bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation and Tissue Handling Technique on Iatrogenic Dural Tear with Herniated Nerve Root at Cauda Equina Level
Authors: Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Djaja Yoshi Pratama , Saleh Ifran , Safri Ahmad Yanuar , Kurniawati Tri
Published: December 2016

Iatrogenic or incidental dural tear is a relatively common complication in lumbar decompression surgery. Although mostly there are no changes that occurred in long-term result following an incidental durotomy, the sequelae are not always benign especially when the herniated nerve root is involved. Preservation and tissue handling is paramount in order to prevent further injury. Two cases of dural tear with herniated nerve root complicating the lumbar decompression surgery are presented. Direct watertight repair was performed using the preservation and tissue handling concept. Assessing the relative size between the dural tear and the root mass is the key in determining whether enlargement of tear is needed. Whenever feasible, the tear will not be enlarged. Opening the vent by using a suture anchor and manually repositioning the nerve root with a fine instrument is the key for an atraumatic handling of the herniated nerve root. Clinical and neurophysiology examination was performed postoperatively and no further neurologic deficit occurred despite the iatrogenic injury. Although some debate on a few intraoperative and postoperative details still persists, tissue handling and preservation concept should be applied in all cases.
The -938C>A Polymorphism inMYD88Is Associated with Susceptibility to Tuberculosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Aggelou Kalliopi , Siapati Elena Konstantina , Gerogianni Irini , Daniil Zoe , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Ntanos Ioannis , Simantirakis Emmanouel , Zintzaras Elias , Mollaki Vassiliki , Vassilopoulos George
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major disease worldwide, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. The Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) pathway plays a crucial role in the recognition of MTB.Aim. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88) gene polymorphisms in TB.Materials and Methods. A total of 103 TB cases and 92 control subjects were genotyped for theMYD88 -938C>A (rs4988453) and 1944C>G (rs4988457) polymorphisms.Results. TheMYD88-938CA and -938AA genotypes were associated with an increased risk for tuberculosis with odds ratio (OR) of 5.71 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 2.89–11.28,p=0.01).Conclusions. TheMYD88-938C>A genetic polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to TB and may serve as a marker to screen individuals who are at risk.
The Effect of Soil Management on Olive Yield and VOO Quality in a Rainfed Olive Grove of Central Spain
Authors: Sastre Blanca , Pérez-Jiménez M. Ángeles , Bienes Ramón , García-Díaz Andrés , de Lorenzo Cristina
Published: December 2016

Rainfed olive groves have been traditionally tilled in order to reduce the competition for water and nutrients. In sloping Mediterranean olive groves, this practice leads to high erosion rates, resulting in a reduction in soil fertility. Cover crops have been employed as a sustainable olive grove management strategy, but previous studies found differences in their effect on fruit load and there is scarce information on their influence on the virgin olive oil (VOO) quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different soil management strategies on olive and oil yield and VOO physicochemical and sensory characteristics in a rainfed olive grove (238 trees·ha−1) of Cornicabra cultivar, the main in Central Spain. No effect of soil management was found in olive or oil yield along three cropping seasons. VOO quality was mainly influenced by the year, but slight differences were found in the driest year between the studied treatments. Small differences in fruit ripening, pigments, and several fatty acids as well as in sensory parameters were found.
Contraction Mapping Theory and Approach to LMI-Based Stability Criteria of T-S Fuzzy Impulsive Time-Delays Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Rao Ruofeng , Zhong Shouming
Published: December 2016

In this paper, Banach fixed point theorem is employed to derive LMI-based exponential stability of impulsive Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy integrodifferential equations, originated from Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks (CGNNs). As far as we know, Banach fixed point theorem is rarely employed to derive LMI criteria for T-S fuzzy CGNNs, and this inspires our present work. It is worth mentioning that the conditions on the behavior functions are weaker than those of existing results, and the formulated contraction mapping and fixed point technique are different from those of previous literature. Even a corollary of our main result improves one of existing main results due to extending linear function to nonlinear function. Besides, the LMI-based criteria are programmable for computer MATLAB LMI toolbox. Moreover, an analytical table and a numerical example are presented to illustrate the advantage, feasibility, and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Kinematical Limit Analysis for a Slope Reinforced with One Row of Stabilizing Piles
Authors: Xiao Shiguo , He Hong , Zeng Jinxiu
Published: December 2016

Stabilizing piles are commonly used to improve slope stability. The load that a pile should sustain and the associated slip surface under a prescribed factor of safety are two critical design parameters in practice. Based on the kinematically admissible failure mechanism, a limit analysis approach is introduced, which considers two potential slip surfaces that individually lie in the upslope and downslope of the piles. The explicit formulas for the upslope thrust force and downslope resistance on a pile are derived, which enables the calculation of the maximum load on a pile and the corresponding critical slip surfaces using a computer program. The maximum load and critical slip surfaces under a design factor of safety are mainly affected by soil properties and five other parameters: location of the pile row, dip angle of the slope face, action point and dip angle of the force, and improvement coefficient of the slope stability. The relevant quantitative calculation can be performed using the proposed method. Moreover, the possible failure with the upslope soil surpassing the pile top under a specified design factor of safety is significantly illustrated in the paper, which is helpful in the rational determination of the location of the pile row.
Dynamics of Actin Stress Fibers and Focal Adhesions during Slow Migration in Swiss 3T3 Fibroblasts: Intracellular Mechanism of Cell Turning
Authors: Sugawara Michiko , Miyoshi Hiromi , Miura Takuya , Tanaka Hiroto , Tsubota Ken-ichi , Liu Hao
Published: December 2016

To understand the mechanism regulating the spontaneous change in polarity that leads to cell turning, we quantitatively analyzed the dynamics of focal adhesions (FAs) coupling with the self-assembling actin cytoskeletal structure in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Fluorescent images were acquired from cells expressing GFP-actin and RFP-zyxin by laser confocal microscopy. On the basis of the maximum area, duration, and relocation distance of FAs extracted from the RFP-zyxin images, the cells could be divided into 3 regions: the front region, intermediate lateral region, and rear region. In the intermediate lateral region, FAs appeared close to the leading edge and were stabilized gradually as its area increased. Simultaneously, bundled actin stress fibers (SFs) were observed vertically from the positions of these FAs, and they connected to the other SFs parallel to the leading edge. Finally, these connecting SFs fused to form a single SF with matured FAs at both ends. This change in SF organization with cell retraction in the first cycle of migration followed by a newly formed protrusion in the next cycle is assumed to lead to cell turning in migrating Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts.
Experimental Study on Bond Behavior of FRP-Concrete Interface in Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Zheng X. H. , Huang P. Y. , Guo X. Y. , Huang J. L.
Published: December 2016

As the technique of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material strengthened reinforced concrete structures is widely used in the field of civil engineering, durability of the strengthened structures has attracted more attention in recent years. Hygrothermal environment has an adverse effect on the bond behavior of the interface between FRP and concrete. This paper focuses on the bond durability of carbon fiber laminate- (CFL-) concrete interface in hygrothermal condition which simulates the climate characteristic in South China. Twenty 100 mm × 100 mm × 720 mm specimens were divided into 6 groups based on different temperature and humidity. After pretreatment in hygrothermal environment, the specimens were tested using double shear method. Strain gauges bonded along the CFL surface and linear variation displacement transducers (LVDTs) were used to measure longitudinal strains and slip of the interface. Failure mode, ultimate capacity, load-deflection relationship, and relative slip were analyzed. The bond behavior of FRP-concrete interface under hygrothermal environment was studied. Results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of the interface reduced after exposure to hygrothermal environments. The decreasing ranges were up to 27.9% after exposure at high temperature and humidity (60°C, 95% RH). The maximum strains (εmax) of the specimens pretreated decreased obviously which indicated decay of the bond behavior after exposure to the hygrothermal environment.
Performance Analysis and Optimal Allocation of Layered Defense M/M/N Queueing Systems
Authors: Li Longyue , Liu Fuxian , Long Guangzheng , Zhao Huizhen , Mei Yingying
Published: December 2016

One important mission of strategic defense is to develop an integrated layered Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Motivated by the queueing theory, we presented a work for the representation, modeling, performance simulation, and channels optimal allocation of the layered BMDS M/M/N queueing systems. Firstly, in order to simulate the process of defense and to study the Defense Effectiveness (DE), we modeled and simulated the M/M/N queueing system of layered BMDS. Specifically, we proposed the M/M/N/N and M/M/N/C queueing model for short defense depth and long defense depth, respectively; single target channel and multiple target channels were distinguished in each model. Secondly, we considered the problem of assigning limited target channels to incoming targets, we illustrated how to allocate channels for achieving the best DE, and we also proposed a novel and robust search algorithm for obtaining the minimum channel requirements across a set of neighborhoods. Simultaneously, we presented examples of optimal allocation problems under different constraints. Thirdly, several simulation examples verified the effectiveness of the proposed queueing models. This work may help to understand the rules of queueing process and to provide optimal configuration suggestions for defense decision-making.
Transcriptomic Modification in the Cerebral Cortex following Noninvasive Brain Stimulation: RNA-Sequencing Approach
Authors: Holmes Ben , Jung Seung Ho , Lu Jing , Wagner Jessica A. , Rubbi Liudmilla , Pellegrini Matteo , Jankord Ryan
Published: December 2016

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate neuroplasticity. Beneficial effects are observed in patients with psychiatric disorders and enhancement of brain performance in healthy individuals has been observed following tDCS. However, few studies have attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of tDCS in the brain. This study was conducted to assess the impact of tDCS on gene expression within the rat cerebral cortex. Anodal tDCS was applied at 3 different intensities followed by RNA-sequencing and analysis. In each current intensity, approximately 1,000 genes demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to the sham group. A variety of functional pathways, biological processes, and molecular categories were found to be modified by tDCS. The impact of tDCS on gene expression was dependent on current intensity. Results show that inflammatory pathways, antidepressant-related pathways (GTP signaling, calcium ion binding, and transmembrane/signal peptide pathways), and receptor signaling pathways (serotonergic, adrenergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and glutamate) were most affected. Of the gene expression profiles induced by tDCS, some changes were observed across multiple current intensities while other changes were unique to a single stimulation intensity. This study demonstrates that tDCS can modify the expression profile of various genes in the cerebral cortex and that these tDCS-induced alterations are dependent on the current intensity applied.
Unravelling the Complexity of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies Molecular Testing: Added Value of Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Bernardis Isabella , Chiesi Laura , Tenedini Elena , Artuso Lucia , Percesepe Antonio , Artusi Valentina , Simone Maria Luisa , Manfredini Rossella , Camparini Monica , Rinaldi Chiara , Ciardella Antonio , Graziano Claudio , Balducci Nicole , Tranchina Antonia , Cavallini Gian Maria , Pietrangelo Antonello , Marigo Valeria , Tagliafico Enrico
Published: December 2016

To assess the clinical utility of targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for the diagnosis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRDs), a total of 109 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 88 IRD affected probands and 21 healthy relatives. Clinical diagnoses included Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), Stargardt Disease (STGD), Best Macular Dystrophy (BMD), Usher Syndrome (USH), and other IRDs with undefined clinical diagnosis. Participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination followed by genetic counseling. A custom AmpliSeq™ panel of 72 IRD-related genes was designed for the analysis and tested using Ion semiconductor Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Potential disease-causing mutations were identified in 59.1% of probands, comprising mutations in 16 genes. The highest diagnostic yields were achieved for BMD, LCA, USH, and STGD patients, whereas RP confirmed its high genetic heterogeneity. Causative mutations were identified in 17.6% of probands with undefined diagnosis. Revision of the initial diagnosis was performed for 9.6% of genetically diagnosed patients. This study demonstrates that NGS represents a comprehensive cost-effective approach for IRDs molecular diagnosis. The identification of the genetic alterations underlying the phenotype enabled the clinicians to achieve a more accurate diagnosis. The results emphasize the importance of molecular diagnosis coupled with clinic information to unravel the extensive phenotypic heterogeneity of these diseases.
A Unique Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pelvic Vasculitis
Authors: Traisak Pamela , Basnyat Shristi , Eid Hala , Cronin Patrick , Kuzyshyn Halyna , Feinstein David
Published: December 2016

The clinical presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is diverse and vasculitis can be a potential manifestation. Cutaneous lesions involving small vessels are the most frequent presentation. However, medium and large vessel vasculitis may present with life-threatening visceral manifestations. We present a unique case of pelvic vasculitis mimicking a pelvic mass as an initial presentation of SLE. There are case reports of systemic vasculitis involving the female genital tract with giant cell arteritis (GCA), polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and granulomatous with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (GPA/MPA), among others, but only a few cases attributed to SLE. Awareness of this condition and a prompt diagnosis are warranted as this is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
A 69-dB SNR 89-μW AGC for Multifrequency Signal Processing Based on Peak-Statistical Algorithm and Judgment Logic
Authors: Dai Lan , Chen Chengying
Published: December 2016

A novel peak-statistical algorithm and judgment logic (PSJ) for multifrequency signal application of Autogain Control Loop (AGC) in hearing aid SoC is proposed in this paper. Under a condition of multifrequency signal, it tracks the amplitude change and makes statistical data of them. Finally, the judgment is decided and the circuit gain is controlled precisely. The AGC circuit is implemented with 0.13 μm 1P8M CMOS mixed-signal technology. Meanwhile, the low-power circuit topology and noise-optimizing technique are adopted to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of our circuit. Under 1 V voltage supply, the peak SNR achieves 69.2 dB and total harmonic distortion (THD) is 65.3 dB with 89 μW power consumption.
A Fusion-Based Approach for Breast Ultrasound Image Classification Using Multiple-ROI Texture and Morphological Analyses
Authors: Daoud Mohammad I. , Bdair Tariq M. , Al-Najar Mahasen , Alazrai Rami
Published: December 2016

Ultrasound imaging is commonly used for breast cancer diagnosis, but accurate interpretation of breast ultrasound (BUS) images is often challenging and operator-dependent. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems can be employed to provide the radiologists with a second opinion to improve the diagnosis accuracy. In this study, a new CAD system is developed to enable accurate BUS image classification. In particular, an improved texture analysis is introduced, in which the tumor is divided into a set of nonoverlapping regions of interest (ROIs). Each ROI is analyzed using gray-level cooccurrence matrix features and a support vector machine classifier to estimate its tumor class indicator. The tumor class indicators of all ROIs are combined using a voting mechanism to estimate the tumor class. In addition, morphological analysis is employed to classify the tumor. A probabilistic approach is used to fuse the classification results of the multiple-ROI texture analysis and morphological analysis. The proposed approach is applied to classify 110 BUS images that include 64 benign and 46 malignant tumors. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity obtained using the proposed approach are 98.2%, 98.4%, and 97.8%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively be used to differentiate benign and malignant tumors.
Trichoepithelioma Arising in an Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Nakayama Satoru , Muto Haruka , Shimizu Shinichi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Adachi Hiroshi , Murakoshi Takeshi
Published: December 2016

Here, we report an extremely rare case of trichoepithelioma (TE)—a benign epithelial tumor originating from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle—arising in an ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT) with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) findings. A 48-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital for her annual follow-up of adenomyosis. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left ovarian tumor with irregular-shaped septum, which was suspicious of malignancy. However, tumor marker levels were within normal range. On FDG-PET, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the tumor was 2.9. Laparotomy with left salpingooophorectomy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed the probability of TE, rather than basal cell carcinoma (BCC), arising in an ovarian MCT. After five years of follow-up, the patient had no sign of recurrence. The FDG-PET SUVmax was low in TE, as with other benign tumor. However, future investigation is needed to evaluate the findings of FDG-PET imaging in TE cases.
Pseudohypertension-Like Presentation: An Exceptionally Rare Presentation in an Athletic Female Patient with Morphea
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Pseudohypertension is a condition which mainly occurs due to thickening-calcification of tunica intima of the arterial wall, leading to a faulty measurement of the intra-arterial blood pressure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in literature, of a pseudohypertension-like presentation in association with Morphea en plaque.Case Presentation. This is a rare presentation of a young athletic female and a professional tennis player, with pseudohypertension-like presentation. The patient had a traumatic injury to the right elbow joint; the injury occurred during a professional tennis match. The injury was managed by immobilization, physiotherapy, and Low-Level Laser Therapy. Soon after that, the patient had a circumscribed sclerotic ivory plaque affecting the skin of the right cubital fossa. The histopathology analysis, together with the serological-hematological tests and the clinical picture, along with positive Osler’s signs, leads to the conclusive diagnosis of Morphea en plaque. The peculiar anatomic localization of the plaque anterior to the brachial artery leads to faulty blood pressure measurement as recorded by mercurial sphygmomanometer.Conclusion. This unique presentation of Morphea en plaque carries an important message in relation to the basic medical practice and in relation to the accurate measurement of the vital signs.
A New Unconditionally Stable Method for Telegraph Equation Based on Associated Hermite Orthogonal Functions
Authors: Zhang Di , Peng Fusheng , Miao Xiaoping
Published: December 2016

The present paper proposes a new unconditionally stable method to solve telegraph equation by using associated Hermite (AH) orthogonal functions. Unlike other numerical approaches, the time variables in the given equation can be handled analytically by AH basis functions. By using the Galerkin’s method, one can eliminate the time variables from calculations, which results in a series of implicit equations. And the coefficients of results for all orders can then be obtained by the expanded equations and the numerical results can be reconstructed during the computing process. The precision and stability of the proposed method are proved by some examples, which show the numerical solution acquired is acceptable when compared with some existing methods.
Summer Drought Patterns in the Middle-Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin and Their Connections with Atmospheric Circulation before and after 1980
Authors: Li Shuping , Feng Guolin , Hou Wei
Published: December 2016

The three summer drought patterns of the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin (MLRYRB) and their associated atmospheric circulation were investigated before and after 1980. For the whole-basin wide drought pattern during 1961–1979, the anomalous high ridge over Japan blocked the northerly flow from Siberia to southern China. Further, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) was weaker than normal and shifted eastward. For the southern drought and northern flood pattern during 1961–1979, the zonal circulation was straight and an anomalous anticyclonic circulation was located over Japan. Less moisture was transported to southern China associated with the weakened WPSH. During 1980–2013, the WPSH extended westward and controlled the southern part of the MLRYRB, and an anomalous cyclonic circulation was centered over Japan. For the southern flood and northern drought pattern during 1961–1979, the meridional circulation was obvious, and the WPSH was weaker than normal. The anomalous southwesterly moisture transport appeared to southern China. However, during 1980–2013 the continental high pressure impacted northern China. The WPSH shifted eastward and the anomalous northeasterly moisture transport presented over eastern China.
An Empirical Analysis of the Coupling Coordination among Decomposed Effects of Urban Infrastructure Environment Benefit: Case Study of Four Chinese Autonomous Municipalities
Authors: Sun Yu , Cui Yin , Huang Huixia
Published: December 2016

The environment benefit of urban public infrastructure is the positive influence on the natural ecological environment generated by the use of urban infrastructure. This paper decomposes urban infrastructure environment benefit into three effects which include treating waste effect, purifying air effect, and regulating climate effect for the first time and introduces a comprehensive approach to evaluate the coupling coordination among three effects taking four Chinese autonomous municipalities as an example. These four cities have large-scale urban infrastructures but their environment problems are more serious. The basic function of urban infrastructures, especially environment protection, has not been fully played in these cities. Whether the different decomposed effects of urban infrastructure environment benefit have been developed in harmony or not is unclear. We analyzed the coordinated development among three effects by constructing a coupling coordination degree model and studied the impacts of three effects on coupling coordination degree using the panel data regression model. The result showed that the coupling coordination degrees among three effects of urban infrastructure environment benefit of four cities were all at the level of moderately unbalanced development and the impacts of three effects on coupling coordination degree among them in four cities were fairly close.
Text Message Reminders Increase Appointment Adherence in a Pediatric Clinic: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Chia-Lei , Mistry Nila , Boneh Jordana , Li Hong , Lazebnik Rina
Published: December 2016

Background. High no-show rates can burden clinic productivity and affect patient care. Although multiple studies have shown that text messages improve appointment adherence, very little research has focused on low-income and predominantly African American populations in resident clinic settings. Objectives. To determine whether incorporating a text message reminder reduces the no-show rate at an urban, pediatric resident clinic. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary level ambulatory pediatric practice between August 2014 and February 2015. Following a demographic survey, 170 patients were enrolled. Patients were randomized into control or intervention groups. All patients received the standard voice message appointment reminder, but the intervention group additionally received a text message reminder. The primary outcome was no-show rate. Results. 95.3% of the participants were African American, and the overall no-show rate was 30.8%. No-show rate was significantly lower in the intervention group (23.5%) than the control group (38.1%) representing a difference of 14.6% (p=0.04). No demographic factors were found to alter the association between no-show rate and text message intervention. Conclusions. Text message reminders effectively improve show rates at a resident pediatric practice with high no-show rates, representing a promising approach to improving appointment adherence.
Spondylodiscitis Caused byEnterobacter agglomerans
Authors: Jayaweera Jayaweera Arachchige Asela Sampath , Kothalawala Mahen , Devakanthan Balachandran , Arunan Sinnappoo , Galgamuwa Dinithi , Rathnayake Manori
Published: December 2016

All over the globe, the incidence of vertebral infection is rising. Nowadays, compared to tuberculous variety, pyogenic spondylodiscitis incidence is high. The increase in the susceptible population and improved diagnostics summatively contributed to this. In clinical grounds, differentiation of pyogenic and tuberculous spondylodiscitis is well defined.Enterobacter agglomeransis a hospital contaminant and associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals and intravenous lines. It causes a wide array of infections.Enterobacter agglomeransspondylodiscitis is unusual and there are, around the globe, only less than 31 suspected cases that have been previously reported.Enterobacter agglomeranshistology mimics tuberculous rather than pyogenic spondylodiscitis. A 65-year-old farming lady, while being in hospital, developed sudden onset spastic paraparesis with hyperreflexia. Later blood culture revealedEnterobacter agglomeranswith 41-hour incubation in 99.9% probability from Ramel identification system. Her initial ESR was 120 mm/first hour. Isolate was susceptible to ciprofloxacin and intravenous followed with oral therapy shows a drastic ESR fall and improved clinical response. Differentiation of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylodiscitis is very much important in management point of view. Therefore, blood culture has a role in diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. ESR can be used as important inflammatory marker in monitoring the response to treatment. Retrospectively, ESR would aid in reaching a definitive diagnosis.
Retinal Microvasculopathy Is Common in HIV/AIDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Abokyi Samuel , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Ephraim Richard Kobina Dadzie , Afedo Daniel , Agyeman Lawrence Duah , Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert
Published: December 2016

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular disorders in HIV positive patients attending the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana.Methods. A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling was conducted on 295 HIV positive patients. Data collection consisted of semistructured questionnaires, laboratory investigation, medical profile, and ophthalmic examination. Statistical association tests includingχ2, independentt-test, and ANOVA were done. Apvalue ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. Of the 295 participants, 205 (69.5%) were on antiretroviral therapy while 90 (30.3%) were not on therapy. Majority of the participants (162, 54.9%) were in clinical stage two, followed by stages three (68, 23.1%), one (62, 21%), and four (3, 1%), respectively. The overall prevalence of ocular disorders was 5.8%. The most common HIV related ocular disorder was HIV retinal microvasculopathy (58.8%), followed by herpes zoster ophthalmicus andToxoplasmaretinochoroiditis, both representing 11.8% of ocular disorders seen. Cytomegalovirus retinitis, Bell’s palsy, and optic neuritis were the least common (5.9%). CMV retinitis recorded the highest viral load of 1,474,676 copies/mL and mean CD4 count of 136 cells/mm3. The mean CD4 count for participants with HIV related ocular disorders was significantly lower compared to participants without disorders (t=2.5,p=0.012). Participants with ocular disorders also recorded significantly higher mean viral loads than those who did not have ocular disorders (t=2.8,p=0.006).Conclusion. Lower CD4 counts and high viral load copies were associated with the manifestation of HIV related ocular disorders.
Distributed Classification of Localization Attacks in Sensor Networks Using Exchange-Based Feature Extraction and Classifier
Authors: Wang Su-Zhe , Li Yong , Cheng Wei
Published: December 2016

Secure localization under different forms of attack has become an essential task in wireless sensor networks. Despite the significant research efforts in detecting the malicious nodes, the problem of localization attack type recognition has not yet been well addressed. Motivated by this concern, we propose a novel exchange-based attack classification algorithm. This is achieved by a distributed expectation maximization extractor integrated with the PECPR-MKSVM classifier. First, the mixed distribution features based on the probabilistic modeling are extracted using a distributed expectation maximization algorithm. After feature extraction, by introducing the theory from support vector machine, an extensive contractive Peaceman-Rachford splitting method is derived to build the distributed classifier that diffuses the iteration calculation among neighbor sensors. To verify the efficiency of the distributed recognition scheme, four groups of experiments were carried out under various conditions. The average success rate of the proposed classification algorithm obtained in the presented experiments for external attacks is excellent and has achieved about 93.9% in some cases. These testing results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can produce much greater recognition rate, and it can be also more robust and efficient even in the presence of excessive malicious scenario.
Elevated Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Level as a Risk Factor for Anemia in Patients with Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Choi Jong Weon , Fujii Tatsuyoshi , Fujii Noriyoshi
Published: December 2016

Studies on neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an iron-regulatory protein are limited. This study investigated the relationships between plasma NGAL levels and indices of anemia in 187 patients with systemic inflammation. Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients with anemia versus in patients without anemia (185 ng/mL versus 98 ng/mL;P< 0.001). Serum iron levels were lower in patients with NGAL > 156 ng/mL than in those with NGAL ≤ 156 ng/mL (27.4 ± 25.3 µg/dL versus 58.1 ± 43.5 µg/dL;P< 0.001). In a receiver operating characteristic curve, the diagnostic ability of NGAL to identify anemia was superior to that of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [0.712 (95% CI, 0.618–0.787) versus 0.649 (95% CI, 0.573–0.744);P< 0.01]. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the elevated NGAL level was significantly associated with the presence of anemia after adjusting for potential confounders [odds ratio, 1.30 (95% CI, 1.07–2.58);P= 0.010]. In conclusion, enhanced NGAL production may contribute to the development of anemia in patients with systemic inflammation.
Leakage of Microbial Endotoxin through the Implant-Abutment Interface in Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Garrana Rhoodie , Mohangi Govindrau , Malo Paulo , Nobre Miguel
Published: December 2016

Background. Endotoxin initiates osteoclastic activity resulting in bone loss. Endotoxin leakage through implant abutment connections negatively influences peri-implant bone levels.Objectives. (i) To determine if endotoxin can traverse different implant-abutment connection (IAC) designs; (ii) to quantify the amount of endotoxins traversing the IAC; (iii) to compare the in vitro comportments of different IACs.Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven IACs were inoculated withE. coliendotoxin. Six of the twenty-seven IACs were external connections from one system (Southern Implants) and the remaining twenty-one IACs were made up of seven internal IAC types from four different implant companies (Straumann, Ankylos, and Neodent, Southern Implants).Results. Of the 27 IACs tested, all 6 external IACs leaked measurable amounts of endotoxin. Of the remaining 21 internal IACs, 9 IACs did not show measurable leakage whilst the remaining 12 IACs leaked varying amounts. The mean log endotoxin level was significantly higher for the external compared to internal types (p=0.015).Conclusion. Within the parameters of this study, we can conclude that endotoxin leakage is dependent on the design of the IAC. Straumann Synocta, Straumann Cross-fit, and Ankylos displayed the best performances of all IACs tested with undetectable leakage after 7 days. Each of these IACs incorporated a morse-like component in their design. Speculation still exists over the impact of IAC endotoxin leakage on peri-implant tissues in vivo; hence, further investigations are required to further explore this.
Properties and Microstructures of Sn-Bi-X Lead-Free Solders
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Liang , Liu Zhi-quan , Zhong Su-juan , Ma Jia , Bao Li
Published: December 2016

The Sn-Bi base lead-free solders are proposed as one of the most popular alloys due to the low melting temperature (eutectic point: 139°C) and low cost. However, they are not widely used because of the lower wettability, fatigue resistance, and elongation compared to traditional Sn-Pb solders. So the alloying is considered as an effective way to improve the properties of Sn-Bi solders with the addition of elements (Al, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ag, In, Sb, and rare earth) and nanoparticles. In this paper, the development of Sn-Bi lead-free solders bearing elements and nanoparticles was reviewed. The variation of wettability, melting characteristic, electromigration, mechanical properties, microstructures, intermetallic compounds reaction, and creep behaviors was analyzed systematically, which can provide a reference for investigation of Sn-Bi base solders.
In Silico Analysis of SNPs in PARK2 and PINK1 Genes That Potentially Cause Autosomal Recessive Parkinson Disease
Authors: Bakhit Yousuf Hasan Yousuf , Ibrahim Mohamed Osama Mirghani , Amin Mutaz , Mirghani Yousra Abdelazim , Hassan Mohamed Ahmed Salih
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Mutations in PINK1 are the second most common agents causing autosomal recessive, early onset PD. We aimed to identify the pathogenic SNPs in PARK2 and PINK1 using in silico prediction software and their effect on the structure, function, and regulation of the proteins. Materials and Methods. We carried out in silico prediction of structural effect of each SNP using different bioinformatics tools to predict substitution influence on protein structure and function. Result. Twenty-one SNPs in PARK2 gene were found to affect transcription factor binding activity. 185 SNPs were found to affect splicing. Ten SNPs were found to affect the miRNA binding site. Two SNPs rs55961220 and rs56092260 affected the structure, function, and stability of Parkin protein. In PINK1 gene only one SNP (rs7349186) was found to affect the structure, function, and stability of the PINK1 protein. Ten SNPs were found to affect the microRNA binding site. Conclusion. Better understanding of Parkinson’s disease caused by mutations in PARK2 and PINK1 genes was achieved using in silico prediction. Further studies should be conducted with a special consideration of the ethnic diversity of the different populations.
Factors Which Facilitate or Impede Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships after Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review with Suggestions for Rehabilitation
Authors: Amsters Delena , Schuurs Sarita , Pershouse Kiley , Power Bettina , Harestad Yvonne , Kendall Melissa , Kuipers Pim
Published: December 2016

Interpersonal interactions and relationships can influence an individual’s perceptions of health and quality of life in the presence of disability. In the case of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), positive interpersonal interactions and relationships have been shown to contribute to resilience and adaptability. Understanding factors which facilitate or impede the development and maintenance of relationships after SCI may form the basis for proactive relationship support for people with SCI. To gain a broad insight into these factors, a scoping review was undertaken. Databases were searched for English language studies published between 2000 and 2015 that informed the review question. Sixty-two (62) studies were identified. Thematic analysis was conducted on data extracted from the studies and 51 factors which may facilitate relationships and 38 factors which may impede relationships after SCI were noted. The majority of factors could be categorized as environmental or personal according to the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The facilitating factors included partner and social support, reciprocity in relationships, and presenting oneself positively. Impeding factors included physical environmental barriers, real and perceived social biases, and poor self-image. Factors identified may inform the provision of supportive, holistic rehabilitation for people with SCI.
The Protective Roles of ROS‐Mediated Mitophagy on 125I Seeds Radiation Induced Cell Death in HCT116 Cells
Authors: Hu Lelin , Wang Hao , Huang Li , Zhao Yong , Wang Junjie
Published: December 2016

For many unresectable carcinomas and locally recurrent cancers (LRC), 125I seeds brachytherapy is a feasible, effective, and safe treatment. Several studies have shown that 125I seeds radiation exerts anticancer activity by triggering DNA damage. However, recent evidence shows mitochondrial quality to be another crucial determinant of cell fate, with mitophagy playing a central role in this control mechanism. Herein, we found that 125I seeds irradiation injured mitochondria, leading to significantly elevated mitochondrial and intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels in HCT116 cells. The accumulation of mitochondrial ROS increased the expression of HIF‐1α and its target genes BINP3 and NIX (BINP3L), which subsequently triggered mitophagy. Importantly, 125I seeds radiation induced mitophagy promoted cells survival and protected HCT116 cells from apoptosis. These results collectively indicated that 125I seeds radiation triggered mitophagy by upregulating the level of ROS to promote cellular homeostasis and survival. The present study uncovered the critical role of mitophagy in modulating the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation therapy and suggested that chemotherapy targeting on mitophagy might improve the efficiency of 125I seeds radiation treatment, which might be of clinical significance in tumor therapy.
Numerical Solution of Piecewise Constant Delay Systems Based on a Hybrid Framework
Authors: Marzban H. R. , Hajiabdolrahmani S.
Published: December 2016

An efficient numerical scheme for solving delay differential equations with a piecewise constant delay function is developed in this paper. The proposed approach is based on a hybrid of block-pulse functions and Taylor’s polynomials. The operational matrix of delay corresponding to the proposed hybrid functions is introduced. The sparsity of this matrix significantly reduces the computation time and memory requirement. The operational matrices of integration, delay, and product are employed to transform the problem under consideration into a system of algebraic equations. It is shown that the developed approach is also applicable to a special class of nonlinear piecewise constant delay differential equations. Several numerical experiments are examined to verify the validity and applicability of the presented technique.
Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer Is Mediated by EGFR-K521 Polymorphism
Authors: Braig Friederike , Kriegs Malte , Voigtlaender Minna , Habel Beate , Grob Tobias , Biskup Karina , Blanchard Veronique , Sack Markus , Thalhammer Anja , Ben Batalla Isabel , Braren Ingke , Laban Simon , Danielczyk Antje , Goletz Steffen , Jakubowicz Elzbieta , Märkl Bruno , Trepel Martin , Knecht Rainald , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Loges Sonja , Bokemeyer Carsten , Binder Mascha
Published: December 2016

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) exhibiting resistance to the EGFR-targeting drug cetuximab poses a challenge to their effective clinical management. Here, we report a specific mechanism of resistance in this setting based upon the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism encoding EGFR-K521 (K-allele), which is expressed in >40% of HNSCC cases. Patients expressing the K-allele showed significantly shorter progression-free survival upon palliative treatment with cetuximab plus chemotherapy or radiation. In several EGFR-mediated cancer models, cetuximab failed to inhibit downstream signaling or to kill cells harboring a high K-allele frequency. Cetuximab affinity for EGFR-K521 was reduced slightly, but ligand-mediated EGFR activation was intact. We found a lack of glycan sialyation on EGFR-K521 that associated with reduced protein stability, suggesting a structural basis for reduced cetuximab efficacy. CetuGEX, an antibody with optimized Fc glycosylation targeting the same epitope as cetuximab, restored HNSCC sensitivity in a manner associated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity rather than EGFR pathway inhibition. Overall, our results highlight EGFR-K521 expression as a key mechanism of cetuximab resistance to evaluate prospectively as a predictive biomarker in HNSCC patients. Further, they offer a preclinical rationale for the use of ADCC-optimized antibodies to treat tumors harboring this EGFR isoform. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1188–99. ©2016 AACR.
Orestes bojownikiem ruchu oporu, czyli mit Atrydów w filmie "Podróż komediantów" Theo Angelopoulosa
Authors: Łomanowska Iga
Published: December 2016

Orestes as a resistance fighter, or the myth of the Atreides in Theo Angelopoulos’s film The travelling playersThe paper examines the use of the Atreides myth in Theo Angelopoulos’s film The travelling players (1975) in the context of the director’s interpretation of the phenomenon of myth. Angelopoulos treated myth as a set of archetypical situations and patterns of conduct constantly reproduced in the history of the world. He intertwined elements of classical stories with the history of Greece and the Byzantine tradition, thus showing their universal character. In The travelling players, Angelopoulos used the story of betrayed and murdered Agamemnon, who is avenged by his children: Orestes and Electra, but he moved it into modern times, setting the film in Greece of the 1940s and 1950s. The myth is reproduced with modulations: the most important events take place as a result of interventions of History, not fate or decisions of the gods. Moreover, the characters’ conflicts are enriched with a political dimension, as Angelopolous portrays the discord between their ideological stances. But the members of the acting company are as helpless in the face of events as the family of the king of Argos. Orestes bojownikiem ruchu oporu, czyli mit Atrydów w filmie Podróż komediantów Theo AngelopoulosaArtykuł jest analizą sposobu wykorzystania przez Theo Angelopoulosa mitu Atrydów w filmie Podróż komediantów (1975) w kontekście dokonanej przez niego interpretacji zjawiska mitu. Grecki reżyser traktował mit jako zbiór archetypicznych sytuacji i wzorów postępowania odtwarzanych nieustannie w dziejach świata. Elementy antycznych opowieści splatał w filmach z historią Grecji i tradycją bizantyjską, ujawniając ich uniwersalny charakter. W Podróży komediantów wykorzystał historię zdradzonego i zamordowanego Agamemnona, który zostaje pomszczony przez swoje dzieci: Orestesa i Elektrę, ale przeniósł ją w czasy współczesne, portretując Grecję lat 40. i 50. XX wieku. Mit zostaje zreprodukowany z modulacjami: kluczowe wydarzenia następują w wyniku interwencji historii, nie fatum czy decyzji bogów. Ponadto konflikty między postaciami zostają wzbogacone o wymiar polityczny, ponieważ Angelopoulos ukazuje rozdźwięk między ich postawami ideologicznymi. Jednak członkowie trupy aktorskiej pozostają wobec wydarzeń tak samo bezradni jak rodzina władcy Argolidy.