A host of data on genetic variation from the Human Genome and International HapMap projects, and advances in high-throughput genotyping technologies, have made genome-wide association (GWA) studies technically feasible. GWA studies help in the discovery and quantification of the genetic components of disease risks, many of which have not been ...

ABSTRACT: X-ray equipment should be routinely checked for optimal imaging performance and appropriate radiation dose. Recently, the use of diagnostic x-ray equipment with flat panel detectors (FPDs) has increased instead of image intensifier (II) and/or screen film systems. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the performance of FPD systems. ...

Regenerative medicine offers the exciting potential of developing alternatives to total joint replacement for treating osteoarthritis. In this article, we highlight recent work that addresses key challenges of stem cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis and provide examples of innovative ways in which stem cells can aid in the treatment of osteoarthritis. ...

Elucidating the structure of gene regulatory networks (GRN), i.e., identifying which genes are under control of which transcription factors, is an important challenge to gain insight on a cell's working mechanisms. We present SIRENE, a method to estimate a GRN from a collection of expression data. Contrary to most existing ...

KEGG ( http://www.genome.jp/kegg/ ) is an integrated database resource for linking genomes or molecular datasets to molecular networks (pathways, etc.) representing higher-level systemic functions of the cell, the organism, and the ecosystem. Major efforts have been undertaken for capturing and representing experimental knowledge as manually drawn KEGG pathway maps and ...

Sequence-based comparisons have been the workhorse of bioinformatics for the past four decades, furthering our understanding of gene function and evolution. Over the last decade, a plethora of technologies have matured for measuring Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) at large scale, yielding comprehensive PPI networks for over ten species. In this chapter, ...

In this chapter, we first discuss protein localization in bacteria and evaluate some localization prediction tools on an independent dataset. Next, we focus on β-barrel outer membrane proteins (BOMPs), describing and evaluating new tools for BOMP detection and topology prediction. Finally, we apply general protein structure prediction methods on these ...

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its estimates of cancer risks due to low doses of ionizing radiation for the U.S. population, as well as their scientific basis. For the most part, these estimates were calculated using models recommended in the recent National Academy of Sciences' (BEIR ...

Equinus of the ankle is a common deformity in spastic cerebral palsy. Many methods have been developed to lengthen the Achilles tendon to correct the deformity. A new mesh Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) procedure that might decrease immobilization and promote recovery was performed in 36 tendons with equinus deformity (22 ...

ABSTRACT: A new leg voxel model in two different positions (straight and bent) has been developed for in vivo measurement calibration purposes. This voxel phantom is a representation of a human leg that may provide a substantial enhancement to Monte Carlo modeling because it more accurately models different geometric leg ...

Reverse engineering the gene regulatory network is challenging because the amount of available data is very limited compared to the complexity of the underlying network. We present a technique addressing this problem through focussing on a more limited problem: inferring direct targets of a transcription factor from short expression time ...

Protein interactions, as well as the networks they formed, play a key role in many cellular processes and the distortion of the protein interacting interfaces may lead to the development of many diseases. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce the background knowledge of the protein-protein interaction, followed by the ...

This chapter describes the Glycan Miner Tool, which is available as a part of the Resource for INformatics of Glycomes at Soka Web site. It implements the α-closed frequent subtree algorithm to find significant subtrees from within a data set of glycan structures, or carbohydrate sugar chains. The results are ...

Automatic discovery of functional complexes from protein interaction data is a rewarding but challenging problem. While previous approaches use approximations to extract dense modules, our approach exactly solves the problem of dense module enumeration. Furthermore, constraints from additional information sources such as gene expression and phenotype data can be integrated, ...

ABSTRACT: Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields belonging to the nonionizing electromagnetic radiation spectrum have a frequency of 50 - 60 Hz. All people are exposed to a complex set of electric and magnetic fields that spread throughout the environment. The current study was carried out to assess people's ...

The brain operates through complex interactions in the flow of information and signal processing within neural networks. The 'wiring' of such networks, being neuronal or glial, can physically and/or functionally go rogue in various pathological states. Neuromodulation, as a multidisciplinary venture, attempts to correct such faulty nets. In this review, ...

Thermoelectric generators have been used for powering spacecrafts since the 1950s. Low material efficiency limits its application on a large scale. On page 6125, G. J. Snyder, Yanzhong Pei, and Heng Wang review strategies of engineering the electronic band structure, such as effective mass, degeneracy and band gap, which increase ...

An efficient and reversible ionic gating that can be activated by pH and light is demonstrated on page 6193 by Lei Jiang, Zhishan Bo, and co-workers, by modifying a malachite green derivative on the interior surface of an ion track-etched conical nanochannel. The switches between the OFF-state and the ON-state ...

Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative that belongs to the class of serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). The drug is approved and marketed in several countries worldwide for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients. In clinical studies, trazodone has demonstrated comparable antidepressant activity to other ...

Koay M H E, Crook M & Stewart C J R (2012) Histopathology Cyclin D1, E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression in FIGO Stage IA cervical squamous carcinoma: diagnostic value and evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition Aims:  Immunohistochemistry is helpful in distinguishing cervical neoplastic lesions from their histological mimics, but has contributed less ...

: Soft-tissue augmentation with injectable fillers is commonly performed in the malar area. A four-point scale, the Medicis Midface Volume Scale, was developed and validated as an objective measure of the severity of midface volume loss. : Using a separate photographic guide, four investigators rated photographs (front and right and ...

To present a novel case of pupillary involvement in ocular neuromyotonia (ONM), a rare ocular syndrome that causes intermittent diplopia because of an abnormal delay in extraocular muscle relaxation and to conduct a literature review. A case report is presented to demonstrate clinical characteristics and treatment of ONM. In addition, ...

: Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures associated with ipsilateral naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures are more complex injuries than isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. This injury pattern can have significant long-term morbidity if not recognized and treated appropriately during the initial operation. The purpose of this study is to compare mechanisms of injury, treatment, and outcome ...

: Thumb amputations proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint inevitably result in destruction of the thenar musculature and secondary loss of opposition. Opposable tripod pinch is one of the essential goals in toe-to-thumb reconstruction. Pronation osteosynthesis is the traditional method of restoring opposition, but a simultaneous opponensplasty may turn this static ...

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is characterized by inflammatory process and endothelial dysfunction. To investigate angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) profiles, we evaluated serum Ang-2 levels in different types of CHD in 166 subjects. Ang-2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum Ang-2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD and gradually increased ...

Although there is evidence for a beneficial effect of increased quadriceps strength on knee symptoms, the effect on knee structure is unclear. We undertook this study to examine the relationship between change in vastus medialis cross-sectional area (CSA) and knee pain, tibial cartilage volume, and risk of knee replacement in ...

This is the first report of the genome sequence of Trichosporon asahii environmental strain CBS 8904, which was isolated from maize cobs. Comparison of the genome sequence with that of clinical strain CBS 2479 revealed that they have >99% chromosomal and mitochondrial sequence identity, yet CBS 8904 has 368 specific ...

We investigated whether the maxillary sinus plays a stimulatory role in nasal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Research on sinusitis and nasal polyps has found low NO levels in exhaled air and linked this to obstruction of the ostium. However, the major source of NO in exhaled air is thought to ...

To study the risk factors for revision of primary total hip replacement (THR) in a US population-based sample. Using Medicare claims, we identified beneficiaries from 29 US states who underwent primary THR between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1996, with followup through December 31, 2008. Potential cases had International ...

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a mild decline in single or multiple cognitive domains, while global cognition and basic activities of daily living remain intact. Nurses play an important role in early detection of MCI and providing care to maintain maximum independence for individuals with MCI. This article seeks to ...

In recent decades, increasing rates of Chlamydia cases have contrasted with decreasing Chlamydia trachomatis seroprevalence rates and decreasing Chlamydia-associated complication rates. We elucidated the conflicting trends by studying incidence of repeated Chlamydia infections over time. Chlamydia cases reported during 1995 to 2009 were identified in the Finnish National Infectious Diseases ...

ABSTRACT. In order to understand the relationship between accommodation and vision quality, a custom-built ultra-long scan depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (UL-SDOCT) and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (HSWFS) were combined. The resolution and scan depth of UL-SDOCT are 6 μm and 15.6 mm, respectively, which allow for high-resolution imaging of the ...

The prevalence and correlates of rectal sexually transmitted infections are well described among men who report receptive anal intercourse (AI); however, little is known about the epidemiology of rectal sexually transmitted infections among women. We conducted a cross-sectional study of women attending public sexually transmitted disease clinics in Los Angeles ...

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are considered drugs of choice for treating nasal polyps (NPs). However, a subset of patients shows a limited clinical response even to high doses of GCs. Altered expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), namely GR-alpha; and GR-beta;, is a potential mechanism underlying GC insensitivity. GCs modulate the expression of ...

'Near-time' readings aren't as accurate and could lead to harm.

: Abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, whether the decrease in ABI over time carries the prognostic value is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether the decrease in ABI over time was a good predictor of poor ...

: Acellular dermal matrices are commonly used in breast reconstruction but add cost to the procedure and have been associated with complications. Dermal autograft may represent a useful alternative to matrices. : Sixteen patients (26 breasts) underwent breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and dermal autograft. Their ages ranged from 41 ...

To assess the ability of sclerostin antibody therapy to blunt the negative effects of polyethylene particles on implant fixation and peri-implant bone structure in a rat implant fixation model. Thirty-six adult male rats received intramedullary titanium implants; 12 rats received vehicle injections only (control), and 24 rats received intraarticular injections ...

: Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection is used to correct mild to moderate ptosis commonly encountered in the rejuvenation patient population. The authors examined its efficacy and analyzed variables that potentially affect outcomes. : Patients who underwent ptosis correction using Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with greater than 10-month follow-up were included. Amount of ...

Self-administered swabs are used to sample vaginal contents for a variety of clinical purposes including detection of sexually transmitted infections, condom breakage, and vaginal product use. The goal of this study was to determine whether a quantitative glycogen assay can be used to assess whether a swab has been exposed ...

: The authors present the senior author's experience and evolution of techniques with the use of autologous costal cartilage grafts in Asian rhinoplasty. : Eighty-three patients who had rhinoseptoplasty with autologous costal cartilage grafts were included in this retrospective review. The types of grafts, complications related to the graft itself ...

Although azithromycin promised to be a safe and effective single-dose oral treatment of early syphilis, azithromycin treatment failure has been documented and is associated with mutations in the 23S rDNA of corresponding Treponema pallidum strains. The prevalence of strains harboring these mutations varies throughout the United States and the world. ...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether increasing body mass index (BMI) alters the efficacy of ultrasound-directed cerclage in women with a history of preterm birth. METHODS: This was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter trial in which women with a singleton gestation and prior spontaneous preterm birth (17 to 33 + ...

One of the world's worst refugee crises revisited.

A nationwide statistical survey of 4226 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2010, and 4166 facilities (98.6%) responded. The number of new patients introduced into dialysis was 37 512 in 2010. This number has decreased for two consecutive years since it peaked in 2008. The number of patients who ...

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a thermotolerant yeast that has been explored for potential use in biotechnological applications, such as production of biofuels, single-cell proteins, enzymes, and other heterologous proteins. Here, we present the high-quality draft of the 10.9-Mb genome of K. marxianus var. marxianus KCTC 17555 (= CBS 6556 = ATCC ...

An innovative program for recruiting nurses in the psychiatric setting.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized pathologically by autoimmune insulitis-related islet β-cell destruction. Although intensive insulin therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes can correct hyperglycemia, this therapy does not prevent all diabetes-related complications. Recent studies have shown that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a promising new approach for ...

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11βHSD1) regenerates active cortisol from inert cortisone in adipose tissue. Elevated adipose tissue 11βHSD1 activity is observed in obese humans and rodents, where it is linked to obesity and its metabolic consequences. Menopause is also associated with increased abdominal fat accumulation, suggesting that estrogen is also ...

HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become an increasing concern in China. Money boys (MBs) are a subgroup of MSM who sell sex to men. Direct comparison of HIV prevalence and related risk factors between MB and noncommercial MSM (ncMSM) has rarely been done. This ...