Showing papers by "Marche Polytechnic University published in 2013"
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre1, University of Michigan2, Radboud University Nijmegen3, University of Toronto4, McGill University5, University of Basel6, University of Florence7, Auckland City Hospital8, University of Pittsburgh9, Charité10, University of California, Los Angeles11, University College London12, University of Zurich13, University of Paris14, Marche Polytechnic University15, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston16, Newcastle University17, University of Pécs18, Georgetown University19, Istanbul University20, Medical University of Białystok21, University of Giessen22, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli23, University College Dublin24, Stanford University25, National Health Service26, University of Colorado Denver27, Medical College of Wisconsin28, University of Alabama at Birmingham29, University of Manchester30, Rutgers University31, Thomas Jefferson University32, Amgen33, University of Toledo34, Boston University35, Medical University of South Carolina36, University of Pennsylvania37, Northwestern University38
TL;DR: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The 1980 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) lack sensitivity for early SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. The present work, by a joint committee of the ACR and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), was undertaken for the purpose of developing new classification criteria for SSc. METHODS: Using consensus methods, 23 candidate items were arranged in a multicriteria additive point system with a threshold to classify cases as SSc. The classification system was reduced by clustering items and simplifying weights. The system was tested by 1) determining specificity and sensitivity in SSc cases and controls with scleroderma-like disorders, and 2) validating against the combined view of a group of experts on a set of cases with or without SSc. RESULTS: It was determined that skin thickening of the fingers extending proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints is sufficient for the patient to be classified as having SSc; if that is not present, 7 additive items apply, with varying weights for each: skin thickening of the fingers, fingertip lesions, telangiectasia, abnormal nailfold capillaries, interstitial lung disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, and SSc-related autoantibodies. Sensitivity and specificity in the validation sample were, respectively, 0.91 and 0.92 for the new classification criteria and 0.75 and 0.72 for the 1980 ACR classification criteria. All selected cases were classified in accordance with consensus-based expert opinion. All cases classified as SSc according to the 1980 ACR criteria were classified as SSc with the new criteria, and several additional cases were now considered to be SSc. CONCLUSION: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria for SSc and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
2,743 citations
Radboud University Nijmegen1, University of Michigan2, University of Toronto3, McGill University4, University of Basel5, University of Florence6, Auckland City Hospital7, University of Pittsburgh8, Complutense University of Madrid9, Charité10, University of California, Los Angeles11, University College London12, University of Zurich13, University of Paris14, Marche Polytechnic University15, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston16, Newcastle University17, University of Pécs18, Georgetown University19, Istanbul University20, Medical University of Białystok21, University of Giessen22, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli23, University College Dublin24, Stanford University25, Amgen26, University of Colorado Denver27, Medical College of Wisconsin28, University of Alabama at Birmingham29, University of Manchester30, National Health Service31, Rutgers University32, Thomas Jefferson University33, University of Toledo34, University of Pennsylvania35, Boston University36, Medical University of South Carolina37, Northwestern University38, University of Western Ontario39
TL;DR: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
Abstract: Objective The 1980 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) lack sensitivity for early SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. The present work, by a joint committee of the ACR and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), was undertaken for the purpose of developing new classification criteria for SSc. Methods Using consensus methods, 23 candidate items were arranged in a multicriteria additive point system with a threshold to classify cases as SSc. The classification system was reduced by clustering items and simplifying weights. The system was tested by (1) determining specificity and sensitivity in SSc cases and controls with scleroderma-like disorders, and (2) validating against the combined view of a group of experts on a set of cases with or without SSc. Results It was determined that skin thickening of the fingers extending proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints is sufficient for the patient to be classified as having SSc; if that is not present, seven additive items apply, with varying weights for each: skin thickening of the fingers, fingertip lesions, telangiectasia, abnormal nailfold capillaries, interstitial lung disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension, Raynaud9s phenomenon, and SSc-related autoantibodies. Sensitivity and specificity in the validation sample were, respectively, 0.91 and 0.92 for the new classification criteria and 0.75 and 0.72 for the 1980 ACR classification criteria. All selected cases were classified in accordance with consensus-based expert opinion. All cases classified as SSc according to the 1980 ACR criteria were classified as SSc with the new criteria, and several additional cases were now considered to be SSc. Conclusions The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria for SSc and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
1,899 citations
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research1, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart2, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico3, Sapienza University of Rome4, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University5, University of Eastern Piedmont6, University of Messina7, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza8, University of Padua9, Marche Polytechnic University10, University of Florence11
TL;DR: In patients with polycythemia vera, those with a hematocrit target of less than 45% had a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular death and major thrombosis than did those with an intended target of 45 to 50%.
Abstract: A b s t r ac t Background Current treatment recommendations for patients with polycythemia vera call for maintaining a hematocrit of less than 45%, but this therapeutic strategy has not been tested in a randomized clinical trial. Methods We randomly assigned 365 adults with JAK2-positive polycythemia vera who were being treated with phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, or both to receive either more intensive treatment (target hematocrit, <45%) (low-hematocrit group) or less intensive treatment (target hematocrit, 45 to 50%) (high-hematocrit group). The primary composite end point was the time until death from cardiovascular causes or major thrombotic events. The secondary end points were cardiovascular events, cardiovascular hospitalizations, incidence of cancer, progression to myelofibrosis, myelodysplasia or leukemic transformation, and hemorrhage. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results After a median follow-up of 31 months, the primary end point was recorded in 5 of 182 patients in the low-hematocrit group (2.7%) and 18 of 183 patients in the highhematocrit group (9.8%) (hazard ratio in the high-hematocrit group, 3.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45 to 10.53; P = 0.007). The primary end point plus superficial-vein thrombosis occurred in 4.4% of patients in the low-hematocrit group, as compared with 10.9% in the high-hematocrit group (hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.19 to 6.12; P = 0.02). Progression to myelofibrosis, myelodysplasia or leukemic transformation, and bleeding were observed in 6, 2, and 2 patients, respectively, in the low-hematocrit group, as compared with 2, 1, and 5 patients, respectively, in the high-hematocrit group. There was no significant between-group difference in the rate of adverse events. Conclusions In patients with polycythemia vera, those with a hematocrit target of less than 45% had a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular death and major thrombosis than did those with a hematocrit target of 45 to 50%. (Funded by the Italian Medicines Agency and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01645124, and EudraCT number, 2007–006694-91.)
611 citations
TL;DR: The International Society of Urological Pathology 2012 Consensus Conference made recommendations regarding classification, prognostic factors, staging, and immunohistochemical and molecular assessment of adult renal tumors.
Abstract: The International Society of Urological Pathology 2012 Consensus Conference made recommendations regarding classification, prognostic factors, staging, and immunohistochemical and molecular assessment of adult renal tumors. Issues relating to prognostic factors were coordinated by a workgroup who identified tumor morphotype, sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation, tumor necrosis, grading, and microvascular invasion as potential prognostic parameters. There was consensus that the main morphotypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were of prognostic significance, that subtyping of papillary RCC (types 1 and 2) provided additional prognostic information, and that clear cell tubulopapillary RCC was associated with a more favorable outcome. For tumors showing sarcomatoid or rhabdoid differentiation, there was consensus that a minimum proportion of tumor was not required for diagnostic purposes. It was also agreed upon that the underlying subtype of carcinoma should be reported. For sarcomatoid carcinoma, it was further agreed upon that if the underlying carcinoma subtype was absent the tumor should be classified as a grade 4 unclassified carcinoma with a sarcomatoid component. Tumor necrosis was considered to have prognostic significance, with assessment based on macroscopic and microscopic examination of the tumor. It was recommended that for clear cell RCC the amount of necrosis should be quantified. There was consensus that nucleolar prominence defined grades 1 to 3 of clear cell and papillary RCCs, whereas extreme nuclear pleomorphism or sarcomatoid and/or rhabdoid differentiation defined grade 4 tumors. It was agreed upon that chromophobe RCC should not be graded. There was consensus that microvascular invasion should not be included as a staging criterion for RCC.
610 citations
University of Washington1, Virginia Mason Medical Center2, Broad Institute3, Agency for Science, Technology and Research4, University of Konstanz5, Université de Montréal6, University of Oregon7, Federal University of Pará8, Harvard University9, University of Utah10, École normale supérieure de Lyon11, University of Kentucky12, Rhodes University13, University of Trieste14, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute15, Marche Polytechnic University16, University of Liège17, Victoria University, Australia18, University of Hamburg19, University of South Florida20, University of the Western Cape21, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution22, University of Oxford23, Leipzig University24, Keio University25, Johns Hopkins University26, University of Tennessee Health Science Center27, Graduate University for Advanced Studies28, National Institute of Genetics29, University of Chicago30, University of Würzburg31, Uppsala University32
TL;DR: Through a phylogenomic analysis, it is concluded that the lungfish, and not the coelacanth, is the closest living relative of tetrapods.
Abstract: The discovery of a living coelacanth specimen in 1938 was remarkable, as this lineage of lobe-finned fish was thought to have become extinct 70 million years ago. The modern coelacanth looks remarkably similar to many of its ancient relatives, and its evolutionary proximity to our own fish ancestors provides a glimpse of the fish that first walked on land. Here we report the genome sequence of the African coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. Through a phylogenomic analysis, we conclude that the lungfish, and not the coelacanth, is the closest living relative of tetrapods. Coelacanth protein-coding genes are significantly more slowly evolving than those of tetrapods, unlike other genomic features. Analyses of changes in genes and regulatory elements during the vertebrate adaptation to land highlight genes involved in immunity, nitrogen excretion and the development of fins, tail, ear, eye, brain and olfaction. Functional assays of enhancers involved in the fin-to-limb transition and in the emergence of extra-embryonic tissues show the importance of the coelacanth genome as a blueprint for understanding tetrapod evolution.
601 citations
University of Southampton1, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust2, Copenhagen University Hospital3, Leiden University Medical Center4, Marche Polytechnic University5, Hospital of Southern Norway6, Aarhus University Hospital7, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón8, Leeds General Infirmary9, University of Düsseldorf10, Medical University of Vienna11, University of Sarajevo12, University of Leeds13
TL;DR: Ten recommendations encompassing the role of imaging in making a diagnosis of RA, detecting inflammation and damage, predicting outcome and response to treatment, monitoring disease activity, progression and remission were developed using research-based evidence and expert opinion.
Abstract: Objective To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of imaging of the joints in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The task force comprised an expert group of rheumatologists, radiologists, methodologists and experienced rheumatology practitioners from 13 countries. Thirteen key questions on the role of imaging in RA were generated using a process of discussion and consensus. Imaging modalities included were conventional radiography, ultrasound, MRI, CT, dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry, digital x-ray radiogrammetry, scintigraphy and positron emission tomography. Research evidence was searched systematically for each question using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL. The experts used the evidence obtained from the relevant studies to develop a set of 10 recommendations. The strength of recommendation was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results A total of 6888 references was identified from the search process, from which 199 studies were included in the systematic review. Ten recommendations were produced encompassing the role of imaging in making a diagnosis of RA, detecting inflammation and damage, predicting outcome and response to treatment, monitoring disease activity, progression and remission. The strength of recommendation for each proposition varied according to both the research evidence and expert opinion. Conclusions Ten key recommendations for the role of imaging in the management of RA were developed using research-based evidence and expert opinion.
513 citations
Marche Polytechnic University1, Joseph Fourier University2, VU University Amsterdam3, University of Florence4, University of Palermo5, University of Barcelona6, University of Salerno7, University of Bari8, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico9, Columbia University10, Leibniz Association11, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich12, University of Sheffield13, Charité14, Harvard University15, University of Bologna16, University of Mainz17, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli18
TL;DR: The major advances and current trends on Non Celiac Gluten sensitivity are reported, including an overlap between the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and NCGS has been detected, requiring even more stringent diagnostic criteria.
Abstract: Non Celiac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) was originally described in the 1980s and recently a “re-discovered” disorder characterized by intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten-containing food, in subjects that are not affected with either celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy (WA). Although NCGS frequency is still unclear, epidemiological data have been generated that can help establishing the magnitude of the problem. Clinical studies further defined the identity of NCGS and its implications in human disease. An overlap between the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and NCGS has been detected, requiring even more stringent diagnostic criteria. Several studies suggested a relationship between NCGS and neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly autism and schizophrenia. The first case reports of NCGS in children have been described. Lack of biomarkers is still a major limitation of clinical studies, making it difficult to differentiate NCGS from other gluten related disorders. Recent studies raised the possibility that, beside gluten, wheat amylase-trypsin inhibitors and low-fermentable, poorly-absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates can contribute to symptoms (at least those related to IBS) experienced by NCGS patients. In this paper we report the major advances and current trends on NCGS.
424 citations
Karolinska Institutet1, University of Verona2, University of Kiel3, Heidelberg University4, Glasgow Royal Infirmary5, Technische Universität München6, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven7, University of Oslo8, University of Lyon9, Erasmus University Rotterdam10, University of Pisa11, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart12, Sapienza University of Rome13, Marche Polytechnic University14, University of Liverpool15, University of Hamburg16, Freeman Hospital17, University of Colorado Boulder18, University of Ulm19
TL;DR: Diagnostic computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are indicated in all patients with cystic lesion of the pancreas and in lesions with a suspicion of malignancy, otherwise organ preserving procedures may be considered.
411 citations
TL;DR: The results of this survey were used to update the previous classification of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to provide clinical research definitions of severe and early onset pre-eclampsia that will hopefully be accepted in the international literature.
366 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed heat pumps with radiators or underfloor heating distribution systems coupled with thermal energy storage (TES) with a view to showing how a heat pump system behaves and how it influences the building occupants' thermal comfort under a DSM strategy designed to flatten the shape of the electricity load curve by switching off the heat pump during peak hours.
329 citations
TL;DR: In the present work Lachancea (Kluyveromyces) thermotolerans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated in simultaneous and sequential fermentation with the aim to enhance acidity and improve the quality of wine.
TL;DR: To evaluate the climate sensitivity of model-based forest productivity estimates using a continental-scale tree-ring network, a network of about 100,000 trees across the globe is analyzed.
Abstract: Aim To evaluate the climate sensitivity of model-based forest productivity estimates using a continental-scale tree-ring network.
TL;DR: The characteristics features of SLS and the materials that have been developed for are reviewed together with a discussion on the principles of the above-mentioned manufacturing technique.
Abstract: Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a solid freeform fabrication technique, developed by Carl Deckard for his master’s thesis at the University of Texas, patented in 1989. SLS manufacturing is a technique that produces physical models through a selective solidification of a variety of fine powders. SLS technology is getting a great amount of attention in the clinical field. In this paper the characteristics features of SLS and the materials that have been developed for are reviewed together with a discussion on the principles of the above-mentioned manufacturing technique. The applications of SLS in tissue engineering, and at-large in the biomedical field, are reviewed and discussed.
University of Bologna1, University of Colorado Denver2, American Board of Surgery3, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston4, Harvard University5, University of California, San Diego6, Virginia Commonwealth University7, University of Pittsburgh8, Kyoto University9, University of Helsinki10, University of Newcastle11, University of the Witwatersrand12, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram13, Rambam Health Care Campus14, Adria Airways15, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile16, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences17, University of Valle18, State University of Campinas19, Tianjin Medical University20, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak21, Edendale Hospital22, Ahmadu Bello University23, Mansoura University24, Marche Polytechnic University25, Chang Gung University26, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital27, Yonsei University28, University of Ulsan29, Thammasat University30, Tokyo Medical and Dental University31, Nippon Medical School32, Universidad Nacional de Asunción33
TL;DR: The 2013 update of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections contains evidence-based recommendations for management of patients with intra-ABdominal infection as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Despite advances in diagnosis, surgery, and antimicrobial therapy, mortality rates associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections remain exceedingly high. The 2013 update of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections contains evidence-based recommendations for management of patients with intra-abdominal infections.
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TL;DR: The authors surveys the recent literature on the links between public debt and economic growth in advanced economies and finds that theoretical models yield ambiguous results, and that there is no paper that can make a strong case for a causal relationship going from debt to economic growth.
Abstract: This paper surveys the recent literature on the links between public debt and economic growth in advanced economies. We find that theoretical models yield ambiguous results. Whether high levels of public debt have a negative effect on long-run growth is thus an empirical question. While many papers have found a negative correlation between debt and growth, our reading of the empirical literature is that there is no paper that can make a strong case for a causal relationship going from debt to economic growth. We also find that the presence of thresholds and, more in general, of a non-monotone relationship between debt and growth is not robust to small changes in data coverage and empirical techniques. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges involved in measuring and defining public debt and some suggestions for future research which, in our view, should emphasize cross-country heterogeneity.
TL;DR: The evidence of the biological actions of honey can be ascribed to its polyphenolic contents which, in turn, are usually associated to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as to its cardiovascular, antiproliferative and antimicrobial benefits.
Abstract: In the long human tradition honey has been used not only as a nutrient but also as a medicine. Its composition is rather variable and depends on the floral source and on external factors, such as seasonal, environmental conditions and processing. In this review, specific attention is focused on absorption, metabolism, and beneficial biological activities of honey compounds in human. Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars, mainly composed of fructose (38%) and glucose (31%), containing also minerals, proteins, free amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and polyphenols. Among polyphenols, flavonoids are the most abundant and are closely related to its biological functions. Honey positively affects risk factors for cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting inflammation, improving endothelial function, as well as the plasma lipid profile, and increasing low-density lipoprotein resistance to oxidation. Honey also displays an important antitumoral capacity, where polyphenols again are considered responsible for its complementary and overlapping mechanisms of chemopreventive activity in multistage carcinogenesis, by inhibiting mutagenesis or inducing apoptosis. Moreover, honey positively modulates the glycemic response by reducing blood glucose, serum fructosamine or glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations and exerts antibacterial properties caused by its consistent amount of hydrogen peroxide and non-peroxide factors as flavonoids, methylglyoxal and defensin-1 peptide. In conclusion, the evidence of the biological actions of honey can be ascribed to its polyphenolic contents which, in turn, are usually associated to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as to its cardiovascular, antiproliferative and antimicrobial benefits.
Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine1, University of Southern California2, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center3, University College Hospital4, University College London5, Johns Hopkins University6, Duke University7, University of Bern8, Brigham and Women's Hospital9, Marche Polytechnic University10, Erasmus University Rotterdam11, Cleveland Clinic12
TL;DR: Current data support the utility of extended PB templates for initial TRUS PB intended to detect clinically significant PCa, and debate continues regarding indications, sampling number, and location as well as on the potential of modern image-guided approaches or three-dimensional mapping biopsy in this unique setting.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the current literature on attribute nonattendance in stated choice and use data from beef and chicken choice experiments using both inference and the respondents' own statements.
Abstract: We review the current literature on attribute non‐attendance in stated choice and use data from beef and chicken choice experiments using both inference and the respondents’ own statements. Inference is based on panel data analysis by mixed logit models of choice with both discrete and continuous mixtures of coefficients, and is conditional on the observed pattern of choice. Information from respondent statements on non‐attendance is directly embedded in the specification of the indirect utility function. Results show no clear winner between the inferential approaches, but the inference based on constrained latent class panel models better matches the observed data.
TL;DR: Circulating miR-499-5p is a sensitive biomarker of acute NSTEMI in the elderly, exhibiting a diagnostic accuracy superior to that of cTnT in patients with modest elevation at presentation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the existence and multiplicity of solutions for elliptic equations in R N, driven by a non-local integro-differential operator, which main prototype is the fractional Laplacian, was studied.
TL;DR: US appears to be a reproducible tool for evaluating and monitoring tenosynovitis in RA.
Abstract: Objective To produce consensus-based scoring systems for ultrasound (US) tenosynovitis and to assess the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of these scoring systems in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We undertook a Delphi process on US-defined tenosynovitis and US scoring system of tenosynovitis in RA among 35 rheumatologists, experts in musculoskeletal US (MSUS), from 16 countries. Then, we assessed the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of US in scoring tenosynovitis on B-mode and with a power Doppler (PD) technique. Ten patients with RA with symptoms in the hands or feet were recruited. Ten rheumatologists expert in MSUS blindly, independently and consecutively scored for tenosynovitis in B-mode and PD mode three wrist extensor compartments, two finger flexor tendons and two ankle tendons of each patient in two rounds in a blinded fashion. Intraobserver reliability was assessed by Cohen9s κ. Interobserver reliability was assessed by Light9s κ. Weighted κ coefficients with absolute weighting were computed for B-mode and PD signal. Results Four-grade semiquantitative scoring systems were agreed upon for scoring tenosynovitis in B-mode and for scoring pathological peritendinous Doppler signal within the synovial sheath. The intraobserver reliability for tenosynovitis scoring on B-mode and PD mode was good (κ value 0.72 for B-mode; κ value 0.78 for PD mode). Interobserver reliability assessment showed good κ values for PD tenosynovitis scoring (first round, 0.64; second round, 0.65) and moderate κ values for B-mode tenosynovitis scoring (first round, 0.47; second round, 0.45). Conclusions US appears to be a reproducible tool for evaluating and monitoring tenosynovitis in RA.
TL;DR: Evidence indicates the Oaxaca valley in Mesoamerica, and southern Bolivia and northern Argentina in South America, as the origins of common bean domestication, as well as a single domestication event within each gene pool.
Abstract: Summary
We have studied the nucleotide diversity of common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, which is characterized by two independent domestications in two geographically distinct areas: Mesoamerica and the Andes. This provides an important model, as domestication can be studied as a replicate experiment.
We used nucleotide data from five gene fragments characterized by large introns to analyse 214 accessions (102 wild and 112 domesticated). The wild accessions represent a cross-section of the entire geographical distribution of P. vulgaris.
A reduction in genetic diversity in both of these gene pools was found, which was three-fold greater in Mesoamerica compared with the Andes. This appears to be a result of a bottleneck that occurred before domestication in the Andes, which strongly impoverished this wild germplasm, leading to the minor effect of the subsequent domestication bottleneck (i.e. sequential bottleneck).
These findings show the importance of considering the evolutionary history of crop species as a major factor that influences their current level and structure of genetic diversity. Furthermore, these data highlight a single domestication event within each gene pool. Although the findings should be interpreted with caution, this evidence indicates the Oaxaca valley in Mesoamerica, and southern Bolivia and northern Argentina in South America, as the origins of common bean domestication.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of manufacturing on the antioxidant properties of a single cultivar but processed differently to give a white, two black (Orthodox and CTC) and two green (low-caffeine and non-decaffeinated) teas was explored.
TL;DR: In selected patients, nonoperative management of asymptomatic sporadic NF-PNETs smaller than 2 cm in size is safe, and larger and prospective multicentric studies with long-term follow-up are now needed to validate this wait-and-see policy.
Abstract: Context: Asymptomatic sporadic nonfunctioning, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) are increasingly diagnosed, and their management is controversial because of their overall good but heterogeneous prognosis. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the natural history of asymptomatic sporadic NF-PNETs smaller than 2 cm in size and the risk-benefit balance of nonoperative management. Experimental Design: From January 2000 to June 2011, 46 patients with proven asymptomatic sporadic NF-PNETs smaller than 2 cm in size were followed up for at least 18 months with serial imaging in tertiary referral centers. Results: Patients were mainly female (65%), with a median age of 60 years. Tumors were mainly located in the pancreatic head (52%), with a median lesion size of 13 mm (range 9–15). After a median follow-up of 34 months (range 24–52) and an average of four (range 3–6) serial imaging sessions, distant or nodal metastases appeared on the imaging in none of the patients. I...
TL;DR: It is indicated that impaired biosynthesis of certain SPM and SPM precursors, including 17-HDHA and PD1, contributes to adipose tissue inflammation in obesity and is suggested as a novel treatment option for obesity-associated complications.
Abstract: Obesity-induced chronic low-grade inflammation originates from adipose tissue and is crucial for obesity-driven metabolic deterioration, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation may be a consequence of a failure to actively resolve inflammation and could result from a lack of local specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as resolvins and protectins, which derive from the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We assessed obesity-induced changes of n-3–derived SPMs in adipose tissue and the effects of dietary EPA/DHA thereon. Moreover, we treated obese mice with SPM precursors and investigated the effects on inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Obesity significantly decreased DHA-derived 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA, resolvin D1 precursor) and protectin D1 (PD1) levels in murine adipose tissue. Dietary EPA/DHA treatment restored endogenous biosynthesis of n-3–derived lipid mediators in obesity while attenuating adipose tissue inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. Notably, 17-HDHA treatment reduced adipose tissue expression of inflammatory cytokines, increased adiponectin expression, and improved glucose tolerance parallel to insulin sensitivity in obese mice. These findings indicate that impaired biosynthesis of certain SPM and SPM precursors, including 17-HDHA and PD1, contributes to adipose tissue inflammation in obesity and suggest 17-HDHA as a novel treatment option for obesity-associated complications.
TL;DR: The release of GF from the composites of chitosan-PRP and either nano-hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate was highly beneficial for enhancing MSC proliferation and differentiation, thus qualifying chitOSan as an excellent vehicle.
TL;DR: Overall, the findings indicate that miR-146a is a marker of a senescence-associated pro-inflammatory status in vascular remodelling cells.
Abstract: In order to identify new markers of vascular cell senescence with potential in vivo implications, primary cultured endothelial cells, including human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and ex vivo circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), were analysed for microRNA (miR) expression. Among the 367 profiled miRs in HUVECs, miR-146a, miR-9, miR-204 and miR-367 showed the highest up-regulation in senescent cells. Their predicted target genes belong to nine common pathways, including Toll-like receptor signalling (TLR) that plays a pivotal role in inflammatory response, a key feature of senescence (inflammaging). MiR-146a was the most up-regulated miR in the validation analysis (>10-fold). Mimic and antagomir transfection confirmed TLR’s IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1) protein modulation in both young and senescent cells. Significant correlations were observed among miR-146a expression and β-galactosidase expression, telomere length and telomerase activity. MiR-146a hyper-expression was also validated in senescent HAECs (>4-fold) and HCAECs (>30-fold). We recently showed that CACs from patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) presented a distinguishing feature of senescence. Therefore, we also included miR-146a expression determination in CACs from 37 CHF patients and 35 healthy control subjects (CTR) for this study. Interestingly, a 1,000-fold increased expression of miR-146a was observed in CACs of CHF patients compared to CTR, along with decreased expression of IRAK1 protein. Moreover, significant correlations among miR-146a expression, telomere length and telomerase activity were observed. Overall, our findings indicate that miR-146a is a marker of a senescence-associated pro-inflammatory status in vascular remodelling cells.
TL;DR: Providing the best management for patients with bladder neoplasia relies on close cooperation and teamwork among urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
TL;DR: Exercise seemed a weakly effective stimulus for BAT thermogenesis, but surprisingly, without the supposed metabolically hypoactive effects, suggested that exercise could be a new physiological stimulus to counteract obesity by an adrenergic-regulated brown recruitment of adipocytes.
Abstract: Background and aim Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a major role in body energy expenditure counteracting obesity and obesity-associated morbidities. BAT activity is sustained by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Since a massive activation of the SNS was described during physical activity, we investigated the effect of endurance running training on BAT of young rats to clarify the role of exercise training on the activity and recruitment state of brown cells. Methods and results Male, 10-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were trained on a motor treadmill (approximately 60% of VO 2 max), 5 days/week, both for 1 and 6 weeks. The effect of endurance training was valuated using morphological and molecular approaches. Running training affected on the morphology, sympathetic tone and vascularization of BAT, independently of the duration of the stimulus. Functionally, the weak increase in the thermogenesis (no difference in UCP-1), the increased expression of PGC-1α and the membrane localization of MCT-1 suggest a new function of BAT. Visceral fat increased the expression of the FOXC2 , 48 h after last training session and some clusters of UCP-1 paucilocular and multilocular adipocytes appeared. Conclusion Exercise seemed a weakly effective stimulus for BAT thermogenesis, but surprisingly, without the supposed metabolically hypoactive effects. The observed browning of the visceral fat, by a supposed white-to-brown transdifferentiation phenomena suggested that exercise could be a new physiological stimulus to counteract obesity by an adrenergic-regulated brown recruitment of adipocytes.
TL;DR: The addition of an immunosuppressive drug can reduce the induction of anti-TNF antibodies, of which those against infliximab can interfere with the drug's pharmacokinetics (and therefore its effects), and may also cause acute and delayed infusion and injection site reactions.