bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence that periweaning failure‐to‐thrive syndrome (PFTS) has a genetic predisposition
Authors: Ramis G. , Marco E. , Magaña V. , González‐Contreras P. , Swierczynski G. , Abellaneda J. M. , Sáez‐Acosta A. , Mrowiec A. , Pallarés F. J.
Published: March 2015

Genetic susceptibility or resistance to diseases is currently drawing increasing attention. This work describes two different breeding herds showing signs of periweaning failure‐to‐thrive syndrome (PFTS), an emergent swine disease. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical picture and confirmed by histopathology. The possibility of main infectious pathogens was ruled out by immunohistochemistry and PCR. In a simple approach, sires of the affected piglets have been determined using microsatellite paternity analysis, including a healthy group in each case. In each of the two farms, a single boar was found to have sired 45–50 per cent sick animals. Removal of this sire from two farms resulted in a significant decrease in the prevalence of the disease among the offspring, in accordance with other two cases diagnosed, although without including a control group. Since the analysed animals belonged to three different genetic lines, these findings point to the existence of individual genetic susceptibility to this syndrome.
Decreased dose of radiation to dogs during acquisition of elbow radiographs using draped shielding
Authors: Nemanic S. , Nixon B. K. , Francis R. A. , Farmer R. H. , Harlan D. L. , Baltzer W. I.
Published: March 2015

Protective lead equivalent shielding of patients is not routinely used in veterinary radiology. The goal of this study was to determine whether the use of lead equivalent shielding results in a significant reduction in dose of radiation to dogs during acquisition of elbow radiographs. The authors measured radiation doses in the primary beam and over and under protective lead equivalent shielding that was placed at the level of the eyes, body and gonads during acquisition of elbow radiographs using 0.01 mSv sensitivity dosimetry badges. Shielding consisted of 0.5 mm lead equivalent aprons and thyroid shields placed over bodies and eyes, respectively. All badges in the primary beam‐detected radiation. Shielding significantly decreased the dose of radiation with significantly less scatter and tube leakage radiation detected under compared with over shielding (P=0.0001). The dose of radiation detected over shielding was significantly greater than zero (P=0.0001), while that under shielding did not differ significantly from zero (P=0.09). Based on these results, the authors recommend protective shielding be used on veterinary patients during radiography.
Diagnosis of Mercurial Teeth in a Possible Case of Congenital Syphilis and Tuberculosis in a 19th Century Child Skeleton
Authors: Ioannou Stella , Henneberg Maciej , Henneberg Renata J. , Anson Timothy
Published: March 2015

Without the presence of “caries sicca,” “sabre shins,” and nodes/expansion of the long bones with superficial cavitation, differential diagnosis of venereal syphilis and tuberculosis (TB) may be difficult as various infections produce similar responses. However, congenital syphilis has distinctive features facilitating a diagnosis. A case study of remains of a juvenile European settler (probably male, 8–10 years old) (B70) buried in the 19th century and excavated in 2000 from the cemetery of the Anglican Church of St. Marys in South Australia is presented. B70 demonstrated that the two diseases might have been present in the same individual, congenital syphilis and TB. Widespread destruction of vertebral bodies and kyphosis-related rib deformations indicate advanced TB. Severe dental hypoplasia is limited to permanent incisors and first molars; there is pitting on the palate, periosteal reaction on the skull vault, and thinned clavicles. Dental signs are not limited to “screwdriver” central incisors and mulberry molars. Apical portions of the crowns of permanent upper, lower, central, and lateral incisors have multiple hypoplastic-disorganized defects; deciduous canines have severely hypoplastic crowns while possibly hypoplastic occlusal surfaces of lower deciduous second molars are largely destroyed by extensive caries. These dental abnormalities resemble teeth affected by mercurial treatment in congenital syphilitic patients as described by Hutchinson.
Empyema Necessitans Complicating Pleural Effusion Associated withProteusSpecies Infection: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Yauba M. S. , Ahmed H. , Imoudu I. A. , Yusuf M. O. , Makarfi H. U.
Published: March 2015

Background. Empyema necessitans, a rare complication of pleural effusion, could result in significant morbidity and mortality in children. It is characterized by the dissection of pus through the soft tissues and the skin of the chest wall.Mycobacterium tuberculosisandActinomyces israeliiare common causes but Gram negative bacilli could be a rare cause. However, there were challenges in differentiating betweenMycobacterium tuberculosisand nontuberculous empyema in a resource poor setting like ours. We report a child with pleural effusion and empyema necessitans secondary toProteusspp. infection.Methods. We describe a 12-year-old child with empyema necessitans complicating pleural effusion and highlight management challenges.Results. This case was treated with quinolones, antituberculous drugs, chest tube drainage, and nutritional rehabilitation.Conclusion. Empyema necessitatis is a rare condition that can be caused by Gram negative bacterial pathogens likeProteusspecies.
Microbial Degradation of Indole and Its Derivatives
Authors: Arora Pankaj Kumar , Sharma Ashutosh , Bae Hanhong
Published: March 2015

Indole and its derivatives, including 3-methylindole and 4-chloroindole, are environmental pollutants that are present worldwide. Microbial degradation of indole and its derivatives can occur in several aerobic and anaerobic pathways; these pathways involve different known and characterized genes. In this minireview, we summarize and explain the microbial degradation of indole, indole-3-acetic acid, 4-chloroindole, and methylindole.
Sensorless Load Torque Estimation and Passivity Based Control of Buck Converter Fed DC Motor
Authors: Kumar S. Ganesh , Thilagar S. Hosimin
Published: March 2015

Passivity based control of DC motor in sensorless configuration is proposed in this paper. Exact tracking error dynamics passive output feedback control is used for stabilizing the speed of Buck converter fed DC motor under various load torques such as constant type, fan type, propeller type, and unknown load torques. Under load conditions, sensorless online algebraic approach is proposed, and it is compared with sensorless reduced order observer approach. The former produces better response in estimating the load torque. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to select the appropriate control variables. Simulation and experimental results fully confirm the superiority of the proposed approach suggested in this paper.
Embolic Signals during Routine Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Paschoal Fernando Mendes , de Almeida Lins Ronconi Karla , de Lima Oliveira Marcelo , Nogueira Ricardo de Carvalho , Paschoal Eric Homero Albuquerque , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Cerebral emboli may occur in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracranial aneurysm surgery. Although embolic signs (ES) have been reported in SAH, their origin remains unclear. The aim of this study was to report the detection of ES during routine TCD monitoring in patients with aneurysmal SAH.Methods. A total of 105 patients with aneurysmal SAH were submitted to TCD evaluation. Patients were monitored almost daily (5 times per week). In each monitoring session, one experienced operator performed TCD to detect or assess vasospasm and ES in arteries of the Willis polygon.Results.Four patients out of a total of 105 patients with aneurysmal SAH were found to present spontaneous cerebral embolization during routine TCD monitoring. The average age of the 4 patients (mean ± standard deviation) was 59.5 ± 8.34 years (range 49–68 ys); female patients predominated representing 75% (3/4) of subjects.Conclusion. Although detection of ES was relatively rare in this study, rates of emboli occurrence may be higher under systematic monitoring. The detection of ES after SAH surgery reinforces the need to study the role of embolus in this condition and may be an indicator for prophylactic antithrombotic treatment.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Pregnancy: A Two-Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Herrera-Martínez A. D. , Bahamondes-Opazo R. , Palomares-Ortega R. , Muñoz-Jiménez C. , Gálvez-Moreno M. A. , Quesada Gómez J. M.
Published: March 2015

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in pregnant women is an uncommon disease. It could be easily misdiagnosed because of physiologic changes during pregnancy; in some cases, patients could remain asymptomatic maintaining elevated calcium serum levels, and this situation represents a threat to the health of both mother and fetus. We present two cases of PHPT during pregnancy and their evolution after surgical treatment in the second trimester; there were no observed complications during pregnancy or delivery in our patients. Early diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment in PHPT are necessary for avoiding maternal and fetal complications which could not be predicted based on duration or severity of hypercalcemia. An appropriate management of PHPT during pregnancy is necessary for preserving the health of both the woman and the fetus.
Optical Characterization of SERS Substrates Based on Porous Au Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Strelchuk V. V. , Kolomys O. F. , Kaganovich E. B. , Krishchenko I. M. , Golichenko B. O. , Boyko M. I. , Kravchenko S. O. , Kruglenko I. V. , Lytvyn O. S. , Manoilov E. G. , Nasieka Iu. M.
Published: March 2015

The SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) substrates based on nanocomposite porous films with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) arrays were formed using the method of the pulsed laser deposition from the back low‐energy flux of erosion torch particles on the glass substrate fixed at the target plain. The dependencies of porosity, and morphology of the surface of the film regions located near and far from the torch axis on the laser ablation regime, laser pulses energy density, their number, and argon pressure in the vacuum chamber, were ascertained. The Au NPs arrays with the controllable extinction spectra caused by the local surface plasmon resonance were prepared. The possibility of the formation of SERS substrates for the detection of the Rhodamine 6G molecules with the concentration 10−10 Mol/L with the enhancement factor 4·107 was shown.
Self-Organizing Architecture for Information Fusion in Distributed Sensor Networks
Authors: Bajo Javier , De Paz Juan F. , Villarrubia Gabriel , Corchado Juan M.
Published: March 2015

The management of heterogeneous distributed sensor networks requires new solutions that can address the problem of automatically fusing the information coming from different sources in an efficient and effective manner. In the literature it is possible to find different types of data fusion and information fusion techniques in use today, but it is still a challenge to obtain systems that allow the automation or semiautomation of information processing and fusion. In this paper, we present a multiagent system that based on the organizational theory proposes a new model to automatically process and fuse information in heterogeneous distributed sensor networks. The proposed architecture is applied to a case study for indoor location where information is taken from different heterogeneous sensors.
N-Terminal Region of GbIspH1,Ginkgo bilobaIspH Type 1, May Be Involved in the pH-Dependent Regulation of Enzyme Activity
Authors: Shin Bok-Kyu , Ahn Joong-Hoon , Han Jaehong
Published: March 2015

GbIspH1, IspH type 1 inGinkgo bilobachloroplast, is the Fe/S enzyme catalyzing the reductive dehydroxylation of HMBPP to isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) at the final step of methylerythritol phosphate pathway in chloroplast. Compared to the bacterial IspH, plant IspH, including GbIspH1, has an additional polypeptide chain at theN-terminus. Here, biochemical function of theN-terminal region of GbIspH1 was investigated with theN-terminal truncated GbIspH1 (GbIspH1-truncated). Both wild type GbIspH1 (GbIspH1-full) and GbIspH1-truncated were catalytically active and produced IPP and DMAPP in a ratio of 15 : 1. Kinetic parameters ofKM(17.3 ± 1.9 and 14.9 ± 2.3 µM) andkcat(369 ± 10 and 347 ± 12 min−1) at pH 8.0 were obtained for GbIspH1-full and GbIspH1-truncated, respectively. Interestingly, GbIspH1-full and GbIspH1-truncated showed significantly different pH-dependent activities, and the maximum enzyme activities were obtained at pH 8.0 and 7.5, respectively. However, catalytic activation energies (Ea) of GbIspH1-full and GbIspH1-truncated were almost the same with 36.5 ± 1.6 and 35.0 ± 1.9 kJ/mol, respectively. It was suggested that theN-terminal region of GbIspH1 is involved in the pH-dependent regulation of enzyme activity during photosynthesis.
Ectopic Lingual Thyroid
Authors: Khamassi Khaled , Jaafoura Habib , Masmoudi Fahmi , Lahiani Rim , Bougacha Lobna , Ben Salah Mamia
Published: March 2015

Ectopy of the thyroid gland is an abnormal embryological development. Its occurrence in children is rare. In this study, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl that presented with dysphagia and nocturnal dyspnea. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a lingual thyroid. Thyroid scintigraphy showed intense and elective uptake of radiotracer at the base of the tongue. Hormonal tests revealed hypothyroidism. Treatment consisted of opotherapy based on levothyroxine. Evolution has been favourable and the patient showed significant improvement with reduction of the dyspnea and the dysphagia and normalization of thyroid hormone tests.
Evaluation of Heavy Metals Contamination from Environment to Food Matrix by TXRF: The Case of Rice and Rice Husk
Authors: Bilo Fabjola , Lodolo Marco , Borgese Laura , Bosio Alberto , Benassi Laura , Depero Laura Eleonora , Bontempi Elza
Published: March 2015

This paper is devoted to the chemical analysis of contaminated soils of India and the rice grown in the same area. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a well-established technique for elemental chemical analysis of environmental samples, and it can be a useful tool to assess food safety. Metals uptake in rice crop grown in soils from different areas was studied. In this work soil, rice husk and rice samples were analyzed after complete solubilization of samples by microwave acid digestion. Heavy metals concentration detected in rice samples decreases in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr. The metal content in rice husk was higher than in rice. This study suggests, for the first time, a possible role of heavy metals filter played by rice husk. The knowledge of metals sequestration capability of rice husk may promote some new management practices for rice cultivation to preserve it from pollution.
Depression, Alcohol Abuse, and Alcoholism in One versus Two Parents and the Implications for Child Attachment and Self-Regulation in Infancy through Adolescence
Authors: Ridgeway Brenda
Published: March 2015

This study’s purpose was to determine whether the influence of combined parental disorders can cause greater frequency in the occurrence of insecure child attachment and dysfunctions in self-regulation as opposed to the influence of one parent having a disorder. The research design is a quantitative meta-analysis that combined effects from 10 studies to establish differences in the frequency of occurrence for insecure child attachment and dysfunctions in self-regulation through an examination of Cohen’s d. Global analysis of Cohen’s effect (d) indicated that children being reared by two disordered parents had higher frequency in occurrence of insecure attachment and self-regulation dysfunction than those children reared by only one disordered parent. By addressing the issues surrounding the child population where both parents are disordered, children would have a better chance at healthy development by way of interventions that minimize the occurrence of child psychopathology and foster improvements in the social and overall human condition.
Multisite Infection withMycobacterium abscessusafter Replacement of Breast Implants and Gluteal Lipofilling
Authors: Rüegg Eva , Cheretakis Alexandre , Modarressi Ali , Harbarth Stephan , Pittet-Cuénod Brigitte
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Medical tourism for aesthetic surgery is popular. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) occasionally cause surgical-site infections. As NTM grow in biofilms, implantations of foreign bodies are at risk. Due to late manifestation, infections occur when patients are back home, where they must be managed properly.Case Report. A 39-year-old healthy female was referred for acute infection of the right gluteal area. Five months before, she had breast implants replacement, abdominal liposuction, and gluteal lipofilling in Mexico. Three months postoperatively, implants were removed for NTM-infection in Switzerland. Adequate antibiotic treatment was stopped after seven days for drug-related hepatitis. At entrance, gluteal puncture for bacterial analysis was performed. MRI showed large subcutaneous collection. Debridement under general anaesthesia was followed by open wound management. Total antibiotic treatment was 20 weeks.Methods. Bacterial analysis of periprosthetic and gluteal liquids included Gram-stain plus acid-fast stain, and aerobic, anaerobic and mycobacterial cultures.  Results. In periprosthetic fluid,Mycobacterium abscessus, Propionibacterium, andStaphylococcus epidermidiswere identified. The sameM. abscessusstrain was found gluteally. The gluteal wound healed within six weeks. At ten months’ follow-up, gluteal asymmetry persists for deep scarring.Conclusion. This case presents major complications of multisite aesthetic surgery. Surgical-site infections in context of medical tourism need appropriate bacteriological investigations, considering potential NTM-infections.
A Survival Analysis on Fuel Cell Technology Patent Maintenance and Values Exploration between 1976 and 2001
Authors: Tsang Seng-Su , Chang Feng-Chen , Wang Wen-Cheng
Published: March 2015

Fuel cell R&D activities desirably arrive in patents; the costly maintenance fee challenges managers as well as researchers to whether or not renew existing patents. The key is, will the fuel cell patent’s value be worth renewing? Thus assessment of patent value is essential. Our study focus online searching was made available after 1976, as the initial year to conduct the patent search. Up to 2001, there are 2269 patents classified in the H01M 008/00~H01M 008/24 category, which is the category concerning fuel cell under the classification of the International Patent Classification. Effective exploitation of technology values is subject to the complementarities of organizational resources. The present study used the emerging technology of Fuel Cells as an example to show that firms may commercialize the values of technology according to their organizational resources. By aligning firms’ patenting strategies and the imparities between book values and market values this study concludes a technological ambidexterity with respect to firms’ technology development. The exploitative firms tend to file patents to defend their leadership in the product market as a result their technology is constrained within a firm’s boundaries. The results show that patent renewing decisions are consequence of firm’s constraints of complementary resources.
A Pharmacokinetic Study of Antimalarial 3,5-Diaryl-2-aminopyridine Derivatives
Authors: Dambuza Ntokozo , Smith Peter , Evans Alicia , Taylor Dale , Chibale Kelly , Wiesner Lubbe
Published: March 2015

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for approximately 80% of the incidence and 90% of deaths which occur in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, with children and pregnant women having the highest incidence. P. falciparum has developed resistance, and therefore new effective candidate antimalarial drugs need to be developed. Previous studies identified 3,5-diaryl-2-aminopyridines as potential antimalarial drug candidates; therefore, derivatives of these compounds were synthesized in order to improve their desired properties and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the derivatives were investigated in a mouse model which was dosed orally and intravenously. Collected blood samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The mean peak plasma level of 1.9 μM was obtained at 1 hour for compound 1 and 3.3 μM at 0.5 hours for compound 2. A decline in concentration was observed with a half-life of 2.53 and 0.87 hours for compound 1 in mice dosed orally and intravenously, respectively. For compound 2 a half-life of 2.96 and 0.68 hours was recorded. The bioavailability was 69% and 59.7% for compound 1 and compound 2, respectively.
Binding Mode Investigation of Polyphenols fromScrophulariaTargeting Human Aldose Reductase Using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Manivannan Abinaya , Soundararajan Prabhakaran , Park Yoo Gyeong , Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: March 2015

Aldose reductase (ALR2), a vital enzyme involved in polyol pathway, has befitted as a novel drug target in antidiabetes drug discovery process. In the present study, the binding mode and pharmacokinetic properties of potential polyphenolic compounds with reported aldose reductase inhibitory activity from the genusScrophulariahave been investigated. The human ALR2 enzyme (PDB ID: 2FZD) acted as the receptor in the current study. Among the compounds investigated, acacetin, a methoxy flavonoid, displayed the stable binding to the active site of ALR2 with least binding energy value. Molecular interaction analysis revealed that acacetin interrupts the proton donation mechanism, necessary for the catalytic activity of ALR2, by forming H-bond with Tyr48 (proton donor). In addition, acacetin also possessed favorable ADME properties and complies with Lipinski’s rule of 5 representing the possible drug-like nature compared to other polyphenols. Interestingly, the biological activity predictions also ranked acacetin with higher probability score for aldose reductase inhibition activity. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation of ALR2-acacetin complex was validated for the stability of ligand binding and the refined complex was used for generation of receptor-ligand pharmacophore model. Thus, the molecular insights of receptor-ligand interactions gained from the present study can be utilized for the development of novel aldose reductase inhibitors fromScrophularia.
In Vivo Evaluation of Complex Biogenic Silver Nanoparticle and Enoxaparin in Wound Healing
Authors: Marcato P. D. , De Paula L. B. , Melo P. S. , Ferreira I. R. , Almeida A. B. A. , Torsoni A. S. , Alves O. L.
Published: March 2015

The burns treatment is difficult, uncomfortable for the patient, and expensive for health system. Due to antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), these particles can avoid bacterial infection in wound and accelerate the wound healing. Furthermore, the complexation of AgNP with enoxaparin (low molecular weight heparin) may improve the healing process of lesions due to anti‐inflammatory and angiogenic activity of enoxaparin (Enox). The aim of this study was evaluated the activity and toxicity of biogenic AgNP and AgNP complexed with Enox in in vivo burn wound model. AgNP was produced by biosynthesis method using Fusarium oxysporum. AgNP (20–40 nm) exhibited high stability due to protein capping around the particles that was confirmed by TEM, fluorescence spectroscopy, and FTIR. The wound contraction in in vivo model, after 28 days of treatment, was 55, 89, 91, and 95% for control, Enox, AgNP, and AgNP‐Enox groups, respectively. No clear toxic effects in the biochemistry and hematological parameters were verified in all treated groups. However, in the AgNP‐Enox group, a statistically significant increase in the urea levels was observed indicating increased proteolysis due to inflammation process. The results demonstrated that the complex AgNP‐Enox is interesting for wound healing decreasing the time of lesions healing.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Using “Elevate Anterior” versus “Perigee” System Devices for the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Long Cheng-Yu , Wang Chiu-Lin , Wu Ming-Ping , Wu Chin-Hu , Lin Kun-Ling , Liu Cheng-Min , Tsai Eing-Mei , Shen Ching-Ju
Published: March 2015

Objective.This study aims to compare clinical outcomes using the Perigee versus Elevate anterior devices for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Study Design.One hundred and forty-one women with POP stages II to IV were scheduled for either Perigee (n=91) or Elevate anterior device (n=50). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination, urodynamic study, and a personal interview about quality of life and urinary symptoms.Results.Despite postoperative point C of Elevate group being significantly deeper than the Perigee group (median: −7.5 versus −6;P<0.01), the 1-year success rates for two groups were comparable (P>0.05). Apart from urgency incontinence, women with advanced POP experienced significant resolution of irritating and obstructive symptoms after both procedures (P<0.05), generating the improvement in postoperative scores of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) (P<0.01). On urodynamics, only the residual urine decreased significantly following these two procedures (P<0.05). Women undergoing Perigee mesh experienced significantly higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and vaginal extrusion rates compared with the Elevate anterior procedure (P<0.05).Conclusions.With comparable success rates, the Elevate procedure has advantages over the Perigee surgery with lower extrusion rate and postoperative day 1 VAS scores.
A Fast Neural Network Approach to Predict Lung Tumor Motion during Respiration for Radiation Therapy Applications
Authors: Bukovsky Ivo , Homma Noriyasu , Ichiji Kei , Cejnek Matous , Slama Matous , Benes Peter M. , Bila Jiri
Published: March 2015

During radiotherapy treatment for thoracic and abdomen cancers, for example, lung cancers, respiratory motion moves the target tumor and thus badly affects the accuracy of radiation dose delivery into the target. A real-time image-guided technique can be used to monitor such lung tumor motion for accurate dose delivery, but the system latency up to several hundred milliseconds for repositioning the radiation beam also affects the accuracy. In order to compensate the latency, neural network prediction technique with real-time retraining can be used. We have investigated real-time prediction of 3D time series of lung tumor motion on a classical linear model, perceptron model, and on a class of higher-order neural network model that has more attractive attributes regarding its optimization convergence and computational efficiency. The implemented static feed-forward neural architectures are compared when using gradient descent adaptation and primarily the Levenberg-Marquardt batch algorithm as the ones of the most common and most comprehensible learning algorithms. The proposed technique resulted in fast real-time retraining, so the total computational time on a PC platform was equal to or even less than the real treatment time. For one-second prediction horizon, the proposed techniques achieved accuracy less than one millimeter of 3D mean absolute error in one hundred seconds of total treatment time.
The Sterile Inflammation in the Exacerbation of HBV‐Associated Liver Injury
Authors: Yang Qiao , Shi Yu , Yang Ying , Lou Guohua , Chen Zhi
Published: March 2015

Exacerbation of hepatitis B virus‐associated liver injury is characterized by abnormal immune response which not only mobilizes specific antiviral effects but also poses a potentially lethal nonspecific sterile inflammation to the host. How nonspecific sterile inflammation is triggered after the preexisting injury caused by specific immune injury remains elusive. In the setting of sterile inflammation, endogenous damage‐associated molecular patterns are released by stressed and dying hepatocytes, which alarm the immune system through their potential pattern recognition receptors and related signaling pathways, orchestrate the influx of diverse cytokines, and ultimately amplify liver destruction. This review highlights current knowledge about the sterile hepatic inflammation in the exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B.
Impact Assessment of Orography on the Extreme Precipitation Event of July 2010 over Pakistan: A Numerical Study
Authors: Muhammad Tahir Khan , Yin Yan , Wang Yong , Babar Zaheer A. , Yan Dong
Published: March 2015

The topography influences monsoon precipitation and gives rise to significant rainfall events in South Asia. The physical mechanism involved in such events includes mechanical uplifting, thermodynamics, small scale cloud processes, and large scale atmospheric circulations. The investigation into orographic precipitation is pursued by synoptic and model analysis. Deep convection occurs as warm moist airflow is channeling over steep mountains. WRF model coupled with Morrison double moment scheme is used to assess the relative impact of topography on extreme rainfall event of 26–30 July 2010 in Pakistan. Two sensitivity tests with full topography (CTL) and reduced topography by 50% (LOW) are carried out. Two distinct precipitation zones over Hindukush and Himalaya mountains are identified. The topographic changes significantly affect moisture divergence and spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation. A low level jet is created on windward side of big mountains, yielding enhanced moisture flux and instability. Eddy kinetic energy significantly changes with orographic height. Energy flux created further unstabilized atmosphere and deep convection, producing wide spread heavy rainfall in the area in Himalaya foothills. Under the set synoptic conditions, orographic orientation enhanced the moisture accumulation and deep convection, resulting in occurrence of this extreme event.
Numerical Studies for Fractional Functional Differential Equations with Delay Based on BDF-Type Shifted Chebyshev Approximations
Authors: Pimenov V. G. , Hendy A. S.
Published: March 2015

Fractional functional differential equations with delay (FDDEs) have recently played a significant role in modeling of many real areas of sciences such as physics, engineering, biology, medicine, and economics. FDDEs often cannot be solved analytically so the approximate and numerical methods should be adapted to solve these types of equations. In this paper we consider a new method of backward differentiation formula- (BDF-) type for solving FDDEs. This approach is based on the interval approximation of the true solution using the Clenshaw and Curtis formula that is based on the truncated shifted Chebyshev polynomials. It is shown that the new approach can be reformulated in an equivalent way as a Runge-Kutta method and the Butcher tableau of this method is given. Estimation of local and global truncating errors is deduced and this leads to the proof of the convergence for the proposed method. Illustrative examples of FDDEs are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed approach.
Polyols Prepared from Ring-Opening Epoxidized Soybean Oil by a Castor Oil-Based Fatty Diol
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Ji Jun , Zhang Jiao Xia
Published: March 2015

Several biorenewable vegetable oil-based polyols with different molecular weights and various hydroxyl functionalities were successfully prepared by ring-opening epoxidized soybean oil with a castor oil-based fatty diol. It was found that several factors, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and molar ratios between epoxidized soybean oil and castor oil diol, affect structures and rheology behaviors of the final polyols. Proton NMR, FT-IR, GPC, and rheometry results revealed that the hydroxyl functionalities, molecular weight, and viscosity of the polyols could be tailored by controlling the above-mentioned factors. Besides, the role of solvents in the epoxy ring-opening process was investigated as well.
Soluble ST2 Plasma Concentrations Predict Mortality in HBV‐Related Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Lei Ziying , Mo Zhishuo , Zhu Jianyun , Pang Xiuqing , Zheng Xingrong , Wu Zhebin , Wang Ke , Li Xinhua , Xie Dongying , Gao Zhiliang
Published: March 2015

Hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is a rapidly progressing and frequently fatal condition. The aim of this study was to determine whether interleukin‐ (IL‐) 33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) were associated with disease severity and mortality in HBV‐ACLF. We found that plasma levels of sST2 but not IL‐33 were higher in HBV‐ACLF patients compared with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls. However, plasma levels of IL‐33, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10 did not correlate with sST2 levels. Similarly, immunohistochemistry revealed low IL‐33 expression and high ST2 expression in liver sections of patients with HBV‐ACLF. Evaluation of dynamic changes of sST2 in HBV‐ACLF showed that plasma sST2 levels increased over time in patients who died during the 180‐day follow‐up but decreased in those who survived. In addition, plasma sST2 level after week 1 correlated with disease severity, as assessed by total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and model for end‐stage liver disease score. Results of Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that higher sST2 concentration (≥87 ng/mL) at week 3 was associated with poor survival. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of sST2 as a predictor of disease severity and in making treatment decisions for patients with HBV‐ACLF.
Dry Eye and Corneal Langerhans Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Resch Miklós D. , Marsovszky László , Németh János , Bocskai Márta , Kovács László , Balog Attila
Published: March 2015

Purpose. Investigation of dry eye and corneal Langerhans cells (LCs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods. Prospective consecutive case series of 27 SLE patients and 27 control subjects. Dry eye was evaluated by lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. In vivo investigation of corneal LCs density and morphology (LCM) was performed with confocal corneal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with Rostock Cornea Module).Results. Tear production and stability were pathological in SLE subjects compared to control (Schirmer: 8.45 ± 9.82 mm/5 min versus 11.67 ± 3.21 mm/5 min; TBUT: 6.86 ± 3.53 s versus 11.09 ± 3.37 s). OSDI was significantly greater in SLE patients (25.95 ± 17.92) than in controls (11.06 ± 7.18). Central LC density was greater in SLE patients (43.08 ± 48.67 cell/mm2) than in controls (20.57 ± 21.04 cell/mm2). There was no difference in the peripheral LC density (124.78 ± 165.39 versus 78.00 ± 39.51 cell/mm2). LCM was higher in SLE patients in the centre (1.43 ± 0.79) and in the periphery (2.89 ± 0.42) compared to controls (centre: 1.00 ± 0.69, periphery: 2.35 ± 0.54).Conclusions. Significant changes in dry eye parameters and marked increase of central LCs could be demonstrated in SLE patients. SLE alters not only the LC density but also the morphology, modifies corneal homeostasis, and might contribute to the development of dry eye.
Effect of Fluid Shear Stress on Portal Vein Remodeling in a Rat Model of Portal Hypertension
Authors: Wen Bin , Liang Jian , Deng Xin , Chen Ran , Peng Peichun
Published: March 2015

Aims. To explore the effects and mechanisms of fluid shear stress on portal vein remodeling in a rat model of portal hypertension.Methods. Subcutaneous injections of CCl4 were given to establish a rat model of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Biomechanical technology was adopted to determine the dynamic changes of haemodynamic indices and fluid shear stress. Nitric oxide (NO), synthase (NOS), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) of the portal vein blood were measured. Changes in geometric structure and ultrastructure of the portal vein were observed using optical and electron microscopy.Results. After the CC14 injections, rat haemodynamics were notably altered. From week 4 onwards, PVP, PVF, and PVR gradually and significantly increased (P<0.05versus baseline). The fluid shear stress declined from week 4 onwards (P<0.01versus control group). NO, NOS, and ET-1 increased after repeated CCI4 injections. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed thickened portal vein walls, with increased inside and outside diameters. Electron microscopy revealed different degrees of endothelial cell degeneration, destruction of basement membrane integrity, proliferating, and hypertrophic smooth muscle cells.Conclusions. Fluid shear stress not only influenced the biomechanical environment of the portal vein but also participated in vascular remodeling.
To Evaluate the Damage of Renal Function in CIAKI Rats at 3T: Using ASL and BOLD MRI
Authors: Chen Wen-bo , Liang Long , Zhang Bin , Liu Chun-ling , Liu Hong-jun , Luo Hai-ying , Zeng Qiong-xin , Liang Chang-hong , Liu Guan-shu , Zhang Shui-xing
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To investigate noninvasive arterial spin-labeling (ASL) and blood oxygen level-dependent imaging (BOLD) sequences for measuring renal hemodynamics and oxygenation in contrast induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) rat.Materials and Methods. Thirteen SD rats were randomly grouped into CIAKI group and control group. Both ASL and BOLD sequences were performed at 24 h preinjection and at intervals of 0.5, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postinjection to assess renal blood flow (RBF) and relative spin-spin relaxation rate(R2*), respectively.Results. For the CIAKI group, the value of RBF in the cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) of the kidney was significantly decreased (P<0.05) at 12–48 h and regressed to baseline level (P=NS) at 72–96 h. In OM, the value ofR2*was increased at 0.5–48 h (P<0.05) and not statistically significant (P=NS) at 72 and 96 h. Conclusions. RBF in OM and CO and oxygen level in OM were decreased postinjection of CM. ASL combining BOLD can further identify the primary cause of the decrease of renal oxygenation in CIAKI. This approach provides means for noninvasive monitoring renal function during the first 4 days of CIAKI in clinical routine work.
Contemporary Trends of the Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Resource Utilization of Necrotizing Fasciitis in Texas: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Oud Lavi , Watkins Phillip
Published: March 2015

Introduction. There are limited population-level reports on the contemporary trends of the epidemiology, clinical features, resource utilization, and outcomes of necrotizing fasciitis (NF).Methods. We conducted a cohort study of Texas inpatient population, identifying hospitalizations with a diagnosis of NF during the years 2001–2010. The incidence, clinical features, resource utilization, and outcomes of NF hospitalizations were examined.Results. There were 12,172 NF hospitalizations during study period, with ICU admission in 50.3%. The incidence of NF rose 2.7%/year (P=0.0001). Key changes between 2001-2002 and 2009-2010 included rising incidence of NF (5.9 versus 7.6 per 100,000 [P<0.0001]), chronic comorbidities (69.4% versus 76.7% [P<0.0001]), and development of ≥1 organ failure (28.5% versus 51.7% [P<0.0001]). Inflation-adjusted hospital charges rose 37% (P<0.0001). Hospital mortality (9.3%) remained unchanged during study period. Discharges to long-term care facilities rose from 12.2 to 30% (P<0.0001).Conclusions. The present cohort of NF is the largest reported to date. There has been increasing incidence, chronic illness, and severity of illness of NF over the past decade, with half of NF hospitalizations admitted to ICU. Hospital mortality remained unchanged, while need for long-term care rose nearly 2.5-fold among survivors, suggesting increasing residual morbidity. The sources of the observed findings require further study.
Bilateral Ductal Stenting for Discontinuity of the Pulmonary Artery via the Femoral and Carotid Arteries in an Infant
Authors: Baspinar Osman , Sahin Derya Aydin
Published: March 2015

Bilateral ductal stenting should be performed in cases of discontinuity of the pulmonary branches and pulmonary atresia. Performing this procedure via the carotid artery in small infants can be very difficult and challenging. We present a case of bilateral ductal stenting via both the femoral and carotid arteries in a little child with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and a nonconfluent pulmonary artery and bilateral ductus arteriosus.
Antidiarrhoeal Activity ofMusa paradisiacaSap in Wistar Rats
Authors: Yakubu Musa T. , Nurudeen Quadri O. , Salimon Saoban S. , Yakubu Monsurat O. , Jimoh Rukayat O. , Nafiu Mikhail O. , Akanji Musbau A. , Oladiji Adenike T. , Williams Felicia E.
Published: March 2015

The folkloric claim ofMusa paradisiacasap in the management of diarrhoea is yet to be substantiated or refuted with scientific data. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to screen the sap ofM. paradisiacafor both its secondary metabolites and antidiarrhoeal activity at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mL in rats. Secondary metabolites were screened using standard methods while the antidiarrhoeal activity was done by adopting the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal, castor oil-induced enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility models. The sap contained flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids while cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, triterpenes, cardenolides, and dienolides were not detected. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model, the sap significantly (P<0.05) prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, decreased the number, fresh weight, and water content of feaces, and increased the inhibition of defecations. Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the small intestine increased significantly whereas nitric oxide content decreased. The decreases in the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid by the sap were accompanied by increase in inhibition of intestinal fluid content in the enteropooling model. The sap decreased the charcoal meal transit in the gastrointestinal motility model. In all the models, the 1.00 mL of the sap produced changes that compared well with the reference drugs. Overall, the antidiarrhoeal activity ofMusa paradisiacasap attributed to the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and/or saponins which may involve, among others, enhancing fluid and electrolyte absorption throughde novosynthesis of the sodium potassium ATPase and/or reduced nitric oxide levels.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents: Is It Clinically Relevant?
Authors: Gawlik Aneta , Such Kamila , Dejner Aleksandra , Zachurzok Agnieszka , Antosz Aleksandra , Malecka-Tendera Ewa
Published: March 2015

Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a common clinical problem, its diagnosis tends to be incidental. According to the definition, it should be asymptomatic, only detectable by screening. The presence or coincidence of any symptoms leads to L-thyroxine treatment. The clinical presentation, especially in younger patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, is still under dispute. Accordingly, the aim of this paper was to review the literature from the past seven years. The literature search identified 1,594 potentially relevant articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Few studies focus on the symptomatology of subclinical hypothyroidism, and most of them analyzed a small number of subjects. A significant correlation was found by some authors between subclinical hypothyroidism and a higher risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and migraine. No evidence of the impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on weight, growth velocity, and puberty was revealed. As the quality of most studies is poor and no definite conclusions can be drawn, randomized, large-scale studies in children and adolescents are warranted to determine the best care for patients with SH.
Ionic Conductance, Thermal and Morphological Behavior of PEO-Graphene Oxide-Salts Composites
Authors: Khan Mohammad Saleem , Shakoor Abdul
Published: March 2015

Thin films composites of poly(ethylene oxide)-graphene oxide were fabricated with and without lithium salts by solvent cast method. The ionic conductivity of these composites was studied at various concentrations of salt polymer-GO complexes and at different temperatures. The effects of temperature and graphene oxide concentration were measured from Arrhenius conductance plots. It is shown that the addition of salts in pure PEO increases conductance many times. The graphene oxide addition has enhanced the conductance approximately 1000 times as compared to that of pure PEO. The activation energies were determined for all the systems which gave higher values for pure PEO and the value decreased with the addition of LiClO4and LiCl salts and further decreases with the addition of graphene oxide. The composite has also lowered the activation energy values which mean that incorporation of GO in PEO has decreased crystallinity and the amorphous region has increased the local mobility of polymer chains resulting in lower activation energies. SEM analysis shows uniform distribution of GO in polymer matrix. The thermal stability studies reveal that incorporation of GO has somewhat enhanced the thermal stability of the films.
Electrochemical Activity of a La0.9Ca0.1Co1−xFexO3 Catalyst for a Zinc Air Battery Electrode
Authors: Eom Seungwook , Ahn Seyoung , Jeong Sanghwan
Published: March 2015

The optimum composition of cathode catalyst has been studied for rechargeable zinc air battery application. La0.9Ca0.1Co1−xFexO3  (x = 0–0.4) perovskite powders were prepared using the citrate method. The substitution ratio of Co2+ with Fe3+ cations was controlled in the range of 0–0.4. The optimum substitution ratio of Fe3+ cations was determined by electrochemical measurement of the air cathode composed of the catalyst, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder, and Vulcan XC‐72 carbon. The substitution by Fe enhanced the electrochemical performances of the catalysts. Considering oxygen reduction/evolution reactions and cyclability, we achieved optimum substitution level of x = 0.1 in La0.9Ca0.1Co1−xFexO3.
Synthesis of the ZnGa2S4 Nanocrystals and Their Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Degradation Property
Authors: Peng Ding , Min Zhang , Zhonglei Xie , Lihong Cao
Published: March 2015

Nanostructured ZnGa2S4 with indirect band gap was prepared by a simple thiourea reduction method. As‐prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV‐Vis). The visible‐light photocatalytic activity of the ZnGa2S4 was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. The high photoactivities of ZnGa2S4 can be attributed to the small band gap and large surface area, which is beneficial for degradation of pollutants and enhancement of transfer of photogenerated carriers.