bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnitude of Neural Tube Defects and Associated Risk Factors at Three Teaching Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gedefaw Abel , Teklu Sisay , Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun
Published: March 2018

There is scarcity of data on prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in lower-income countries. Local data are important to understand the real burden of the problem and explore risk factors to design and implement preventive approaches. This study aimed to determine prevalence and risk factors of NTDs. A hospital-based cross-sectional and unmatched case-control study was conducted at three teaching hospitals of Addis Ababa University. NTDs were defined as cases of anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele based on ICD-10 criteria. The prevalence of NTDs was calculated per 10,000 births for both birth and total prevalence. During seven months, we observed 55 cases of NTDs out of 8677 births after 28 weeks of gestation—birth prevalence of 63.4 per 10,000 births (95% confidence interval (CI), 51–77). A total of 115 cases were medically terminated after 12 weeks of gestation. Fifty-six of these terminations (48.7%) were due to NTDs. Thus, total prevalence of NTDs after 12 weeks’ gestation is 126 per 10,000 births (95% CI, 100–150). Planned pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.92), male sex (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33–0.94), normal or underweight body mass index (aOR, 0.49; 95%, 0.29–0.95), and taking folic acid or multivitamins during first trimester (aOR, 0.47; 95%, 0.23–0.95) were protective of NTDs. However, annual cash family income less than $1,300 USD (aOR, 2.5; 95%, 1.2–5.5), $1,300–1,800 USD (aOR, 2.8; 95%, 1.3–5.8), and $1,801–2,700 USD (aOR, 2.6; 95%, 1.2–5.8) was found to be risk factors compared to income greater than $2,700 USD. The prevalence of NTDs was found to be high in this setting. Comprehensive preventive strategies focused on identified risk factors should be urgently established. More studies on prevention strategies, including folic acid supplementations, should be conducted in the setting.
Cryptanalysis of Compact-LWE and Related Lightweight Public Key Encryption
Authors: Xiao Dianyan , Yu Yang
Published: March 2018

In the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), lightweight public key cryptography plays an essential role in security and privacy protection. With the approach of quantum computing era, it is important to design and evaluate lightweight quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms applicable to IoT. LWE-based cryptography is a widely used and well-studied family of postquantum cryptographic constructions whose hardness is based on worst-case lattice problems. To make LWE friendly to resource-constrained IoT devices, a variant of LWE, named Compact-LWE, was proposed and used to design lightweight cryptographic schemes. In this paper, we study the so-called Compact-LWE problem and clarify that under certain parameter settings it can be solved in polynomial time. As a consequence, our result leads to a practical attack against an instantiated scheme based on Compact-LWE proposed by Liu et al. in 2017.
Efficient Numerical Methods for Analysis of Square Ratio ofκ-μandη-μRandom Processes with Their Applications in Telecommunications
Authors: Milovanović Gradimir V. , Suljović Suad , Panić Stefan R. , Kalčo Ismet , Stefanović Mihajlo Č.
Published: March 2018

We will provide statistical analysis of the square ratio ofκ-μandη-μrandom processes and its application in the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) based performance analysis of wireless transmission subjected to the influence of multipath fading, modelled byκ-μfading model, and undesired occurrence of co-channel interference (CCI), distributed asη-μrandom process. First contribution of the paper is deriving exact closed expressions for the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of square ratio ofκ-μandη-μrandom processes. Further, a verification of accuracy of these PDF and CDF expressions was given by comparison with the corresponding approximations obtained by the high-precision quadrature formulas of Gaussian type with respect to the weight functions on(0,+∞). The computational procedure of such quadrature rules is provided by using the constructive theory of orthogonal polynomials and theMATHEMATICApackageOrthogonalPolynomialscreated by Cvetković and Milovanović (2004). Capitalizing on obtained expression, important wireless performance criteria, namely, outage probability (OP), have been obtained, as functions of transmission parameters. Also, possible performance improvement is observed through a glance at SC (selection combining) reception employment based on obtained expressions.
Analytic Morrey Spaces and Bloch-Type Spaces
Authors: Samuel Ofori , Wang Jianfei , Zhao Yile
Published: March 2018

This paper is devoted to characterizing the boundedness of the Riemann-Stieltjes operators from analytic Morrey spaces to Bloch-type spaces. Moreover, the boundedness of the superposition operator and weighted composition operator on analytic Morrey spaces is discussed, respectively.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Is Required for MMP-2 Function in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Implications for Cytoskeleton Assembly and Proliferation
Authors: Sassoli Chiara , Pierucci Federica , Tani Alessia , Frati Alessia , Chellini Flaminia , Matteini Francesca , Vestri Ambra , Anderloni Giulia , Nosi Daniele , Zecchi-Orlandini Sandra , Meacci Elisabetta
Published: March 2018

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell- (BM-MSC-) based therapy is a promising option for regenerative medicine. An important role in the control of the processes influencing the BM-MSC therapeutic efficacy, namely, extracellular matrix remodelling and proliferation and secretion ability, is played by matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2. Therefore, the identification of paracrine/autocrine regulators of MMP-2 function may be of great relevance for improving BM-MSC therapeutic potential. We recently reported that BM-MSCs release the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and, here, we demonstrated an impairment of MMP-2 expression/release when the S1P receptor subtype S1PR1 is blocked. Notably, active S1PR1/MMP-2 signalling is required for F-actin structure assembly (lamellipodia, microspikes, and stress fibers) and, in turn, cell proliferation. Moreover, in experimental conditions resembling the damaged/regenerating tissue microenvironment (hypoxia), S1P/S1PR1 system is also required for HIF-1α expression and vinculin reduction. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the trophic role of S1P/S1PR1 signalling in maintaining BM-MSCs’ ability to modulate MMP-2 function, necessary for cytoskeleton reorganization and cell proliferation in both normoxia and hypoxia. Altogether, these data provide new perspectives for considering S1P/S1PR1 signalling a pharmacological target to preserve BM-MSC properties and to potentiate their beneficial potential in tissue repair.
Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia and Pure Red Cell Aplasia in Thymoma
Authors: Dahal Sumit , Sharma Eliza , Dahal Suyash , Shrestha Binav , Bhattarai Bikash
Published: March 2018

Association of thymoma with myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, and aplastic anemia is well documented. However, thymoma complicated by acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AAMT) is rarely reported. Here, we present a case of a 60-year-old male with past medical history of recurrent invasive thymoma who presented with cough and blood in sputum. He was found to have severe normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia that did not improve with intravenous steroids or multiple transfusions of red cells and platelets. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy showed severely depleted megakaryocytes and erythroid precursor cells with relative myeloid hyperplasia suggestive of amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and red cell aplasia. He was started on oral cyclosporine but subsequently developed leukopenia and refused any further treatment or diagnostic procedures and left the hospital against medical advice. AAMT, thus, may be a very early presentation of impending aplastic anemia, and treating physicians need to be aware of this entity.
A Case of Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumor of the Pineal Region: Risks and Advantages of Biopsy by Endoscopic Approach
Authors: Dobran Mauro , Nasi Davide , Mancini Fabrizio , Gladi Maurizio , Scerrati Massimo
Published: March 2018

A 21-year-old male was admitted to our department with headache and drowsiness. CT scan and MRI revealed acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal region mass. The serum and CSF levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) were 215 IU/L and 447 IU/L, respectively, while levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal. A germ cell tumor (GCT) was suspected, and the patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with biopsy. After four days from surgery, the tumor bled with mass expansion and ETV stoma occlusion; thus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was positioned. After ten months, the tumor metastasized to the thorax and abdomen with progression of intracerebral tumor mass. Despite the aggressive nature of this tumor, ETV remains a valid approach for a pineal region mass, but in case of GCT, the risk of bleeding should be taken into account, during and after the surgical procedure.
Impact of Redox Condition on Fractionation and Bioaccessibility of Arsenic in Arsenic-Contaminated Soils Remediated by Iron Amendments: A Long-Term Experiment
Authors: Zhang Quan , Pei Lixin , Liu Chunyan , Han Mei , Wang Wenzhong
Published: March 2018

Iron-bearing amendments, such as iron grit, are proved to be effective amendments for the remediation of arsenic- (As-) contaminated soils. In present study, the effect of redox condition on As fractions in As-contaminated soils remediated by iron grit was investigated, and the bioaccessibility of As in soils under anoxic condition was evaluated. Results showed that the labile fractions of As in soils decreased significantly after the addition of iron grit, while the unlabile fractions of As increased rapidly, and the bioaccessibility of As was negligible after 180 d incubation. More labile fractions of As in iron-amended soils were transformed into less mobilizable or unlabile fractions with the contact time. Correspondingly, the bioaccessibility of As in iron-amended soils under the aerobic condition was lower than that under the anoxic condition after 180 d incubation. The redistribution of loosely adsorbed fraction of As in soils occurred under the anoxic condition, which is likely ascribed to the reduction of As(V) to As(III) and the reductive dissolution of Fe-(hydr)oxides. The stabilization processes of As in iron-amended soils under the anoxic and aerobic conditions were characterized by two stages. The increase of crystallization of Fe oxides, decomposition of organic matter, molecular diffusion, and the occlusion within Fe-(hydr)oxides cocontrolled the transformation of As fractions and the stabilization process of As in iron-amended soils under different redox conditions. In terms of As bioaccessibility, the stabilization process of As in iron-amended soils was shortened under the aerobic condition in comparison with the anoxic condition.
Elevated Serum IL-17 Expression at Cessation Associated with Graves’ Disease Relapse
Authors: Li Jianhui , Sun Xiaohua , Yao Danzhen , Xia Jinying
Published: March 2018

Background. Antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment occupies the cornerstone therapeutic modality of Graves’ disease (GD) with a high relapse rate after discontinuation. This study aimed to assess potential risk factors for GD relapse especially serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) expression. Methods. Consecutive newly diagnosed GD patients who were scheduled to undergo ATD therapy from May 2011 to May 2014 were prospectively enrolled. Risk factors for GD relapse were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. The association between serum IL-17 expression at cessation and GD relapse was analyzed with relapse-free survival (RFS) by the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test. Results. Of the 117 patients, 72 (61.5%) maintained a remission for 12 months after ATD withdrawal and 45 (38.5%) demonstrated GD relapse. The final multivariate Cox analysis indicated elevated IL-17 expression at cessation to be an independent risk factor for GD relapse within 12 months after ATD withdrawal (HR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.14–7.67, p=0.021). Patients with higher expressions of IL-17 (≥median value) at cessation demonstrated a significantly higher RFS than those with lower levels by the Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test (p=0.028). Conclusions. This present study indicated elevated serum IL-17 expression at cessation to be a predictor for GD relapse within 12 months.
A Novel CACNA1A Nonsense Variant [c.4054C>T (p.Arg1352⁎)] Causing Episodic Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Lance Sean , Mossman Stuart , Poke Gemma
Published: March 2018

Episodic ataxia is a heterogenous group of uncommon neurological disorders characterised by recurrent episodes of vertigo, dysarthria, and ataxia for which a variety of different genetic variations have been implicated. Episodic ataxia type two (EA2) is the most common and also has the largest number of identified causative genetic variants. Treatment with acetazolamide is effective in improving symptoms, so accurate diagnosis is essential. However, a large proportion of patients with EA2 have negative genetic testing. We present a patient with a typical history of EA2 who had a novel variant in the CACNA1A gene not previously described. Report of such variations is important in learning more about the disease and improving diagnostic yield for the patient.
The Spatiotemporal Variations of Runoff in the Yangtze River Basin under Climate Change
Authors: Xiao Ziwei , Shi Peng , Jiang Peng , Hu Jianwei , Qu Simin , Chen Xingyu , Chen Yingbing , Dai Yunqiu , Wang Jianjin
Published: March 2018

A better understanding of the runoff variations contributes to a better utilization of water resources and water conservancy planning. In this paper, we analyzed the runoff changes in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) including the spatiotemporal characteristics of intra-annual variation, the trend, the mutation point, and the period of annual runoff using various statistical methods. We also investigated how changes in the precipitation and temperature could impact on runoff. We found that the intra-annual runoff shows a decreasing trend from 1954 to 2008 and from upper stream to lower stream. On the annual runoff sequence, the upstream runoff has a high consistency and shows an increasing diversity from upper stream to lower stream. The mutation points of the annual runoff in the YRB are years 1961 and 2004. Annual runoff presents multitime scales for dry and abundance changes. Hurst values show that the runoffs at the main control stations all have Hurst phenomenon (the persistence of annual runoff). The sensitivity analyses of runoff variation to precipitation and temperature were also conducted. Our results show that the response of runoff to precipitation is more sensitive than that to temperature. The response of runoff to temperature is only one-third of the response to precipitation. A decrease in temperature may offset the impact of decreasing rainfall on runoff, while an increase in both rainfall and temperature leads to strongest runoff variations in the YRB.
The Therapeutic Effects after Transplantation of Whole-Layer Olfactory Mucosa in Rats with Optic Nerve Injury
Authors: Gong Shun , Jin Hai , Zhang Danfeng , Zou Wei , Wang Chunhui , Li Zhenxing , Chen Rongbin , Dong Yan , Hou Lijun
Published: March 2018

Background. Existing evidence suggests the potential therapy of transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) either alone or in combination with neurotrophic factors or other cell types in optic nerve injury (ONI). However, clinical use of autologous OEC in the acute stages of ONI is not possible. On the other hand, acute application of heterologous transplantation may bring the issue of immune rejection. The olfactory mucosa (OM) with OEC in the lamina propria layer is located in the upper region of the nasal cavity and is easy to dissect under nasal endoscopy, which makes it a candidate as autograft material in acute stages of ONI. To investigate the potential of the OM on the protection of injured neurons and on the promotion of axonal regeneration, we developed a transplantation of syngenic OM in rats with ONI model. Methods. After the right optic nerve was crushed in Lewis rats, pieces of syngenic whole-layer OM were transplanted into the lesion. Rats undergoing phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection were used as negative controls (NC). The authors evaluated the regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after transplantation. Obtained retinas and optic nerves were analyzed histologically. Results. Transplantations of OM significantly promoted the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axonal growth of RGCs compared with PBS alone. Moreover, OM group was associated with higher expression of GAP-43 in comparison with the PBS group. In addition to the potential effects on RGCs, transplantations of OM significantly decreased the expression of GFAP in the retinas, suggesting inhibiting astrocyte activation. Conclusions. Transplantation of whole-layer OM in rats contributes to the neuronal survival and axon regeneration after ONI.
Efficacy of Osthole in Management of Hypoperfused Retina
Authors: Du Ran , Meng Zhao-yang , Wang Jia-lin , Wang Yan-ling
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To determine the effect of osthole on the retina in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rat model and to investigate its therapeutic activity. Methods. Seventy-two rats were randomly allocated into 6 groups. CCH was induced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in five groups. Sham surgery was performed without occlusion of the artery in the sixth group (control group). Animals were administered with saline (model group), osthole (osthole-IG group), aspirin (aspirin group), or ginaton (ginaton group); the osthole-PI group was performed with peribulbar injection of osthole. Four rats in each group were sacrificed every 5 days after drug administration, and histopathology along with morphology of retina were observed. Fundus fluorescein angiography was performed before the animals were sacrificed at day 15. Retinal Akt, NF-κB, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and reverse-transcription PCR; retinal injury was assessed using TUNEL in situ; retinal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed the retinal vascular diameter in the osthole-IG group rats to be wider than that in the model, osthole-PI, aspirin, or ginaton group rats. Histological analysis of retinal tissue revealed an increase in retinal thickness in all treatment groups, and significant improvement was noticed in the osthole-IG group. TUNEL staining revealed fewer apoptotic cells in the osthole-IG and osthole-PI groups than in the other groups. For immunohistochemistry results, in the osthole-IG group, levels of NF-κB and Akt were lower than those in the other treated groups, while levels of the ratio Bcl-2/Bax were higher. Levels of MDA were lower and levels of SOD were higher in the osthole-IG group than in the other groups. Conclusions. Osthole protects the retina from ischemia injury secondary to CCH induced by BCCAO, mainly through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects.
Application of Metabolomics to Study Effects of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Samczuk Paulina , Ciborowski Michal , Kretowski Adam
Published: March 2018

Bariatric surgery was born in the 1950s at the University of Minnesota. From this time, it continues to evolve and, by the same token, gives new or better possibilities to treat not only obesity but also associated comorbidities. Metabolomics is also a relatively young science discipline, and similarly, it shows great potential for the comprehensive study of the dynamic alterations of the metabolome. It has been widely used in medicine, biology studies, biomarker discovery, and prognostic evaluations. Currently, several dozen metabolomics studies were performed to study the effects of bariatric surgery. LC-MS and NMR are the most frequently used techniques to study main effects of RYGB or SG. Research has yield many interesting results involving not only clinical parameters but also molecular modulations. Detected changes pertain to amino acid, lipids, carbohydrates, or gut microbiota alterations. It proves that including bariatric surgery to metabolic surgery is warranted. However, many molecular modulations after those procedures remain unexplained. Therefore, application of metabolomics to study this field seems to be a proper solution. New findings can suggest new directions of surgery technics modifications, contribute to broadening knowledge about obesity and diseases related to it, and perhaps develop nonsurgical methods of treatment in the future.
Assessment of Liver Function Using Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Gd-EOB-DTPA: Experimental Study in Rat Hepatectomy Model
Authors: You Myung-Won , Kim Hyoung Jung , Lim Hyeong-Seok , Kim So Yeon , Byun Jae Ho , Kim Kyung Won , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Young-Joo
Published: March 2018

Objectives. To determine whether the pharmacokinetic parameters of Gd-EOB-DTPA can identify the difference in liver function in a rat hepatectomy model. Methods. A total of 56 eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following groups: control group without hepatectomy (n=16), 70% hepatectomy group (n=14), and 90% hepatectomy group (n=26). On postoperative day 2, Gd-EOB-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg) was injected intravenously and serial blood samples were obtained. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental method. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise group comparisons. Results. After excluding 6 rats that died unexpectedly, blood samples were obtained from 16, 14, and 20 rats in the control group, 70% hepatectomy group, and 90% hepatectomy group. There was a significant increase in area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable concentration between the 70% and 90% hepatectomy group (P<0.001). The volume of distribution at steady state was significantly decreased between the control and 70% hepatectomy group (P<0.001). The clearance was significantly different in all pairwise group comparisons (P<0.001). Conclusions. The vascular clearance of Gd-EOB-DTPA can identify the difference in liver function in a rat hepatectomy model.
Investigation of Dual-Vortical-Flow Hybrid Rocket Engine without Flame Holding Mechanism
Authors: Lai A. , Chou T.-H. , Wei S.-S. , Lin J.-W. , Wu J.-S. , Chen Y.-S.
Published: March 2018

A 250 kgf thrust hybrid rocket engine was designed, tested, and verified in this work. Due to the injection and flow pattern of this engine, this engine was named dual-vortical-flow engine. This propulsion system uses N2O as oxidizer and HDPE as fuel. This engine was numerically investigated using a CFD tool that can handle reacting flow with finite-rate chemistry and coupled with the real-fluid model. The engine was further verified via a hot-fire test for 12 s. The ground Isp of the engine was 232 s and 221 s for numerical and hot-fire tests, respectively. An oscillation frequency with an order of 100 Hz was observed in both numerical and hot-fire tests with less than 5% of pressure oscillation. Swirling pattern on the fuel surface was also observed in both numerical and hot-fire test, which proves that this swirling dual-vortical-flow engine works exactly as designed. The averaged regression rate of the fuel surface was found to be 0.6~0.8 mm/s at the surface of disk walls and 1.5~1.7 mm/s at the surface of central core of the fuel grain.
Evidence of Oropharyngeal Dysfunction in Feeding in the Rat Rotenone Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gould François D. H. , Gross Andrew , German Rebecca Z. , Richardson Jason R.
Published: March 2018

Swallowing disorders in Parkinson’s disease are not responsive to dopamine depletion therapy and contribute to morbidity. They are poorly understood owing to a lack of adequate models. We present the first evidence of oropharyngeal changes in a rotenone toxicity model of Parkinson’s disease. Rats were recorded while feeding before and after daily rotenone injections at two different doses (2.75 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg). The higher dose had a much more severe parkinsonian phenotype than the low dose. Timing and amplitude of chewing changed, as did the coordination of chewing and swallowing. Dose-dependent effects were evident. These preliminary results indicate that future research in toxicological models of Parkinson’s disease should incorporate the study of oropharyngeal dysfunction. A better understanding of nongenetic models of Parkinson’s disease in feeding may open new avenues for research into the neurological and behavioral bases for swallowing dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.
Gender-Specific Risk of Central Compartment Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Yushi , Lv Hongjun , Zhang Shaoqiang , Bai Yanxia , Shi Bingyin
Published: March 2018

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of gender on the predictive factors of central compartment lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A retrospective study of 590 patients treated for PTC was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that gender (female;P=0.001), age (≥45 y;P<0.001), tumor size (>1 cm;P<0.001), and multifocality (P=0.004) were independent predictive factors of CLNM in PTC patients. Patients were divided into male group (n=152) and female group (n=438). Age (≥45 y;P=0.001), T4 (P=0.006) and multifocality (P=0.024) were independent predictive risk factors of CLNM in male patients. As for female patients, age (≥45 y;P<0.001), tumor size (>1 cm;P<0.001), multifocality (P=0.002), and microcalcification (P=0.027) were independently correlated with CLNM. The sensitivity of the multivariate model for predicting CLNM in male patients was 64.9%, specificity was 82.9%, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.764. As for female patients, the sensitivity was 55.7%, specificity was 77.9%, and AUC was 0.73. This study showed that the predictive factors of CLNM indeed varied according to gender. To have a more accurate evaluation of CLNM, different predictive systems should be used for male and female patients.
Preferred Source and Perceived Need of More Information about Dental Implants by the Undergraduate Dental Students of Nepal: All Nepal Survey
Authors: Sharma Arati , Shrestha Bidhan , Chaudhari Bijay Kumar , Suwal Pramita , Singh Raj Kumar , Niraula Surya Raj , Parajuli Prakash Kumar
Published: March 2018

Objectives. This study was conducted to know the preferred source and perceived need of more information about dental implants by the undergraduate students of Nepal and their association with academic levels and gender. Materials and Methods. It was conducted in all the dental colleges of Nepal from June 2016 to June 2017 after taking ethical clearance and approval from the research committee of BPKIHS. It included all those who were present at the time of survey. Data collection was done through a cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the academic schedule of the colleges, supervised and monitored by the investigators themselves. The collected data were coded and entered in Microsoft excel 2013, and statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20 version. Result. A majority of the respondents agreed that they were not provided with sufficient information about implant treatment procedures during their BDS program (65.3%), would like more to be provided in the curriculum (95.1%), and would like to get additional reliable information from dental consultants and specialists (40.7%) and training on it from fellowship programs conducted by universities (39.2%). Significant association was seen between the responses and academic levels. Conclusion. Undergraduate dental students of Nepal want more information about dental implants through various means.
An Objective Study of Anatomic Shifts in Intracranial Hypotension Using Four Anatomic Planes
Authors: Young Shamar J. , Quisling Ronald G. , Bidari Sharatchandra , Sanghvi Tina S.
Published: March 2018

Purpose. Intracranial hypotension (IH) often remains undetected using current MR diagnostic criteria. This project aims to demonstrate that central incisural herniation is highly effective in helping to make this diagnosis. Materials and Methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was analyzed in 200 normal and 81 clinically known IH patients. MRI reference lines approximating the plane of the incisura, the plane of the diaphragma sella, the plane of the foramen magnum, and the plane of the visual pathway were utilized to measure the position of selected brain structures relative to these reference lines. Results. All IH patients had highly statistically significant (p<0.0001) measurable evidence of downward central incisural herniation when compared to normal controls. The first of the important observations was a downward shift of the mammillary bodies, which shortened the midsagittal width of the interpeduncular fossa cistern. A concurrent downward shift and deformity of the tuber cinereum accompanied the mammillary body shift. The second essential observation was an abnormal clockwise rotation of the long axis of the visual pathway. A severity grading system is proposed based on the extent of these shifts as well as secondary shifts of the brain stem, splenium, and cerebellar tonsils. Conclusion. This study objectively delineates the anatomic shifts of brain structures adjacent to the incisura and foramen magnum. This methodology is sufficient to recognize the features of IH and to stratify the spectrum of IH findings into a functional grading system for quantifying the results of interventional therapy.
Migration of Gas in Water Saturated Clays by Coupled Hydraulic-Mechanical Model
Authors: Pazdniakou Aliaksei , Dymitrowska Magdalena
Published: March 2018

Understanding the gas migration in highly water saturated sedimentary rock formations is of great importance for safety of radioactive waste repositories which may use these host rocks as barrier. Recent experiments on drainage in argillite samples have demonstrated that they cannot be represented in terms of standard two-phase flow Darcy model. It has been suggested that gas flows along highly localized dilatant pathways. Due to very small pore size and the opacity of the material, it is not possible to observe this two-phase flow directly. In order to better understand the gas transport, a numerical coupled hydraulic-mechanical model at the pore scale is proposed. The model is formulated in terms of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and is applied to simulate drainage within a sample reconstructed from the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) images of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone. A damage model is incorporated to take into account the degradation of elastic solid properties due to local conditions, which may lead to formation of new pathways and thus to modifications of fluid transport. The influence of the damage model as well as the possible importance of rigid inclusions is demonstrated and discussed.
A Long Temporal Study of Parasitism in Asexual-Sexual Populations of Carassius gibelio: Does the Parasite Infection Support Coevolutionary Red Queen Dynamics?
Authors: Pakosta Tomáš , Vetešník Lukáš , Šimková Andrea
Published: March 2018

Carassius gibelio is an extraordinary cyprinid species exhibiting both sexual and asexual reproduction. We hypothesized that parasitism selection is one of the potential mechanisms contributing to the coexistence of the two reproductive forms of C. gibelio living in the same habitat. We performed a four-year study to investigate the dynamics of parasite infection in C. gibelio. According to the Red Queen prediction, the asexual form is a target of parasite adaptation due to its low genetic variability. Both sexual and gynogenetic forms of C. gibelio exhibited similar levels of prevalence, with monogeneans being the most frequently observed parasite group. We observed the temporal dynamics of parasite infection in the last year of investigation, when both forms were more strongly parasitized. The sexual form was more parasitized by ectoparasites in the first and last years and less parasitized by nematodes in the last year when compared to the gynogenetic form. We found no trend of high parasite infection in gynogenetic mtDNA haplotypes. We conclude that Red Queen dynamics is not the mechanism driving parasite infection in sexual-gynogenetic C. gibelio over a long time scale. Alternatively, we suggest that the dynamics of parasite infection in this complex may be generated by multiple mechanisms.
Optimization of Magnetic-Grating-Like Stroke-Sensing Cylinder Based on Response Quality Evaluation Algorithm
Authors: Guo Yanqing , Liu Lu , Fu Yongling , Li Chuangchuang , Guo Liang
Published: March 2018

The measurement of hydraulic cylinder displacement has been addressed from different fields. The detection principle of magnetic grating is able to realize the high integration and accuracy. In this paper, a signal response quality evaluation algorithm for devising and optimizing a high-accuracy displacement measuring system is proposed. On the basic of signal response quality evaluation method, structure variables are optimized to enhance the working performance. By defining the parameters, an optimum structure cylinder prototype is made and tested to provide better estimates. Experimental results on working characteristic are presented to verify the effectiveness of the optimized structure. The efficiency of the proposed signal response quality evaluation function is therefore demonstrated through the working performance.
Social Robotics in Therapy of Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Castillo José Carlos , Álvarez-Fernández Diego , Alonso-Martín Fernando , Marques-Villarroya Sara , Salichs Miguel A.
Published: March 2018

Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder in which messages from the brain to the mouth are disrupted, resulting in an inability for moving lips or tongue to the right place to pronounce sounds correctly. Current therapies for this condition involve a therapist that in one-on-one sessions conducts the exercises. Our aim is to work in the line of robotic therapies in which a robot is able to perform partially or autonomously a therapy session, endowing a social robot with the ability of assisting therapists in apraxia of speech rehabilitation exercises. Therefore, we integrate computer vision and machine learning techniques to detect the mouth pose of the user and, on top of that, our social robot performs autonomously the different steps of the therapy using multimodal interaction.
Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy in Double-S Position
Authors: Giusti Giuseppe , De Lisa Antonello
Published: March 2018

Background. At present, the percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is performed both in supine and in prone position. The aim of this paper is to describe an innovative position during PCNL. Methods. We describe a supine position. The patient’s legs are slightly abducted at the hips. The thorax is laterally tilted (inclination 30°–35°) and kept in the right position by one or two gel pads placed between the scapula and the vertebrae. External genitalia can be accessed at any time, so that it is always possible to use flexible instruments in the upper urinary tract. We used this position for a period of 12 months to treat with PCNL 45 patients with renal lithiasis. Results. All the procedures were successfully completed without complications, using the position we are describing. The following are some of its benefits: an easier positioning of the patient; a better exposure of the flank for an easier access to the posterior renal calyces of the kidney; a lower risk of pressure injuries compared to positions foreseeing the use of knee crutches; the possibility of combined procedures (ECIRS) through the use of flexible instruments; and a good fluoroscopic visualization of the kidney not overlapped by the vertebrae. Conclusions. This position is effective, safe, easy, and quick to prepare and allows for combined anterograde/retrograde operations.
Persistent Hiccups as the Only Presenting Symptom of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shaikh Nasreen , Raj Rishi , Movva Srinivas , Mattina Charles
Published: March 2018

Clinical manifestations of acute myocardial infarction can be more than just chest pain. Patients can present with dyspnea, fatigue, heart burn, diaphoresis, syncope, and abdominal pain to name a few. Our patient was a 74-year-old male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and COPD due to chronic tobacco use, who presented with persistent hiccups for 4 days and no other complaints. Coincidently, he was found to have a diabetic foot ulcer with sepsis and acute kidney injury and hence was admitted to the hospital. A routine 12-lead EKG was done, and he was found to have an inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction. He underwent diagnostic catheterization which demonstrated 100% right coronary artery occlusion and a thallium viability study which confirmed nonviable myocardium; hence, he did not undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. Elderly patients who present with persistent hiccups should be investigated for an underlying cardiac etiology.
Twin-Wire Pulsed Tandem Gas Metal Arc Welding of API X80 Steel Linepipe
Authors: Wu Wenhao , Zhao Ming , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Yanxia , Wu Tong
Published: March 2018

Twin-Wire Pulsed Tandem Gas Metal Arc Welding process with high welding production efficiency was used to join the girth weld seam of API X80 steel linepipe of 18.4 mm wall thickness and 1422 mm diameter. The macrostructure, microstructure, hardness, and electrochemical corrosion behavior of welded joints were studied. Effects of temperature and Cl− concentration on the corrosion behavior of base metal and weld metal were investigated. Results show that the welded joint has good morphology, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of both the base metal and the weld metal decreases with increasing temperature or Cl− concentration. In the solution with high Cl− concentration, the base metal and weld metal are more susceptible to pitting. The corrosion resistance of the weld metal is slightly lower than that of the base metal.
Long-Term Functional and Anatomical Outcome after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Prospective Single-Center Study
Authors: van Rooij Jeroen , Engel Angela , Remeijer Lies , van Cleijnenbreugel Hugo , Wubbels René
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To investigate the long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).Methods. Prospective follow-up of 114 eyes (95 subjects) after DSAEK for endothelial dysfunction. Measurements included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), straylight, endothelial cell density (ECD), and graft thickness.Results. The mean follow-up time was 5.1 ± 1.5 years. Four grafts ultimately failed (after 5 to 7 years). From baseline up to 1 year after DSAEK, mean BSCVA improved by 0.30 logMAR. This beneficial effect remained until the last follow-up (LFU). After DSAEK, straylight was reduced. ECD sharply dropped by 900 cells/mm2(33%) immediately after surgery and, thereafter, steadily decreased at a rate of 11 cells/mm2per month. No significant correlation was observed between graft thickness at 3 years and BSCVA.Conclusions. We observed a low graft failure rate and a normalization of graft thickness. Postoperative straylight remained elevated relative to the normal population. The sharp initial and the subsequent more gradual ECD decline are consistent with other studies. A significant and prolonged functional gain can be achieved by posterior lamellar grafting for endothelial dysfunction.
The Neurodevelopmental Perspective of Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Role of the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Moschopoulos Chariton , Kratimenos Panagiotis , Koutroulis Ioannis , Shah Bhairav V. , Mowes Anja , Bhandari Vineet
Published: March 2018

This state-of-the-art review article aims to highlight the most recent evidence about the therapeutic options of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, focusing on the molecular basis of the gut-brain axis in relevance to the neurodevelopmental outcomes of primary peritoneal drainage and primary laparotomy. Current evidence favors primary laparotomy over primary peritoneal drainage as regards neurodevelopment in the surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. The added exposure to inhalational anesthesia in infants undergoing primary laparotomy is an additional confounding variable but requires further study. The concept of the gut-brain axis suggests that bowel injury initiates systemic inflammation potentially affecting the developing central nervous system. Signals about microbes in the gut are transduced to the brain and the limbic system via the enteric nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis have significant differences in the diversity of the microbiome compared with preterm controls. The gut bacterial flora changes remarkably prior to the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis with a predominance of pathogenic organisms. The type of initial surgical approach correlates with the length of functional gut and microbiome equilibrium influencing brain development and function through the gut-brain axis. Existing data favor patients who were treated with primary laparotomy over those who underwent primary peritoneal drainage in terms of neurodevelopmental outcomes. We propose that this is due to the sustained injurious effect of the remaining diseased and necrotic bowel on the developing newborn brain, in patients treated with primary peritoneal drainage, through the gut-brain axis and probably not due to the procedure itself.
Influence of Gas-Liquid Interface on Temperature Wave of Pulsating Heat Pipe
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Peisheng , Zhou Min , Dong Boheng , Pan Yanni
Published: March 2018

The influence of the interface on the amplitude and phase of the temperature wave and the relationship between the attenuation of the temperature wave and the gas-liquid two-phase physical parameters are studied during the operation of the pulsating heat pipe. The numerical simulation shows that the existence of the phase interface changes the direction of the temperature gradient during the propagation of the temperature wave, which increases the additional “thermal resistance.” The relative size of the gas-liquid two-phase thermal conductivity affects the propagation direction of heat flow at phase interface directly. The blockage of the gas plug causes hysteresis in the phase of the temperature wave, the relative size of the gas-liquid two-phase temperature coefficient will gradually increase the phase of the temperature wave, and the time when the heat flow reaches the peak value is also advanced. The attenuation of the temperature wave is almost irrelevant to the absolute value of the density, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity of the gas-liquid two phases, and the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the gas-liquid two phases is related. When the temperature of the heat pipe was changed, the difference of heat storage ability between gas and liquid will lead to the phenomenon of heat reflux and becomes more pronounced with the increases of the temperature wave.
Bacillus cereus Typhlitis in a Patient with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Denham James D. , Nanjappa Sowmya , Greene John N.
Published: March 2018

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive rod that is now recognized as a rare cause of frank disease in the neutropenic hematologic malignancy patient. Because this pathogen is rarely isolated in clinical specimens, no large studies exist to guide the management of these acutely ill patients. Individual case reports and case series exist in the literature describing various clinical manifestations of B. cereus in the neutropenic patient including bacteremia/septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis/encephalitis, hepatic abscesses, and gastritis. In this report, we describe a case of typhlitis caused by B. cereus in a 74-year-old female with recently diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and we summarize the available English language literature to draw tentative conclusions regarding the clinical manifestations of this organism.
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Tooth Development and Incisor Renewal
Authors: Du Wen , Du Wei , Yu Haiyang
Published: March 2018

The mineralized tissue of the tooth is composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone; enamel is a calcified tissue with no living cells that originates from oral ectoderm, while the three other tissues derive from the cranial neural crest. The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are critical during the tooth development. Accumulating evidence has shown that the formation of dental tissues, that is, enamel, dentin, and supporting alveolar bone, as well as the development and homeostasis of the stem cells in the continuously growing mouse incisor is mediated by multiple FGF family members. This review discusses the role of FGF signaling in these mineralized tissues, trying to separate its different functions and highlighting the crosstalk between FGFs and other signaling pathways.
Image Theory for Neumann Functions in the Prolate Spheroidal Geometry
Authors: Xue Changfeng , Edmiston Robert , Deng Shaozhong
Published: March 2018

Interior and exterior Neumann functions for the Laplace operator are derived in terms of prolate spheroidal harmonics with the homogeneous, constant, and nonconstant inhomogeneous boundary conditions. For the interior Neumann functions, an image system is developed to consist of a point image, a line image extending from the point image to infinity along the radial coordinate curve, and a symmetric surface image on the confocal prolate spheroid that passes through the point image. On the other hand, for the exterior Neumann functions, an image system is developed to consist of a point image, a focal line image of uniform density, another line image extending from the point image to the focal line along the radial coordinate curve, and also a symmetric surface image on the confocal prolate spheroid that passes through the point image.
Organic, Gas, and Element Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Fluids of the Newly Discovered Extensive Hydrothermal Area in the Wallis and Futuna Region (SW Pacific)
Authors: Konn C. , Donval J. P. , Guyader V. , Roussel E. , Fourré E. , Jean-Baptiste P. , Pelleter E. , Charlou J. L. , Fouquet Y.
Published: March 2018

Two newly discovered hydrothermal vent fields of the Wallis and Futuna region, Kulo Lasi and Fatu Kapa, were sampled for fluid geochemistry. A great geochemical diversity was observed and assigned to the diversity of lithologies as well as the occurrence of various processes. Kulo Lasi fluids likely formed by interaction with fresh volcanic rocks, phase separation, and mixing with magmatic fluid. Conversely, the geochemistry of the Fatu Kapa fluids would be mostly due to water/felsic lavas reactions. In terms of organic geochemistry, fluids from both fields were found to be enriched in formate, acetate, and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs): n-alkanes, n-fatty acids, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concentrations of SVOCs reached a few ppb at most. The distribution patterns of SVOCs indicated that several processes and sources, at once of biogenic, thermogenic, and abiogenic types, likely controlled organic geochemistry. Although the contribution of each process remains unknown, the mere presence of organics at theμM level has strong implications for metal dispersion (cycles), deposition (ore-forming), and bioavailability (ecosystems), especially as our fluxes estimations suggest that back-arc hosted vent fields could contribute as much as MOR to the global ocean heat and mass budget.