bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confused after spirometry: a unifying diagnosis
Authors: Williamson John Charles , Larner Andrew J
Published: November 2016

A 67-year-old woman was diagnosed with transient global amnesia having presented with an abrupt and temporary disruption in her memory function. Her symptom onset came shortly after a visit to her general practitioner where she had performed bedside spirometry. Following symptom resolution, she was discharged home with reassurance.
Non-treatment of children with community health worker-diagnosed fast-breathing pneumonia in rural Malawi: exploratory subanalysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: King Carina , Colbourn Tim , Mankhambo Limangeni , Beard James , Hay Burgess Debbie C , Costello Anthony , Izadnegahdar Rasa , Lufesi Norman , Mwansambo Charles , Nambiar Bejoy , Johnson Eric S , Platt Robert W , Mukanga David , McCollum Eric D
Published: November 2016

Background

Despite recent progress, pneumonia remains the largest infectious killer of children globally. This paper describes outcomes of not treating community-diagnosed fast-breathing pneumonia on patient recovery.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory subanalysis of an observational prospective cohort study in Malawi. We recruited children (2–59 months) diagnosed by community health workers with fast-breathing pneumonia using WHO integrated community case management (iCCM) guidelines. Children were followed at days 5 and 14 with a clinical assessment of recovery. We conducted bivariate and multivariable logistic regression for the association between treatment of fast-breathing pneumonia and recovery, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We followed up 847 children, of whom 78 (9%) had not been given antibiotics (non-treatment). Non-treatment cases had higher baseline rates of diarrhoea, non-severe hypoxaemia and fever. Non-recovery (persistenceorworsening of symptoms) was 13% and 23% at day 5 in those who did receive and those who did not receive co-trimoxazole. Non-recovery, when defined as worsening of symptomsonly, at day 5 was 7% in treatment and 10% in non-treatment cases. For both definitions, combined co-trimoxazole and lumefantrine-artemether (LA) treatment trended towards protection (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.28; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.68/aOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.08 to 1.01).

Conclusion

We found that children who did not receive co-trimoxazole treatment had worse clinical outcomes; malaria co-diagnosis and treatment also play a significant role in non-recovery. Further research into non-treatment of fast-breathing pneumonia, using a pragmatic approach with consideration for malaria co-diagnosis and HIV status is needed to guide refinement of community treatment algorithms in this region.
Choice of Moisturiser for Eczema Treatment (COMET): feasibility study of a randomised controlled parallel group trial in children recruited from primary care
Authors: Ridd Matthew J , Garfield Kirsty , Gaunt Daisy M , Hollinghurst Sandra , Redmond Niamh M , Powell Kingsley , Wilson Victoria , Guy Richard H , Ball Nicola , Shaw Lindsay , Purdy Sarah , Metcalfe Chris
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of ‘leave on’ emollients for children with eczema.

Design

Single-centre, pragmatic, 4-arm, observer-blinded, parallel, randomised feasibility trial.

Setting

General practices in the UK.

Participants

Children with eczema aged 1 month to <5 years.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome—proportion of parents who reported use of the allocated study emollient every day for the duration of follow-up (12 weeks). Other feasibility outcomes—participant recruitment and retention, data collection and completeness and blinding of observers to allocation.

Interventions

Aveeno lotion, Diprobase cream, Doublebase gel, Hydromol ointment.

Results

197 children were recruited—107 by self-referral (mainly via practice mail-outs) and 90 by inconsultation (clinician consenting and randomising) pathways. Participants recruited inconsultation were younger, had more severe Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores and were more likely to withdraw than self-referrals. Parents of 20 (10%) of all the randomised participants reported using the allocated emollient daily for 84 days. The use of other non-study emollients was common. Completeness of data collected by parent-held daily diaries and at monthly study visits was good. Daily diaries were liked (81%) but mainly completed on paper rather than via electronic (‘app’) form. Major costs drivers were general practitioner consultations and eczema-related prescriptions. Observer unblinding was infrequent, and occurred at the baseline or first follow-up visit through accidental disclosure.

Conclusions

It is feasible in a primary care setting to recruit and randomise young children with eczema to emollients, follow them up and collect relevant trial data, while keeping observers blinded to their allocation. However, reported use of emollients (study and others) has design implications for future trials.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN21828118/EudraCT2013-003001-26.
Does ‘existential unease’ predict adult multimorbidity? Analytical cohort study on embodiment based on the Norwegian HUNT population
Authors: Tomasdottir Margret Olafia , Sigurdsson Johann Agust , Petursson Halfdan , Kirkengen Anna Luise , Ivar Lund Nilsen Tom , Hetlevik Irene , Getz Linn
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Multimorbidity is prevalent, and knowledge regarding its aetiology is limited. The general pathogenic impact of adverse life experiences, comprising a wide-ranging typology, is well documented and coherent with the conceptallostatic overload(the long-term impact of stress on human physiology) and the notionembodiment(the conversion of sociocultural and environmental influences into physiological characteristics). Less is known about the medical relevance of subtle distress or unease. The study aim was to prospectively explore the associations betweenexistential unease(coined as a meta-term for the included items) and multimorbidity.

Setting

Our data are derived from an unselected Norwegian population, the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, phases 2 (1995–1997) and 3 (2006–2008), with a mean of 11 years follow-up.

Participants

The analysis includes 20 365 individuals aged 20–59 years who participated in both phases and was classified without multimorbidity (with 0–1 disease) at baseline.

Methods

From HUNT2, we selected 11 items indicating ‘unease’ in the realms of self-esteem, well-being, sense of coherence and social relationships. Poisson regressions were used to generate relative risk (RR) of developing multimorbidity, according to the respondents' ease/unease profile.

Results

A total of 6277 (30.8%) participants developed multimorbidity. They were older, more likely to be women, smokers and with lower education. 10 of the 11 ‘unease’ items were significantly related to the development of multimorbidity. The items ‘poor self-rated health’ and ‘feeling dissatisfied with life’ exhibited the highest RR, 1.55 and 1.44, respectively (95% CI 1.44 to 1.66 and 1.21 to 1.71). The prevalence of multimorbidity increased with the number of ‘unease’ factors, from 26.7% for no factor to 49.2% for 6 or more.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, ‘existential unease’ was associated with the development of multimorbidity in a dose–response manner. The finding indicates that existential unease increases people's vulnerability to disease, concordant with current literature regarding increased allostatic load.
Efficacy of acupuncture for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: protocol for a randomised sham acupuncture-controlled trial
Authors: Qin Zongshi , Ding Yulong , Wu Jiani , Zhou Jing , Yang Likun , Liu Xiaoxu , Liu Zhishun
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a major public health problem and the primary reason why older adults seek lumbar spine surgery. Acupuncture may be effective for DLSS, but the evidence supporting this possibility is still limited.

Methods and analysis

A total of 80 participants with DLSS will be randomly allocated to either an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture (SA) group at a ratio of 1:1. 24 treatments will be provided over 8 weeks. The primary outcome is the score change of the Modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) responses from baseline to week 8. The secondary outcomes include the assessment of lower back pain and leg pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the change in the number of steps per month, and the assessment of the specific quality of life using the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSSQ). We will follow-up with the participants until week 32. All of the participants who received allocation will be included in the statistical analysis.

Ethics/dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Research Ethical Committee of Guang'anmen Hospital (Permission number: 2015EC114) and Fengtai Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (Permission number: 16KE0409). The full data set will be made available when this trial is completed and published. Applications for the release of data should be made to ZL (principal investigator).

Trial registration number

NCT02644746.
Patient motives behind low-acuity visits to the emergency department in Germany: a qualitative study comparing urban and rural sites
Authors: Schmiedhofer Martina , Möckel Martin , Slagman Anna , Frick Johann , Ruhla Stephan , Searle Julia
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The increasing number of low-acuity visits to emergency departments (ED) is an important issue in Germany, despite the fact that all costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment are covered by mandatory health insurance. We aimed to explore the motives of patients categorised with low-acuity conditions for visiting an ED.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in two urban and one rural ED. We recruited a purposive sample of adults, who were assigned to the lowest two categories in the Manchester triage system. One-to-one interviews took place in the ED during patients' waiting time for treatment. Interview transcripts were analysed using the qualitative data management software MAXQDA. A qualitative content analysis approach was taken to identify motives and to compare the rural with the urban sites.

Results

A total of 86 patients were asked to participate; of these, n=15 declined participation and n=7 were excluded because they were admitted as inpatients, leaving a final sample of 40 female and 24 male patients. We identified three pathways leading to an ED visit: (1) without primary care contact, (2) after unsuccessful attempts to see a resident specialist or general practitioner (GP) and (3) recommendation to visit the ED by an outpatient provider. The two essential motives were (1) convenience and (2) health anxiety, triggered by time constraints and focused usage of multidisciplinary medical care in a highly equipped setting. All participants from the rural region were connected to a GP, whom they saw more or less regularly, while more interviewees from the urban site did not have a permanent GP. Still, motives to visit the ED were in general the same.

Conclusions

We conclude that the ED plays a pivotal role in ambulatory acute care which needs to be recognised for adequate resource allocation.

Trial registration number

DRK S00006053
Opportunistic screening to detect atrial fibrillation in Aboriginal adults in Australia
Authors: Gwynne Kylie , Flaskas Yvonne , O'Brien Ciaran , Jeffries Thomas Lee , McCowen Debbie , Finlayson Heather , Martin Tanya , Neubeck Lis , Freedman Ben
Published: November 2016

Introduction

There is a 10-year gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. The leading cause of death for Aboriginal Australians is cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known precursor to stroke there are no published studies about the prevalence of AF for Aboriginal people and limited evidence about AF in indigenous populations globally.

Methods and analysis

This mixed methods study will recruit and train Aboriginal health workers to use an iECG device attached to a smartphone to consecutively screen 1500 Aboriginal people aged 45 years and older. The study will quantify the proportion of people who presented for follow-up assessment and/or treatment following a non-normal screening and then estimate the prevalence and age distribution of AF of the Australian Aboriginal population. The study includes semistructured interviews with the Aboriginal health workers about the effectiveness of the iECG device in their practice as well as their perceptions of the acceptability of the device for their patients. Thematic analysis will be undertaken on the qualitative data collected in the study. If the device and approach are acceptable to the Aboriginal people and widely adopted, it may help prevent the effects of untreated AF including ischaemic stroke and early deaths or impairment in Aboriginal people.

Ethics and dissemination

This mixed methods study received ethics approval from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (1135/15) and the Australian Health Council of Western Australia (HREC706). Ethics approval is being sought in the Northern Territory. The findings of this study will be shared with Aboriginal communities, in peer reviewed publications and at conferences. There are Aboriginal investigators in each state/territory where the study is being conducted who have been actively involved in the study. They will also be involved in data analysis, dissemination and research translation.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000459426.
Systematic review of physical activity and exercise interventions to improve health, fitness and well-being of children and young people who use wheelchairs
Authors: O'Brien Thomas D , Noyes Jane , Spencer Llinos Haf , Kubis Hans-Peter , Hastings Richard P , Whitaker Rhiannon
Published: November 2016

Aim

To perform a systematic review establishing the current evidence base for physical activity and exercise interventions that promote health, fitness and well-being, rather than specific functional improvements, for children who use wheelchairs.

Design

A systematic review using a mixed methods design.

Data sources

A wide range of databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, BMJ Best Practice, NHS EED, CINAHL, AMED, NICAN, PsychINFO, were searched for quantitative, qualitative and health economics evidence.

Eligibility

participants: children/young people aged >25 years who use a wheelchair, or parents and therapists/carers. Intervention: home-based or community-based physical activity to improve health, fitness and well-being.

Results

Thirty quantitative studies that measured indicators of health, fitness and well-being and one qualitative study were included. Studies were very heterogeneous preventing a meta-analysis, and the risk of bias was generally high. Most studies focused on children with cerebral palsy and used an outcome measure of walking or standing, indicating that they were generally designed for children with already good motor function and mobility. Improvements in health, fitness and well-being were found across the range of outcome types. There were no reports of negative changes. No economics evidence was found.

Conclusions

It was found that children who use wheelchairs can participate in physical activity interventions safely. The paucity of robust studies evaluating interventions to improve health and fitness is concerning. This hinders adequate policymaking and guidance for practitioners, and requires urgent attention. However, the evidence that does exist suggests that children who use wheelchairs are able to experience the positive benefits associated with appropriately designed exercise.

Trial registration number

CRD42013003939.
Milnor invariants of clover links
Authors: Wada Kodai , Yasuhara Akira
Published: November 2016

Levine introduced clover links to investigate the indeterminacy of Milnor invariants of links. He proved that for a clover link, Milnor numbers of length up to [Formula: see text] are well-defined if those of length [Formula: see text] vanish, and that Milnor numbers of length at least [Formula: see text] are not well-defined if those of length [Formula: see text] survive. For a clover link [Formula: see text] with vanishing Milnor numbers of length [Formula: see text], we show that the Milnor number [Formula: see text] for a sequence [Formula: see text] is well-defined by taking modulo the greatest common divisor of the [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is any proper subsequence of [Formula: see text] obtained by removing at least [Formula: see text] indices. Moreover, if [Formula: see text] is a non-repeated sequence of length [Formula: see text], the possible range of [Formula: see text] is given explicitly. As an application, we give an edge-homotopy classification of [Formula: see text]-clover links.
Metabolic Profiling of Liver Tissue in Diabetic Mice Treated with Artemisia Capillaris and Alisma Rhizome Using LC-MS and CE-MS
Authors: Kim Yumi , Lee In-Seung , Kim Kang-Hoon , Park Jiyoung , Lee Ji-Hyun , Bang Eunjung , Jang Hyeung-Jin , Na Yun-Cheol
Published: November 2016

Artemisia Capillaris (AC) and Alisma Rhizome (AR) are natural products for the treatment of liver disorders in oriental medicine clinics. Here, we report metabolomic changes in the evaluation of the treatment effects of AC and AR on fatty livers in diabetic mice, along with a proposition of the underlying metabolic pathway. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic metabolites extracted from mouse livers were analyzed using HPLC-QTOF and CE-QTOF, respectively, to generate metabolic profiles. Statistical analysis of the metabolites by PLS-DA and OPLA-DA fairly discriminated between the diabetic, and the AC- and AR-treated mice groups. Various PEs mostly contributed to the discrimination of the diabetic mice from the normal mice, and besides, DG (18:1/16:0), TG (16:1/16:1/20:1), PE (21:0/20:5), and PA (18:0/21:0) were also associated with discrimination by s-plot. Nevertheless, the effects of AC and AR treatment were indistinct with respect to lipid metabolites. Of the 97 polar metabolites extracted from the CE-MS data, 40 compounds related to amino acid, central carbon, lipid, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism, with [Formula: see text] values less than 0.05, were shown to contribute to liver dysregulation. Following treatment with AC and AR, the metabolites belonging to purine metabolism preferentially recovered to the metabolic state of the normal mice. The AMP/ATP ratio of cellular energy homeostasis in AR-treated mice was more apparently increased ([Formula: see text]) than that of AC-treated mice. On the other hand, amino acids, which showed the main alterations in diabetic mice, did not return to the normal levels upon treatment with AR or AC. In terms of metabolomics, AR was a more effective natural product in the treatment of liver dysfunction than AC. These results may provide putative biomarkers for the prognosis of fatty liver disorder following treatment with AC and AR extracts.
Edge Fault-Tolerant Strong Hamiltonian Laceability of Balanced Hypercubes
Authors: GU MEI-MEI , HAO RONG-XIA , FENG YAN-QUAN
Published: November 2016

The balanced hypercube BHn, proposed by Wu and Huang, is a new variation of hypercube. A Hamiltonian bipartite graph is Hamiltonian laceable if there exists a Hamiltonian path between two arbitrary vertices from different partite sets. A Hamiltonian laceable graph G is strongly Hamiltonian laceable if there is a path of length [Formula: see text] between any two distinct vertices of the same partite set. A graph G is called k-edge-fault strong Hamiltonian laceable, if G – F is strong Hamiltonian laceable for any edge-fault set F with [Formula: see text]. It has been proved that the balanced hypercube BHn is strong Hamiltonian laceable. In this paper, we improve the above result and prove that BHn is (n – 1)-edge-fault strong Hamiltonian laceable.
Strong Matching Preclusion of Arrangement Graphs
Authors: CHENG EDDIE , SIDDIQUI OMER
Published: November 2016

The strong matching preclusion number of a graph is the minimum number of vertices and edges whose deletion results in a graph with neither perfect matchings nor almost-perfect matchings. This is an extension of the matching preclusion problem that was introduced by Park and Ihm. The class of arrangement graphs was introduced as a common generalization of the star graphs and alternating group graphs, and to provide an even richer class of interconnection networks. In this paper, the goal is to find the strong matching preclusion number of arrangement graphs and to categorize all optimal strong matching preclusion sets of these graphs.
On the classification of simple maps from the plane to the plane
Authors: Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Mahmood Hasan , Kanwal Shamsa
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we characterize the classification of simple maps from the plane to the plane given by J. H. Rieger, in terms of invariants. On the basis of this characterization we present an algorithm to classify the simple maps from the plane to the plane and also give its implementation in computer algebra system SINGULAR.
Rupture of Polydomain and Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomer
Authors: Fan Wei , Wang Zhijian , Cai Shengqiang
Published: November 2016

Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) has been recently explored extensively to make diverse active structures and devices. Depending on synthetic process, LCE can be made either polydomain or monodomain when ambient temperature is below isotropic clearing temperature. In the applications, LCE may be subjected to large mechanical stretch or force and break apart. The capability of predicting the rupture of LCE under different loading conditions is crucial for the applications. However, according to our knowledge, there is no report on fracture energy measurement of LCE. In this paper, we measured fracture energy of both monodomain and polydomain LCEs using pure shear test. We found that polydomain LCE has significantly higher fracture energy than monodomain one. We suggest that the increase of fracture energy in polydomain LCE is attributed to stretch-induced polydomain-to-monodomain transition near the crack tip of the material.
Photovoltaic effect in dye-doped polymer films with free-surface and sandwich structures
Authors: Bulavko Gennadiy V. , Davidenko Nikolay A. , Shkavro Anatoliy G. , Tretyak Oleg V. , Ishchenko Alexander A. , Kulinich Andrii V.
Published: November 2016

Photovoltaic properties of the polymer composite films doped with cationic, anionic and neutral polymethine dyes were investigated. It was revealed that the magnitude and even the sign of photovoltaic effect change in going from the free-surface to sandwich structures. It was shown that in free-surface samples the photo-emf sign is determined by the nature of polymer and dye. By contrast, in sandwich structures the photo-emf sign does not depend on composition of the photoactive layer and is governed by drift of the photogenerated charge carriers in the electric field formed by different work function of the electron- and hole-collecting contacts.
Extended Hill’s lemma for non-Cauchy continua based on the simplified strain gradient elasticity theory
Authors: Gao X.-L.
Published: November 2016

Hill's lemma for the Cauchy continuum has been playing an important role in micromechanics. An extended version of Hill's lemma for non-Cauchy continua is formulated using the simplified strain gradient elasticity theory (SSGET), which contains only one material length scale parameter and can account for the microstructure-dependent strain gradient effect. As a corollary of the extended Hill's lemma, the Hill–Mandel macro-homogeneity condition for non-Cauchy continua is obtained along with the general forms of kinematically and statically admissible boundary conditions that are required for constructing an energetically equivalent homogeneous comparison material. Based on these general forms, four sets of uniform boundary conditions are identified, which are implementable in material tests and can be directly used in homogenization analyses of heterogeneous materials. It is shown that when the strain gradient effect is suppressed, the extended Hill's lemma recovers the classical Hill's lemma for the Cauchy continuum and the extended Hill–Mandel condition reduces to its classical counterpart.
Characterization of South American Snails of the GenusBiomphalaria(Basommatophora: Planorbidae) andSchistosoma mansoni(Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) in Molluscs by PCR-RFLP
Authors: Caldeira Roberta Lima , Teodoro Tatiana Maria , Jannotti-Passos Liana Konovaloff , Lira-Moreira Pollanah M. , Goveia Christiane De Oliveira , Carvalho Omar dos Santos
Published: November 2016

The identification of snails of the genusBiomphalariacan be done using morphological characteristics which depends on the size of the snails and skill and knowledge of researcher. These methods sometimes are not adequate for identification of species. The PCR-RFLP, using the ITS region of the rDNA, has been used to identify Brazilian species of the genusBiomphalaria. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information about snails from other Latin American countries. In addition, some snails may be infected bySchistosoma mansoniand when submitted to PCR-RFLP they show molecular profiles different from those previously standardized for the other mollusc species. In this work the molecular profiles of 15 species and the subspecies were established by PCR-RFLP of ITS-rDNA with the enzymeDdeI. Moreover, the molecular profiles of host species,B. glabrata,B. straminea,B. tenagophila, andB. prona, infected byS. mansoniwere also established. The molluscs were dissected to permit morphological identification. These results contribute to a correct identification of snails of the genusBiomphalariaand detection of these snails infected byS. mansoni.
Diagnostic Colonoscopy Leading to Perforated Appendicitis: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Paramythiotis Daniel , Kofina Konstantinia , Papadopoulos Vasileios , Michalopoulos Antonios
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Intestinal perforation is a known complication after colonoscopy. However, appendiceal involvement with inflammation and perforation is extremely rare and only 37 cases of postcolonoscopy appendicitis have been reported so far. We describe a case of perforated appendicitis 24 hours after colonoscopy that was treated successfully in our Department.Case Report. A 60-year-old female patient underwent a colonoscopy during the investigation of nontypical abdominal pain without pathologic findings. 24 hours after the examination she presented gradually increased right lower quadrant abdominal pain and a CT scan was performed, showing an inflammation of the appendiceal area with free peritoneal air. Through laparotomy, perforated appendicitis was diagnosed and an appendectomy was performed. The patient was discharged on the tenth postoperative day in good health condition.Discussion. The characteristics of all cases reported in the literature are described, including our case. Perforated appendicitis soon after a colonoscopy is a rare, but serious complication; therefore, it is crucial to be included in the differential diagnosis of postcolonoscopy acute abdominal pain.
Single VDTA Based Dual Mode Single Input Multioutput Biquad Filter
Authors: Pandey Rajeshwari , Pandey Neeta , Singhal Navin
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a dual mode, single input multioutput (SIMO) biquad filter configuration using single voltage differencing transconductance amplifier (VDTA), three capacitors, and a grounded resistor. The proposed topology can be used to synthesize low pass (LP), high pass (HP), and band pass (BP) filter functions. It can be configured as voltage mode (VM) or current mode (CM) structure with appropriate input excitation choice. The angular frequency (ω0) of the proposed structure can be controlled independently of quality factor (Q0). Workability of the proposed biquad configuration is demonstrated through PSPICE simulations using 0.18 μm TSMC CMOS process parameters.
Oxymatrine Inhibits Proliferation and Migration While Inducing Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Liu Feili , Wang Baocheng , Wang Jiajia , Ling Xiaozheng , Li Qifeng , Meng Wei , Ma Jie
Published: November 2016

Oxymatrine (OMT), an alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese medicine herb Sophora flavescens Aiton, has been shown to exhibit anticancer properties on various types of cancer cells. In this study, we investigate the anticancer properties of OMT on human glioblastoma (GBM) cells and evaluate their underlying mechanisms. MTT assays were performed and demonstrated that OMT significantly inhibits the proliferation of GBM cells. Flow cytometry suggested that OMT at a concentration of 10−5 M may induce apoptosis in U251 and A172 cells. Western blot analyses demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of Bax and caspase-3 and a significant decrease in expression of Bcl-2 in both U251 and A172 cells. Additionally, OMT was found by transwell and high-content screening assays to decrease the migratory ability of the evaluated GBM cells. These findings suggest that the antitumor effects of OMT may be the result of inhibition of cell proliferation and migration and the induction of apoptosis by regulating the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. OMT may represent a novel anticancer therapy for the treatment of GBM.
ST Elevation Infarction after Heart Transplantation Induced by Coronary Spasms and Mural Thrombus Detected by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Holm Niels Ramsing , Eiskjær Hans , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt , Maeng Michael , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Christiansen Evald Høj
Published: November 2016

The case illustrates the possible link between coronary spasms, intraluminal thrombus formation, and widespread organized and layered thrombi in HTx patients. Furthermore, the case underlines the clinical value of OCT as a novel method for high-resolution vessel imaging in heart-transplanted (HTx) patients with coronary spasms and suspected coronary artery disease. Coronary spasms and sudden death are frequent complications after HTx. The underlying mechanisms leading to these complications are unknown. The present case displays the clinical course of a 19-year-old HTx patient who was hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction induced by severe coronary spasms. The patients remained unstable on conservative therapy. Therefore, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed and revealed massive, organized thrombi in the left main coronary artery, the circumflex coronary artery, and the left anterior descending coronary artery. The patient was stabilized after percutaneous coronary intervention. As a mural thrombus often goes undetected by coronary angiography, OCT may prove benefit in HTx patients with myocardial infarction or suspected coronary spasms.
Digital Tip Amputations from the Perspective of the Nail
Authors: Champagne Lloyd , Hustedt Joshua W. , Walker Robert , Wiebelhaus John , Nystrom N. Ake
Published: November 2016

The management strategy proposed herein for fingertip amputations advocates secondary healing with preservation of appearance as well as function. Conservative healing is more likely to result in a sensate, nontender, and cosmetically acceptable fingertip compared to surgical management in many clinical scenarios. This manuscript examines in detail the extent of fingertip injury and defines the relationship of injury to final fingertip outcome. A classification is presented, which allows adequate initial counseling regarding prognosis, and predicts the need for secondary corrective surgery.
Aseptic Meningitis Caused by Lassa Virus: Case Series Report
Authors: Okokhere Peter O. , Bankole Idowu A. , Iruolagbe Christopher O. , Muoebonam Benard E. , Okonofua Martha O. , Dawodu Simeon O. , Akpede George O.
Published: November 2016

The Lassa virus is known to cause disease in different organ systems of the human body, with varying clinical manifestations. The features of severe clinical disease may include bleeding and/or central nervous system manifestations. Whereas Lassa fever encephalopathy and encephalitis are well described in the literature, there is paucity of data on Lassa virus meningitis. We present the clinical description, laboratory diagnosis, and management of 4 consecutive cases of aseptic meningitis associated with Lassa virus infection without bleeding seen in a region of Nigeria known to be endemic for both the reservoir rodent and Lassa fever. The 4 patients recovered fully following intravenous ribavirin treatment and suffered no neurologic complications.
Transnasal, Transethmoidal Endoscopic Removal of a Foreign Body in the Medial Extraconal Orbital Space
Authors: Escobar Montatixe Diego , Villacampa Aubá José Miguel , Sánchez Barrueco Álvaro , Sobrino Guijarro Beatriz , Cenjor Español Carlos
Published: November 2016

Intraorbital foreign bodies are located within the orbit but outside the ocular globe. Though not uncommon, removal of these objects poses a challenge for surgeons. External approaches have been the most frequently used but are associated with increased complications and morbidity. An endoscopic endonasal approach can be an appropriate and less complicated technique in these cases. We report a case of a chronic intraorbital foreign body located within the medial extraconal space lateral to the lamina papyracea and behind the lacrimonasal duct, which was successfully removed using a transnasal, transethmoidal endoscopic technique. Neither postoperative complications nor ocular impairment was reported. The patient improved and remains asymptomatic. The transnasal transethmoidal endoscopic approach can be used as a safer and less invasive alternative when removing foreign bodies from the medial orbital compartment.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Future Cardiovascular Risk: An Update
Authors: Burlina S. , Dalfrà M. G. , Chilelli N. C. , Lapolla A.
Published: November 2016

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus is increasing in parallel with the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity around the world. Current evidence strongly suggests that women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Given the growing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, it is important to identify appropriate reliable markers of cardiovascular disease and specific treatment strategies capable of containing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome in order to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the women affected.
Prevalence and Clinical Features of Atopic Dermatitis in China
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Lin-Feng , Zhao Da-yu , Shen Yi-wei
Published: November 2016

Background. The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Chinese outpatients is yet to be clarified.Objectives. To investigate population-based prevalence and clinical features of AD in Chinese outpatients.Methods. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatients with eczema or dermatitis from 39 tertiary hospitals in 15 provinces.Results. This study included 682 patients diagnosed with AD, with the mean age of28.8±20.1years and the median course of5.3±6.9years. AD patients had more severe itching (30.4% versus 13.8%,p<0.001) and clinically suspected bacterial infection (21.7% versus 16.1%,p<0.001) than those of other types of dermatitis. Older patients were more susceptible to have a history of flexion dermatitis (p<0.001), bacterial infection (p=0.005), and severe itching (p<0.001). Outpatients with clinically suspected bacterial infection had 3.53-fold increased risk of AD than those without it (p<0.001). The morbidity rate of AD in the (20–25°N) region is 2.86 times higher than that in the (40–45°N) region [OR (95% CI): 0.352 (0.241–0.514),p<0.001].Conclusions. AD is characterized by unique clinical/demographic features. Bacterial infection and latitude region may have an impact on the incidence of AD in China.
An Improved PV Output Forecasting Model by Using Weight Function: A Case Study in Cambodia
Authors: Kittisontirak Songkiate , Bupi Aekkawat , Chinnavornrungsee Perawut , Sriprapha Kobsak , Thajchayapong Pairash , Titiroongruang Wisut
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes a new concept to improve accuracy of PV forecasting model. The model was implemented by MATLAB/Simulink software using solar irradiance and module temperature as measurement parameters for calculation. The model was developed by single-diode equivalent circuits (5-p model) for simulated PV module power output and compared with other software programs for validation which showed correct PV characteristics. To achieve high accuracy, the model was improved by weight function using one-year measured data. The accuracy of our developed model was verified by comparison with four commercial simulator software programs and the results from real system which were measured and recorded for 1 year. It was found that the model output was in a good agreement with the measured data. This research can be utilized in another area by adjusting the PV equation with weight function of that area.
Multistage A-O Activated Sludge Process for Paraformaldehyde Wastewater Treatment and Microbial Community Structure Analysis
Authors: Zheng Danyang , Sun Yujiao , Li Huijuan , Lu Sidan , Shan Mingjun , Xu Shangwei
Published: November 2016

In recent years, the effect of formaldehyde on microorganisms and body had become a global public health issue. The multistage combination of anaerobic and aerobic process was adopted to treat paraformaldehyde wastewater. Microbial community structure in different reaction stages was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that multistage A-O activated sludge process positively influenced polyformaldehyde wastewater. The removal rates of formaldehyde were basically stable at more than 99% and those of COD were about 89%. Analysis of the microbial diversity index indicated that the microbial diversity of the reactor was high, and the treatment effect was good. Moreover, microbial community had certain similarity in the same system. Microbial communities in different units also showed typical representative characteristics affected by working conditions and influent concentrations. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant fungal genera in the phylum level of community composition. As to family and genus levels, Peptostreptococcaceae was distributed at various stages and the dominant in this system. This bacterium also played an important role in organic matter removal, particularly decomposition of the acidified middle metabolites. In addition, Rhodobacteraceae and Rhodocyclaceae were the formaldehyde-degrading bacteria found in the reactor.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Case Report of Cyclic Severe Hyperemesis and Abdominal Pain with Long-Term Cannabis Use
Authors: Hermes-Laufer Julia , Del Puppo Lola , Inan Ihsan , Troillet François-Xavier , Kherad Omar
Published: November 2016

Introduction.Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that includes cyclic severe vomiting in subjects who have been consuming large doses of cannabis for several years. One of the major diagnostic criteria is the alleviation of symptoms by hot showers. The syndrome was first described in 2004 and is so far neither completely understood nor well known. The latter leads to continued morbidity in concerned subjects and unnecessary expenses for futile investigations. Standard treatments of vomiting as 5-HT3 or D2-receptor antagonists have been shown to be ineffective in alleviating the symptoms. The only long-term satisfying treatment option is the complete abstinence from cannabis consumption.Case Summary.In this case report we describe a 26-year-old male Caucasian long-term cannabis consumer who repeatedly presented in our emergency room with cyclic severe nausea and vomiting ceased by hot showers and resistant to all other treatments. The final diagnosis was not established until his third visit to the ER.Conclusion.CHS is an important differential diagnosis in patients who present with cyclic vomiting and abdominal pain with a history of long-term cannabis use. Recognition of this syndrome is important in order to avoid unnecessary clinical testing and to help the patients break the cycle of drug use.
The Relationship betweenMC1RMutation and Plumage Color Variation in Pigeons
Authors: Ran Jin-Shan , You Xiao-Yan , Jin Jie , Zhou Yu-Guang , Wang Ye , Lan Dan , Ren Peng , Liu Yi-Ping
Published: November 2016

The polymorphisms ofMC1Rgene play a crucial role in coat color variation in mammals; however, the relationship is still unclear in pigeons. In this study, we sequenced 741 bp fragment of theMC1Rfor 39 individuals with five plumage color patterns (gray plumage,n=12; black plumage,n=9; white plumage,n=3; spotted plumage,n=12; red plumage,n=3). A total of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, including G199A, G225A, and A466G, which subsequently determined four haplotypes (H1–H4). Among them, H1 is the predominant haplotype. Association analysis revealed that H1 and H3 were significantly associated with the black plumage trait (P<0.05), while the H4 was significantly associated with gray plumage trait (P<0.05). Furthermore, only diplotype H1H1 was significantly associated with black and gray traits of pigeons. Collectively, our study suggested an association between genetic variation ofMC1Rand plumage color in pigeon.
Angiofibroma Originating outside the Nasopharynx: A Management Dilemma
Authors: Mahmood Ashraf Nabeel , Sheikh Rashid , Saey Hamad Al , Ashkanani Sarah , Ganesan Shanmugam
Published: November 2016

Background. Angiofibroma is a benign tumor, consisting of fibrous tissue with varying degrees of vascularity, characterized by proliferation of stellate and spindle cells around the blood vessels. It most commonly arises from the nasopharynx, although it may rarely arise in extranasopharyngeal sites. Case Report. A 46-year-old male presented with left side nasal obstruction and epistaxis for one month. Clinical nasal examination revealed left sided polypoidal mass arising from the vestibular region of the lateral nasal wall. Results. CT scan and MRI showed highly vascular soft tissue mass occupying the anterior part of the left nostril. Preoperative selective embolization followed by transnasal excision was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnoses of nasal vestibular angiofibroma. Conclusion. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a very rare pathology. It should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis with any unilateral nasal vestibular mass causing nasal obstruction and epistaxis. A biopsy without further investigation can cause life threatening bleeding in the patient.
The Gut Microbial Community of Antarctic Fish Detected by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Analysis
Authors: Song Wei , Li Lingzhi , Huang Hongliang , Jiang Keji , Zhang Fengying , Chen Xuezhong , Zhao Ming , Ma Lingbo
Published: November 2016

Intestinal bacterial communities are highly relevant to the digestion, nutrition, growth, reproduction, and a range of fitness in fish, but little is known about the gut microbial community in Antarctic fish. In this study, the composition of intestinal microbial community in four species of Antarctic fish was detected based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. As a result, 1 004 639 sequences were obtained from 13 samples identified into 36 phyla and 804 genera, in which Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Thermi, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, andRhodococcus,Thermus,Acinetobacter,Propionibacterium,Streptococcus, andMycoplasmawere the dominant genera. The number of common OTUs (operational taxonomic units) varied from 346 to 768, while unique OTUs varied from 84 to 694 in the four species of Antarctic fish. Moreover, intestinal bacterial communities in individuals of each species were not really similar, and those in the four species were not absolutely different, suggesting that bacterial communities might influence the physiological characteristics of Antarctic fish, and the common bacterial communities might contribute to the fish survival ability in extreme Antarctic environment, while the different ones were related to the living habits. All of these results could offer certain information for the future study of Antarctic fish physiological characteristics.
Neuroinflammation Induced by Surgery Does Not Impair the Reference Memory of Young Adult Mice
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Huang Lili , Xu Huan , Wu Guangxi , Zhu Mengyi , Tian Jie , Wang Hao , Wang Xiangrui , Yu Weifeng , Yang Liqun , Su Diansan
Published: November 2016

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) increases morbidity and mortality after surgery. But the underlying mechanism is not clear yet. While age is now accepted as the top one risk factor for POCD, results from studies investigating postoperative cognitive functions in adults have been controversial, and data about the very young adult individuals are lacking. The present study investigated the spatial reference memory, IL-1β, IL-6, and microglia activation changes in the hippocampus in 2-month-old mice after anesthesia and surgery. We found that hippocampal IL-1βand IL-6 increased at 6 hours after surgery. Microglia were profoundly activated in the hippocampus 6 to 24 hours after surgery. However, no significant behavior changes were found in these mice. These results indicate that although anesthesia and surgery led to neuroinflammation, the latter was insufficient to impair the spatial reference memory of young adult mice.
Bortezomib, Ifosfamide, Carboplatin, and Etoposide in a Patient with HIV-Negative Relapsed Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Authors: Akce Mehmet , Chang Elaine , Haeri Mohammad , Perez Mike , Finch Christie J. , Udden Mark M. , Mims Martha P.
Published: November 2016

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), often associated with HIV infection. We present a case of a 53-year-old HIV-negative man with untreated hepatitis C viral infection who presented with abdominal pain and lymphadenopathy. Lymph node and bone marrow biopsies were consistent with plasmablastic lymphoma. He had partial response (PR) to 6 cycles of EPOCH but disease progressed seven weeks later. Repeat biopsy was consistent with plasmablastic lymphoma. Three cycles of bortezomib, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (B-ICE) chemotherapy resulted in a partial response (PR). Five months later, he presented with widespread lymphadenopathy and tumor lysis syndrome with circulating blasts. Flow cytometry revealed a different population of lymphoma cells, this time positive for CD5, CD19, CD20, and CD22, with dim expression of CD45 and CD38. The patient died on the first day of ESHAP chemotherapy. There are no treatment recommendations or standard of care for plasmablastic lymphoma. A literature search yielded 10 cases in which bortezomib was administered in either HIV-positive or HIV-negative PBL. Six reported a partial response, 3 reported a complete response, and 1 was a near-complete response. Bortezomib, in combination with chemotherapy, may be an effective treatment option in PBL as reported here.