bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the MSF triage system, separating patients into different wards pending Ebola virus laboratory confirmation, Kailahun, Sierra Leone, July to September 2014
Authors: Vogt Florian , Fitzpatrick Gabriel , Patten Gabriela , van den Bergh Rafael , Stinson Kathryn , Pandolfi Luigi , Squire James , Decroo Tom , Declerck Hilde , Van Herp Michel
Published: January 2016

Prevention of nosocomial Ebola virus (EBOV) infection among patients admitted to an Ebola management centre (EMC) is paramount. Current Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) guidelines recommend classifying admitted patients at triage into suspect and highly-suspect categories pending laboratory confirmation. We investigated the performance of the MSF triage system to separate patients with subsequent EBOV-positive laboratory test (true-positive admissions) from patients who were initially admitted on clinical grounds but subsequently tested EBOV-negative (false-positive admissions). We calculated standard diagnostic test statistics for triage allocation into suspect or highly-suspect wards (index test) and subsequent positive or negative laboratory results (reference test) among 433 patients admitted into the MSF EMC Kailahun, Sierra Leone, between 1 July and 30 September 2014. 254 (59%) of admissions were classified as highly-suspect, the remaining 179 (41%) as suspect. 276 (64%) were true-positive admissions, leaving 157 (36.3%) false-positive admissions exposed to the risk of nosocomial EBOV infection. The positive predictive value for receiving a positive laboratory result after being allocated to the highly-suspect ward was 76%. The corresponding negative predictive value was 54%. Sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 61%, respectively. Results for accurate patient classification were unconvincing. The current triage system should be changed. Whenever possible, patients should be accommodated in single compartments pending laboratory confirmation. Furthermore, the initial triage step on whether or not to admit a patient in the first place must be improved. What is ultimately needed is a point-of-care EBOV diagnostic test that is reliable, accurate, robust, mobile, affordable, easy to use outside strict biosafety protocols, providing results with quick turnaround time.
Imported cholera with acute renal failure after a short business-trip to the Philippines, Germany, October 2015
Authors: Slesak Günther , Fleck Ralf , Jacob Daniela , Grunow Roland , Schäfer Johannes
Published: January 2016

A German businessman developed acute watery diarrhoea after a three-day trip to the Philippines. He was admitted with severe hypotension and acute renal failure, but recovered with rapid rehydration. Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa was isolated. Physicians need to be aware of endemic cholera in Asia including the Philippines and consider this in their pre-travel advice.
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine in preventing influenza primary care visits and hospitalisation in Auckland, New Zealand in 2015: interim estimates
Authors: Bissielo A , Pierse N , Huang QS , Thompson MG , Kelly H , Mishin VP , Turner N ,   SHIVERS
Published: January 2016

Preliminary results for influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against acute respiratory illness with circulating laboratory-confirmed influenza viruses in New Zealand from 27 April to 26 September 2015, using a case test-negative design were 36% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11–54) for general practice encounters and 50% (95% CI: 20–68) for hospitalisations. VE against hospitalised influenza A(H3N2) illnesses was moderate at 53% (95% CI: 6–76) but improved compared with previous seasons.
Micro-finance and Women Empowerment
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: January 2016

This paper examines the effects of women’s participation in group-based micro-credit pro-grams on a large set of qualitative responses to questions that characterize women’s autonomy and gender relations within the household. The data come from a special survey carried out in hill and tarai in 2004-2006 of Nepal. The results are consistent with the view that women’s participation in micro-credit programs helps to increase women’s empowerment. Credit program participation leads to women taking a greater role in household decision-making, having greater access to financial and economic resources, having greater social networks, having greater bargaining power compared with their husbands, and having greater freedom of mobility. Female credit also tended to increase spousal communication in general about family planning and parenting concerns. Ecologically, the higher impact on women’s empowerment was noticed in terai. The reason may be relatively lower social and economic status of terai women at the time of program initiation compared to that of hills. As a result, even a small change in their status would get reflected distinctly.

The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. IV, No. 1 (2007) pp. 16-27
Role of Entrepreneurship and Small Business in National Development
Authors: Karki Bir Bahadur
Published: January 2016

Entrepreneurship and small business play vital role in national development for both types of countries i.e. developed and developing countries like Nepal. Without having entrepreneurship. Government is not able to develop country itself. Most of the Nepalese people do not have ideas and skills about entrepreneurship and entrepreneur. Although, they have been trying to establish as well as operate cottage and small businesses all over Nepal. Special focus has been given on Central and Eastern Development Region. Data shows that most of the Nepalese people are not economically active still now. Therefore, Government should be able to address to that types of issues and should also be able to arrange in infrastructure as well as supporting programmes to those types of peoples who have entrepreneurship ideas.

The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vo. IV, No. 1(2007) pp. 75-82
Knowledge Management in India : A Case Study of an Indian Bank
Authors: Goswami Chandana
Published: January 2016

Knowledge Management is among one of the buzzwords prevailing in the management circles. It is seen as a tool which can create a strategic impact. Theoretically knowledge management is seen to have the potential to influence many spheres of an organization. It is available in a variety of forms and to a large extent the hidden tacit knowledge can be codified and made explicit. It is believed that by sharing of knowledge, the organization will benefit in the long run. However the success of knowledge management lies in the role played by the organization, the developers and the users themselves. This paper makes an exploratory study about Knowledge Management in practice at ICICI (India) and tries to identify the critical success factors of Knowledge Management. A small survey was done among 31 employees of ICICI and based on their responses a factor analysis was carried out. This resulted in identification of the critical success factors. A personal observation of the system at work also makes attempt to understand whether Knowledge Management can fulfill some of the needs of the technical and professional workforce.Key words: Knowledge Management, India, ICICI, initiating, implementing, iacit, explicitThe Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. V, No. 1, 2008, December Page: 37-49
Major Turns in Planned Development of Nepal
Authors: Srivastava Nagendra Lal
Published: January 2016

Three major turns in the pattern of development plans have been clearly realized. First has been seen in fifth plan in which the concept of regional de velopment was introduced along with strengthening of party less Panchayat system. The Second turn has been found in eighth plan that was the first plan after the restoration of multi party system in 1990. The change in this plan was seen in the form of guaranteeing democratic rights and opportunities to the people in existing socio economic and political scenario along with the promotion of privatization and economic liberalization. The third turn has been reflected in the current interim plan. The change has been seen through the aspirations of people that have been incorporated here in various ways to make a new Nepal. All the turns have been identified through the difference in plan objectives, policies and strategies that have been affected by influential change in socio political situations of the country due to some epoch making events.Key words: Major turns, planned developmentThe Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. V, No. 1, 2008, December Page: 1-15
Determinants of Street Entrepreneurial Success
Authors: Thapa Ajay , Thulaseedharan Archana , Goswami Arup , Joshi Lucky Prasad
Published: January 2016

Street entrepreneurship is one of the rapidly growing areas in the present business world. Understanding the factors affecting this business is important for the business people. This study has revealed many facts concerning the socio-economic and motivational factors affecting street entrepreneurship. Among many socio-economic and motivational factors, size of initial investment, number of workers, family business and promising demand of product/services are some of the major determinants of street entrepreneurial success.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. V, No. 1, 2008, December Page: 85-92
An Overview of Enterprising Theory
Authors: Sharma Devilal
Published: January 2016

National priority of the developing country for rapid economic development and reducing growing unemployment problems may be encouraging entrepreneurship developments and entrepreneurial characteristics to the younger people. Either through University education or through different government’s policy it should be ensured that the investment friendly environment as well as youth’s energy should be divert in entrepreneurial way to creating opportunity for self-economical development of the people. Scholars as well as academician’s attention also should be concentrates on the matter. Thus the article focuses to fill that gap of national priority of developing nation like Nepal.Key Words: Entrepreneurship, enterprise, opportunity, uncertainty, governance, judgments, decision-making, management, transaction cost theory, value.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. V, No. 1, 2008, December Page:112-119
Doing Business and Role of Government for Entrepreneurship Development
Authors: Karki Bir Bahadur
Published: January 2016

Doing business takes perspective of domestic primarily smaller companies and measure the regulation applying to them through their life cycle. The objective is regulation designed to be efficient accessible to all and simple in their implementation. Globally, doing business remain easiest in OECD high income economies. Out of 183 economies Singapore retains to top ranking or the ease of doing business whereas Nepal has ranked in 116. The main aims of one village one product (OVOP) and one Tambon one product (OTOP) is to develop micro, small and medium enterprise at the grass root level and reduce unemployment problems and poverty alleviation. These programme are more or less based on public private partnership (PPP) policy and technique. Like, other country, Nepal has been adopted OVOP programme within 11 districts out of 75 districts, since 2006.The Journal of Nepalese Business StudiesVol. Vii, No. 1, 2010-2011Page :53-62Uploaded date: July 8, 2012
Real-time intraoperative monitoring of brainstem auditory evoked potentials during microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Joo Byung-Euk , Park Sang-Ku , Cho Kyung-Rae , Kong Doo-Sik , Seo Dae-Won , Park Kwan
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to define a new protocol for intraoperative monitoring (IOM) of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) during microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to treat hemifacial spasm (HFS) and to evaluate the usefulness of this new protocol to prevent hearing impairment.

METHODS

To define the optimal stimulation rate, estimate the number of trials to be averaged, and identify useful warning criteria in IOM of BAEPs, the authors performed a preliminary study of 13 patients with HFS in 2010. They increased the stimulation rate from 10.1 Hz/sec to 100.1 Hz/sec by 10-Hz increments, and they elevated the average time from 100 times to 1000 times by 100-unit increments at a fixed stimulus rate of 43.9 Hz. After defining the optimal stimulation rate and the number of trials that needed to be averaged for IOM of BAEPs, they also identified the useful warning criteria for this protocol for MVD surgery. From January to December 2013, 254 patients with HFS underwent MVD surgery following the new IOM of BAEPs protocol. Pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination scoring were performed before surgery and 1 week after surgery. To evaluate the usefulness of the new protocol, the authors compared the incidence of postoperative hearing impairment with the results from the group that underwent MVD surgery prior to the new protocol.

RESULTS

Through a preliminary study, the authors confirmed that it was possible to obtain a reliable wave when using a stimulation rate of 43.9 Hz/sec and averaging 400 trials. Only a Wave V amplitude loss > 50% was useful as a warning criterion when using the new protocol. A reliable BAEP could be obtained in approximately 9.1 seconds. When the new protocol was used, 2 patients (0.8%) showed no recovery of Wave V amplitude loss > 50%, and only 1 of those 2 patients (0.39%) ultimately had postoperative hearing impairment. When compared with the outcomes in the pre-protocol group, hearing impairment incidence decreased significantly among patients who underwent surgery with the new protocol (0.39% vs 4.02%, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences between the 2 surgery groups regarding other complications, including facial palsy, sixth cranial nerve palsy, and vocal cord palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant decrease in postoperative hearing impairment after MVD for HFS when the new protocol for IOM of BAEPs was used. Real-time IOM of BAEPs, which can obtain a reliable BAEP in less than 10 seconds, is a successful new procedure for preventing hearing impairment during MVD surgery for HFS.
Differences between C3–4 and other subaxial levels of cervical disc arthroplasty: more heterotopic ossification at the 5-year follow-up
Authors: Chang Peng-Yuan , Chang Hsuan-Kan , Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Fay Li-Yu , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Wu Ching-Lan , Cheng Henrich
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Several large-scale clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of 1- and 2-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the subaxial cervical spine, while other studies reveal that during physiological neck flexion, the C4–5 and C5–6 discs account for more motion than the C3–4 level, causing more DDD. This study aimed to compare the results of CDA at different levels.

METHODS

After a review of the medical records, 94 consecutive patients who underwent single-level CDA were divided into the C3–4 and non-C3–4 CDA groups (i.e., those including C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7). Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale for neck and arm pain and by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) and heterotopic ossification (HO) were determined by radiography and CT, respectively.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients (93.6%; mean age 45.62 ± 10.91 years), including 41 (46.6%) female patients, underwent a mean follow-up of 4.90 ± 1.13 years. There were 11 patients in the C3–4 CDA group and 77 in the non-C3–4 CDA group. Both groups had significantly improved clinical outcomes at each time point after the surgery. The mean preoperative (7.75° vs 7.03°; p = 0.58) and postoperative (8.18° vs 8.45°; p = 0.59) ROMs were similar in both groups. The C3–4 CDA group had significantly greater prevalence (90.9% vs 58.44%; p = 0.02) and higher severity grades (2.27 ± 0.3 vs 0.97 ± 0.99; p = 0.0001) of HO.

CONCLUSIONS

Although CDA at C3–4 was infrequent, the improved clinical outcomes of CDA were similar at C3–4 to that in the other subaxial levels of the cervical spine at the approximately 5-year follow-ups. In this Asian population, who had a propensity to have ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, there was more HO formation in patients who received CDA at the C3–4 level than in other subaxial levels of the cervical spine. While the type of artificial discs could have confounded the issue, future studies with more patients are required to corroborate the phenomenon.
Emergency room resource utilization by patients with low-back pain
Authors: Drazin Doniel , Nuño Miriam , Patil Chirag G. , Yan Kimberly , Liu John C. , Acosta Frank L.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with admission to the hospital through the emergency room (ER) for patients with a primary diagnosis of low-back pain (LBP). The authors further evaluated the impact of ER admission and patient characteristics on mortality, discharge disposition, and hospital length of stay.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with LBP discharged from hospitals according to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 1998 and 2007. Univariate comparisons of patient characteristics according to the type of admission (ER versus non-ER) were conducted. Multivariate analysis evaluated factors associated with an ER admission, risk of mortality, and nonroutine discharge.

RESULTS

According to the NIS, approximately 183,151 patients with a primary diagnosis of LBP were discharged from US hospitals between 1998 and 2007. During this period, an average of 65% of these patients were admitted through the ER, with a significant increase from 1998 (54%) to 2005 (71%). Multivariate analysis revealed that uninsured patients (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.6, p < 0.0001) and African American patients (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.7, p < 0.0001) were significantly more likely to be admitted through the ER than private insurance patients or Caucasian patients, respectively. Additionally, a moderate but statistically significant increase in the likelihood of ER admission was noted for patients with more preexisting comorbidities (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, p < 0.001). An 11% incremental increase in the odds of admission through the ER was observed with each year increment (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, p < 0.001). Highest income patients ($45,000+) were more likely to be admitted through the ER (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, p = 0.007) than the lowest income cohort. While ER admission did not impact the risk of mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.60–1.51, p = 0.84), it increased the odds of a nonroutine discharge (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.26–1.53, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant majority of patients discharged from hospitals in the US from 1998 to 2007 with a primary diagnosis of LBP were admitted through the ER, with more patients being admitted via this route each year. These patients were less likely to be discharged directly home compared with patients with LBP who were not admitted through the ER. Uninsured and African American patients with LBP were more likely to be admitted through the ER than their counterparts, as were patients with more preexisting health problems. Interestingly, patients with LBP at the highest income levels were more likely to be admitted through hospital ERs. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors may play a role in the utilization of ER resources by patients with LBP, which in turn appears to impact at least the short-term outcome of these patients.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery in the treatment of abducens nerve schwannomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Prasad Govindaraju Lakshmi , Sharma Manish Singh , Kale Shashank S. , Agrawal Deepak , Singh Manmohan , Sharma Bhawani Shankar
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Of the intracranial schwannomas, those arising from the vestibular nerves are the most common. Abducens nerve (AN) schwannomas are very rare, and there is limited literature on their optimal management. Therapeutic options include surgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in these sixth cranial nerve (CN) schwannomas.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone GKRS for intracranial tumors at their institute in the period from 2003 to 2010. Inclusion criteria were as follows: isolated AN paresis on presentation, a lesion along the course of the sixth CN, and imaging features characteristic of a schwannoma. Patients with other CN deficits and neurofibromatosis Type 2 were excluded. Symptomatic improvement was defined as the resolution of or an improvement in diplopia noted on a subjective basis or as an improvement in lateral eyeball excursion noted objectively on follow-up. A reduction in tumor volume by at least 20%, as noted by comparing the pre- and post-GKRS images, was deemed significant.

RESULTS

Six patients with a mean age of 37.1 years (range 17–55 years) underwent primary GKRS. There were 2 prepontine cistern, 3 cavernous sinus, and 1 cisterno-cavernous tumor. The mean duration of symptoms was 6.1 months (range 3–12 months). The mean tumor volume was 3.3 cm3 (range 1.5–4.8 cm3). The mean tumor margin radiation dose was 12.5 Gy (range 12–14 Gy), while the median margin dose was 12 Gy (50% isodose line). The median number of isocenters used was 5 (range 4–8). The brainstem received an average 8.35-Gy radiation dosage (range 5.5–11 Gy). The mean follow-up duration was 44.3 months (range 24–78 months). Symptoms remained stable in 1 patient, improved in 3, and resolved in 2 (total improvement 83%). Magnetic resonance imaging at the last follow-up showed a stable tumor size in 3 patients (50%) and a reduction in the other 3. Thus, the tumor control rate achieved was 100%. No new CN deficits were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Abducens nerve schwannomas are rare intracranial tumors. They can be cavernous, cisternal, or cisterno-cavernous in location. Excellent tumor control rates and symptomatic improvement can be achieved with GKRS, which appears to be a safe and effective, minimally invasive modality for the treatment of such lesions. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider GKRS as the initial treatment of choice for this rare pathology. Long-term follow-up will be essential for further recommendations.
Do tumor and ventricular volume predict the need for postresection shunting in colloid cyst patients?
Authors: Weaver Kristin J. , McCord Matthew , Neal Dan , Bova Frank , Rajon Didier , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Rahman Maryam
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Many colloid cyst patients present with obstructive hydrocephalus that resolves after resection of the cyst. However, a proportion of patients with these cysts will require cerebrospinal fluid shunting after tumor resection, despite resolution of the obstruction at the foramina of Monro. The goal of this study was to determine if colloid cyst size or preoperative ventricular volume predicted the need for postresection shunting.

METHODS

In a retrospective study design, ICD-9 codes 742.2 (colloid cyst) and 348.0 (brain cyst) were used to identify patients who had undergone resection of a colloid cyst at the University of Florida over the last 20 years. Preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) with a stereotactic software program developed at the University of Florida was used to measure volumes of the colloid cyst and the lateral ventricles. The relationships among ventricular volume, colloid cyst volume, and postoperative shunting were analyzed.

RESULTS

The number of patients included in the study was 67, and their mean age was 37.7 years. Forty percent of the patients were female. Overall, 49.2% of the patients had a transcallosal approach, 35.8% a transcortical approach, and 14.9% an endoscope-assisted surgery. Mean preoperative ventricular volume was 76.5 cc in patients who never received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and 98.1 cc in those who were eventually treated with a VPS (p = 0.305). Patients with a postoperative VPS had an initial mean colloid cyst volume of 1.8 cc compared with 0.9 cc in patients without a VPS postoperatively (p = 0.019). Patients with colloid cysts larger than 0.6 cc (1-cm diameter) had a 12.8 increased odds of needing a VPS postoperatively (95% CI 1.81–275).

CONCLUSIONS

Larger colloid cysts are associated with an increased need for postresection shunting independent of preoperative ventricular size. Prospective studies of patients with colloid cysts are necessary to further identify risks of permanent hydrocephalus.
Dramatization as Life Practice: Counteractualisation, Event and Death
Authors: Sholtz Janae
Published: January 2016

The concept of dramatization represents a rhetorical and conceptual tension in Deleuze's philosophy in that it refers both to autopoietic ontological processes and to a critical philosophical method. Commentators are wont to refer to either one or the other, saying little about how or if these two fundamentally distinct usages can be thought together; that is what we aim to do here. By unravelling the conceptual transformations of the term, we can gain an appreciation for the double characterisation of dramatization and its centrifugal nature. We begin with the hypothesis that dramatization is linked to actualisation in the first sense and counteractualisation in the second. The fundamental question that we would like to address is: how are these two views to be reconciled? Addressing this question leads us to the conclusion that dramatization becomes an ethical imperative for philosophical subjects to perform certain philosophical exercises, that is, to become worthy of the event. The particular philosophical exercise that is emphasised is the dramatization of a paradoxical thought of death. Ultimately, we suggest that dramatization can be galvanised for both an emancipatory politics and an ethico-aesthetic life practice.
Neural Basis of Brain Dysfunction Produced by Early Sleep Problems
Authors: Kohyama Jun
Published: January 2016

There is a wealth of evidence that disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms, which are common in modern society even during the early stages of life, have unfavorable effects on brain function. Altered brain function can cause problem behaviors later in life, such as truancy from or dropping out of school, quitting employment, and committing suicide. In this review, we discuss findings from several large cohort studies together with recent results of a cohort study using the marshmallow test, which was first introduced in the 1960s. This test assessed the ability of four-year-olds to delay gratification and showed how this ability correlated with success later in life. The role of the serotonergic system in sleep and how this role changes with age are also discussed. The serotonergic system is involved in reward processing and interactions with the dorsal striatum, ventral striatum, and the prefrontal cortex are thought to comprise the neural basis for behavioral patterns that are affected by the quantity, quality, and timing of sleep early in life.
New Derivatives on the Fractal Subset of Real-Line
Authors: Khalili Golmankhaneh Alireza , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2016

In this manuscript we introduced the generalized fractional Riemann-Liouville and Caputo like derivative for functions defined on fractal sets. The Gamma, Mittag-Leffler and Beta functions were defined on the fractal sets. The non-local Laplace transformation is given and applied for solving linear and non-linear fractal equations. The advantage of using these new nonlocal derivatives on the fractals subset of real-line lies in the fact that they are better at modeling processes with memory effect.
Blood Pressure, Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Shift Working Police Officers: Effects of a Twelve Hour Roster System on Cardiovascular and Sleep Health
Authors: Elliott Jaymen , Lal Sara
Published: January 2016

Background: Police officers have been reported to exhibit a high incidence of pathologies, which present prematurely in an otherwise healthy population. Shift work has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and sleep disorders, attributable to its propensity for circadian rhythm dysfunction. However, contention exists as to whether shift work has a direct effect upon blood pressure (BP) regulation. Methods: This cross-sectional study sought to determine changes in BP and associations with the overall sleep quality and fatigue in 206 general duties police officers (n = 140 males) of the New South Wales Police Force in Australia. The subjects’ BP was assessed before and after their twelve hour shift, during which time they also completed the Lifestyle Appraisal Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: Poor sleep quality (PSQI) and fatigue severity (FSS) were found to predominate in the sample (69% and 51% respectively). Although there was no change in BP for male participants, female officers’ systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found to increase significantly across the shift (p < 0.001), but with no change found in females’ diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Finally, higher pre and post-shift SBP (r = −0.26, p = 0.001; r = −0.25, p = 0.001, respectively) and DBP (r = −0.26, p = 0.001; r = −0.26, p = 0.001, respectively) were significantly correlated with lower FSS scores after accounting for age, waist-hip ratio and lifestyle risk factors. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, there was a significant increase in SBP of female police officers after shift work, while BP and fatigue levels in all police officers were strongly related. Moreover, the predominating poor sleep quality and impact of fatigue in this sample remain a concern. Further research is required to ensure the physiological welfare of police officers, while strategies must be implemented to manage the detrimental effects shift work may be having upon their cardiovascular and sleep health.
Melatonin Suppresses the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines (OVCAR-429 and PA-1) and Potentiates the Effect of G1 Arrest by Targeting CDKs
Authors: Shen Ching-Ju , Chang Chi-Chang , Chen Yi-Tz , Lai Chung-Sheng , Hsu Yi-Chiang
Published: January 2016

Melatonin is found in animals as well as plants. In animals, it is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness and regulates physiological functions, such as sleep timing, blood pressure, and reproduction. Melatonin has also been found to have anti-tumor properties. Malignant cancers are the most common cause of death, and the mortality rate of ovarian tumor is the highest among gynecological diseases. This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of melatonin on the ovarian cancer lines, OVCAR-429 and PA-1. We observed the accumulation of melatonin-treated cells in the G1 phase due to the down-regulation of CDK 2 and 4. Our results suggest that in addition to the known effects on prevention, melatonin may also provide anti-tumor activity in established ovarian cancer.
Induction of Apoptosis by PQ1, a Gap Junction Enhancer that Upregulates Connexin 43 and Activates the MAPK Signaling Pathway in Mammary Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Shishido Stephanie , Nguyen Thu
Published: January 2016

The mechanism of gap junction enhancer (PQ1) induced cytotoxicity is thought to be attributed to the change in connexin 43 (Cx43) expression; therefore, the effects of Cx43 modulation in cell survival were investigated in mammary carcinoma cells (FMC2u) derived from a malignant neoplasm of a female FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-PyVT)634Mul/J (PyVT) transgenic mouse. PQ1 was determined to have an IC50 of 6.5 µM in FMC2u cells, while inducing an upregulation in Cx43 expression. The effects of Cx43 modulation in FMC2u cell survival was determined through transfection experiments with Cx43 cDNA, which induced an elevated level of protein expression similar to that seen with PQ1 exposure, or siRNA to silence Cx43 protein expression. Overexpression or silencing of Cx43 led to a reduction or an increase in cell viability, respectively. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family has been implicated in the regulation of cell survival and cell death; therefore, the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC)-independent function of PQ1 and Cx43 in the Raf/Mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (Raf-MEK-ERK) cascade of cellular survival and p38 MAPK-dependent pathway of apoptosis were explored. PQ1 treatment activated p44/42 MAPK, while the overexpression of Cx43 resulted in a reduced expression. This suggests that PQ1 affects the Raf-MEK-ERK cascade independent of Cx43 upregulation. Both overexpression of Cx43 and PQ1 treatment stimulated an increase in the phosphorylated form of p38-MAPK, reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and increased the cleavage of pro-caspase-3. Silencing of Cx43 protein expression led to a reduction in the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK and an increase in Bcl-2 expression. The mechanism behind PQ1-induced cytotoxicity in FMC2u mammary carcinoma cells is thought to be attributed to the change in Cx43 expression. Furthermore, PQ1-induced apoptosis through the upregulation of Cx43 may depend on p38 MAPK, highlighting that the effect of PQ1 on gap junctions as well as cellular survival via a MAPK-dependent pathway.
Clinical Genetic Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Schaefer G.
Published: January 2016

Early presumptions opined that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was related to the rearing of these children by emotionally-distant mothers. Advances in the 1960s and 1970s clearly demonstrated the biologic basis of autism with a high heritability. Recent advances have demonstrated that specific etiologic factors in autism spectrum disorders can be identified in 30%–40% of cases. Based on early reports newer, emerging genomic technologies are likely to increase this diagnostic yield to over 50%. To date these investigations have focused on etiologic factors that are largely mono-factorial. The currently undiagnosed causes of ASDs will likely be found to have causes that are more complex. Epigenetic, multiple interacting loci, and four dimensional causes (with timing as a variable) are likely to be associated with the currently unidentifiable cases. Today, the “Why” is more important than ever. Understanding the causes of ASDs help inform families of important issues such as recurrence risk, prognosis, natural history, and predicting associated co-morbid medical conditions. In the current era of emerging efforts in “personalized medicine”, identifying an etiology will be critical in identifying endo-phenotypic groups and individual variations that will allow for tailored treatment for persons with ASD.
Efficacy of Selected Insecticide Sprays and Aerosols against the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Wang Changlu , Singh Narinderpal , Zha Chen , Cooper Richard
Published: January 2016

We evaluated the residual efficacy of four liquid sprays and four ready-to-use aerosols that are commonly used in the U.S. against a field-collected bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., strain with moderate resistance level to pyrethroids. The four liquid sprays were: Tandem (0.1% thiamethoxam, 0.03% lambda-cyhalothrin), Temprid SC (0.05% imidacloprid, 0.025% cyfluthrin), Transport GHP (0.05% acetamiprid, 0.06% bifenthrin), and Demand CS (0.03% lambda-cyhalothrin). The four aerosols were: Alpine (0.5% dinotefuran), Bedlam (0.4% sumithrin, 1.6% MGK 264), Bedlam Plus (0.4% sumithrin, 1% MGK 264, 0.05% imidacloprid), and Phantom (0.5% chlorfenapyr). Bed bugs were confined for 4 h to treated substrates (aged 24 h). Four substrates were tested: fabric, unpainted wood, painted wood, and vinyl. Bedlam, Demand CS, and Temprid SC resulted in ≤70% mortality on all tested substrates. Among the other five products, substrate type significantly affected their residual efficacy, except for Transport GHP, which caused ≥89.7% mortality regardless of the substrate. The effect of exposure time (5 min, 4 h, and 24 h) on the efficacy of Transport GHP and Phantom aerosol also was evaluated. A 4 h continuous exposure to Phantom aerosol or Transport GHP residue caused similar mortality to 24 h exposure and higher mortality than 5 min exposure.
Flexural Strength of Preheated Resin Composites and Bonding Properties to Glass-Ceramic and Dentin
Authors: Kramer Matthias , Edelhoff Daniel , Stawarczyk Bogna
Published: January 2016

To test the impact of preheating (25, 37, 54, or 68 °C) of TetricEvoCeram (TEC), FiltekSupremeXT (FSXT), and Venus (V) on flexural strength (FS), shear bond strength (SBS) and interfacial tension (IFT). FS was tested with TEC and FSXT. For SBS, glass-ceramic and human dentin substrate were fabricated and luted with the preheated resin composite (RC). SBSs of 1500 thermal cycled specimens were measured. For IFT, glass slides covered with the non-polymerized RC were prepared and contact angles were measured. Data were analyzed using 2/1-way ANOVA with Scheffé-test, and t-test (p < 0.05). Preheated TEC (37–68 °C) showed higher FS compared to the control-group (25 °C) (p < 0.001). FSXT presented higher FS than TEC (p < 0.001). For SBS to dentin higher values for FSXT than TEC were found. The preheating temperature showed no impact on SBS to dentin. SBS to glass-ceramic revealed a positive influence of temperature for TEC 25–68 °C (p = 0.015). TEC showed higher values than V and FSXT (p < 0.001). IFT values increased with the preheating temperature. A significant difference could be observed in every RC group between 25 and 68 °C (p < 0.001).
Uniaxial Compressive Constitutive Relationship of Concrete Confined by Special-Shaped Steel Tube Coupled with Multiple Cavities
Authors: Wu Haipeng , Cao Wanlin , Qiao Qiyun , Dong Hongying
Published: January 2016

A method is presented to predict the complete stress-strain curves of concrete subjected to triaxial stresses, which were caused by axial load and lateral force. The stress can be induced due to the confinement action inside a special-shaped steel tube having multiple cavities. The existing reinforced confined concrete formulas have been improved to determine the confinement action. The influence of cross-sectional shape, of cavity construction, of stiffening ribs and of reinforcement in cavities has been considered in the model. The parameters of the model are determined on the basis of experimental results of an axial compression test for two different kinds of special-shaped concrete filled steel tube (CFT) columns with multiple cavities. The complete load-strain curves of the special-shaped CFT columns are estimated. The predicted concrete strength and the post-peak behavior are found to show good agreement within the accepted limits, compared with the experimental results. In addition, the parameters of proposed model are taken from two kinds of totally different CFT columns, so that it can be concluded that this model is also applicable to concrete confined by other special-shaped steel tubes.
CD-Based Microfluidics for Primary Care in Extreme Point-of-Care Settings
Authors: Smith Suzanne , Mager Dario , Perebikovsky Alexandra , Shamloo Ehsan , Kinahan David , Mishra Rohit , Torres Delgado Saraí , Kido Horacio , Saha Satadal , Ducrée Jens , Madou Marc , Land Kevin , Korvink Jan
Published: January 2016

We review the utility of centrifugal microfluidic technologies applied to point-of-care diagnosis in extremely under-resourced environments. The various challenges faced in these settings are showcased, using areas in India and Africa as examples. Measures for the ability of integrated devices to effectively address point-of-care challenges are highlighted, and centrifugal, often termed CD-based microfluidic technologies, technologies are presented as a promising platform to address these challenges. We describe the advantages of centrifugal liquid handling, as well as the ability of a standard CD player to perform a number of common laboratory tests, fulfilling the role of an integrated lab-on-a-CD. Innovative centrifugal approaches for point-of-care in extremely resource-poor settings are highlighted, including sensing and detection strategies, smart power sources and biomimetic inspiration for environmental control. The evolution of centrifugal microfluidics, along with examples of commercial and advanced prototype centrifugal microfluidic systems, is presented, illustrating the success of deployment at the point-of-care. A close fit of emerging centrifugal systems to address a critical panel of tests for under-resourced clinic settings, formulated by medical experts, is demonstrated. This emphasizes the potential of centrifugal microfluidic technologies to be applied effectively to extremely challenging point-of-care scenarios and in playing a role in improving primary care in resource-limited settings across the developing world.
Olive Oil and the Hallmarks of Aging
Authors: Fernández del Río Lucía , Gutiérrez-Casado Elena , Varela-López Alfonso , Villalba José
Published: January 2016

Aging is a multifactorial and tissue-specific process involving diverse alterations regarded as the “hallmarks of aging”, which include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion and altered intracellular communication. Virtually all these hallmarks are targeted by dietary olive oil, particularly by virgin olive oil, since many of its beneficial effects can be accounted not only for the monounsaturated nature of its predominant fatty acid (oleic acid), but also for the bioactivity of its minor compounds, which can act on cells though both direct and indirect mechanisms due to their ability to modulate gene expression. Among the minor constituents of virgin olive oil, secoiridoids stand out for their capacity to modulate many pathways that are relevant for the aging process. Attenuation of aging-related alterations by olive oil or its minor compounds has been observed in cellular, animal and human models. How olive oil targets the hallmarks of aging could explain the improvement of health, reduced risk of aging-associated diseases, and increased longevity which have been associated with consumption of a typical Mediterranean diet containing this edible oil as the predominant fat source.
A Sustainable Approach to the Stereoselective Synthesis of Diazaheptacyclic Cage Systems Based on a Multicomponent Strategy in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Suresh Kumar Raju , Almansour Abdulrahman , Arumugam Natarajan , Altaf Mohammad , Menéndez José , Kumar Raju , Osman Hasnah
Published: January 2016

The microwave-assisted three-component reactions of 3,5-bis(E)-arylmethylidene]tetrahydro-4(1H)-pyridinones, acenaphthenequinone and cyclic α-amino acids in an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, occurred through a domino sequence affording structurally intriguing diazaheptacyclic cage-like compounds in excellent yields.
Insight of Saffron Proteome by Gel-Electrophoresis
Authors: Paredi Gianluca , Raboni Samanta , Marchesani Francesco , Ordoudi Stella , Tsimidou Maria , Mozzarelli Andrea
Published: January 2016

Saffron is a spice comprised of the dried stigmas and styles of Crocus sativus L. flowers and, since it is very expensive, it is frequently adulterated. So far, proteomic tools have never been applied to characterize the proteome of saffron or identify possible cases of fraud. In this study, 1D-Gel Electrophoresis was carried out to characterize the protein profile of (i) fresh stigmas and styles of the plant; (ii) dried stigmas and styles from different geographical origins (Spanish, Italian, Greek and Iranian) that had been stored for various periods of time after their processing; and (iii) two common plant adulterants, dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. and dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. A selective protein extraction protocol was applied to avoid interference from colored saffron metabolites, such as crocins, during electrophoretic analyses of saffron. We succeeded in separating and assigning the molecular weights to more than 20 proteins. In spite of the unavailability of the genome of saffron, we were able to identify five proteins by Peptide Mass Fingerprinting: phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 3, heat shock cognate 70 KDa protein, crocetin glucosyltransferase 2, α-1,4-glucan-protein synthase and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-2. Our findings indicate that (i) few bands are present in all saffron samples independently of origin and storage time, with amounts that significantly vary among samples and (ii) aging during saffron storage is associated with a reduction in the number of detectable bands, suggesting that proteases are still active. The protein pattern of saffron was quite distinct from those of two common adulterants, such as the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius and the dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides indicating that proteomic analyses could be exploited for detecting possible frauds.
Synthesis and Characterization of Macrocyclic Polyether N,N′-Diallyl-7,16-diaza-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-dibenzo-18-crown-6
Authors: Toeri Julius , Laborie Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2016

In this study an efficient and direct production procedure for a macrocyclic polyether N,N′-diallyl-7,16-diaza-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-dibenzo-18-crown-6 from the reaction of catechol and N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)prop-2-en-1-amine in n-butanol in the presence of a strong base is reported. The synthesis involves a two-step addition of sodium hydroxide to enhance the cyclization process, and at the end of the reaction, the reaction mixture is neutralized and the solvent replaced with water in-situ through distillation to afford a relatively pure precipitate that is easily recrystallized from acetone. The yield of the macrocycle was 36%–45% and could be scaled-up to one-mole quantities. The structure and purity of this compound was verified on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, 1H-, 13C-NMR, 2D-NMR, mass spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The white crystalline compound has a sharp melting point of 124 °C and a crystallization temperature of 81.4 °C determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Our motivation behind the synthesis of the bibracchial lariat azacrown polyether ligand was to examine its possible applications in ion-selective polymer-supported materials.
Supplementation with Guanidinoacetic Acid in Women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Ostojic Sergej , Stojanovic Marko , Drid Patrik , Hoffman Jay , Sekulic Damir , Zenic Natasa
Published: January 2016

A variety of dietary interventions has been used in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), yet no therapeutic modality has demonstrated conclusive positive results in terms of effectiveness. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of orally administered guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI), musculoskeletal soreness, health-related quality of life, exercise performance, screening laboratory studies, and the occurrence of adverse events in women with CFS. Twenty-one women (age 39.3 ± 8.8 years, weight 62.8 ± 8.5 kg, height 169.5 ± 5.8 cm) who fulfilled the 1994 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for CFS were randomized in a double-blind, cross-over design, from 1 September 2014 through 31 May 2015, to receive either GAA (2.4 grams per day) or placebo (cellulose) by oral administration for three months, with a two-month wash-out period. No effects of intervention were found for the primary efficacy outcome (MFI score for general fatigue), and musculoskeletal pain at rest and during activity. After three months of intervention, participants receiving GAA significantly increased muscular creatine levels compared with the placebo group (36.3% vs. 2.4%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, changes from baseline in muscular strength and aerobic power were significantly greater in the GAA group compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Results from this study indicated that supplemental GAA can positively affect creatine metabolism and work capacity in women with CFS, yet GAA had no effect on main clinical outcomes, such as general fatigue and musculoskeletal soreness.