bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Submandibular Salivary Gland in a Child
Authors: Bourgeois Jacqueline M , Radhi Jasim , Elden Lisa , Gill Gerald
Published: March 2016

Plexiform neurofibromas in major salivary glands are rarely described. In the literature, most reported tumours have been present in the parotid gland region. A three-year-old boy with a family history of neurofibromatosis presented with a rapidly growing left submandibular mass. The clinical diagnosis was that of a neurofibroma rather than a primary salivery gland tumour. Resection of the lesion revealed a plexiform neurofibroma involving the submandibular gland. Although these tumours have a neurogenic rather than a salivary gland origin, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a salivary gland lesion in a patient with a history of neurofibromatosis.
Liver Transplantation: Evolving Patient Selection Criteria
Authors: Yu Andy S , Ahmed Aijaz , Keeffe Emmet B
Published: March 2016

The widespread recognition of the success of liver transplantation as a treatment for most types of acute and chronic liver failure has led to increased referrals for transplantation in the setting of a relatively fixed supply of cadaver donor organs. These events have led to a marked lengthening of the waiting time for liver transplantation, resulting in increased deaths of those on the waiting list and sicker patients undergoing transplantation. Nearly 5000 liver transplantations were performed in the United States in 2000, while the waiting list grew to over 17,000 patients. The mounting disparity between the number of liver transplant candidates and the limited supply of donor organs has led to reassessment of the selection and listing criteria for liver transplantation, as well as revision of organ allocation and distribution policies for cadaver livers. The development of minimal listing criteria for patients with chronic liver disease based on a specific definition for decompensation of cirrhosis has facilitated the more uniform listing of patients at individual centres across the United States. The United Network for Organ Sharing, under pressure from transplant professionals, patient advocacy groups and the federal government, has continuously revised allocation and distribution policies based on the ethical principles of justice for the individual patient versus optimal utility of the limited organ supply available annually. Beginning in 2002, it is likely that the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score will be implemented to determine disease severity and direct donor organs to the sickest patients rather than to those with the longest waiting times.
Intractable Diarrhea in a Newborn Infant: Microvillous Inclusion Disease
Authors: Wilson Wendy , Scott R Brent , Pinto Alfredo , Robertson Marli A
Published: March 2016

A newborn male presented with watery diarrhea, dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Severe secretory diarrhea of variable magnitude persisted when the patient was on parenteral nutrition with no oral intake. Initial light microscopic evaluation of a small intestinal mucosal biopsy showed partial villous atrophy and crypt hypoplasia. Ultrastructural studies of the villous enterocyte revealed internalized inclusions of microvilli, typical of microvillous inclusion disease. Presented are a case report and a discussion of the differential diagnosis of watery diarrhea in the neonate, as well as a short review of microvillous inclusion disease.
Liver Fibrosis and Altered Matrix Synthesis
Authors: Neubauer Katrin , Saile Bernhard , Ramadori Giuliano
Published: March 2016

Liver fibrosis represents the uniform response of liver to toxic, infectious or metabolic agents. The process leading to liver fibrosis resembles the process of wound healing, including the three phases following tissue injury: inflammation, synthesis of collagenous and noncollagenous extracellular matrix components, and tissue remodelling (scar formation). While a single liver tissue injury can be followed by an almost complete restitution ad integrum, the persistence of the original damaging noxa results in tissue damage. During the establishment of liver fibrosis, the basement membrane components collagen type IV, entactin and laminin increase and form a basement membrane-like structure within the space of Disse. The number of endothelial fenestrae of the sinusoids decreases. These changes of the sinusoids are called 'capillarization' because the altered structure of the sinusoids resembles that of capillaries. At the cellular level, origin of liver fibrogenesis is initiated by the damage of hepatocytes, resulting in the recruitment of inflammatory cells and platelets, and activation of Kupffer cells, with subsequent release of cytokines and growth factors. The hepatic stellate cells seem to be the primary target cells for these inflammatory stimuli, because during fibrogenesis, they undergo an activation process to a myofibroblast-like cell, which represents the major matrix-producing cell. Based on this pathophysiological mechanism, therapeutic methods are developed to inhibit matrix synthesis or stimulate matrix degradation. A number of substances are currently being tested that either neutralize fibrogenic stimuli and prevent the activation of hepatic stellate cells, or directly modulate the matrix metabolism. However, until now, the elimination of the hepatotoxins has been the sole therapeutic concept available for the treatment of liver fibrogenesis in humans.
Familial Microscopic Colitis
Authors: Abdo Ayman Assad , Zetler Peter Jeffrey , Halparin Lawrence S
Published: March 2016

Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are two inflammatory conditions of the colon that are often collectively referred to as microscopic colitis. The present report describes what is believed to be the third published case of familial microscopic colitis. A 55-year-old woman who suffered from chronic diarrhea was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis on colonic biopsy. Subsequently, her 36-year-old daughter was diagnosed with collagenous colitis. The familial occurrence of these diseases may support an immunological hypothesis for their etiology. In addition, it supports the assumption that collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are two manifestations of the same disease process rather than two completely separate entities. The familial tendency of this disease may make a case for early colonoscopy and biopsy in relatives of patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis if they present with suggestive symptoms.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Patients with Three Different Stages of Chronic Liver Disease including Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cirrhosis and Chronic Hepatitis: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Bilezikçi Banu , Haberal Asuman Nihan , Demirhan Beyhan
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The specific role of hepatocyte growth factor in liver disease is unknown. The presence and density of this factor in patients with three different stages of liver disease were investigated, with the aim of assessing its prognostic significance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Liver specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis (n=20), cirrhosis (n=20), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=30) and normal livers (n=20) were immunohistochemically stained to determine the presence and density of hepatocyte growth factor.

RESULTS: There were significantly more hepatocyte growth factor-positive Kupffer and Ito cells in all three diseased groups than in the control group. Also, there was significantly more positive staining in chronic hepatitis specimens than in specimens from the cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and control groups (P<0.05). The hepatoma cells in 10 of the hepatocellular carcinoma cases stained positive, but none of the hepatocytes in the chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and normal liver specimens stained. It was only possible to assess nonmalignant hepatocytes adjacent to the hepatocellular carcinoma in the four resection specimens, and no staining for hepatocyte growth factor was observed in these areas. There was no statistical association between density of hepatocyte growth factor and histological activity index in chronic hepatitis, or between density of hepatocyte growth factor and grade of hepatocellular carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS: Similar to some previous reports, this study revealed that hepatoma cells can also express this growth factor. Immunohistochemical detection of hepatocyte growth factor may prove to be a useful method of diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma in challenging cases.
Estimation of Hospital Costs for Colorectal Cancer Care for Nova Scotia
Authors: O'Brien Brian D , Brown Murray G , Kephart George
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common invasive cancer in Canada. Estimates of the costs of care allow estimation of the cost effectiveness of screening for premalignant and early disease.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate, from administrative data, the hospital costs incurred by a population-based cohort of CRC cases over three years from diagnosis.

DESIGN: All Nova Scotia residents with CRC who were diagnosed in 1990 were identified from the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. These cases were linked to the administrative files of the Nova Scotia Department of Health, which contain information on diagnosis, procedures and length of stay for all admissions and day surgery visits to Nova Scotia hospitals.

MEASUREMENTS: The lengths of stay and hospital-specific per diem rates were used as the measures of resource use. The costs were analyzed in terms of the extent of spread at diagnosis; the time period after diagnosis; the time period before death; and, for typical cases, the age and presence of comorbidity identified during the initial surgical admission.

RESULTS: The estimated three-year hospital cost for the complete cohort of 593 cases was $9.8 million. This cost was significantly less for cases with local spread, highest in the six months around, and after diagnosis and in the final six months of life, and highest in the typical cases (patients who were older and had significant comorbid conditions).

CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-specific per diem rates and lengths of stay are an approximate measure of hospital resource use.
Canadian Helicobacter Study Group Consensus Conference: Update on the Management ofHelicobacter pylori- An Evidence-Based Evaluation of Six Topics Relevant to Clinical Outcomes in Patients Evaluated forH pyloriInfection
Authors: Hunt Richard , Fallone Carlo , Veldhuyzan van Zanten Sander , Sherman Phil , Smaill Fiona , Flook Nigel , Thomson Alan ,   all participants of CHSG 2004
Published: March 2016

As an update to previously published recommendations for the management ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection, an evidence-based appraisal of six topics was undertaken in a consensus conference sponsored by the Canadian Helicobacter Study Group. The issues addressed and recommendations made were: bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is appropriate as an alternative first-line eradication strategy forH pyloriinfection; searching for and treatingH pyloriinfection is warranted in patients considered to be at high risk for gastric cancer;H pyloriinfection should be eradicated before initiating long-term treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetylsalicylic acid; the stool antigen test has a limited role in the diagnosis ofH pyloriinfection; the benefits ofH pylorieradication in patients on long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy are not sufficient to warrant recommending a strategy of searching for and eradicating the infection among these patients; and a strategy of 'test and eradicate' forH pyloriinfection in patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia is cost-effective in Canada relative to a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy. The goal was to establish guidelines on the best evidence using the same structure to address and formulate recommendations for each issue. The degree of consensus for each issue is presented.
NOx, Soot, and Fuel Consumption Predictions under Transient Operating Cycle for Common Rail High Power Density Diesel Engines
Authors: Walke N. H. , Nandgaonkar M. R. , Marathe N. V.
Published: March 2016

Diesel engine is presently facing the challenge of controlling NOx and soot emissions on transient cycles, to meet stricter emission norms and to control emissions during field operations. Development of a simulation tool for NOx and soot emissions prediction on transient operating cycles has become the most important objective, which can significantly reduce the experimentation time and cost required for tuning these emissions. Hence, in this work, a 0D comprehensive predictive model has been formulated with selection and coupling of appropriate combustion and emissions models to engine cycle models. Selected combustion and emissions models are further modified to improve their prediction accuracy in the full operating zone. Responses of the combustion and emissions models have been validated for load and “start of injection” changes. Model predicted transient fuel consumption, air handling system parameters, and NOx and soot emissions are in good agreement with measured data on a turbocharged high power density common rail engine for the “nonroad transient cycle” (NRTC). It can be concluded that 0D models can be used for prediction of transient emissions on modern engines. How the formulated approach can also be extended to transient emissions prediction for other applications and fuels is also discussed.
Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma: Challenges of Surgical Management
Authors: Sinha Abha , Ewies Ayman A. A.
Published: March 2016

Although ovarian mature cystic teratomas are the commonest adnexal masses occurring in premenopausal women, there are many challenges faced by gynecologists on deciding upon the best surgical management. There is uncertainty, lack of consensus, and variation in surgical practices. This paper critically analyzes various surgical approaches and techniques used to treat these cysts in an attempt to outline a unified guidance. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in January 2015 with no date limit using the key words “ovarian teratoma” and “ovarian dermoid.” The search was limited to articles in English language, humans, and female. The two authors conducted the search independently. The laparoscopic approach is generally considered to be the gold standard for the management. Oophorectomy should be the standard operation except in younger women with a single small cyst. The risk of chemical peritonitis after contents spillage is extremely rare and can certainly be overcome with thorough peritoneal lavage using warmed fluid. There is a place for surveillance in some selected cases.
Genetic Polymorphism ofmsp1 andmsp2 inPlasmodium falciparumIsolates from Côte d’Ivoire versus Gabon
Authors: Yavo William , Konaté Abibatou , Mawili-Mboumba Denise Patricia , Kassi Fulgence Kondo , Tshibola Mbuyi Marie L. , Angora Etienne Kpongbo , Menan Eby I. Hervé , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle K.
Published: March 2016

Introduction. The characterization of genetic profile ofPlasmodiumisolates from different areas could help in better strategies for malaria elimination. This study aimed to compareP. falciparumdiversity in two African countries.Methods. Isolates collected from 100 and 73falciparummalaria infections in sites of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) and Gabon (Central Africa), respectively, were analyzed by a nested PCR amplification ofmsp1 andmsp2 genes.Results. The K1 allelic family was widespread in Côte d’Ivoire (64.6%) and in Gabon (56.6%). Formsp2, the 3D7 alleles were more prevalent (>70% in both countries) compared to FC27 alleles. In Côte d’Ivoire, the frequencies of multiple infections withmsp1 (45.1%) andmsp2 (40.3%) were higher than those found for isolates from Gabon, that is, 30.2% withmsp1 and 31.4% withmsp2. The overall complexity of infection was 1.66 (SD = 0.79) in Côte d’Ivoire and 1.58 (SD = 0.83) in Gabon. It decreased with age in Côte d’Ivoire in contrast to Gabon.Conclusion. Differences observed in some allelic families and in complexity profile may suggest an impact of epidemiological facies as well as immunological response on genetic variability ofP. falciparum.
A Chinese Herbal Decoction, Huoxue Qingyi Decoction, Promotes Rehabilitation of Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ji Chao Hui , Tang Cheng Wu , Feng Wen Ming , Bao Ying , Yao Li Qin
Published: March 2016

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) still remains an important surgical problem with high morbidity and mortality. The utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows good prospects in therapy of SAP since it has advantages of more extensive pharmacological effects and fewer adverse effects. In this retrospective study, 38 patients received standardized treatment (control group) and 37 patients received Chinese herbal decoction, Huoxue Qingyi Decoction (HQD group), in addition to standard treatment for SAP. We found that the HQD group had a shorter hospital stay and lower initial expense than the control group (P < 0.05). The duration of hyperamylasemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were significantly shorter in HQD group (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients having any complication was much lower in HQD group than control group (27/38 versus 17/37, P < 0.05), especially pancreatic pseudocyst (10/38 versus 2/37, P < 0.05). No adverse effect induced by HQD was found. We concluded that the HQD was effective, safe, and economic for reduction of complication, for early recovery from systemic inflammation, and for promoting earlier rehabilitation from SAP.
Spectral Assessment of the Effects of Base Flexibility on Seismic Demands of a Structure
Authors: Borzouie J. , Chase J. G. , MacRae G. A. , Rodgers G. W. , Clifton G. C.
Published: March 2016

Base flexibility of structures changes and can increase the demands on structural elements during earthquake excitation. Such flexibility may come from the base connection, foundation, and soil under the foundation. This research evaluates the effects of column base rotational stiffness on the seismic demand of single storey frames with a range of periods using linear and nonlinear time history analysis. The base rotational stiffness ranges considered are based on previous studies considering foundation and baseplate flexibility. Linear and nonlinear spectral analyses show that increasing base flexibility generally increases frame lateral displacement and top moment of the column. Furthermore, moments at the top of the columns and the nonlinear base rotation may also increase with increasing base flexibility, especially for shorter period structures. Since many commonly used baseplate connections may be categorized as being semirigid, it is essential to design and model structures using realistic base rotational stiffness rather than simply use a fixed base assumption. The overall results also illustrate the range of increased seismic demand as a function of normalized rotational stiffness and structural period for consideration in design.
The Effect of Fish Oil-Based Lipid Emulsion and Soybean Oil-Based Lipid Emulsion on Cholestasis Associated with Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition in Premature Infants
Authors: Wang Leilei , Zhang Jing , Gao Jiejin , Qian Yan , Ling Ya
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To retrospectively study the effect of fish oil-based lipid emulsion and soybean oil-based lipid emulsion on cholestasis associated with long-term parenteral nutrition in premature infants.Methods. Soybean oil-based lipid emulsion and fish oil-based lipid emulsion had been applied in our neonatology department clinically between 2010 and 2014. There were 61 qualified premature infants included in this study and divided into two groups. Soybean oil group was made up of 32 premature infants, while fish oil group was made up of 29 premature infants. Analysis was made on the gender, feeding intolerance, infection history, birth weight, gestational age, duration of parenteral nutrition, total dosage of amino acid, age at which feeding began, usage of lipid emulsions, and incidence of cholestasis between the two groups.Results. There were no statistical differences in terms of gender, feeding intolerance, infection history, birth weight, gestational age, duration of parenteral nutrition, total dosage of amino acid, and age at which feeding began. Besides, total incidence of cholestasis was 21.3%, and the days of life of occurrence of cholestasis were53±5.0days. Incidence of cholestasis had no statistical difference in the two groups.Conclusion. This study did not find the different role of fish oil-based lipid emulsions and soybean oil-based lipid emulsions in cholestasis associated with long-term parenteral nutrition in premature infants.
Barriers Associated with Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among College Students
Authors: Benjamin Stephanie M. , Bahr Kaitlin O.
Published: March 2016

Influenza can spread rapidly on college campuses because of high-density living conditions and frequent social interactions. However, seasonal influenza vaccination rates on college campuses are low. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers associated with receipt of the seasonal influenza vaccination. Questionnaires were completed by a convenience sample of 383 undergraduate students in January 2014. Data were analyzed to identify barriers associated with receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine. Only 20.6% of students reported receiving the vaccine within the last 6 months. Among students who did not receive the vaccine, 47.8% believed they would get influenza from the vaccine, 41.6% believed the vaccination may have dangerous side effects, and 39.6% believed they were not at risk for contracting influenza. The majority of nonvaccinated students did not believe cost of the vaccine or access to the vaccine were barriers. Many college students are not receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine, representing an important area for improvement. Understanding potential barriers associated with receipt of this vaccine is important for identifying and creating effective public health education programs and campaigns. There is a need for enhanced vaccination education efforts among college students, particularly with respect to the safety and importance of this vaccine.
Young at Heart: Pioneering Approaches to Model Nonischaemic Cardiomyopathy with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Gowran Aoife , Rasponi Marco , Visone Roberta , Nigro Patrizia , Perrucci Gianluca L. , Righetti Stefano , Zanobini Marco , Pompilio Giulio
Published: March 2016

A mere 9 years have passed since the revolutionary report describing the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from human fibroblasts and the first in‐patient translational use of cells obtained from these stem cells has already been achieved. From the perspectives of clinicians and researchers alike, the promise of induced pluripotent stem cells is alluring if somewhat beguiling. It is now evident that this technology is nascent and many areas for refinement have been identified and need to be considered before induced pluripotent stem cells can be routinely used to stratify, treat and cure patients, and to faithfully model diseases for drug screening purposes. This review specifically addresses the pioneering approaches to improve induced pluripotent stem cell based models of nonischaemic cardiomyopathy.
Anomaly Detection for Internet of Vehicles: A Trust Management Scheme with Affinity Propagation
Authors: Yang Shu , Liu Zhihan , Li Jinglin , Wang Shangguang , Yang Fangchun
Published: March 2016

Anomaly detection is critical for intelligent vehicle (IV) collaboration. Forming clusters/platoons, IVs can work together to accomplish complex jobs that they are unable to perform individually. To improve security and efficiency of Internet of Vehicles, IVs’ anomaly detection has been extensively studied and a number of trust-based approaches have been proposed. However, most of these proposals either pay little attention to leader-based detection algorithm or ignore the utility of networked Roadside-Units (RSUs). In this paper, we introduce a trust-based anomaly detection scheme for IVs, where some malicious or incapable vehicles are existing on roads. The proposed scheme works by allowing IVs to detect abnormal vehicles, communicate with each other, and finally converge to some trustworthy cluster heads (CHs). Periodically, the CHs take responsibility for intracluster trust management. Moreover, the scheme is enhanced with a distributed supervising mechanism and a central reputation arbitrator to assure robustness and fairness in detecting process. The simulation results show that our scheme can achieve a low detection failure rate below 1%, demonstrating its ability to detect and filter the abnormal vehicles.
Pancreatic Cystosis in Two Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Hatziagorou Elpis , Kampouras Asterios , Sidiropoulou Maria , Markou Andreas , Anastasiou Athanasia , Tsanakas John
Published: March 2016

We present pancreatic cystosis in two adolescents with cystic fibrosis, a 13-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy. In pancreatic cystosis, which is a rare manifestation of CF, the pancreatic parenchyma is replaced with multiple cysts of different sizes. Pancreatic cystosis is mainly an imaging based diagnosis and frequent follow-up should be recommended.
Urinary Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Can Distinguish Necrotizing Enterocolitis from Sepsis in Early Stage of the Disease
Authors: Coufal Stepan , Kokesova Alena , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena , Snajdauf Jiri , Rygl Michal , Kverka Miloslav
Published: March 2016

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is severe disease of gastrointestinal tract, yet its early symptoms are nonspecific, easily interchangeable with sepsis. Therefore, reliable biomarkers for early diagnostics are needed in clinical practice. Here, we analyzed if markers of gut mucosa damage, caspase cleaved cytokeratin 18 (ccCK18) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), could be used for differential diagnostics of NEC at early stage of disease. We collected paired serum (at enrollment and week later) and urine (collected for two days in 6 h intervals) samples from 42 patients with suspected NEC. These patients were later divided into NEC (n=24), including 13 after gastrointestinal surgery, and sepsis (n=18) groups using standard criteria. Healthy infants (n=12), without any previous gut surgery, served as controls. Both biomarkers were measured by a commercial ELISA assay. There were no statistically significant differences in serum ccCK18 between NEC and sepsis but NEC patients had significantly higher levels of serum and urinary I-FABP than either sepsis patients or healthy infants. Urinary I-FABP has high sensitivity (81%) and specificity (100%) and can even distinguish NEC from sepsis in patients after surgery. Urinary I-FABP can be used to distinguish NEC from neonatal sepsis, including postoperative one, better than abdominal X-ray.
Spatial Spectroscopy Approach for Detection of Internal Defect of Component without Zero-Position Sensors
Authors: Wu Qizhou , Jin Yong , Wang Zhaoba , Xiao Zhaoqian
Published: March 2016

Conventional approach to detect the internal defect of a component needs sensors to mark the “zero” positions, which is time-consuming and lowers down the detecting efficiency. In this study, we proposed a novelty approach that uses spatial spectroscopy to detect internal defect of objects without zero-position sensors. Specifically, the spatial variation wave of distance between the detecting source and object surface is analyzed, from which a periodical cycle is determined with the correlative approaches. Additionally, a wavelet method is adopted to reduce the noise of the periodic distance signal. This approach is validated by the ultrasound detection of a component with round cross section and elliptical shape in axis. The experimental results demonstrate that this approach greatly saves the time spent on the judgment of a complete cycle and improves the detecting efficiency of internal defect in the component. The approach can be expanded to other physical methods for noninvasive detection of internal defect, such as optical spectroscopy or X-ray scanning, and it can be used for hybrid medium, such as biological tissues.
Joint Bandwidth and Power Allocation for LTE-Based Cognitive Radio Network Based on Buffer Occupancy
Authors: Asheralieva Alia , Miyanaga Yoshikazu
Published: March 2016

We investigate the problem of resource allocation in a cognitive long-term evolution (LTE) network, where the available bandwidth resources are shared among the primary (licensed) users (PUs) and secondary (unlicensed) users (SUs). Under such spectrum sharing conditions, the transmission of the SUs should have minimal impact on quality of service (QoS) and operating conditions of the PUs. To achieve this goal, we propose to assign the network resources based on the buffer sizes of the PUs and SUs in the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) directions. To ensure that the QoS requirements of the PUs are satisfied, we enforce some upper bound on the size of their buffers considering two network usage scenarios. In the first scenario, PUs pay full price for accessing the spectrum and get full QoS protection; the SUs access the network for free and are served on a best-effort basis. In the second scenario, PUs pay less in exchange for sharing the bandwidth and get the reduced QoS guarantees; SUs pay some price for their access without any QoS guarantees. Performance of the algorithms proposed in the paper is evaluated using simulations in OPNET environment. The algorithms show superior performance when compared with other relevant techniques.
Diagnostic Utility of Neuregulin for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yiadom Maame Yaa A. B. , Greenberg Jeremy , Smith Holly M. , Sawyer Douglas B. , Liu Dandan , Carlise Jahred , Tortora Laura , Storrow Alan B.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic test characteristics of serum neuregulin-1β(NRG-1β) for the detection of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We recruited emergency department patients presenting with signs and symptoms prompting an evaluation for ACS. Serum troponin and neuregulin-1βlevels were compared between those who had a final discharge diagnosis of myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI) and those who did not, as well as those who more broadly had a final discharge diagnosis of ACS (STEMI, NSTEMI, and unstable angina). Of 319 study participants, 11% had evidence of myocardial infarction, and 19.7% had a final diagnosis of ACS. Patients with MI had median neuregulin levels of 0.16 ng/mL (IQR [0.16–24.54]). Compared to the median of those without MI, 1.46 ng/mL (IQR [0.16–15.02]), there was no significant difference in the distribution of results (P=0.63). Median neuregulin levels for patients with ACS were 0.65 ng/mL (IQR [0.16–24.54]). There was no statistical significance compared to those without ACS who had a median of 1.40 ng/mL (IQR [0.16–14.19]) (P=0.95). Neuregulin did not perform successfully as a biomarker for acute MI or ACS in the emergency department.
Fault Diagnosis of Motor Bearing by Analyzing a Video Clip
Authors: Lu Siliang , Wang Xiaoxian , Liu Fang , He Qingbo , Liu Yongbin , Zhao Jiwen
Published: March 2016

Conventional bearing fault diagnosis methods require specialized instruments to acquire signals that can reflect the health condition of the bearing. For instance, an accelerometer is used to acquire vibration signals, whereas an encoder is used to measure motor shaft speed. This study proposes a new method for simplifying the instruments for motor bearing fault diagnosis. Specifically, a video clip recording of a running bearing system is captured using a cellphone that is equipped with a camera and a microphone. The recorded video is subsequently analyzed to obtain the instantaneous frequency of rotation (IFR). The instantaneous fault characteristic frequency (IFCF) of the defective bearing is obtained by analyzing the sound signal that is recorded by the microphone. The fault characteristic order is calculated by dividing IFCF by IFR to identify the fault type of the bearing. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified by a series of experiments. This study provides a simple, flexible, and effective solution for motor bearing fault diagnosis. Given that the signals are gathered using an affordable and accessible cellphone, the proposed method is proven suitable for diagnosing the health conditions of bearing systems that are located in remote areas where specialized instruments are unavailable or limited.
Subsurface Geobody Imaging Using CMY Color Blending with Seismic Attributes
Authors: Cao Jianhua , Zhang Xiankun , Wang Yan , Zhao Qi
Published: March 2016

Recently, ideas of color blending have brought the enlightenment for subsurface geobody imaging in petroleum engineering. In this paper, we present this approach of CMY color blending and its application in subsurface geobody characterization by using seismic attributes data. The first step is to calculate three types of seismic attributes based on the Hilbert transform algorithm, including envelop, instantaneous phase, and instantaneous frequency. Then scale the three attributes and combine them together using CMY color model in three-dimensional environment, with each attribute corresponding to one primary color channel. Adjust the scale and offset for each color component and then mix them optimally to create one color-blended volume. The blended volume in CMY mode has plenty of geological information coming from the three input attributes, resulting in high resolution and accurate image for subsurface geobodies. Applications show good performances in buried channels, caves, and faults imaging. Based on the blended slice, the geological targets can be easily but accurately interpreted and depicted.
Disruption of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor 5 Exacerbates Murine Experimental Colitis via Regulating T Helper Cell-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Shang Jian , Li Lixia , Wang Xiaobing , Pan Huaqin , Liu Shi , He Ruohang , Li Jin , Zhao Qiu
Published: March 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) is a key mediator of TNF receptor superfamily members and is important in both T helper (Th) cell immunity and the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. To clarify TRAF5’s influence on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), we investigated TRAF5 deficiency’s effect on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. Colitis was induced in TRAF5 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates by administering 3% DSS orally for 7 days. The mice were then sacrificed, and their colons were removed. Our data suggested that KO mice were more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis. TRAF5 deficiency significantly enhanced IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17a mRNA and protein levels in the colons of DSS-fed mice, and the mRNA expression of T-bet and GATA-3 was also markedly elevated. However, ROR-αand ROR-γt mRNA levels did not differ between DSS-induced KO and WT mice. Flow cytometry showed increased frequencies of Th2 and IFN-γ/IL-17a-coproducing CD4+T cells in the colons of DSS-induced KO mice. Additionally, TRAF5 deficiency significantly enhanced the activation of NF-κB in CD4+T cells after DSS administration. These results indicated that TRAF5 deficiency significantly aggravated DSS-induced colitis, most likely by regulating Th cell-mediated inflammation.
Broadening Specificity and Enhancing Cytotoxicity of Adoptive T Cells for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Faè Damiana Antonia , Martorelli Debora , Mastorci Katy , Muraro Elena , Dal Col Jessica , Franchin Giovanni , Barzan Luigi , Comaro Elisa , Vaccher Emanuela , Rosato Antonio , Dolcetti Riccardo
Published: March 2016

Although promising, clinical responses to adoptive immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still limited by the restricted number of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens that can be targeted and their poor immunogenicity. Our previous work indicated that the immunogenic features of the NPC-associated viral antigen BARF1 may be exploited for immunotherapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, T-cell lines obtained with current protocols include only negligible numbers of BARF1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, pointing to the need to enrich these effectors in BARF1 specificities. Considering that in B lymphocytes BARF1 is mainly a lytic EBV antigen, we tested different EBV lytic-cycle inducers (TPA/butyric acid, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) used at suboptimal concentrations for their ability to upregulate BARF1 expression in lymphoblastoid B-cell lines (LCL), the commonly used antigen-presenting cells, without compromising their survival. The LCLs treated with doxorubicin (DX-LCL) can reproducibly and efficiently generate EBV-specific effectors enriched in BARF1 specificities from both healthy donors and NPC patients. These DX-LCLs also had more pronounced immunogenic properties, including HLA class I upregulation and expression of immunogenic cell death markers, such as enhanced calreticulin exposure and HMGB1 release. In particular, doxorubicin triggers an HMGB1 autocrine/paracrine loop with its receptor, TLR4, which is also upregulated in DX-LCLs and is responsible for NF-κB activation and a delayed apoptosis that allows a prolonged stimulation of EBV-specific T-cell precursors. This protocol may thus constitute a valid alternative to the use of engineered LCLs to generate EBV-specific T-cell lines for adoptive immunotherapy, being relatively simple, easily upgradable to Good Manufacturing Practice standards, and therefore more broadly applicable. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(5); 431–40. ©2016 AACR.
Cystatin C is Associated With Plaque Phenotype and Plaque Burden
Authors: Wen Yufeng , Xia Dan , Wang Yanchun , Zhang Huiping , Li Haibo , Ali Gholam , Gao Yongqing , Li Jian , Sun Wenjie , Li Linlin
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: The relationship between carotid artery plaque burden, phenotype and serum cystatin C at normal and impaired renal function is still unclear. Methods: Demographic characteristics, carotid ultrasonography and other relevant information of 1,477 patients were collected. The association of carotid artery plaque burden, plaque phenotype with serum cystatin C was evaluated by strategy analysis based on renal function. Results: Serum cystatin C (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.83-2.29, P<.01) was a risk factor of stable plaque among patients with normal glomerular filtration rate. However, in the patients with mild impaired renal function, serum cystatin C was not only a risk factor for stable plaque (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.43-1.78, P<.001) but also was a risk factor for unstable plaque (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.10-1.32, P<.001). The smoothing function curve and a three-piecewise linear regression revealed that a nonlinear relationship was observed between serum cystatin C and plaque burden. When serum cystatin C was in the range of 0.75-1.30 (mg/L), the plaque burden tended to increase. Conclusion: In normal renal function, serum cystatin C may confer stability of plaques. In mildly impaired renal function, serum cystatin C is a risk predictor of plaques. In normal renal function circumstances, serum cystatin C may benefit to the stability of plaques. In mild impaired renal function circumstances, serum cystatin C are a risk predictors of plaques.
Patient-Derived Xenograft: An Adjuvant Technology for the Treatment of Metastatic Disease
Authors: Bousquet Guilhem , Janin Anne
Published: March 2016

The occurrence of metastases severely affects prognosis for patients with cancer, making metastatic disease a daily societal challenge. Because of resistance to drugs, the potential curability with chemotherapy at the metastatic stage remains low. Large genomic analyses to identify new targets have their limitations due to intratumor heterogeneity when they are performed on tumor samples from primary tumors and because the functional value of molecular abnormalities in a cancer is usually not known. Additional tools are thus required for the development of new anticancer agents. The use of preclinical models is a key component of translational research in oncology. For four decades, xenograft models of human cancer cell lines injected subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice have been widely used, with disappointing results for predicting the clinical benefit of a new drug. Patient-derived xenografts are preclinical models rediscovered as innovative pharmacological tools, both for the preclinical development of anticancer drugs and as individual models for personalized treatment of metastatic disease. Here, we review the recent progress reported using patient-derived xenografts for the treatment of metastatic disease, and discuss the feasibility of their implementation in daily oncological care.
Prospective, multicenter study of postoperative deep-vein thrombosis in patients with haemophilia undergoing major orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Buckner Tyler , Leavitt Andrew , Ragni Margaret , Kempton Christine , Eyster M. , Cuker Adam , Lentz Steven , Ducore Jonathan , Leissinger Cindy , Wang Mike , Key Nigel
Published: March 2016

Perioperative clotting factor replacement is administered to reverse the inherent haemostatic defect in persons with haemophilia (PWH), potentially increasing their risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) postoperatively. It was our objective to determine the prevalence of VTE in PWH undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). Patients with haemophilia A or B who underwent THA or TKA were enrolled in this prospective, multicentre observational cohort study. Lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound was performed prior to surgery and 4–6 weeks after surgery. Eleven centres enrolled 51 subjects, 46 of whom completed the study. Six subjects (13.0 %) were treated with bypass agents perioperatively; the remaining 40 subjects received factor VIII or IX replacement. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices were utilised postoperatively in 23 subjects (50 %), and four subjects (8.7 %) also received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. One subject (2.2 %) with moderate haemophilia A was diagnosed with symptomatic distal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) on day 6 following TKA. One subject (2.2 %) with severe haemophilia A was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism on day 9 following bilateral TKA. No subjects had asymptomatic DVT. Eighteen subjects (39.1 %) had major bleeding, and three subjects (6.5 %) experienced minor bleeding. The observed prevalence of ultrasound-detectable, asymptomatic DVT in PWH following TKA or THA in this study was low, but the incidence of symptomatic VTE (4.3 %, 95 % CI, 0.5–14.8 %) appeared similar to the estimated incidence in the general population without thromboprophylaxis.
Effects of Age and Sex on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Relative to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Triple-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yamaji Kyohei , Shiomi Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Nakatsuma Kenji , Toyota Toshiaki , Ono Koh , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kadota Kazushige , Ando Kenji , Shirai Shinichi , Onodera Tomoya , Watanabe Hirotoshi , Natsuaki Masahiro , Sakata Ryuzo , Hanyu Michiya , Nishiwaki Noboru , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Kimura Takeshi
Published: March 2016

Background—

Age and sex are important considerations in the choice between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in daily clinical practice.

Methods and Results—

Of 25 816 patients enrolled in the multicenter Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto; Cohort-1, n=9877; Cohort-2, n=15 939), the present study population consisted of 5651 patients (men, n=3998; women, n=1653) with triple-vessel coronary artery disease who were considered to be pertinent in comparisons of PCI with CABG (PCI, n=3165; CABG, n=2486). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tertiles of age: ≤65 years (n=1972), 66 to 73 years (n=1820), and ≥74 years (n=1859). The excess adjusted mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG was significant in patients ≥74 years of age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.79;
P
=0.006), whereas the risks were neutral in patients ≤65 years of age (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.73–1.53;
P
=0.78) and in patients 66 to 73 years of age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.78–1.36;
P
=0.85; interaction
P
=0.003). The excess mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG was significant in men (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.50;
P
=0.02) and trended to be significant in women (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.98–1.84;
P
=0.07) without significant interaction between sex and the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG (interaction
P
=0.40).

Conclusions—

There was a significant association between age and the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG with excess risk in patients ≥74 years of age and neutral risk in younger patients. There was no significant sex-related difference in the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Worse Endothelial Function Among Veterans
Authors: Grenon S. Marlene , Owens Christopher D. , Alley Hugh , Perez Sandra , Whooley Mary A. , Neylan Thomas C. , Aschbacher Kirstin , Gasper Warren J. , Hilton Joan F. , Cohen Beth E.
Published: March 2016

Background

Current research in behavioral cardiology reveals a significant association between posttraumatic stress disorder (
PTSD
) and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with
PTSD
would exhibit endothelial dysfunction, a potential mechanism involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

A total of 214 outpatients treated at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center underwent tests of endothelial function and evaluation for
PTSD
. Flow‐mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery was performed to assess endothelial function, and current
PTSD
status was defined by the
PTSD
Checklist, based on the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(Fourth Edition), with a score ≥40. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the association between
PTSD
status and endothelial function. Patients with
PTSD
(n=67) were more likely to be male (99% versus 91%,
P
=0.04) and to have depression (58% versus 8%,
P
<0.0001) and were less likely to be on an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (17% versus 36%,
P
=0.007) or β‐blocker treatment (25% versus 41%,
P
=0.03). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with
PTSD
had significantly lower flow‐mediated vasodilation (5.8±3.4% versus 7.5±3.7%;
P
=0.003); furthermore, lower flow‐mediated vasodilation was associated with increasing age (
P
=0.008), decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate (
P
=0.003), hypertension (
P
=0.002), aspirin (
P
=0.03), and β‐blocker treatments (
P
=0.01). In multivariable analysis,
PTSD
remained independently associated with lower flow‐mediated vasodilation (
P
=0.0005).

Conclusions

After adjusting for demographic, comorbidity, and treatment characteristics,
PTSD
remained associated with worse endothelial function in an outpatient population. Whether poor endothelial function contributes to the higher risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with
PTSD
deserves further study.