer. We have used AFM based single-molecule forced unbinding under near physiological conditions to ...

Cultivation of Crotalaria juncea L. (Sunn Hemp cv. 'Tropic Sun') is recommended as a green manure crop in a rotation cycle to improve soil condition, help control erosion, suppress weeds, and reduce soil nematodes. Because C. juncea belongs to a genus that is known for the production of toxic dehydropyrrolizidine ...

The capsid protein (CA) of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) assembles into a cone-like structure that encloses the viral RNA genome. Interestingly, significant heterogeneity in shape and organization of capsids can be observed in mature HIV-1 virions. In vitro, CA also exhibits structural polymorphism and can assemble into various morphologies, ...

Introduction: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with a repeat contraction in the D4Z4 gene locus on chromosome 4q35. We used a one-step quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to evaluate muscle, edema, and fat in patients spanning the range of severity. Methods: Fifteen patients with FSHD were compared with ...

There is significant uncertainty regarding the optimal circulatory management of preterm infants, with research in the field limited by the paucity of safe, reproducible biomarkers of circulatory function. This review discusses the physiology and pathophysiology of circulatory function in preterm infants, describes the mode of action and evidence for and ...

Introduction: Our aim in this study was to examine whether the muscle fiber type proportions in different muscles from the same individual are interrelated. Methods: Samples were excised from five skeletal muscles in each of 12 human autopsy cases, and the fiber type proportions were determined by immunohistochemistry. We further ...