bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Length of Stay Comparison between Rivaroxaban and Warfarin in the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: Results from a Real-World Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Roberts Kirsten M. , Knight Tamara B. , Padilla-Tolentino Eimeira , Murthy Manasa , Peterson Evan J.
Published: December 2015

Background. Trials have shown that novel oral anticoagulants may decrease length of stay versus warfarin. A comparison of length of stay in the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been performed outside post hoc analysis of a large clinical trial. Objective. To evaluate if rivaroxaban decreases length of stay compared to warfarin plus enoxaparin in the treatment of PE. Methods. This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study. Patients were identified based on discharge diagnosis of PE and were excluded if they received anticoagulants prior to admission and had additional indications for anticoagulation or reduced creatinine clearance. The primary endpoint was length of stay. Secondary endpoints included time from initial dose of oral anticoagulant to discharge and length of stay comparison between subgroups. Results. Inclusion criterion was met by 158 patients (82 warfarin, 76 rivaroxaban). The median length of stay was 4.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 2.7, 5.9) in the warfarin group and 1.8 days (IQR, 1.2, 3.7) in the rivaroxaban group (P<0.001). Time interval from first dose of oral anticoagulant to discharge was shorter with rivaroxaban (P<0.001). Conclusions. Patients given rivaroxaban had decreased length of stay versus those given warfarin plus enoxaparin for the treatment of PE.
Left Colon Diverticulitis Presenting as Perforated Lumbar Abscess: A Case Report and Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Paramythiotis Daniel , Kofina Konstantinia , Papadopoulos Vassileios N. , Michalopoulos Antonios
Published: December 2015

Diverticular perforation is a common complication of diverticulitis and can lead to the creation of abscesses. The presence of such abscesses on the abdominal wall is rare and can lead to misdiagnosis. We present the case of a patient with abdominal pain and the formation of a large left lumbar abscess due to perforation of a diverticulum of the left colon and our surgical treatment of choice with favorable results.
Which Are the Most Relevant Questions in the Assessment of Outcome after Distal Radial Fractures?
Authors: Buchanan Donald , Prothero D. , Field J.
Published: December 2015

A study was designed to determine which wrist scoring system best correlates with patient satisfaction and which individual variables predict a satisfactory outcome. We looked at forty-five females and 5 males with wrist fractures at 12 weeks after injury and compared their level of satisfaction with various respected outcome measures. The mean age was 66 years. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out using a statistical software package. Patient satisfaction correlated best with the MacDermid, Watts, and DASH scores. The variables in these scoring systems that predicted satisfaction were pain and ability to perform household chores or usual occupation, open packets, and cut meat. The four most important questions to ask in the clinic following wrist fractures are about severity of pain and ability to open packets, cut meat, and perform household chores or usual occupation. This may provide simple and more concise means of assessing outcome after distal radial fractures. Level of evidence is level 4.
Psychometric Properties of the Hindi Version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mehta Saurabh P. , Tiruttani Ramesh , Kaur Manraj N. , MacDermid Joy , Karim Rania
Published: December 2015

Objectives. To culturally adapt and translate the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire into Hindi (DASH-H) and assess its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in adult patients with shoulder tendonitis.Study Design. Descriptive methodological research, using longitudinal design.Setting. Outpatient clinic.Participants. 30 adult patients aged 53.3 ± 6.9 y with shoulder tendonitis.Data Analyses. DASH-H, visual analogue scales for pain (VAS-P) and disability (VAS-D), and shoulder active range of motion (AROM) were assessed at baseline, 2-3 days later, and 4-5 weeks after baseline. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed test-retest reliability of these scales and responsiveness was examined by calculating effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM). Cronbach’s alpha (CA) was used to examine internal consistency of DASH-H. Convergent construct validity of DASH-H with VAS scales and shoulder AROM was determined using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients (r).Results. DASH-H demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal consistency (ICC and CA both > 0.75) and excellent responsiveness (ES = 2.2, SRM = 6.1). DASH-H showed high concordance (r=-0.71,p<0.01) with AROM-flexion and moderate concordance (r>-0.4,p<0.05) with VAS scales and AROM-external rotation.Conclusion. Analyses indicate that DASH-H demonstrates good test-retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with shoulder tendonitis.
Antimicrobial Resistance of EntericSalmonellain Bangui, Central African Republic
Authors: Mossoro-Kpinde Christian Diamant , Manirakiza Alexandre , Mbecko Jean-Robert , Misatou Pembé , Le Faou Alain , Frank Thierry
Published: December 2015

Introduction. The number ofSalmonellaisolated from clinical samples that are resistant to multiple antibiotics has increased worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of resistantSalmonella entericaisolated in Bangui.Methods. All entericSalmonellastrains isolated from patients in 2008 were identified and serotyped, and the phenotypes of resistance were determined by using the disk diffusion method. Nine resistance-associated genes,blaTEM,blaOXA,blaSHV,tetA,aadA1,catA1,dhfrA1,sul I, andsul II, were sought by genic amplification in sevenS.e. Typhimurium strains.Results. The 94 strains isolated consisted of 47S.e.Typhimurium (50%), 21S.e.Stanleyville (22%), 18S.e.Enteritidis (19%), 4S.e.Dublin (4%), 4S.e.Hadar (4%), and 1S.e.Papuana (1%). Twenty-five (28%) were multiresistant, including 20 of the Typhimurium serovar (80%). Two main phenotypes of resistance were found: four antibiotics (56%) and to five antibiotics (40%). OneS.e.Typhimurium isolate produced an extended-spectrumβ-lactamase (ESBL). Only seven strains ofS.e.Typhimurium could be amplified genically. Only phenotypic resistance to tetracycline and aminosides was found.Conclusion.S.Typhimurium is the predominant serovar of entericS. entericaand is the most widely resistant. The search for resistance genes showed heterogeneity of the circulating strains.
Effect of Air-Polishing on Titanium Surfaces, Biofilm Removal, and Biocompatibility: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bennani Vincent , Hwang Linda , Tawse-Smith Andrew , Dias George J. , Cannon Richard D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose.The aims of thisin vitrostudy were to evaluate morphological changes induced by glycine powder air-polishing on titanium surfaces, biofilm removal, and biocompatibility.Material and Methods.Titanium grade IV discs were allocated into two groups: (1) discs without biofilm and (2) discs forStreptococcus mutansbiofilm formation. Discs in each group were further subdivided into (a) no treatment and (b) air-polishing treatment with glycine powder. Discs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and confocal microscopy. Bacterial biofilms were quantified using a crystal violet dye-binding assay. Biocompatibility was evaluated by measuring the coverage and viability of L929 fibroblast cells cultured on the discs.Results.Air-polishing increased the roughness of treated discs (P<0.05). EDS analysis did not show significant differences in the chemical composition of treated and nontreated discs. The amount of residual biofilm on treated discs was 8.6-fold lower than untreated controls (P<0.05). Coverage of treated discs by fibroblasts was half that of untreated discs (P<0.05) although both groups had the same cell viability.Conclusions.Air-polishing removed a significant amount of biofilm from titanium surfaces. The “polishing” was accompanied by increased surface roughness, but there were no changes in chemical and elemental compositions, nor the biocompatibility.
Foetal Cell Transplantation for Parkinson’s Disease: Focus on Graft-Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Tronci Elisabetta , Fidalgo Camino , Carta Manolo
Published: December 2015

Transplantation of dopamine- (DA-) rich foetal ventral mesencephalic cells emerged as a promising therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), as it allowed significant improvement of motor symptoms in several PD patients in open-label studies. However, double-blind clinical trials have been largely disappointing. The general agreement in the field is that the lack of standardization of tissue collection and preparation, together with the absence of postsurgical immunosuppression, played a key role in the failure of these studies. Moreover, a further complication that emerged in previous studies is the appearance of the so-called graft-induced dyskinesia (GID), in a subset of grafted patients, which resembles dyskinesia induced by L-DOPA but in the absence of medication. Preclinical evidence pointed to the serotonin neurons as possible players in the appearance of GID. In agreement, clinical investigations have shown that grafted tissue may contain a large number of serotonin neurons, in the order of half of the DA cells; moreover, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist buspirone has been found to produce significant dampening of GID in grafted patients. In this paper, we will review the recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on cell transplantation for PD and on the mechanisms underlying GID.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Clinical, Neuropsychological, and Radiological Phenotypes, Histopathological Correlates, and Described Genotypes: A Review
Authors: Issac Thomas Gregor , Chandra Sadandavalli Retnaswami , Christopher Rita , Rajeswaran Jamuna , Philip Mariamma
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Vascular cognitive impairment is a common yet preventable cause for dementia. It needs high degree of suspicion and appropriate designing of investigatory tools to confirm diagnosis, identify comorbidities, and ascertain the areas of impairment. Commonly DSM-IV criterion is applied for diagnosis and detailed clinical and neuropsychological examination for identifying the specific phenotype is used. Early diagnosis using the mandatory criteria will help in early initiation of disease modifying treatment strategies which can result in partial reversal of vascular changes and arrest of progression. Patients with young onset disease might require genetic characterization for designing more aggressive treatment. Discussion and Conclusion. Dementias as such carry poor course and prognosis resulting in severe Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for patients and caregivers. Therefore, it is mandatory to identify treatable and preventable causes so that man power loss can be reduced.
Safety Monitoring of a Super-High Dam Using Optimal Kernel Partial Least Squares
Authors: Huang Hao , Chen Bo , Liu Chungao
Published: December 2015

Considering the characteristics of complex nonlinear and multiple response variables of a super-high dam, kernel partial least squares (KPLS) method, as a strongly nonlinear multivariate analysis method, is introduced into the field of dam safety monitoring for the first time. A universal unified optimization algorithm is designed to select the key parameters of the KPLS method and obtain the optimal kernel partial least squares (OKPLS). Then, OKPLS is used to establish a strongly nonlinear multivariate safety monitoring model to identify the abnormal behavior of a super-high dam via model multivariate fusion diagnosis. An analysis of deformation monitoring data of a super-high arch dam was undertaken as a case study. Compared to the multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares (PLS), and KPLS models, the OKPLS model displayed the best fitting accuracy and forecast precision, and the model multivariate fusion diagnosis reduced the number of false alarms compared to the traditional univariate diagnosis. Thus, OKPLS is a promising method in the application of super-high dam safety monitoring.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association between Hypertension and Tinnitus
Authors: Yang Pan , Ma Wenjun , Zheng Yiqing , Yang Haidi , Lin Hualiang
Published: December 2015

Hypertension has been suggested to be one possible risk factor of tinnitus, but the association between hypertension and tinnitus remains uncertain. The authors performed a meta-analysis of the existing studies on the association between hypertension and tinnitus. We performed literature search of studies using SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies reported the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) (or provided sufficient information for calculation) of the association between hypertension and tinnitus were included. A total of 19 eligible studies with 20 effect estimates were used in this study. They included 63,154 participants with age ranging from 14 to 92. The pooled OR, which was pooled using a random effects model, was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.62). There was no evidence of publication bias (p=0.11for Begg’s test,p=0.96for Egger’s test). By meta-regression, we found that study design may be one possible factor of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis found that the result was stable. This study suggests that hypertension might be one risk factor of tinnitus, and hypertension prevention and control might be helpful in preventing tinnitus.
Parametric Controller Design of Hopf Bifurcation System
Authors: Lu Jinbo , Hou Xiaorong , Luo Min
Published: December 2015

A general parametric controller design method is proposed for Hopf bifurcation of nonlinear dynamic system. This method does not increase the dimension of the system. Compared with the existing methods, the controller designed by this method has a lower controller order and a simpler structure, and it does not contain equilibrium points. The method keeps equilibrium of the origin system unchanged. Symbolic computation is used to deduce the constraints of controller, and cylindrical algebraic decomposition is used to find the stability parameter regions in parameter space of controller. The method is then employed for Hopf bifurcation control. Taking Lorenz system as an example, the controller design steps of the method and numerical simulations are discussed. Computer simulation results are presented to confirm the analytical predictions.
Minimally Invasive Techniques to Accelerate the Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies
Authors: Qamruddin Irfan , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khamis Mohd Fadhli , Husein Adam
Published: December 2015

Objective. To evaluate various noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures for the enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement in animals.Materials and Methods. Literature was searched using NCBI (PubMed, PubMed Central, and PubMed Health), MedPilot (Medline, Catalogue ZB MED, Catalogue Medicine Health, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE)), and Google Scholar from January 2009 till 31 December 2014. We included original articles related to noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures to enhance orthodontic tooth movement in animals. Extraction of data and quality assessments were carried out by two observers independently.Results. The total number of hits was 9195 out of which just 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Nine articles were good and 5 articles were moderate in quality. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was among the most common noninvasive techniques whereas flapless corticision using various instruments was among the commonest minimally invasive procedures to enhance velocity of tooth movement.Conclusions. LLLT, low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), mechanical vibration, and flapless corticision are emerging noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques which need further researches to establish protocols to use them clinically with conviction.
Additional Effects of Back-Shu Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion in Cardioprotection of Rat Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kathy Lee Seung Min , Yoon Kang Hyun , Park Jimin , Kim Hyun Soo , Woo Jong Shin , Lee So Ra , Lee Kyung Hye , Jang Hyun-Hee , Kim Jin-Bae , Kim Woo Shik , Lee Sanghoon , Kim Weon
Published: December 2015

Many preclinical studies show that electroacupuncture (EA) on PC6 and ST36 can reduce infarct size after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Yet studies to enhance the treatment effect size are limited. The purpose of this study was to explore whether EA has additional myocardial protective effects on an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury rat model when back-shu EA and moxibustion are added. SD rats were divided into several groups and treated with either EA only, EA + back-shu EA (B), or EA + B + moxibustion (M) for 5 consecutive days. Transthoracic echocardiography and molecular and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. It was found that although myocardial infarct areas were significantly lower and cardiac function was also significantly preserved in the three treatment groups compared to the placebo group, there were no additional differences between the three treatment groups. In addition, HSP20 and HSP27 were expressed significantly more in the treatment groups. The results suggest that adding several treatments does not necessarily increase protection. Our study corroborates previous findings that more treatment, such as prolonging EA duration or increasing EA intensity, does not always lead to better results. Other methods of increasing treatment effect size should be explored.
Enhanced and Secretory Expression of Human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor byBacillus subtilis SCK6
Authors: Bashir Shaista , Sadaf Saima , Ahmad Sajjad , Akhtar Muhammad Waheed
Published: December 2015

This study describes a simplified approach for enhanced expression and secretion of a pharmaceutically important human cytokine, that is, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), in the culture supernatant ofBacillus subtilisSCK6 cells. Codon optimized GCSF and pNWPH vector containing SpymwC signal sequence were amplified by prolonged overlap extension PCR to generate multimeric plasmid DNA, which was used directly to transformB. subtilisSCK6 supercompetent cells. Expression ofGCSFwas monitored in the culture supernatant for 120 hours. The highest expression, which corresponded to 17% of the total secretory protein, was observed at 72 hours of growth. Following ammonium sulphate precipitation, GCSF was purified to near homogeneity by fast protein liquid chromatography on a QFF anion exchange column. Circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis showed that the secondary structure contents of the purified GCSF are similar to the commercially available GCSF. Biological activity, as revealed by the regeneration of neutrophils in mice treated with ifosfamine, was also similar to the commercial preparation of GCSF. This, to our knowledge, is the first study that reports secretory expression of human GCSF inB. subtilisSCK6 with final recovery of up to 96 mg/L of the culture supernatant, without involvement of any chemical inducer.
Impulsive Controllability/Observability for Interconnected Descriptor Systems with Two Subsystems
Authors: Zhang Qingling , Li Jian , Ren Junchao
Published: December 2015

The problem of decentralized impulse controllability/observability for large-scale interconnected descriptor systems with two subsystems by derivative feedback is studied. Necessary conditions for the existence of a derivative feedback controller for the first subsystem of the large-scale interconnected descriptor systems ensuring the second subsystem to be impulse controllable and impulse observable are derived, respectively. Based on the results, a derivative feedback controller for the first subsystem of the large-scale interconnected descriptor systems is constructed easily such that the second subsystem is impulse controllable or impulse observable. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results obtained in this paper.
Light Chain Escape in 3 Cases: Evidence of Intraclonal Heterogeneity in Multiple Myeloma from a Single Institution in Poland
Authors: Kraj Maria , Kruk Barbara , Endean Kelly , Warzocha Krzysztof , Budziszewska Katarzyna , Dąbrowska Monika
Published: December 2015

We report three cases of light chain escape (LCE) at a single institution in Poland, including an interesting case of biclonal monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) that satisfied the criteria for progression to light chain multiple myeloma (LCMM) with a rapid rise in serum free light chain (FLC) levels, following steroidal treatment for simultaneous temporal artery inflammation and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). In the three cases discussed, progression of the disease by light chain escape was associated with rapid and severe renal impairment, highlighting the necessity for prompt detection of such free light chain-only producing clones in order to prevent the possible development of irreversible end-organ damage. Interestingly, monitoring of these three patients by serum free light chain assay (sFLC) and retrospective heavy/light chain analysis (HLC) detected this clonal evolution prior to clinical relapse and suggests that these assays represent important additional tools for more accurate monitoring of multiple myeloma patients.
Bi-Integrable Couplings of a New Soliton Hierarchy Associated withSO(4)
Authors: Cao Yan , Chen Liangyun , He Baiying
Published: December 2015

Based on the six-dimensional real special orthogonal Lie algebraSO(4), a new Lax integrable hierarchy is obtained by constructing an isospectral problem. Furthermore, we construct bi-integrable couplings for this hierarchy from the enlarged matrix spectral problems and the enlarged zero curvature equations. Hamiltonian structures of the obtained bi-integrable couplings are constructed by the variational identity.
Effect of Installation of Solar Collector on Performance of Balcony Split Type Solar Water Heaters
Authors: Ji Xu , Li Ming , Lin Weidong , Zheng Tufeng , Wang Yunfeng
Published: December 2015

The influences of surface orientation and slope of solar collectors on solar radiation collection of balcony split type solar water heaters for six cities in China were analyzed by employing software TRNSYS. The surface azimuth had greater effect on solar radiation collection in high latitude regions. For deviation of the surface slope angle within ±20° around the optimized angle, the variation of the total annual collecting solar radiation was less than 5%. However, with deviation of 70° to 90°, the variation was up to 20%. The effects of water cycle mode, reverse slope placement of solar collector, and water tank installation height on system efficiency were experimentally studied. The thermal efficiencies of solar water heater with single row horizontal arrangement all-glass evacuated tubular collector were higher than those with vertical arrangement at the fixed surface slope angle of 90°. Compared with solar water heaters with flat-plate collector under natural circulation, the system thermal efficiency was raised up to 63% under forced circulation. For collector at reverse slope placement, the temperature-based water stratification in water tank deteriorated, and thus the thermal efficiency became low. For improving the system efficiency, an appropriate installation height of the water tank was suggested.
The Difficulty of Sexing Skeletons from Unknown Populations
Authors: Sierp Ingrid , Henneberg Maciej
Published: December 2015

Determination of sex from skeletal remains is performed using a number of methods developed by biological anthropology. They must be evaluated for consistency and for their performance in a forensic setting. Twenty skeletons of varied provenance had their sex determined by 15 existing methods of forensic anthropology (7 metric and 8 morphological). The methods were evaluated for their consistency in determination of sex. No single individual was identified as belonging to one sex exclusively. Ambiguous results were obtained by metric methods for fourteen individuals (70%) and by morphological methods for only five individuals (25%) (Chi-squared = 4.3, df = 1,P<0.05). Methods which use the size of bones as an indicator of sex perform poorly on skeletal remains of individuals of unknown provenance. Methods which combine morphologic and metric techniques, that is, geometric morphometric analysis, may result in greater levels of consistency.
Survival Analysis of Loss to Follow-Up Treatment among Tuberculosis Patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Akessa Geremew Muleta , Tadesse Mulualem , Abebe Gemeda
Published: December 2015

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) patients who do not complete treatment pose a potential public health risk through disease reactivation, increased transmission, and development of drug-resistance. This study is aimed at analyzing the time to loss to follow-up treatment and risk factors among TB patients. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study based on record review of 510 TB patients enrolled in Jimma University Specialized Hospital. The Cox’s proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to model the outcome of interest. Loss to follow-up was used as an outcome measure. Results. Out of 510 TB patients, 69 (13.5%) were lost to follow-up (LTFU) treatment. The median times of survival starting from the date of treatment initiation were 5.7 months. The majority of LTFU patients interrupted treatment during continuation phase. Treatment LTFU has an association with HIV status, weight, and residence. However, living in the rural area has a cause for LTFU patients on multivariate analysis (HR 4.4, 95% CI 1.58–12.19). Conclusions. High rate of LTFU was observed among TB patients in Southwest Ethiopia. Treatment LTFU was more frequently observed among patients who came from rural areas. This underlines the need for distributing TB treatment to the rural area.
Semantic Clustering of Search Engine Results
Authors: Soliman Sara Saad , El-Sayed Maged F. , Hassan Yasser F.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a novel approach for search engine results clustering that relies on the semantics of the retrieved documents rather than the terms in those documents. The proposed approach takes into consideration both lexical and semantics similarities among documents and applies activation spreading technique in order to generate semantically meaningful clusters. This approach allows documents that are semantically similar to be clustered together rather than clustering documents based on similar terms. A prototype is implemented and several experiments are conducted to test the prospered solution. The result of the experiment confirmed that the proposed solution achieves remarkable results in terms of precision.
Fuzheng Huayu Recipe Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Restoring Balance between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Pan Qin , Wang Yu-Qin , Li Guang-Ming , Duan Xiao-Yan , Fan Jian-Gao
Published: December 2015

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) depending on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) reflects the key event of liver fibrosis. Contrastively, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) of HSCs facilitates the fibrosis resolution. Here we investigated the effect of Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) recipe, a Chinese herbal decoction made ofRadix Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Semen Persicae,Cordyceps sinensis,Pollen Pini, andGynostemma pentaphyllum, on liver fibrosis concerning the balance of EMT and MET in HSCs. In contrast to the increased TGF-β1/BMP-7 ratio in activated HSCs, FZHY administration induced significant upregulation of BMP-7 and downregulation of TGF-β1at both transcription and translation levels. Restoration of TGF-β1/BMP-7 ratio inhibited the expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK, resulting in the reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) as characterized by the abolishment of EMT markers (α-SMA and desmin) and reoccurrence of MET marker (E-cadherin).In vivotreatment of FZHY recipe also demonstrated the statistical reduction of activated HSCs with EMT phenotype, which attenuated the carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. These findings may highlight a novel antifibrotic role of FZHY recipe on the basis of rebalancing EMT and MET in HSCs.
A Comparative Study of Multiple Object Detection Using Haar-Like Feature Selection and Local Binary Patterns in Several Platforms
Authors: Guennouni Souhail , Ahaitouf Ali , Mansouri Anass
Published: December 2015

Object detection has been attracting much interest due to the wide spectrum of applications that use it. It has been driven by an increasing processing power available in software and hardware platforms. In this work we present a developed application for multiple objects detection based on OpenCV libraries. The complexity-related aspects that were considered in the object detection using cascade classifier are described. Furthermore, we discuss the profiling and porting of the application into an embedded platform and compare the results with those obtained on traditional platforms. The proposed application deals with real-time systems implementation and the results give a metric able to select where the cases of object detection applications may be more complex and where it may be simpler.
Susceptibility Pattern and Distribution of Oxacillinases andblaPER-1Genes among Multidrug ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiin a Teaching Hospital in Iran
Authors: Bagheri Josheghani Sareh , Moniri Rezvan , Firoozeh Farzaneh , Sehat Mojtaba , Dasteh Goli Yasaman
Published: December 2015

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii)is an important nosocomial pathogen in healthcare institutions.β-Lactamase-mediated resistance is the most common mechanism for carbapenem resistance inA. baumannii. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern, to detectOXAencoding genes, class A,blaPER-1, and to detect the presence of ISAba1. A total of 124A. baumanniiisolates were collected from hospitalized patients in a teaching hospital in Kashan, Iran. The susceptibility of isolates to different antibiotics was determined by disk-diffusion method. PCR was used to detectblaPER-1,blaOXA-23,blaOXA-24,blaOXA-51,blaOXA-58, and ISAba1 genes. All isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefotaxime. All of the isolates revealed susceptibility to polymyxin B and colistin. Ninety-six percent of the isolates were extensive drug resistance (XDR), 5.6% extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and 54.8% metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). All isolates were positive forblaOXA-51and ISAba1.blaOXA-23,  blaOXA-24, andblaOXA-58were found in 79.8%, 25%, and 3.2%, respectively. The frequency rate ofblaPER-1gene was 52.4%. Multidrug resistantA. baumanniiisolates are increasing in our setting and extensively limit therapeutic options. The high rate presence of class D carbapenemase-encoding genes, mainlyblaOXA-23carbapenemases, is worrying and alarming as an emerging threat in our hospital.
The Effect of Femoral Cutting Guide Design Improvements for Patient-Specific Instruments
Authors: Kwon Oh-Ryong , Kang Kyoung-Tak , Son Juhyun , Choi Yun-Jin , Suh Dong-Suk , Koh Yong-Gon
Published: December 2015

Although the application of patient-specific instruments (PSI) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases the cost of the surgical procedure, PSI may reduce operative time and improve implant alignment, which could reduce the number of revision surgeries. We report our experience with TKA using PSI techniques in 120 patients from March to December 2014. PSI for TKA were created from data provided by computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); which imaging technology is more reliable for the PSI technique remains unclear. In the first 20 patients, the accuracy of bone resection and PSI stability were compared between CT and MRI scans with presurgical results as a reference; MRI produced better results. In the second and third groups, each with 50 patients, the results of bone resection and stability were compared in MRI scans with respect to the quality of scanning due to motion artifacts and experienced know-how in PSI design, respectively. The optimized femoral cutting guide design for PSI showed the closest outcomes in bone resection and PSI stability with presurgical data. It is expected that this design could be a reasonable guideline in PSI.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphism (rs2010963) and Its Receptor, Kinase Insert Domain-Containing Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs2071559), and Markers of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Merlo Sebastjan , Starčević Jovana Nikolajević , Mankoč Sara , Šantl Letonja Marija , Cokan Vujkovac Andreja , Zorc Marjeta , Petrovič Daniel
Published: December 2015

Background. The current study was designed to reveal possible associations between the polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene (rs2010963) and its receptor, kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) gene polymorphism (rs2071559), and markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Patients and Methods. 595 T2DM subjects and 200 control subjects were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque characteristics (presence and structure) were assessed ultrasonographically. Biochemical analyses were performed using standard biochemical methods. Genotyping of VEGF/KDR polymorphisms (rs2010963, rs2071559) was performed using KASPar assays.Results. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the VEGF/KDR polymorphisms (rs2010963, rs2071559) were not statistically significantly different between diabetic patients and controls. In our study, we demonstrated an association between the rs2071559 of KDR and either CIMT or the sum of plaque thickness in subjects with T2DM. We did not, however, demonstrate any association between the tested polymorphism of VEGF (rs2010963) and either CIMT, the sum of plaque thickness, the number of involved segments, hsCRP, the presence of carotid plaques, or the presence of unstable carotid plaques.Conclusions. In the present study, we demonstrated minor effect of the rs2071559 of KDR on markers of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with T2DM.
Drought Risk Assessment in Yunnan Province of China Based on Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Jia HuiCong , Pan DongHua
Published: December 2015

A wavelet transform technique was used to analyze the precipitation data for nearly 60 years (1954–2012) in Yunnan Province of China. The wavelet coefficients and the variance yield of wavelet were calculated. The results showed that, in nearly 60 years, the spring precipitation increased slightly; however, the linear trend of other seasonal and annual precipitations showed a reducing trend. Seasonal and annual precipitation had the characteristics of multiple time scales. Different time scales showed the different cyclic alternating patterns. Overall, in the next period of time, different seasons and the annual precipitation will be in the periods of precipitation-reduced oscillation; high drought disaster risks may occur in Yunnan province. Particularly, by analyzing large area of severe drought of Yunnan province in 2009–2012, the predicted results of wavelet were verified. The results may provide a scientific basis for guiding agricultural production and the drought prevention work for Yunnan Province and other places of China.
Node Detection Using High-Dimensional Fuzzy Parcellation Applied to the Insular Cortex
Authors: Vercelli Ugo , Diano Matteo , Costa Tommaso , Nani Andrea , Duca Sergio , Geminiani Giuliano , Vercelli Alessandro , Cauda Franco
Published: December 2015

Several functional connectivity approaches require the definition of a set of regions of interest (ROIs) that act as network nodes. Different methods have been developed to define these nodes and to derive their functional and effective connections, most of which are rather complex. Here we aim to propose a relatively simple “one-step” border detection and ROI estimation procedure employing the fuzzyc-mean clustering algorithm. To test this procedure and to explore insular connectivity beyond the two/three-region model currently proposed in the literature, we parcellated the insular cortex of 20 healthy right-handed volunteers scanned in a resting state. By employing a high-dimensional functional connectivity-based clustering process, we confirmed the two patterns of connectivity previously described. This method revealed a complex pattern of functional connectivity where the two previously detected insular clusters are subdivided into several other networks, some of which are not commonly associated with the insular cortex, such as the default mode network and parts of the dorsal attentional network. Furthermore, the detection of nodes was reliable, as demonstrated by the confirmative analysis performed on a replication group of subjects.
Chronic Mild Stress Modulates Activity-Dependent Transcription of BDNF in Rat Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Molteni Raffaella , Rossetti Andrea C. , Savino Elisa , Racagni Giorgio , Calabrese Francesca
Published: December 2015

Although activity-dependent transcription represents a crucial mechanism for long-lasting experience-dependent changes in the hippocampus, limited data exist on its contribution to pathological conditions. We aim to investigate the influence of chronic stress on the activity-dependent transcription of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Theex vivomethodology of acute stimulation of hippocampal slices obtained from rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) was used to evaluate whether the adverse experience may alter activity-dependent BDNF gene expression. CMS reduces BDNF expression and that acute depolarization significantly upregulates total BDNF mRNA levels only in control animals, showing that CMS exposure may alter BDNF transcription under basal conditions and during neuronal activation. Moreover, while the basal effect of CMS on total BDNF reflects parallel modulations of all the transcripts examined, isoform-specific changes were found after depolarization. This different effect was also observed in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways related to the neurotrophin. In conclusion, our study discloses a functional alteration of BDNF transcription as a consequence of stress. Being the activity-regulated transcription a critical process in synaptic and neuronal plasticity, the different regulation of individual BDNF promoters may contribute to long-lasting changes, which are fundamental for the vulnerability of the hippocampus to stress-related diseases.
Evidence for Detrimental Cross Interactions between Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Cells
Authors: Falabella Micol , Forte Elena , Magnifico Maria Chiara , Santini Paolo , Arese Marzia , Giuffrè Alessandro , Radić Kristina , Chessa Luciana , Coarelli Giulia , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Mechelli Rosella , Salvetti Marco , Sarti Paolo
Published: December 2015

Here we have collected evidence suggesting that chronic changes in the NO homeostasis and the rise of reactive oxygen species bioavailability can contribute to cell dysfunction in Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients. We report that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), derived from a female LHON patient with bilateral reduced vision and carrying the pathogenic mutation 11778/ND4, display increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), as revealed by flow cytometry, fluorometric measurements of nitrite/nitrate, and 3‐nitrotyrosine immunodetection. Moreover, viability assays with the tetrazolium dye MTT showed that lymphoblasts from the same patient are more sensitive to prolonged NO exposure, leading to cell death. Taken together these findings suggest that oxidative and nitrosative stress cooperatively play an important role in driving LHON pathology when excess NO remains available over time in the cell environment.
Wound Dressing Model of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells‐Alginates Complex Promotes Skin Wound Healing by Paracrine Signaling
Authors: Wang Song , Yang Huachao , Tang Zhenrui , Long Gang , Huang Wen
Published: December 2015

Purpose. To probe growth characteristics of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) cultured with alginate gel scaffolds, and to explore feasibility of wound dressing model of hUCMSCs‐alginates compound. Methods. hUCMSCs were isolated, cultured, and identified in vitro. Then cells were cultivated in 100 mM calcium alginate gel, and the capacity of proliferation and migration and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) were investigated regularly. Wound dressing model of hUCMSCs‐alginate gel mix was transplanted into Balb/c mice skin defects. Wound healing rate and immunohistochemistry were examined. Results. hUCMSCs grew well but with little migration ability in the alginate gel. Compared with control group, a significantly larger cell number and more VEGF expression were shown in the gel group after culturing for 3–6 days (P < 0.05). In addition, a faster skin wound healing rate with more neovascularization was observed in the hUCMSCs‐alginate gel group than in control groups at 15th day after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusion. hUCMSCs can proliferate well and express massive VEGF in calcium alginate gel porous scaffolds. Wound dressing model of hUCMSCs‐alginate gel mix can promote wound healing through paracrine signaling.
FPGA-Based Stochastic Echo State Networks for Time-Series Forecasting
Authors: Alomar Miquel L. , Canals Vincent , Perez-Mora Nicolas , Martínez-Moll Víctor , Rosselló Josep L.
Published: December 2015

Hardware implementation of artificial neural networks (ANNs) allows exploiting the inherent parallelism of these systems. Nevertheless, they require a large amount of resources in terms of area and power dissipation. Recently, Reservoir Computing (RC) has arisen as a strategic technique to design recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with simple learning capabilities. In this work, we show a new approach to implement RC systems with digital gates. The proposed method is based on the use of probabilistic computing concepts to reduce the hardware required to implement different arithmetic operations. The result is the development of a highly functional system with low hardware resources. The presented methodology is applied to chaotic time-series forecasting.
Motor Cortex Plasticity during Unilateral Finger Movement with Mirror Visual Feedback
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Albu Sergiu , Pelayo Raul , Rothwell John , Opisso Eloy , Leon Daniel , Soler Dolor , Tormos Josep Maria
Published: December 2015

Plasticity is one of the most important physiological mechanisms underlying motor recovery from brain lesions. Rehabilitation methods, such as mirror visual feedback therapy, which are based on multisensory integration of motor, cognitive, and perceptual processes, are considered effective methods to induce cortical reorganization. The present study investigated 3 different types of visual feedback (direct, mirrored, and blocked visual feedback: DVF, MVF, and BVF, resp.) on M1 cortex excitability and intracortical inhibition/facilitation at rest and during phasic unimanual motor task in 11 healthy individuals. The excitability of the ipsilateral M1 cortex and the intracortical facilitation increased during motor task performance in the DVF and MVF but not in the BVF condition. In addition, MVF induced cortical disinhibition of the ipsilateral hemisphere to the index finger performing the motor task, which was greater when compared to the BVF and restricted to the homologue first dorsal interosseous muscle. The visual feedback is relevant to M1 cortex excitability modulation but the MVF plays a crucial role in promoting changes in intracortical inhibition in comparison to BVF. Altogether, it can be concluded that a combination of motor training with MVF therapy may induce more robust neuroplastic changes through multisensory integration that is relevant to motor rehabilitation.
Large and Small Dendritic Spines Serve Different Interacting Functions in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Homeostasis
Authors: Paulin Joshua J. W. , Haslehurst Peter , Fellows Alexander D. , Liu Wenfei , Jackson Joshua D. , Joel Zelah , Cummings Damian M. , Edwards Frances A.
Published: December 2015

The laying down of memory requires strong stimulation resulting in specific changes in synaptic strength and corresponding changes in size of dendritic spines. Strong stimuli can also be pathological, causing a homeostatic response, depressing and shrinking the synapse to prevent damage from too much Ca2+influx. But do all types of dendritic spines serve both of these apparently opposite functions? Using confocal microscopy in organotypic slices from mice expressing green fluorescent protein in hippocampal neurones, the size of individual spines along sections of dendrite has been tracked in response to application of tetraethylammonium. This strong stimulus would be expected to cause both a protective homeostatic response and long-term potentiation. We report separation of these functions, with spines of different sizes reacting differently to the same strong stimulus. The immediate shrinkage of large spines suggests a homeostatic protective response during the period of potential danger. In CA1, long-lasting growth of small spines subsequently occurs consolidating long-term potentiation but only after the large spines return to their original size. In contrast, small spines do not change in dentate gyrus where potentiation does not occur. The separation in time of these changes allows clear functional differentiation of spines of different sizes.
Loss of CADM1/TSLC1 Expression Is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcome in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zeng De , Wu Xiao , Zheng Jin , Zhuang Yixuan , Chen Jiongyu , Hong Chaoquan , Zhang Fan , Wu Mingyao , Lin Danxia
Published: December 2015

Aims. We sought to determine the relationship between CADM1/TSLC1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the correlation with survival.Materials and Methods. Two hundred and ninety-three ESCC tissues and paired adjacent normal esophageal tissues were immunohistochemically assessed in this study. The association of CADM1/TSLC1 with clinicopathological parameters, as well as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), was determined based on the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models.Results. CADM1/TSLC1 was detected in 236 (80.5%) tumor tissues and 19 (8.0%) paired adjacent normal esophageal tissues. Decreased CADM1/TSLC1 expression was correlated with more advanced histological grade. CADM1/TSLC1 negative tumors were more frequently observed in male cases than in female cases. DFS and OS in the CADM1/TSLC1 negative group were significantly shorter than those in the positive group, particularly in male patients with ESCC.Conclusion. Loss or reduction of CADM1/TSLC1 expression is associated with more advanced histological grade and predicts early recurrence and short survival duration. Thus, loss of CADM1/TSLC1 could be a prognostic factor that can be used to assess the risk of recurrence and survival.