bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucus and mucins in diseases of the intestinal and respiratory tracts
Authors: Hansson G. C.
Published: April 2019

This review describes the organization and importance of mucus in the intestine and lungs in relation to the diseases cystic fibrosis (CF), ulcerative colitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inner surfaces of the body are protected by mucus built around polymeric glycoproteins called mucins. In the disease CF, the small intestinal mucus is in contrast the normal attached to the epithelium, explaining the intestinal problems at this disease. The inner of the two mucus layers of colon is normally impenetrable to bacteria, keeping the commensals away from and protecting the epithelium. This impenetrable property is dependent on the bacterial composition and the host diet, observations that can explain the increased incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases in the western world as bacteria reach the epithelial cells in active ulcerative colitis. The respiratory tract is normally cleared by thick mucus bundles that moved by the cilia sweep the epithelial surface. In CF, the bundles are nonmoving already at birth. Cholinergic stimulations stop the bundle movement explaining some of the beneficial effect of anticholinergic treatment in COPD. In this disease as well as in more developed CF, an attached mucus layer is formed. This mucus has features similar to the protective inner colon mucus and is by this able to separate bacteria from the epithelial surface. When formed in healthy individuals this mucus can be coughed up, but in chronically diseased lungs, bacteria colonizing the mucus will remain in the lungs and the resulting inflammation contribute to the destruction of the lungs.
Differential uplift on the boundary between the Eastern and the Southern European Alps: Thermochronologic constraints from the Brenner Base Tunnel
Authors: Klotz Thomas , Pomella Hannah , Reiser Martin , Fügenschuh Bernhard , Zattin Massimiliano
Published: April 2019

The Brenner Base Tunnel will connect Innsbruck (Austria) and Franzensfeste (Italy) by piercing two of the most important fault structures of the Alps: the Periadriatic fault system (PFS) and the Southern limit of Alpine metamorphism (SAM). (U‐Th)/He dating (apatite) and fission‐track analysis (apatite and zircon) on samples taken during excavation reveal a complex pattern of exhumation through time. The results yield temporal constraints for relative vertical block movement and fault activity. Furthermore, they indicate differential uplift of the northern block along the ~E–W striking PFS and allow locating the position of the SAM in the overtilted nappe stack south of the Tauern Window. Our data strongly support, for the first time, an ongoing north‐side‐up movement along this section of the PFS until at least the end of Miocene.
Use of TRIDYN and medium energy ion scattering to calibrate an industrial arsenic plasma doping process
Authors: England Jonathan , Van den Berg Jaap , Rossall Andrew
Published: April 2019

Plasma doping ion implantation (PLAD) is becoming increasingly important for enabling the manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices. In this study, a VIISTA PLAD implanter was used to implant planar 300 mm Si wafers with As/7 keV from an arsine containing plasma with a total ion fluence of 1 × 1016 ions/cm2. The wafers then underwent a wet chemical clean and anneal to mimic a full industrial process flow. The effects of each process step were measured using cross-sectional TEM images, TEM/energy dispersive spectroscopy measurements, and medium energy ion scattering (MEIS). The PLAD implantation process was modeled using dynamic trim (TRIDYN), a dynamic, binary collision approximation model that accounted for the interactions between wafers and the ions and neutrals produced by the PLAD implanter. MEIS spectra were analyzed to extract elemental concentration depth profiles using POWERMEIS guided by the outputs of the TRIDYN model. The input fluxes of the TRIDYN model were calibrated such that the predicted TRIDYN and MEIS profiles were self-consistent. Combining the different analysis techniques and considering elemental concentrations alongside a TRIDYN model enabled magnitudes of ion and neutral fluxes of Si, As, and H to be proposed, and the relative importance of direct implantation and ion beam mixing during the PLAD implant to be revealed. This, in turn, led to proposals for the sources of the ion and neutral species, the importance of Si neutrals originating from the plasma chamber over those originating from the Si bulk in the “deposited” layer being of particular interest. Following the evolution of the as-implanted profiles through the wet clean and anneal steps gave insights into how the PLAD implant affected the results of the full process flow.
Identification of Conserved Candidate Vaccine Antigens in the Surface Proteome of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Davids Barbara J. , Liu Ching M. , Hanson Elaine M. , Le Christine H. Y. , Ang Jonathan , Hanevik Kurt , Fischer Marvin , Radunovic Matej , Langeland Nina , Ferella Marcela , Svärd Staffan G. , Ghassemian Majid , Miyamoto Yukiko , Eckmann Lars
Published: April 2019

Giardia lamblia
, one of the most common protozoal infections of the human intestine, is an important worldwide cause of diarrheal disease, malabsorption, malnutrition, delayed cognitive development in children, and protracted postinfectious syndromes. Despite its medical importance, no human vaccine is available against giardiasis.
DisseminatedCryptococcus neoformansinfection in a left ventricular assist device recipient
Authors: Jandhyala Deeksha , Tan Eugene M , Stahr David Cook , Sohail Muhammad Rizwan
Published: April 2019

A 51-year-old man with a medical history of coronary artery disease and dyslipidaemia presented with acute myocardial infarction resulting in cardiogenic shock, necessitating intra-aortic balloon pump placement and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). His hospital course was complicated by several infectious complications including ECMO circuitPseudomonas aeruginosabloodstream infection and presumed infected right atrial thrombus. He subsequently underwent urgent left ventricular assist device placement and had a prolonged hospital stay. On day 100 of admission, he developed acute hypoxic respiratory distress with new pulmonary infiltrates. Sputum cultures grewCryptococcus neoformans. Blood culture also grewC. neoformansafter 96 hours of incubation and cryptococcal serum antigen was elevated at 1:20. Cerebrospinal fluid studies from a lumbar puncture were normal. He was treated with 2 weeks of combination antifungal therapy followed by life-long fluconazole suppression.
Non-invasive fungal sinusitis resulting in multiple cranial nerve neuropathies
Authors: Hendriks Thomas , Leedman Samuel , Quick Mark , Acharya Aanand
Published: April 2019

A 33-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a right-sided facial paralysis and maxillary division (V2, trigeminal nerve) paraesthesia. He had been suffering with upper respiratory tract symptoms in the preceding 2 months, including rhinorrhoea, fever and headache. The patient was otherwise fit and immunocompetent. Urgent radiological investigation revealed extensive fungal sinusitis with sphenoid sinus dehiscence and skull base osteitis. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic sinus surgery revealing concretions and debris in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. He was commenced on systemic antifungal therapy and made a full recovery with resolution of his cranial neuropathies. The fungusSchizophyllum communewas isolated and is a rare cause of fungal sinusitis, but with the potential for invasive disease in immunosuppressed individuals.
Breast and cervical cancer patients’ experience in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia: a follow-up study protocol
Authors: Gebremariam Alem , Addissie Adamu , Worku Alemayehu , Hirpa Selamawit , Assefa Mathewos , Pace Lydia E , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Cancer is an emerging public health problem in Ethiopia, with breast and cervical cancers accounting for over half of all newly diagnosed cancers in women. The majority of women with breast and cervical cancer are diagnosed at late stage of the disease and most patients do not receive care consistent with global standards. However, little is known about the health-seeking behaviours, barriers to early detection and treatment, patient-reported outcomes, financial burden and survival of women with breast and cervical cancer in the country. Therefore, this study aims to document the experience of women with breast and cervical cancer from recognition of symptoms to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship/mortality in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia.

Methods and analysis

A prospective follow-up study using mixed methods (both quantitative and qualitative) will be employed. All women newly diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer from 1 January, 2017 to 30 June 2018 in Addis Ababa will be included in the study. Interviewer-administered questionnaires will be used to collect information about medical consultations after recognition of symptoms, health-seeking behaviours, treatment received, barriers to early detection and treatment, and survivorship care. In-depth interview will be conducted on purposefully selected women with breast and cervical cancer. The primary outcomes of the study are time intervals (patient and diagnostic waiting times), stage at diagnosis and survival. Multivariable analysis will be employed to determine the contributions of independent variables on the outcomes of interest. HRs with 95% CIs will be calculated for time-to-event outcomes. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol is ethically approved by Institutional Review Board of Addis Ababa University. Verbal informed consent will be obtained from study participants. Results will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals and presented in relevant conferences.
Effect of total anti-VEGF treatment exposure on patterns of choroidal neovascularisation assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration: a retrospective case series
Authors: Faes Livia , Ali Zaria , Wagner Siegfried , Patel Praveen J , Fu Dun Jack , Bachmann Lucas M , Schmid Martin K , Waheed Nadia , Keane Pearse A , Balaskas Konstantinos
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare clinical characteristics of patients suffering from neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with mature and immature choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) as assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). To explore the effect of total anti-vascular endothelial growth factor exposure on the occurrence of mature CNV when correcting for potential confounders.

Methods and analysis

In this retrospective case series, we included 40 eyes of 36 patients with nAMD with CNV assessed by OCTA at the Manchester Eye Hospital between June 2016 and June 2017. A retinal specialist masked to patient information graded CNV depicted on OCTA scans. For statistical comparisons, we used t-tests, Fisher’s exact tests and a mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results

18 patients (20 eyes) were treatment naïve, and the mean number of intravitreal injections (IVI) in the remaining eyes was 18.4 (range 2–71). The mean duration of nAMD was 19.3 months (range 0–87.4). 25 eyes (62.5%) exhibited mature CNV. Eyes with mature CNV did not differ from those with immature CNV regarding age (+2.8 years; p=0.288) or duration of disease (+9.4 months; p=0.061). However, they had a higher number of IVIs (+3.1; p=0.035). Among eyes with best corrected visual acuity over 25 letters, there was a strong association between the number of IVIs (0 vs 1–20: OR 68.01 [95% CI 1.30 to 3546.99; p=0.036], 0 vs >20 IVI: OR 380.01 [95% CI 2.60 to 55 464.89; p=0.019]) and maturity status when correcting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Maturity status of CNV as assessed by OCTA may indicate treatment exposure of CNV in nAMD.
Trends in the method and gestational age of abortion in high-income countries
Authors: Popinchalk Anna , Sedgh Gilda
Published: April 2019

Background

Examining the distribution of abortions by method of abortion and gestational age at time of termination provides insight about the options women may have to terminate their pregnancies. Comparing these distributions across countries and over time is an important step toward understanding the factors that can drive these distributions, including regulations and practices related to the provision of abortion services, and women’s preferences and needs.

Methods

We sought official statistics on gestational age and method of abortion for all high-income countries with liberal abortion laws. For the 24 high-income countries with available data, we calculated percentage distributions of abortions by gestational age of pregnancy and method of abortion for 2017 or the most recent year for which data were available, and assessed trends in the preceding 10 years whenever possible.

Results

Medication (or medical) abortion accounts for at least half of all abortions in the majority of countries. In the majority of countries over 90% of all abortions were completed before 13 weeks, and more than two-thirds of abortions occurred before the first 9 weeks of gestation. Over the past 10 years there has been an increase in both the proportion of abortions that were medication abortions and the proportion that were obtained before 9 weeks gestation.

Conclusions

These findings highlight changes in abortion provision in the past decade. More research is needed to understand whether the observed distributions are a function of women’s preferences or of barriers to the timing and type of care they would prefer.
Urine TWEAK level as a biomarker for early response to treatment in active lupus nephritis: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Suttichet Thitima Benjachat , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Phromjeen Chutipha , Anutrakulchai Sirirat , Panaput Thanachai , Ingsathit Atiporn , Kamanamool Nanticha , Ophascharoensuk Vuddhidej , Sumethakul Vasant , Avihingsanon Yingyos
Published: April 2019

Background

TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory molecule that plays a key role in active inflammation of lupus nephritis (LN). Urine TWEAK (uTWEAK) levels were found to be associated with renal disease activity among patients with LN. Here, we determined whether serial measurements of uTWEAK during induction therapy could predict treatment response or not.

Methods

Spot urine samples were collected from patients with biopsy-proven active LN at time of flare, and 3 and 6 months after flare to assess the uTWEAK levels. All patients received standard immunosuppressive therapy and treatment response was evaluated at 6 months. The performance of uTWEAK as a predictor for treatment response was compared with clinically used biomarkers for patients with LN.

Results

Among 110 patients with LN, there were 29% complete responders (CR), 34% partial responders (PR) and 37% non-responders (NR). On average, uTWEAK level was consistently low in CR, trended down by 3 months in PR and persistently elevated in NR. uTWEAK levels at month 3 were able to predict complete response at month 6 (OR adjusted for age, sex and creatinine=0.34 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.80], the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC-AUC]=0.68, p=0.02). The optimal threshold for uTWEAK level at month 3 was 0.46 pg/mgCr, discriminating complete response with 70% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Combining uTWEAK and urine protein at month 3 improved predictive performance for complete response at 6 months (ROC-AUC 0.83, p<0.001).

Conclusions

In addition to urine protein, uTWEAK level at 3 months after flare can improve the accuracy in predicting complete response at 6 months of induction therapy.
Tosio Kato’s work on non-relativistic quantum mechanics, Part 2
Authors: Simon Barry
Published: April 2019

We review the work of Tosio Kato on the mathematics of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and some of the research that was motivated by this. Topics in this second part include the absence of embedded eigenvalues, trace class scattering, Kato smoothness, the quantum adiabatic theorem and Kato’s ultimate Trotter Product Formula.
Studies of Formation Mechanism, Structure, and Properties of Network Copolymers Obtained by Cocuring of Rolivsan Thermosetting Resins with Aromatic Diamines
Authors: Zaitsev B. A. , Kleptsova L. G. , Shvabskaya I. D.
Published: April 2019

Rolivsan thermosetting resins (ROLs) demonstrate high glass-transition temperatures and excellent processability. In our work, high-temperature properties of ROLs were significantly improved using a novel technique for structural and chemical modification of microheterogeneous network polymers. This technique involves, among other procedures, cocuring of rolivsan resins with aromatic diamines (ADA). The most noticeable increase in storage moduli and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of these copolymers was achieved when ROLs were modified with 10-15 wt.% of ADA and the resulting blends were subjected to thermal treatment in air in the temperature range 180 to 320°C for several hours. FTIR, 13С NMR spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical and thermal analyses were used for studying the structure and properties of the obtained products. It was demonstrated that the mechanism of formation of ROL-ADA copolymers includes the following high-temperature reactions: (i) three-dimensional radical copolymerization of unsaturated ROL components and (ii) cleavage of heat-sensitive methacrylate crosslinking units inside the polymer network. The second process is accompanied by formation of pending units of methacrylic acid and methacrylic anhydride, which participate in condensation reactions with ADA.
Prediction of Causative Genes in Inherited Retinal Disorders from Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Utilizing Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Fujinami-Yokokawa Yu , Pontikos Nikolas , Yang Lizhu , Tsunoda Kazushige , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Iwata Takeshi , Miyata Hiroaki , Fujinami Kaoru , Japan Eye Genetics Consortium on behalf of
Published: April 2019

Purpose. To illustrate a data-driven deep learning approach to predicting the gene responsible for the inherited retinal disorder (IRD) in macular dystrophy caused by ABCA4 and RP1L1 gene aberration in comparison with retinitis pigmentosa caused by EYS gene aberration and normal subjects. Methods. Seventy-five subjects with IRD or no ocular diseases have been ascertained from the database of Japan Eye Genetics Consortium; 10 ABCA4 retinopathy, 20 RP1L1 retinopathy, 28 EYS retinopathy, and 17 normal patients/subjects. Horizontal/vertical cross-sectional scans of optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the central fovea were cropped/adjusted to a resolution of 400 pixels/inch with a size of 750 × 500 pix2 for learning. Subjects were randomly split following a 3 : 1 ratio into training and test sets. The commercially available learning tool, Medic mind was applied to this four-class classification program. The classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated during the learning process. This process was repeated four times with random assignment to training and test sets to control for selection bias. For each training/testing process, the classification accuracy was calculated per gene category. Results. A total of 178 images from 75 subjects were included in this study. The mean training accuracy was 98.5%, ranging from 90.6 to 100.0. The mean overall test accuracy was 90.9% (82.0–97.6). The mean test accuracy per gene category was 100% for ABCA4, 78.0% for RP1L1, 89.8% for EYS, and 93.4% for Normal. Test accuracy of RP1L1 and EYS was not high relative to the training accuracy which suggests overfitting. Conclusion. This study highlighted a novel application of deep neural networks in the prediction of the causative gene in IRD retinopathies from SD-OCT, with a high prediction accuracy. It is anticipated that deep neural networks will be integrated into general screening to support clinical/genetic diagnosis, as well as enrich the clinical education.
CIAPIN1 Targeted NHE1 and ERK1/2 to Suppress NSCLC Cells’ Metastasis and Predicted Good Prognosis in NSCLC Patients Receiving Pulmonectomy
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Ying , Ma Li , Cao Shannan , Gao Wei , Xiong Qingqing , Wang Kaiyuan , Yang Lili
Published: April 2019

Objective. Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) acts as a downstream effector of the receptor tyrosine kinase-Ras signaling pathway and has been reported as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in various cancers. Our current study was aimed at investigating the prognostic impact of CIAPIN1 on Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) patients and the effect of CIAPIN1 on NSCLC A549 cells’ metastasis. Methods. Western blot analysis was applied to detect CIAPIN1 expression; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the effect of CIAPIN1 on NSCLC patients’ prognosis. Wound healing assay, Transwell chamber invasion analysis, and tumorigenicity assay in BALB/c nude mice were used to measure the metastasis potential of A549 cells. Results. We found that CIAPIN1 overexpression indicated good survival duration during the follow-up period. CIAPIN1 overexpression inhibited the migration, invasion, MMPs, and EMT-associated markers in A549 cells. Further, NHE1 (Na+/H+ exchanger 1) expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation decreased along with CIAPIN1 upregulation. Importantly, treating A549 cells with CIAPIN1 overexpression with the NHE1-specific inhibitor, Cariporide, further inhibited the metastatic capacity, MMP expression, EMT-associated markers, and phosphorylated ERK1/2. Treatment with the MEK1-specific inhibitor, PD98059, induced nearly the same suppression of CIAPIN1 overexpression-dependent metastatic capacity, MMP expression, and EMT-associated markers as was observed with Cariporide. Further, Cariporide and PD98059 exert synergistical suppression of A549 cells’ metastatic capacity. Conclusion. Thus, the current results implied a potential management by which CIAPIN1 upregulation may have a crucial effect on the suppression of NSCLC, indicating that overexpression of CIAPIN1 might serve as a combination with chemotherapeutical agents in NSCLC therapy.
Cavernous Breast Hemangioma Mimicking an Invasive Lesion on Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Zafrakas Menelaos , Papasozomenou Panayiota , Eskitzis Panayiotis , Zouzoulas Demetrios , Boulogianni Glyceria , Zaramboukas Thomas
Published: April 2019

Hemangiomas are vascular lesions, which are only rarely located in the breast. Larger breast hemangiomas may be detected by clinical examination, mammography, and breast ultrasound, whereas smaller lesions are usually incidental findings. We present a rare case of a 43-year-old woman with a cavernous hemangioma of the breast, presenting only on MRI and evading mammographic and ultrasonographic imaging. On breast MRI, a small lesion with irregular margins was detected in the right breast, and following gadolinium contrast medium administration, a type 3 curve, with rapid initial rise, followed by reduction in enhancement (washout) in the delayed phase was noted, raising suspicion for malignancy. The lesion could not be visualized on second-look targeted breast ultrasound and full-field digital mammography. A wide local excision was performed after 3 T MRI-guided hook wire localization and diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was established histologically. Cavernous hemangioma is a rare breast lesion, with only few cases reported in the literature, and this is the first case with a presentation mimicking an invasive tumor on contrast-enhanced MRI.
Efficiently Capturing Mitochondria-Targeted Constituents with Hepatoprotective Activity from Medicinal Herbs
Authors: Yang Xing-Xin , Liang Li , Liu Xin , Li Feng-Jiao , Dong Jin-Cai , Mu Jian-Kang , Zeng Lin-Xi , Bi Qian , Gu Wen , Yu Jie
Published: April 2019

Targeting mitochondria as a hepatic-protective strategy has gained attention, because of their important roles in energy production, adjustment of apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species. To promote the discovery of natural mitochondria-targeted hepatic-protectants, we established a hepatocellular mitochondria-based capturing method by coupling affinity ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), which is suitable for identifying mitochondrial ligands from medicinal herbs (MHs). After evaluating the feasibility of the method, it was applied for capturing mitochondria-targeting constituents from Peucedani Radix extract. A total of 10 active compounds were identified by LC/MS, all of which were newly identified mitochondrial ligands. The mitochondria-remedying activity of 4 of the 10 hits was confirmed by pharmacological testsin vitro. Additionally, the hepatic-protective abilities of 4 hits were verified in both carbon tetrachloride-damaged liver L02 cells and mice. These results indicated that the method could be used for identifying hepatic mitochondria-targeting constituents in MHs, which might be beneficial for hepatic-protective development.
Successful Resolution of a Large Left Atrial and Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus with Rivaroxaban
Authors: Gaznabi Safwan , Abugroun Ashraf , Mahbub Hasan , Campos Enrique
Published: April 2019

A 79-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for acute exacerbation of heart failure. The patient had history of atrial fibrillation and was planned for cardioversion. Preprocedure transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a large multilobulated mobile thrombus in the left atrial appendage. The patient refused warfarin therapy and instead chose to take rivaroxaban. Upon outpatient follow-up, 3 months later, no visible thrombus was appreciated on repeat TEE. This case demonstrates successful resolution of left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombi with the use of rivaroxaban. At present time, limited data is available to support the use of rivaroxaban for treatment of intracardiac thrombi. This case highlights the need for further studies to investigate the outcomes and relative efficiency of use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in lysis of intracardiac thrombus. The benefits of DOACs compared to the standard of therapy could increase patient compliance, reduce length of stay, and improve treatment efficacy.
Assessment of Psychosocial Functioning of Mothers of Children with Diabetes Mellitus Compared to Mothers of Healthy Children
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Somasundaram Siva , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Gogacz Małgorzata , Madej Agata , Izydorczyk Bernadetta , Leszek Jerzy , Lebedeva Svetlana A. , Chubarev Vladimir N. , Tarasov Vadim V. , Kirkland Eric , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: April 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease requiring changes in the behaviour of the entire family. The responsibility for implementing doctor’s recommendations falls mainly upon the mother. The aim of this study is to assess the psychosocial functioning of mothers of children with DM compared to mothers of healthy children. The study involved 120 mothers: 60 with children with DM and 60 with healthy children. Data were collected using an original social-demographic questionnaire developed by the authors as well as Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Schwarzer and Schultz’s Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Zigmond and Snaith’s Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The assessment scales were standardised and accredited by the Polish Psychological Association. The results suggest that DM in children has no effect on the psychosocial functioning of mothers regarding their self-esteem and sense of coherence. However, mothers of children with DM are well-prepared for living in a difficult situation. Social support offered to mothers of diabetic children helps them to maintain their psychosocial health.
Long-Term Results of Autologous Auricular Cartilage Graft Applied in Anophthalmic Orbits Unable to Wear Prosthesis
Authors: Liao Yi-Lin , Wu Shu-Ya , Tsai Yueh-Ju
Published: April 2019

In anophthalmic patients, shallow lower fornices make wearing ocular prostheses impossible and maintaining normal social activities difficult. This study retrospectively investigated the long-term surgical outcomes of autologous auricular cartilage grafting for contracted orbits. From 1995 to 2013, 29 anophthalmic contracture sockets with inadequate lower fornices and poor prosthesis retention presented to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, Taiwan, were treated using this surgical method. The success rate, aesthetic outcome, recurrence, and complications were analyzed. Among the 29 patients, 15 were women, 14 were men, their mean age was 45 years, and the mean follow-up time was 52 months (range = 6–159 months). Satisfactory lid position was achieved in 25 cases (86%), and lower fornix retraction recurred in four cases (14%). Neither donor site morbidity nor auricular deformity was noted during the follow-up period. Therefore, an auricular cartilage graft can be used successfully as a compatible spacer for anophthalmic patients with shallow lower fornices and prosthesis-fitting problems in long-term follow-up.
Apexification Management of Mandibular Second Premolar with a Blunderbuss Apex and Periapical Lesion of an Adult Patient
Authors: Li Chenshuang , Zheng Zhong , Deng Xiaohong , Zhang Lan , Wang Baoyan , Guo Qingyu , Zou Min
Published: April 2019

Apexification is widely applied in teenager patients but rarely used in the adult population. Instead, artificial apical barrier with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is clinically accepted, and spontaneous apical closure in nonvital immature teeth of adult patients has rarely been encountered while only apexification of the maxillary incisors in adult patients has been reported. The aim of this case report is to share a successful apexification application in the mandibular premolar with a blunderbuss apex and periapical lesion of an adult patient by using calcium hydroxide: radiographically, spontaneous hard tissue barrier has been established, and narrowing canal space and decreasing area of periapical shadow were documented without complications. Taken together, our study indicates that patient’s age and tooth position may not be the critical limitation for apexification.
Recurrent Adolescent Giant-Cell Tumor of the Scaphoid: Scaphoid Excision with Intracarpal Fusion after Failed Curettage and Bone Grafting
Authors: Hoedt Chris , Makar Gabriel S. , Gutowski Christina J. , Holdbrook Thomas , Kim Tae Won B. , Fuller David A.
Published: April 2019

We present a case of the giant-cell tumor of bone in the scaphoid of a 17-year-old female. Imaging revealed an expansile lytic lesion of her scaphoid, and the diagnosis was confirmed with open biopsy. She was treated with curettage and iliac crest bone graft, in an effort to spare reconstruction of her wrist. After one year, she developed increasing tightness and pain. Local recurrence was apparent on radiographs, and CT revealed increased lucency with bony destruction in the area of prior excision. She was successfully treated, without recurrence to date, with complete scaphoid excision and a four-corner wrist fusion. Local recurrence of the giant-cell tumor of bone is high, especially in carpal bones. When treating patients with advanced lesions, more aggressive initial options should be considered.
Challenges and Controversies in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Lukomska Barbara , Stanaszek Luiza , Zuba-Surma Ewa , Legosz Pawel , Sarzynska Sylwia , Drela Katarzyna
Published: April 2019

Stem cell therapy is being intensely investigated within the last years. Expectations are high regarding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment in translational medicine. However, many aspects concerning MSC therapy should be profoundly defined. Due to a variety of approaches that are investigated, potential effects of stem cell therapy are not transparent. On the other hand, most results of MSC administration in vivo have confirmed their safety and showed promising beneficial outcomes. However, the therapeutic effects of MSC-based treatment are still not spectacular and there is a potential risk related to MSC applications into specific cell niche that should be considered in long-term observations and follow-up outcomes. In this review, we intend to address some problems and critically discuss the complex nature of MSCs in the context of their effective and safe applications in regenerative medicine in different diseases including graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cardiac, neurological, and orthopedic disorders.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in a Paediatric Patient with Oesophageal Atresia and Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula
Authors: Barni Alice , Zecchillo Dario , Uberti Stefano , Ratti Silvia
Published: April 2019

This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in dysphagia symptoms and aspiration risk. This is a clinical case report on a 40-day-old infant with a diagnosis of oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. The patient received one OMT every 15 days for 7 times. The clinical outcome was the clinical changes in dysphagia symptoms assessed by the Paediatric Eating Assessment Tool-10 (PEDI-EAT-10). At the first osteopathic evaluation (T0), the total score of the PEDI-EAT-10 was 7, at the fourth osteopathic evaluation (T1), the total score was 3, and at the seventh osteopathic evaluation (T2), the total score was 1. OMT was effective and safe in reducing dysphagia symptoms and aspiration risk.
Spatiotemporal ecology of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals
Authors: Dias Douglas De Matos , Almeida Meyline De Oliveira Souza , Araújo-Piovezan Talita Guimarães de , Dantas José Oliveira
Published: April 2019

On this study, we used camera traps in a Semi deciduous Seasonal Forest, northeast of Brazil, to estimate the frequencies of occurrence of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals: the spotted paca (Cuniculus paca) and the tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), analyzing their seasonal variations of spatial distribution. We also characterized the activity pattern of the species and their seasonal variation. The herbivorous frequencies of occurrence were constant during all the seasons. In general, both species were mostly active at night. However, between the rainy and dry season, we identified differences in spotted paca activity peaks. Here we present one of the first studies on the tapeti, whose ecology is understudied. Our results also show a general view of the spotted paca and tapeti behavior strategies to seasonal variations. Due to the scarce food resource in the dry season, possibly these herbivorous need to search for different kinds of food available IFS around.
Paraphyletic Species of Podostemaceae: Cladopus fallax and Polypleurum wallichii
Authors: KATO MASAHIRO , WERUKAMKUL PETCHARAT , WON HYOSIG , KOI SATOSHI
Published: April 2019

All species of Podostemaceae grow only in rocky rapids and waterfalls and usually consist of separate populations. Previous studies found paraphyletic species among such species and suggested that possibly more species are paraphyletic. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and comparative morphology using samples from different populations found that Cladopus fallax C.Cusset and Polypleurum wallichii (R.Br. ex Griff.) Warm. are paraphyletic to C. taiensis C.Cusset and P. schmidtianum Warm., respectively. It is interpreted that the daughter species markedly differentiated morphologically from a population of the mother species, and perhaps paraphyletic speciation is associated with allopatric speciation. Molecular and morphological data indicate that P. wallichii is conspecific with P. stylosum (Wight) J.B.Hall, so the redefined P. wallichii is widely distributed in southern and southeastern Asia.
A new genus of Antiliocorini from Baja California, Mexico (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae)
Authors: PEREDO LUIS CERVANTES , BRAILOVSKY HARRY
Published: April 2019

A new genus of Antillocorini, Pulmomerus, and a new species Pulmomerus levatus from Baja California Sur aredescribed. This species with reduced hemelytra is characterized by the presence of spines on the fore femora, the veryelevated connexiva, the absence of metathoracic wings, and a peculiar and unique spermatheca. Specimens were foundunder leaf litter of Ficus palmeri, which represents another record of Rhyparochromidae associated with figs in Mexico, and a probably endemic species from Cabo Pulmo National Park.
Supplement for the genus Phlugiolopsis Zeuner, 1940 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China
Authors: BIAN XUN , SHI FU-MING , CHANG YAN-LIN
Published: April 2019

During curation of some species from Guangxi, China and discovered 2 new species, as: Phlugiolopsis damingshanisBian, Shi & Chang sp. nov. and Phlugiolopsis huangi Bian, Shi & Chang sp. nov.. Therefore, this paper is a supplement for Phlugiolopsis (Bian, Shi & Chang, 2012). The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.
Review and key to Russian Far East Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: April 2019

All members of the genus Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Russian Far East are reviewed. Twelve new species of Lathrolestes are described from Russian Far East: L. anularius sp. nov., L. cruentocaudus sp. nov., L. fumipennis sp. nov., L. kasparyani sp. nov., L. kerzhneri sp. nov., L. levaya sp. nov., L. nigronitens sp. nov., L. palatynus sp. nov., L. pubescens sp. nov., L. sachalinensis sp. nov., L. sparsus sp. nov., L. tolstoyi sp. nov. An illustrated key to Russian Far East species is provided.
Lumbrineridae (Polychaeta) from the Portuguese continental shelf (NE Atlantic) with the description of four new species
Authors: MARTINS ROBERTO , CARRERA-PARRA LUIS F. , QUINTINO VICTOR , RODRIGUES ANA MARIA
Published: April 2019

The present study reports four new species of the Family Lumbrineridae Schmarda, 1861, three in the genus Lumbrinerisde Blainville, 1828 and one in the genus Gallardoneris Carrera-Parra, 2006. The new species were found on the Portu-guese continental shelf at water depths ranging from 11 to 190 m. Gallardoneris iberica sp. nov. is the first record of thisgenus in the Atlantic Ocean and can be distinguished from the other two known Gallardoneris species by the distributionof the composite and the simple multidentate hooded hooks and the shape of the parapodial lobes. Lumbrineris luciliaesp. nov. has an arcuate, unidentate MIII and MIV unidentate with well-developed plate, digitiform wide basallypostchaetal lobes in anterior parapodia, composite multidentate hooded hooks with short blade. Furthermore, L. luciliaesp. nov. has simple multidentate hooded hooks of two sizes, preacicular hook twice as big as postacicular hook, and dis-tally curved aciculae in median and posterior parapodia. Both Lumbrineris lusitanica sp. nov. and Lumbrineris pinastersp. nov. are characterized by having MIII unidentate followed by a knob. However, L. lusitanica sp. nov. has digitiformwide basally postchaetal lobes in the anterior parapodia, composite multidentate hooded hooks with short blade and simplemultidentate hooded hooks with short hood; while L. pinaster sp. nov. has auricular postchaetal lobes in the anteriorparapodia, composite multidentate hooded hooks with long blade, and simple multidentate hooded hooks with short andlong hood. A multivariate analysis was performed upon morphological characteristics and validates the separation of the four new species. A taxonomic key to lumbrinerid species from Iberian waters is included.
A new species of Neocarus Chamberlin & Mulaik, 1942 (Acari: Opilioacarida) from Brazilian caves and karst areas
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA BERNARDI LEOPOLDO FERREIRA , ZACARIAS MAURICIO SERGIO , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: April 2019

A new species of the genus Neocarus, Neocarus potiguar n. sp., is described from caves and the epigeal environment ofthe Apodi Carbonatic Group, northeast Brazil. This new species is distinguished by the presence of smooth setae on thebasal portion of the evaginated ovipositor, 25–27 ch-type setae on the palp tarsus and one (rarely two) setae on the pregenital area of the adult female.
A Novel Reconfigurable Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Transceiver
Authors: Girinath N.
Published: April 2019

As the world moves toward 3G/4G there is a need for high data rate and relatively wide bandwidths. OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) a form of multicarrier modulation technique is widely used to achieve high speed efficient data transmission at the rate of several Mbps.
It is used in Wi-Fi standards like 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, broadcast standards like Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) and cellular telecommunications standard LTE. The main advantage of OFDM compared to single carrier modulation is their robustness to channel fading in wireless environment,
high baud rates and less inter symbol interference. One major disadvantage is its High PAPR. PTS partial transmit sequences (PTS) and selective mapping are proposed to reduce it. Since FFT is core block of OFDM it must be able to adapt itself to ever changing digital world. A function specific
reconfigurable 2k SDF (Single path delay feedback) FFT is proposed. It utilizes less power and can be configured for different FFT sizes ranging from 16-point to 1024-point. The validity and efficiency of the architecture have been verified by simulation in hardware description
language VERILOG and targeted on Virtex-6 device. Finally PAPR is estimated by MATLAB simulation.
Investigation on Microstructural Examination of Flux Bounded TIG Weldments in Post Weld Heat Treated State
Authors: Skariya P. D. , Satheesh M. , Dhas Edwin Raja J. , Chandrasekar G.
Published: April 2019

The structural material identified for this work is 15CDV6 steel belongs to the category of High strength low alloy (HSLA) family. This research is conducted in the area of Powdered flux TIG (PFTIG) and Flux bounded TIG (FBTIG) welding with the assistance of optimum process parameters
procured from Grey wolf optimization tool generated in MATLAB software. The optimum nanopowder and flux gap obtained from PFTIG and FBTIG welding are utilized for the fabrication of closed square butt joint. The microstructural characterization of FBTIG weldments is analyzed in Post weld heat
treated (PWHT) condition. The microstructural examinations were conducted with the help of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the structures in the weld zone, Heat affected zone and parent material. The presence of coarse grain structure observed in the WZ leads to
the lower strength and hardness of the weldment. The presence of tempered martensite in the HAZ induces strength and toughness to the region.
Small Signal Fault Analysis for Renewable Energy (Wind) Power System Distributed Generation by Using MATLAB Software (Simulink)
Authors: Hannoon Naeem M. S. , Vijayakumar V. , Vengatesan K. , Hidayat Nabil
Published: April 2019

In distribution system, wind power plants are becoming popular renewable energy sources. It employs Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) to generate power constructed on wind conversion. Short and long transmission lines, presence of faults and presence of Static Synchronous Compensator
(STATCOM) are highlighted issues in this paper. Basically, this research develops investigations on some electrical variables such as voltage and current to control them. Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) is proposed in this paper. Wind farm acts as a source while DSTATCOM
is associated with the distribution system with a DFIG based wind farm. The controller proposed is DSTATCOM is modeled and simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the results are given. A microgrid based small signal analysis is performed in the laboratory using MATLAB and different comparisons are
made and simulation case studies are presented and validated.
Molecular Interaction Analysis on the Mixture of Amines with Amide Based on Excess Dielectric Parameters by Time Domain Reflectometry Method
Authors: Ramalakshmi V. , Sankar U. , Parthipan G.
Published: April 2019

The dielectric relaxation study of amines and amide binary mixture has been determined over the frequency range of 10 MHZ to 20 GHZ, at 30 °C using time domain reflectometry (TDR) method for 11 concentrations of the system. The present work reveals molecular interaction between
amines and amide. The static dielectric constant (ɛ), dielectric constant at high frequency (ɛ∞), relaxation time (τ), Effective Kirkwood correlation factors (geff) and Kirkwood correlation factors (gf) are computed by using Debye
model. Formation of multimers in the mixture is identified by excess parameters and corresponding results are interpreted.
Bates Distribution Inspired Trust Factor-Based Selfish Node Detection Technique in Mobile Adhoc NETworks
Authors: Karthikayen A. , Raja Selvakumar S.
Published: April 2019

The trustworthiness of the mobile nodes is considered as the predominant parameter for ensuring significant data dissemination in the ad hoc network. However, the selfishness activity of the mobile nodes minimizes the trust of the mobile nodes by dropping a considerable number of data
packets in the network. The significant dropping of data packets by the selfish node introduces huge data overhead with increased latency and energy consumptions by increasing the number of retransmissions. In this paper, a Bates Distribution Inspired Trust Factor-based Selfish Node Detection
Technique (BDITF-SNDT) is proposed for predominant detection of selfish behavior by investigating multiple levels of factors that contribute towards effective selfishness detection. This proposed BDITF-SNDT approach is also potent in enhancing the detection rate of selfishness through the
multi-perspective analysis of each monitored mobile nodes' forwarding characteristics towards the benefits of the other interacting mobile nodes. The simulation experiments and results of the proposed BDITF-SNDT approach is determined to be enhanced on an average by 16% and 14% superior to
the compared selfish node isolation approaches existing in the literature.
Differential Evolution Based Probabilistic Model to Support Quality Aware Best Path Routing Scheme for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Priya S. , Suganthi P.
Published: April 2019

The mobile ad hoc networks have made the source and the influenced shortest path routing extremely challenging owing to their unstable and dynamic topology. Even though the nodes keep moving and this increases the packets and their retransmission and this brings down the delivery ratio.
The Ad hoc networks with their quick deployment and minimal configuration are well-suited for these emergency situations such as disasters that are human-induced, medical situations or emergency, military conflicts and so on. Every mobile node found in a Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) can perform
a routing function to establish some communication among various nodes, their "death" and also of some nodes owing to the exhaustion of energy that can disrupt service of the whole network. The ad hoc on-demand distance vector routing (AODV) is that routing protocol which gets established
at a time there is a demand for another new route. It is found to be similar to the energy and the other parameters of Quality of Service that includes throughput, security, jitter and end-to-end delay. For this work, there is a probabilistic routing scheme which is quality aware for enhancing
and improving the mobile ad hoc network and its throughput and this is known as a Differential Evolution (DE). As opposed to looking out for a path that is the shortest, this heuristic has proposed the best path to ensure that there is an overall quality of service that is ensured. This algorithm
which is based on the DE has improved the chances of selecting the ideal route for data transmission.