bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Gallbladder Motility and Gallstone Formation Following Laparoscopic Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity
Authors: Al-Jiffry Bilal O , Shaffer Eldon A , Saccone Gino TP , Downey Peter , Kow Lilian , Toouli James
Published: March 2016

Morbid obesity is associated with cholesterol gallstone formation, a risk compounded by rapid weight loss. Laparoscopic gastric banding allows for a measured rate of weight loss, but the subsequent risk for developing gallstones is unknown.

METHOD: Twenty-six normal-weight volunteers (body mass index [BMI] less than 30) were compared with 14 morbidly obese patients (BMI greater than 40). Gallbladder volumes were measured ultrasonographically, after fasting and following stimulation with intravenous cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8).

RESULTS: Preoperatively, fasting gallbladder volume and residual volume after CCK stimulation were both two times greater in the obese group (P<0.02 versus controls). Per cent gallbladder emptying was not different. Gallbladder refilling was four times higher in the obese patients (P<0.01). By six weeks postoperatively, the obese patients lost 1.4±0.1% body weight per week. Gallbladder emptying decreased 18.4% (80.3±3.9% to 65.5±6.9%; P<0.05); residual volume rose one-third (not significant), and refilling fell 60.5% (0.43±0.09 to 0.26±0.04 mL/min; P=0.07). Three patients with weight losses of greater than 1.7% per week developed gallstones; gallbladder emptying fell outside the 95 percentile. By six months, weight loss slowed to 0.5±0.1% per week; gallbladder motility improved modestly. No further stones developed.

CONCLUSION: Rapid weight loss following laparoscopic gastric banding impairs gallbladder emptying and when pronounced, gallstones form by six weeks postoperatively. The accompanying reduction in gallbladder emptying, increased gallbladder residual volume and decreased refilling promote gallbladder stasis and hence stone formation.
The Treatment of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Practice Guideline
Authors: Earle Craig C , Agboola Olusegun , Maroun Jean , Zuraw Lisa ,   Cancer Care Ontario Practice Guidelines Initiative’s Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site Group
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth most common cause of adult cancer death. About 50% of patients present with metastatic disease, 20% with resectable disease and the remaining 30% of patients are diagnosed with incurable, locally advanced unresectable but nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the current evidence regarding treatment of incurable, locally advanced, unresectable but nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer and produce an evidence-based practice guideline.

METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed. The MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the following medical subject heading search terms: ‘pancreatic neoplasms’, ‘chemotherapy, adjuvant’, ‘radiotherapy’, ‘immunotherapy’, combined with the text words: ‘chemotherapy’, ‘radiotherapy’, ‘radiation’, ‘immunotherapy’, combined with terms for the following study designs or publication types: practice guidelines, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials. The Physician Data Query clinical trials database and the proceedings of the annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1996 to 2001) and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (1999 to 2001) were searched for reports of new or ongoing trials. Relevant literature was selected and reviewed independently, and the reference lists from these sources were searched for additional trials. Interpretation of evidence was resolved by consensus.

RESULTS: Eight randomized trials were obtained that met the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations are to offer combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy to suitable patients. The preferred chemotherapeutic agent to combine with radiotherapy is bolus or infusional 5-fluorouracil, but the optimal mode and duration of 5-fluorouracil delivery is unclear. Chemotherapy alone with gem-citabine is an acceptable alternative.
Perhaps the Time Has Come
Authors: Thomson Alan BR
Published: March 2016

A conflict of interest occurs in a situation in which professional judgment regarding a primary interest, such as research, education or patient care, may be unduly influenced by a secondary interest, such as financial gain or personal prestige. Conflicts of interest exist in every walk of life, including medicine and science. There is nothing inherently unethical in finding oneself in a conflict of interest. Rather, the key questions are whether one recognizes the conflict, and how one deals with it. Strategies include disclosing the conflict, establishing a system of review and authorization, and prohibiting the activities that lead to the conflict.
Quality of Life Assessment after Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Czakó László , Takács Tamás , Hegyi Peter , Prónai László , Tulassay Zsolt , Lakner Lilla , Döbrönte Zoltán , Boda Krisztina , Lonovics János
Published: March 2016

GOALS: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic pancreatitis before and after pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in a prospective, multicentre, follow-up study.

STUDY: Two groups of patients were evaluated. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients with newly diagnosed chronic pancreatitis who had never been treated with pancreatic enzyme preparations. Group 2 consisted of 39 patients whose disease was diagnosed on average 3.4 years before the start of the study. The latter group of patients had undergone pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, but during follow-up this treatment proved to be insufficient. The dose of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy was tailored in accordance with the degree of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency measured by means of exocrine pancreatic function tests. A modified European Organizaton for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QoL.

RESULTS: The social functioning and financial strain were significantly better, while the levels of hope and confidence were significantly reduced in group 1 compared with group 2. A significant gain in body weight and a significantly reduced defecation rate were found in both groups one month after the beginning of the pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy when compared with the pretreatment values. The prevalence of general and disease-specific symptoms and the intensity of pain were reduced in both groups after one month of enzyme substitution therapy. The working ability, the financial strain and the overall QoL scores were improved significantly in both groups, while the cognitive functioning score was found to be significantly improved during the follow-up only in group 1. The overall increase in the QoL score correlated significantly with the increase in body weight and the decrease in defecation number in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis not only reduced the extent of steatorrhea and pain, but also significantly improved a variety of other symptoms and the patient’s QoL. Individually tailored enzyme replacement therapy improved the QoL not only in the untreated chronic pancreatitis patients, but also in the inadequately treated group. This study demonstrated that the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, with the addition of two further questions about steatorrhea, is a useful tool for the evaluation of QoL in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Motion - Pancreatic Endoscopy is Useful for the Pain of Chronic Pancreatitis: Arguments for the Motion
Authors: Branch Stanley M
Published: March 2016

Pain is the dominant clinical problem in patients with chronic pancreatitis. It can be due to pseudocysts, as well as strictures and stones in the pancreatic ducts. Most experts agree that obstruction could cause increased pressure within the main pancreatic duct or its branches, resulting in pain. Endoscopic therapy aims to alleviate pain by reducing the pressure within the ductal system and draining pseudocysts. Approaches vary according to the specific nature of the problem, and include transgastric, transduodenal and transpapillary stenting and drainage. Additional techniques for the removal of stones from the pancreatic duct include extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Success rates for stone extraction and stenting of strictures are high in specialized centres that employ experienced endoscopists, but pain often recurs during long term follow-up. Complications include pancreatitis, bleeding, infection and perforation. In the case of pancreatic pseudocysts, percutaneous or even surgical drainage should be considered if septae or large amounts of debris are present within the lesion. This article describes the techniques, indications and results of endoscopic therapy of pancreatic lesions.
Apoptosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Carcinogenesis: Overview of International and Greek Experience
Authors: Kountouras Jannis , Kouklakis Georgios , Zavos Christos , Chatzopoulos Dimitrios , Moschos John , Molyvas Epaminodas , Zavos Nikolaos
Published: March 2016

Apoptosis is critical for organ development, tissue homeostasis, the elimination of abnormal cells and the maintenance of immune homeostasis by variable regulatory mechanisms. The death of T lymphocytes following their activation involves a series of proteases (caspases), which comprise the central executioners of apoptosis. Abnormal regulation of apoptosis results in disease. T-cell resistance against apoptosis contributes to inappropriate T-cell accumulation and the perpetuation of the chronic inflammatory process in inflammatory bowel disease with potential tumourigenic effect. The use of antitumour necrosis factor-alpha, anti-interleukin-6R and anti-interleukin-12 antibodies suppresses colitis activity by induction of T-cell apoptosis, thereby having important implications for the design of effective therapeutic strategies in inflammatory bowel diseases. Contrary to international data, the incidence of cancer in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease appears to be low. A balance between cell proliferation (Ki-67 overexpression) and apoptosis (Bax protein overexpression) may partly explain the low incidence of cancer development in Greek inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Elderly Patients During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Kounis NG , Zavras GM , Papadaki PJ , Kouni SN , Batsolaki M , Gouvelou-Deligianni GV , Markoglou C , Goudevenos JA , Mallioris CN , Kokkinis C , Kalokairinou K , Grapsas N , Kounis GN , Koutsojannis CM
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory complications may occur during gastrointestinal endoscopy, and elderly people seem to be more vulnerable to these complications during endoscopic procedures involving the manipulation of abdominal viscera. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, changes in oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) via Holter monitoring in elderly patients older than 70 years of age.

METHODS: Holter monitoring and 12-lead electrocardiograms were performed in 30 elderly patients undergoing ERCP and in 30 control subjects undergoing routine chest, abdomen, bone and upper gastrointestinal small bowel follow-through studies. A computerized nontriggered template system was used to analyze the electrocardiograms qualitatively and quantitatively. Arrhythmias, cardiac axis, conduction defects, pauses, ST segment changes, ectopic beats, oxygen desaturation and changes in blood pressure and rate-pressure product were evaluated.

RESULTS: Increased heart rate, ST segment changes resulting from myocardial ischemia, oxygen desaturation and transient atrial and ventricular ectopic beats were frequent during ERCP compared with the control group. In one patient, transient left bundle branch block developed and this was attributed to pre-existing hypertension with cardiomegaly. One patient developed ventricular tachycardia and one other sinus bradycardia, but this was attributed to sick sinus syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Transient myocardial ischemia and various cardiac arrhythmias are frequent in elderly patients undergoing ERCP. Appropriate noninvasive monitoring seems to be justified during this procedure.
Probiotic Beverage ContainingLactobacillus caseiShirota Improves Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Constipation
Authors: Koebnick Corinna , Wagner Irmtrud , Leitzmann Peter , Stern Udo , Zunft HJ Franz
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic beverage on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation.

METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted over a four-week period in patients with symptoms of chronic constipation (n=70). To all patients, 65 mL/day of a probiotic beverage containingLactobacillus caseiShirota (LcS) or a sensorially identical placebo was administered. Patients completed a questionnaire on gastrointestinal symptoms, well-being and stool habits and underwent a medical examination weekly. Severity of constipation, flatulence and bloating was summarized into four categories (severe, moderately severe, mild and no symptoms).

RESULTS: The consumption of LcS resulted in a significant improvement in self-reported severity of constipation and stool consistency, starting in the second week of the intervention phase (P<0.0001). Severe and moderately severe constipation was observed less in the LcS group. The occurrence and degree of flatulence or bloating sensation did not change. In the final examination, 89% of the LcS group and 56% of the placebo group showed a positive effect of their beverage on constipation (P=0.003). No adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with chronic constipation. The administration of probiotic foodstuffs may be recommended as an adjunctive therapy of chronic constipation.
The Enteric Nervous System in Inflammation and Pain: The Role of Proteinase-Activated Receptors
Authors: Vergnolle Nathalie
Published: March 2016

The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a pivotal role in inflammatory and nociceptive processes. Drugs that interact with the ENS have recently raised considerable interest because of their capacity to regulate numerous aspects of the gut physiology and pathophysiology. The present article summarizes recent research on proteinases and proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) as signalling molecules in the ENS. In particular, experiments in animal models suggest that PAR2is important to neurogenic inflammation in the intestine. Moreover, PAR2agonists seem to induce intestinal hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic states, suggesting a role for this receptor in visceral pain perception. Thus, PARs, together with the proteinases that activate them, represent exciting new targets for therapeutic intervention on the ENS.
Hepatology and The Canadian Gastroenterologist: Interest, Attitudes and Patterns of Practise: Results of a National Survey from the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Authors: Bain Vincent G , Wong Winnie W , Greig Paul D , Yoshida Eric M
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Hepatology has emerged as a subspecialty distinct from gastroenterology. Despite this, there is no formal certification examination or accredited training program, and training remains combined with gastroenterology.

AIM: To determine attitudes, perceptions and patterns of practice with respect to liver disease among Canadian gastroenterologists.

METHODS: A survey questionnaire was distributed to clinician gastroenterologists who are members of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology. The responses of subgroups of respondents were compared by univariate and multivariate statistical techniques.

RESULTS: Hepatologists constituted 20 of 201 respondents, the rest identifying themselves as gastroenterologists. Among gastroenterologists, liver disease constituted 10% of in- and out-patient practice. Despite this, 85% of gastroenterologists maintain an interest in hepatology, 49% perform liver biopsies, 60% treat hepatitis C, and 54% treat hepatitis B. In all of these areas, university-based gastroenterologists were consistently less likely than community-based gastroenterologists to maintain an interest and practice in hepatology, a finding that remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. With regard to hepatology training, 90% of hepatologists and 94% of gastroenterologists felt that hepatology training should remain combined with gastroenterology, although 55% of hepatologists felt that current training was adequate compared with 79% of gastroenterologists, who were satisfied with the status quo.

CONCLUSIONS: Hepatology remains relevant and important to Canadian gastroenterologists, especially those who have community-based practices. Canadian gastroenterologists and hepatologists are not in favour of separating hepatology training from existing gastroenterology training programs, although hepatologists feel that the current level of training is suboptimal.
Oxidative Stress in Chronic Hepatitis C: The Effect of Interferon Therapy and Correlation with Pathological Features
Authors: Serejo Fátima , Emerit Ingrid , Filipe Paulo Manuel , Fernandes Afonso Camilo , Costa Maria Adília , Freitas João Pedro , de Moura Miguel Carneiro
Published: March 2016

AIMS: To evaluate the oxidative stress parameters before, during and after interferon treatment.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with interferon α2b 5 MU, three times a week, subcutaneously, for 12 months. Liver biopsy was performed six months before treatment and at the six month follow-up. Chromosomal breakage studies were evaluated by the adjusted clastogenic score (ACS, normal value [nv] 1.1±2.4%). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured according to the Yagi method (nv 6.6±1.4 nmol/mL) and total thiols using the Ellman’s reagent (DTNB) (nv 9.8±1.3 µmol/g protein). A serum marker of fibrogenesis, the amino-terminal propeptide of Procollagen type III (PIIIP), was quantified by radioimmunoassay (nv 0.37±0.18 U/L).

RESULTS: Compared with reference samples, the plasma of patients before treatment showed an increase of ACS (9.2±3.2%, P<0.001); higher MDA values (12.6±2.7nmol/mL, P<0.001) and total plasma sulfhydryl groups (t-SH) were decreased (6.3±1.1 µmol/g protein, P<0.001). During treatment and at the follow-up, a decrease in ACS was noticed in all patients (P<0.001), but without normalization; a decrease in MDA was seen, with progressive normalization until the end of the follow up only in sustained responders (P<0.003), while an increase of t-SH was seen, with progressive normalization until the end of follow up in all patients (P<0.005). A positive correlation of ACS with grading of inflammation was found (r=0.52, P<0.03) but not with fibrosis staging. In contrast, plasma MDA correlates with fibrosis staging (r=0.51, P<0.03) and with PIIIP (r=0.57, P<0.03) but without grading of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the presence of oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C patients. Interferon promotes a long term inhibition of oxidative stress with concomitant improvement of activity and fibrosis. In the management of chronic hepatitis C, adjuvant therapy with antioxidants could be useful.
Temporal and Geographic Evolution of Longstanding Crohn’s Disease Over More Than 50 Years
Authors: Freeman Hugh James
Published: March 2016

Data on the natural history of longstanding Crohn’s disease are very limited. After searching a clinical database of over 1000 patients with Crohn’s disease, it was determined that eight patients (five women, three men) had disease documented for over 50 years. In spite of complex histories with either stricturing or penetrating complications, all currently have either no symptoms or minimal disease activity, often without the need for ongoing pharmacological treatment. Most significantly, their clinical courses were all characterized by prolonged asymptomatic periods, often for more than a decade, before the recurrence of symptomatic disease. Pathological findings in all patients revealed granulomatous inflammatory disease, often recurring intermittently over many decades. Moreover, the location of the findings implied that the disease has a tendency to evolve, not only in a temporal dimension, but also extending geographically within the gastrointestinal tract. These clinical and pathological features in longstanding Crohn’s disease suggest that recurring or multiple discrete initiating events, rather than a single initiating event, could be involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease.
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Predictors of Severity in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Andrews Christopher N , Raboud Janet , Kassen Barry O , Enns Robert
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: Experiences withClostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) were reviewed to determine predictors of severity in patients presenting from the community.

METHODS: All patients admitted to two hospitals over 4.5 years with a primary diagnosis of CDAD were reviewed. Patients requiring a hospital stay of greater than 14 days, colectomy, intensive care unit admission or who died were classified as ’severe CDAD’ and compared with the remainder of the patients (termed ’mild CDAD’).

RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three patients (mean age 63.4±20.5 years, range 21 to 93, 64.7% female) were reviewed. Forty-four per cent of the patients had community-acquired CDAD, and the remainder had hospital-acquired disease. There were 44/153 (28.8%) patients with severe CDAD, of which 10/153 (6.5%) died. The severe group had more patients over 70 years old (75% versus 43% in the mild group, OR 3.09, CI 1.81-8.63, P<0.001) and had more comorbid disease (median two major organ systems affected [range zero to five] versus one [range zero to four] in the mild group, OR 1.52, CI 1.27-2.65, P<0.05). Patients with recurrent CDAD were more likely to have severe CDAD (12/44 versus 10/109 in the mild group, OR 4.10, CI 1.47-9.40, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Age over 70 years, comorbid illness and CDAD recurrence are significant risk factors for severe disease and a poor outcome in patients admitted to hospital for CDAD.
Serous Cystadenoma of the Pancreas Presenting as a Third Primary Neoplasm
Authors: Köksal Aydın Şeref , Ülker Aysel , Asıl Mehmet , Tunç Bilge , Kemal Arda , Şavkılıoğlu Metin , Özoğul Yusuf , Turhan Nesrin
Published: March 2016

Serous cystadenomas are the most common cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. They may occur solely or coexist with other neoplasms. A 10 cm mass involving the body of the pancreas was observed in the computed tomography of a 61-year-old man with a previous history of bladder and prostate carcinoma. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the mass demonstrated multiple small cysts associated with a central calcified scar. A distal pancreatectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of serous microcystic adenoma. This is the first report of a serous cystadenoma of the pancreas with two metachronous neoplasms. This feature should be kept in mind during the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with serous cystadenoma.
Motion – Pancreatic Endoscopy is Useful for the Pain of Chronic Pancreatitis: Arguments Against the Motion
Authors: Conwell Darwin L
Published: March 2016

Endoscopic therapy can be used to dilate strictures in the pancreatic duct, remove stones and drain pseudocysts. In addition, it provides an alternative to surgery for the management of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Pain is a difficult problem in these patients, especially if substance abuse is present, and its medical management is generally unsatisfactory. The concept that pancreatic pain is related to increased pressure in the main pancreatic duct is unproven, and is not supported by the results of surgical intervention. Although pancreatic stenting is often technically successful at achieving drainage of the pancreatic duct and relieving pain over the short term, pain usually recurs with time, complications are frequent, and repeated stent changes are usually necessary. Pancreatic pseudocysts can be drained endoscopically, using transpapillary, cystogastrostomy or cystoduodenostomy approaches, but success rates are less than 50% and bleeding is a major complication. Pseudocysts should not be drained unless they are symptomatic, causing complications or enlarging. There have been no published studies comparing endoscopic with surgical or radiological modalities. Endoscopic therapy of pancreatic disorders is a new and interesting technique, but initial promising results need to be confirmed in large, well-designed clinical trials. Such studies would need to enrol large numbers of patients, and involve measurement of technical success, pain severity and quality of life parameters. At present, endoscopic techniques must be considered experimental.
Viral Hepatitis in a Canadian First Nations Community
Authors: Minuk GY , Zhang M , Wong SGM , Uhanova J , Bernstein CN , Martin B , Dawood MR , Vardy L , Giulvi A
Published: March 2016

Serological markers for hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV) and C (HCV) were documented in 315 inhabitants (27%) of a central Manitoba First Nations community. Serologic evidence of HAV infection (anti-HAV positive) was almost universal (92%) by the age of 20 years. HBV infection (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen positive) had occurred in only 2.3% of the study population and no chronic carriers were identified. Serological evidence of HCV infection (anti-HCV positive) was documented in 2.2% of the population but ongoing viremia (HCV-RNA positive by polymerase chain reaction) was absent. The results of this study highlight the importance of universal HAV vaccination; likely reflect the efficacy of existing prenatal screening and immunoprophylaxis programs for HBV; and raise the possibility that First Nations peoples have an enhanced ability to spontaneously clear HCV.
Thyroid, Renal, and Breast Carcinomas, Chondrosarcoma, Colon Adenomas, and Ganglioneuroma: A New Cancer Syndrome, FAP, or Just Coincidence
Authors: Atta Ihab Shafek , AlQahtani Fahd Nasser
Published: March 2016

We are presenting a case associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, invasive mammary carcinoma, chondrosarcoma, benign ganglioneuroma, and numerous colon adenomas. The patient had a family history of colon cancer, kidney and bladder cancers, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia, and throat and mouth cancers. She was diagnosed with colonic villous adenoma at the age of 41 followed by thyroid, renal, and breast cancers and chondrosarcoma at the ages of 48, 64, 71, and 74, respectively. Additionally, we included a table with the most common familial cancer syndromes with one or more benign or malignant tumors diagnosed in our case, namely, FAP, HNPCC, Cowden, Peutz-Jeghers, renal cancer, tuberous sclerosis, VHL, breast/other, breast/ovarian, Carney, Werner’s, Bloom, Li-Fraumeni, xeroderma pigmentosum, ataxia-telangiectasia, osteochondromatosis, retinoblastoma, and MEN2A.
Silicon Mitigates Salinity Stress by Regulating the Physiology, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, and Protein Expression inCapsicum annuum‘Bugwang’
Authors: Manivannan Abinaya , Soundararajan Prabhakaran , Muneer Sowbiya , Ko Chung Ho , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: March 2016

Silicon- (Si-) induced salinity stress resistance was demonstrated at physiological and proteomic levels inCapsicum annuumfor the first time. Seedlings ofC. annuumwere hydroponically treated with NaCl (50 mM) with or without Si (1.8 mM) for 15 days. The results illustrated that saline conditions significantly reduced plant growth and biomass and photosynthetic parameters and increased the electrolyte leakage potential, lipid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide level. However, supplementation of Si allowed the plants to recover from salinity stress by improving their physiology and photosynthesis. During salinity stress, Si prevented oxidative damage by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, Si supplementation recovered the nutrient imbalance that had occurred during salinity stress. Additionally, proteomic analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) revealed that Si treatment upregulated the accumulation of proteins involved in several metabolic processes, particularly those associated with nucleotide binding and transferase activity. Moreover, Si modulated the expression of vital proteins involved in ubiquitin-mediated nucleosome pathway and carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, the results illustrate that Si application induced resistance against salinity stress inC. annuumby regulating the physiology, antioxidant metabolism, and protein expression.
A Lethal Case ofSphingomonas paucimobilisBacteremia in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Hardjo Lugito Nata Pratama , Cucunawangsih  , Kurniawan Andree
Published: March 2016

Sphingomonas paucimobilisis a yellow-pigmented, glucose nonfermenting, aerobic, Gram negative bacillus of low pathogenicity. This organism was found in the implantation of indwelling catheters, sterile intravenous fluid, or contaminated hospital environment such as tap and distilled water, nebulizer, ventilator, and hemodialysis device. A 55-year-old female was hospitalized for diabetic foot ulcer in the presence of multiple comorbidities: diabetes mellitus, colonic tuberculosis, end-stage renal disease, and indwelling catheters for central venous catheter and hemodialysis. The patient passed away on the 44th day of admission due to septic shock. The organism found on blood culture on the 29th day of admission was multidrug resistantS. paucimobilis. Severe infection and septic shock due toS. paucimobilishave been reported particularly in immunocompromised patients, but there has been only one reported case of death in a premature neonate with septic shock. This is the first reported lethal case ofS. paucimobilisbacteremia in an adult patient.
Evaluating the Functionality of Conjunctiva Using a Rabbit Dry Eye Model
Authors: Ning Yuan , Bhattacharya Dhruva , Jones Richard E. , Zhao Fangkun , Chen Rongji , Zhang Jinsong , Wang Mingwu
Published: March 2016

Purpose.To assess the conjunctival functionality in a rabbit dry eye (DE) model.Methods.Nictitating membrane, lacrimal and Harderian glands were surgically excised from male New Zealand white rabbits using minimally invasive surgery. Fluorescein/rose Bengal staining of ocular surface (OS) and Schirmer test were done before (BE) and after excision (AE). The expression of interleukin- (IL-) 1β, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α, and MUC5AC proteins were estimated by immunoblotting from conjunctival impression cytology specimens. MUC5AC mRNA was quantified as well. The effect of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blockers on tear production and potential differences (PD) of OS were assessed under anesthesia in rabbits with and without surgery.Results.Increase in corneal and conjunctival staining was observed 1 month AE compared to BE. Schirmer tests failed to show decrease in tear production. Elevated IL-1β, and TNF-α, 1 month AE indicated inflammation. MUC5AC expression was elevated 1 month AE. ENaC blockers did not improve tear production in rabbit eyes AE but characteristic changes in PD were observed in rabbits with surgery.Conclusions.DE biomarkers are important tools for OS assessment and MUC5AC expression is elevated in rabbit DE. PD measurement revealed significant electrophysiological changes in rabbits with surgery.
A Topic Space Oriented User Group Discovering Scheme in Social Network: A Trust Chain Based Interest Measuring Perspective
Authors: Dong Wang , Peng Wang , Meizi Li , Bo Zhang
Published: March 2016

Currently, user group has become an effective platform for information sharing and communicating among users in social network sites. In present work, we propose a single topic user group discovering scheme, which includes three phases: topic impact evaluation, interest degree measurement, and trust chain based discovering, to enable selecting influential topic and discovering users into a topic oriented group. Our main works include(1)an overview of proposed scheme and its related definitions;(2)topic space construction method based on topic relatedness clustering and its impact (influence degree and popularity degree) evaluation;(3)a trust chain model to take user relation network topological information into account with a strength classification perspective;(4)an interest degree (user explicit and implicit interest degree) evaluation method based on trust chain among users; and(5)a topic space oriented user group discovering method to group core users according to their explicit interest degrees and to predict ordinary users under implicit interest and user trust chain. Finally, experimental results are given to explain effectiveness and feasibility of our scheme.
Decipher the Molecular Response of Plant Single Cell Types to Environmental Stresses
Authors: Nourbakhsh-Rey Mehrnoush , Libault Marc
Published: March 2016

The analysis of the molecular response of entire plants or organs to environmental stresses suffers from the cellular complexity of the samples used. Specifically, this cellular complexity masks cell-specific responses to environmental stresses and logically leads to the dilution of the molecular changes occurring in each cell type composing the tissue/organ/plant in response to the stress. Therefore, to generate a more accurate picture of these responses, scientists are focusing on plant single cell type approaches. Several cell types are now considered as models such as the pollen, the trichomes, the cotton fiber, various root cell types including the root hair cell, and the guard cell of stomata. Among them, several have been used to characterize plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we are describing the various -omic studies performed on these different plant single cell type models to better understand plant cell response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
YiQiFuMai Powder Injection Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Cao Guosheng , Zhou Huana , Jiang Nan , Han Yuwei , Hu Yang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qi Jin , Kou Junping , Yu Boyang
Published: March 2016

YiQiFuMai (YQFM) powder injection as a modern preparation derived from Sheng Mai San, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism in cerebral ischemia remain to be explored. The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of YQFM on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐mediated neuronal apoptosis in the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion‐ (MCAO‐) injured mice and the oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐ (OGD‐) induced pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The results showed that single administration of YQFM (1.342 g/kg, i.p.) could reduce the brain infarction and improve the neurological deficits and the cerebral blood flow (CBF) after MCAO for 24 h in mice. Moreover, incubation with YQFM (100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) could increase the cell viability, decrease the caspase‐3 activity, and inhibit the cell apoptosis in OGD‐induced PC12 cells for 12 h. In addition, YQFM treatment could significantly modulate cleaved caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 expressions and inhibit the expressions of ER stress‐related marker proteins and signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our findings provide the first evidence that YQFM ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury linked with modulating ER stress‐related signaling pathways, which provided some new insights for its prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia diseases.
A New Approach for Optimization of Real Life Transportation Problem in Neutrosophic Environment
Authors: Thamaraiselvi A. , Santhi R.
Published: March 2016

Neutrosophic sets have been introduced as a generalization of crisp sets, fuzzy sets, and intuitionistic fuzzy sets to represent uncertain, inconsistent, and incomplete information about a real world problem. For the first time, this paper attempts to introduce the mathematical representation of a transportation problem in neutrosophic environment. The necessity of the model is discussed. A new method for solving transportation problem with indeterminate and inconsistent information is proposed briefly. A real life example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method in neutrosophic approach.
gPark: Vehicle Parking Management System Using Smart Glass
Authors: Ahmed Rana E.
Published: March 2016

Recent advances in wearable technologies have opened new avenues for their applications in various fields. This paper presents the design, implementation, and testing results for a vehicle parking management system using smart Glass technology. The management system consists of four major interconnected applications. The most important one, running on the smart Glass, scans the vehicle number plate and extracts the related information in real time. The vehicle information is sent to the remote server for checking of any violation. The server sends the updates back to the Glass that allows the parking attendant to take further actions, if needed. The system was tested in real-life scenarios, and it was found that the detection accuracy up to 75% can be easily achieved with current hardware and software capabilities of the Google Glass.
Comparing First-Order Microscopic and Macroscopic Crowd Models for an Increasing Number of Massive Agents
Authors: Corbetta Alessandro , Tosin Andrea
Published: March 2016

A comparison between first-order microscopic and macroscopic differential models of crowd dynamics is established for an increasing numberNof pedestrians. The novelty is the fact of considering massive agents, namely, particles whose individual mass does not become infinitesimal whenNgrows. This implies that the total mass of the system is not constant but grows withN. The main result is that the two types of models approach one another in the limitN→∞, provided the strength and/or the domain of pedestrian interactions are properly modulated byNat either scale. This is consistent with the idea that pedestrians may adapt their interpersonal attitudes according to the overall level of congestion.
Spontaneous Rupture of Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Rocha Ricardo , Marinho Rui , Gomes António , Sousa Marta , Pignatelli Nuno , Carneiro Carla , Nunes Vitor
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocyst’s natural history ranges between its spontaneous regression and the settlement of serious complications if untreated, such as splenic complications, hemorrhage, infection, biliary complications, portal hypertension, and rupture. The rupture of a pancreatic pseudocyst to the peritoneal cavity is a dangerous complication leading to severe peritonitis and septic conditions. It requires emergent surgical exploration that is often of great technical difficulty and with important morbidity and mortality.Case Study. We present two cases of spontaneous rupture of pancreatic pseudocysts, managed differently according to the local and systemic conditions.Conclusion. The best surgical choice is the internal drainage of the cyst to the GI tract; however, in some conditions, the external drainage is the only choice available.
n-Tupled Coincidence Point Theorems for Probabilistic ψ-Contractions in Menger Spaces
Authors: Murthy Penumarthy Parvateesam , Patel Uma Devi
Published: March 2016

We introduced n-tupled coincidence point for a pair of maps T:Xn→X and A:X→X in Menger space. Utilizing the properties of the pseudometric and the triangular norm, we will establish n-tupled coincidence point theorems under weak compatibility as well as n-tupled fixed point theorems for hybrid probabilistic ψ-contractions with a gauge function. Our main results do not require the conditions of continuity and monotonicity of ψ. At the end of this paper, an example is given to support our main theorem.
Reresection of Colorectal Liver Metastasis with Vena Cava Resection
Authors: Tardu Ali , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Yilmaz Sezai , Tolan Kerem , Ersan Veysel , Karagul Servet , Ertuğrul Ismail , Kirmizi Serdar
Published: March 2016

The best known treatment of the colorectal liver metastasis is the complete surgical excision with clean surgical margins. However, liver resections sometimes cannot appear technically feasible due to the high number of metastases in the liver, in cases of recurrent resections or invasion of the tumors to the major vascular structures or neighboring organs. Here, we presented a colorectal recurrent liver metastasis invading the retrohepatic vena cava, right adrenal gland, and right diaphragm. En masse resection of the tumor with caudate hepatectomy combined with vena cava resection and surrounding adrenal and diaphragm resections was accomplished. Caval reconstruction was done by a 5 cm in length cryopreserved vena cava homograft under isolated caval clamping. Postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged on day 11. As a conclusion, combined liver and vena cava resection for a recurrent colorectal liver metastasis is a feasible procedure even with additional neighboring organ resections. Isolated vena cava occlusion with the preservation of the hepatic blood flow may decrease the risk of liver injury in case of previous chemotherapy for liver metastasis.
Mutation Detection in an Antibody-Producing Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Line by Targeted RNA Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Siyan , Hughes Jason D. , Murgolo Nicholas , Levitan Diane , Chen Janice , Liu Zhong , Shi Shuangping
Published: March 2016

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been used widely in the pharmaceutical industry for production of biological therapeutics including monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The integrity of the gene of interest and the accuracy of the relay of genetic information impact product quality and patient safety. Here we employed next-generation sequencing, particularly RNA-seq, and developed a method to systematically analyze the mutation rate of the mRNA of CHO cell lines producing a mAb. The effect of an extended culturing period to mimic the scale of cell expansion in a manufacturing process and varying selection pressure in the cell culture were also closely examined.
Electrospun Polyurethane/Loess Powder Hybrids and Their Absorption of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Ge Jun Cong , Kim Jeong Hyeon , Choi Nag Jung
Published: March 2016

We investigated the effects of composite electrospun polyurethane (PU)/loess powder (LP) fibers for absorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air. PU films containing different amounts of LP (0, 10, 30, and 50 wt% LP with respect to PU) nanoparticles (NPs) were analyzed using FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD experimental analyzers. Electron microscopy and spectroscopy indicated that the proper content of LP NPs is homogeneous dispersion in a polymer matrix. In addition, 50 wt% of LP results in a higher concentration spinning nanosuspension that leads to some agglomeration on the film surface. The chloroform, benzene, and toluene (VOCs) absorption capacity of PU/LP composite films showed a trend of toluene > benzene > chloroform. The highest VOC absorption capacity was found with PU composite mats containing 30 wt% LP NPs. The high VOC absorption capacity of PU/LP composite films can be used to remove VOCs from a new house or car.
Cardiovocal Syndrome Secondary to an Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Wang Hsing-Won , Chen Mei-Chien , Chao Pin-Zhir , Lee Fei-Peng
Published: March 2016

We reported that a 68-year-old man presented to the ENT outpatient department complaining of hoarseness for more than 10 months. Clinical exam identified left vocal palsy in the paramedian position and atrophic vocal folds were noted. Chest radiography revealed a large bulging contour overlying aorta and left hilar shadow. Aortic aneurysm was proved by CT scanning. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography for further evaluation showed a broad-based aortic aneurysm at proximal descending aorta, projecting anterolaterally. Cardiovocal syndrome was proved. The syndrome is a rare clinical presentation. While a patient with unilateral vocal palsy is encountered, one might keep in mind the possibility of cardiovocal syndrome especially in an adult who had a cardiovascular disease.
Giovanni Casaretto: a short biography and his botanical collections in Brazil and Uruguay
Authors: DELPRETE PIERO G.
Published: March 2016

Giovanni Casaretto (1810–1879) was appointed by King Charles Albert of Savoy-Carignano, Kingdom of Sardinia (now part of Italy), as the botanist and mineralogist of a planned circumnavigation of the globe. The royal frigate La Regina left Genoa on 8 November 1838, arrived at the Island of São Sebastião (State of São Paulo, Brazil) in January 1839, and then stopped at the Island of Santa Catarina (Brazil) and Montevideo (Uruguay), where Casaretto made considerable collections. From Montevideo the frigate sailed towards the Malvinas/Falkland Islands, however, due to a terrible sea storm, was badly damaged and returned to Rio de Janeiro for repair. From the end of April to December 1839 Casaretto collected in Rio de Janeiro and surroundings, and also bought about 100 collections made by Riedel in the “provinces” (now states) of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais, and about 500 collections made by Clausen in Minas Gerais. Due to the precarious conditions, the frigate started her return, with two stops in Salvador (Bahia) and Recife (Pernambuco), where Casaretto gathered botanical specimens, arriving at Genoa in May 1840. He organized his herbarium into 162 bundles, with 3,007 collections corresponding to 13,667 specimens from Brazil and Uruguay, and 122 collections corresponding to 477 specimens from Gibraltar. He numbered his collections in consecutive numerical order, although with several inconsistencies; therefore, Casaretto’s numbers are not collection numbers, but are herbarium numbers. In his Decades he described 100 new species from Brazil (98 spp.) and Uruguay (2 spp.). An analysis of the letters that he sent to Giuseppe Moris showed that the dates written on the first page of each Decas do not correspond to the real publication dates. Casaretto’s concise biography is presented, the voyage of La Regina is described and illustrated, and collection dates, localities, Casaretto’s herbarium numbers and plant groups are summarized in a table. Specific epithets dedicated to him, and Casaretto’s unpublished names either published in synonymy under other taxa or validly published by other authors are presented and discussed.
Kemulariella tahirelcii (Asteraceae; Astereae), a new species from Şırnak, Turkey
Authors: FIRAT MEHMET
Published: March 2016

Kemulariella tahirelcii Fırat, a new species from Şırnak, Turkey, is described and illustrated. It is a perennial, obligate chasmophyte that occurs in the cracks of limenstone blocky cliffs. This species is similar to K. colchica, from which it clearly differs mainly in a lesser number of flowers in the capitula, and in shorter ray and disc florets. The new species is a local endemic of the Cudi Mountain, south-eastern Turkey, being ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) [criteria B2b (i,ii,iii)] due to its narrow distribution.