bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae Associated with Bacteremia among Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Ito Ryota , Shindo Yuichiro , Kobayashi Daisuke , Ando Masahiko , Jin Wanchun , Wachino Jun-ichi , Yamada Keiko , Kimura Kouji , Yagi Tetsuya , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Arakawa Yoshichika
Published: January 2015

Some important virulence factors have been elucidated inKlebsiella pneumoniaeinfections. We investigated the relationship between virulence factors and multilocus sequence types (STs) and assessed the risk factors for bacteremia in patients with pneumonia due toK. pneumoniae. From April 2004 through April 2012, a total of 120K. pneumoniaeisolates from patients with pneumonia (23 with bacteremia and 97 without bacteremia) were collected from 10 medical institutions in Japan. Additionally, 10 strains ofK. pneumoniaeserotype K2 that were isolated >30 years ago were included in this study. These isolates were characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the characteristics of their virulence factors, such as hypermucoviscosity phenotype and RmpA and aerobactin production between patients with and without bacteremia, were examined. MLST analysis was performed on the 120 isolates from patients with pneumonia, and some sequence type groups were defined as genetic lineages (GLs). GL65 was more prevalent among patients with bacteremia (21.7%) than in those without bacteremia (7.2%). The majority of the strains with serotype K2 were classified into GL14 or GL65, andrmpAand the gene for aerobactin were present in all GL65-K2 strains but absent in all GL14-K2 strains. In a multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for bacteremia included GL65 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 9.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81 to 49.31), as well as neoplastic disease (AOR, 9.94; 95% CI, 2.61 to 37.92), immunosuppression (AOR, 17.85; 95% CI, 1.49 to 214.17), and hypoalbuminemia (AOR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.29 to 17.61). GL65 was more prevalent among patients with bacteremia and was associated with the virulence factors ofK. pneumoniae.
Criteria for Reducing Unnecessary Testing for Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella-Zoster Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Enterovirus in Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples from Adults
Authors: Wilen Craig B. , Monaco Cynthia L. , Hoppe-Bauer Joan , Jackups Ronald , Bucelli Robert C. , Burnham Carey-Ann D.
Published: January 2015

Excessive utilization of laboratory diagnostic testing leads to increased health care costs. We evaluated criteria to reduce unnecessary nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for viral pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from adults. This is a single-center split retrospective observational study with a screening cohort from 2008 to 2012 and a validation cohort from 2013. Adults with available results for herpes simplex virus 1/2 (HSV-1/2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or enterovirus (EV) NAAT with CSF samples between 2008 and 2013 were included (
n
= 10,917). During this study, 1.3% (
n
= 140) of viral NAAT studies yielded positive results. The acceptance criteria of >10 nucleated cells/μl in the CSF of immunocompetent subjects would have reduced HSV-1/2, VZV, CMV, and EV testing by 63%, 50%, 44%, and 51%, respectively, from 2008 to 2012. When these criteria were applied to the 2013 validation data set, 54% of HSV-1/2, 57% of VZV, 35% of CMV, and 56% of EV tests would have been cancelled. No clinically significant positive tests would have been cancelled in 2013 with this approach. The introduction of a computerized order entry set was associated with increased test requests, suggesting that computerized order sets may contribute to unnecessary testing. Acceptance criteria of >10 nucleated cells/μl in the CSF of immunocompetent adults for viral CSF NAAT assays would increase clinical specificity and preserve sensitivity, resulting in significant cost savings. Implementation of these acceptance criteria led to a 46% reduction in testing during a limited follow-up period.
Molecular Epidemiology of Enterovirus D68 from 2013 to 2014 in Philippines
Authors: Furuse Yuki , Chaimongkol Natthawan , Okamoto Michiko , Imamura Tadatsugu , Saito Mariko , Tamaki Raita , Saito Mayuko ,   Tohoku-RITM Collaborative Research Team, Lupisan Socorro P. , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: January 2015

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has been recognized as an important cause of acute respiratory infections. Here we report the molecular epidemiology of EV-D68 in Philippines from 2013 to 2014; we found cases in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan and found new strains in the country.
Late onset of cryptococcal cervical lymphadenitis following immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a patient with AIDS
Authors: Sethupathi Meenakshi , Yoganathan Kathir
Published: January 2015

A 32-year-old woman was diagnosed HIV positive with disseminated cryptococcal infection in May 2006. Her initial CD4 was 7 cells/µL and she had a right supraclavicular nodal mass, which was biopsied and shown to be consistent with cryptococcal lymphadenitis. She was treated for disseminated cryptococcal infection and was started on antiretroviral medications subsequently. Two years later, she developed a left supraclavicular mass. Her CD4 count was 320 cells/µL and HIV RNA level was undetectable. Investigations and biopsy results were consistent with a late presentation of cryptococcal immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). She was treated with oral corticosteroids and her symptoms resolved completely. IRIS is a recognised complication of HIV treatment and occurs in a significant percentage of patients within the first 3 months of starting antiretroviral therapy. This case report illustrates the importance of recognising late presentations of IRIS. It is vital to differentiate true cryptococcal lymphadenitis from IRIS-induced cryptococcal lymphadenitis.
Sudden flaccid paralysis
Authors: Tariq Mohammad , Peshin Rohit , Ellis Oliver , Grover Karan
Published: January 2015

Periodic thyrotoxic paralysis is a genetic condition, rare in the West and in Caucasians. Thyrotoxicosis, especially in western hospitals, is an easily overlooked cause of sudden-onset paralysis. We present a case of a 40-year-old man who awoke one morning unable to stand. He had bilateral lower limb flaccid weakness of 0/5 with reduced reflexes and equivocal plantars; upper limbs were 3/5 with reduced tone and reflexes. ECG sinus rhythm was at a rate of 88/min. PR interval was decreased and QT interval increased. Bloods showed potassium of 1.8 mEq/L (normal range 3.5–5), free T4 of 29.2 pmol/L (normal range 6.5–17) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of <0.01 mIU/L (normal range 0.35–4.94). Random urinary potassium was 8.8 mEq/L (normal range 12.5–62.5). The patient was admitted initially to intensive therapy unit and given intravenous potassium. His symptoms resolved within 24 h. He was diagnosed with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. He was discharged on carbimazole and propanolol, and follow-up was arranged in the endocrinology clinic.
Tuberculosis of the triceps muscle
Authors: Meena Manoj , Dixit Ramakant , Samaria Jai Kumar , Vijayakandeepan Kumaresan Sabarigirivasan Harish
Published: January 2015

A tubercular swelling of the triceps muscle in a 25-year-old immunocompetent man is described in this report. He presented with hard, fixed swelling at the lower end of the triceps muscle. Confirmatory diagnosis was established by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the swelling with subsequent PCR forMycobacterium tuberculosisof the FNAC specimen. The patient was completely cured with antitubercular therapy.
Resolution of NASH with weight loss documented by hepatic MRI
Authors: Singh Vasvi , Luthra Saurav , Elajami Tarec K , Welty Francine K
Published: January 2015

A 57-year-old Asian woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia and history of breast cancer, was referred to the cardiovascular health and lipid centre for evaluation and management of dyslipidaemia and NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in 2010. She originally had a detailed work up at the liver clinic for elevated liver enzymes, with no associated symptoms. Initial hepatic MRI on 22 January 2007 showed diffuse fatty infiltration quantitated at 15%. We counselled her on lifestyle modifications, including dietary measures and exercise, geared toward weight loss. Over the next 2 years, she lost 24.5 lbs; repeat hepatic MRI on 22 December 2011 showed 6% hepatic fat, which is within the normal range. This case demonstrates the efficacy of significant weight loss in the improvement and resolution of NASH. We believe that this is the first case report documenting this through liver MRI.
Refractory hypoglycaemia in patient with gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Manocha Divey , Shah Rushikesh , Vaidya Gaurang Nandkishor , Bansal Nidhi
Published: January 2015

A 68-year-old male with a longstanding history of severe gastric outlet obstruction secondary to peptic stricture was found unconscious at home with profound hypoglycaemia. He denied history of fasting, diabetes mellitus or use of hypoglycaemic agents. Systemic examination and metabolic profile were unremarkable. Hypoglycaemic episodes persisted during hospitalisation, requiring continuous intravenous dextrose and eventually diazoxide. Further investigative work up, including 72 h fasting study, revealed a hyperinsulinemic state. MRI and endoscopic ultrasound were unremarkable but mesenteric angiography with hepatic venous sampling revealed a subtle area of hypervascularity in the head of pancreas. An exploratory laparotomy was then performed and resulted in resection of a nodular lesion in the head of pancreas with retrocolic gastrojejunostomy for repair of pyloric stenosis. Histopathology of pancreatic nodule confirmed nesidioblastosis. Postoperatively the patient was weaned of parenteral dextrose and did not have any further episodes of hypoglycaemia.
Cord blood platelet gel treatment of dystrophic recessive epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Tadini Gianluca , Pezzani Lidia , Ghirardello Stefano , Rebulla Paolo , Esposito Susanna , Mosca Fabio
Published: January 2015

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is comprised of a group of hereditary mechanobullous disorders that are characterised by extremely fragile skin and mucous membranes. This results in blister formation and non-healing wounds. This case report describes the results of an innovative treatment of two large skin lesions in a newborn with dystrophic recessive EB (DEB) who experienced bacterial superinfections and progressive anaemisation. The lesions were treated with platelet gels derived from allogeneic cord blood (cord blood platelet gel, CBPGs). The skin lesions were clinically evaluated and treated with CBPG weekly until they completely healed. The first and second lesion required CBPG applications for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Both lesions were monitored weekly for 6 weeks after the last CBPG application, and no significant relapses were observed during the follow-up period. This case indicates that CBPG is an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing newborns with DEB, particularly as treatment and prevention of fluid loss and superinfection.
Sphincter sparing resection of a large obstructive distal rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumour after neoadjuvant therapy with imatinib (Glivec)
Authors: Kramp Kelvin Harvey , Omer Mohab Galal , Schoffski Patrick , d'Hoore Andre
Published: January 2015

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are generally rare but are known to be the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of a patient who presented with persistent obstructive gastrointestinal and urological symptoms, a sense of incomplete evacuation and bleeding per rectum. A colonoscopy was performed and a biopsy was taken of a submucosal mass in the distal rectum that revealed a GIST with positive KIT immunostaining. A positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan showed a large metabolically active distal rectal tumour of 8 cm with macroscopic invasion of surrounding structures. Neoadjuvant therapy with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib (400 mg orally daily) was initiated and an excellent partial response consisting of a significant decrease in the size of the tumour with complete metabolic resolution was observed within 3 months. Six months after initiation of the neoadjuvant therapy a rectum resection with manual side-to-end coloanal anastomosis was performed. Pathology showed a GIST of 5 cm located 0.1 cm from the distal section plane. Our case shows that in patients with a large invasive distal rectal GIST, neoadjuvant imatinib therapy can facilitate anal sphincter sparing surgery.
Bilateral thalamic bleed and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in Japanese encephalitis
Authors: Mokkappan Sudhagar , Basheer Aneesh , Iqbal Nayyar , Chidambaram Saranya
Published: January 2015

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a potentially serious form of viral encephalitis with varied clinicoradiological manifestations. We report the case of a 19-year-old girl admitted with headache, vomiting and altered sensorium in the absence of fever, whose cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with significant protein content and positive serum IgM JE antibodies. MRI with venography revealed bilateral thalamic haemorrhage and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Although thalamic hypodensities are a well-described feature, thalamic haemorrhage and cerebral venous thrombosis are distinctly rare in JE. This report highlights the role of imaging in cases of encephalitis in general and JE in particular, in the early detection of uncommon manifestations that may complicate these diseases.
Prospective study of bacteraemia in acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs
Authors: Unterer S. , Lechner E. , Mueller R. S. , Wolf G. , Straubinger R. K. , Schulz B. S. , Hartmann K.
Published: January 2015

In dogs with idiopathic acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS), a serious loss of intestinal mucosal barrier integrity occurs. However, the incidence of bacterial translocation in dogs with idiopathic AHDS is not known. Thus, the objectives of this prospective study were to identify the incidence of bacteraemia, to evaluate the frequency of septic events and the influence of bacteraemia on various clinical and laboratory parameters, duration of hospitalisation and survival of dogs with idiopathic AHDS. The study included 87 dogs with idiopathic AHDS. Twenty‐one healthy dogs served as control group. To evaluate clinical significance of bacterial translocation, blood culture results were compared between patients and controls. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between patients with positive and negative blood cultures. There was no significant difference in either incidence of bacteraemia between patients with idiopathic AHDS (11 per cent) and controls (14 per cent) or in severity of clinical signs, laboratory parameters, duration of hospitalisation or mortality between blood culture‐positive and culture‐negative dogs with idiopathic AHDS. The results of this study suggest that the incidence of bacteraemia in dogs with idiopathic AHDS is low and not different from that of healthy control dogs. Bacteraemia does not influence the clinical course or survival and thus antibiotic treatment is not indicated to prevent sepsis.
Modelling and localizing a stem taper function for Pinus radiata in Spain
Authors: Arias-Rodil Manuel , Diéguez-Aranda Ulises , Rodríguez Puerta Francisco , López-Sánchez Carlos Antonio , Canga Líbano Elena , Cámara Obregón Asunción , Castedo-Dorado Fernando
Published: January 2015

The parsimonious taper function proposed by Riemer et al. (1995. Allg. Forst.- Jagdztg. 166(7): 144–147) was fitted for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) stems in Spain by using a nonlinear mixed modelling approach. Eight candidate models (all possible expansion combinations of the three fixed parameters with random effects) were assessed, and the mixed model with three random effects performed the best according to the goodness-of-fit statistics. An evaluation data set was used to assess the performance of these models in predicting stem diameter along the bole, as well as total stem volume. Four prediction approaches were compared: one subject (tree) specific (SS) and three population specific (ordinary least squares (OLS), mean (M), and population averaged (PA)). The SS responses for a tree were estimated from a prior stem diameter measurement available for that tree, whereas OLS, M, and PA were obtained from the fixed-effects model, from the fixed parameters of mixed-effects models, and by computing mean predictions from the mixed-effects models over the distribution of random effects, respectively. Prediction errors were greater for the M and PA responses than for the OLS response, and therefore, from the prediction point of view, the use of the mixed-effects models is not recommended when an additional stem diameter measurement is not available. The mixed model with three random effects was also selected as the best model for SS estimations. Measurement of an additional stem diameter at a relative tree height of approximately 0.5 provided the best calibrations for stem diameters along the bole and total stem volume predictions. The SS approach increased the flexibility and efficiency of the selected mixed-effects model for localized predictions and thus improved the overall predictive capacity of the base model.
A Mechatronic Platform for Calibration and Performance Test of Extrinsic Tactile Sensor on Prosthesis Hand
Authors: Cheng Xiaoying , Gu Chunxin , Liu Weiting , Fu Xin
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a mechatronic platform consists of a stimulator and a prosthesis hand holder, which aims at extrinsic flexible tactile sensor calibration and performance test for prosthesis hand application. The former is driven by a linear motor and the latter is driven by the combination of one 3 dimensions of freedom (DoF) motion stage and two rotation stages. A procedure is developed to calibrate flexible tactile sensors attached on the anthropomorphic prosthetic hand, whose surface is curved. Although the flexible tactile sensors can be easily integrated on to the mentioned curved surface due to its flexibility and compliance, they are usually flat fabricated and characterized under the working of flat situation. Curved surface sensor characterization is not directly available from the manufacturer. Furthermore, when tactile sensors are applied, there would be an elastic layer covered on top for protection and improvement of grasping ability. This elastic material essentially deteriorates the characteristics of the sensor under it, which is another important reason for establishing a platform to re-calibrate tactile sensor mounted on prosthetic hand. In this paper, two kinds of commercial tactile sensors are involved which are force sensing resistor (FSR) representing static measurement sensor and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor representing dynamic measurement sensor where a rigid rod with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) covered imitates prosthetic finger. The methodology of calibration compares the measured data obtained from tactile sensor with the one from a load cell fixed on the stimulator. The procedure of receptive-field measurement for tactile sensor on the prosthetic hand is shown and the equation for estimating the position and amplitude of surface load on top of elastic cover is established. Different combinations of tactile sensors are implemented on the rigid substance and two motion patterns of stimulator are performed on them, which are indentation and sliding. The performance of developed platform is also analyzed and it shows the ability of testing flexible tactile sensor for prosthesis hand.
Normally Torsion-free Lexsegment Ideals
Authors: Olteanu Anda
Published: January 2015

In this paper we characterize all the lexsegment ideals which are normally torsion-free. This will provide a large class of normally torsion-free monomial ideals which are not square-free. Our characterization is given in terms of the ends of the lexsegment. We also prove that, for lexsegment ideals, the property being normally torsion-free is equivalent to the property of the depth function being constant.
Minimal Free Resolutions of Zero-dimensional Schemes in ℙ1 × ℙ1
Authors: Bonacini Paola , Marino Lucia
Published: January 2015

Let X be a zero-dimensional scheme in ℙ1 × ℙ1. Then X has a minimal free resolution of length 2 if and only if X is ACM. In this paper we determine a class of reduced schemes whose resolutions, similarly to the ACM case, can be obtained by their Hilbert functions and depend only on their distributions of points in a grid of lines. Moreover, a minimal set of generators of the ideal of these schemes is given by curves split into the union of lines.
The eye in hand: predicting others' behavior by integrating multiple sources of information
Authors: Ambrosini Ettore , Pezzulo Giovanni , Costantini Marcello
Published: January 2015

The ability to predict the outcome of other beings' actions confers significant adaptive advantages. Experiments have assessed that human action observation can use multiple information sources, but it is currently unknown how they are integrated and how conflicts between them are resolved. To address this issue, we designed an action observation paradigm requiring the integration of multiple, potentially conflicting sources of evidence about the action target: the actor's gaze direction, hand preshape, and arm trajectory, and their availability and relative uncertainty in time. In two experiments, we analyzed participants' action prediction ability by using eye tracking and behavioral measures. The results show that the information provided by the actor's gaze affected participants' explicit predictions. However, results also show that gaze information was disregarded as soon as information on the actor's hand preshape was available, and this latter information source had widespread effects on participants' prediction ability. Furthermore, as the action unfolded in time, participants relied increasingly more on the arm movement source, showing sensitivity to its increasing informativeness. Therefore, the results suggest that the brain forms a robust estimate of the actor's motor intention by integrating multiple sources of information. However, when informative motor cues such as a preshaped hand with a given grip are available and might help in selecting action targets, people tend to capitalize on such motor cues, thus turning out to be more accurate and fast in inferring the object to be manipulated by the other's hand.
Early and late beta-band power reflect audiovisual perception in the McGurk illusion
Authors: Roa Romero Yadira , Senkowski Daniel , Keil Julian
Published: January 2015

The McGurk illusion is a prominent example of audiovisual speech perception and the influence that visual stimuli can have on auditory perception. In this illusion, a visual speech stimulus influences the perception of an incongruent auditory stimulus, resulting in a fused novel percept. In this high-density electroencephalography (EEG) study, we were interested in the neural signatures of the subjective percept of the McGurk illusion as a phenomenon of speech-specific multisensory integration. Therefore, we examined the role of cortical oscillations and event-related responses in the perception of congruent and incongruent audiovisual speech. We compared the cortical activity elicited by objectively congruent syllables with incongruent audiovisual stimuli. Importantly, the latter elicited a subjectively congruent percept: the McGurk illusion. We found that early event-related responses (N1) to audiovisual stimuli were reduced during the perception of the McGurk illusion compared with congruent stimuli. Most interestingly, our study showed a stronger poststimulus suppression of beta-band power (13–30 Hz) at short (0–500 ms) and long (500–800 ms) latencies during the perception of the McGurk illusion compared with congruent stimuli. Our study demonstrates that auditory perception is influenced by visual context and that the subsequent formation of a McGurk illusion requires stronger audiovisual integration even at early processing stages. Our results provide evidence that beta-band suppression at early stages reflects stronger stimulus processing in the McGurk illusion. Moreover, stronger late beta-band suppression in McGurk illusion indicates the resolution of incongruent physical audiovisual input and the formation of a coherent, illusory multisensory percept.
A common stochastic accumulator with effector-dependent noise can explain eye-hand coordination
Authors: Gopal Atul , Viswanathan Pooja , Murthy Aditya
Published: January 2015

The computational architecture that enables the flexible coupling between otherwise independent eye and hand effector systems is not understood. By using a drift diffusion framework, in which variability of the reaction time (RT) distribution scales with mean RT, we tested the ability of a common stochastic accumulator to explain eye-hand coordination. Using a combination of behavior, computational modeling and electromyography, we show how a single stochastic accumulator to threshold, followed by noisy effector-dependent delays, explains eye-hand RT distributions and their correlation, while an alternate independent, interactive eye and hand accumulator model does not. Interestingly, the common accumulator model did not explain the RT distributions of the same subjects when they made eye and hand movements in isolation. Taken together, these data suggest that a dedicated circuit underlies coordinated eye-hand planning.
Visual experience prevents dysregulation of GABAB receptor-dependent short-term depression in adult superior colliculus
Authors: Balmer Timothy S. , Pallas Sarah L.
Published: January 2015

Progressive loss of plasticity during development prevents refined circuits from regressing to an immature state and is thought to depend on maturation of GABAergic inhibition. For example, a gradual reduction in size of visual receptive fields (RFs) occurs in the superior colliculus (SC) during development. Maintenance of the refined state throughout adulthood requires early light exposure. Here we investigate the potential role of changes in long- or short-term plasticity in experience-dependent maintenance of refined RFs. Using an acute SC slice preparation, we found that long-term plasticity was not affected by visual deprivation, indicating that it does not underlie deprivation-induced RF enlargement. In contrast, visual deprivation altered short-term plasticity in an unexpected way. Specifically, GABAB receptor (GABABR)-mediated paired pulse depression was increased in slices from dark-reared animals. This increase was mimicked by GABAAR blockade in slices from normally reared animals, suggesting that experience-dependent maintenance of GABAAR function prevents an increase in probability of neurotransmitter release. GABABR-mediated short-term depression in response to strong stimulation (such as occurs during vision) was reduced in slices from dark-reared animals. This change was mimicked in slices from normal animals by reducing GABA release. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that early visual experience maintains GABAergic inhibition and prevents later deprivation-induced alterations of short-term depression in SC. Identifying how plasticity is restricted in mature circuits could guide therapies to enhance recovery of function in adults.
Distributions of Zeros of Solutions for Third-Order Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Saker Samir H. , Arahet Mohammed A.
Published: January 2015

For the third-order linear differential equations of the formr(t)x′′(t)′+p(t)x′(t)+q(t)x(t)=0, we will establish lower bounds for the distance between zeros of a solution and/or its derivatives. The main results will be proved by making use of Hardy’s inequality and some generalizations of Opial and Wirtinger type inequalities.
Quantitative Analysis of Factors Influencing Heat Dissipation in a Metal-Plastic Composite Heat Radiator with a Hemispherical Microstructure Array
Authors: Jiang H. , Zhuang J. , Liu Y. , Zhao Z. L. , Wu D. M.
Published: January 2015

A metal-plastic composite heat radiator with a hemispherical microstructure array was studied. A quantitative analysis was carried out for various factors that influence the radiator. The ratio of microstructure area, the heat generated by the heat source, the thermal conductivity of plastic, radiant emissivity of the plastic, the surface convection coefficient, and the environmental temperature were included in the analysis. The results suggested that we could achieve the exact influence size on the temperature of heat source.
Type of Multimorbidity and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Adults
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira , Bhattacharya Rituparna , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: January 2015

Objective. To examine the association between type of multimorbidity and CAM use among adults with multimorbidity.Methods. The current study used a cross-sectional design with retrospective data from 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Multimorbidity was classified into two groups: (1) adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and (2) adults with two or more chronic physical illnesses only. CAM use was measured using a set of 18 variables. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess the association between the type of multimorbidity and ever used CAM, CAM use in the past 12 months, and type of CAM.Results. Overall, 31.2% of adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and 20.1% of adults with only physical illnesses used CAM in the past 12 months. Adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses were more likely to ever use CAM (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.49, 1.90), use CAM in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.52), and use mind-body therapies in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.59) compared to adults with only physical illnesses.Conclusion. Multimorbidity of chronic physical and mental illnesses was associated with higher CAM use.
A New Kind of Circular Polarization Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Junhong , Chen Meie , Zhang Zhan , Li Zheng
Published: January 2015

A new kind of circular polarization leaky-wave antenna with N-shaped slots cut in the upper side of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is investigated and presented. The radiation pattern and polarization axial ratio of the leaky-wave antenna are studied. The results show that the width of N-shaped slots has significant effect on the circular polarization property of the antenna. By properly choosing structural parameters, the SIW based leaky-wave antenna can realize circular polarization with excellent axial ratio in 8 GHz satellite band.
Dilemma in Timing of Delivery in a Patient with an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Héman Laura M. , Devies Ingrid E. C. , Roumen Frans J. M. E.
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a pregnant woman is rare. When occurring, AMI is a major cause of maternal and neonatal death. By presenting the following case we describe the dilemma concerning the timing of delivery.Case. A 36-year-old, multiparous women, at 35 6/7 weeks of gestation, suffered from an AMI due to an acute blockage of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). This was treated by angiographic thrombosuction and biodegradable stent placement. Within 5 hours after this procedure, a cesarean section (CS) was performed because of a nonreassuring fetal condition. A healthy son with an Apgar score of 9/10 was born. The patient’s postoperative course was complicated by a big wound hematoma, a hemoglobin drop, and heart failure.Discussion. In case of AMI during pregnancy, the cardiological management has absolute priority. The obstetrical management is not outlined. In a nonreassuring fetal condition, delivery is indicated after stabilization of the mother. However, delivery after recent AMI and angiography will bring new risks of cardiologic stress and bleeding complications. The limited literature available tends to an expectant obstetrical management, but this case emphasizes the difficulty of waiting in suspected fetal distress.
Children’s Oral Health: The Opportunity for Improvement Using the WHO Health Promoting School Model
Authors: Macnab Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

The health and quality of life of a large proportion of the world’s children are compromised by dental caries and periodontal disease. Those in developing countries and from disadvantaged populations suffer disproportionately from these forms of poor oral health; however, much of the primary disease and secondary pathology is preventable by simple and inexpensive measures that children can readily learn. WHO health promoting schools (HPS) are an established model for addressing public health issues through education of children in a manner that achieves acquisition of knowledge and health practices that promote behaviours that positively impact determinants of health. HPS programs that address poor oral health have achieved improvement in oral health practices and reduction in caries rates among disadvantaged populations of children. WHO has called for more programs to address the “epidemic” of poor oral health worldwide, and the WHO HPS model appears to be a relevant and applicable way forward. Health care professionals and educators who want to improve the health and quality of life of children related to caries and periodontal disease now have an opportunity to collaborate to initiate, deliver, and evaluate community-based HPS interventions using proven concepts, content, and process.
Ear Leaf Photosynthesis and Related Parameters of Transgenic and Non-GMO Maize Hybrids
Authors: Bruns H. Arnold
Published: January 2015

Hybrid maize (Zea maysL.) through transgenics now includesδ-endotoxins for insect control and tolerance to the herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate. Some hybrids have multiple transgenic traits as part of their genotype (stacked gene). Limited information is available on how these traits alone affectA(net assimilation rate;µmol CO2m−2s−1) and related physiological parameters. A two-year, two-location, irrigated experiment comparing four stacked gene, four glyphosate tolerant, and two non-GMO hybrids for ear leafA,gs(stomatal conductance; mol H2O m−2s−1),Em(transpiration; mol H2O m−2s−1), IWUE (intrinsic water use efficiency;(A/(gs*100))), and Ci(intercellular [CO2]µmol CO2mol air−1) was completed at Stoneville, MS, in 2012. Data were collected at growth stages R1 (anthesis) and R2 (early kernel filling) using a Li-Cor LI-6400XT set at 355 μmol mol−1CO2with a flow rate of 500 μmol s−1and a 6400-02 light source set at 87.5% full sunlight. Measurements were made between 08:30 h and 11:30 h CST, within 48 h of 25 ha mm irrigation and ≥33.0% cloud cover. Transgenic traits did not influence the physiological parameters ofA,gs,Em, IWUE, or Ciduring the critical growth stages of R1 or R2.
Studying the Relationship between System-Level and Component-Level Resilience
Authors: Mitchell Michael D. , Beyeler Walter E.
Published: January 2015

The capacity to maintain stability in a system relies on the components which make up the system. This study explores the relationship between component-level resilience and system-level resilience with the aim of identifying policies which foster system-level resilience in situations where existing incentives might undermine it. We use an abstract model of interacting specialized resource users and producers which can be parameterized to represent specific real systems. We want to understand how features, such as stockpiles, influence system versus component resilience. Systems are subject to perturbations of varying intensity and frequency. For our study, we create a simplified economy in which an inventory carrying cost is imposed to incentivize smaller inventories and examine how components with varying inventory levels compete in environments subject to periods of resource scarcity. The results show that policies requiring larger inventories foster higher component-level resilience but do not foster higher system-level resilience. Inventory carrying costs reduce production efficiency as inventory sizes increase. JIT inventory strategies improve production efficiency but do not afford any buffer against future uncertainty of resource availability.
Development of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation after an Electrical Injury
Authors: Gursul Erdal , Bayata Serdar , Aksit Ercan , Ugurlu Basak
Published: January 2015

Electrical energy is a type of energy that is commonly used in daily life. Ventricular premature beats, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, bundle branch blocks, and AV block are arrhythmic complications that are encountered in case of electric shocks. Myocardial infarction is one of the rarely seen complications of electric shocks yet it has fatal outcomes. Coronary arteries were detected to be normal in most of the patients who had myocardial infarction following an electric shock. So, etiology of myocardial infarction is thought to be unrelated to coronary atherosclerosis in these cases. Coronary artery vasospasm is thought to be the primary etiological cause. In our case report, we presented a patient who developed ST elevation MI with atrial fibrillation after an electric shock.
EMT Transition Alters Interstitial Fluid Flow–Induced Signaling in ERBB2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tchafa Alimatou M. , Ta Mi , Reginato Mauricio J. , Shieh Adrian C.
Published: January 2015

A variety of biophysical forces are altered in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and these forces can influence cancer progression. One such force is interstitial fluid flow (IFF)—the movement of fluid through the tissue matrix. IFF was previously shown to induce invasion of cancer cells, but the activated signaling cascades remain poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that IFF induces invasion of ERBB2/HER2-expressing breast cancer cells via activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K). In constitutively activate ERBB2-expressing cells that have undergone epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), IFF-mediated invasion requires the chemokine receptor CXCR4, a gradient of its ligand CXCL12, and activity of the PI3K catalytic subunits p110α and β. In wild-type ERBB2-expressing cells, IFF-mediated invasion is chemokine receptor–independent and requires only p110α activation. To test whether cells undergoing EMT alter their signaling response to IFF, TGFβ1 was used to induce EMT in wild-type ERBB2-expressing cells, resulting in IFF-induced invasion dependent on CXCR4 and p110β.

Implications: This study identifies a novel signaling mechanism for interstitial flow–induced invasion of ERBB2-expressing breast cancer cells, one that depends on EMT and acts through a CXCR4–PI3K pathway. These findings suggest that the response of cancer cells to interstitial flow depends on EMT status and malignancy. Mol Cancer Res; 13(4); 755–64. ©2015 AACR.
Molecular and Genetic Characterization of Depression: Overlap with Other Psychiatric Disorders and Aging
Authors: Ding Ying , Chang Lun-Ching , Wang Xingbin , Guilloux Jean-Philippe , Parrish Jenna , Oh Hyunjung , French Beverly J. , Lewis David A. , Tseng George C. , Sibille Etienne
Published: January 2015

Genome-wide expression and genotyping technologies have uncovered the genetic bases of complex diseases at unprecedented rates. However, despite its heavy burden and high prevalence, the molecular characterization of major depressive disorder (MDD) has lagged behind. Transcriptome studies report multiple brain disturbances but are limited by small sample sizes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) report weak results but suggest an overlapping genetic risk with other neuropsychiatric disorders. We performed a systematic molecular characterization of altered brain function in MDD using meta-analysis of differential expression of 8 gene array studies across 3 corticolimbic brain regions in 101 subjects. The identified ‘metaA-MDD' genes suggest altered neurotrophic support, brain plasticity and neuronal signaling in MDD. Notably, metaA-MDD genes display a low connectivity and hubness in coexpression networks as well as a uniform genomic distribution, which is consistent with diffuse polygenic mechanisms. We have integrated these findings with results from over 1,800 published GWAS and show that genetic variations nearby metaA-MDD genes predict a greater risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, and notably for age-related phenotypes, but not for other medical illnesses (including those frequently co-occurring with depression) or body characteristics. Collectively, the intersection of unbiased investigations of gene function (transcriptome) and structure (GWAS) provides novel leads to investigate molecular mechanisms of MDD and suggests common biological pathways between depression, other neuropsychiatric diseases and brain aging.
Low-dose decitabine promotes megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production in healthy controls and immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhou Hai , Hou Yu , Liu Xuena , Qiu Jihua , Feng Qi , Wang Yawen , Zhang Xu , Min Yanan , Shao Linlin , Liu Xinguang , Li Guosheng , Li Lizhen , Yang Lei , Xu Shuqian , Ni Heyu , Peng Jun , Hou Ming
Published: January 2015

Impaired megakaryocyte maturation and insufficient platelet production have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Our previous study demonstrated that low expression of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in megakaryocytes contributed to impaired platelet production in ITP. Decitabine (DAC), a demethylating agent, is known to promote cell differentiation and maturation at low doses. However, whether decitabine is potential in promoting megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release in ITP is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of DAC on megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release in the presence of ITP plasma that has been shown to cause impaired megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production. We observed that low-dose DAC (10 nM) could significantly increase the number of mature polyploid (≥ 4N) megakaryocytes in cultures with plasma from healthy controls and more than one-half of ITP patients in vitro. Furthermore, the number of platelets released from these megakaryocytes significantly increased compared with those untreated with DAC. In these megakaryocytes, DAC significantly enhanced TRAIL expression via decreasing its promoter methylation status. These findings demonstrate that low-dose DAC can promote megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production and enhance TRAIL expression in megakaryocytes in healthy controls and ITP. The potential therapeutic role of low-dose DAC may be beneficial for thrombocytopenic disorders.

H. Z. and Y. H. contributed equally to this work.
Diversity and impact of rare variants in genes encoding the platelet G protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Jones Matthew L. , Norman Jane E. , Morgan Neil V. , Mundell Stuart J. , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Lowe Gillian C. , Daly Martina E. , Simpson Michael A. , Drake Sian , Watson Steve P. , Mumford Andrew D.
Published: January 2015

Platelet responses to activating agonists are influenced by common population variants within or near G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes that affect receptor activity. However, the impact of rare GPCR gene variants is unknown. We describe the rare single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the coding and splice regions of 18 GPCR genes in 7,595 exomes from the 1,000-genomes and Exome Sequencing Project databases and in 31 cases with inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs). In the population databases, the GPCR gene target regions contained 740 SNVs (318 synonymous, 410 missense, 7 stop gain and 6 splice region) of which 70 % had global minor allele frequency (MAF) < 0.05 %. Functional annotation using six computational algorithms, experimental evidence and structural data identified 156/740 (21 %) SNVs as potentially damaging to GPCR function, most commonly in regions encoding the transmembrane and C-terminal intracellular receptor domains. In 31 index cases with IPFDs (Gi-pathway defect n=15; secretion defect n=11; thromboxane pathway defect n=3 and complex defect n=2) there were 256 SNVs in the target regions of 15 stimulatory platelet GPCRs (34 unique; 12 with MAF< 1 % and 22 with MAF≥ 1 %). These included rare variants predicting R122H, P258T and V207A substitutions in the P2Y12 receptor that were annotated as potentially damaging, but only partially explained the platelet function defects in each case. Our data highlight that potentially damaging variants in platelet GPCR genes have low individual frequencies, but are collectively abundant in the population. Potentially damaging variants are also present in pedigrees with IPFDs and may contribute to complex laboratory phenotypes.
Self‐Controlled Case‐Series Study to Verify the Effect of Adherence to Beta‐Blockers in Secondary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Stefano , Marino Massimiliano , Guastaroba Paolo , Valent Francesca , De Palma Rossana
Published: January 2015

Background

Beta‐blockers (
BB
) are recommended in secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
), but adherence to prescription medication is a recognized problem. Most literature on the consequences of poor adherence to prescribed
BB
is limited by the possibility of “healthy adherer bias” and better‐designed studies have been advocated.

Methods and Results

We investigated the association between adherence to
BB
prescription and risk of subsequent
AMI
s using the self‐controlled case series design, which allows improved control of interpersonal confounding, being based on intrapersonal comparisons. From all the 30 089 patients hospitalized for
AMI
in the years 2009–2011 in an Italian region we selected those that suffered subsequent
AMI
s at days 31 to 365 from discharge (1328), and then the 1207 that had at least one
BB
prescription collected at any of the regional pharmacies. Using information on prescriptions, each individual's observation time was then divided into periods exposed or unexposed to
BB
and the relative
AMI
incidence rate ratios (
IRR
) of
BB
exposure were estimated by conditional
P
oisson regression. The
IRR
(rate of recurrent
AMI
in exposed versus unexposed periods) was 0.79 (95%
CI
0.69 to 0.90,
P
=0.001). Various sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness to possible failure of assumptions, ie, considering only first recurrences (
IRR
0.76, 95%
CI
0.66 to 0.88,
P
<0.001), excluding cardiovascular fatalities (
IRR
0.76, 95%
CI
0.65 to 0.89,
P
<0.001), and excluding individuals with long hospital admissions (
IRR
0.60, 95%
CI
0.43 to 0.83,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Adherence to recommended
BB
therapy was associated with a 20% reduction of recurrent
AMI
s, consistently with previous research, but with decreased concerns about healthy‐adherer bias.