bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Limited Sampling Strategies Based on Healthy Volunteers for Monitoring of Ertapenem in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: van Rijn S. P. , Zuur M. A. , van Altena R. , Akkerman O. W. , Proost J. H. , de Lange W. C. M. , Kerstjens H. A. M. , Touw D. J. , van der Werf T. S. , Kosterink J. G. W. , Alffenaar J. W. C.
Published: January 2017

Ertapenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic whose activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is being explored. Carbapenems have antibacterial activity when the plasma concentration exceeds the MIC at least 40% of the time (40%
T
MIC
). To assess the 40%
T
MIC
in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients, a limited sampling strategy was developed using a population pharmacokinetic model based on data for healthy volunteers. A two-compartment population pharmacokinetic model was developed with data for 42 healthy volunteers using an iterative two-stage Bayesian method. External validation was performed by Bayesian fitting of the model developed with data for volunteers to the data for individual MDR-TB patients (in which the fitted values of the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC
0–24, fit
values] were used) using the population model developed for volunteers as a prior. A Monte Carlo simulation (
n
= 1,000) was used to evaluate limited sampling strategies. Additionally, the 40%
T
MIC
with the free fraction (
f
40%
T
MIC
) of ertapenem in MDR-TB patients was estimated with the population pharmacokinetic model. The population pharmacokinetic model that was developed was shown to overestimate the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
) in MDR-TB patients by 6.8% (range, −17.2 to 30.7%). The best-performing limited sampling strategy, which had a time restriction of 0 to 6 h, was found to be sampling at 1 and 5 h (
r
2
= 0.78, mean prediction error = −0.33%, root mean square error = 5.5%). Drug exposure was overestimated by a mean percentage of 4.2% (range, −15.2 to 23.6%). When a free fraction of 5% was considered and the MIC was set at 0.5 mg/liter, the minimum
f
40%
T
MIC
would have been exceeded in 9 out of 12 patients. A population pharmacokinetic model and limited sampling strategy, developed using data from healthy volunteers, were shown to be adequate to predict ertapenem exposure in MDR-TB patients.
Transposase-Mediated Excision, Conjugative Transfer, and Diversity of ICE
6013
Elements in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sansevere Emily A. , Luo Xiao , Park Joo Youn , Yoon Sunghyun , Seo Keun Seok , Robinson D. Ashley
Published: January 2017

ICE
6013
represents one of two families of integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) identified in the pan-genome of the human and animal pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
. Here we investigated the excision and conjugation functions of ICE
6013
and further characterized the diversity of this element. ICE
6013
excision was not significantly affected by growth, temperature, pH, or UV exposure and did not depend on
recA
. The IS
30
-like DDE transposase (Tpase; encoded by
orf1
and
orf2
) of ICE
6013
must be uninterrupted for excision to occur, whereas disrupting three of the other open reading frames (ORFs) on the element significantly affects the level of excision. We demonstrate that ICE
6013
conjugatively transfers to different
S. aureus
backgrounds at frequencies approaching that of the conjugative plasmid pGO1. We found that excision is required for conjugation, that not all
S. aureus
backgrounds are successful recipients, and that transconjugants acquire the ability to transfer ICE
6013
. Sequencing of chromosomal integration sites in serially passaged transconjugants revealed a significant integration site preference for a 15-bp AT-rich palindromic consensus sequence, which surrounds the 3-bp target site that is duplicated upon integration. A sequence analysis of ICE
6013
from different host strains of
S. aureus
and from eight other species of staphylococci identified seven divergent subfamilies of ICE
6013
that include sequences previously classified as a transposon, a plasmid, and various ICEs. In summary, these results indicate that the IS
30
-like Tpase functions as the ICE
6013
recombinase and that ICE
6013
represents a diverse family of mobile genetic elements that mediate conjugation in staphylococci.

IMPORTANCE
Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) encode the abilities to integrate into and excise from bacterial chromosomes and plasmids and mediate conjugation between bacteria. As agents of horizontal gene transfer, ICEs may affect bacterial evolution. ICE
6013
represents one of two known families of ICEs in the pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
, but its core functions of excision and conjugation are not well studied. Here, we show that ICE
6013
depends on its IS
30
-like DDE transposase for excision, which is unique among ICEs, and we demonstrate the conjugative transfer and integration site preference of ICE
6013
. A sequence analysis revealed that ICE
6013
has diverged into seven subfamilies that are dispersed among staphylococci.
Water retention model for compacted bentonites
Authors: Dieudonne Anne-Catherine , Della Vecchia Gabriele , Charlier Robert
Published: January 2017

The water retention behaviour of compacted bentonites is strongly affected by multi-physical and multi-scale processes taking place in these materials. Experimental data have evidenced major effects of the material dry density, the imposed volume constraints, and the soil fabric. This paper presents a new water retention model accounting for proper retention mechanisms in each structural level of compacted bentonites, namely adsorption in the intra-aggregate pores and capillarity in the inter-aggregate ones. The model is calibrated and validated against experimental data on different bentonite-based materials, showing good capabilities in capturing the main features of the behaviour. The model is able to reproduce experimental data on compacted bentonites over a wide range of suction values, within a unified framework, and using a limited number of parameters. Some of the parameters introduced are shown to take approximately the same value for several bentonites, providing a significant basis for preliminary design when dedicated experiments are missing.
Fuzzy Model for Human Color Perception and Its Application in E-Commerce
Authors: Shamoi Pakizar , Inoue Atsushi , Kawanaka Hiroharu
Published: January 2017

Although image retrieval for e-commerce field has a huge commercial potential, e-commerce oriented content-based image retrieval is still very raw. Modern online shopping systems have certain limitations. In particular, they use conventional tag-based retrieval and lack making use of visual content. The paper presents a methodology to retrieve images of shopping items based on fuzzy dominant colors. People regard color as an aesthetic issue, especially when it comes to choosing the colors of their clothing, apartment design and other objects around. No doubt, color inuences purchasing behavior — to a certain extent, it is a reection of human's likes and dislikes. The fuzzy color model that we are proposing represents the collection of fuzzy sets, providing the conceptual quantization of crisp HSI space having soft boundaries. The proposed method has two parts: assigning a fuzzy colorimetric profile to the image and processing the user query. We also use underlying mechanisms of attention from a theory of visual attention, like perceptual categorization. Subjectivity and sensitivity of humans in color perception and bridging the semantic gap between low-level color visual features and high-level concepts are major issues that we plan to tackle in this research.
Introductory anatomy and physiology in an undergraduate nursing curriculum
Authors: Brown S.J. , White S. , Power N.
Published: January 2017

Using an educational data mining approach, first-year academic achievement of undergraduate nursing students, which included two compulsory courses in introductory human anatomy and physiology, was compared with achievement in a final semester course that transitioned students into the workplace. We hypothesized that students could be grouped according to their first-year academic achievement using a two-step cluster analysis method and that grades achieved in the human anatomy and physiology courses would be strong predictors of overall achievement. One cohort that graduated in 2014 ( n = 105) and one that graduated in 2015 ( n = 94) were analyzed separately, and for both cohorts, two groups were identified, these being “high achievers” (HIGH) and “low achievers” (LOW). Consistently, the anatomy and physiology courses were the strongest predictors of group assignment, such that a good grade in these was much more likely to put a student into a high-achieving group. Students in the HIGH groups also scored higher in the Transition to Nursing course when compared with students in the LOW groups. The higher predictor importance of the anatomy and physiology courses suggested that if a first-year grade-point average was calculated for students, an increased weighting should be attributed to these courses. Identifying high-achieving students based on first-year academic scores may be a useful method to predict future academic performance.
A Dynamic Bioinspired Neural Network Based Real-Time Path Planning Method for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Wu Liuying , Shi Pengfei , Yang Simon X.
Published: February 2017

Real-time path planning for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a very difficult and challenging task. Bioinspired neural network (BINN) has been used to deal with this problem for its many distinct advantages: that is, no learning process is needed and realization is also easy. However, there are some shortcomings when BINN is applied to AUV path planning in a three-dimensional (3D) unknown environment, including complex computing problem when the environment is very large and repeated path problem when the size of obstacles is bigger than the detection range of sensors. To deal with these problems, an improved dynamic BINN is proposed in this paper. In this proposed method, the AUV is regarded as the core of the BINN and the size of the BINN is based on the detection range of sensors. Then the BINN will move with the AUV and the computing could be reduced. A virtual target is proposed in the path planning method to ensure that the AUV can move to the real target effectively and avoid big-size obstacles automatically. Furthermore, a target attractor concept is introduced to improve the computing efficiency of neural activities. Finally, some experiments are conducted under various 3D underwater environments. The experimental results show that the proposed BINN based method can deal with the real-time path planning problem for AUV efficiently.
Metabolic Phenotype and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Normal-Weight Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Liang Xiaoyun , Margolis Karen L. , Hendryx Michael , Rohan Thomas E. , Groessl Erik J. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Simon Michael S. , Lane Dorothy , Stefanick Marcia , Luo Juhua
Published: February 2017

Background: The prevalence of metabolically unhealthy phenotype in normal-weight adults is 30%, and few studies have explored the association between metabolic phenotype and colorectal cancer incidence in normal-weight individuals. Our aim was to compare the risk of colorectal cancer in normal-weight postmenopausal women who were characterized by either the metabolically healthy phenotype or the metabolically unhealthy phenotype.

Methods: A large prospective cohort, the Women's Health Initiative, was used. The analytic sample included 5,068 postmenopausal women with BMI 18.5 to <25 kg/m2. Metabolic phenotype was defined using the Adult Treatment Panel-III definition, excluding waist circumference; therefore, women with one or none of the four components (elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose) were classified as metabolically healthy. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted HRs for the association between metabolic phenotype and risk of colorectal cancer.

Results: Among normal-weight women, those who were metabolically unhealthy had higher risks of colorectal cancer (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02–2.18) compared with those who were metabolically healthy.

Conclusions: A metabolically unhealthy phenotype was associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer among normal-weight women.

Impact: Normal-weight women should still be evaluated for metabolic health and appropriate steps taken to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 155–61. ©2017 AACR.
Meal Timing and Frequency: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Ard Jamy , Baskin Monica L. , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Johnson Heather M. , Kris-Etherton Penny , Varady Krista
Published: January 2017

Eating patterns are increasingly varied. Typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are difficult to distinguish because skipping meals and snacking have become more prevalent. Such eating styles can have various effects on cardiometabolic health markers, namely obesity, lipid profile, insulin resistance, and blood pressure. In this statement, we review the cardiometabolic health effects of specific eating patterns: skipping breakfast, intermittent fasting, meal frequency (number of daily eating occasions), and timing of eating occasions. Furthermore, we propose definitions for meals, snacks, and eating occasions for use in research. Finally, data suggest that irregular eating patterns appear less favorable for achieving a healthy cardiometabolic profile. Intentional eating with mindful attention to the timing and frequency of eating occasions could lead to healthier lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factor management.
FROST-2014: The Sochi Winter Olympics International Project
Authors: Kiktev Dmitry , Joe Paul , Isaac George A. , Montani Andrea , Frogner Inger-Lise , Nurmi Pertti , Bica Benedikt , Milbrandt Jason , Tsyrulnikov Michael , Astakhova Elena , Bundel Anastasia , Bélair Stéphane , Pyle Matthew , Muravyev Anatoly , Rivin Gdaly , Rozinkina Inna , Paccagnella Tiziana , Wang Yong , Reid Janti , Nipen Thomas , Ahn Kwang-Deuk
Published: January 2017

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Weather Research Programme’s (WWRP) Forecast and Research in the Olympic Sochi Testbed program (FROST-2014) was aimed at the advancement and demonstration of state-of-the-art nowcasting and short-range forecasting systems for winter conditions in mountainous terrain. The project field campaign was held during the 2014 XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games and preceding test events in Sochi, Russia. An enhanced network of in situ and remote sensing observations supported weather predictions and their verification. Six nowcasting systems (model based, radar tracking, and combined nowcasting systems), nine deterministic mesoscale numerical weather prediction models (with grid spacings down to 250 m), and six ensemble prediction systems (including two with explicitly simulated deep convection) participated in FROST-2014. The project provided forecast input for the meteorological support of the Sochi Olympic Games. The FROST-2014 archive of winter weather observations and forecasts is a valuable information resource for mesoscale predictability studies as well as for the development and validation of nowcasting and forecasting systems in complex terrain. The resulting innovative technologies, exchange of experience, and professional developments contributed to the success of the Olympics and left a post-Olympic legacy.
Professional views of supporting relatives of mental health clients with severe mental illness
Authors: Hjärthag Fredrik , Persson Karin , Ingvarsdotter Karin , Östman Margareta
Published: January 2017

Background:

Supporting families where one person suffers from long-term severe mental illness (SMI) is essential, but seems hard to reach. The aim of this study was to examine professionals’ views of supporting relatives of persons with SMI.

Material:

Individual interviews mirroring personal narratives and group interviews reflecting group-processed answers were conducted among 23 professionals and analyzed thematically.

Results:

Three themes emerged: (a) information and group interaction reduces stigma and increases well-being, (b) professionals need to feel secure and confident about how the support structure works and (c) collaboration is difficult but required on several levels.

Conclusion:

Trusting relationships with families were considered important, although seldom achieved; professionals wished to feel secure in their role toward relatives of a person with SMI; and professionals wanted to feel confident when working together with other services to support families.
“Revolutions Happen through Young People!”
Authors: Bundy Tess
Published: January 2017

From the late 1960s through the early 1970s, thousands of black high school students in Boston protested their educational marginalization by staging school boycotts, forming student organizations, and leading demonstrations. They demanded dramatic changes in the content and delivery of education in the Boston Public Schools (BPS). They called for a “culturally relevant education” that valued black culture, to be mentored by black educators, and for collaboration between school and community. Through these arguments for the value of black culture, students rejected characterizations of their racial heritage as inadequate—in a time when theories of cultural inferiority were widespread. Black youth were key players in a decades-long movement led by black Bostonians for educational justice in the BPS. This story challenges a dominant narrative of desegregation and civil rights in Boston, which focuses on busing, white resistance, and court-ordered desegregation. This narrative portrays black Bostonians as apathetic to racial politics and blindly following court-ordered desegregation plans. The story of the black student movement highlights the vital political work performed by black youth in civil rights protest. The erasure of black youth activism from the historical record strengthens stereotypes of black urban teens as apathetic, dangerous, and culturally depraved, which served as a justification for the criminalization of black youth. Their demands for black studies courses, black educators, and the revision of student dress and disciplinary codes forced educators and city leaders to grapple with changing understandings of quality education within the nation’s diverse urban public school systems.
Pedicled Temporalis Muscle Flap Stuffing after a Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for Treating Mastoid Osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Chen Junming , Lin Feng , Liu Zhen , Yu Youjun , Wang Yuejian
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of lateral temporal bone resection and pedicled temporalis muscle flap stuffing with external auditory canal closure with those of canal wall down mastoidectomy for the treatment of mastoid osteoradionecrosis.

Study Design

Prospective nonrandomized case‐control clinical study.

Setting

Department of Otolaryngology of the First People’s Hospital of Foshan.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy‐seven postirradiation nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with mastoid osteoradionecrosis were included. Forty patients (40 ears) underwent lateral temporal bone resection in the temporalis muscle flap group. Their pedicled temporalis muscle flaps were laid on the surgical cavity, and the external canal opening was simultaneously closed. Thirty‐seven patients (37 ears) underwent a canal wall down mastoidectomy in the mastoidectomy group. The surgical wounds and complications following surgery were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The patients were followed for 2 years. The percentage of patients with purulent otorrhea and persistent osteoradionecrosis in the temporalis muscle flap group was lower than that in the mastoidectomy group.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results suggest that lateral temporal bone resection with the pedicled temporalis muscle flap filled into the surgical cavity, followed by closure of the external auditory canal, represents a valuable approach for treating mastoid osteoradionecrosis.
Muslim Social Organisation and Cultural Islamisation in Malabar
Authors: P.C. Saidalavi
Published: January 2017

This article calls for a re-evaluation of basic concepts such as caste and status groups for making sense of the social organisation of Muslims in Malabar. Muslim social groups, while disseminating notions of egalitarian claims of Islam, rationalise social divisions and discriminatory practices among themselves largely in terms of Islamic juristic concepts of purity, knowledge, piety and morality. Due to increasing Islamisation, these notions have been reconstructed to sustain social divisions among Muslims. Therefore, it is argued here that social divisions among Muslims in Malabar today do not derive primarily from acculturative influences of Hinduism. The article concludes that since sociological concepts such as caste, ethnicity and status groups as used in South Asia have failed to capture this Islamic cultural mediation, these phenomena need to be further researched.
A novel method of angular positioning error analysis of rotary stages based on the Abbe principle
Authors: Li Yi-Tsung , Fan Kuang-Chao
Published: January 2017

Abbe error is the inherent systematic error in linear displacement measurement due to the measuring axis being out of line with the moving axis. The resulting gap is called the Abbe offset, which will multiply the angular pitch error of the moving stage to become the positioning error of the linear stage along the moving axis. Analogous to the Abbe principle, in the rotary stage, the rotary encoder is used to detect the worktable’s rotational angle. The encoder is normally mounted at a distance from the bearing. This distance can be also regarded as Abbe offset. Due to the inherent tilt and radial motions of the axis of rotation, the encoder’s rotating component, that is, the circular grating, would result in a lateral displacement relative to its sensing head that is fixed inside the stage housing. The actual measured angle is, therefore, different from the commanded angle, causing the angular positioning error of the rotary stage in machine tools and open-loop controlled system. In this article, the angular positioning error of the rotary stage caused by the tilt motion error and radial motion error of the spindle, the offset and the size of encoder is analyzed and experimentally verified.
Actuation of shape memory polymer composites triggered by electrical resistive heating
Authors: Murugan M Sendil , Rao Sandhya , Chiranjeevi MC , Revathi A , Rao Kavitha V , Srihari Shylaja , Dayananda GN
Published: January 2017

A shape memory polymer is capable of multifunctional performance, be it structural or non-structural. Several actuation mechanisms can be employed to trigger shape memory behaviour. Among these, thermal actuation is most comprehensively studied and applied due to its ease of understanding and utility. However, from the point of view of some niche applications, electrical actuation also needs to be examined. This is all the more relevant for modern aircraft where actuation is amenable to remote computer controls and advanced instrumentation. This in turn paves the way for realizing lightweight and adaptive aircraft structures. In this work, shape memory performance via electrical actuation of unidirectional carbon ply–epoxy shape memory polymer composites has been investigated using an in-house designed test set-up in the manual and automated modes. The synergistic role of carbon plies and the epoxy shape memory polymer matrix for realizing faster shape recovery has been observed. The effect of number of carbon plies on the cyclic shape memory performance of the shape memory polymer composite has also been evaluated. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing efficient electrically actuated shape memory composites and their potential for different applications.
Out of the Service, Into the House
Authors: Lupton Danielle L.
Published: January 2017

While evidence from international security and civil-military relations shows that elites with military experience have distinct policy preferences from elites who have not served in the armed forces, the effects of military service are not apparent in congressional voting records on foreign and defense policy. If elites with military experience have distinct policy preferences, why has this gap failed to manifest itself in congressional policy positions? I argue that the effects of military service are most pronounced on issues where this experience is highly salient: on the oversight of war operations. Using a pooled cross-sectional time-series analysis of an index of roll call votes in the House of Representatives during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I find that congresspersons with military experience are significantly more likely to vote to increase congressional oversight over war operations, including increased access to information and limiting the deployment of troops in theater. Further tests confirm these findings are not simply due to partisan effects. I discuss how my results carry serious implications for war termination and the declining number of veterans in Congress during the post-9/11 era, as well as the impact of military service on foreign policy and international security.
Career Duration in the NBA
Authors: Groothuis Peter A. , Hill James Richard
Published: January 2017

Using a panel of National Basketball Association players from 1990 through 2013, we analyze the determinants of career length in the league. We find that foreign-born players who did not play college basketball in the United States have shorter careers than do American-born players holding performance constant. Foreign-born players who played college basketball in the United States do not have shorter careers. We suggest that both push and pull immigration factors might cause this early exit.
Mixed Emotions Viewed from the Psychological Constructionist Perspective
Authors: Russell James A.
Published: January 2017

Feeling bad is one thing, judging something to be bad another. This hot/cold distinction helps resolve the debate between bipolar and bivariate accounts of affect. A typical affective reaction includes both core affect (feeling good or bad) and judgments of the affective qualities of various aspects of the stimulus situation (which can have both good and bad aspects). Core affect is described by a bipolar valence dimension in which feeling good precludes simultaneously feeling bad and vice versa. Judgments of affective quality of opposite valence can occur simultaneously because the stimulus situation has many aspects. Affective reaction can also include an emotional meta-experience, which can, but rarely does, embrace simultaneous emotion categories of opposite valence.
Physical Activity–Related Injury Profile in Children and Adolescents According to Their Age, Maturation, and Level of Sports Participation
Authors: Costa e Silva Lara , Fragoso Maria Isabel , Teles Júlia
Published: January 2017

Background:

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial, enhancing healthy development. However, one-third of school-age children practicing sports regularly suffer from an injury. These injuries are associated with sex, chronological age, and PA level.

Purpose:

To identify the importance of age, PA level, and maturity as predictors of injury in Portuguese youth.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Information about injury and PA level was assessed via 2 questionnaires (LESADO RAPIL II) from 647 subjects aged 10 to 17 years. Maturity offset according to Mirwald (time before or after peak height velocity) and Tanner-Whitehouse III bone age estimates were used to evaluate maturation. Binary logistic regression and gamma regression were used to determine significant predictors of injury and injury rate.

Results:

Injury occurrence was higher for both sexes in recreational, school, and federated athletes (athletes engaged in sports that are regulated by their respective federations, with formal competition). These injuries also increased with age in boys and in the higher maturity offset group in girls. Injury rate was higher for both sexes in the no sports participation group. Early-maturing girls, with higher bone age and lower maturity offset, showed higher injury rate.

Conclusion:

Injuries in Portuguese youth were related to PA level, age, and biological maturation. Recreational, school, and federated athletes had more injury ocurrences while subjects with no sports participation had higher injury risk. Older subjects had more injuries. Early-maturing girls that had just passed peak height velocity may be particularly vulnerable to risk of sports injury because of the growing process.

Clinical Relevance:

Increased knowledge about injury with specific PA exposure data is important to an overall risk management strategy. This study has deepened the association between injury and biological maturation variables.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: challenges of coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Eleid Mackram F , Tweet Marysia S , Young Phillip M , Williamson Eric , Hayes Sharonne N , Gulati Rajiv
Published: January 2017

Background:

There is limited understanding of the role of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for assessment of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

Methods:

In this report we describe the diagnostic utility of CCTA in three young women presenting with signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia who were eventually diagnosed with SCAD.

Results:

None of the women had traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. SCAD was not initially identified on CCTA in any of the three women, but was visualized during retrospective analysis in two patients after invasive coronary angiography. In two patients follow-up CCTA imaging was used successfully for subsequent management.

Conclusions:

In patients presenting with signs or symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, SCAD may be missed or not detectable on CCTA. A negative CCTA should not exclude a diagnosis of SCAD, and invasive coronary angiography should be considered for further evaluation.
The value of predischarge exercise ECG testing in chest pain patients in the era of high-sensitivity troponins
Authors: Ljung Lina , Sundqvist Martin , Jernberg Tomas , Eggers Kai M , Ljunggren Gunnar , Frick Mats
Published: January 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to examine the value of predischarge exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) testing of chest pain patients in whom acute myocardial infarction (MI) had been ruled out by means of high-sensitivity troponins, ECG and history.

Methods:

All patients hospitalised for chest pain who underwent exercise ECG testing before discharge from the Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden from January 2011 to June 2012 were included. Endpoints were death, MI and post-discharge revascularisation within 90 and 365 days, respectively. The background one-year risk of death and MI for a corresponding age, gender and calendar time-matched Swedish population was also examined.

Results:

A total of 951 patients were included. In 585 patients (61.5%) the exercise ECG test was negative, in 94 (9.9%) positive and in 272 (28.6%) inconclusive. There were no significant differences regarding death or MI between patients with a positive or a negative test, neither at 90 ( n=1 (1.1%) vs. n=1 (0.2%)) nor at 365 days ( n=2 (2.1%) vs. n=4 (0.7%)) of follow-up. In total there were nine (0.9%) deaths and 10 (1.1%) MIs within 365 days. The one-year rates of death (1.3%) and MI (0.5%) in a matched Swedish population were comparable.

Conclusions:

Predischarge exercise ECG testing after rule out of MI did not predict subsequent death or MI in a population of patients hospitalised for chest pain. Furthermore, the risks of death and MI in this population were comparable to a matched Swedish population. These findings suggest that patients could be discharged without this test.
Successful treatment of multifocal pedal Prototheca wickerhamii infection in a feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cat with multiple Bowenoid in situ carcinomas containing papillomaviral DNA sequences
Authors: Kessell Allan E , McNair Derek , Munday John S , Savory Richard , Halliday Catriona , Malik Richard
Published: January 2017

Case summary

A 16-year-old, castrated male, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive, domestic shorthair cat developed multiple skin lesions. Most of these were Bowenoid carcinoma in situ and contained DNA sequences consistent with Felis catus papillomavirus type 2. Two additional lesions that developed in the skin and subcutaneous tissues between the digital and carpal pads on the left forelimb and right hindlimb were shown by cytology, histology and culture to be caused by Prototheca wickerhamii. These lesions failed to improve in response to systemic therapy treatment with itraconazole, but excision by sharp en bloc resection with follow-up oral itraconazole therapy proved curative for one lesion, although the other lesion recurred, necessitating a second surgery.

Relevance and novel information

This is only the second reported case of feline protothecosis from Australia and the first case that has been cultured and identified to the species level. Also of great interest was the presence of multiple papillomavirus-associated neoplastic lesions, which may have afforded a portal of entry for the algal pathogen and the cat’s positive FIV status; the latter might have impacted on both viral and algal pathogenesis by effects on immunocompetence.
Is cement penetration in TKR reduced by not using a tourniquet during cementation? A single blinded, randomized trial
Authors: Vertullo Christopher John , Nagarajan Manickaraj
Published: January 2017

Despite suggestions that tourniquet inflation during total knee replacement reduces bleeding and hence improves cement penetration, no studies exist supporting this widely held belief. In this single-blinded, single-surgeon, randomized controlled trial, the tourniquet inflation during cementation group ( n = 20) did not have greater tibial cement penetration compared to a no tourniquet group ( n = 20). No statistically significant differences in semiautomatic digitally measured average and central radiographic tibial plateau penetration values were observed between the two groups ( p = 0.93; p = 0.84). Tourniquet inflation during cementation does not appear to improve tibial cementation penetration.
Cementless calcar-replacement stem with integrated greater trochanter plate for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in very elderly patients
Authors: Wada Keizo , Mikami Hiroshi , Oba Koichi , Yonezu Hiroshi , Sairyo Koichi
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical results of rigid fixation of the greater trochanter fragment through a consecutive hemiarthroplasty series using a cementless and modular calcar-replacement prosthesis with an integrated plate (MOD-Centaur stem) with 1-year follow-up in very elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods:

We assessed 44 consecutive very elderly patients (age >85 years; 2 men, 42 women; mean age at surgery: 89.6 years) with an unstable intertrochanteric fracture who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the MOD-Centaur stem by the same surgeon. Operative time and blood loss were evaluated, and postoperative complications and mortality rate within 1 year were assessed. Bony union of the greater trochanter was evaluated using plain X-ray images at least 6 months postoperatively. Walking ability was evaluated at the time of discharge and at 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

The mean operative time was 95.8 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 358.0 mL. Postoperative peripheral infection occurred in one patient. Four patients died within 1 year postoperatively (mortality rate: 9.1%). Bony union of the greater trochanter was achieved in all the patients who had a plain X-ray taken at least 6 months postoperatively. At 1-year follow-up, 20 patients could walk independently.

Conclusion:

Hemiarthroplasty using the MOD-Centaur stem for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in very elderly patients offers favorable outcomes. These findings encourage early walking without any loading limitations, despite severe osteoporosis, and emphasize the importance of greater trochanteric fixation, which reconstructs the mechanism of the gluteus medius muscle.
Multiligament Injury of the Knee. First Intrarticular or Posterior
Authors: Calderón Nils
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Show our experience about the multiligament injury of the knee. In the surgical technique it is most popular and recommended stabilized first all posterior and lateral (Ligament cruciate Posterior (LCP) and postero-lateral corner) if is a case. We show our experience stabilized first all intra-articular ACL and LCP.

Methods:

Prospective study and Case Series. The study includes, 45 cases in 15 years of experience. The patients have two or more ligaments with rupture, and associated lesions, like meniscus, cartilages, fractures, etc. 45 cases with a ACL rupture, 40 PCL, 7 posteromedial corner, 25 postero-lateral corner, 30 meniscus medial, 28 meniscus lateral, 1 vascular lesion, and 3 fibular nerve. In the surgical technique always use autograft. Prefer hamstrings, quadricipital tendon, contralateral hamstrings, BTB and sometimes peroneus brevis. We hope 1 or 2 weeks for the surgery. I never use pump, and use tourniquet for two hours. We start for the meniscus lesions and cartilage lesion and first reconstruction ligaments intra-articular. Finalized we open the tourniquet and stabilized the postero-lateral o posteromedial corner if is necessary. In the first cases we did a surgery in two times, but now we stabilized in one surgical time.

Results:

3 to 6 days in the hospital 2 weeks immobilized and star rehabilitation with brace for more two weeks. Use crutches for 4-6 weeks. Worked in rehabilitation for a one year and star competition in one year. Complications: 1 case of amputation for vascular lesion, 9 arthrofibrosis, 2 medial instability, 1 lateral instability and1 LCP instability. One case needs a revision two years after the first surgery, for a new trauma in the work. All other cases had a new surgery for revision the residual instability.

Conclusion:

The multiligament injury of the knee it is not frequently, but every year I receive more cases, and more difficult. In the surgical technique have two options. The more recommended stabilized first all posterior (LCP and postero-lateral corner). Our experience shows no difference in these two options.
Patients With Ligament Hiperlaxity With Rupture Of Previous Plastic For ACL. Reconstruction With Intra-articular And Extra-articular Combined Technics
Authors: Astore Ignacio , Agotegaray Juan Ignacio , Comba Ignacio , Bisiach Luciana
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

In cases of patients with ligament hiperlaxity with rupture of ACL, the use of a BTB graft is recommended for its reconstruction. Our job consists of the clinical and functional assessment of a group of 10 patients with ligament laxaty according to Beighton scale, who, after surgery for ACL rupture with BTB technique, suffered a rupture of the plastic. For its reconstruction a combination of intra-articular and extra-articular techniques was used with a BTB graft in the contralateral knee, associated with a modified Lemaire technique.

Methods:

The series consists of 10 patients, male, average age of 24.2 years, amateur athletes, operated for a second time in March, 2011 and November, 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. They were evaluated before surgery and 24 months after surgery based on Lysholm scale, IKDC evaluation form and a physical exam (Lachman - Pivot Shift).

Results:

After surgery, the average in Lysholm scale was of 87.6 and 86.3 for the IKDC subjetive form. In the physical exam, 8 patients showed Lachman 1+, while none of the patients showed Pivot Shift positive. 7 patients were able to return to their usual sport activities. As a postoperative disadvantage, 6 patients reported pain in the external face of the knee in the first 6 months. And 4 patients reported a subjetive loss of full extension that did not interfere with their sport activities.

Conclusion:

Based on our experience and literature, we believe that the combination of both techniques, intra-articular (BTB) and extra-articular (Lemaire), is a good alternative for patients with ligament laxaty, providing positive clinical and functional results.
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Authors: Μπαζιώτης Ι. , Taylor L. A.
Published: January 2017

The humankind, despite the recent technological achievements, does not yet have the ability to carry out routine trips to nearby celestial bodies. However, space science is a reality. The “Apollo” missions, that took place during the period 1969-1972, included the moon landing, the walk of astronauts and collection of valuable samples. Since then, no similar space journey has been carried out. The possibility for future missions such as the return to the Moon or Mars, or to an asteroid (e.g., Vesta), seems small enough to be implemented in the next decades. Nevertheless, nature has the mechanism and procedures to resolve this problem by sending extra-terrestrial rocks in earth in the form of meteorites. Meteorite fall on Earth is a major event, as it reveals important information about the primordial stages of formation of our solar system, or the creation processes of other planets. However, the big question still remains; whether these rocks host or have traces of past life in turn employs researchers in the last twenty years. McKay et al. (1996) studied the meteorite ALH 84001 originating from Mars, claimed for important discoveries such as structures corresponding to nanobacteria. In the current paper, we focus on the origin of Martian meteorites, presenting their complete geological history; from the genesis of their protoliths till their falling to the earth. We attempt to shade light in the understanding of meteorite formation using mineralogical-petrological-geochemical data, and the assignment of timing for each event based upon contemporary geochronological data. Recently, studies of the Martian meteorite Tissint, allegedly discovered structures rich in carbon and oxygen. Furthermore, recent field observations from Curiosity rover, indicates the existence of surface water that flowed once in the past at the Martian surface. We conclude that the planet Mars might not be a "dead" planet. But it turns out that many of the meteorites that reach the Earth, have undergone a complex history which is associated with the development of very high pressures and temperatures on the surface of the planet (e.g., Mars) from which they originate, able to destroy any trace of life before them. After all, we should be very sceptic and evaluate all the possibilities before the acceptance for the existence of life out there.
Molluscan assemblages in a highly variable setting in littoral bottoms of the Lower Pleistocene of Rhodes (Greece).
Authors: Koskeridou E. , Thivaiou D. , Giamali Ch.
Published: January 2017

Highly diverse and well preserved marine mollusc associations from a sandy horizon of the Lower Pleistocene shallow water deposits of Rhodes island are here presented. Four significantly different molluscan assemblages characterize neighboring environments and document a variety of niches provided by the lateral change of bottom type. Molluscs of hard substrate to sandy seabed of the Infralittoral Zone were documented. A total of 55 molluscan species were identified. Gastropods dominate with 29 species. For the first time, the Ervilia castanea assemblage is described for the Lower Pleistocene of Greece.
Geoelectric prospecting in University Campus region for detection of possible geological discontinuities, Rio, Patra, Greece.
Authors: Angelis L. G. , Stephanopoulos P. , Papamarinopoulos P. St.
Published: January 2017

Geophysical prospecting is a non catastrophic technique, applicable on a wide range of problems, including archaeological, environmental and geological problems. At Campus University of Patras, a detailed geophysical investigation applied for detection of possible existing geological discontinuities, which produced serious problems at buildings and main roads of Campus. As main technique used the electric mapping and electric imaging. These were applied on already prepared geophysical grids by measuring parallel profiles along and perpendicular to the geomagnetic north. The two geophysical grids were separated 100 meters away each other. Firstly, an electric mapping procedure took place by using twin-probe array with four electrodes in distance between 0.5-3 meters. As result was the recording of soil resistance on horizontal layer with constant depth. By processing the data through Geosoft Oasis Montaj software, the distribution of this physical property was illustrated on color scale maps. Secondly, electric imaging technique applied with twenty-five equal space electrodes along straight lines, with one meter space byusing the hybrid arrangement Wenner-Schlumberger (Stephanopoulos, 2002). As result was the recording of distribution of soil apparent resistivity on a vertical layer in eight separated depths. Resistivity calculated by processing imaging data through 2D mathematical algorithm based on least squares inversion (Res2Dinv). Furtherprocessing by Oasis Montaj, had as a result the production of horizontal slices (Stephanopoulos 2002) and 3D maps, where the resistivity distribution was illustrated on separated depths, in color and grey schedule format. The combined geophysical investigation with the contribution of the HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio) technique confirmed the existence of geological discontinuity.
Hydrogeophysical exploration for estimating groundwater reservoirs areas in Southern Rhodes through ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) method.
Authors: Karmis P. , Giannoulopoulos P. , Sofos F. , Lappas I.
Published: January 2017

The present study deals with the groundwater investigation of hydrogeological conditions of Southern Rhodes, in the search for additional groundwater supplies to support the water needs of the area. An extensive Hydrogeological – Geophysical research was conducted, aimed to identify exploitable groundwater zones. Thisgeophysical survey was carried out along alluvial basins, looking for more permeable geological formations within the sequence of the Neogene and Quarternary deposits. The use of a high resolution geophysical method (ERT) was selected for targeting the shallow geological structures and hydrostratigraphy. Thirteen ERT sections of total length of approximately 34000m were measured, laid out primarily at the south eastern part of the island. The geophysical survey revealed that alluvial sediments have an average thickness of about 30m while nearby the coastal zone increase locally up to 50m. The hydrostratigraphical structure is characterized by three distinct sections, the overlying alluvial deposits, the intermediate clay-marls and the underlying coarse formations. Moreover, almost all fault zones which are reflected in the surface geological map are revealed ingreater depths. Result of vertical tectonic movements is the uplift of geological formations with increased resistivity. Finally, the target areas were selected based on hydrogeological criteria and specifically taking into account the increased possibility of groundwater reservoirs within the alluvial aquifer.