bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipsychotics and glucose metabolism: how brain and body collide
Authors: Kowalchuk Chantel , Castellani Laura N. , Chintoh Araba , Remington Gary , Giacca Adria , Hahn Margaret K.
Published: July 2018

Since the serendipitous discovery of the first antipsychotic (AP) drug in the 1950s, APs remain the cornerstone of treatment for schizophrenia. A shift over the past two decades away from first-generation, conventional APs to so-called “atypical” (or 2nd/3rd generation) APs parallels acknowledgment of serious metabolic side-effects associated in particular with these newer agents. As will be reviewed, AP drugs and type 2 diabetes are now inextricably linked, contributing to the three- to fivefold increased risk of type 2 diabetes observed in schizophrenia. However, this association is not straightforward. Biological and lifestyle-related illness factors contribute to the association between type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease independently of AP treatment. In addition, APs have a well-established weight gain propensity which could also account for elevated risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, compelling preclinical and clinical evidence now suggests that these drugs can rapidly and directly influence pathways of glucose metabolism independently of weight gain and even in absence of psychiatric illness. Mechanisms of these direct effects remain poorly elucidated but may involve central and peripheral antagonism of neurotransmitters implicated not only in the therapeutic effects of APs but also in glucose homeostasis, possibly via effects on the autonomic nervous system. The clinical relevance of studying “direct” effects of these drugs on glucose metabolism is underscored by the widespread use of these medications, both on and off label, for a growing number of mental illnesses, extending safety concerns well beyond schizophrenia.
Customized Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Eyes with Cataract and Corneal Astigmatism after Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty: A Prospective Study
Authors: Schiano Lomoriello Domenico , Savini Giacomo , Naeser Kristian , Colabelli-Gisoldi Rossella Maria , Bono Valeria , Pocobelli Augusto
Published: July 2018

Purpose. To investigate the effectiveness of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) for treating corneal astigmatism in patients with cataract and previous deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Setting. San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy. Design. Prospective interventional case series. Methods. Patients undergoing cataract surgery after DALK for keratoconus were enrolled. Total corneal astigmatism (TCA) was assessed by a rotating Scheimpflug camera combined with Placido-disk corneal topography (Sirius; CSO, Firenze, Italy). A customized toric IOL (FIL 611 T, Soleko, Rome, Italy) was implanted in all eyes. One year postoperatively, refraction was measured, the IOL position was recorded, and vectorial and nonvectorial analyses were performed to evaluate the correction of astigmatism. Results. Ten eyes of 10 patients were analyzed. The mean preoperative TCA magnitude was 4.92 ± 1.99 diopters (D), and the mean cylinder of the IOL was 6.18 ± 2.44. After surgery, the difference between the planned axis of orientation of the IOL and the observed axis was ≤10° in all eyes. The mean surgically induced corneal astigmatism was 0.35 D at 20°. The mean postoperative refractive astigmatism power was 1.13 ± 0.94 D; with respect to preoperative TCA, the reduction was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The mean change in astigmatism power was 3.80 ± 1.60 D, corresponding to a correction of 77% of preoperative TCA power. Nine eyes out of 10 had a postoperative refractive astigmatism power ≤ 2D. Conclusions. Toric IOLs can effectively correct corneal astigmatism in eyes with previous DALK. The predictability of cylinder correction is partially lowered by the variability of the surgically induced changes of TCA. This trial is registered with NCT03398109.
Curcumin Effectively Rescued Parkinson’s Disease‐Like Phenotypes in a Novel Drosophila melanogaster Model with dUCH Knockdown
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh , Vuu My Dung , Huynh Man Anh , Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Tran Linh Thuoc , Dang Thi Phuong Thao
Published: July 2018

The relationship between oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively examined, and antioxidants are considered to be a promising approach for decelerating disease progression. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and affects 1% of the population over 60 years of age. A complex combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the pathogenesis of PD. However, since the onset mechanisms of PD have not yet been elucidated in detail, difficulties are associated with developing effective treatments. Curcumin has been reported to have neuroprotective properties in PD models induced by neurotoxins or genetic factors such as α-synuclein, PINK1, DJ-1, and LRRK2. In the present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin in a novel Drosophila model of PD with knockdown of dUCH, a homolog of human UCH‐L1. We found that dopaminergic neuron‐specific knockdown of dUCH caused impaired movement and the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, the knockdown of dUCH induced oxidative stress while curcumin decreased the ROS level induced by this knockdown. In addition, dUCH knockdown flies treated with curcumin had improved locomotive abilities and less severe neurodegeneration. Taken together, with studies on other PD models, these results strongly suggest that treatments with curcumin are an appropriate therapy for PD related to oxidative stress.
Single-Layer Circularly Polarized Wide Band Reflectarray Antenna with High Aperture Efficiency
Authors: Da Xinyu , Wu Jialiang , Zhao Jing , Baoqin Lin , Wu Kai
Published: July 2018

A circularly polarized broadband low-cost reflectarray in Ku-band is presented using a novel single-layer subwavelength phase-shifting element. The proposed subwavelength element consists of the concentric split ring and the crossed bowtie. The linear reflected phase response curve with 360° phase coverage is obtained. For experimental verification, an array of 25 × 25 reflectarray prototype has been designed and manufactured by employing the angular rotation technique. The measurements are in good agreement with the simulations. The measured gain at the center frequency of 12.5 GHz is 26.6 dBi, corresponding to the aperture efficiency of 52.5%, and the 1 dB gain bandwidth is 26.4%.
Inflammatory Pericardial Pseudocyst Secondary to Atrial Myocardial Perforation: A Rare Complication following Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Mowaswes Mohammad , Khoury Tawfik , Lahav Ziv , Sanduka Ashraf , Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Shapira Oz M.
Published: July 2018

Pericardial cyst is an uncommon clinical-pathological entity, most often a congenital condition. We describe a case of an acquired iatrogenic pericardial pseudocyst following permanent pacemaker implantation secondary to atrial myocardial perforation. Diagnosis was achieved by a plain chest film, echocardiography, and computed tomography and confirmed intraoperatively. The pseudocyst was resected via a midline sternotomy approach. The patient recovered uneventfully. In a follow-up of 18 months, the patient is doing well.
Changes in Caregivers Lifestyle after Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: D’Ippolito M. , Aloisi M. , Azicnuda E. , Silvestro D. , Giustini M. , Verni F. , Formisano R. , Bivona U.
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) is considered the most common cause of death and disability worldwide. sABI patients are supported by their caregivers who often exhibit high rates of psychological distress, mood disorders, and changes in relationship dynamics and family roles.Objectives. To explore lifestyle changes of caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation, by investigating possible differences between primary and secondary caregivers. Primary caregivers spend most of the time with the patient, providing daily care and taking most responsibility for the day-to-day decisions, while secondary caregivers are those who provide additional support.Methods. Three hundred forty-seven caregivers of sABI patients were asked to fill in an unpublished self-report questionnaire to explore their possible lifestyles changes.Results. A statistically significant difference was found between primary and secondary caregivers in time spent in informal caregiving (p<0.001). The primary caregivers reduced all leisure activities compared to secondary carers (p<0.05).Conclusions. By comparing the percentage of leisure activities performed by caregiversbeforeandafterthe patient’s sABI onset, all caregivers showed high percentages of changes in lifestyle and habits, even though primary caregivers reported more negative lifestyle changes than secondary caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate needs and burden experienced by caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation phase, also in relation to the patients’ outcome, to address support interventions for them and improve their quality of life.
Coupled THM and Matrix Stability Modeling of Hydroshearing Stimulation in a Coupled Fracture-Matrix Hot Volcanic System
Authors: Xiao Yong , Guo Jianchun , Wang Hehua , Lu Lize , McLennan John , Chen Mengting
Published: July 2018

A coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) model is developed to simulate the combined effect of fracture fluid flow, heat transfer from the matrix to injected fluid, and shearing dilation behaviors in a coupled fracture-matrix hot volcanic reservoir system. Fluid flows in the fracture are calculated based on the cubic law. Heat transfer within the fracture involved is thermal conduction, thermal advection, and thermal dispersion; within the reservoir matrix, thermal conduction is the only mode of heat transfer. In view of the expansion of the fracture network, deformation and thermal-induced stress model are added to the matrix node’s in situ stress environment in each time step to analyze the stability of the matrix. A series of results from the coupled THM model, induced stress, and matrix stability indicate that thermal-induced aperture plays a dominant role near the injection well to enhance the conductivity of the fracture. Away from the injection well, the conductivity of the fracture is contributed by shear dilation. The induced stress has the maximum value at the injection point; the deformation-induced stress has large value with smaller affected range; on the contrary, thermal-induced stress has small value with larger affected range. Matrix stability simulation results indicate that the stability of the matrix nodes may be destroyed; this mechanism is helpful to create complex fracture networks.
Service Life Prediction of Shaft Sidewall Exposed to Sulfate Environment
Authors: He Wei , Meng Xia , Zhao Ji-hui
Published: July 2018

Under the influence of underground water with high concentration of sulfate, several vertical shafts in the Huang‐Huai region are seriously corroded but have varying degradation degrees in different parts. Taking the auxiliary shaft of Lin‐Huan coal mine as the research subject, the mechanism of this phenomenon was studied. Then, wet‐dry alternated and immersion corrosion tests were carried out, and it was found that only the dry‐wet alternated accelerate test is representative of the corrosion mechanism that cause the corrosion in the shaft. However, it will cost much time and money for the laboratory test to reach the same degradation depth. To solve this problem, combining with field and laboratory tests, a modified theoretical degradation model was developed to evaluate the residual life of the corroded sidewall. The results indicate that the residual life of the shaft sidewall is 25 years, and the damaged parts have no need for an immediate reinforcement.
The Domination Complexity and Related Extremal Values of Large 3D Torus
Authors: Shao Zehui , Xu Jin , Sheikholeslami S. M. , Wang Shaohui
Published: July 2018

Domination is a structural complexity of chemical molecular graphs. A dominating set in a (molecular) graph G = (V, E) is a subset S⊆V such that each vertex in V\S is adjacent to at least one vertex in S. The domination number γ(G) of a graph G is the minimum size of a dominating set in G. In this paper, computer‐aided approaches for obtaining bounds for domination number on torus graphs are here considered, and many new exact values and bounds are obtained.
Study of Isothermal, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Parameters for Adsorption of Cadmium: An Overview of Linear and Nonlinear Approach and Error Analysis
Authors: Batool Fozia , Akbar Jamshed , Iqbal Shahid , Noreen Sobia , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: July 2018

Reports about presence and toxicity of Cd2+ in different chemical industrial effluents prompted the researchers to explore some economical, rapid, sensitive, and accurate methods for its determination and removal from aqueous systems. In continuation of series of investigations, adsorption of Cd2+ onto the stem of Saccharum arundinaceum is proposed in the present work. Optimization of parameters affecting sorption potential of Cd2+ including pH, contact time, temperature, sorbent dose, and concentration of sorbate was carried out to determine best suited conditions for maximum removal of sorbate. To understand the nature of sorption process, linear and nonlinear forms of five sorption isotherms including Freundlich and Langmuir models were employed. Feasibility and viability of sorption process were evaluated by calculating kinetics and thermodynamics of the process, while error analysis suggested best fitted sorption model on sorption data. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated exothermic nature of reaction, while kinetic studies suggested pseudo-second order of reaction.
Background Information Self‐Learning Based Hyperspectral Target Detection
Authors: Tian Yufei , Yang Jihai , Li Shijun , Xu Wenning
Published: July 2018

Hyperspectral imaging has been proved as an effective way to explore the useful information behind the land objects. And it can also be adopted for biologic information extraction, by which the origin information can be acquired from the image repeatedly without contamination. In this paper we proposed a target detection method based on background self‐learning to extract the biologic information from the hyperspectral images. The conventional unstructured target detectors are very difficult to estimate the background statistics accurately in either a global or local way. Considering the spatial spectral information, its performance can be further improved by avoiding the above problem. It is especially designed to extract fingerprint and tumor region from hyperspectral biologic images. The experimental results show the validity and the superiority of our method on detecting the biologic information from hyperspectral images.
Development of Accurate Lithium-Ion Battery Model Based on Adaptive Random Disturbance PSO Algorithm
Authors: Kai Huang , Yong-Fang Guo , Zhi-Gang Li , Hsiung-Cheng Lin , Ling-Ling Li
Published: July 2018

The performance behavior of the lithium-ion battery can be simulated by the battery model and thus applied to a variety of practical situations. Although the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been used for the battery model development, it is usually unable to find an optimal solution during the iteration process. To resolve this problem, an adaptive random disturbance PSO algorithm is proposed. The optimal solution can be updated continuously by obtaining a new random location around the particle’s historical optimal location. There are two conditions considered to perform the model process. Initially, the test operating condition is used to validate the model effectiveness. Secondly, the verification operating condition is used to validate the model generality. The performance results show that the proposed model can achieve higher precision in the lithium-ion battery behavior, and it is feasible for wide applications in industry.
Association of PLGA Microspheres to Carrier Pellets by Fluid Bed Coating: A Novel Approach towards Improving the Flowability of Microparticles
Authors: Beringhs André O’Reilly , Fonseca Aline Benedita dos Santos , De Campos Angela Machado , Sonaglio Diva
Published: July 2018

Micro- and nanoparticles have been vastly studied due to their biopharmaceutical advantages. However, these particles generally display very weak packing and poor mechanical properties. Hereby, a new methodology is proposed to associate poorly flowing particles to macrostructures targeting the improvement of flowability and redispersibility of the particles. Cecropia glaziovii-loaded PLGA microspheres (4.59 ± 0.04 μm) were associated with carrier pellets by film coating in a top-spray fluid bed equipment. Optimal conditions were determined employing a IV-Optimal factorial design and RGB image analysis as 1% (w/v) Kollicoat® Protect as coating polymer (2:1 weight ratio of coating suspension to carrier pellets), containing 5 mg/mL microspheres (loading of 28.07 ± 1.01 mg/g). The method led to an improvement of the overall flowability. No relevant molecular interactions between PLGA microspheres and polymers were found. Microspheres detached rapidly from the surface of the pellets, without agglomeration, when exposed to hydrodynamic forces. In vitro release profiles, prior to and after fluid bed coating, showed no relevant changes in drug release rate and extent. The methodology developed is suitable for further applications when an improvement on the flow properties and redispersibility of the product is desired. We showed an easy-to-implement methodology that can be executed without significant increase in costs.
Characterization and Genome Analysis of a Phthalate Esters-Degrading StrainSphingobium yanoikuyaeSHJ
Authors: Feng Liang , Liu Hui , Cheng Dandan , Mao Xumei , Wang Yan , Wu Zhen , Wu Qiong
Published: July 2018

A bacterium capable of utilizing dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and diisobuthyl phthalate (DIBP) as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated from shallow aquifer sediments. The strain was identified asSphingobium yanoikuyaeSHJ based on morphological characteristics, 16S rDNA gene phylogeny, and whole genome average nucleotide identity (ANI). The degradation half-life of DBP with substrate concentration of 8.5 and 50.0 mg/L by strain SHJ was 99.7 and 101.4 hours, respectively. The optimum degradation rate of DBP by SHJ was observed at 30°C and weak alkaline (pH 7.5). Genome sequence of the strain SHJ showed a circular chromosome and additional two circular plasmids with whole genome size of 5,669,383 bp and GC content of 64.23%. Functional annotation of SHJ revealed a total of 5,402 genes, with 5,183 protein-encoding genes, 143 pseudogenes, and 76 noncoding RNA genes. Based on genome annotation, 44 genes were identified to be involved in PAEs hydrolysis potentially. Besides, a region with size of about 6.9 kb comprised of seven ORFs, which is located on the smaller plasmid pSES189, was presumed to be responsible for the biodegradation of phthalate. These results provide insights into the genetic basis of DBP biodegradation in this strain.
Intelligent Healthcare Systems Assisted by Data Analytics and Mobile Computing
Authors: Ma Xiao , Wang Zie , Zhou Sheng , Wen Haoyu , Zhang Yin
Published: July 2018

It is entering an era of big data, which facilitated great improvement in various sectors. Particularly, assisted by wireless communications and mobile computing, mobile devices have emerged with a great potential to renovate the healthcare industry. Although the advanced techniques will make it possible to understand what is happening in our body more deeply, it is extremely difficult to handle and process the big health data anytime and anywhere. Therefore, data analytics and mobile computing are significant for the healthcare systems to meet many technical challenges and problems that need to be addressed to realize this potential. Furthermore, the advanced healthcare systems have to be upgraded with new capabilities such as machine learning, data analytics, and cognitive power for providing human with more intelligent and professional healthcare services. To explore recent advances and disseminate state‐of‐the‐art techniques related to data analytics and mobile computing on designing, building, and deploying novel technologies, to enable intelligent healthcare services and applications, this paper presents the detailed design for developing intelligent healthcare systems assisted by data analytics and mobile computing. Moreover, some representative intelligent healthcare applications are discussed to show that data analytics and mobile computing are available to enhance the performance of the healthcare services.
A Review on the Extraction of Quantitative Retinal Microvascular Image Feature
Authors: Kipli Kuryati , Hoque Mohammed Enamul , Lim Lik Thai , Mahmood Muhammad Hamdi , Sahari Siti Kudnie , Sapawi Rohana , Rajaee Nordiana , Joseph Annie
Published: July 2018

Digital image processing is one of the most widely used computer vision technologies in biomedical engineering. In the present modern ophthalmological practice, biomarkers analysis through digital fundus image processing analysis greatly contributes to vision science. This further facilitates developments in medical imaging, enabling this robust technology to attain extensive scopes in biomedical engineering platform. Various diagnostic techniques are used to analyze retinal microvasculature image to enable geometric features measurements such as vessel tortuosity, branching angles, branching coefficient, vessel diameter, and fractal dimension. These extracted markers or characterized fundus digital image features provide insights and relates quantitative retinal vascular topography abnormalities to various pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertensive retinopathy, transient ischemic attack, neovascular glaucoma, and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from that, this noninvasive research tool is automated, allowing it to be used in large-scale screening programs, and all are described in this present review paper. This paper will also review recent research on the image processing-based extraction techniques of the quantitative retinal microvascular feature. It mainly focuses on features associated with the early symptom of transient ischemic attack or sharp stroke.
Energy‐Efficient Uplink Resource Units Scheduling for Ultra‐Reliable Communications in NB‐IoT Networks
Authors: Liang Jia-Ming , Wu Kun-Ru , Chen Jen-Jee , Liu Pei-Yi , Tseng Yu-Chee
Published: July 2018

For 5G wireless communications, the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is one of the most promising technologies, which provides multiple types of resource unit (RU) with a special repetition mechanism to improve the scheduling flexibility and enhance the coverage and transmission reliability. Besides, NB‐IoT supports different operation modes to reuse the spectrum of LTE and GSM, which can make use of bandwidth more efficiently. The IoT application grows rapidly; however, those massive IoT devices need to operate for a very long time. Thus, the energy consumption becomes a critical issue. Therefore, NB‐IoT provides discontinuous reception operation to save devices’ energy. But, how to further reduce the transmission energy while ensuring the required ultra‐reliability is still an open issue. In this paper, we study how to guarantee the reliable communication and satisfy the quality of service (QoS) while minimizing the energy consumption for IoT devices. We first model the problem as an optimization problem and prove it to be NP‐complete. Then, we propose an energy‐efficient, ultra‐reliable, and low‐complexity scheme, which consists of two phases. The first phase tries to optimize the default transmit configurations of devices which incur the lowest energy consumption and satisfy the QoS requirement. The second phase leverages a weighting strategy to balance the emergency and inflexibility for determining the scheduling order to ensure the delay constraint while maintaining energy efficiency. Extensive simulation results show that our scheme can serve more devices with guaranteed QoS while saving their energy effectively.
Percutaneous Epidural Hydrogel Sealant for the Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Case Report of Chronic Thoracic Neuralgia and Technical Lessons Learned
Authors: Hillegass Michael G. , Luebbert Samuel F. , McClenahan Maureen F.
Published: July 2018

We report a case in which a 34-year-old female with refractory intracranial hypotension headaches due to a spontaneous dural tear was ultimately treated with CT-guided transforaminal epidural placement of a synthetic absorbable sealant (DuraSeal®). The procedure successfully resolved her headaches; however she subsequently developed thoracic neuralgia presumably due to mass effect of the sealant material on the lower thoracic spinal cord and nerve roots. This case report describes the potential for significant spinal cord and nerve root compression as well as the development of chronic neuralgia with the placement of epidural hydrogel and fibrin glue sealants. Careful consideration should be taken into the needle gauge, needle position, injectate volumes, and injection velocity when delivering the sealant to the epidural space. Use of an 18-gauge Tuohy needle with a slow but steady injection pressure, constant patient feedback, and a conservative injectate volume (less than 2 ml per level) may best optimize sealant delivery to minimize the risk of spinal cord compression and neurologic injury.
Puerarin Mitigates Diabetic Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF‐β Signaling Pathway Activation in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hou Biyu , Zhao Yuerong , Qiang Guifen , Yang Xiuying , Xu Chunyang , Chen Xi , Liu Chenge , Wang Xiaobo , Zhang Li , Du Guanhua
Published: July 2018

Lipid metabolism disorder and inflammation are essential promoters in pathogenesis of liver injury in type 2 diabetes. Puerarin (PUR) has been reported to exert beneficial effects on many diabetic cardiovascular diseases and chemical‐induced liver injuries, but its effects on diabetic liver injury and its mechanism are still unclear. The current study was designed to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of PUR on liver injury in a type 2 diabetic rat model induced by a high‐fat diet combined with low‐dose streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were treated with or without PUR (100 mg/kg/day) by gavaging for 8 weeks, and biochemical and histological changes in liver were examined. Results showed that treatment with PUR significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis by regulating blood glucose and ameliorating lipid metabolism disorder. Liver fibrosis was relieved by PUR treatment. PUR inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation which was associated with inactivation of NF‐κB signaling, thereby blocking the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α) and chemokine (MCP‐1). This protection of PUR on diabetic liver injury is possibly related with inhibition on TGF‐β/Smad signaling. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that PUR attenuated type 2 diabetic liver injury by inhibiting NF‐κB‐driven liver inflammation and the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway.
Molecular Mechanisms of Oxytocin Signaling at the Synaptic Connection
Authors: Bakos Jan , Srancikova Annamaria , Havranek Tomas , Bacova Zuzana
Published: July 2018

Aberrant regulation of oxytocin signaling is associated with the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Synaptic dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders are becoming increasingly known, and their pathogenic mechanisms could be a target of potential therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the role of oxytocin and its receptor in synapse structure, function, and neuron connectivity. An early alteration in oxytocin signaling may disturb neuronal maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences. At the molecular level, neurodevelopmental disorders include alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement and neuritogenesis resulting in a diversity of synaptopathies. The presence of oxytocin receptors in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes and the direct effects of oxytocin on neuronal excitability by regulating the activity of ion channels in the cell membrane implicate that alterations in oxytocin signaling could be involved in synaptopathies. The ability of oxytocin to modulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and certain parameters of cytoskeletal arrangement is discussed in the present review.
An Unusual Presentation of Kawasaki Disease: Gallbladder Hydrops and Acute Cholestatic Hepatitis
Authors: Kılıç B. O. , Baysun Ş. , Gökşen T. C. , Akınbingöl İ. , Arslan Z.
Published: July 2018

Kawasaki disease is the most common vasculitis of childhood. In its classical form, at least four of five diagnostic criteria including cervical lymphadenopathy (1.5 cm or more), nonsuppurative conjunctivitis, intraoral mucosal changes, edema in hands and feet, and maculopapular rash are required with prolonged fever over 5 days. Atypical cases which are different from the classical type or incomplete cases which does not include all the diagnostic criteria can be seen. The typical Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease with fever lasting for an average of two weeks. In such patients who have not been diagnosed and whose treatment has been delayed, coronary artery aneurysm, myocardial depression, arrhythmia, and vascular complications may increase morbidity and mortality. We would like to present a rare case of an atypical patient with gallbladder hydrops and acute cholestatic hepatitis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Female Breast Masquerading as Invasive Primary Breast Carcinoma: An Uncommon Presentation Site
Authors: Ulanja Mark B. , Taha Mohamed E. , Al-Mashhadani Arshad A. , Al-Tekreeti Marwah Muaad , Elliot Christie , Ambika Santhosh
Published: July 2018

Skin cancer as a single entity is the most common malignancy in North America, accounting for half of all human cancers. It comprises two types: melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Of the nonmelanomas, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) constitutes about 80% of the cancers diagnosed every year. BCC usually occurs in sun-exposed areas such as the face and extremities. Occurrence in the nipple areolar complex is very rare. We present a case of a Caucasian woman who presented with what was initially thought to be invasive carcinoma of the breast involving the nipple areolar complex (NAC); however, the diagnosis was revealed to be a basal cell carcinoma after histopathological examination. The tumor was treated with modified radical mastectomy, with negative margins. The importance of this case lies in the rare site of presentation of basal cell carcinoma and the importance of early detection.
Development of RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Quantitation of Levamisole and Albendazole: Application to Assay Validation
Authors: Sowjanya S. , Devadasu Ch.
Published: July 2018

A reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of levamisole and albendazole in drug substance and in its combinational dosage form. The analysis was carried out usingInertsil ODSC18(4.6 x 150 mm, 5μm) column, and the separation was carried out using a mobile phase containing a buffer of pH 3.5 and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with variable wavelength UV-detection at 224 nm. Both the drugs were well resolved in the stationary phase and the retention times were 2.350 min and 4.055 for levamisole and albendazole, respectively. The method was validated and shown to be linear in the concentration range of 15-45μg/ml and 40-120μg/ml for levamisole and albendazole, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined based on standard deviation of the y-intercept and the slope of the calibration curve. LOD and LOQ values were 2.08μg/ml and 6.03μg/ml for levamisole and 3.15μg/ml and 10.40μg/ml for albendazole, respectively. The accuracy of the method was assessed by adding known amount of standard solution (75 %, 100 %, and 125% of the sample concentration) to the preanalyzed sample solution of 100% concentration. All the samples were prepared and analyzed in triplicate. The percentage mean recovery by standard addition experiments of levamisole and albendazole is 99.66% and 98.73%, respectively.
The Search for an Efficient Black Fly Trap for Xenomonitoring of Onchocerciasis
Authors: Otabil Kenneth B. , Gyasi Samuel F. , Awuah Esi , Obeng-Ofori Daniels , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A. , Katholi Charles R. , Unnasch Thomas R.
Published: July 2018

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease that has plagued mankind for decades with pathologies that involve the eyes and the skin. The WHO and the global health community have earmarked the disease for global elimination by 2045. However, as control programmes shift focus from reduction of the burden of the disease to elimination, new tools and strategies may be needed to meet targets. Monitoring Onchocerca volvulus larvae in the black fly vectors is an important tool needed to monitor disease dynamics and certify elimination. For decades, human landing collections have been the sole means of acquiring vectors for monitoring of the disease. This procedure has been plagued with ethical concerns and sometimes the inability to harvest enough black flies needed to carry out effective monitoring. Since the 1960s, the WHO recognized the need to replace human landing collections but relatively few field studies have designed and tested alternative traps. This review article systematically discusses some of the key traps tested, their successes, and their challenges. It is the aim of the review to direct research and development focus to the most successful and promising vector traps which could potentially replace the human landing collections.
Effective Computational Approach for Prediction and Estimation of Space Object Breakup Dispersion during Uncontrolled Reentry
Authors: Lee Deok-Jin , Choi Eun Jung , Cho Sungki , Jo Jung-Hyun , No Tae Soo
Published: July 2018

This paper provides an effective approach for the prediction and estimation of space debris due to a vehicle breakup during uncontrolled reentry. For an advanced analysis of the time evolution of space debris dispersion, new efficient computational approaches are proposed. A time evolution of the dispersion of space pieces from a breakup event to the ground impact time is represented in terms of covariance ellipsoids, and in this paper, two covariance propagation methods are introduced. First, a derivative-free statistical linear regression method using the unscented transformation is utilized for performing a covariance propagation. Second, a novel Gaussian moment-matching method is proposed to compute the estimation of the covariance of a debris dispersion by using a Gauss-Hermite cubature-based numerical integration approach. Compared to a linearized covariance propagation method such as the Lyapunov covariance equation, the newly proposed Gauss-Hermite cubature-based covariance computation approach could provide high flexibilities in terms of effectively representing an initial debris dispersion and also precisely computing the time evolution of the covariance matrices by utilizing a larger set of sigma points representing debris components. In addition, we also carry out a parametric study in order to analyze the effects on the accuracy of the covariance propagation due to modeling uncertainties. The effectiveness of the newly proposed statistical linear regression method and the Gauss-Hermite computational approach is demonstrated by carrying out various simulations.
The Effects of Sample Transport by Pneumatic Tube System on Routine Hematology and Coagulation Tests
Authors: Subbarayan Devi , Choccalingam Chidambharam , Lakshmi Chittode Kodumudi Anantha
Published: July 2018

Background. Automation helps improve laboratory operational efficiency and reduce the turnaround time. Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) automate specimen transport between the lab and other areas of the hospital. Its effect on complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation is still controversial.Aim. To study the effects of pneumatic tube system sample transport on complete blood count and coagulation parameters to compare them with hand delivered samples.Methods. 75 paired samples for complete blood count and 25 paired samples for coagulation analysis were compared between samples sent via pneumatic tube system and hand delivered system.Results. PTS showed significant decrease in red cell indices such as MCV and RDW and increase in MCHC. Other red cell parameters and WBC parameters showed no statistical significant difference. Statistically significant increase in platelet count was observed with PTS samples. However, these differences were clinically insignificant. No significant effect of PTS was found in PT and APTT samples compared to the hand delivered samples.Conclusion. Despite statistically significant changes in RBC parameters such as MCV, RDW, and MCHC and platelet count, these changes were clinically insignificant. Hence, blood samples for CBC and coagulation assay can safely be transported via our hospital’s PTS. However, further studies on platelet count are warranted to ensure safe transport and accuracy of the results.
Drug-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy due to Cumulative Toxicity of Ixazomib
Authors: Atallah-Yunes Suheil Albert , Soe Myat Han
Published: July 2018

Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathies (DTMAs) are increasingly being recognized as an important category of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). Cancer therapeutic agents including proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are among the most common medications reported to cause DTMA. PIs could cause DTMA either by an immune mechanism or dose-dependent/cumulative toxicity. Eleven cases of DTMA have been reported with bortezomib and carfilzomib. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of DTMA has been reported with ixazomib due to an immune-mediated mechanism. Here, we report the first case of ixazomib-induced DTMA due to cumulative toxicity rather than immune-mediated mechanism. In this article, we discuss the precipitating factors for cumulative toxicity of ixazomib, resulting in DTMA, diagnostic workup, and management of DTMA. We also discuss clinical reasoning based analysis of DTMA versus cancer-associated TMA as well as DTMA versus cyclic thrombocytopenia seen in PI use.
On the Modelling of Thermal Aging through Neutron Irradiation and Annealing
Authors: Margolin Boris , Yurchenko Elena , Potapova Vera , Pechenkin Valery
Published: July 2018

A new method predicting long‐term thermal embrittlement of steel caused by P segregation is verified. The method is based on the results of impact strength or fracture toughness tests using specimens after relatively short‐term neutron irradiation followed by annealing. 2Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel used in reactor pressure vessels of WWER‐1000 type is investigated in four conditions: initial condition, after thermal aging, after neutron irradiation, and postirradiation annealing. The results of impact strength and tensile tests and SEM investigation are presented. The brittle fracture features are considered for different material conditions. Calculative estimation on neutron irradiation effect on P diffusion in steels is carried out. Experimental data are reported which confirm an intense P diffusion acceleration under neutron irradiation.
A Wavelet‐Based Correlation Analysis Framework to Study Cerebromuscular Activity in Essential Tremor
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Laguna Ramon C. , Zhao Yitian , Liu Jimmy Jiang , He Xiongxiong , Yianni John , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios G.
Published: July 2018

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides dramatic tremor relief in patients with severe essential tremor (ET). Typically, the VIM nucleus is the most effective brain area to target for high‐frequency electrical stimulation in these patients. Correlation analysis between electrical local field potential (LFP) recordings from the thalamic DBS leads and electrical muscle activity from the contralateral tremulous limb has become an attractive practical tool to interpret the LFPs and their association with the tremulous clinical manifestations. Although functional connectivity analysis between brain electrical recordings and electromyographic (EMG) signals from the tremor has been of interest to an increasing number of engineering researchers, there is no well‐accepted tailored framework to consistently characterise the association between thalamic electrical recordings and the tremorogenic EMG activity. Methods. This paper proposes a novel framework to address this challenge, including an estimation of the interaction strength using wavelet cross‐spectrum and phase lag index while demonstrating the statistical significance of the findings. Results. Consistent results were estimated for single and multiple trials of consecutive or partially overlapping epochs of data. The latter approach reveals a substantial increase on the range of statistically significant dynamic low‐frequency interrelationships while decreasing the dynamic range of high‐frequency interactions. Conclusion. Results from both simulation and real data demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed framework. Significance. This study offers the proof of principle required to implement this methodology to uncover VIM thalamic LFP‐EMG interactions for (i) better understanding of the pathophysiology of tremor; (ii) objective selection of the DBS electrode contacts with the highest strength of association with the tremorogenic EMG, a particularly useful feature for the implementation of novel multicontact directional leads in clinical practice; and (iii) future research on DBS closed‐loop devices.
Mutational Analysis of Oncogenic AKT1 Gene Associated with Breast Cancer Risk in the High Altitude Ecuadorian Mestizo Population
Authors: López-Cortés Andrés , Leone Paola E. , Freire-Paspuel Byron , Arcos-Villacís Nathaly , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Rosales Felipe , Paz-y-Miño César
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. AKT1 encodes the kinase B alpha protein. The rs121434592, rs12881616, rs11555432, rs11555431, rs2494732, and rs3803304 single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in the AKT1 kinase gene. Activated AKT1 phosphorylates downstream substrates regulating cell growth, metabolism, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and drug responses. It is essential to know how breast cancer risk is associated with histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics and genotype polymorphisms in a high altitude Ecuadorian mestizo population. This is a retrospective case-control study. DNA was extracted from 185 healthy and 91 affected women who live 2,800 meters above sea level. Genotypes were determined by genomic sequencing. We found a possible association between the noncoding intronic variant rs3803304 and breast cancer risk development: GG (odds ratio [OR] = 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-20.9; P ≤ 0.05; Q > 0.05). Regarding pathologic characteristics, we found significant risk between estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status and molecular subtypes (P ≤ 0.001; Q ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, we did not find risk between variants and histopathological characteristics. Despite the small sample size, we found that the intronic variant, AKT1 rs3803304, may act as a predictive biomarker in the risk of developing breast cancer in the high altitude Ecuadorian mestizo population.
The Confrontation between Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological Tests of Medicinal Plants Associated with Mental and Neurological Disorders
Authors: Cavalcante e Costa Giovanna Felipe , Nishijo Hisao , Caixeta Leonardo Ferreira , Aversi-Ferreira Tales Alexandre
Published: July 2018

For neurological disorders, pharmacological tests have shown promising results in the reduction of side effects when using plants with known therapeutic effects in the treatment of some types of dementia. Therefore, the goals of this study are to gather data about the major medicinal plants used in the nervous system as described in ethnopharmacological surveys from South America and Brazil and to compare this data with the results from pharmacological tests on the active principles of those same plants found in the scientific literature. After collecting the data about each plant, their respective popular indication was compared with the results found through pharmacological tests. The discrepancy rate between the effects observed by ethnopharmacological and pharmacological methods in this study is greater than 50%. In conclusion, despite the importance of ethnopharmacological data, it is important to make comparisons with pharmacological tests for the same plants, since the pharmacological studies, although few, have shown a high rate of discrepancy in the results.
Dynamic Balance Gait for Walking Assistance Exoskeleton
Authors: Chen Qiming , Cheng Hong , Yue Chunfeng , Huang Rui , Guo Hongliang
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Powered lower-limb exoskeleton has gained considerable interests, since it can help patients with spinal cord injury(SCI) to stand and walk again. Providing walking assistance with SCI patients, most exoskeletons are designed to follow predefined gait trajectories, which makes the patient walk unnaturally and feels uncomfortable. Furthermore, exoskeletons with predefined gait trajectories cannot always maintain balance walking especially when encountering disturbances. Design/Methodology/Approach. This paper proposed a novel gait planning approach, which aims to provide reliable and balance gait during walking assistance. In this approach, we model the exoskeleton and patient together as a linear inverted pendulum (LIP) and obtain the patients intention through orbital energy diagram. To achieve dynamic gait planning of exoskeleton, the dynamic movement primitive (DMP) is utilized to model the gait trajectory. Meanwhile, the parameters of DMP are updated dynamically during one step, which aims to improve the ability of counteracting external disturbance. Findings. The proposed approach is validated in a human-exoskeleton simulation platform, and the experimental results show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach. Originality/Value. We decomposed the issue of obtain dynamic balance gait into three parts: (1) based on the sensory information of exoskeleton, the intention estimator is designed to estimate the intention of taking a step; (2) at the beginning of each step, the discrete gait planner utilized the obtained gait parameters such as step length S and step duration T and generate the trajectory of swing foot based on S,T; (3) during walking process, continuous gait regulator is utilized to adjust the gait generated by discrete gait planner to counteract disturbance.