bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Barriers to Rhegmatogenous Detachment Surgery in Brazil
Authors: Carricondo Pedro Carlos , Tanaka Tatiana , Shibata Suellen Tiemi , Zacharias Leandro Cabral , Leite Thiago Aragão , Abalem Maria Fernanda , Takahashi Walter Y.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To verify access barriers patients with retinal detachment face to arrive at a reference center and to evaluate patients’ knowledge about the disease.Methods. Transversal study that applied a questioner to 65 patients of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo with retinal detachment between February and August of 2010.Results. Reasons for not performing the surgery in other services were as follows: 47% were referred because there was not vitreoretinal surgeon at original service; 27% could not afford the surgery, had no health insurance, or had no coverage at health insurance plan for the procedure. Time between the first symptom and the arrival at our service was as follows: 18 patients arrived in up to 7 days; 35 between 8 and 30 days; 8 between 31 and 90 days; 5 in more than 90 days. Reasons for delay were as follows: 70% did not know how serious the pathology was; 56% thought that it had spontaneous cure; 16% did not have money to pay for ophthalmic evaluation, 10% did not know where to go and 24% for other reasons.Conclusion. Educational programs about disease and measures to optimize the referral to specialized services are needed to accelerate the treatment of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Presumptive Ischemic Brain Infarction in a Dog with Evans’ Syndrome
Authors: Giannuzzi Angelo Pasquale , De Simone Antonio , Ricciardi Mario , Gernone Floriana
Published: November 2014

A ten-year-old neutered female mixed breed dog was referred for pale mucous membrane and acute onset of right prosencephalic clinical signs. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive for right middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. Based on cell blood count, serum biochemistry and serologic tests and flow cytometric detection of anti-platelets and anti-red blood cells antibodies, a diagnosis of immunomediated haemolytic anemia associated with thrombocytopenia of suspected immunomediated origin was done. Immunosuppresive therapy with prednisone was started and the dog clinically recovered. Two months later complete normalization of CBC and serum biochemistry was documented. The dog remained stable for 7 months without therapy; then she relapsed. CBC revealed mild regenerative anemia with spherocytosis and thrombocytopenia. A conclusive Evans’ syndrome diagnosis was done and prednisone and cyclosporine treatment led to normalization of physical and CBC parameters. The dog is still alive at the time the paper submitted. Possible thrombotic etiopathogenetic mechanisms are illustrated in the paper and the authors suggest introducing Evans’ syndrome in the differential diagnosis list for brain ischemic stroke in dogs.
Kinematic Analysis of Healthy Hips during Weight-Bearing Activities by 3D-to-2D Model-to-Image Registration Technique
Authors: Hara Daisuke , Nakashima Yasuharu , Hamai Satoshi , Higaki Hidehiko , Ikebe Satoru , Shimoto Takeshi , Hirata Masanobu , Kanazawa Masayuki , Kohno Yusuke , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: November 2014

Dynamic hip kinematics during weight-bearing activities were analyzed for six healthy subjects. Continuous X-ray images of gait, chair-rising, squatting, and twisting were taken using a flat panel X-ray detector. Digitally reconstructed radiographic images were used for 3D-to-2D model-to-image registration technique. The root-mean-square errors associated with tracking the pelvis and femur were less than 0.3 mm and 0.3° for translations and rotations. For gait, chair-rising, and squatting, the maximum hip flexion angles averaged 29.6°, 81.3°, and 102.4°, respectively. The pelvis was tilted anteriorly around 4.4° on average during full gait cycle. For chair-rising and squatting, the maximum absolute value of anterior/posterior pelvic tilt averaged 12.4°/11.7° and 10.7°/10.8°, respectively. Hip flexion peaked on the way of movement due to further anterior pelvic tilt during both chair-rising and squatting. For twisting, the maximum absolute value of hip internal/external rotation averaged 29.2°/30.7°. This study revealed activity dependent kinematics of healthy hip joints with coordinated pelvic and femoral dynamic movements. Kinematics’ data during activities of daily living may provide important insight as to the evaluating kinematics of pathological and reconstructed hips.
Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction after Refractive Lens Exchange with a Single-Piece Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens
Authors: Chang John S. M. , Ng Jack C. M. , Chan Vincent K. C. , Law Antony K. P.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To report visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after unilateral or bilateral refractive lens exchange (RLE) with a single-piece bifocal diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL).Methods. All patients underwent RLE with the ZMB00 MIOL (Abbott Medical Optics). Patient charts were reviewed to evaluate the distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, extent of visual symptoms (0–5), satisfaction (1–5), and rate of spectacle independence between unilateral and bilateral RLE group.Results. Forty-seven eyes of 28 patients were included. No intraoperative complications developed. Mean monocular uncorrected VA at distance, intermediate (67 cm), and near (30 cm) were0.01±0.12(standard deviation),0.27±0.18, and0.15±0.11, respectively. No eyes lost>1 line of corrected distance VA. Monocular contrast sensitivity remained at normal level. Median scores of halos, night glare, and starbursts for 27 patients were 2.0, 3.0, and 0.0, respectively. Median score of satisfaction was 4.0. There were no differences in visual symptom scores or satisfaction between unilateral and bilateral group(P>0.05). Eighty percent of 25 patients reported total spectacle freedom, with similar rate between bilateral (82%) and unilateral group (75%)(P=1.000).Conclusions. RLE with the bifocal diffractive MIOL was safe in presbyopic patients and resulted in a high rate of spectacle independence.
A New Case of 13q12.2q13.1 Microdeletion Syndrome Contributes to Phenotype Delineation
Authors: Mandrile Giorgia , Di Gregorio Eleonora , Calcia Alessandro , Brussino Alessandro , Grosso Enrico , Savin Elisa , Giachino Daniela Francesca , Brusco Alfredo
Published: November 2014

A recently described genetic disorder has been associated with 13q12.3 microdeletion spanning three genes, namely,KATNAL1, LINC00426, andHMGB1. Here, we report a new case with similar clinical features that we have followed from birth to 5 years old. The child carried a complex rearrangement with a double translocation: 46,XX,t(7;13)(p15;q14),t(11;15)(q23;q22). Array-CGH identified ade novomicrodeletion at 13q12.2q13.1 spanning 3–3.4 Mb and overlapping 13q12.3 critical region. Clinical features resembling those reported in the literature confirm the existence of a distinct 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome and provide further evidence that is useful to characterize its phenotypic expression during the 5 years of development.
Kerstersia gyiorumIsolated from a Bronchoalveolar Lavage in a Patient with a Chronic Tracheostomy
Authors: Deutscher Meredith , Severing Jennifer , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel
Published: November 2014

The use of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) generates rapid microbial identification. We are presenting a case of a 63-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic tracheostomy admitted for hypotension and fevers to illustrate the clinical implication of MALDI-TOF MS on bacterial identification.Kerstersia gyiorumwas identified from the bronchoalveolar lavage isolate.Kerstersia gyiorumhas been isolated from human sputum samples, and may be a previously unrecognized colonizer of the upper respiratory tract. Thus, patients with long-term tracheotomies or who are chronically aspirating may be at risk of lower respiratory infection with this organism. Increased use of MALDI-TOF MS in the clinical setting may increase reporting of this atypical isolate.
Adaptive Synchronization between Fractional-Order Chaotic Real and Complex Systems with Unknown Parameters
Authors: Tian Xiaomin
Published: November 2014

The complex modified projective synchronization (CMPS) between fractional-order chaotic real and complex systems is investigated for the first time. The parameters of both master and slave systems are assumed to be unknown in advance; moreover, the slave system is perturbed by unknown but bounded external disturbances. The master and slave systems that achieved CMPS can be synchronized up to a complex constant matrix. On the basis of frequency distributed model of fractional integrator and Lyapunov stability theory, a robust adaptive control law is designed to realize the CMPS for two different types of fractional-order chaotic systems. Meanwhile, to deal with these unknown parameters, some fractional-order type parametric update laws are provided. An example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed synchronization scheme.
Investigation on the Effect of Green Inhibitors for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel in 1 M NaOH Solution
Authors: Jayakumar Ramakrishnan Premjith , Kaleekal Janardhanan Vishnu Deth , Sreekumar Ramkumar , Parayil Mohan Keerthy
Published: November 2014

Alkaline corrosion is one of the main issues faced by the industries. The main chemicals abundantly used in industries are NaOH, H3PO4, HCl, and H2SO4. Corrosion control of metals has technical, economical, environmental, and aesthetical importance. The use of inhibitors is one of the best options to protect metals and alloys against corrosion. The corrosion protection of mild steel in 1 M NaOH solution by mix of Henna/Zeolite powder was studied at different temperatures by weight loss technique. Adsorption, activation, and statistical studies were addressed in this work. Adsorption studies showed that inhibitor adsorbed on metal surface according to Langmuir isotherm. Surface studies were performed by using UV-spectra and SEM. The adsorption of inhibitor on the steel surface was found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the inhibitor in NaOH medium. Inhibition mechanism is deduced from the concentration and temperature dependence of the inhibition efficiency, Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm, SEM, and UV spectroscopic results.
Synthesis of ZnO‐CuO Nanocomposite Aerogels by the Sol‐Gel Route
Authors: Allaf Rula M. , Hope-Weeks Louisa J.
Published: November 2014

The epoxide addition sol‐gel method has been utilized to synthesize porous zinc‐copper composite aerogels in the zinc‐to‐copper molar ratios of 50 : 50 to 90 : 10. A two‐step mixing approach has been employed to produce aerogels composed of nano‐ to micrometer sized particles. The aerogels were characterized by ultrahigh resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction. The as‐synthesized aerogels had a thin flake‐ or petal‐like microstructure comprised of clustered flakes on two size scales; they were identified as being crystalline with the crystalline species identified as copper nitrate hydroxide, zinc hydroxide chloride hydrate, and zinc hydroxide nitrate hydrate. Annealing of the aerogel materials at a relatively low temperature (400°C) resulted in a complete phase transition of the material to give highly crystalline ZnO‐CuO aerogels; the aerogels consisted of networked nanoparticles in the ~25–550 nm size range with an average crystallite size of ~3 nm and average crystallinity of 98%. ZnO‐CuO aerogels are of particular interest due to their particular catalytic and sensing properties. This work emphasizes the versatility of this sol‐gel route in synthesizing aerogels; this method offers a possible route for the fabrication of aerogels of different metal oxides and their composites.
Estimation of the Pumping Pressure from Concrete Composition Based on the Identified Tribological Parameters
Authors: Mai Chanh-Trung , Kadri El-Hadj , Ngo Tien-Tung , Kaci Abdelhak , Riche Mustapha
Published: November 2014

A new method is proposed to estimate pumping pressure based on concrete composition without experimental measurements. Previous studies show that the pumping pressure depends on the interface friction between concrete and the wall of the pumping pipes. This friction is determined by the thickness and the rheology of the boundary layer formed at the interface. The latter is mainly formed by water, cement, and fine sand particles which come from concrete. Hence, interface parameters, which are the viscous constant and the interface yield stress, are directly related to concrete composition. In this work, at the first time the interface yield stress model is suggested and validated thanks to an experimental database also carried out in this study with a precision of around 13%. Then, the pressure estimation method is proposed using the two models to calculate the interface parameters. The validation of the method is carried out basing on the comparison with real measurements on the building site. This method enables the calculation of the pumping pressure with a precision of around 15%.
Menkes Disease Presenting with Epilepsia Partialis Continua
Authors: Rizk Tamer , Mahmoud Adel , Jamali Tahani , Al-Mubarak Salah
Published: November 2014

Aim. We aim to describe a female patient with Menkes disease who presented with epilepsia partialis continua.Case Presentation. Seventeen-months-old Saudi infant was presented with repetitive seizures and was diagnosed to have epilepsia partialis continua.Discussion. Menkes disease (OMIM: 309400) is considered a rare, X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from a mutation in the gene coding for the copper transporting ATPase (ATP7A). Affected individuals usually present with kinky hair, skeletal changes, prolonged jaundice, hypothermia, developmental regression, decreased tone, spasticity, weakness, and therapy resistant seizures.Conclusion. Raising awareness of abnormal presentation of this rare disease may help in the control of seizures through subcutaneous copper supplementation.
Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 163 Patients in a Single Institution
Authors: Bedirli Abdulkadir , Salman Bulent , Yuksel Osman
Published: November 2014

Background. The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancers.Materials and Methods. The medical records from a total of 163 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancers were retrospectively analyzed. Patient’s demographic data, operative details and postoperative early outcomes, outpatient follow-up, pathologic results, and stages of the cancer were reviewed from the database.Results. The patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery showed significant advantages due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery compared with those who underwent open surgery, namely, less blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). However, laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer resulted in a longer operative time compared with open surgery (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for medical complications (P>0.05). Open surgery resulted in more incisional infections and postoperative ileus compared with laparoscopic surgery (P<0.05). There were no differences in the pathologic parameters between two groups (P<0.05).Conclusions. These findings indicated that laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer had the clear advantages of a minimally invasive surgery and relative disadvantage with longer surgery time and exhibited similar pathologic parameters compared with open surgery.
Visible Discrimination of Broadband Infrared Light by Dye-Enhanced Upconversion in Lanthanide-Doped Nanocrystals
Authors: Dupuy Charles G. , Allen Thomas L. , Williams George M. , Schut David
Published: November 2014

Optical upconversion of near infrared light to visible light is an attractive way to capture the optical energy or optical information contained in low-energy photons that is otherwise lost to the human eye or to certain photodetectors and solar cells. Until the recent application of broadband absorbing optical antennas, upconversion efficiency in lanthanide-doped nanocrystals was limited by the weak, narrow atomic absorption of a handful of sensitizer elements. In this work, we extend the role of the optical antenna to provide false-color, visible discrimination between bands of infrared radiation. By pairing different optical antenna dyes to specific nanoparticle compositions, unique visible emission is associated with different bands of infrared excitation. In one material set, the peak emission was increased 10-fold, and the width of the spectral response was increased more than 10-fold.
An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Obstetric Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Authors: Berg R. C. , Odgaard-Jensen J. , Fretheim A. , Underland V. , Vist G.
Published: November 2014

In our recent systematic review inObstetrics and Gynecology Internationalof the association between FGM/C and obstetric harm we concluded that FGM/C significantly increases the risk of delivery complications. The findings were based on unadjusted effect estimates from both prospective and retrospective studies. To accommodate requests by critics, we aimed to validate these results through additional analyses based on adjusted estimates from prospective studies. We judged that 7 of the 28 studies included in our original systematic review were prospective. Statistical adjustments for measured confounding factors were made in eight studies, including three prospective studies. The adjusted confounders differed across studies in number and type. Results from meta-analyses based on adjusted estimates, with or without data from retrospective studies, consistently pointed in the same direction as our earlier findings. There were only small differences in the sizes or the level of statistical significance. Using GRADE, we assessed that our confidence in the effect estimates was very low or low for all outcomes. The adjusted estimates generally show similar obstetric harms from FGM/C as unadjusted estimates do. Thus, the current analyses confirm the findings from our previous systematic review. There are sufficient grounds to conclude that FGM/C, with respect to obstetric circumstances, involves harm.
NMR Spectroscopy of Human Eye Tissues: A New Insight into Ocular Biochemistry
Authors: Kryczka Tomasz , Wylęgała Edward , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Midelfart Anna
Published: November 2014

Background. The human eye is a complex organ whose anatomy and functions has been described very well to date. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the biochemistry and metabolic properties of eye tissues varies. Our objective was to reveal the biochemical differences between main tissue components of human eyes.Methods. Corneas, irises, ciliary bodies, lenses, and retinas were obtained from cadaver globes 0-1/2 hours postmortem of 6 male donors (age: 44–61 years). The metabolic profile of tissues was investigated with HR MAS1H NMR spectroscopy.Results. A total of 29 metabolites were assigned in the NMR spectra of the eye tissues. Significant differences between tissues were revealed in contents of the most distant eye-tissues, while irises and ciliary bodies showed minimal biochemical differences. ATP, acetate, choline, glutamate, lactate, myoinositol, and taurine were identified as the primary biochemical compounds responsible for differentiation of the eye tissues.Conclusions. In this study we showed for the first time the results of the analysis of the main human eye tissues with NMR spectroscopy. The biochemical contents of the selected tissues seemed to correspond to their primary anatomical and functional attributes, the way of the delivery of the nutrients, and the location of the tissues in the eye.
Detection, Characterization, and Molecular Typing of HumanMycoplasmaspp. from Major Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Metwally Mirihan A. , Yassin Aymen S. , Essam Tamer M. , Hamouda Hayam M. , Amin Magdy A.
Published: November 2014

Mycoplasmas are fastidious slow growing organisms lacking a cell wall and mostly isolated from the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory and genitourinary tracts. There is a dearth of information regarding clinicalMycoplasmaspp. isolates among Egyptian patients. A total of 170 samples were collected from patients and apparently healthy personnel in local public hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. Isolation ofMycoplasmaspp. was carried out using appropriate culture media and further identification was carried out by biochemical tests followed by serotyping using specific antisera. Confirmation was done by PCR for detection of differentMycoplasmaspp. using genus-specific primers targeting 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Characterization of the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern against different antimicrobials was carried out using disc diffusion test. The results indicated the presence of sixMycoplasmaspp. in 22.94% of the samples. Mycoplasmas were detected more frequently in throat swabs than sputum.Mycoplasma pneumoniaewas highly sensitive to macrolides and quinolones but less sensitive to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. Molecular techniques were found to be of more rapid, highly sensitive, able to detect nonviable organisms, and cost effective. These results shed light on difficulties ofMycoplasmadetection and the superiority of molecular techniques over culture.
Successful Treatment of Infectious Endocarditis Associated Glomerulonephritis Mimicking C3 Glomerulonephritis in a Case with No Previous Cardiac Disease
Authors: Kawamorita Yosuke , Fujigaki Yoshihide , Imase Atsuko , Arai Shigeyuki , Tamura Yoshifuru , Tanemoto Masayuki , Uozaki Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Uchida Shunya
Published: November 2014

We report a 42-year-old man with subacute infectious endocarditis (IE) with septic pulmonary embolism, presenting rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and positive proteinase 3-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA). He had no previous history of heart disease. Renal histology revealed diffuse endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with complement 3- (C3-) dominant staining and subendothelial electron dense deposit, mimicking C3 glomerulonephritis. Successful treatment of IE with valve plastic surgery gradually ameliorated hypocomplementemia and renal failure; thus C3 glomerulonephritis-like lesion in this case was classified as postinfectious glomerulonephritis. IE associated glomerulonephritis is relatively rare, especially in cases with no previous history of valvular disease of the heart like our case. This case also reemphasizes the broad differential diagnosis of renal involvement in IE.
A Comparative Study between Physical Properties of Compact and Ring Yarn Fabrics Produced from Medium and Coarser Yarn Counts
Authors: Abou-Nassif Ghada Ali
Published: November 2014

In compact spinning, fibers in drawing stage are condensed using air suction, which results in the produced yarns which significantly differ from ring spun yarns in their physical and mechanical properties. This study compares between physical properties of compact and ring yarn fabrics woven from coarser and medium yarn counts. The experimental results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. The findings of this study revealed that woven fabrics produced from compact spun yarns are superior to those produced from ring spun yarns with respect to breaking strength, breaking elongation, abrasion resistance, tearing strength, and air permeability.
Comparison of Colour Duplex Ultrasound with Computed Tomography to Measure the Maximum Abdominal Aortic Aneurysmal Diameter
Authors: Gray C. , Goodman P. , Badger S. A. , O’Malley M. K. , O’Donohoe M. K. , McDonnell C. O.
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Maximum diameter of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the main indication for surgery. This study compared colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) and computed tomography (CT) in assessing AAA diameter.Patients and Methods. Patients were included if they had both scans performed within 90 days. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, pairedt-test, and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for the whole group. Subgroup analysis of small (<5.0 cm), medium (5.0–6.5 cm), and large (>6.5 cm) aneurysms was performed. APvalue of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. 389 patients were included, giving 130 pairs of tests for comparison. Excellent correlation was in the whole group (r= 0.95) and in the subgroups (r= 0.94; 0.69; 0.96, resp.). Small LOA between the two imaging modalities was found in all subgroups.Conclusion. Small aneurysms can be accurately measured using CDU. CDU is preferable for small AAAs, but cannot supplant CT for planning aortic intervention.
Effects of Glossopharyngeal Insufflation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brodin Nina , Lindholm Peter , Lennartsson Claudia , Nygren-Bonnier Malin
Published: November 2014

In Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), thoracic range of motion is often greatly limited. The objective of the study was to describe the effects of 12 weeks of Glossopharyngeal Insufflation (GI) training in patients with AS. Dynamic spirometry included vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, and peak expiratory flow. Thoracic and lumbar range of motion was assessed by tragus-to-wall distance, modified Schober test, and tape measure. Disease activity, activity limitation, and health perception were assessed using the BAS-Indices, and tension in the thoracic region during GI was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale. Adherence to training was recorded in an activity log, along with any remarks on the training. Ten patients were recruited and six male patients fulfilled the study protocol. Three patients were able to learn GI by exceeding their maximal vital capacity with 5% using GI. A significant increase in thoracic range of motion both on costae IV(P=0.04)and at the level of the xiphoid process(P=0.04)was seen. Thus, patients with AS can practice GI, it is safe if maximal exertion is avoided, and patients with some mobility in the chest can increase their lung function substantially by performing GI during 12 weeks.
Preparation of Al-Mg Alloy Electrodes by Using Powder Metallurgy and Their Application for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Hsu Wen-Nong , Shih Teng-Shih , Lin Ming-Yuan
Published: November 2014

The choice of an electrode is the most critical parameter for water electrolysis. In this study, powder metallurgy is used to prepare aluminum-magnesium (Al-Mg) alloy electrodes. In addition to pure Mg and Al electrodes, five Al-Mg alloy electrodes composed of Al-Mg (10 wt%), Al-Mg (25 wt%), Al-Mg (50 wt%), and Al-Mg (75 wt%) were prepared. In water electrolysis experiments, the pure Al electrode exhibited optimal electrolytic efficiency. However, the Al-Mg (25 wt%) alloy was the most efficient when the anticorrosion effect and materials costs were considered. In this study, an ultrasonic field was applied to the electrolysis cell to improve its efficiency. The results revealed that the current increased by approximately 23.1% when placed in a 30 wt% KOH solution under the ultrasonic field. Electrochemical polarization impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to evaluate the effect of the ultrasonic field on the reduction of polarization resistance. The results showed that the concentration impedance in the 30 wt% KOH electrolyte decreased markedly by 44%–51% Ω.
Design of a Sapling Branch Grafting Robot
Authors: Sun Qun , Zhao Dongjie , Wang Chong , Zhao Ying
Published: November 2014

The automatic sapling grafting methods and grafting robot technologies are not comprehensively studied despite the fact that they are urgently required in practice. For this reason, a sapling grafting robot is developed to implement automatic grafting for saplings. The developed grafting robot includes clipping mechanism, moving mechanism, cutting mechanism, binding mechanism, and Arduino MCU based control system, which is capable of clipping, moving, positioning, cutting, grafting, and binding saplings. Experiments show that the stock cutting efficiency is 98.4%, the scion cutting efficiency is 98.9%, the grafting efficiency is 87.3%, and the binding efficiency is 68.9%.
Low Prevalence of Pfcrt Resistance Alleles among Patients with Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Niger Six Years after Chloroquine Withdrawal
Authors: Salissou Adamou , Zamanka Halima , Biyghe Binze Brigitte , Rivière Taiana , Tichit Magalie , Ibrahim Maman Laminou , Fandeur Thierry
Published: November 2014

Chloroquine (CQ) resistance is widespread in Africa, but few data are available for Niger. Pfcrt haplotypes (aa 56–118) and ex vivo responses to CQ and amodiaquine were characterized for 26 isolates collected in South Niger from children under 15 years of age suffering from uncomplicated falciparum malaria, six years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combinations and the withdrawal of CQ. The wild-type Pfcrt haplotype CVMNK was found in 22 of the 26 isolates, with CVIET sequences observed in only three of the samples. We also describe for the first time a new CVINT haplotype. The ex vivo responses were better for CVMNK than for CVIET parasites. Pfcrt sequence data were compared with those obtained for 26 additional parasitized blood samples collected in Gabon, from an area of CQ resistance used as a control. Our findings suggest that there has been a significant decline in CQ-resistant genotypes since the previous estimates for Niger were obtained. No such decline in molecular resistance to CQ was observed in the subset of samples collected in similar conditions from Gabon. These results have important implications for public health and support the policy implemented in Niger since 2005, which aims to increase the efficacy and availability of antimalarial drugs whilst controlling the spread of resistance.
Edge Effects and the Population Structure of Humboldt Bay, California, Eelgrass (Zostera marinaL.)
Authors: Neely Joshua S.
Published: November 2014

The physical structure of a habitat (e.g., fragmentation) may affect the distribution of genetic diversity within a population, and genetic diversity may alter ecological function. This study investigates the population genetics of Humboldt Bay, California, eelgrass in light of the habitat’s fragmented physical structure. Historical and ongoing dredging operations in the bay maintain channels between fragmented tidal mudflats that are inhabited by eelgrass. A sample of 469 individuals, from 11 discrete fragments, was genotyped using microsatellite analysis. Ramets were collected at multiple points located at the edge and in the interior of each fragment. The sampling scheme was designed to detect evidence of population structure within and between fragments, as well as between edge and interior bed positions. Genetic diversity is not shown to differ among fragments and is not consistent with widespread clonality. Heterozygosity levels indicate that Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium predominates across loci in most instances. Comparisons of edge and interior bed positions also reveal similarities between positions for the metrics described above. Results suggest efficient gene flow between fragments and between bed positions. Such findings, which indicate the unstructured nature of the population, can guide resource managers in making evolutionarily informed conservation decisions by discouraging assumptions of low genetic diversity and insignificant sexual reproduction.
Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of IAVchip DNA Microarray in Influenza A Diagnosis
Authors: Sultankulova K. T. , Chervyakova O. V. , Kozhabergenov N. S. , Shorayeva K. A. , Strochkov V. M. , Orynbayev M. B. , Sandybayev N. T. , Sansyzbay A. R. , Vasin A. V.
Published: November 2014

The paper describes comparative evaluation of IAVchip DNA microarray, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and real-time RT-PCR versus virus isolation in chicken embryos and shows their diagnostic effectiveness in detection and subtyping of influenza A virus. The tests were evaluated with use of 185 specimens from humans, animals, and birds. IAVchip DNA microarray demonstrates higher diagnostic effectiveness (99.45%) in early influenza A diagnosis as compared to the real-time PCR (98.38%) and RT-PCR (96.22%), thus showing its clear superiority. Diagnostic sensitivity of IAVchip DNA microarray (100%) exceeds the same of RT-PCR (95.95%) and real-time RT-PCR (97.96%) in the range of estimated confidence intervals. IAVchip DNA microarray and real-time RT-PCR displayed equal diagnostic specificity (98.85%), while diagnostic specificity of RT-PCR was 96.40%. IAVchip DNA microarray has an advantage over the other tests for influenza A diagnosis and virus identification as a more rapid method that allows performing simultaneous detection and subtyping of about tens of specimens within one experiment during 8–10 hours. The developed IAVchip DNA microarray is a general test tool that enables identifying simultaneously 16 hemagglutinin (HA) and 9 neuraminidase (NA) subtypes of influenza A virus and also to screen the influenza A viruses from humans, animals, and birds by M and NP genes.
Central Odontogenic Fibroma of Simple Type
Authors: Thankappan Prasanth , Chundru Naga Sirisha V. , Amudala Rajesh , Yanadi Prashanthi , Rahamthullah S. A. K. Uroof , Botu Meeramma
Published: November 2014

Central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is an extremely rare benign tumor that accounts for 0.1% of all odontogenic tumors. It is a lesion associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth resembling dentigerous cyst. In this report, a 10-year-old male patient is presented, who was diagnosed with central odontogenic fibroma of simple type from clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings.
Interdisciplinary Management of an Isolated Intrabony Defect
Authors: Ghivari Sheetal , Patil Anand C. , Patil Shavina , Shivanand Sunita , Tyagi Anukriti
Published: November 2014

The treatment of intrabony defects is a real challenge in molar teeth as it is chronic, slowly progressing disease which needs timely intervention. Periodontal inflammation associated with intrabony defect is not a separate entity as it secondarily affects the pulp causing retrograde pulpitis. However, treatment of these lesions will be complicated due to extensive bone loss. The tooth was endodontically treated followed by periodontal surgery to eliminate the deep periodontal pocket and promote bone fill in osseous defect. PepGen P-15 composited with platelet rich plasma was utilized for enhancing bone formation. The combination of these graft materials provides synergistic effect on bone regeneration.
Seasonal Changes in Condition Factor and Weight-Length Relationship of Invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) from Leszczynskie Lakeland, Poland
Authors: De Giosa Marcello , Czerniejewski Przemyslaw , Rybczyk Agnieszka
Published: November 2014

Samples of invasive cyprinid fish, the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), were collected by fyke nets in Leszczynskie Lakeland (Poland) during the summer and autumn, 2010, and during the spring, 2011. All captured fish were females. For each fish, the total weight (W,g) and the standard length (L,cm) were measured and Fulton’s condition factor (KC=100 W/L3) was computed. Graphical investigation and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test showed statistically significant location shift of the KC distribution from summer to autumn (upward) and from autumn to spring (downward). Relationship between total weight and standard length was described with the mean growth curve E(W∣L)=aLb. Seasonal parameters (a and b) were estimated with a nonlinear regression approach, that is, numerical optimization methods. Growth was allometric in summer and autumn and isometric in spring. The differences between summer and autumn growth curves and between autumn and spring growth curves were statistically significant. The seasonality exhibited by the condition factor and the growth curve may be due to different spawning, breeding, and feeding activity in the different seasons and to variable environmental conditions.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Stage IV Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy: A First Case Report
Authors: Mitropoulos Panagiotis G. , Chatziralli Irini P. , Parikakis Efstratios A. , Peponis Vasileios G. , Amariotakis Georgios A. , Moschos Marilita M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To present the case of a 27-year-old male patient with stage IV proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, treated with one intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, showing regression of the neovascularization and no recurrence at the 9-month follow-up. Methods. A 27-year-old male patient presented with blurred vision and floaters in the right eye since three days. His best corrected visual acuity was 6/18. Ophthalmological examination and fluorescein angiography revealed proliferative sickle cell retinopathy stage IV with vitreous hemorrhage and sea fan neovascularization, as well as ischemic areas at the temporal periphery. Results. The patient was treated with one intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, presenting improvement in the visual acuity from 6/18 to 6/6, resolution of vitreous hemorrhage, and regression of the neovascularization. Additionally, he underwent scatter laser photocoagulation at the ischemic areas. At the 9-month follow-up there was no recurrence, while no adverse effects were noticed. Conclusions. Intravitreal ranibizumab may be a useful adjunct to laser photocoagulation in the management of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy and may permit some patients to avoid pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of 4′,9′,4″,9″-Tetra-tert-butyl-1′,6′,1″,6″-tetramethoxy-2,5-dioxa[3.3]metabiphenylophane
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Egami Tatsuya , Tsuge Akihiko
Published: November 2014

A large calixarene-like metacyclophane, 4′,9′,4″,9″-tetra-tert-butyl-1′,6′,1″,6″-tetramethoxy-2,5-dioxa[3.3]metabiphenylophane, was synthesized by an intermolecular condensation reaction of its corresponding bischloromethyl-biphenyl and bishydroxymethyl-biphenyl precursors. After molecular characterization by 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, the compound generated single crystals by recrystallization from a dichloromethane/hexane mixture, facilitating an exact conformational determination via X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal was found to belong to the monoclinic space group P21/n with cell parameters a = 19.908(2) Å, b = 9.7193(11) Å, c = 23.350(3) Å, β = 109.594(1)°, and Dcalc=1.150 g/cm3 at 90 K. The compound adopted quite strained 1,2-alternate-like conformations because its biphenyl parts displayed large dihedral angles and rigidity. The crystal did not incorporate any solvent molecule but its molecular cavity and crystal space were effectively filled by the substituents.
Successful Outcome of Triangle Tilt as Revision Surgery in a Pediatric Obstetric Brachial Plexus Patient with Multiple Previous Operations
Authors: Nath Rahul K. , Halthore Vishnu , Somasundaram Chandra
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) occurs during the process of labor and childbirth. OBPI has been reported to be associated with shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, and breech delivery. Its occurrence in uncomplicated delivery is possible as well.Case Presentation. The patient in the present report is a 6.5-year-old girl, who suffered a severe brachial plexus injury at birth and had many reconstructive surgical procedures at an outside brachial plexus center before presenting to us.Discussion. The traditional surgical treatments by other surgical groups were unsuccessful and therefore the patient came to our clinic for further treatment. She had triangle tilt surgery with us, as a salvage procedure.Conclusion. The OBPI patient in this study clearly showed noticeable clinical and functional improvements after triangle tilt surgical management. The posture of the arm at rest was greatly improved to a more normal position, and hand to mouth movement was improved as well. Triangle tilt surgery should be conducted as a first choice treatment for medial rotation contracture of the shoulder in OBPI patients.
Optimal Foreign Exchange Rate Intervention in Lévy Markets
Authors: Mutakaya Masimba Aspinas , Chikodza Eriyoti , Chiyaka Edward T.
Published: November 2014

This paper considers an exchange rate problem in Lévy markets, where the Central Bank has to intervene. We assume that, in the absence of control, the exchange rate evolves according to Brownian motion with a jump component. The Central Bank is allowed to intervene in order to keep the exchange rate as close as possible to a prespecified target value. The interventions by the Central Bank are associated with costs. We present the situation as an impulse control problem, where the objective of the bank is to minimize the intervention costs. In particular, the paper extends the model by Huang, 2009, to incorporate a jump component. We formulate and prove an optimal verification theorem for the impulse control. We then propose an impulse control and construct a value function and then verify that they solve the quasivariational inequalities. Our results suggest that if the expected number of jumps is high the Central Bank will intervene more frequently and with large intervention amounts hence the intervention costs will be high.
Conservative Approach in Patients with Pemphigus Gingival Vulgaris: A Pilot Study of Five Cases
Authors: Gambino Alessio , Carbone Mario , Arduino Paolo G. , Carcieri Paola , Carbone Lucio , Broccoletti Roberto
Published: November 2014

Objectives. The aim of this pilot study was to describe the clinical efficacy of a conservative oral hygiene protocol in patients affected by gingival pemphigus vulgaris (PV) applied in a case series.Methods. Subjects suffering from PV with gingival localisation and slightly responsive to conventional treatment with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs were selected among individuals treated in the Unit of Oral Medicine Section of the University of Turin. Five subjects received nonsurgical periodontal therapy, over a 7-day period, including oral hygiene instructions; patients were instructed about domiciliary oral hygiene maintenance and instructions were reinforced at each visit and personalised if necessary. Clinical outcome variables were recorded at baseline (before starting) and 16 weeks after intervention, including full mouth plaque score (FMPS), bleeding scores (FMBS), probing pocket depth (PPD), oral pemphigus clinical score (OPCS), and patient related outcomes (visual analogue score of pain).Results. Five patients were treated and, after finishing the proposed therapy protocol, a statistical significant reduction was observed for FMBS (P=0.043) and OPCS (P=0.038).Conclusions. Professional oral hygiene procedures with nonsurgical therapy are related to an improvement of gingival status and a decrease of gingival bleeding in patients affected by PV with specific gingival localization.
Determinants of Weight Loss prior to Diagnosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Elsherif Yasser , Alexakis Christopher , Mendall Michael
Published: November 2014

Aims. To identify prevalence, severity, and environmental determinants of weight loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients just prior to time of formal diagnosis.Methodology. IBD patients attending outpatient clinic were questioned about weight loss prior to diagnosis and other environmental and demographic variables. The percentage BMI loss was calculated for each subject and factors associated with weight loss were determined.Results. Four hundred and ninety-four subjects were recruited (237 cases of Crohn’s disease (CD) and 257 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC)). Overall, 57% of subjects with CD and 51% of subjects with UC experienced significant weight loss prior to diagnosis (>5% BMI loss). Younger age at diagnosis and history of previous IBD surgery were significantly associated with both lower BMI at diagnosis and increased weight loss prior to diagnosis. In CD patients, increasing age at diagnosis was inversely associated with weight loss prior to diagnosis. Ileal disease was a risk factor of weight loss, whereas prior appendectomy was associated with reduced risk of weight loss.Conclusions. Weight loss is a significant problem for many IBD patients at presentation, especially in younger age and CD with ileal involvement. Appendectomy is associated with diminished weight loss.
Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Pancreatitis (Chylomicronemia Syndrome) Treated with Supportive Care
Authors: Uysal Emin , Acar Yahya Ayhan , Gökmen Emel , Kutur Ahmet , Doğan Hatice
Published: November 2014

Hypertriglyceridemia is a rare cause of pancreatitis. In treatment pancreatic rest, lifestyle changes, medications (fibrates, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nicotinic acid) are essential. Many experimental treatment modalities have been reported as insulin and heparin infusion and plasmapheresis. In this study we present the hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis treated with supportive care.
Mushrooms: A Potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications
Authors: Elsayed Elsayed A. , El Enshasy Hesham , Wadaan Mohammad A. M. , Aziz Ramlan
Published: November 2014

For centuries, macrofungi have been used as food and medicine in different parts of the world. This is mainly attributed to their nutritional value as a potential source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and minerals. In addition, they also include many bioactive metabolites which make mushrooms and truffles common components in folk medicine, especially in Africa, the Middle East, China, and Japan. The reported medicinal effects of mushrooms include anti-inflammatory effects, with anti-inflammatory compounds of mushrooms comprising a highly diversified group in terms of their chemical structure. They include polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and many other low molecular weight molecules. The aims of this review are to report the different types of bioactive metabolites and their relevant producers, as well as the different mechanisms of action of mushroom compounds as potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Urban Sprawl in the Mediterranean Urban Regions in Europe and the Crisis Effect on the Urban Land Development: Madrid as Study Case
Authors: Díaz-Pacheco Jaime , García-Palomares Juan Carlos
Published: November 2014

The middle of 2007 saw the beginning of a worldwide financial crisis that led to a sharp reduction in investment based on construction and urban development. This new situation is generating a new process, characterised by a slowdown that has almost reached a standstill when compared with the frenzied development of previous decades. In order to analyse these processes, this study examines urban land use changes and the urban growth rate and spatial dynamics of the metropolitan region of Madrid. The analysis has been carried out on a large scale between two periods (2000–2006 and 2006–2009) using a regional land use geodatabase. The results show the changes in the urban land use dynamics that took place over these two periods that could characterise the cities of Mediterranean Europe, where contrarily to the general pattern in Europe built-up areas are combining scattered built-up areas with new aggregated compact developments.