bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tanshinone IIA Pretreatment Protects H9c2 Cells against Anoxia/Reoxygenation Injury: Involvement of the Translocation of Bcl‐2 to Mitochondria Mediated by 14‐3‐3η
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , He Huan , Qiao Yang , Huang Jiyi , Wu Zelong , Xu Ping , Yin Dong , He Ming
Published: June 2018

Tanshinone IIA is an important component that is isolated from danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), which is known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. In this study, we determined the effects of Tanshinone IIA and its underlying mechanisms of action in an anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) cell line model. Prior to inducing A/R injury, rat cardiomyocyte‐derived cell line H9c2 was stimulated with 8 μM of Tanshinone IIA for 48 hours. When compared with the A/R group, the Tanshinone IIA treatment significantly increased cell viability and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity. Tanshinone IIA upregulated 14‐3‐3η expression and facilitated Bcl‐2 translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane, which bound with voltage‐dependent anion channel 1. In addition, pretreatment with Tanshinone IIA reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c release, inactivated caspase‐3, prevented mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells. Moreover, treatment with Tanshinone IIA reduced the level of malondialdehyde, thereby increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Silencing the expression of 14‐3‐3η by adenovirus blocked the above‐mentioned results. These novel findings showed that pretreatment with Tanshinone IIA alleviated H9c2 cell damage against A/R injury and was associated with upregulation of 14‐3‐3η, thereby facilitating Bcl‐2 translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane and preventing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, decreasing cytochrome c release, preventing caspase‐3 activation, and restraining apoptosis.
Attributable Costs of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation among Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kosuma Pattamawan , Wachirasrisirikul Sitichok , Jedsadayanmata Arom
Published: June 2018

Background. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, data on the economic burden and resource utilization associated with POAF in Asian population are limited. The present study aimed at estimating medical costs attributable to POAF after cardiac surgery in Thai population.Methods. We analysed data from claims database of patients who underwent valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or a combination of both procedures at a tertiary-care, academic hospital in Thailand. Multiple linear regressions of log-transformed costs were developed with the occurrence of POAF and preoperative patient characteristics as covariates. After back-transformation to the original scale, costs attributable to POAF were estimated from the mean difference between patients with and without POAF.Results. Of 711 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 241 (30.94%) developed POAF over a median hospitalization of 10 days. Patients with POAF utilized more resources than those without POAF. POAF was an independent predictor and increased cost by 23% in linear regression model. On average, patients with POAF had higher medical costs than those without POAF (269,000 versus 218,999 Thai Baht (THB)) with a mean difference of 50,000 THB (1,667 USD). The difference was observed in patients undergoing isolated valve surgery (47,761 THB (1,592 USD), 95% CI: 39,809–55,712), CABG (50,865 THB (1,696 USD), 95% CI: 37,233–64,496), and a combination of both procedures (72,287 THB (2,410 USD), 95% CI: 49,910–94,405).Conclusions. In a single-institution study in Thailand, POAF is associated with increased resource use and medical costs among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Effective strategies to prevent POAF should be implemented to reduce its economic burden.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Esterified Hyaluronic Acid Fibers on Bone Regeneration in Rat Calvarial Defects
Authors: Agrali Omer B. , Yildirim Selin , Ozener Hafize O. , Köse Kemal N. , Ozbeyli Dilek , Soluk-Tekkesin Merva , Kuru Leyla
Published: June 2018

Hyaluronic acid (HA) constitutes one of the major components of the extracellular matrix domain in almost all mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative capacity of HA matrix in rat calvarial bone defects and compare with those of different combinations of resorbable collagen membrane (M) and bovine-derived xenograft (G). Twenty-four 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were included. Control group was created by leaving one defect empty from 2 critical size defects with 5 mm diameter formed in the calvarial bones of 8 rats. In the same rats, the other defect was treated with HA matrix alone. One of the 2 defects formed in other 8 rats was treated with HA+G and the other with HA+M. One of the 2 defects formed in the remaining 8 rats was treated with G+M and the other with HA+G+M. The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. Histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Both HA matrix alone and its combinations with G and M supported new bone formation (NBF). However, NBF was significantly greater in G+M and HA+G+M groups compared to control and HA alone (P<0.001). Bone morphogenetic protein-2 was expressed with varying degrees in all groups, without any difference among them. Within the limitations of the present study, HA matrix, used alone or in combination with G and M, did not contribute significantly to bone regeneration in rat calvarial bone defects.
Seroprevalence and Virus Activity of Rift Valley Fever in Cattle in Eastern Region of Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Georges Tshilenge M. , Justin Masumu , Victor Mbao , Marie Kayembe Jean , Mark Rweyemamu , Léopold Mulumba Mfumu K.
Published: June 2018

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that is characterized by periodic and severe outbreaks in humans and animals. Published information on the occurrence of RVF in domestic animals is very scarce in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To assess possible circulation of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in cattle in the eastern province of DRC, 450 sera collected from cattle in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for the detection of viral Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and M, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), for detection of viral RVF RNA. A cumulative anti-RVF IgG prevalence of 6.22% (95% CI 4.25–8.97) was recorded from the three provinces sampled. In North Kivu and Ituri provinces the anti-RVF IgG prevalence was 12.67% [95% CI 7.80–19.07] and 6% [95% CI 2.78–11.08], respectively, while all the sera collected from South Kivu province were negative for anti-RVF IgG antibodies. Anti-RVF IgM prevalence of 1.8% was obtained among sampled animals in the three provinces. None of the positive anti-RVF IgM samples (n=8) was positive for viral RVFV RNA using RT-PCR. Our findings suggest that RVFV is widely distributed among cattle in eastern province of DRC particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces although the epidemiological factors supporting this virus circulation remain unknown in these areas.
A Validated LC‐MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Six Aconitum Alkaloids and Seven Ginsenosides in Rat Plasma and Application to Pharmacokinetics of Shen‐Fu Prescription
Authors: Ouyang Huizi , Liu Fang , Tang Zhidan , Chen Xiaopeng , Bo Fang , Liu Huaming , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: June 2018

A sensitive and reliable LC‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of six Aconitum alkaloids (aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine, benzoylaconitine, benzoylhypacoitine, and benzoylmesaconine) and seven ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, and Rg1) in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen‐Fu prescription. Psoralen was selected as internal standard (IS). Protein precipitation with methanol was used in sample preparation. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a CORTECS™ C18 column with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a tandem mass system with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ionization and multiple‐reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curves of six Aconitum alkaloids and seven ginsenosides were linear over the range of 0.1‐50 and 1‐500 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries of the analytes in plasma samples ranged from 64.2 to 94.1%. Meanwhile, the intra‐ and interday precision of the analytes were less than 14.3%, and the accuracy was in the range of −14.2% to 9.8%. The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of six Aconitum alkaloids and seven ginsenosides in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen‐Fu prescription.
Anti-Periodic Dynamics of Quaternion-Valued Fuzzy Cellular Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delays on Time Scales
Authors: Shen Shiping , Li Bing , Li Yongkun
Published: June 2018

A class of quaternion-valued fuzzy cellular neural networks with time-varying delays on time scales is proposed. Based on inequality analysis techniques on time scales, a fixed point theorem and the theory of calculus on time scales, the existence, and global exponential stability of anti-periodic solutions for this class of neural networks are established. The obtained results are completely new and supplement to the known results. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the feasibility of our results.
Utility ofBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto C6 Peptide for Serologic Confirmation of Erythema-Free Ixodid Tick-Borne Borrelioses in Russia
Authors: Pomelova Vera , Korenberg Eduard , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Osin Nikolay
Published: June 2018

We evaluated the utility ofBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto(Bb)peptide C6 for serologic confirmation of Ixodid Tick-Borne Borrelioses (ITBB) in Russia. Serum samples (N = 1089) were from erythema migrans (EM) (N = 327) and the EM-free (EMF) patients (N = 115); in some patients, the disease was accompanied by human granulocytic anaplasmosis or tick-borne encephalitis. The sera were investigated by multiplex phosphorescence analysis (PHOSPHAN) for IgM toBbC6, recombinant OspC and VlsE proteins, and IgG to C6 fromBb,B. garinii(Bg), andB. afzelii(Ba). Detection ofBbC6 IgM/IgG provided effective serologic confirmation of ITBB in both EM and EMF patients early after disease onset. In the EM-free patients, however, this test needed to be supplemented with detection of VlsE IgM in convalescent-phase sera due to delay in development of the antibody responses for C6 IgG. In general, positive PHOSPHAN reactions were observed in 81.9% and 86.7% of the EM and EMF patients, respectively, as well as in 59 of 65 (90.8%) patients, whose blood containedB. burgdorferisensu lato DNA. Additional detection of IgG toBgC6 orBaC6 had no significant contribution to serologic diagnosis of ITBB in both patient groups.
Energy‐Aware Smart Connectivity for IoT Networks: Enabling Smart Ports
Authors: Ozturk Metin , Jaber Mona , Imran Muhammad A.
Published: June 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) is spreading much faster than the speed at which the supporting technology is maturing. Today, there are tens of wireless technologies competing for IoT and a myriad of IoT devices with disparate capabilities and constraints. Moreover, each of many verticals employing IoT networks dictates distinctive and differential network qualities. In this work, we present a context‐aware framework that jointly optimises the connectivity and computational speed of the IoT network to deliver the qualities required by each vertical. Based on a smart port application, we identify energy efficiency, security, and response time as essential quality features and consider a wireless realisation of IoT connectivity using short range and long‐range technologies. We propose a reinforcement learning technique and demonstrate significant reduction in energy consumption while meeting the quality requirements of all related applications.
Role of Some Natural Antioxidants in the Modulation of Some Proteins Expressions against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Renal Injury
Authors: Alhusaini Ahlam M. , Faddah Laila M. , El Orabi Naglaa F. , Hasan Iman H.
Published: June 2018

Background. The aim of the present work is to find the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and/or thymoquinone (THQ) in the protection against acute renal injury induced by sodium fluoride (NaF).Method. Rats were distributed into five groups: G1 was normal (control), G2 was intoxicated with 10mg/kg NaF i.p., G3 was treated with 10mg THQ /kg, G4 was treated with 20mg NAC /kg, and G5 was treated with a combination of THQ and NAC. The previous treatments were given daily along with NaF for four weeks orally.Result. Rats intoxicated with NaF showed a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, renal lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and TNF-αlevels, whereas the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level was reduced. The expressions of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), Lipocalin, vascular adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), and BAX proteins were upregulated, whereas Bcl-2 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins expressions were downregulated. DNA fragmentation was also amplified. Histological analysis revealed that NaF caused a destructive renal cortex in the form of the glomerular corpuscle, the obliterated proximal and distal convoluted tubules, vacuolization in tubular cells focal necrosis, and cell infiltration. THQ and NAC supplementation counteracted NaF-induced nephrotoxicity as reflected by the increase in renal GSH and SOD. THQ and NAC ameliorated all the altered proteins expressions, improved renal architecture, and declined DNA fragmentation.Conclusion. The role of oxidative stress in the enhancement of NaF toxicity suggested the renoprotective effects of NAC and THQ against the toxicity of fluoride via multiple mechanisms.
A New Type of Countermeasure against DPA in Multi‐Sbox of Block Cipher
Authors: Zhang Shuaiwei , Zhong Weidong
Published: June 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) provides the network for physical devices, like home appliances, embedded with electronics, sensors, and software, to share and exchange data. With its fast development, security of IoT has become a crucial problem. Among the methods of attack, side‐channel attack has proven to be an effective tool to compromise the security of different devices with improving techniques of data processing, like DPA and CPA. Meanwhile, many countermeasures have risen accordingly as well, such as masking and noise addition. However, their common deficiency was that every single countermeasure might not be able to protect the key information completely after statistical analysis. Sensitive information will be disclosed during differential power analysis of Sbox, since it is the only nonlinear component in block cipher. Thus, how to protect Sbox effectively was the highlight of researches. Based on Sbox‐reuse concept proposed by Bilgin, this paper put forward a new type of a countermeasure scheme against DPA in multi‐Sbox of block cipher. We first converted the multi‐Sbox into 4 × 4 permutations and then reused permutation with the algebraic degree of more than one so as to turn it into a special reusable Sbox and then numbered 4 × 4 permutation input. Finally, we made these inputs of permutations completely random by masking. Since it was necessary to make the collected power consumption curve subject to alignment process in DPA by chosen‐plaintext attack, this scheme combined the concept from DPA countermeasures of masking and noise addition. After the experiment with the proposed implementation, successful prevention of the attacker from accurately aligning the power consumption curve of the target Sbox has been proven, and the level of security has been improved by adding more random noise to protect key information and decrease the accuracy of statistical analysis.
Vibratory Power Flow Analysis of a Gear‐Housing‐Foundation Coupled System
Authors: Ren Yafeng , Chang Shan , Liu Geng , Wu Liyan , Wang Haiwei
Published: June 2018

The marine gearbox is usually installed on a vibration isolation system in order to reduce oscillation transmitted to the ship foundation. However, researches on vibration transmission in the gear‐housing system and isolation system are currently independent. With the increasing requirement of lower vibration, a coupled model needs to be built to control the vibration propagation from a view of the whole system. Considering the mesh transmission error excitation of a gear pair, a flexible gear‐housing‐foundation coupled impedance model is constructed in this paper, and the vibratory power flow of the whole system is calculated. Power transmissions between three different gearbox installation configurations, that is, rigid installation, single‐stage isolation, and double‐stage isolation, are compared. Taking the single‐stage isolation configuration as an example, parameter influences on the vibration of the foundation are studied. Results show that double‐stage isolation can achieve lower vibration than single‐stage isolation; decrease in bearing stiffness or Young’s modulus of isolator will yield better vibration isolation performance; housing damping and isolator damping are beneficial to vibration reduction.
Dynamics of Proteins by Thermal Decay of Free Radicals Induced by Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Aslanov Rasim B. , Dashdemirova Leman M. , Alekperov Oktay Z. , Abdurahimov Azad R. , Gasymov Oktay K.
Published: June 2018

The relationship between structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules is a fundamental interest of biophysics. Protein dynamics drastically vary in temporal and spatial scales. The function of a particular protein determines the significance of a distinct type of dynamics. Here, we investigate the influence of hydration water on the dynamics of a protein called silk fibroin. Particular interest is to investigate the protein dynamics using thermal decay of the free radicals induced by ultraviolet irradiation. The full decay of the free radicals occurs at very wide temperature region (120 K–340 K). Three distinct regions with transition points of ∼135 K, 205 K, and 279 K are apparent in the thermal decay curves of hydrated fibroin samples. The first transition (∼135 K) that leads 2–6% increase of total spins was observed only in the decay curves of fibroin submerged in 40% and 50% glycerol. The second transition (∼205 K) was invariant for all samples, hydrated and dry fibroins. The third transition of 279 K common for all hydrated fibroin samples was shifted about 84 K to a higher temperature of 363 K in dry fibroin. The thermal transitions at 205 K and 279 K are weakly and strongly, respectively, coupled to water molecules. Nature of the free radicals participated in these transitions was identified. The significance of the findings for protein dynamics is discussed.
Microscopic Congestion Detection Protocol in VANETs
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Chen Qingchun , Khan Zahid
Published: June 2018

Effective transportation status surveillance imposes critical challenges for the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) design. In this paper, the microscopic congestion detection protocol (MCDP) is proposed to make the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capable of monitoring vehicle density and identifying traffic jam. By introducing transportation control domain in the existing network protocol header, each vehicle can count its neighbors and estimate the time spacing among vehicles. MCDP provides an infrastructure-less solution to the estimate of vehicle density, flow, and average velocity in a microscopically manner. Moreover, the safety speed limit is introduced to make each vehicle calculate its time to cover the intervehicle distance, such that every vehicle is able to assess the transportation congestion by comparing with some predefined safety time threshold. Monte Carlo simulations of the MCDP over four typical Chinese highways are presented to compare the MCDP scheme with the existing Green-Shield congestion detection scheme. In addition, real road traces generated by SUMO over NS2 are utilized to show the achieved performance in terms of throughput, end-to-end delay, and packet delivery rate (PDR) in comparison to DSR and AOMDV in IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 802.11ac scenarios. On the basis of all the results, we conclude that MCDP is an inexpensive transport congestion detection technique for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs).
Prognostic Impact of CEACAM1 in Node-Negative Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia , Goswami Roshni , Galatenko Vladimir , Ding Yi , Eylmann Kathrin , Legler Karen , Kürti Sascha , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Milde-Langosch Karin
Published: June 2018

The underlying mechanisms of ovarian cancer (OvCa) dissemination are still poorly understood, and novel molecular markers for this cancer type are urgently needed. In search of adhesion molecules with prognostic relevance in OvCa, we compared tumors with good outcome (alive > 3 years) and those with poor outcome (dead < 2 years) within data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) turned out as the only gene with differential expression in these groups. In order to further investigation on its role in OvCa, we analyzed CEACAM1 mRNA levels extracted from TCGA microarray data (n=517) as well as CEACAM1 protein expression by Western blot analysis in a cohort of 242 tumor samples. Further, CEACAM1 localization in tumour tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and CEACAM1 splice variants by RT-PCR in representative tumours. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, high CEACAM1 mRNA levels significantly correlated with longer survival (p=0.008). By Western blot analysis in the second cohort, similar associations of high CEACAM1 protein levels with longer recurrence-free survival (RFS, p=0.035) and overall survival (OAS, p=0.004) were observed. In multivariate Cox regression analysis including clinical prognostic parameters, CEACAM1 mRNA or protein expression turned out as independent prognostic markers. Stratified survival analysis showed that high CEACAM1 protein expression was prognostic in node-negative tumors (p=0.045 and p=0.0002 for DFS and OAS) but lost prognostic significance in node-positive carcinomas. Similarly, high CEACAM1 mRNA expression did not show prognostic relevance in tumors with lymphatic invasion (L1) but was associated with longer survival in cases without lymphovascular involvement. Further analysis showed a predominance of 4S and 4L isoforms and mostly membraneous CEACAM1 localization in ovarian tumours. Our results suggest that CEACAM1 might be an independent favorable prognostic marker in OvCa, especially in the subgroup of patients with solely intraperitoneal metastasis.
Quadratus Lumborum Block as Sole, Homeostatic-Preserving Anesthetic for a Patient with Multiple System Atrophy Undergoing Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Report
Authors: La Colla M. D. Luca , Schroeder R. M. D.
Published: June 2018

Quadratus Lumborum (QL) block has been successfully used for different abdominal procedures in the past. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized mainly by autonomic instability, motor impairment, and cognitive dysfunction. We report a case of a patient with MSA with a history of multiple episodes of unplanned admissions following outpatient minor surgical procedures under general anesthesia scheduled to undergo open inguinal hernia repair. In our patient, QL block was successfully used for surgical anesthesia and it resulted in hemodynamic stability and an opioid-free perioperative course.
Outcome of Allogeneic Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Dogs Suffering from Osteoarthritis and Other Joint Defects
Authors: Shah Kiran , Drury Tara , Roic Ivelise , Hansen Peter , Malin Mark , Boyd Richard , Sumer Huseyin , Ferguson Ray
Published: June 2018

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain and stiffness that affects both humans and dogs. In Australia, allogeneic canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for therapy have been commercially available since 2010. In this report, we describe the outcome of the treatment of two hundred and three dogs diagnosed with degenerative arthritis with severe chronic pain in joints causing lameness at walk, reduced mobility, and functional disability. Posttreatment assessment data after 10 weeks revealed significant improvement (p<0.007) of the symptoms: pain reduction, improvement of mobility, and increased daily activity as measured as quality of life score. Ninety percent of young dogs (<9 years) showed excellent improvement in pain and mobility and were able to run and resume normal activity. Sixty percent of older dogs showed good improvement. However, 12% of dogs did not exhibit any change in symptoms; one dog showed worsening of the symptoms. This report provides the support for the safety and efficacies of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a regenerative therapeutic veterinary model.
Single-Kidney Transplant on VA-ECMO While Recovering from Post-Heart-Transplant Graft Failure
Authors: Prada Gabriel , Agarwal Anjali , Diaz-Gomez Jose L. , Ratzlaff Robert A.
Published: June 2018

Although no consensus exists on whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is an indication for solid-organ transplantation other than heart and lung, this practice continues to be limited. We present a case of a 55-year-old man who was placed on venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) during orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) because of acute graft failure. Twenty-four hours later, the patient underwent deceased-donor renal transplantation (DDRT) while on VA-ECMO and had no complications. On post-DDRT day 2 (post-OHT day 3), the patient was successfully decannulated from VA-ECMO and ultimately discharged home. This case highlights the potential successful use of ECMO support during solid-organ transplantation other than heart and lung and the importance of trained providers and tailored anticoagulation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of perioperative ECMO use during kidney transplantation after recent heart transplantation.
An Atypical Presentation of Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Responding to Plasmapheresis Treatment
Authors: Barzman Drew H. , Jackson Hannah , Singh Umesh , Griffey Marcus , Sorter Michael , Bernstein Jonathan A.
Published: June 2018

Here we report a case of a 15-year-old female who had originally been diagnosed and treated unsuccessfully for schizophrenia, psychosis, severe anxiety, and depression. More in-depth history revealed an abrupt onset of her symptoms with remote acute infections and many exhibited characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder with rituals. Work-up for underlying infectious, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune causes was unrevealing except for very high levels of anti-neuronal antibodies which have been linked to Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Treatment options were discussed with the family and it was decided to use a course of plasmapheresis based on previous studies demonstrating efficacy and its safety profile. After course of therapy, there was a dramatic resolution of her psychosis, OCD traits, and anxiety. She was able to stop all of her antipsychotic and anxiety medications and resume many of her previous normal daily activities. The effect of this treatment has been sustained to the present time. This case emphasizes the importance of exploring nontraditional treatments for severe, treatment-resistant mental illness which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Further research is warranted in larger populations to investigate pathomechanisms and treatment of PANs/PANDAs.
The Role of Operation in the Treatment of Boerhaave’s Syndrome
Authors: Han Dingpei , Huang Zhuoqiong , Xiang Jie , Li Hecheng , Hang Junbiao
Published: June 2018

Purpose. This study aims to discuss the appropriate treatment strategy for spontaneous esophageal rupture. Methods. Clinical data from twenty-one cases were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters included etiology, time interval between onset and treatment, therapy methods, prognosis, and length of stay. Results. The ratio of males/females was 17/4, age range was 32–82 years (mean = 43.1), and the time interval between onset and treatment was as follows: <24 h: nine cases (42.8%); 24–48 h: six cases (28.6%); and >72 h: six cases (28.6%). All patients underwent operative treatment, and the following primary healing rates were achieved: <24 h: 88.9%, 24–48 h: 66.7%, and >72 h: 0. No patients died in this study. All patients were discharged with recovery, and the average hospitalization times were 18.1 days (<24 h), 27.8 days (24–48 h), and 51.2 days (>72 h). Conclusions. Surgical treatment remains an effective method for treating spontaneous esophageal rupture, and the shorter the time interval between onset and treatment, possibly the better the prognosis.
On a New Subclass of p-Valent Close-to-Convex Mappings Defined by Two-Sided Inequality
Authors: Xu Yi-Hui , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: June 2018

A new subclass Kp(α1,α2,β) of p-valent close-to-convex mappings defined by two-sided inequality is introduced. Some sufficient conditions for functions to be in Kp(α1,α2,β) are given.
Pseudoephedrine Induced Ischemic Colitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Pervez Asad , Fatima Rawish , Bansal Ajay
Published: June 2018

Ischemic colitis due to medications is common, and a number of cases have been described with pseudoephedrine as the culprit agent. We present here an interesting case of a healthy female with no risk factors who developed pseudoephedrine induced ischemic colitis. This case serves to remind the healthcare providers about the utmost importance of obtaining a comprehensive history to aid with the diagnosis.
Untreated Congenital Hypothyroidism Mimicking Hirschsprung Disease: A Puzzling Case in a One-Year-Old Child
Authors: Tahan Soraia , Siviero-Miachon Adriana Aparecida , de Faria Soares Maria de Fatima , Soares Martins-Moura Elaine Cristina , Peterlini Fabio Luis , Batista de Morais Mauro , Spinola-Castro Angela Maria
Published: June 2018

Congenital hypothyroidism is a clinical emergency due to its potential risk of mental retardation. Constipation might be present in hypothyroid children. However, Hirschsprung disease is rarely associated with congenital hypothyroidism. Herein, a case of congenital hypothyroidism in a one-year-old child mimicking Hirschsprung disease is described. Adequate treatment with levothyroxine sodium tablets controlled intestinal dysmotility that mimicked congenital intestinal aganglionosis due to the critical influence of thyroid hormones on bowel motility.
New Species and Records of Scale Mites (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) from Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae and Caprodactylidae)
Authors: Fajfer Monika
Published: June 2018

Two new species of pterygosomatid mites parasitizing geckos of the families Gekkonidae and Caprodactylidae are described:Geckobia africanan. sp. fromCnemaspis africana(Werner) from Tanzania andGeckobia miliin. sp. fromUnderwoodisaurus milii(Bory De Saint-Vincent) from Australia. The former species is the most similar toGeckobia loricataBerlese, 1892, but differs by the presence of the propodonotal shield reduced to small platelets, slender and blunt-pointed setae in the posterolateral part of the idiosomal venter and the absence of thick serrate ventral setae in posterior part of the idiosoma. For the latter species andGeckobia simplexHirst, 1926, a new species group is established based on the analysis of chaetotaxy of legs I–IV. Mites of this new species group differ from theindicagroup by the presence of five setae on tibiae I–III and setael’GI,l”GIV,dFI,dFII, andlFIII. Species of the genusGeckobiaare recorded from hosts of the generaCnemaspisStrauch andUnderwoodisaurusWermuth for the first time.
Energy‐Efficient User Association with Congestion Avoidance and Migration Constraint in Green WLANs
Authors: Wu Wenjia , Luo Junzhou , Dong Kai , Yang Ming , Ling Zhen
Published: June 2018

Green wireless local area networks (WLANs) have captured the interests of academia and industry recently, because they save energy by scheduling an access point (AP) on/off according to traffic demands. However, it is very challenging to determine user association in a green WLAN while simultaneously considering several other factors, such as avoiding AP congestion and user migration constraints. Here, we study the energy‐efficient user association with congestion avoidance and migration constraint (EACM). First, we formulate the EACM problem as an integer linear programming (ILP) model, to minimize APs’ overall energy consumption within a time interval while satisfying the following constraints: traffic demand, AP utilization threshold, and maximum number of demand node (DN) migrations allowed. Then, we propose an efficient migration‐constrained user reassociation algorithm, consisting of two steps. The first step removes k AP‐DN associations to eliminate AP congestion and turn off as many idle APs as possible. The second step reassociates these k DNs according to an energy efficiency strategy. Finally, we perform simulation experiments that validate our algorithm’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Breast Hormone Concentrations in Random Fine-Needle Aspirates of Healthy Women Associate with Cytological Atypia and Gene Methylation
Authors: Lee Oukseub , Heinz Richard E. , Ivancic David , Muzzio Miguel , Chatterton Robert T. , Zalles Carola M. , Keeney Kara , Phan Belinda , Liu Dachao , Scholtens Denise , Fackler Mary Jo , Stearns Vered , Sukumar Saraswati , Khan Seema A.
Published: June 2018

Sex steroid hormones contribute to breast cancer development, but data on concentrations of these within breast tissue are limited. We performed simultaneous multiparameter measurement of breast sex steroids, breast epithelial cytology, and DNA methylation in 119 healthy women (54 pre- and 65 postmenopausal) without a history of breast cancer. Random fine-needle aspiration (rFNA) of the breast was performed simultaneously with blood collection. Breast samples were analyzed by LC/MS-MS for estrone, estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone. Blood samples were assayed for estradiol and progesterone by immunoassay. Cytomorphology was classified using the Masood Score, and DNA methylation of eight genes was analyzed using quantitative multiplexed methylation-specific PCR, and expressed as the cumulative methylation index (CMI). Serum and breast concentrations of estradiol and progesterone showed significant correlation (Spearman r = 0.34, Padj = 0.001 and r = 0.69, Padj < 0.0006, respectively). Progesterone concentration was significantly higher in the premenopausal breast (Padj < 0.0008), and showed a luteal surge. Breast estrone and estradiol concentrations did not differ significantly by menopause, but androstenedione concentration was higher in the breasts of postmenopausal women (P = 0.026 and Padj = 0.208). Breast androgens were significantly correlated with breast density (Spearman r = 0.27, Padj = 0.02 for testosterone) and CMI (Spearman r = 0.3, Padj = 0.038 for androstenedione). Our data indicate that future larger studies of breast steroid hormones along with other parameters are feasible. Significant associations of breast androgen concentrations with breast density and gene methylation warrant future study. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 557–68. ©2018 AACR.
Late Cochlear Implantation in Early-Deafened Adults: A Detailed Analysis of Auditory and Self-Perceived Benefits
Authors: Debruyne Joke , Janssen Miranda , Brokx Jan
Published: June 2018

Objectives: It is known that early-deafened cochlear implant (CI) users are a very heterogeneously performing group. To gain more insight into this population, this study investigated (1) postoperative changes in auditory performance over time based on various outcome measures, focusing on poor performers, (2) self-perceived outcomes, (3) relations between auditory and self-perceived outcomes, and (4) preimplantation factors predicting postoperative outcomes. Methods: Outcomes were assessed prospectively in a group of 27 early-deafened, late-implanted CI users, up to 3 years after implantation. Outcome measures included open-set word and sentence recognition, closed-set word recognition, speech tracking and a questionnaire on self-perceived outcomes. Additionally, the relative influence of 8 preimplantation factors on CI outcome was assessed with linear regression analyses. Results: Significant improvements were found for auditory performance measures and most of the questionnaire domains. Significant changes of the closed-set word test, speech tracking and questionnaire were also found for a subgroup of poor performers. Correlations between auditory and self-perceived outcomes were weak and nonsignificant. Preoperative word recognition and preoperative hearing thresholds, both for the implanted ear, were significant predictors of postoperative outcome in the multivariable regression model, explaining 63.5% of the variation. Conclusions: Outcome measurement in this population should be adjusted to the patients’ individual performance level and include self-perceived benefit. There is still a need for more knowledge regarding predictors of CI outcomes in this group, but the current study suggests the importance of the preoperative performance of the ear to be implanted.
Multimorbidity Is Associated with Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Biomarkers
Authors: Mendes Aline , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Levy Marcel , Bertrand Anne , Habert Marie-Odile , Bertin Hugo , Dubois Bruno , Epelbaum Stéphane ,   INSIGHT-PreAD study group
Published: June 2018

Background: Identifying comorbidities that influence preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can give some insight into the AD early stages trajectories to allow new treatment venues and to guide public health systems to prevent subsequent dementia. Objective: To examine the association of multimorbidity with AD neuroimaging markers in cognitively normal older adults. Methods: This study had a cross-sectional design. Data regarding 14 comorbidities were obtained for all 318 adults aged 70–85 years, recruited from the community to an ongoing prospective monocentric cohort. They underwent standardized neuropsychological and neuroimaging assessment with automated methods that measured hippocampal volumes, white matter hyperintensity volumes, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) standardized uptake values (SUV) in AD signature regions, and amyloid positron emission tomography (amyloid-PET) SUV ratios. Linear regression was used to assess the association of multimorbidity with AD neuroimaging biomarkers. Results: Multimorbidity is signif icantly associated with lower hippocampal volumes (–0.03 ± 0.01; p = 0.012; R2 = 0.017) and lower FDG-PET SUV (–0.027 ± 0.009; p = 0.005; R2 = 0.022), with no association with amyloid deposition (0.001 ± 0.007; p = 0.884; R2 = 0.0001). Taken individually, obesity and excessive alcohol use are associated with lower FDG-PET values, whereas obstructive sleep apnea and mood disorders are related to lower amyloid-PET SUV ratios. Conclusion: Multimorbidity is associated with preclinical AD imaging markers of neurodegeneration, but not with amyloid.
Multibipolar Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Mass-Forming and Infiltrative Hepatocellular Carcinomas > 5 cm: Long-Term Results
Authors: N’Kontchou Gisele , Nault Jean-Charles , Sutter Olivier , Bourcier Valerie , Coderc Emmanuelle , Grando Veronique , Nahon Pierre , Ganne-Carrié Nathalie , Diallo Abou , Sellier Nicolas , Seror Olivier
Published: June 2018

Aims and Background: Only few patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 5 cm are amenable to resection or straight liver transplantation, and in such circumstances, multibipolar radiofrequency ablation (mbp-RFA) could be a reliable alternative. This study was aimed to assess the long-term outcome in patients treated with mbp-RFA for unresectable HCC > 5 cm. Methods: Eighty-three consecutive patients with cirrhosis (median age 70 years [37–93 years], 67 males, BCLC A/B/C: 54/21/8, 74 naive) with up to three HCCs, the largest > 5 cm in diameter (median: 6.2 cm, 5.1–9 cm, 22 infiltrative forms, 12 with segmental portal invasion of which 10 were infiltrative forms) were treated with mbp-RFA. Overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival and their associated predictive factors were assessed. Results: Complete ablation was observed in 78/83 (94%) patients. Thirty-one side effects occurred, including 6 (7%) severe complications. After a median follow-up of 26.1 months (1–112 months), in naive patients the 3- and 5-year OS was 51% (38–62) and 24% (13–36), 63 and 30% for mass-forming and 25 and 6% for infiltrative form, respectively. Infiltrative form (HR: 2.5 [1.33–4.69], p = 0.004) was the only independent OS predictor. In naive patients with mass-forming and infiltrative form, the 3- and 5-year RFS were 47 and 17 and 18 and 18%, respectively. Alpha-fetoprotein (HR: 2.86 [1.32–6.21], p = 0.008), multinodular form (HR: 2.74 [1.4–5.38], p = 0.003) and infiltrative form (HR: 3.43 [1.67–7.01], p = 0.0007) were independent RFS predictors. Conclusions: mbp-RFA offers good OS in inoperable patients with cirrhosis and large HCC, with acceptable safety profile. For infiltrative forms, although mbp-RFA leads to complete responses in more than 80% cases, few only remain tumor progression-free in long-term.
Efficacy and Tolerability of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy for Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease with Do-Not-Intubate Orders: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Koyauchi Takafumi , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Kanata Kei , Kakutani Takuya , Amano Yusuke , Ozawa Yuichi , Matsui Takashi , Yokomura Koshi , Suda Takafumi
Published: June 2018

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy may provide effective respiratory management of hypoxemic respiratory failure in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a do-not-intubate (DNI) order. Objectives: The aim was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of HFNC for these patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients requesting a DNI order for hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with ILD, comparing treatment with HFNC and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). Outcomes measured were 30-day survival, in-hospital mortality, temporary interruption and discontinuation of the treatment at the patient’s request, adverse events, oral intake, and communication ability at the end of life. Results: A total of 84 patients (HFNC, n = 54; NPPV, n = 30) were analyzed. Neither 30-day survival (HFNC 31.5% vs. NPPV 30.0%; p = 0.86) nor in-hospital mortality (HFNC 79.6% vs. NPPV 83.3%; p = 0.78) differed significantly. The temporary interruption and discontinuation rates were significantly lower in the HFNC group than in the NPPV group (3.7 vs. 23.3%; p = 0.009 and 0 vs. 10%; p = 0.043, respectively), and that group had significantly fewer adverse events. Among patients who died in the hospital, those treated with HFNC had significantly better oral intake and ability to converse until just before death. Conclusion: HFNC had a survival rate equivalent to that of NPPV and was better tolerated by patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with ILD who had a DNI order. HFNC allowed patients to eat and converse until just before death, suggesting that HFNC in these patients is a reasonable palliative treatment.
17-(Allylamino)-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin Enhances Etoposide-Induced Cytotoxicity via the Downregulation of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Group C Expression in Human Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Jyh-Cheng , Ma Peng-Fang , Lin Yuan-Cheng , Wu Chia-Hung , Peng Yi-Shuan , Zheng Hao-Yu , Lin Mu-Chuan , Li Ya-Tang , Lin Yun-Wei
Published: June 2018

Etoposide (VP16) is a topoisomerase II inhibitor and has been used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is a DNA damage recognition factor in nucleotide excision repair and involved in regulating NSCLC cell proliferation and viability. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a ubiquitous molecular chaperone that is responsible for the stabilization and maturation of many oncogenic proteins. In this study, we report whether Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) enhanced etoposide-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells through modulating the XPC expression. We found that etoposide increased XPC expression in an AKT activation manner in 2 squamous cell carcinoma H1703 and H520 cells. Knockdown of XPC using siRNA or inactivation of AKT by pharmacological inhibitor PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) enhanced the cytotoxic effects of etoposide. In contrast, enforced expression of XPC cDNA or AKT-CA (a constitutively active form of AKT) reduced the cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition of etoposide. Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG enhanced cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition of etoposide in NSCLC cells, which were associated with the downregulation of XPC expression and inactivation of AKT. Our findings suggested that the Hsp90 inhibition induced XPC downregulation involved in enhancing the etoposide-induced cytotoxicity in H1703 and H520 cells.
SLCO1B1 c.521T>C Genotyping in the Austrian Population Using 2 Commercial Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays: An Implementation Study
Authors: Enko Dietmar , Harringer Sophia , Oberkanins Christian , Pühringer Helene , Halwachs-Baumann Gabriele , Kriegshäuser Gernot
Published: June 2018

Statin-induced myopathy is reported to be significantly associated with the SCLO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism. To date, SLCO1B1 c.521T>C epidemiologic data for the Austrian population is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the genotype and allele frequencies of the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C variant in Austria and evaluating the clinical performance of 2 commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Genomic DNA isolated from 181 healthy individuals was analyzed for the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism in a comparative manner using the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C RealFastTM Assay and the BioPro SLCO1B1 Genotyping real-time PCR Kit. A total of 10 (5.5%) and 44 (24.3%) out of 181 individuals were SLCO1B1 c.521T>C C/C-homo- and ­C/T-heterozygotes, the genotypes indicative of high and increased risk of statin-induced myopathy, respectively. The SLCO1B1 c.521C allele frequency rate was 17.7%. In conclusion, the genetic predisposition of elevated statin-induced myopathy risk in the Austrian population is frequent. Both real-time PCR assays under investigation here are reliable and robust SLCO1B1 c.521T>C genotyping tools in clinical routine.