bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of the parasitic wasp subfamily Euphorinae (Braconidae) and evolution of its host preferences
Authors: STIGENBERG JULIA , BORING CHARLES ANDREW , RONQUIST FREDRIK
Published: February 2015

The braconid subfamily Euphorinae is a large, cosmopolitan group of endoparasitoid wasps. The majority of species attack adult hosts, a strategy that is rare among parasitic wasps, but there are also many species that attack nymphs and larval stages. Euphorine hosts may belong to a variety of insect orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Psocoptera, Orthoptera and Lepidoptera) although most euphorine tribes are confined to Coleoptera. Here we investigate the phylogenetic relationships of the Euphorinae based on molecular data (3 kb of nucleotide data from four markers:18S,28S,CADandCOI) and propose a higher‐level classification based upon the resulting phylogeny. We also infer the evolution of host associations and discuss the diversification of the Euphorinae. Results from both Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood analysis show that the subfamily, as previously circumscribed, is paraphyletic. We propose that the subfamily be expanded to include the tribes Meteorini and Planitorini (Mannokeraia + Planitorus), so that it corresponds to a clade that is strongly supported as monophyletic in our analyses. Based on our results, a revised higher classification of the Euphorinae is proposed, in which 52 extant genera and 14 tribes are recognized. We reinstate the genusMicroctonusbelonging to the tribe Perilitini, and synonymizeUssurarideluswithHoldawayella, SinuatophoruswithEucosmophorus. Furthermore, we propose the following tribal rearrangements:SpathicopisandStenothremmaare transferred to Perilitini;Tuberidelus, EucosmophorusandPlynopsto Cosmophorini;Eccliturato Dinocampini;Chrysopophthorus, HoldawayellaandWesmaeliato Helorimorphini;ProclithroporusandHeiato Townesilitini. The monotypic tribe Cryptoxilonini is synonymized with Cosmophorini. The generaPygostolusandLitostolusare placed in a separate tribe, Pygostolini, previously recognized as a subtribe among the Centistini. Parsimony‐based ancestral state reconstructions suggest that the ancestor of Euphorinae was a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, and that a host shift to larval Coleoptera occurred only in one clade of the Meteorini, some members of which secondarily shifted back to larval lepidopteran hosts. In the remainder of the subfamily, there was an initial shift from larval to adult coleopterans, followed by subsequent shifts to adults or larvae of Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Psocoptera.
Gene polymorphisms of interleukin 28B and the risk to chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Thai
Authors: Kimkong I. , Chankaew J. , Kunanopparat A. , Hirankarn N. , Tangkijvanich P.
Published: February 2015

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 28B (IL28B) (rs12979860C/T and rs8099917G/T) on chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection in Thai population. We studied 375 subjects: 83 CHB with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, 128 CHB without HCC and 164 individuals with self‐limited HBV infection, by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Results revealed significant risk of IL28B rs8099917T allele associated with CHB without HCC compared with self‐limited HBV [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 2.56 (1.08–6.28), P = 0.019]. The effect of this T allele was similar to that of an autosomal recessive gene in the presence of TT genotype compared with GG and GT genotype [OR (95% CI) = 2.70 (1.11–6.77), P = 0.016, P (logistic regression) = 0.048]. The two locus haplotype analysis of the two IL28B SNP loci did not show any association with CHB (P > 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested a IL28B rs8099917T allele predispose for susceptibility to chronic HBV infection but not leading to HCC in Thai population.
Assessment of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and tissue velocity imaging (TVI) in 14 dogs with malignant lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin
Authors: Tater G. , Eberle N. , Hungerbuehler S. , Joetzke A. , Nolte I. , Wess G. , Betz D.
Published: February 2015

Doxorubicin has been shown to be cardiotoxic at high doses but is an efficacious chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of canine lymphoma. Echocardiographic measurements and serum ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were obtained before and after doxorubicin administration in 14 dogs diagnosed with lymphoma. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate changes in cTnI concentrations and tissue velocity imaging (TVI) values in dogs with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin. A total of 182 cTnI and 1017 TVI measurements were performed. Standard echocardiographic parameters, tissue Doppler indices and cTnI concentrations did not differ at any time point within a 12‐week cyclic combination protocol. In conclusion, the use of doxorubicin at standard doses in the treatment of canine lymphoma may not be associated with significant myocardial damage.
Deflection characteristics of Unbound Base Course During a Large Scale Model Experiment
Authors: Ba Makhaly , Fall Meissa , Sall Oustasse Abdoulaye
Published: February 2015

This paper evaluates de deflections (measured at the surface and/or at the top of the subgrade) of unbound pavement materials under cyclic loading. Deflections of three base course materials (Bakel Red Quartzite, Bakel Black Quartzite and Diack Basalt) were investigated using a large-scale model experiment (LSME). The LSME is a prototype-scale pavement test apparatus where cyclic loading is applied and deflections are measured. The LSME replicates field conditions and accounts for scale effects. The LSME results showed that the total, plastic and net plastic deflections of a pavement increase progressively as the number of loading cycles increases. The total deflection decreases as the thickness of the base layer increases. Plastics deflections at the top of the subgrade decrease progressively as the thickness of the base layer is increased. The elastic deflections of the surface and of the base layer decrease gradually with the increasing loading cycles. The elastic deflection at the top of the subgrade decreases with increasing thickness of the base layer. So, rutting can be limited by limiting the elastic deflection at the top of the subgrade. However, this criterion does not account for the rutting caused by the unbound base layers and that of the asphalt concrete.
Composed Fluid–Structure Interaction Interface for Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Rotor
Authors: Matijašević Dubravko , Terze Zdravko , Vrdoljak Milan
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we propose a technique for high-fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) spatial interface reconstruction of a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) rotor model composed of an elastic blade mounted on a rigid hub. The technique is aimed at enabling re-usage of existing blade finite element method (FEM) models, now with high-fidelity fluid subdomain methods relying on boundary-fitted mesh. The technique is based on the partition of unity (PU) method and it enables fluid subdomain FSI interface mesh of different components to be smoothly connected. In this paper, we use it to connect a beam FEM model to a rigid body, but the proposed technique is by no means restricted to any specific choice of numerical models for the structure components or methods of their surface recoveries. To stress-test robustness of the connection technique, we recover elastic blade surface from collinear mesh and remark on repercussions of such a choice. For the HAWT blade recovery method itself, we use generalized Hermite radial basis function interpolation (GHRBFI) which utilizes the interpolation of small rotations in addition to displacement data. Finally, for the composed structure we discuss consistent and conservative approaches to FSI spatial interface formulations.
A New Approach for Forecasting the Price Range With Financial Interval-Valued Time Series Data
Authors: Yang Wei , Han Ai
Published: February 2015

This paper proposes an interval-based methodology to model and forecast the price range or range-based volatility process of financial asset prices. Comparing with the existing volatility models, the proposed model utilizes more information contained in the interval time series than using the range information only or modeling the high and low price processes separately. An empirical study of the U.S. stock market daily data shows that the proposed interval-based model produces more accurate range forecasts than the classic point-based linear models for range process, in terms of both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts. The statistical tests show that the forecasting advantages of the interval-based model are statistically significant in most cases. In addition, some stability tests have been conducted for ascertaining the advantages of the interval-based model through different sample windows and forecasting periods, which reveals similar results. This study provides a new interval-based perspective for volatility modeling and forecasting of financial time series data.
Nonlinear Oscillator Stochastic Response and Survival Probability Determination via the Wiener Path Integral
Authors: Zhang Yuanjin , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A.
Published: February 2015

A Wiener path integral (WPI) technique based on a variational formulation is developed for nonlinear oscillator stochastic response determination and reliability assessment. This is done in conjunction with a stochastic averaging/linearization treatment of the problem. Specifically, first, the nonlinear oscillator is cast into an equivalent linear one with time-varying stiffness and damping elements. Next, relying on the concept of the most probable path, a closed-form approximate analytical expression for the oscillator joint transition probability density function (PDF) is derived for small time intervals. Finally, the transition PDF in conjunction with a discrete version of the Chapman–Kolmogorov (C–K) equation is utilized for advancing the solution in short-time steps. In this manner, not only the nonstationary response PDF but also the oscillator survival probability and first-passage PDF are determined. In comparison with existing numerical path integral schemes, a significant advantage of the proposed WPI technique is that closed-form analytical expressions are derived for the involved multidimensional integrals; thus, the computational cost is kept at a minimum level. The hardening Duffing and the bilinear hysteretic oscillators are considered as numerical examples. Comparisons with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) data demonstrate the reliability of the developed technique.
Variation Simulation of Compliant Metal Plate Assemblies Considering Welding Distortion
Authors: Choi Wooyoung , Chung Hyun
Published: February 2015

The shipbuilding industry employs numerous cutting and joining processes to build the ship and offshore structure. Welding, as the primary joining process, inherently causes distortion and accounts for most of the major geometrical variation in the intermediate products (IPs), thus adversarially affecting the downstream assembly processes. Because of the welding process, the variation analysis of compliant assemblies in shipbuilding is clearly different from that of the automobile and aerospace industries, where the distortion during the joining process is negligible. This paper proposes a variation simulation model including the effects of joining process distortion for ships and offshore structures. The proposed model extends the concepts of the sources of variation and the method of influence coefficient (MIC) for a compliant mechanical assembly to include the welding distortions. The proposed model utilizes welding distortion patterns and a transformation matrix to efficiently model the deformation due to the joining process. Also the welding distortions are represented as stochastic values due to its randomness. The model is verified by case study simulation and by a comparison with welding experimental results.
Better-ear glimpsing in hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Best Virginia , Mason Christine R. , Kidd Gerald , Iyer Nandini , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: February 2015

When competing speech sounds are spatially separated, listeners can make use of the ear with the better target-to-masker ratio. Recent studies showed that listeners with normal hearing are able to efficiently make use of this “better-ear,” even when it alternates between left and right ears at different times in different frequency bands, which may contribute to the ability to listen in spatialized speech mixtures. In the present study, better-ear glimpsing in listeners with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment, who perform poorly in spatialized speech mixtures, was investigated. The results suggest that this deficit is not related to better-ear glimpsing.
Occupational therapy intervention to inspire self-efficacy in a patient with spinal ataxia and visual disturbance
Authors: Tohyama Satsuki , Usuki Fusako
Published: February 2015

We report a case of a patient with severe ataxia and visual disturbance due to vitamin E deficiency, whose self-efficacy was inspired by intervention with an appropriate occupational therapy activity. Before the handloom intervention, her severe neurological deficits decreased her activities of daily living (ADL) ability, which made her feel pessimistic and depressed. The use of a handloom, however, inspired her sense of accomplishment because she could perform the weft movement by using her residual physical function, thereby relieving her pessimistic attitude. This perception of capability motivated her to participate in further rehabilitation. Finally, her eager practice enhanced her ADL ability and quality of life (QOL). The result suggests that it is important to provide an appropriate occupational therapy activity that can inspire self-efficacy in patients with chronic refractory neurological disorders because the perception of capability can enhance the motivation to improve performance in general activities, ADL ability and QOL.
Far-infrared properties of helium-doped silicon
Authors: Ren Wei , Zhou Qingyan , Li Bing , Deng Hongxiang , Han Shaobo , Liu Wei , Jiang Yong , Xiang Xia , Zu Xiaotao
Published: February 2015

Single crystal silicon is an important material used for semiconductor devices and also a potential material in device research. Far-infrared optical properties are studied for the helium ion implanted samples with different fluences of 5.0 × 1016, 1.0 × 1017, 2.0 × 1017, and 4.0 × 1017 cm−2. The absorption coefficient and refractive index of silicon with different helium concentrations are measured in the wave number range from 4 to 85 cm−1 and temperature range from 145 to 520 K. The results show that the absorption coefficient increases with increasing fluence of helium ions, but the refractive index decreases. The correlations between absorption coefficient and refractive index and temperature of all samples are similar. The refractive index increases with temperature in the whole measurement temperature range, but the absorption coefficient has different trends in the different wavebands. The absorption coefficient decreases with the increase of temperature in the region below 12 cm−1; however, the absorption coefficient increases when the wave number is larger than 30 cm−1. The absorption coefficient curves at different wavebands are well fitted by the Drude model. A large number of helium bubbles and defects, such as voids and dislocations have been observed in the implanted area by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which contributes to the increase of optical absorption.
Cytosolic calcium changes affect the incidence of early afterdepolarizations in canine ventricular myocytes
Authors: Horváth Balázs , Hegyi Bence , Kistamás Kornél , Váczi Krisztina , Bányász Tamás , Magyar János , Szentandrássy Norbert , Nánási Péter P.
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to investigate the influence of cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) on action potential duration (APD) and on the incidence of early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in canine ventricular cardiomyocytes. Action potentials (AP) of isolated cells were recorded using conventional sharp microelectrodes, and the concomitant [Ca2+]i was monitored with the fluorescent dye Fura-2. EADs were evoked at a 0.2 Hz pacing rate by inhibiting the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current with dofetilide, by activating the late sodium current with veratridine, or by activating the L-type calcium current with BAY K8644. These interventions progressively prolonged the AP and resulted in initiation of EADs. Reducing [Ca2+]i by application of the cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM lengthened the AP at 1.0 Hz if it was applied alone, in the presence of veratridine, or in the presence of BAY K8644. However, BAPTA-AM shortened the AP if the cells were pretreated with dofetilide. The incidence of the evoked EADs was strongly reduced by BAPTA-AM in dofetilide, moderately reduced in veratridine, whereas EAD incidence was increased by BAPTA-AM in the presence of BAY K8644. Based on these experimental data, changes in [Ca2+]i have marked effects on APD as well as on the incidence of EADs; however, the underlying mechanisms may be different, depending on the mechanism of EAD generation. As a consequence, reduction of [Ca2+]i may eliminate EADs under some, but not all, experimental conditions.
Grid-Assembly: An oligonucleotide composition-based partitioning strategy to aid metagenomic sequence assembly
Authors: Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Mehra Varun , Mande Sharmila S.
Published: February 2015

Metagenomics approach involves extraction, sequencing and characterization of the genomic content of entire community of microbes present in a given environment. In contrast to genomic data, accurate assembly of metagenomic sequences is a challenging task. Given the huge volume and the diverse taxonomic origin of metagenomic sequences, direct application of single genome assembly methods on metagenomes are likely to not only lead to an immense increase in requirements of computational infrastructure, but also result in the formation of chimeric contigs. A strategy to address the above challenge would be to partition metagenomic sequence datasets into clusters and assemble separately the sequences in individual clusters using any single-genome assembly method. The current study presents such an approach that uses tetranucleotide usage patterns to first represent sequences as points in a three dimensional (3D) space. The 3D space is subsequently partitioned into "Grids". Sequences within overlapping grids are then progressively assembled using any available assembler. We demonstrate the applicability of the current Grid-Assembly method using various categories of assemblers as well as different simulated metagenomic datasets. Validation results indicate that the Grid-Assembly approach helps in improving the overall quality of assembly, in terms of the purity and volume of the assembled contigs.
Ultrasound promoted green oxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron porphyrins supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Rayati Saeed , Sheybanifard Zahra
Published: February 2015

In the present work, oxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of meso-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrinatoiron(III) chloride supported onto surface of functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNT), [ Fe ( THPP ) Cl@MWCNT ], is reported. The simple heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and also thermal analysis. The amount of the catalyst loaded on the nanotubes was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. This heterogeneous catalyst proved to be an efficient and green catalyst and was successfully able to activate hydrogen peroxide without any additive toward the oxidation of alkenes in ethanol as a green solvent. Performance of the catalyst in oxidation of various alkenes was inspected under reflux, ultrasonic irradiation and mechanical stirring. Moreover, the catalyst can be reused several times under similar conditions.
PEGylated Carbon Nanotubes Impair Retrieval of Contextual Fear Memory and Alter Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Dal Bosco Lidiane , Weber Gisele E. B. , Parfitt Gustavo M. , Paese Karina , Gonçalves Carla O. F. , Serodre Tiago M. , Furtado Clascídia A. , Santos Adelina P. , Monserrat José M. , Barros Daniela M.
Published: February 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are promising materials for biomedical applications, especially in the field of neuroscience; therefore, it is essential to evaluate the neurotoxicity of these nanomaterials. The present work assessed the effects of single-walled CNT functionalized with polyethylene glycol (SWCNT-PEG) on the consolidation and retrieval of contextual fear memory in rats and on oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus. SWCNT-PEG were dispersed in water at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.1 mg/mL and infused into the rat hippocampus. The infusion was completed immediately after training and 30 min before testing of a contextual fear conditioning task, resulting in exposure times of 24 h and 30 min, respectively. The results showed that a short exposure to SWCNT-PEG impaired fear memory retrieval and caused lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus. This response was transient and overcome by the mobilization of antioxidant defenses at 24 h. These effects occurred at low and intermediate but not high concentration of SWCNT-PEG, suggesting that the observed biological response may be related to the concentration-dependent increase in particle size in SWCNT-PEG dispersions.
The Use of Le Bail Method to Analyze the Semicrystalline Pattern of a Nanocomposite Based on Polyaniline Emeraldine-Salt Form andα-Al2O3
Authors: Sanches Edgar A. , Carolino Adriano de S. , Santos Amanda L. dos , Fernandes Edson G. R. , Trichês Daniela M. , Mascarenhas Yvonne P.
Published: February 2015

Ceramic nanocomposites constituted by a matrix ofα-Al2O3microparticles reinforced by polyaniline emeraldine-salt form (PANI-ES) nanoparticles were prepared byin situpolymerization and characterized structural and morphologically. Peaks related to both materials were observed through XRD technique: PANI-ES presented peaks at2θ= 8.9, 14.9, 20.8, 25.3, 27.1, and 30.0° and inα-Al2O3phase peaks were found at2θ= 25.6, 35.2, 37.9, 43.5, 52.6, 57.6, and 68.1°. Nanocomposite crystallinity percentage was estimated around 70%. SEM showed a polymerization of PANI-ES over alumina plates. By Le Bail method it was observed that PANI-ES andα-Al2O3have crystallite average size around, respectively, 41 and 250 Å. By FTIR analysis characteristic absorption bands of both materials were identified. Additional bands indicating new chemical bonds were not observed, suggesting that nanocomposite was formed by physical deposition. Nanocomposite DC electrical conductivity was found around 0.24 S/cm (against1.84×10-4 S/cm for pure PANI-ES), showing an increase of about 1,300 times compared to the pure PANI-ES at room temperature. Thus, this paper showed that both materials have kept its original structural characteristics and exhibited high electrical conductivity when combined in nanocomposite form.
On the Propagation of Waves in an Anisotropic Solid with Laser-Induced Atomic Defects
Authors: Mirzade F. Kh.
Published: February 2015

The behavior of plane waves in a linear, elastic anisotropic laser-excited solid has been investigated taking into account the effects of atomic defect generation. It is found that there are four types of dispersive waves in these crystals, namely, a quasilongitudinal (QL-mode), two quasitransverse (QT-mode), and a quasidefect concentration (N-mode) wave. The complex secular equations for cubic and transversely isotropic crystals are reduced as special cases. It is demonstrated that when waves propagate in one of the planes of transversely isotropic solid having defect concentration field, only one purely quasitransverse wave decouples from the rest of the motion and is not influenced by defect concentration changes. The other waves are coupled and get modified due to presence of defects. When waves propagate along the axis of the solid, only QT- and N-mode are coupled, whereas the two QT-modes get decoupled from the rest of the motion. The phase velocities and attenuation factors of waves have been obtained. Significant effect of defects and anisotropy on wave characteristics is observed in certain ranges of frequency. It is also shown that there is an appreciable variation in case of QL-mode as compared with QT- and N-mode.
Association of the Apolipoprotein E 2 Allele with Concurrent Occurrence of Endometrial Hyperplasia and Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana I. , Krikunova Ludmila I. , Ryabchenko Nikolay I. , Mkrtchyan Liana S. , Khorokhorina Vera A. , Salnikova Lyubov E.
Published: February 2015

Genes encoding proteins with antioxidant properties may influence susceptibility to endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and endometrial carcinoma (ECa). Patients with EH (n= 89), EH concurrent with ECa (n= 76), ECa (n= 186), and healthy controls (n= 1110) were genotyped for five polymorphic variants in the genes involved in metabolism of lipoproteins (APOECys112Arg and Arg158Cys), iron (HFECys282Tyr and His63Asp), and catecholamines (COMTVal158Met). Patients and controls were matched by ethnicity (all Caucasians), age, body mass index (BMI), and incidence of hypertension and diabetes. The frequency of theAPOEE 2 allele (158Cys) was higher in patients with EH + ECa than in controls (P= 0.0012,PBonferroni= 0.018, OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.49–4.45). TheAPOEE 4 allele (112Arg) was more frequently found in patients with EH than in controls andHFEminor allele G (63Asp) had a protective effect in the ECa group, though these results appeared to be nonsignificant after correction for multiple comparisons. The results of the study indicate that E 2 allele might be associated with concurrent occurrence of EH and ECa.
Semantic Annotation for Biological Information Retrieval System
Authors: Oshaiba Mohamed Marouf Z. , El Houby Enas M. F. , Salah Akram
Published: February 2015

Online literatures are increasing in a tremendous rate. Biological domain is one of the fast growing domains. Biological researchers face a problem finding what they are searching for effectively and efficiently. The aim of this research is to find documents that contain any combination of biological process and/or molecular function and/or cellular component. This research proposes a framework that helps researchers to retrieve meaningful documents related to their asserted terms based on gene ontology (GO). The system utilizes GO by semantically decomposing it into three subontologies (cellular component, biological process, and molecular function). Researcher has the flexibility to choose searching terms from any combination of the three subontologies. Document annotation is taking a place in this research to create an index of biological terms in documents to speed the searching process. Query expansion is used to infer semantically related terms to asserted terms. It increases the search meaningful results using the term synonyms and term relationships. The system uses a ranking method to order the retrieved documents based on the ranking weights. The proposed system achieves researchers’ needs to find documents that fit the asserted terms semantically.
Is an Incidental Meckel’s Diverticulum Truly Benign?
Authors: Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Bayron Jennifer , Marshall William T.
Published: February 2015

Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract and it is found to affect nearly 2 percent of the population. Interestingly, the surgical management of an asymptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum remains widely controversial in the adult population. Review of the literature finds the overall risk of Meckel’s diverticulum becoming symptomatic to be low; however, the risk accompanying its resection also proves to be minimal thus perpetuating the question of its proper management. We report our experience with an elderly patient who required an emergent operative intervention and was incidentally found to have Meckel’s diverticulum. Review of final pathology found Meckel’s diverticulum to contain a carcinoid tumor. In our review, the presence of a carcinoid tumor within Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare finding, but its incidence may further support the resection of incidentally found asymptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum in patients of all ages.
Multicentric Castleman’s Disease in a Child Revealed by Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Benmiloud Sarra , Chaouki Sana , Atmani Samir , Hida Moustapha
Published: February 2015

Multicentric Castleman’s disease is a rare benign and unexplained lymphoproliferative disorder that is extremely uncommon in children. It presents with fever, systemic symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, and laboratory markers of inflammation. Its treatment is not standardized and its prognosis is poor. We report a novel case of multicentric Castleman’s disease in a 13-year-old girl who had presented with chronic diarrhea as the only initial presenting symptom. The diagnosis of celiac or inflammatory bowel diseases was suspected, but two and a half years later, the diagnosis of multicentric Castleman’s disease was brought following the appearance of abdominal mass whose biopsy revealed Castleman’s disease in the plasma cell form. The outcome was favorable after treatment by corticosteroid, chemotherapy, and surgery. The occurrence of diarrhea as the initial symptom of multicentric Castleman’s disease without lymph node involvement is very rare. This case report underlines the diagnostic difficulties and the long interval between onset and diagnosis when diarrhea occurs first.
Forecasting Age-Specific Brain Cancer Mortality Rates Using Functional Data Analysis Models
Authors: Pokhrel Keshav P. , Tsokos Chris P.
Published: February 2015

Incidence and mortality rates are considered as a guideline for planning public health strategies and allocating resources. We apply functional data analysis techniques to model age-specific brain cancer mortality trend and forecast entire age-specific functions using exponential smoothing state-space models. The age-specific mortality curves are decomposed using principal component analysis and fit functional time series model with basis functions. Nonparametric smoothing methods are used to mitigate the existing randomness in the observed data. We use functional time series model on age-specific brain cancer mortality rates and forecast mortality curves with prediction intervals using exponential smoothing state-space model. We also present a disparity of brain cancer mortality rates among the age groups together with the rate of change of mortality rates. The data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the United States. The brain cancer mortality rates, classified under International Classification Disease code ICD-O-3, were extracted from SEER*Stat software.
Using Regional Homogeneity to Reveal Altered Spontaneous Activity in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Yumei , Zhao Xiaochuan , Xu Shunjiang , Yu Lulu , Wang Lan , Song Mei , Yang Linlin , Wang Xueyi
Published: February 2015

Most patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are thought to be in an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging reflects spontaneous brain activity and/or the endogenous/background neurophysiological process of the human brain. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) rapidly maps regional brain activity across the whole brain. In the present study, we used the ReHo index to explore whole brain spontaneous activity pattern in MCI. Our results showed that MCI subjects displayed an increased ReHo index in the paracentral lobe, precuneus, and postcentral and a decreased ReHo index in the medial temporal gyrus and hippocampus. Impairments in the medial temporal gyrus and hippocampus may serve as important markers distinguishing MCI from healthy aging. Moreover, the increased ReHo index observed in the postcentral and paracentral lobes might indicate compensation for the cognitive function losses in individuals with MCI.
Enzymatic Transformation and Bonding of Sulfonamide Antibiotics to Model Humic Substances
Authors: Schwarz J. , Knicker H. , Schaumann G. E. , Thiele-Bruhn S.
Published: February 2015

Sulfonamides are consumed as pharmaceutical antibiotics and reach agricultural soils with excreta used as fertilizer. Subsequently, nonextractable residues rapidly form in soil, which has been researched in a couple of studies. To further elucidate conditions, strength, and mechanisms of the fixation to soil humic substances, three selected sulfonamides were investigated using the biochemical oligomerization of substituted phenols as a model for the humification process. Catechol, guaiacol, and vanillin were enzymatically reacted using laccase fromTrametes versicolor. In the presence of the substituted phenols alone, the concentration of sulfonamides decreased. This decrease was even more pronounced when additional laccase was present. Upon the enzymatic oligomerization of the substituted phenols to a humic-like structure the sulfonamides were sorbed, transformed, sequestered, and nonextractable bound. Sulfonamides were transformed depending on their molecular properties. Fractions of different bonding strength were determined using a sequential extraction procedure. Isolated nonextractable products were analyzed by chromatographic, spectroscopic, and calorimetric methods to identify coupling and bonding mechanisms of the sulfonamides. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements suggested cross-linking of such incorporated sulfonamides in humic oligomers. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements showed clear differences between the vanillin-sulfapyridine oligomer and the parent sulfapyridine indicating bound residue formation through covalent binding.
Neurosonographic Assessment of the Corpus Callosum as Imaging Biomarker of Abnormal Neurodevelopment in Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Egaña-Ugrinovic Gabriela , Savchev Stefan , Bazán-Arcos Carolina , Puerto Bienvenido , Gratacós Eduard , Sanz-Cortés Magdalena
Published: February 2015

Objective: To explore corpus callosum (CC) developmental differences by ultrasound in late-onset small fetuses compared with adequate for gestational age (AGA) controls. Study Design: Ninety four small (estimated fetal weight <10th centile) and 71 AGA fetuses were included. Small fetuses were further subdivided into fetal growth restriction (IUGR, n = 64) and small for gestational age (SGA, n = 30) based on poor perinatal outcome factors, that is, birth weight <3rd centile and/or abnormal cerebroplacental ratio and/or uterine artery Doppler. The entire cohort was scanned to assess CC by transvaginal neurosonography obtaining axial, coronal and midsagittal images. CC length, thickness, total area and the areas after a subdivision in 7 portions were evaluated by semiautomatic software. Furthermore, the weekly average growth of the CC in each study group was calculated and compared. Results: Small fetuses showed significantly shorter (small fetuses: 0.49 vs. AGA: 0.52; p < 0.01) and smaller CC (1.83 vs. 2.03; p < 0.01) with smaller splenium (0.47 vs. 0.55; p < 0.01) compared to controls. The CC growth rate was also reduced when compared to controls. Changes were more prominent in small fetuses with abnormal cerebroplacental Doppler suggesting fetal growth restriction. Conclusions: Neurosonographic assessment of CC showed significantly altered callosal development, suggesting in-utero brain reorganization in small fetuses. This data support the potential value of CC assessment by US to monitor brain development in fetuses at risk.
Protective Activity of Dendropanax Morbifera Against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Kim Eun-Sun , Lee Jong Soo , Akram Muhammad , Kim Kyeong-A , Shin Young-Jun , Yu Jong-Hyun , Bae Ok-Nam
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a severe threat to hospitalized patients, raising the urgent needs to develop strategies to reduce AKI. We investigated the protective activity of Dendropanax morbifera (DP), a medicinal plant which has been widely used to treat infectious and pain diseases, on acute kidney injury (AKI) using cisplatin-induced nephropathic models. Methods: Both in vitro renal tubular cells (NRK-52E) and in vivo rat models were used to demonstrate the nephroprotective effect of DP. Results: Methanolic extract from DP significantly reduced cisplatin-induced toxicity in renal tubular cells. Through successive liquid extraction, the extract of DP was separated into n-hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H2O fractions. Among these, the CHCl3 fraction (DPCF) was found to be most potent. The protective activity of DPCF was found to be mediated through anti-oxidant, mitochondrial protective, and anti-apoptotic activities. In in vivo rat models of AKI, treatment with DPCF significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine and histopathologic damage, recovered the level of anti-oxidant enzymes, and inhibited renal apoptosis. Conclusion: We demonstrated that DP extracts decreased cisplatin-induced renal toxicity, indicating its potential to ameliorate drug-associated acute kidney damage.
Changes of Serum Calcium, Magnesium and Parathyroid Hormone Induced by Hemodialysis with Citrate-Enriched Dialysis Solution
Authors: Šafránek Roman , Moučka Petr , Vávrová Jaroslava , Palička Vladimír , Pavlíková Ladislava , Sulková Sylvie Dusilová
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: In recent years, one of technical attempts to improve biocompatibility and tolerability of the hemodialysis procedure is the substitution of acetate in dialysis solution with citrate. The aim of our study was to compare two dialysis solutions: traditional bicarbonate dialysis solution containing acetate (3 mmol/L) (solution A); and (solution C) commercially produced citrate-enriched bicarbonate dialysis solution (0.8 mmol/L citrate). Methods: Patients from a single hemodialysis center (N=126) were included in the study. Both conventional low-flux hemodialysis and on-line hemodiafiltration procedures were studied. Both dialysis solutions contained identical calcium (1.5 mmol/L) and magnesium (0.5 mmol/L) concentrations. Results: Parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration decreased during procedures with solution A by 64%. On the contrary, when solution C was used, iPTH concentration increased insignificantly by 4%. For solution A, serum calcium and magnesium increased during procedures in patients with predialysis concentrations lower than 2.33 and 0.76 mmol/L, respectively. In procedures with dialysis solution C these concentrations were significantly lower: 2.19 mmol/L for Ca and 0.68 mmol/L for Mg. Conclusion: Our study clearly shows that the substitution of part of acetate with citrate in dialysis solution significantly influences changes of serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone concentrations during hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration procedures.
Influence of the Overall Intraocular Lens Diameter on Rotational Stability
Authors: Harrer Annette , Hirnschall Nino , Maedel Sophie , Findl Oliver
Published: February 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the rotational stability of two intraocular lenses (IOLs) of similar design and material but with a difference of 1 mm in overall length. Methods: In this prospective study patients with age-related cataract were included. An IOL with an overall diameter of 12 mm (ACR6 = small-diameter IOL) was compared to an IOL with an overall diameter of 13 mm (IDEA 613 XC = large-diameter IOL). Results: In total, 60 patients were included in this study. Absolute rotation in the small- and large-diameter groups was 4.4° (SD: 4.0; range: 0.3-17.8) and 3.0° (SD: 2.4; range: 0.1-7.8), respectively. The differences between the two IOLs were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The effect of the overall length of an IOL appears to have little impact on early rotation after cataract surgery.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy with Left Ventricular Involvement: A Novel Splice Site Mutation in the DSG2 Gene
Authors: Pereira Fernandes Marina , Azevedo Olga , Pereira Vitor , Calvo Lucy , Lourenço António
Published: February 2015

We report the case of a 37-year-old male patient admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit for acute pulmonary edema. He had a history of excessive alcoholic consumption and had had a viral syndrome in the preceding 10 days. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe biventricular dysfunction, mild dilatation of the left heart chambers, and severe dilatation of the right chambers. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia with a left bundle branch block morphology was detected during electrocardiographic monitoring. In the follow-up, he underwent a contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiogram and a cardiac resonance which were compatible with the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with biventricular involvement. Molecular analysis detected the mutation c.1423+2T>G (IVS10 ds +2T>G) in intron 10 of the gene DSG2 (desmoglein-2) in heterozygosity. To our knowledge, this mutation has not been previously described in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
Laryngeal Manual Therapy as a Treatment for Impaired Production of tahrir Vibrato in Traditional Iranian Singers
Authors: Salehi Abolfazl , Barkmeier-Kraemer Julie
Published: February 2015

Background: Iranian vibrato (tahrir) is a common feature of traditional Iranian singing. A unique feature of tahrir is a modulated voice quality perceived as a rhythmic falsetto voice break associated with upward pitch inflections. Laryngeal discomfort and impaired voice quality can occur in singers when they perform Iranian tahrir using an improper technique. Aim: A case series research design was used to explore voice treatment outcomes using laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) for treating voice problems associated with tahrir singing. Method: Four professional Iranian singers of the traditional style (3 men and 1 woman) were studied. All subjects reported difficulty executing tahrir during performances. They were assessed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in the administration of LMT for voice disorders. Multidimensional assessments were made of the participants' vocal function using acoustic and auditory-perceptual evaluation, self-reports of the singers, and LMT assessments by the SLP before and after treatment. The therapeutic program implemented LMT techniques to release laryngeal joints and reduce muscular tension. Results: Pretreatment examination of the larynx and anterior neck musculature using palpation showed that the difficulties in producing tahrir vibrato were associated with a decreased thyrohyoid space and tension in the submental complex and sternocleidomastoid. Posttreatment examination showed an increased thyrohyoid space and reduced tension in the submental complex and sternocleidomastoid, associated with the singers' perception of reduced effort producing tahrir vibrato during singing. Conclusion:Tahrir vibrato requires specific training to prevent excessive tension in laryngeal and neck muscles. In the absence of such training, or in the context of excessive singing associated with fatigue, LMT may facilitate more efficient vocal production in tahrir singers.
Innocent Blood: A History of Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: February 2015

Hemorrhages occurring in the newborn without trauma have been observed by obstetricians since the 17th century, but have been considered different diseases depending on their location. Umbilical hemorrhage associated with obstructed bile canals was described by Cheyne in 1802. Grandidier in 1871 and Townsend in 1894 grouped together various forms of neonatal bleeds and associated them with disturbed coagulation. When the clotting system became better understood in the last decade of the 19th century, effective symptomatic treatment was developed: gelatin, serum injection, and the transfusion of fresh blood. In 1935, Dam detected the function of vitamin K in the coagulation system and 4 years later, Waddell introduced vitamin K administration into therapy and prevention of neonatal hemorrhagic disease. Kernicterus occurred when high doses of synthetic water-soluble vitamin K analogues were given to preterm infants, reminding physicians that progress in neonatal therapy rests on the cornerstones of controlled trials and follow-up.
IgE Sensitization to Thaumetopoea pityocampa: Diagnostic Utility of a Setae Extract, Clinical Picture and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Vega José María , Moneo Ignacio , García-Ortiz José Carlos , González-Muñoz Miguel , Ruiz Carmen , Rodríguez-Mahillo Ana Isabel , Roques Alain , Vega Jesús
Published: February 2015

Background: Setae from Thaumetopoea pityocampa larvae (the pine processionary moth or PPM) can induce hypersensitivity reactions, but their clinical role in IgE-mediated responses is still subject to discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate a setae extract for in vivo and in vitro diagnosis in nonhospitalized patients with reactions to PPM. Methods: Forty-eight adult patients presenting with PPM cutaneous reactions were studied by skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE using setae and whole larval (WL) extracts. Biological standardized extracts were used for skin tests. Results: A total of 47.9% patients had a positive SPT for PPM (70% to both extracts, 17% only to the WL extract and 13% only to the setae extract). IgE immunoblotting detected several reactive bands in 91% of the SPT-positive cases. In multivariate analysis, male sex, immediate latency (<1 h) and duration of skin symptoms (<24 h) were independent predictors of a positive SPT. Conclusions: IgE sensitization to PPM was found in 48% of the study patients, which was associated with immediate reactions and evanescent cutaneous lesions. Most of these patients reacted to both WL and setae extracts, but some reacted to only one of them. According to our data, skin and in vitro tests to PPM should be performed using both extracts.
Effects of Water Fluoridation on Caries Experience in the Primary Dentition in a High Caries Risk Community in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Koh Rongzhen , Pukallus Margaret L. , Newman Bruce , Foley Michael , Walsh Laurence J. , Seow W. Kim
Published: February 2015

Objectives: In December 2008, artificial water fluoridation was introduced for the first time to the Logan-Beaudesert district in the state of Queensland, Australia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water fluoridation in the primary dentition in this community after a period of 36 months. Methods: Children aged 4-9 years with clinical examinations and bitewing radiographs (BWs) taken before water fluoridation (pre-F) were randomly selected as comparison controls for age matched children who had been exposed to a mean period of 36 months of water fluoridation (post-F). A total of 201 sets of pre-F BWs from children (mean age 6.95 ± 1.05 years) and 256 sets of post-F BWs from children (mean age 7.19 ± 1.23 years) attending schools in the district were randomly selected. Caries experience in the primary dentition was determined as decayed, missing or filled teeth/surfaces (dmft/dmfs). Results: The caries prevalence for the pre-F group was 87% compared to 75% in the post-F group (Odds ratio (OR): 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.72). Overall, there was a 19 percent reduction of mean dmft from 4.54 in the pre-F group to 3.66 in the post-F group (p = 0.005). After fluoridation, the dmfs was reduced from 6.68 to 5.17 (p = 0.0056). The distal surfaces of maxillary first primary molars experienced the greatest reduction (26%) in caries experience after water fluoridation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: After only 36 months of water fluoridation there was a significant drop in caries prevalence from 87 to 75% and a 19% reduction in caries experience in a community with one of the highest caries rates in Australia.