bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Five Uremic Solutes according to Their Effects on Renal Tubular Cells
Authors: Edamatsu Takeo , Fujieda Ayako , Ezawa Atsuko , Itoh Yoshiharu
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims. Uremic solutes, which are known to be retained in patients with chronic kidney disease, are considered to have deleterious effects on disease progression. Among these uremic solutes, indoxyl sulfate (IS) has been extensively studied, while other solutes have been studied less to state. We conducted a comparative study to examine the similarities and differences between IS,p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), phenyl sulfate (PhS), hippuric acid (HA), and indoleacetic acid (IAA).Methods. We used LLC-PK1 cells to evaluate the effects of these solutes on viable cell number, cell cycle progression, and cell death.Results. All the solutes reduced viable cell number after 48-hour incubation. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine inhibited this effect induced by all solutes except HA. At the concentration that reduced the cell number to almost 50% of vehicle control, IAA induced apoptosis but not cell cycle delay, whereas other solutes induced delay in cell cycle progression with marginal impact on apoptosis. Phosphorylation of p53 and Chk1 and expression of ATF4 and CHOP genes were detected in IS-, PCS-, and PhS-treated cells, but not in IAA-treated cells.Conclusions. Taken together, the adverse effects of PCS and PhS on renal tubular cells are similar to those of IS, while those of HA and IAA differ.
The Correlation between Gender Inequalities and Their Health Related Factors in World Countries: A Global Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hassanzadeh Jafar , Moradi Noorollah , Esmailnasab Nader , Rezaeian Shahab , Bagheri Pezhman , Armanmehr Vajihe
Published: November 2014

The study aimed to investigate gender inequalities and their health associated factors in world countries. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken using data of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Health Organization (WHO). The main variable in this study was gender inequality index (GII). All countries were stratified by WHO regions. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the linear correlation between GII and investigated factors by WHO regions. The mean of GII was greater in Africa and lower in Europe region. There was negative significant association between GII and life expectancy at birth and mean years of schooling, prevalence of current tobacco smoking, high blood pressure and overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption rate, and cancer death rate. But there was positive significant association between GII and noncommunicable diseases death rates. In conclusion, gender inequalities, though decreasing over the past decades in world, remain notably greater in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions than in Europe. Gender inequality is also an important issue which is related to health factors. Hence, countries will need to focus on public health intervention and equal distribution of economic resources to reduce gender inequality in society.
The Anterior Chamber Depth and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children
Authors: Lee Jacky W. Y. , Yau Gordon S. K. , Woo Tiffany T. Y. , Yick Doris W. F. , Tam Victor T. Y. , Yuen Can Y. F.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To investigate the correlation of anterior chamber depth (ACD) with the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, age, axial length (AL), and spherical equivalent in children.Subjects. Consecutive subjects aged 4 to 18 were recruited. Visually disabling eye conditions were excluded. Only the right eye was included for analysis. The ACD was correlated with RNFL thickness, age, spherical equivalent, and AL for all subjects. Subjects were then divided into 3 groups based on their postcycloplegic spherical equivalent: myopes (<−1.0 D), emmetropes (≥−1.0 to ≤+1.0 D), and hyperopes (>+1.0 D). The ACD was compared among the 3 groups before and after age adjustment.Results. In 200 subjects (mean age7.6±3.3years), a deeper ACD was correlated with thinner global RNFL (r=-0.2,r2=0.06,P=0.0007), older age (r=0.4,r2=0.1,P<0.0001), myopic spherical equivalent (r=-0.3,r2=0.09,P<0.0001), and longer AL (r=0.5,r2=0.2,P<0.0001). The ACD was deepest in myopes (3.5±0.4 mm,n=67), followed by emmetropes (3.4±0.3,n=60) and then hyperopes (3.3±0.2,n=73) (allP<0.0001). After age adjustment, myopes had a deeper ACD than the other 2 groups (allP<0.0001).Conclusions. In children, a deeper ACD was associated with thinner RNFL thickness, older age, more myopic spherical equivalent, and longer AL. Myopes had a deeper ACD than emmetropes and hyperopes.
Validity of Palmar Pallor for Diagnosis of Anemia among Children Aged 6–59 Months in North India
Authors: Aggarwal Arun Kumar , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Sharma Deepak , Prabhu Ajith
Published: November 2014

Introduction.The Integrated Management of Childhood and Neonatal Illness (IMNCI) recommends the use palmar pallor to diagnose anaemia. Earlier studies to validate palmar pallor as clinical sign for anaemia were largely done in African context. There was a need to test validity of palmar pallor to detect anemia in different settings.Objective.To study the validity and interobserver agreement of palmar pallor examination to diagnose anemia in children under 5 years of age in India.Methods.In a village in Northern India, hemoglobin estimation was done for 80 children using cyanomethemoglobin method. Two examiners, a physician and a health worker, trained in IMNCI evaluated children for palmar pallor. Sensitivity and specificity and Kappa statistics were calculated.Results.Health worker diagnosed palmar pallor with sensitivity of 30.8–42.8% and specificity of 70–89%. Similar figures for doctor were 40–47% and 60–66%, respectively. Kappa agreement between a health worker and a physician was 0.48 (95% CI = 0.298–0.666) and then increased to 0.51 when categories of severe pallor and mild pallor were merged.Conclusion.While using palmar pallor as clinical sign for anaemia, children with no pallor should also be followed up closely for possible detection of missed cases during follow-up.
Prevalence of HER-2 and Hormone Receptors and P53 Mutations in the Pathologic Specimens of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Mirmalek Seyed Abbas , Hajilou Maryam , Salimi Tabatabaee Seyed Alireza , Parsa Yekta , Yadollah-Damavandi Soheila , Parsa Tina
Published: November 2014

Prognostic factors are in interest for breast cancer as the second cause of malignancy deaths. Some have predictive values as human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) and estrogen receptor (ER). To access the incidence of HER2 and its relations to other factors, like age, pathology, ER, progesterone receptor (PR), and P53, 2000 pathologic blocks from 2750 total samples have been selected from 2011 to 2013 in Cancer Institute of Tehran. Incidence of HER2, ER, PR, and P53 was; 58.5%, 33.4%, 43.3%, and 65.4%, respectively. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most pathologic type (82.2%) and 60%–70% positive HER2 and P53 had negative ER and PR (poor prognosis). The peak age of incidence of breast cancer was perimenopausal age group (46–55 years). Our cases had more positive HER2 and P53 and less positive PR and ER compared to other studies. High perimenopausal incidence as another finding assures the importance of breast cancer screening in these age groups.
The Role of e-NOS in Chronic Cholestasis-Induced Liver and Renal Injury in Rats: The Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine
Authors: Gunay Yusuf , Altaner Semsi , Ekmen Nergiz
Published: November 2014

Introduction.The role of chronic cholestasis (CC) in liver injury and fibrosis remains unclear. The aims of this study were to define the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) in CC and the protective effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in liver and kidney injury.Materials and Methods.Group A (sham group); Group B (CBDL); and Group C (CBDL + NAC). Group C received daily dosage of NAC (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for up to 4 weeks.Results.The rate of bridging fibrosis was higher (100% versus 20%,P=.025), but the intensity of e-NOS in liver was lower in rats that received NAC (1.3 versus 2.7,P=.046). The necrotic area in the kidneys among rats that received NAC was lower at week 4 (48% versus 57%;P<.001). The numbers of e-NOS stained cells in kidney were similar in sham group and the two groups with CBDL.Discussion.NAC reduced the stimulus for liver fibrosis in this rat model of CC and attenuated liver and kidney injury. Our study showed that e-NOS expression increased in liver tissue of rats with CC and that this was reversed by NAC. Treatment with NAC might restore e-NOS protein expression and prevent liver injury in CC.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Patient with Previous Pneumonectomy: A Case Report and Discussion of Anaesthetic Considerations
Authors: Newington Dash Faith , Ismail Sanaa
Published: November 2014

Increasing numbers of patients require cholecystectomy after previous pneumonectomy, but there are little data to guide anaesthetic management. A laparoscopic approach is associated with less postoperative respiratory compromise than open cholecystectomy but may be relatively contraindicated due to the undesirable effects of pneumoperitoneum on respiratory function. We describe the case of a 72-year-old patient who successfully underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy 23 years after left pneumonectomy. An understanding of the combined physiological consequences of pneumonectomy and pneumoperitoneum facilitated the provision of safe and uneventful anaesthesia. We propose that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe to perform in patients with a single lung.
An Extremely Rare Complication of Varicose Vein Surgery: Retained Foreign Body
Authors: Fındık Orhan , Aydın Ufuk , Düzyol Çağrı , Barış Özgür , Koçoğulları Cevdet Uğur
Published: November 2014

Foreign body is among complications of surgery. But as a complication of varicose vein surgery it was reported extremely rarely and, to our knowledge, there is only one paper in the literature. A case with retained sponge which was detected five months after varicose vein surgery was presented.
Delayed Spontaneous Bleeding in the Blind Eye of a Type A Hemophilic Patient
Authors: Son Gi Sung , Lee Sang Un , Kim Sung Chul
Published: November 2014

A 40-year-old man was complaining of severe left ocular pain and headache for the past 2 months. His left eye was traumatized and rendered blind about 20 years ago. He had no other medical problems and his preoperative laboratory tests were nonspecific. Evisceration of the left eye was performed for pain control and cosmetic improvement. However, postoperative progressive and prolonged eyelid swelling, bruising, and wound bleeding recurred. This patient was diagnosed with moderate factor VIII deficiency with a coagulation time within the normal range.
Necklaces, Self-Reciprocal Polynomials, and q-Cycles
Authors: Pintoptang Umarin , Laohakosol Vichian , Tadee Suton
Published: November 2014

Let n≥2 be a positive integer and q a prime power. Consider necklaces consisting of n beads, each of which has one of the given q colors. A primitive Cn-orbit is an equivalence class of n necklaces closed under rotation. A Cn-orbit is self-complementary when it is closed under an assigned color matching. In the work of Miller (1978), it is shown that there is a 1-1 correspondence between the set of primitive, self-complementary Cn-orbits and that of self-reciprocal irreducible monic (srim) polynomials of degree n. Let N be a positive integer relatively prime to q. A q-cycle mod N is a finite sequence of nonnegative integers closed under multiplication by q. In the work of Wan (2003), it is shown that q-cycles mod N are closely related to monic irreducible divisors of xN-1∈Fq[x]. Here, we show that: (1) q-cycles can be used to obtain information about srim polynomials; (2) there are correspondences among certain q-cycles and Cn-orbits; (3) there are alternative proofs of Miller's results in the work of Miller (1978) based on the use of q-cycles.
The Therapeutic Effectiveness of the Coadministration of Weekly Risedronate and Proton Pump Inhibitor in Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Tanaka Mizue , Itoh Soichiro , Yoshioka Taro , Yamashita Kimihiro
Published: November 2014

This trial was conducted to investigate the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) coadministration on the efficacy of weekly risedronate treatment for osteoporosis. Ninety-six women over 50 years old with low bone mineral density (BMD) participated in this trial. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: a 17.5 mg dose of sodium risedronate was administered weekly, with or without a daily 10 mg dose of sodium rabeprazole (n=49and 47 in the BP + PPI and BP groups, resp.). The following biomarkers were measured at the baseline and every 3 months: bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen corrected for creatinine, parathyroid hormone, BMD of the lumbar spine, and physical parameters evaluated according to the SF-36v2 Health Survey. Statistical comparisons of these parameters were performed after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The Δ values of improvement in physical functioning after 12 months and bodily pain after 6 and 12 months in the BP + PPI group were significantly larger than those in the BP group. These results suggest that PPI does not adversely affect bone metabolism. Alternatively, approved bone formation by concomitant PPI treatment may have had favorable effects on the improvement of bodily pain and physical functions.
Norepinephrine as a Potential Aggravator of Symptomatic Cerebral Vasospasm: Two Cases and Argument for Milrinone Therapy
Authors: Zeiler F. A. , Silvaggio J. , Kaufmann A. M. , Gillman L. M. , West M.
Published: November 2014

Background.During hypertensive therapy for post-subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) symptomatic vasospasm, norepinephrine is commonly used to reach target blood pressures. Concerns over aggravation of vasospasm with norepinephrine exist.Objective.To describe norepinephrine temporally related deterioration in neurological examination of two post-SAH patients in vasospasm.Methods.We retrospectively reviewed two charts of patients with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) post-SAH who deteriorated with norepinephrine infusions.Results.We identified two patients with DCI post-SAH who deteriorated during hypertensive therapy with norepinephrine. The first, a 43-year-old male presented to hospital with DCI, failed MABP directed therapy with rapid deterioration in exam with high dose norepinephrine and MABP of 140–150 mm Hg. His exam improved on continuous milrinone and discontinuation of norepinephrine. The second, a 39-year-old female who developed DCI on postbleed day 8 responded to milrinone therapy upfront. During further deterioration and after angioplasty, norepinephrine was utilized to drive MABP to 130–140 mm Hg. Progressive deterioration in examination occurred after angioplasty as norepinephrine doses escalated. After discontinuation of norepinephrine and continuation of milrinone, function dramatically returned but not to baseline.Conclusions.The potential exists for worsening of DCI post-SAH with hypertensive therapy directed by norepinephrine. A potential role exists for vasodilation and inotropic directed therapy with milrinone in the setting of DCI post-SAH.
Variants of Currarino Syndrome: Embryological Association and Review of Pertinent Literature
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Sharma Shyam Bihari , Mathur Praveen , Goyal Ram Babu
Published: November 2014

Currarino syndrome is a triad of sacral defect, anorectal malformation and a presacral mass. The diagnosis is usually made late in childhood and about 50% of cases are familial with autosomal dominant inheritance. We present two neonates (one with vestibular fistula, and another with cloacal malformation) with the features consistent with Currarino syndrome, but with Altman’s type II sacrococcygeal teratoma, that is, presacral mass having an external sacrococcygeal component also. We believe that this triad should be considered a variant of Currarino syndrome. In first case, excision of the mass along with coccyx, followed by primary Posterior Sagittal AnoRectoPlasty was performed in the same setting. The patient succumbed to death due to septicemia as a result of wound sepsis. Learning from the previous experience, we decided to do a diverting sigmoid loop colostomy followed by posterior sagittal excision of the mass along with coccyx, in same sitting in the second case. There was no recurrence. Though HLXB9 has been identified as the major causative gene in Currarino syndrome, exact pathogenesis is still unclear. We herein highlight the significance of this variant of Currarino syndrome and propose a theory on the basis of an embryological association between the malformation complex.
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome as the Initial Manifestation of a Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Authors: Rodríguez-Velver Karla Victoria , Soto-Garcia Analy J. , Zapata-Rivera María Azucena , Montes-Villarreal Juan , Villarreal-Pérez Jesús Zacarías , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René
Published: November 2014

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a life-threatening demyelinating syndrome. The association of ODS with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) has been seldom reported. The aim of this study was to present and discuss previous cases and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in ODS secondary to HHS. A 47-year-old man arrived to the emergency room due to generalized tonic-clonic seizures and altered mental status. The patient was lethargic and had a Glasgow coma scale of 11/15, muscle strength was 4/5 in both lower extremities, and deep tendon reflexes were diminished. Glucose was 838 mg/dL; serum sodium and venous blood gas analyses were normal. Urinary and plasma ketones were negative. Brain magnetic resonance revealed increased signal intensity on T2-weighted FLAIR images with restricted diffusion on the medulla and central pons. Supportive therapy was started and during the next 3 weeks the patient progressively regained consciousness and muscle strength and was able to feed himself. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and MRI showed no residual damage. In conclusion, the association of ODS with HHS is extremely rare. The exact mechanism by which HHS produces ODS still needs to be elucidated, but we favor a rapid hypertonic insult as the most plausible mechanism.
LatentToxoplasma gondiiInfection and Associated Risk Factors among HIV-Infected Individuals at Arba Minch Hospital, South Ethiopia
Authors: Yohanes Tsegaye , Debalke Serkadis , Zemene Endalew
Published: November 2014

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused byToxoplasma gondii(T. gondii). The parasite has cosmopolitan distribution, infecting almost all species of warm-blooded animals. LatentT. gondiiinfection in HIV/AIDS patients is a risk for development of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT). The aim of this study is to determine seroprevalence of latentT. gondiiinfection and assess its associated factors among individuals infected with HIV in Arba Minch Hospital, south Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study involving 170 HIV-infected individuals attending Arba Minch Hospital antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic was conducted from April to June 2013. Data on demographic profile of the study participants and factors associated withT. gondiiinfection were gathered using a questionnaire. Serum was tested for IgG anti-T. gondiiantibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Seroprevalence of latentT. gondiiinfection among the study participants was 88.2%. Consumption of raw meat (AOR = 4.361; 95% CI: 1.409–13.496) and involvement in farming/gardening activities (AOR = 4.051; 95% CI: 1.112–14.758) were independent predictors ofT. gondiiseropositivity. This study revealed high prevalence of latentT. gondiiinfection, similar to other studies. Monitoring of the patients to prevent reactivation of the latentT. gondiiinfection is recommended.
Subdomain Precise Integration Method for Periodic Structures
Authors: Wu F. , Gao Q. , Zhong W. X.
Published: November 2014

A subdomain precise integration method is developed for the dynamical responses of periodic structures comprising many identical structural cells. The proposed method is based on the precise integration method, the subdomain scheme, and the repeatability of the periodic structures. In the proposed method, each structural cell is seen as a super element that is solved using the precise integration method, considering the repeatability of the structural cells. The computational efforts and the memory size of the proposed method are reduced, while high computational accuracy is achieved. Therefore, the proposed method is particularly suitable to solve the dynamical responses of periodic structures. Two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method through comparison with the Newmark and Runge-Kutta methods.
Age and Sex Differences in Sputum Smear Microscopy Results for Acid Fast Bacilli in a Tertiary Care Centre, South India
Authors: Chinnakali Palanivel , Selvaraj Kalaiselvi , Thekkur Pruthu , Ramasamy Gomathi , Thulasingam Mahalakshmy , Vasudevan Kavita
Published: November 2014

Background and Objectives. Low counts are more difficult to find in microscopic sputum examination and thus are more likely to be missed. In this study, we aimed to estimate the proportion of low-count grading and assessing any age and gender differences in sputum smear grading in a low HIV prevalence setting. Materials and Methods. From the tuberculosis laboratory register information on sputum positivity including the grading of smears, age and gender were extracted for January 2011–December 2011. Smears were examined using Ziehl-Neelsen technique and graded as per the Program Guidelines. Positive smears were classified into low grade positive smears (scanty and 1+) and high grade positive smears (2+ and 3+). Differences in grading of smear based on gender and age were analysed using chi square test. Results. Of 9000 smears examined, 8210 (91.2%) were collected as diagnostic smears from tuberculosis suspects. Low grade positivity was 37.5% among diagnostic smears and 69.6% among follow-up smears. Sputum smears from female examinees had higher proportions of low grade positive smears (P=0.003). Stratification of age and sex within TB suspects had clearly demonstrated the observance of higher low grade positivity among female TB suspects at extremes of age.
The Reasons for Early Weaning, Perceived Insufficient Breast Milk, and Maternal Dissatisfaction: Comparative Studies in Two Belgian Regions
Authors: Robert Emmanuelle , Coppieters Yves , Swennen Béatrice , Dramaix Michéle
Published: November 2014

Objective and Method. To report on the weaning reasons at the maternity ward, at 3, 6, and 12 months and to report the socioeconomic characteristics of mothers not satisfied with breastfeeding duration as well as of those who have weaned their child because of perceived insufficient milk (PIM). Two cross-sectional studies were performed in 2012. Results. 62.9% of mothers in Wallonia and 56.8% in Brussels are dissatisfied with the duration of breastfeeding. In the two regions, younger mothers, ignoring the WHO recommendations, having a low level of education, or thinking not having sufficient milk production, were more likely to be dissatisfied. According to the analysed period, PIM and return to work are the two leading causes of weaning. While in Brussels PIM seemed to be associated only with partial BF at the maternity ward, in Wallonia, PIM was associated with a less educated environment and with ignoring the WHO recommendations. Conclusions. Too many mothers, especially destitute, are dissatisfied. They more often evoke PIM as reason for weaning. However, the literature shows that the real lack of milk only affects 1–5% of the mothers. Professionals need to be better informed of this discrepancy between mothers’ perception and physiology. They should be more supportive, especially among more precarious mothers.
Comparison of Metabolic Network between Muscle and Intramuscular Adipose Tissues in Hanwoo Beef Cattle Using a Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jeong , Park Hye-Sun , Kim Woonsu , Yoon Duhak , Seo Seongwon
Published: November 2014

The interrelationship between muscle and adipose tissues plays a major role in determining the quality of carcass traits. The objective of this study was to compare metabolic differences between muscle and intramuscular adipose (IMA) tissues in thelongissimus dorsi(LD) of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) using the RNA-seq technology and a systems biology approach. The LD sections between the 6th and 7th ribs were removed from nine (each of three cows, steers, and bulls) Hanwoo beef cattle (carcass weight of430.2±40.66 kg) immediately after slaughter. The total mRNA from muscle, IMA, and subcutaneous adipose and omental adipose tissues were isolated and sequenced. The reads that passed quality control were mapped onto the bovine reference genome (build bosTau6), and differentially expressed genes across tissues were identified. The KEGG pathway enrichment tests revealed the opposite direction of metabolic regulation between muscle and IMA. Metabolic gene network analysis clearly indicated that oxidative metabolism was upregulated in muscle and downregulated in IMA. Interestingly, pathways for regulating cell adhesion, structure, and integrity and chemokine signaling pathway were upregulated in IMA and downregulated in muscle. It is thus inferred that IMA may play an important role in the regulation of development and structure of the LD tissues and muscle/adipose communication.
Magnesium and Muscle Cramps in End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Lynch Patrick G. , Abate Mersema , Suh Heesuck , Wadhwa Nand K.
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the frequency and severity of muscle cramps, and the effect of dialysate magnesium on muscle cramps in 62 stable ESRD patients on chronic hemodialysis. Each subject was surveyed twice within a 6-month period. A single nephrology fellow conducted all in-person surveys. During the first survey, the patients were dialyzed with dialysate magnesium of 0.75 meq/L (0.375 mmol/L). Prior to the second survey, the dialysate magnesium was increased to 1.0 meq/L (0.50 mmol/L). The severity of cramps was scored on a 1–10 scale, with 10 indicating maximal severity. The number of patients with muscle cramps was significantly lower with dialysate magnesium of 1.0 meq/L (0.50 mmol/L) (56% versus 77%,P=0.02). No significant difference was observed in interdialytic weight gain, intradialytic ultrafiltration, dry weight, or intradialytic hypotension. The mean ± SD severity score of muscle cramps decreased from5.34±3.61to3.89±3.94(P=0.003). Seven of 31 (23%) patients in the group with low dialysate magnesium while 0/20 (0%) patients receiving high magnesium dialysate terminated hemodialysis early due to cramps (P=0.02). Both the number of patients reporting muscle cramps and the severity score decreased with higher dialysate magnesium which contributed to better adherence to hemodialysis treatments.
On the Accuracy of Asymptotic Solutions for TM Waves Diffracting on an Impedance Wedge
Authors: Fu Sonia , Jacolot Pierre , Balercia Tommaso , Rom Christian , Andersen Jørgen B. , Pedersen Gert F.
Published: November 2014

The contribution focuses on the accuracy of two asymptotic solutions aimed at representing the electromagnetic field scattered by penetrable wedges. One is a heuristic manipulation of the solution for the perfect electrical conductor, and the other one is a more rigorous coefficient based on approximate boundary conditions. The results presented here extend those proposed by other authors by illustrating the accuracy of such solutions at the edge of validity of the uniform theory of diffraction. In particular, they show that the heuristic formulation can be freely applied in similar conditions, while the other might not always lead to accurate predictions.
Nurses’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Implement EBP in the Maldives
Authors: Shifaza Fathimath , Evans David , Bradley Helen
Published: November 2014

This study aims to explore the barriers to evidence based practice (EBP) experienced by nurses working in a Maldivian healthcare organisation. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to nurses in 5 healthcare facilities and 198 completed questionnaires were returned. The results of this study show that the perceived barriers by the nurses in the Maldives are not significantly different from those reported in developed countries. For healthcare organisations in the Maldives, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the barriers and facilitators to research practice in order to implement EBP. The study showed that the major barriers to research use were that “the relevant literature is not compiled in one place,” there is “insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas,” and “administration will not allow implementation.” The key facilitating factors for EBP include support, encouragement, and recognition by the management and administration. The findings of this study can be useful for determining strategies that can be introduced in the clinical setting to use EBP. Healthcare organisations must continue their support in order to decrease the barriers and optimise care in healthcare facilities.
In VitroReporter Assays for Screening of Chemicals That Disrupt Androgen Signaling
Authors: Bagchi Bhattacharjee Gargi , Paul Khurana S. M.
Published: November 2014

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) modulate hormone signaling and cause developmental and reproductive anomalies. Today, there is a global concern regarding endocrine disruption effects, particularly those mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen or male hormones are critical for the development and maintenance of male characteristics and numerous EDCs exist in the environment with the potential to disrupt androgen action. The threat is more during critical developmental windows when there is increased sensitivity to these compounds. Timely screening and detection of the EDCs is essential to minimize deleterious effects produced by these toxic chemicals. As a first line of screening,in vitrotranscription assays are very useful due to their speed, convenience, and cost effectiveness. In this paper, recentin vitroreporter assays for detecting androgenic or antiandrogenic activity of EDCs have been reviewed. Two important cell systems used for this purpose, namely, the mammalian or yeast cell systems, have been discussed. Use of reporter genes such as bacterial luciferase (lux) and green fluorescent protein (gfp) has significantly improved speed and sensitivity of detection. Also, many of the current reporter assay systems can be used in a high throughput format allowing speedy evaluation of multiple potential EDCs at a lower price.
New Periodic Solutions for the Singular Hamiltonian System
Authors: Liao Yi
Published: November 2014

By use of the Cerami-Palais-Smale condition, we generalize the classical Weierstrass minimizing theorem to the singular case by allowing functions which attain infinity at some values. As an application, we study certain singular second-order Hamiltonian systems with strong force potential at the origin and show the existence of new periodic solutions with fixed periods.
Fixed‐Order Robust H∞ Estimator Design for Side‐Slip Angle of Vehicle
Authors: Delibaşı Akın
Published: November 2014

We present a novel linear observer with an extension dealing with polytopic uncertainties in a vehicle dynamic system to identify the side‐slip angle. The performance optimization issue is addressed by the minimization of H∞ norm of the system considering the estimation error as an output and the steer angle as an input. Contrary to the standard robust optimal design approaches, we use a convex inner approximation technique to reduce the order of the observer and this enables us to derive suboptimal, fixed‐order, and efficiently practicable estimators. Moreover, the numerical examples performed on two‐track nonlinear model of the system are provided to illustrate the impacts of design parameters on the optimization results and the efficiency of the technique.
Plasma and Intracellular Antiretroviral Concentrations in HIV-Infected Patients under Short Cycles of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Zehnacker Laura , Abe Emuri , Mathez Dominique , Alvarez Jean-Claude , Leibowitch Jacques , Azoulay Stéphane
Published: November 2014

Study of plasma and intracellular concentrations of atazanavir, lopinavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz was conducted on 48 patients under short cycles of antiretroviral therapy. Intracellular concentrations (IC) were still measurable for all drugs after 85 h or 110 h drug intake despite the absence of drug in plasma for atazanavir and lopinavir. A linear relationship between plasma and intracellular efavirenz was observed. Further studies to fully understand the impact of IC in the intermittent antiviral treatment are required.
Hypernatremia: Correction Rate and Hemodialysis
Authors: Nur Saima , Khan Yasir , Nur Saadia , Boroujerdi Hassan
Published: November 2014

Severe hypernatremia is defined as serum sodium levels above 152 mEq/L, with a mortality rate ≥60%. 85-year-old gentleman was brought to the emergency room with altered level of consciousness after refusing to eat for a week at a skilled nursing facility. On admission patient was nonverbal with stable vital signs and was responsive only to painful stimuli. Laboratory evaluation was significant for serum sodium of 188 mmol/L and water deficit of 12.0 L. Patient was admitted to medicine intensive care unit and after inadequate response to suboptimal fluid repletion, hemodialysis was used to correct hypernatremia. Within the first fourteen hours, sodium concentration only changed 1 mEq/L with a fluid repletion; however, the concentration dropped greater than 20 mEq/L within two hours during hemodialysis. Despite such a drastic drop in sodium concentration, patient did not develop any neurological sequela and was at baseline mental status at the time of discharge.
Finite Element Analysis of Structures Using C1-Continuous Cubic B-Splines or Equivalent Hermite Elements
Authors: Provatidis Christopher
Published: November 2014

We compare contemporary practices of global approximation using cubic B-splines in conjunction with double multiplicity of inner knots (C1-continuous) with older ideas of utilizing local Hermite interpolation of third degree. The study is conducted within the context of the Galerkin-Ritz formulation, which forms the background of the finite element structural analysis. Numerical results, concerning static and eigenvalue analysis of rectangular elastic structures in plane stress conditions, show that both interpolations lead to identical results, a finding that supports the view that they are mathematically equivalent.
A Novel Time Series Prediction Approach Based on a Hybridization of Least Squares Support Vector Regression and Swarm Intelligence
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc , Pham Anh-Duc , Cao Minh-Tu
Published: November 2014

This research aims at establishing a novel hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) approach, named as firefly-tuned least squares support vector regression for time series prediction(FLSVRTSP). The proposed model utilizes the least squares support vector regression (LS-SVR) as a supervised learning technique to generalize the mapping function between input and output of time series data. In order to optimize the LS-SVR’s tuning parameters, theFLSVRTSPincorporates the firefly algorithm (FA) as the search engine. Consequently, the newly construction model can learn from historical data and carry out prediction autonomously without any prior knowledge in parameter setting. Experimental results and comparison have demonstrated that theFLSVRTSPhas achieved a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy when predicting both artificial and real-world time series data. Hence, the proposed hybrid approach is a promising alternative for assisting decision-makers to better cope with time series prediction.
A Novel CPW-Fed UWB Antenna with Band-Stop Function
Authors: Chen Huaming , Li Zhengrong , Li Baiyu , Sun Guangfu
Published: November 2014

A novel coplanar waveguide-fed (CPW) ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with band-stop function is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna comprises a CPW-fed slot rectangular patch with an open stub ground plane, and two inverted L-shaped strip conductors are fabricated on the back plane. The overall size of the antenna is 25 × 25 × 1.6 mm2, and it achieves good impedance matching and radiation gain. Simulated and measured results show that the designed antenna operates at 2.9 GHz–13.08 GHz with band rejection in the frequency band of 7.7 GHz–9.05 GHz for satellite applications, and the proposed antenna is suitable for UWB wireless communication applications.
Postoperative Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Complement C3 Mutation
Authors: Matsukuma Eiji , Imamura Atsushi , Iwata Yusuke , Takeuchi Takamasa , Yoshida Yoko , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Fan Xinping , Miyata Toshiyuki , Kuwahara Takashi
Published: November 2014

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) can be distinguished from typical or Shiga-like toxin-induced HUS. The clinical outcome is unfavorable; up to 50% of affected patients progress to end-stage renal failure and 25% die during the acute phase. Multiple conditions have been associated with aHUS, including infections, drugs, autoimmune conditions, transplantation, pregnancy, and metabolic conditions. aHUS in the nontransplant postsurgical period, however, is rare. An 8-month-old boy underwent surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Neurological disturbances, acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia developed 25 days later, and aHUS was diagnosed. Further evaluation revealed that his complement factor H (CFH) level was normal and that anti-FH antibodies were not detected in his plasma. Sequencing of his CFH, complement factor I, membrane cofactor protein, complement factor B, and thrombomodulin genes was normal. His ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin-1 repeats 13) activity was also normal. However, he had a potentially causative mutation (R425C) in complement component C3. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that his father and aunt also had this mutation; however, they had no symptoms of aHUS. We herein report a case of aHUS that developed after cardiovascular surgery and was caused by a complement C3 mutation.
Visual Tracking via Feature Tensor Multimanifold Discriminate Analysis
Authors: Deng Ting-quan , Dai Jia-shu , Dong Tian-zhen , Yi Ke-jia
Published: November 2014

In the visual tracking scenarios, if there are multiple objects, due to the interference of similar objects, tracking may fail in the progress of occlusion to separation. To address this problem, this paper proposed a visual tracking algorithm with discrimination through multimanifold learning. Color‐gradient‐based feature tensor was used to describe object appearance for accommodation of partial occlusion. A prior multimanifold tensor dataset is established through the template matching tracking algorithm. For the purpose of discrimination, tensor distance was defined to determine the intramanifold and intermanifold neighborhood relationship in multimanifold space. Then multimanifold discriminate analysis was employed to construct multilinear projection matrices of submanifolds. Finally, object states were obtained by combining with sequence inference. Meanwhile, the multimanifold dataset and manifold learning embedded projection should be updated online. Experiments were conducted on two real visual surveillance sequences to evaluate the proposed algorithm with three state‐of‐the‐art tracking methods qualitatively and quantitatively. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve effective and robust effect in multi‐similar‐object mutual occlusion scenarios.
The Potentially Positive Role of PRPs in Preventing Femoral Tunnel Widening in ACL Reconstruction Surgery Using Hamstrings: A Clinical Study in 51 Patients
Authors: Starantzis Konstantinos A. , Mastrokalos Dimitrios , Koulalis Dimitrios , Papakonstantinou Olympia , Soucacos Panayiotis N. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. In this study, the early and midterm clinical and radiological results of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with or without the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) focusing on the tunnel-widening phenomenon are evaluated.Methods. This is a double blind, prospective randomized study. 51 patients have completed the assigned protocol. Recruited individuals were divided into two groups: a group with and a group without the use of PRPs. Patients were assessed on the basis of MRI scans, which were performed early postoperatively and repeated at least one-year postoperatively. The diameter was measured at the entrance, at the bottom, and at the mid distance of the femoral tunnel.Results. Our study confirmed the existence of tunnel widening as a phenomenon. The morphology of the dilated tunnels was conical in both groups. There was a statistical significant difference in the mid distance of the tunnels between the two groups. This finding may support the role of a biologic response secondary to mechanical triggers.Conclusions. The use of RPRs in ACL reconstruction surgery remains a safe option that could potentially eliminate the biologic triggers of tunnel enlargement. The role of mechanical factors, however, remains important.
Reconstructive Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Hanasono Matthew M.
Published: November 2014

The field of head and neck surgery has gone through numerous changes in the past two decades. Microvascular free flap reconstructions largely replaced other techniques. More importantly, there has been a paradigm shift toward seeking not only to achieve reliable wound closure to protect vital structures, but also to reestablish normal function and appearance. The present paper will present an algorithmic approach to head and neck reconstruction of various subsites, using an evidence-based approach wherever possible.
Propagation of Some Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars by Hardwood Cuttings under the Field Conditions in Tunisia
Authors: Aljane Fateh , Nahdi Sabrine
Published: November 2014

This research was carried out in Southeast of Tunisia in 2009 and 2010, in order to study the propagation of six (Ficus carica L.) cultivars by using hardwood cuttings under the field conditions. The effect of the cultivars and the type of buds, shoots age, shoots length, and shoots diameter were recorded. Ten cuttings per cultivar and/or cutting types with three replications were planted in rooting unit. Percentage of root emergence and six morphological parameters of young fig plants were measured. Results showed that the responses of cuttings as fig nursery plants presented a high variability among the five cultivars. The most widely varied characters were % root emergence (RE) and cumulative growth of young plant (CG). The first one ranged from 10% to 90%, the second varied within 32 and 112 cm. Concerning the ‘‘BITHER’’ cultivar, 6 cutting types with different age, length, and diameter were evaluated. Results showed a great variation in % of root emergence (0–90%), length of nursery plant (3–77 cm), and number of roots/nursery plant (0–29 roots). The present research showed that the hardwood cutting of local fig cultivars can be propagated under field conditions in Southeast of Tunisia.
Bioactive Potential of Actinomycetes from Less Explored Ecosystems against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Other Nonmycobacterial Pathogens
Authors: Manikkam Radhakrishnan , Venugopal Gopikrishnan , Subramaniam Balaji , Ramasamy Balagurunathan , Kumar Vanaja
Published: November 2014

Bioactive potential of actinomycetes isolated from certain less explored Indian ecosystems against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other nonmycobacterial pathogens was investigated. Actinomycetes were isolated from the soil samples collected from desert, coffee plantation, rubber forest, and hill area and their cultural and micromorphological characteristics were studied. Crude extracts were prepared by agar surface fermentation and tested against M. tuberculosis isolates by luciferase reporter phage (LRP) assay at 100 µg/mL. Activity against nonmycobacterial pathogens was studied by agar plug method. Totally 54 purified cultures of actinomycetes including 43 Streptomyces and 11 non-Streptomyces were isolated. While screening for antitubercular activity, extracts of 39 actinomycetes showed activity against one or more M. tuberculosis isolates whereas 27 isolates exhibited antagonistic activity against nonmycobacterial pathogens. In particular crude extracts from sixteen actinomycete isolates inhibited all the three M. tuberculosis isolates tested. Findings of the present study concluded that less explored ecosystems investigated in this study are the potential resource for bioactive actinomycetes. Further purification and characterization of active molecule from the potential extracts will pave the way for determination of MIC, toxicity, and specificity studies.
On Volatility Swaps for Stock Market Forecast: Application Example CAC 40 French Index
Authors: Zeghdoudi Halim , Lallouche Abdellah , Remita Mohamed Riad
Published: November 2014

This paper focuses on the pricing of variance and volatility swaps under Heston model (1993). To this end, we apply this model to the empirical financial data: CAC 40 French Index. More precisely, we make an application example for stock market forecast: CAC 40 French Index to price swap on the volatility using GARCH(1,1) model.
Pulmonary Nodules as an Initial Manifestation of Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Malekmohammad M. , Emamifar A.
Published: November 2014

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculopathy, characterized by recurrent oral aphthae, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. Although vascular involvement, including venous and arteries of any size, is a usual manifestation, cases with pulmonary thrombosis as the initial symptom are not common in the absence of pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA). This report describes a 36-year-old man with recurrent fever, nonmassive hemoptysis, and persistent cough with lung nodules in CT scan who had undergone open lung biopsy. On the basis of morphological findings, BD was suggested and more precise evaluation confirmed the diagnosis.
Mental Practice Combined with Physical Practice to Enhance Hand Recovery in Stroke Patients
Authors: Liu Hua , Song Lu-ping , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2014

Objectives.To evaluate whether combining mental practice with physical practice training enhances hand function in patients with stroke.Methods.10 for treatment and 10 for control were recruited for this pre/posttraining matched case control study. In the treatment group, subjects underwent combining mental practice with physical practice for four weeks. In the control group, subjects only participated in physical practice. Change of hand function and the number of activated voxels of the contralateral somatosensory motor cortex (SMC) acquired by functional magnetic resonance imaging were measured.Results.After training, the Action Research Arm Test score increased by 12.65 for treatment and by 5.20 for control. There was a significant difference in the Action Research Arm Test score between the two groups (P=0.04). The activated voxels number of the contralateral SMC increased in both groups, but the activated voxels number in the contralateral SMC and the improvement of hand function for treatment were greater than for control. In the treatment group, the number of activated voxels of the contralateral SMC was positively correlated with better hand function scores.Conclusions.Combining mental practice with physical practice may be a more effective treatment strategy than physical training alone for hand recovery in stroke patients.