bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome in First Episode Schizophrenia, Based on the National Mental Health Registry of Schizophrenia (NMHR) in a General Hospital in Malaysia: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Albert , Ng Chong , Koh Ong , Gill Jesjeet , Aziz Salina
Published: May 2018

Schizophrenia has been linked with various medical comorbidities, particularly metabolic syndrome. The number of studies on this aspect is lacking in Malaysia. (1) Objective: To investigate metabolic syndrome rates and its associated factors. (2) Method: This is the first 10-year retrospective-outcome study of patients with first episode schizophrenia in Malaysia. Out of 394 patients diagnosed with first episode schizophrenia and registered with the National Mental Health Registry of Schizophrenia (NMHR) in the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GHKL) in 2004–2005, 174 patients consented to participate in the study. They were interviewed using a Schizophrenia outcome questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made using the National Cholesterol Education Program—Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III). (3) Results: All patients’ weight, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, and blood pressure are significantly increased. Sixty-three subjects (36.2%) developed metabolic syndrome while 36 (23.2%) were hypertensive, and 41 (28.1%) were diabetic. Use of fluphenthixol depot (CI = 1.05–5.09, OR: 0.84, p = 0.039), reduced physical activity (CI = 0.13–1.00, OR: −1.04, p = 0.049), and substance use disorder (CI = 1.40, 13.89, OR: 1.48, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome based on univariate analysis. In further multivariate analysis, comorbid substance abuse was the only significant factor associated with metabolic syndrome after adjusting for physical activity and intramuscular depot. (4) Conclusion: Patients with schizophrenia are at high risk of metabolic syndrome. It is important to address substance use problems as an important risk factor of this comorbidity.
Sovereign Adaptive Risk Modeling and Implications for the Eurozone GREXIT Case
Authors: Escalera Morgan , Tarrant Wayne
Published: May 2018

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) created a list of systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) with the intention of determining which financial institutions were important enough to the global market that their failure would result in systemic collapse. In this work, we create a model that modifies the BCBS’s five indicators of size, interconnectedness, cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, and substitutability and apply these measures of systemic stress to governments. Although the cross-jurisdictional activities and size were almost identical to the SIFI calculations, the others had to be adapted to mirror the intent of the BCBS. Interconnectedness is calculated by simulation of what would happen to nearby countries if a country defaulted. Substitutability is estimated by the number of services that would no longer be provided if the government ceased to exist. Complexity is market-based and is derived from credit default swap (CDS) spreads. The original application of the model was to track the systemic interdependence of the Eurozone, with particular emphasis on the case of Greece. We anticipate that this model can be used in regional fiscal situations beyond the Eurozone.
Administration of Oxygen Ultra-Fine Bubbles Improves Nerve Dysfunction in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury Model
Authors: Matsuoka Hozo , Ebina Kosuke , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Hirao Makoto , Iwahashi Toru , Noguchi Takaaki , Suzuki Koji , Nishimoto Shunsuke , Murase Tsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: May 2018

Ultra-fine bubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties and have been tested in various medical fields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen ultra-fine bubbles (OUBs) on a sciatic nerve crush injury (SNC) model rats. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 1.5 mL saline, OUBs diluted in saline, or nitrogen ultra-fine bubbles (NUBs) diluted in saline three times per week for 4 weeks in four groups: (1) control, (sham operation + saline); (2) SNC, (crush + saline); (3) SNC+OUB, (crush + OUB-saline); (4) SNC+NUB, (crush + NUB-saline). The effects of the OUBs on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) were examined by serial dilution of OUB medium in vitro. Sciatic functional index, paw withdrawal thresholds, nerve conduction velocity, and myelinated axons were significantly decreased in the SNC group compared to the control group; these parameters were significantly improved in the SNC+OUB group, although NUB treatment did not affect these parameters. In vitro, OUBs significantly promoted neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons by activating AKT signaling and SC proliferation by activating ERK1/2 and JNK/c-JUN signaling. OUBs may improve nerve dysfunction in SNC rats by promoting neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons and SC proliferation.
CREBH Regulates Systemic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshimi , Shimano Hitoshi
Published: May 2018

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-responsive element-binding protein H (CREBH, encoded by CREB3L3) is a membrane-bound transcriptional factor that primarily localizes in the liver and small intestine. CREBH governs triglyceride metabolism in the liver, which mediates the changes in gene expression governing fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis, and apolipoproteins related to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activation. CREBH in the small intestine reduces cholesterol transporter gene Npc1l1 and suppresses cholesterol absorption from diet. A deficiency of CREBH in mice leads to severe hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, and atherosclerosis. CREBH, in synergy with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), has a crucial role in upregulating Fgf21 expression, which is implicated in metabolic homeostasis including glucose and lipid metabolism. CREBH binds to and functions as a co-activator for both PPARα and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) in regulating gene expression of lipid metabolism. Therefore, CREBH has a crucial role in glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver and small intestine.
On the Evolution of Specificity in Members of the Yeast Amino Acid Transporter Family as Parts of Specific Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Gournas Christos , Athanasopoulos Alexandros , Sophianopoulou Vicky
Published: May 2018

In the recent years, molecular modeling and substrate docking, coupled with biochemical and genetic analyses have identified the substrate-binding residues of several amino acid transporters of the yeast amino acid transporter (YAT) family. These consist of (a) residues conserved across YATs that interact with the invariable part of amino acid substrates and (b) variable residues that interact with the side chain of the amino acid substrate and thus define specificity. Secondary structure sequence alignments showed that the positions of these residues are conserved across YATs and could thus be used to predict the specificity of YATs. Here, we discuss the potential of combining molecular modeling and structural alignments with intra-species phylogenetic comparisons of transporters, in order to predict the function of uncharacterized members of the family. We additionally define some orphan branches which include transporters with potentially novel, and to be characterized specificities. In addition, we discuss the particular case of the highly specific l-proline transporter, PrnB, of Aspergillus nidulans, whose gene is part of a cluster of genes required for the utilization of proline as a carbon and/or nitrogen source. This clustering correlates with transcriptional regulation of these genes, potentially leading to the efficient coordination of the uptake of externally provided l-Pro via PrnB and its enzymatic degradation in the cell.
Autophagic Regulation of p62 is Critical for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Islam Md. Ariful , Sooro Mopa Alina , Zhang Pinghu
Published: May 2018

Sequestosome1 (p62/SQSTM 1) is a multidomain protein that interacts with the autophagy machinery as a key adaptor of target cargo. It interacts with phagophores through the LC3-interacting (LIR) domain and with the ubiquitinated protein aggregates through the ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA) domain. It sequesters the target cargo into inclusion bodies by its PB1 domain. This protein is further the central hub that interacts with several key signaling proteins. Emerging evidence implicates p62 in the induction of multiple cellular oncogenic transformations. Indeed, p62 upregulation and/or reduced degradation have been implicated in tumor formation, cancer promotion as well as in resistance to therapy. It has been established that the process of autophagy regulates the levels of p62. Autophagy-dependent apoptotic activity of p62 is recently being reported. It is evident that p62 plays a critical role in both autophagy and apoptosis. Therefore in this review we discuss the role of p62 in autophagy, apoptosis and cancer through its different domains and outline the importance of modulating cellular levels of p62 in cancer therapeutics.
High-Temperature Wettability and Interactions between Y-Containing Ni-Based Alloys and Various Oxide Ceramics
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Zhang Huarui , Gao Ming , Li Qingling , Bian Weidong , Tao Tongxiang , Zhang Hu
Published: May 2018

To obtain appropriate crucible materials for vacuum induction melting of MCrAlY alloys, four different oxide ceramics, including MgO, Y2O3, Al2O3, and ZrO2, with various microstructures were designed and characterized. The high-temperature wettability and interactions between Ni-20Co-20Cr-10Al-1.5Y alloys and oxide ceramics were studied by sessile drop experiments under vacuum. The results showed that all the systems exhibited non-wetting behavior. The contact angles were stable during the melting process of alloys and the equilibrium contact angles were 140° (MgO), 148° (Y2O3), 154° (Al2O3), and 157° (ZrO2), respectively. The interfacial reaction between the ceramic substrates and alloys occurred at high temperature. Though the ceramics had different microstructures, similar continuous Y2O3 reaction layer with thicknesses of about 25 μm at the alloy-ceramic interface in MgO, Al2O3, and ZrO2 systems formed. The average area percentage of oxides in the alloy matrices were 0.59% (MgO), 0.11% (Al2O3), 0.09% (ZrO2), and 0.02% (Y2O3), respectively. The alloys, after reacting with MgO ceramic, had the highest inclusion content, while those with the lowest content were in the Y2O3 system. Y2O3 ceramic was the most beneficial for vacuum induction melting of high-purity Y-containing Ni-based alloys.
The Influence of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Gene Polymorphisms on Optimal Warfarin Doses After Heart Valve Replacement
Authors: Tatarūnas Vacis , Lesauskaitė Vaiva , Veikutienė Audronė , Jakuška Povilas , Benetis Rimantas
Published: May 2018

A clinical effect of warfarin depends on highly polymorphic drug-metabolizing (CYP2C9) and drug-target (VKORC1) enzymes. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, and VKORC1 (G-1639A) polymorphisms on the variability of warfarin dosage requirements in Lithuanian patients after heart valve replacement. Materials and Methods. The study included 83 patients with a mean age of 65.2 years (SD, 13.31) after heart valve replacement with an achieved stable international normalized ratio of 2–3.5. The restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to identify polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9. Results. Daily warfarin dosage significantly correlated with weight (r=0.4087) and height (r=0.3883) of the patients. Patients younger than 60 years required significantly higher daily warfarin dosages than older patients. Two-thirds (66.3%) of the patients had the wild-type (WT) CYP2C9* 1/*1 genotype; 38.6% and 54.2% of the patients had WT VKORC1 (G/G) and VKORC1 (G/A) genotypes, respectively. WT CYP2C9*1/*1 genotype was associated with a higher daily warfarin dosage (5.84 mg [SD, 2.84]) as compared to other CYP2C9 genotypes. Carriers of WT VKORC1 (G/G) required a higher warfarin dose as compared to (A/A) carriers (6.20±2.78 mg and 3.75±1.40 mg, respectively; P=0.04). Patients having CYP2C9*1/*1 or 1/*2 in combination with VKORC1 (G/G) or (G/A) genotypes required the highest daily warfarin dosage in comparison to other combinations of genotypes. Conclusions. The Lithuanian study sample is characterized by high a frequency (92.8%) of VKORC1 G/G and G/A genotypes that determines a higher warfarin-loading dose. Analysis of combined CYP2C9 and VKORC1 gene variants allows the prediction of warfarin dosage. These results can be used to individualize treatment with warfarin in the field of heart surgery in Lithuania.
Evaluation of the Quality of Services in Primary Health Care Institutions
Authors: Valius Leonas , Rastenytė Daiva , Malinauskienė Vilija , Krančiukaitė-Butylkinienė Daina
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate patients’ satisfaction with the quality of provided services in private primary health care institutions in Kaunas. Material and Methods. A questionnaire-based inquiry of 280 persons registered to family physicians at primary health care settings was performed. The study was carried out using 20-item anonymous questionnaires with questions about the quality of services provided in primary health care settings. Results. More than 50.0% of the respondents stated that they waited for more than 15 minutes at the physician’s office, while 17.0% of the respondents stated that the waiting time exceeded 30 minutes. More than 25.0% of the respondents positively evaluated the possibility to consult their family physician by phone. In 67.0% of patients, the family physician determined the cause of the disorder and administered treatment; in 32.0% of patients, the family physician referred them to a specialist, and 1.0% of patients were urgently sent to hospital. More than 90.0% of the respondents were satisfied with the services provided by their family physicians. Those who were dissatisfied with these services indicated that the provided treatment failed to eliminate the disorder, that they wanted to be referred to a specialist, and that they expected more diagnostic tests to be performed for more effective treatment. Conclusions. A greater part of the patients indicated that the main reason for long waiting at the physician’s office was physicians’ wish to serve too many patients. More than two-thirds (67.0%) of the patients stated that their family physicians determined the cause of the disorder and prescribed treatment. The overwhelming majority (more than 90.0%) of the patients were satisfied with the services provided by their family physicians.
Arthroscopic Coracoid Transposition for Recurrent Shoulder Anterior Instability. An Operative Technique
Authors: Gudas Rimtautas , Skurvydas Albertas , Streckis Vytautas , Mickevičius Tomas
Published: May 2018

We report a technique of an arthroscopic concomitant Bankart repair with a transfer of the coracoid bone block and conjoint tendons for revision anterior shoulder instability. The operative procedure consists of an arthroscopic transfer of the conjoined tendon with a coracoid and arthroscopic Bankart repair. First, a typical Bankart suture anchor procedure with two suture anchors was performed into the antero-inferior part of the glenoid rim. After, tenodesis of the coraco-biceps tendon was performed in the middle of the subscapularis tendon fixing the coracoid bony fragment into a glenoid socket with a bioabsorbable interference screw. This operative technique is an alternative in the treatment of revision anterior shoulder instability in patients with deficient anterior capsule.
Quality of Obstetric Services: Perspectives of Patients, Obstetricians, and Midwives
Authors: Aniulienė Rosita , Blaževičienė Aurelija , Riklikienė Olga
Published: May 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the perspectives of patients and health care staff on the quality of obstetric services in an obstetric department. Material and Methods. This study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, where 68 obstetricians and midwives and 334 female patients completed anonymous questionnaires. Two different versions of the questionnaire for patients and health care staff were prepared with the aim to compare the results of both groups. Results. Patients evaluated technical quality of services significantly better than health care staff. Other items were showed to have no significant differences with the exception of sterility of equipment and premises and appearance of physicians. Patients and health care staff had similar opinions about professional relationship between patients and physicians: patients can expect representation of their interests and evaluation of treatment progress. Evaluation of external efficiency revealed that respondents were satisfied with health care and would recommend the current health care institution to their friends and relatives or would use it again when needed. Conclusions. Patients evaluated technical quality of services significantly better than health care staff. The different perceptions of patients and health care staff about functional quality and external effectiveness of services in most aspects were insignificant.
Venomous Snakebites
Authors: Adukauskienė Dalia , Varanauskienė Eglė , Adukauskaitė Agnė
Published: May 2018

More than 5 million people are bitten by venomous snakes annually and more than 100 000 of them die. In Europe, one person dies due to envenomation every 3 years. There is only one venomous snake species in Lithuania – the common adder (Vipera berus) – which belongs to the Viperidae family; however, there are some exotic poisonous snakes in the zoos and private collections, such as those belonging to the Elapidae family (cobras, mambas, coral snakes, etc.) and the Crotalidae subfamily of the Viperidae family (pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes). Snake venom can be classified into hemotoxic, neurotoxic, necrotoxic, cardiotoxic, and nephrotoxic according to the different predominant effects depending on the family (i.e., venom of Crotalidae and Viperidae snakes is more hemotoxic and necrotoxic, whereas venom of Elapidae family is mainly neurotoxic). The intoxication degree is estimated according to the appearance of these symptoms: 1) no intoxication (“dry” bite); 2) mild intoxication (local edema and pain); 3) moderate intoxication (pain, edema spreading out of the bite zone, and systemic signs); 4) severe intoxication (shock, severe coagulopathy, and massive edemas). This topic is relevant because people tend to make major mistakes providing first aid (e.g., mouth suction, wound incision, and application of ice or heat). Therefore, this article presents the essential tips on how first aid should be performed properly according to the “Guidelines for the Management of Snake-Bites” by the World Health Organization (2010). Firstly, the victim should be reassured. Rings or other things must be removed preventing constriction of the swelling limb. Airway/breathing must be maintained. The bitten limb should be immobilized and kept below heart level to prevent venom absorption and systemic spread. Usage of pressure bandage is controversial since people usually apply it improperly. Incision, mouth suction, or excision should not be performed; neither a tourniquet nor ice or heat should be applied. A doctor must monitor respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, renal function, fluid balance, and coagulation status. The only specific treatment method is antivenin – serum with antibodies against antigens of snake venom. Antivenins against pit vipers used in the United States are Antivenin Crotalidae Polyvalent (ACP) and a more purified and hence causing less adverse reactions – Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (CroFab). In Europe, a polyvalent antiserum against Viperidae family snakes (including the common adder) can be used. Antivenins often may cause severe hypersensitivity reactions because of their protein nature. The bite of the common adder (the only poisonous snake in such countries as Lithuania and Great Britain) relatively rarely results in death; thus, considering the risk of dangerous reactions the antivenin causes itself, the usage of it is recommended to be limited only to life-threatening conditions.
Trends in Avoidable Mortality in Lithuania During 2001–2008 and Their Impact on Life Expectancy
Authors: Grabauskas Vilius , Gaižauskienė Aldona , Sauliūnė Skirmantė , Mišeikytė Rasa
Published: May 2018

The process of the restructuring of health care system in Lithuania demonstrates the need to continue the monitoring of changes in avoidable mortality. Objective. To assess the level of avoidable mortality as well as its changes over time in Lithuania during 2001–2008 and to define the impact of avoidable mortality on life expectancy. Material and Methods. The mortality data were taken from the Lithuanian Department of Statistics. Twelve avoidable causes of deaths (treatable and preventable) were analyzed. Mortality trends were assessed by computing the average annual percent change (AAPC). The shortening of average life expectancy was computed from survival tables. Results. During the period 2001–2008, the avoidable mortality was increasing more significantly (AAPC 3.0%, P<0.05) than the overall mortality (AAPC 1.7%, P<0.05) in the population aged 5–64 years. The increasing trend was mainly determined by mortality from preventable diseases (AAPC 4.6%, P<0.05). The avoidable causes of death reduced the life expectancy by 1.77 years (preventable by 1.12 and treatable by 0.63 years). Diversity in trends in mortality of different avoidable causes was disclosed. A declining trend in mortality caused by chronic rheumatic heart disease and lung cancer was observed for males (AAPC –22.6% and –2.1%, respectively; P<0.05). However, the mortality caused by liver cirrhosis was increasing for both genders (AAPC 16.1% for males and 17.6% for females, P<0.01) and that caused by tuberculosis – only for females (AAPC 7.8%, P<0.05). Conclusions. An increasing trend in avoidable mortality was observed. Deaths caused by the diseases that could have been prevented had the greatest impact on the increasing mortality and decreasing life expectancy.
Targeted Therapy in Patients With Non–small Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Chemotherapy
Authors: Drobnienė Monika , Cicėnienė Audronė , Želvienė Teresė , Grigienė Rūta , Lachej Nadežda , Steponavičienė Laura , Aleknavičius Eduardas
Published: May 2018

A case of successful and prolonged treatment of metastatic non–small cell lung cancer with the epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist erlotinib is presented. A never-smoker female was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in December 2005. A chest CT scan showed soft tissue mass 35×34 mm in size in the right lung with metastases in the lymph nodes and in the left lung. A biopsy revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The disease showed poor response to the first-line and second-line chemotherapy. Targeted therapy with erlotinib was started in February 2007. The most severe adverse event observed was grade 3 skin rash. The disease was stable until February 2009 when brain metastases were detected. Erlotinib was continued until May 2009 when disease progression in the lungs was confi rmed. The patient died due to ongoing disease progression in December 2009. Retrospective genetic analysis of a tumor specimen was performed, and no mutations in EGFR exons 18–21 were detected. The patient had a significant clinical benefit for the period of 24 months. These results are consistent with previous reports in literature that clinical characteristics such as female gender, nonsmoker, adenocarcinoma histology, and severe cutaneous toxicity seem to predict good response to erlotinib. In the present case, erlotinib proved to be effective even in heavily pretreated, chemotherapy- resistant lung adenocarcinoma. So far, no exact predictive biomarkers of erlotinib effectiveness have been determined; and their further analyses are essential.
Stroke Mortality Trends in the Population of Klaipėda From 1994 to 2008
Authors: Kazlauskas Henrikas , Raškauskienė Nijolė , Radžiuvienė Rima , Janušonis Vinsas
Published: May 2018

The objective of the study was to evaluate the trends in stroke mortality in the population of Klaipėda aged 35–79 years from 1994 to 2008. Material and Methods. Mortality data on all permanent residents of Klaipėda aged 35–79 years who died from stroke in 1994–2008 were gathered for the study. All death certificates of permanent residents of Klaipėda aged 35–79 years who died during 1994–2008 were examined in this study. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 codes 430–436, and ICD-10 codes I60–I64) was used. Sex-specific mortality rates were standardized according to the Segi’s world population; all the mortality rates were calculated per 100 000 population per year. Trends in stroke mortality were estimated using log-linear regression models. Sex-specific mortality rates and trends were calculated for 3 age groups (35–79, 35–64, and 65–79 years). Results. During the entire study period (1994–2008), a marked decline in stroke mortality with a clear slowdown after 2002 was observed. The average annual percent changes in mortality rates for men and women aged 35–79 years were –4.6% (P=0.041) and –6.5% (P=0.002), respectively. From 1994 to 2002, the stroke mortality rate decreased consistently among both Klaipėda men and women aged 35–64 years (20.4% per year, P=0.002, and 14.7% per year, P=0.006, respectively) and in the elderly population aged 65–79 years (13.8% per year, P=0.005; and 12% per year, P=0.019). During 2003–2008, stroke mortality increased by 16.3% per year in middle-aged men (35–64 years), whereas among women (aged 35–64 and 65–79 years) and elderly men (aged 65–79 years), the age-adjusted mortality rate remained relatively unchanged. Conclusions. Among both men and women, the mortality rates from stroke sharply declined between 1994 and 2008 with a clear slowdown in the decline after 2002. Stroke mortality increased significantly among middle-aged men from 2003, while it remained without significant changes among women of the same age and both elderly men and women.
Are Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents Better in Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease? Three-Year Clinical and Intravascular Imaging Results From a Randomized Study
Authors: Narbute Inga , Jegere Sanda , Kumsars Indulis , Mintale Iveta , Zakke Ilja , Bumeistere Kristine , Sondore Dace , Grave Alona , Erglis Andrejs
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective. Recent publications have demonstrated superior outcomes in unprotected left main patients after paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) implantation. Long-term data in these patients are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate if intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PES implantation is superior to bare metal stent (BMS) implantation in unprotected left main disease after lesion pretreatment with cutting balloon during long-term follow-up. Material and Methods. Unprotected left main patients were randomized to BMS (n=50) or PES implantation (n=53). All interventions were IVUS-guided and cutting balloon pretreatment before stenting was performed in all patients. All patients were scheduled for 6-month and 3-year follow-up. Subgroups of patients who underwend IVUS and OCT imaging at 3-year follow-up were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) defined as death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization. Results. Baseline characteristics were similar in both the groups with a mean SYNTAX score of 31.4±14.5 in BMS and 32.6±11.7 in PES patients (P=0.718). At 3 years, MACEs occurred in 18 patients (36.0%) in the BMS and 7 patients (13.2%) in the PES group (P=0.011). By IVUS, percent neointimal volume obstruction at 3 years was reduced from 18.1%±8.7% with BMSs to 10.0%±5.4% with PESs (P<0.001). The total number of uncovered stent struts per OCT image and IVUS image was 0.4±0.8 and 1.2±1.5, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions. The current study demonstrated that IVUS-guided PES implantation was superior to BMS implantation after cutting balloon pretreatment in unprotected left main disease at 3 years. If compared with IVUS, OCT was more precise in the assessment of stent endothelization.
Recovery of Infarcted Myocardium in an In Vivo Experiment
Authors: Širmenis Raimondas , Kraniauskas Antanas , Jarašienė Rasa , Baltriukienė Daiva , Kalvelytė Audronė , Bukelskienė Virginija
Published: May 2018

Acute myocardial infarction leads to the loss of functional cardiomyocytes and structural integrity. The adult heart cannot repair the damaged tissue due to inability of mature cardiomyocytes to divide and lack of stem cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of introduced autologous skeletal musclederived stem cells to recover the function of acutely infarcted rabbit heart in the early postoperative period. Material and Methods. As a model for myocardium restoration in vivo, experimental rabbit heart infarct was used. Autologic adult myogenic stem cells were isolated from skeletal muscle and propagated in culture. Before transplantation, the cells were labeled with 4´,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and then, during heart surgery, introduced into the rabbit acutely infarcted myocardium. Postoperative cardiac function was monitored by recording electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. At the end of the experiment, the efficiency of cell integration was evaluated histologically. Results. Rabbit cardiac function recovered after 1 month after the induction of experimental infarction both in the control and experimental groups. Therefore, the first month after the infarction was the most significant for the assessment of cell transplantation efficacy. Transplanted cell integration into infarcted myocardium was time- and individual-dependent. Evaluation of changes in left ventricular ejection fraction after the induction of myocardial infarction revealed better recovery in the experimental group; however, the difference among animals in the experimental and control groups varied and was not significant. Conclusions. Autologous myogenic stem cells repopulated infarcted myocardium with different efficiency in each individual. This variability may account for the observed difference in postoperative cardiac recovery in a rabbit model.
Comparison of the Properties of Brand-Name and Generic Nadifloxacin Creams
Authors: Inoue Yutaka , Matsumoto Miruto , Kimura Masayuki , Tanaka Toru , Kanamoto Ikuo
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective. In external preparations, types and ratios of additives are not necessarily the same for brand-name drugs and generic drugs. Thus, the physicochemical properties of preparations may differ despite the fact that they contain the same ingredients or additives. This study examined differences in brand-name and generic versions of nadifloxacin (NFX) creams. Material and Methods. Three types of NFX creams (NFX-A, NFX-B, and NFX-C) were used. The viscosity of each preparation was determined, its yield value was calculated, and each preparation was subjected to light microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction, and near-infrared absorption spectroscopy. Results. Comparison of viscosity of different preparations revealed that NFX-B had a lower viscosity than NFX-A and NFX-C (14.5 vs. 24.6 and 17.9 Pa·s). NFX-B also had a lower yield value than NFX-A and NFX-C. Microscopy revealed that NFX-A and NFX-B had satisfactory emulsification although crystallization was observed with NFX-C. Near-infrared absorption spectroscopy revealed changes in the absorption spectra of NFX-B in comparison with those of NFX-A and NFX-C that were due to differences in water content and differences in fat and oil content. Conclusions. These findings confirmed that there were differences in the viscosity and flattening of NFX-A, NFX-B, and NFX-C. In addition, microscopy revealed differences in emulsification and it revealed the precipitation of NFX crystals in NFX-C. Near-infrared absorption spectroscopy revealed that differences in the type and amount of additives and water content in the creams had contributed to differences in the preparations.
Carcinoma of Two Parathyroid Glands Caused by a Novel MEN1 Gene Mutation – a Rare Feature of the MEN 1 Syndrome
Authors: Juodelė Linas , Serapinas Danielius , Sabaliauskas Gintaras , Krasauskienė Aurelija , Krasauskas Virgilijus , Verkauskienė Rasa , Barkauskienė Diana , Juozaitytė Elona
Published: May 2018

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is a rare syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, characterized by combinations of tumors of the parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, and pancreatic islet cells and more rare tumors of endocrine organs and nonendocrine tissues. Germline mutations in the MEN1 gene are responsible for the MEN 1 syndrome, leading to an inactive form of menin protein. Benign lesions of the parathyroid glands are characteristic in patients with the MEN 1 syndrome; however, patients can develop parathyroid carcinomas very rarely. This report presents a clinical case of the MEN 1 syndrome: a 39-year-old woman underwent surgery for carcinoma of two parathyroid glands as well as was treated for pituitary prolactinoma, which caused infertility, and malignant insulinoma; the patient had multiple subcutaneous lipomas as well. Genetic analysis revealed a novel germline mutation in the MEN1 gene – a nucleotide insertion at codon 43 in exon 2 (c.129insA), which caused the occurrence of the MEN1 syndrome. The clinical case of the MEN 1 syndrome presented here is relevant in gathering the data on etiopathogenesis of not only MEN 1 syndrome, but an extremely rare pathology – parathyroid carcinoma – as well.
A Handy Liquid Metal Based Non-Invasive Electrophoretic Particle Microtrap
Authors: Tian Lu , Zhang Lunjia , Gao Meng , Deng Zhongshan , Gui Lin
Published: May 2018

A handy liquid metal based non-invasive particle microtrap was proposed and demonstrated in this work. This kind of microtrap can be easily designed and fabricated at any location of a microfluidic chip to perform precise particle trapping and releasing without disturbing the microchannel itself. The microsystem demonstrated in this work utilized silicon oil as the continuous phase and fluorescent particles (PE-Cy5, SPHEROTM Fluorescent Particles, BioLegend, San Diego, CA, USA, 10.5 μm) as the target particles. To perform the particle trapping, the micro system utilized liquid-metal-filled microchannels as noncontact electrodes to generate different patterns of electric field inside the fluid channel. According to the experimental results, the target particle can be selectively trapped and released by switching the electric field patterns. For a better understanding the control mechanism, a numerical simulation of the electric field was performed to explain the trapping mechanism. In order to verify the model, additional experiments were performed and are discussed.
Continuous-Flow Cell Dipping and Medium Exchange in a Microdevice using Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Alhammadi Falah , Waheed Waqas , El-Khasawneh Bashar , Alazzam Anas
Published: May 2018

Medium exchange is the process of changing the suspension medium of cells/particles, and has applications in washing, surface modifications, nutrient replenishment, or simply changing the environment of the target entities. Dipping involves diverting the path of target cells in the carrying fluid to immerse them in another fluid for a short duration, and pushing them again into the original medium. In this paper, a simple microfluidic platform is introduced that employs dielectrophoresis to achieve medium exchange and dipping of micro-objects in a continuous manner. The essential feature of the platform is a microchannel that includes two arrays of microelectrodes that partly enter the bottom surface from both sides. In the first step, numerous finite element-based parametric studies are carried out to obtain the optimized geometrical and operational parameters ensuring successful dipping and medium exchange processes. The results of those studies are utilized to fabricate the platform using standard photolithography techniques. The electrodes are patterned on a glass substrate, while the channel, made out of polydimethylsiloxane, is bonded on top of the glass. Trajectories of blood cells from numerical studies and experimentations are reported, and both results exhibited close agreement.
An Estimate of the Pixel-Level Connection between Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band (VIIRS DNB) Nighttime Lights and Land Features across China
Authors: Ma Ting
Published: May 2018

Satellite-derived nighttime light images are increasingly used for various studies in relation to demographic, socioeconomic and urbanization dynamics because of the salient relationships between anthropogenic lighting signals at night and statistical variables at multiple scales. Owing to a higher spatial resolution and fewer over-glow and saturation effects, the new generation of nighttime light data derived from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB), which is located on board the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP) satellite, is expected to facilitate the performance of nocturnal luminosity-based investigations of human activity in a spatially explicit manner. In spite of the importance of the spatial connection between the VIIRS DNB nighttime light radiance (NTL) and the land surface type at a fine scale, the crucial role of NTL-based investigations of human settlements is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the pixel-level relationship between the VIIRS DNB-derived NTL, a Landsat-derived land-use/land-cover dataset, and the map of point of interest (POI) density over China, especially with respect to the identification of artificial surfaces in urban land. Our estimates suggest that notable differences in the NTL between urban (man-made) surfaces and other types of land surfaces likely allow us to spatially identify most of the urban pixels with relatively high radiance values in VIIRS DNB images. Our results also suggest that current nighttime light data have a limited capability for detecting rural residential areas and explaining pixel-level variations in the POI density at a large scale. Moreover, the impact of non-man-made surfaces on the partitioned results appears inevitable because of the spatial heterogeneity of human settlements and the nature of remotely sensed nighttime light data. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-based analysis, we obtained optimal thresholds of the nighttime light radiance, by equally weighting the sensitivity and specificity of the identification results, for extracting the nationwide distribution of lighted urban man-made pixels from the 2015 annual composite of VIIRS DNB data. Our findings can provide the basic knowledge needed for the further application of current nighttime light data to investigate spatiotemporal patterns in human settlements.
Estimation of Surface Duct Using Ground-Based GPS Phase Delay and Propagation Loss
Authors: Liao Qixiang , Sheng Zheng , Shi Hanqing , Xiang Jie , Yu Hong
Published: May 2018

The propagation of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals at low-elevation angles is significantly affected by a surface duct. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm known as NSSAGA, in which simulated annealing (SA) is combined with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). Matched-field processing was used to remotely sense the refractivity structure by using the data of ground-based GPS phase delay and propagation loss from multiple antenna heights. The performance was checked by simulation data with and without noise. In comparison with NSGA-II, the new hybrid algorithm retrieved the refractivity structure more efficiently under various noise conditions. We then modified the objective function and found that matched-field processing is more effective than the conventional least-squares method for inferring the refractivity parameters. Comparing the inversion results and in situ sounding data suggests that the improved method presented herein can capture refractivity characteristics in realistic environments.
Crowdfunding as an Alternative Means for Funding Sustainable Appropriate Technology: Acceptance Determinants of Backers
Authors: Moon Younghwan , Hwang Junseok
Published: May 2018

The research and development as well as the propagation of sustainable, appropriate technology requires the availability of stable funding. Crowdfunding is a form of funding whereby small sums of investments or contributions are collected from the general public and used to finance the development of goods or services. This method has been widely used in the arts and cultural fields and presents a useful alternative means by which to fund appropriate technology projects. The aim of this study is to identify the factors that influence backers who participate in appropriate technology projects through crowdfunding platforms, analyze the connections among these factors, and thereby establish the usefulness of crowdfunding as a viable new funding alternative. Results indicate that the key factors influencing user intention to crowdfund appropriate technology projects include social influence, effort expectancy, and perceived trust. In comparison to the findings of previous studies, performance expectancy was not found to have a significant effect. When compared to crowdfunding conducted in other fields, these results suggest that crowdfunding for appropriate technology is closer in nature to donations. Accordingly, for funding of these projects to be successful, aggressive online exposure using the social network service (SNS) of backers should be pursued from the earliest stages of funding.
Sustainable Rural Development in Northern China: Caught in a Vice between Poverty, Urban Attractions, and Migration
Authors: Tianming GAO , Ivolga Anna , Erokhin Vasilii
Published: May 2018

For a long time, the majority of China, which has the world’s largest population, has been immobile and lived in rural areas. However, over recent decades, with the economic rise of China, rural labor has demonstrated a trend of moving to rapidly industrializing regions in search of higher income and better employment opportunities. Along with the labor cutback, out-migration introduces negatives to the sustainable development of rural areas, i.e., depopulation, the abandonment of rural settlements and agricultural lands, and the aging of the population, among others. Due to the threats of labor outflow to sustainability, studying the causes of China’s rural out-migration can reveal lessons on how state policies can be designed to reduce the negative impacts of out-migration on rural communities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major causes of migration movements among the rural areas of northern China that are considered to be the best-performing among the provinces of the country in terms of rural development, agricultural production, and the wealth of rural dwellers. A two-stage survey of a panel of experts involved: (1) respondents representing government officials and universities of the Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and (2) regional and district levels of administration, and research and public establishments of Heilongjiang Province. In stage three, drawing on the authors’ own survey of 128 rural households in three counties of Heilongjiang Province, the major migration drivers have been identified, and the portfolio of a typical rural migrant has been developed. Some of the key findings are that migration intentions are fueled by the rural–urban income gap, poverty, a reduction of demand for labor in rural areas, underdeveloped infrastructure, the low quality of social services in rural settlements, and the low social standing of rural dwellers. The approach allows monitoring the dynamics of migration attitudes as responses to the policy interventions that are aimed at the sustainable development of rural areas.
Volunteer Tourism as a Sustainable Form of Tourism—The Case of Organized Events
Authors: Pompurová Kristína , Marčeková Radka , Šebová Ľubica , Sokolová Jana , Žofaj Matej
Published: May 2018

This paper focuses on volunteer tourism as a sustainable form of tourism relating to the volunteer service at a tourism destination and specific tourism activities. The aim of the paper is to explore volunteer tourism in Slovakia with examples of organized events, especially to search exactly how event’s organizers support the development of domestic and inbound volunteer tourism in Slovakia. This paper is based on a sociological survey. We addressed 653 heterogeneous event’s organizers in Slovakia. 18% of them participated in the questionnaire survey. The collected data were processed by selected mathematical and statistical methods in SPSS statistics program. As such, we found most events organizers team up with volunteers. Only half of the organizers cooperate with local volunteers, while the second half also support the development of volunteer tourism engaging in voluntourism. In the case of attractive events, the engagement of voluntourists could be more effective. The current situation has resulted from missing information about the management of volunteers but it could be improved through an e-manual for event organizers providing an outline guide for volunteer management.
“What Kind of a Science is Sustainability Science?” An Evidence-Based Reexamination
Authors: Fang Xuening , Zhou Bingbing , Tu Xingyue , Ma Qun , Wu Jianguo
Published: May 2018

Sustainability science (SS), rooted in multiple disciplines, has been developing rapidly during the last two decades and become a well-recognized new field of study. However, the “identity” of SS remains unclear. Therefore, this study was intended to help synthesize the key characteristics of SS by revisiting the question raised by the leading sustainability scientist, Robert Kates (2011): “What kind of a science is sustainability science?” Specifically, we reviewed the literature in SS, and developed a synthesis of definitions and core research questions of SS, using multiple methods including change-point detection, word cloud visualization, and content and thematic analyses. Our study has produced several main findings: (1) the development of SS exhibited an S-shaped growth pattern, with an exponential growth phase through to 2012, and a asymptotic development phase afterwards; (2) ten key elements from the existing definitions of SS were identified, of which understanding “human–environment interactions” and “use-inspired” were most prominent; and (3) sixteen core questions in SS were derived from the literature. We further proposed an eight-theme framework of SS to help understand how the sixteen questions are related to each other. We argue that SS is coming of age, but more integrative and concerted efforts are still needed to further consolidate its identity by developing a coherent and rigorous scientific core.