bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Parameter Interval Estimation of NC Machine Tools considering Working Conditions
Authors: Hongzhou Li , Lixia Sun
Published: September 2017

Aiming at the problem that the parameter interval estimation of NC machine tool’s reliability model considering working conditions established by Hongzhou is difficult to implement, given that it has several independent variables, an improved interval estimation method based on Bootstrap is proposed. Firstly, the two‐step estimation method was used to calculate the point estimation of NC machine tool’s reliability parameter in test field, based on which B resamplings are generated based on the point estimation. The reliability parameter’s point estimation of the resamplings was obtained by maximum likelihood estimation. Permutation of B point estimations was made in ascending order and the interval estimations were obtained by the α quantile of the permutation. Case study indicated that the location and length of the interval estimation of NC machine tools’ reliability parameter, under different levels of working condition covariates, vary obviously.
Reduced MLH3 Expression in the Syndrome of Gan‐Shen Yin Deficiency in Patients with Different Diseases
Authors: Du Juan , Zhong Maofeng , Liu Dong , Liang Shufang , Liu Xiaolin , Cheng Binbin , Zhang Yani , Yin Zifei , Wang Yuan , Ling Changquan
Published: September 2017

Traditional Chinese medicine formulates treatment according to body constitution (BC) differentiation. Different constitutions have specific metabolic characteristics and different susceptibility to certain diseases. This study aimed to assess the characteristic genes of gan‐shen Yin deficiency constitution in different diseases. Fifty primary liver cancer (PLC) patients, 94 hypertension (HBP) patients, and 100 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients were enrolled and classified into gan‐shen Yin deficiency group and non‐gan‐shen Yin deficiency group according to the body constitution questionnaire to assess the clinical manifestation of patients. The mRNA expressions of 17 genes in PLC patients with gan‐shen Yin deficiency were different from those without gan‐shen Yin deficiency. However, considering all patients with PLC, HBP, and DM, only MLH3 was significantly lower in gan‐shen Yin deficiency group than that in non‐gen‐shen Yin deficiency. By ROC analysis, the relationship between MLH3 and gan‐shen Yin deficiency constitution was confirmed. Treatment of MLH3 (−/− and −/+) mice with Liuweidihuang wan, classical prescriptions for Yin deficiency, partly ameliorates the body constitution of Yin deficiency in MLH3 (−/+) mice, but not in MLH3 (−/−) mice. MLH3 might be one of material bases of gan‐shen Yin deficiency constitution.
Meningeal TB in a 39-Year-Old Male Presenting with Headache
Authors: Selinger Jason , Baage Thar El
Published: September 2017

Meningeal tuberculosis is rare in the developed world, with only 92 cases of meningeal TB reported in the United States in 2014 according to the CDC (CDC, 2015). We describe the case of a 39-year-old male with a history of alcohol abuse, whose cerebral spinal fluid acid fast smears confirmed TB only weeks after his death. His only initial presenting symptom was headache, and his condition declined rapidly during his hospitalization.
3D Liver Tumor Segmentation in CT Images Using Improved Fuzzy C-Means and Graph Cuts
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Zhou Zhuhuang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Yanhua
Published: September 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) liver tumor segmentation from Computed Tomography (CT) images is a prerequisite for computer-aided diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of liver cancer. Despite many years of research, 3D liver tumor segmentation remains a challenging task. In this paper, an efficient semiautomatic method was proposed for liver tumor segmentation in CT volumes based on improved fuzzy C-means (FCM) and graph cuts. With a single seed point, the tumor volume of interest (VOI) was extracted using confidence connected region growing algorithm to reduce computational cost. Then, initial foreground/background regions were labeled automatically, and a kernelized FCM with spatial information was incorporated in graph cuts segmentation to increase segmentation accuracy. The proposed method was evaluated on the public clinical dataset (3Dircadb), which included 15 CT volumes consisting of various sizes of liver tumors. We achieved an average volumetric overlap error (VOE) of 29.04% and Dice similarity coefficient (DICE) of 0.83, with an average processing time of 45 s per tumor. The experimental results showed that the proposed method was accurate for 3D liver tumor segmentation with a reduction of processing time.
XRRA1 Targets ATM/CHK1/2-Mediated DNA Repair in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Guo Minzhang , Xia Xiaojun , Zhang Chao , Zeng Yuan , Wu Sipei
Published: September 2017

X-ray radiation resistance associated 1 (XRRA1) has been found to regulate the response of human tumor and normal cells to X-radiation (XR). Although XRRA1 overexpression is known to be involved in cancer cell response to XR, there are no reports about whether the expression of XRRA1 in tumors can adjust radioresistance. It is widely known that cell cycle arrest could cause radioresistance. We found that blocked XRRA1 expression could lead to cell cycle G2/M arrest by the regulation of cyclin A, cyclin E, and p21 proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC) and expression of XRRA1 reduced cell cycle arrest and increased cell proliferation in CRC. However, whether regulation of the cell cycle by XRRA1 can influence radioresistance is poorly characterized. Correspondingly, DNA repair can effectively lead to radioresistance. In our study, when cancer cells were exposed to drugs and ionizing radiation, low expression of XRRA1 could increase the phosphorylation of DNA repair pathway factors CHK1, CHK2, and ATM and reduce the expression of γ-H2AX, which is believed to participate in DNA repair in the nucleus. Crucially, our results identify a novel link between XRRA1 and the ATM/CHK1/2 pathway and suggest that XRRA1 is involved in a DNA damage response that drives radio- and chemoresistance by regulating the ATM/CHK1/2 pathway.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Industrialization Process in Prefabricated Residential Buildings Using a Fuzzy Multicriteria Decision‐Making Method
Authors: Liang Huakang , Zhang Shoujian , Su Yikun
Published: September 2017

To alleviate the housing pressure and achieve a sustainable society, prefabricated residential building (PRB) has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. The usage of prefabricated components in the building represents a significant indicator that is traditionally used to differentiate the PRB from the traditional building. However, it cannot provide details on the efficiency of the industrialization process in the PRB. The main goal of this paper is to develop a composite index to measure the multidimensional concept of industrialization efficiency. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (fuzzy AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) are applied to combine the hierarchical structure of indicators into one overall index. Finally, the industrialization efficiency assessment of three PRBs is chosen as a case to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. It can effectively quantify experts’ linguistic expressions on the performance of the PRB in different established indicators. This research can provide a decision support tool to assess and continuously promote the improvement of industrialization production in the housing industry.
Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes in Children: A Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Gu Yi , Wang Yi , Li Pin , Wei Haiyan , Chen Linqi , Liu Qianqi , Liu Yu , Yang Qiaozhi , Cheng Xinran , He Lanjie , Wei Liya , Zhu Zhiying , Chen Yongxing , Wang Fengyun , Shi Xing , Cheng Yuxian , Wei Yan , Yu Jianing , Gong Chunxiu
Published: September 2017

Background. To investigate the hospital-based incidence of FT1D in Chinese children and compare the clinical feature with classical T1DM. Methods. A cross-sectional study with sixteen hospitals involved. We obtained 23 FT1D cases as group 1, acute-onset T1DM as group 2, and typical T1DM as group 3. Results. The incidence of FT1D was 1.56% in 16 participating hospitals. The mean age at the onset of group 1 was 2.00 (1.08, 6.51) years old, much younger than that of group 2 (6.11 (3.92, 9.50)) and group 3 (6.92 (4.17, 10.03)). In addition, significant differences were found between three groups: mean BMI and flu-like symptoms with fever and abdominal pain. Follow-up comparison of three groups from Beijing Children’s Hospital for at least one year showed that there is no significant difference between the three groups in terms of mean HbA1c levels and insulin injection dosages. Conclusion. FT1D onset age is much younger than that of classical T1D patients. The hospital-based incidence of FT1D in Chinese children was 1.56% in all new-onset T1DM. For the diagnosis, making FT1D alone into a subtype within type 1 diabetes may be meaningful. However, for the treatment and prognosis, such classification should not be helpful to the clinic.
A Case of Rituximab-Induced Necrotizing Fasciitis and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Abdulkareem Abdullateef , D’Souza Ryan S. , Shogbesan Oluwaseun , Donato Anthony
Published: September 2017

Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant soft tissue infection characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. Rituximab is a generally well-tolerated immunosuppresive medication used for B-cell malignancies and some rheumatological disorders. We report a case of a 69-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who suffered necrotizing fasciitis of his left lower extremity secondary to Clostridium septicum 7 weeks after treatment with rituximab. Despite immediate intravenous antimicrobial therapy and emergent fasciotomy with extensive debridement, his hospital course was complicated by septic shock and he required an above-the-knee amputation. Physicians need to be aware of the possibility of necrotizing fasciitis in patients presenting with skin infections after rituximab therapy.
Inverse Kinematic Solutions of Dual Redundant Camera Robot Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Libo , He Jingjie , Wang Su
Published: September 2017

Inverse kinematic solutions for a dual redundant camera robot in position are examined in order to alleviate operation difficulty and reduce time. The inverse kinematic algorithm is based on a basic genetic algorithm, and the genetic algorithm which is used to solve the problem of a redundant robot is mainly optimized in the joint space. On this basis, the genetic algorithm improvement strategies are studied. In this paper, a genetic algorithm with constrained 2 redundant degrees of freedom (DOF) is proposed through setting 2 parameter variables, with more flexible structure of optimization objective function and more efficient algorithm than basic genetic algorithm. Finally, the result of inverse kinematic algorithm is achieved in terms of the physical prototype.
Pneumocephalus Following Self-Inflicted Penetrating Brain Injury
Authors: Ho Che-Fang , Tam Yuan-Yun , Wu Chia-Chen
Published: September 2017

Objective. Pneumocephalus is a rare complication that often occurs after traumatic skull base injury, leading to morbidity and mortality. Material and Method. We present the case of a 42-year-old healthy man who injured himself when he stuck a metal stick into his left nasal cavity to relieve prolonged nasal obstruction. Immediate cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and subsequent meningitis and pneumocephalus occurred later. He was presented at our hospital with fever and meningeal signs. Result. Computed tomography scans revealed left rhinosinusitis and air collection in the subarachnoid space. The patient received the conservative treatment of bed rest, intravenous hydration, head elevation, and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Pneumocephalus and meningitis resolved without any surgery, and he experienced no other sequela or complication. Conclusion. Pneumocephalus is a rare incidence and can lead to high morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment of pneumocephalus and meningitis proved beneficial for our patient who recovered without any complication or surgery.
Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Use of Propofol Plus Fentanyl versus Midazolam Plus Fentanyl as Sedation in Diagnostic Endoscopy in Patients with Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Ahmed Sameh Abdelkhalik , Selim Amal , Hawash Nehad , Tawfik Ahmed Khaled , Yousef Mohamed , Kobtan Abdelrahman , Badawi Rehab , Elnawasany Sally , Elkhouly Reham Abdelkader , Hanafy Amr Shaaban , Rizk Fatma H. , Mansour Loai , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: September 2017

Objectives.We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of propofol plus fentanyl versus midazolam plus fentanyl as sedative for patients with advanced liver disease presented for gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods.A total of 100 patients with liver cirrhosis referred for upper endoscopy were enrolled and divided equally in two groups, midazolam plus fentanyl group and propofol plus fentanyl group. All patients were subjected to history taking, estimation of level of sedation, endoscopist rating, and hemodynamic parameters including oxygen saturation, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, incidence of side effect as (bradycardia, hypotension, hypoxia, nausea and vomiting, cough, shivering, or diplopia), time needed for complete recovery, and time needed for discharge.Results.There was no statistical significant difference between the studied groups regarding age, sex, weight, Child–Pugh classification score, type and duration of endoscopic intervention, time needed for complete recovery, or time needed for discharge. Complication rates were similar in both groups except for mean arterial blood pressure which was significantly lower in group of patients receiving propofol and fentanyl (P=0.001).Conclusion.The use of either propofol or midazolam in combination to fentanyl is effective in sedation of patients with advanced liver diseases presented for upper GIT endoscope. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03063866.
Physical Activity May Be Associated with Conditioned Pain Modulation in Women but Not Men among Healthy Individuals
Authors: Shiro Yukiko , Ikemoto Tatsunori , Terasawa Yuta , Arai Young-Chang P. , Hayashi Kazuhiro , Ushida Takahiro , Matsubara Takako
Published: September 2017

Background. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM), a phenomenon also known as diffuse noxious inhibitory control, is thought to be affected by various factors, including sex and level of physical activity. However, the involvement of these factors in CPM remains unclear. Methods. Eighty-six healthy young subjects (M/F, 43/43) participated in this study. Participants were assessed on the basis of their mechanical pressure pain threshold (PPT), CPM response, body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over a week, using a motion counter. Response to CPM was evaluated as PPT during painful cold stimulation relative to baseline PPT. Results. Men showed significantly higher baseline PPT than women; however, this difference was no longer significant after controlling for confounders. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses revealed BMR to be a significant contributor towards baseline PPT in the entire study population. In contrast, although there were no significant contributors to CPM response among men and in the overall study group, MVPA was positively associated with CPM response among women (β = 0.397). Conclusions. These results suggest that, among healthy young individuals, CPM response may be associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in women but not in men.
Role of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiome in the Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sohail Muhammad U. , Althani Asmaa , Anwar Haseeb , Rizzi Roberto , Marei Hany E.
Published: September 2017

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing throughout the world. Although the exact cause of the disease is not fully clear, perhaps, genetics, ethnic origin, obesity, age, and lifestyle are considered as few of many contributory factors for the disease pathogenesis. In recent years, the disease progression is particularly linked with functional and taxonomic alterations in the gastrointestinal tract microbiome. A change in microbial diversity, referred as microbial dysbiosis, alters the gut fermentation profile and intestinal wall integrity and causes metabolic endotoxemia, low-grade inflammation, autoimmunity, and other affiliated metabolic disorders. This article aims to summarize the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Additionally, we summarize gut microbial dysbiosis in preclinical and clinical diabetes cases reported in literature in the recent years.
Survival Outcomes in Cancer Patients Predicted by a Partial EMT Gene Expression Scoring Metric
Authors: George Jason T. , Jolly Mohit Kumar , Xu Shengnan , Somarelli Jason A. , Levine Herbert
Published: September 2017

Metastasis is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality for many cancer patients and remains a major obstacle for effective treatment. In many tissue types, metastasis is fueled by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)—a dynamic process characterized by phenotypic and morphologic changes concomitant with increased migratory and invasive potential. Recent experimental and theoretical evidence suggests that cells can be stably halted en route to EMT in a hybrid E/M phenotype. Cells in this phenotype tend to move collectively, forming clusters of circulating tumor cells that are key tumor-initiating agents. Here, we developed an inferential model built on the gene expression of multiple cancer subtypes to devise an EMT metric that characterizes the degree to which a given cell line exhibits hybrid E/M features. Our model identified drivers and fine-tuners of epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and recapitulated the behavior observed in multiple in vitro experiments across cancer types. We also predicted and experimentally validated the hybrid E/M status of certain cancer cell lines, including DU145 and A549. Finally, we demonstrated the relevance of predicted EMT scores to patient survival and observed that the role of the hybrid E/M phenotype in characterizing tumor aggressiveness is tissue and subtype specific. Our algorithm is a promising tool to quantify the EMT spectrum, to investigate the correlation of EMT score with cancer treatment response and survival, and to provide an important metric for systematic clinical risk stratification and treatment. Cancer Res; 77(22); 6415–28. ©2017 AACR.
The DNA Repair Inhibitor Dbait Is Specific for Malignant Hematologic Cells in Blood
Authors: Thierry Sylvain , Jdey Wael , Alculumbre Solana , Soumelis Vassili , Noguiez-Hellin Patricia , Dutreix Marie
Published: September 2017

Hematologic malignancies are rare cancers that develop refractory disease upon patient relapse, resulting in decreased life expectancy and quality of life. DNA repair inhibitors are a promising strategy to treat cancer but are limited by their hematologic toxicity in combination with conventional chemotherapies. Dbait are large molecules targeting the signaling of DNA damage and inhibiting all the double-strand DNA break pathways. Dbait have been shown to sensitize resistant solid tumors to radiotherapy and platinum salts. Here, we analyze the efficacy and lack of toxicity of AsiDNA, a cholesterol form of Dbait, in hematologic malignancies. We show that AsiDNA enters cells via LDL receptors and activates its molecular target, the DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) in 10 lymphoma and leukemia cell lines (Jurkat-E6.1, MT-4, MOLT-4, 174xCEM.T2, Sup-T1, HuT-78, Raji, IM-9, THP-1, and U-937) and in normal primary human PBMCs, resting or activated T cells, and CD34+ progenitors. The treatment with AsiDNA induced necrotic and mitotic cell death in most cancer cell lines and had no effect on blood or bone marrow cells, including immune activation, proliferation, or differentiation. Sensitivity to AsiDNA was independent of p53 status. Survival to combined treatment with conventional therapies (etoposide, cyclophosphamides, vincristine, or radiotherapy) was analyzed by isobolograms and combination index. AsiDNA synergized with all treatments, except vincristine, without increasing their toxicity to normal blood cells. AsiDNA is a novel, potent, and wide-range drug with the potential to specifically increase DNA-damaging treatment toxicity in tumor without adding toxicity in normal hematologic cells or inducing immune dysregulation. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2817–27. ©2017 AACR.
IKZF1 Gene in Childhood B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Interplay between Genetic Susceptibility and Somatic Abnormalities
Authors: Lopes Bruno A. , Barbosa Thayana C. , Souza Bruna K.S. , Poubel Caroline P. , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. , Emerenciano Mariana
Published: September 2017

SNPs in IKZF1 are associated with inherited susceptibility to B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Besides, somatic copy number abnormalities (CNA) in genes related to lymphopoiesis (e.g., IKZF1, CDKN2A/B, BTG1) impact patient's outcome. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate an association between germline susceptibility and CNAs in BCP-ALL. The IKZF1 SNPs (rs11978267 and rs4132601) were genotyped in 276 cases and 467 controls. Bone marrow samples were used to determine the presence of somatic abnormalities. The IKZF1 transcript levels were quantified and associated with the SNPs and CNAs. Categorical variables were compared by χ2 test. ORs were estimated with unconditional logistic regression with 95% confidence interval (CI). The variant allele of IKZF1 rs4132601 conferred increased risk of BCP-ALL (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.16–3.74). Individuals with either rs11978267 or rs4132601 had an increased risk for harboring IKZF1 deletion (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.25–6.23 and OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.24–6.69, respectively). Increased risks were observed for individuals harboring both IKZF1 and BTG1 deletions (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.65–14.55, rs11978267 and OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 1.94–17.41, rs4132601). Germline genetic variation increases the risk for childhood ALL in general, but also acts as a susceptibility factor bound for risk of specific somatic alterations. These findings provide new insight into the development of childhood ALL regarding causal variants and the biological basis of the risk association, offering the opportunity for future tailored research. Cancer Prev Res; 10(12); 738–44. ©2017 AACR.
A Mouse Model of Anaphylaxis and Atopic Dermatitis to Salt-Soluble Wheat Protein Extract
Authors: Jin Yining , Ebaugh Sarah , Martens Anna , Gao Haoran , Olson Eric , Ng Perry K.W. , Gangur Venu
Published: September 2017

Background: Wheat allergy and other immune-mediated disorders triggered by wheat proteins are growing at an alarming rate for reasons not well understood. A mouse model to study hypersensitivity responses to salt-soluble wheat protein (SSWP) extract is currently unavailable. Here we tested the hypothesis that SSWP extract from wheat will induce sensitization as well as allergic disease in mice. Methods: Female BALB/cJ mice were weaned onto a plant protein-free diet. The mice were injected a total of 4 times with an SSWP (0.01 mg/mouse) fraction extracted from durum wheat along with alum as an adjuvant. Blood was collected biweekly and SSWP-specific IgE (SIgE) and total IgE (TIgE) levels were measured using ELISA. Systemic anaphylaxis upon intraperitoneal injection with SSWP was quantified by hypothermia shock response (HSR). Mucosal mast cell degranulation was measured by the elevation of mMCP-1 in the blood. The mice were monitored for dermatitis. Skin tissues were used in histopathology and for measuring cytokine/chemokine/adhesion molecule levels using a protein microarray system. Results: Injection with SSWP resulted in time-dependent SIgE antibody responses associated with the elevation of TIgE concentration. Challenge with SSWP elicited severe HSR that correlated with a significant elevation of plasma mMCP-1 levels. Sensitized mice developed facial dermatitis associated with mast cell degranulation. Lesions expressed significant elevation of Th2/Th17/Th1 cytokines and chemokines and E-selectin adhesion molecule. Conclusion: Here we report a mouse model of anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis to SSWP extract that may be used for further basic and applied research on wheat allergy.
Novel STIL Compound Heterozygous Mutations Cause Severe Fetal Microcephaly and Centriolar Lengthening
Authors: Cristofoli Francesca , De Keersmaecker Bart , De Catte Luc , Vermeesch Joris R. , Van Esch Hilde
Published: September 2017

STIL (SCL/TAL1 interrupting locus) is a core component of the centriole duplication process. STIL mutations have been associated with both autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) and holoprosencephaly. In this report, we describe a family with multiple miscarriages and 2 terminations of pregnancy due to marked fetal microcephaly, delayed cortical gyrification, and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. Whole exome sequencing allowed us to identify novel compound heterozygous mutations in STIL. The mutations lie, respectively, in the CPAP/CENPJ and the hsSAS6 interacting domains of STIL. M-phase synchronized amniocytes from both affected fetuses did not display an aberrant number of centrioles, as shown previously for either STIL-depleted or overexpressing cells. However, we observed an elongation of at least 1 centriole for each duplicated centrosome. These preliminary results may point to a novel mechanism causing MCPH and embryonic lethality in humans.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Therapy for Retinal Vein Occlusion Macular Oedema and Conversion to Ranibizumab in Clinical Practice
Authors: Balal Shafi , Than Jonathan , Tekriwal Sharmila , Lobo Aires
Published: September 2017

Purpose: Evaluation of outcomes in retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) for: (1) multiple repeat dexamethasone (DEX) injections and (2) conversion from DEX to ranibizumab. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study evaluating outcomes of multiple DEX injections and those requiring conversion to ranibizumab at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Bedford, UK. All patients had undergone a complete ophthalmic work-up. Results: Patients (n = 129) had a mean follow-up of 19.9 months. The mean improvement in central retinal thickness was 312 μm after final DEX (p = <0.0001). Mean peak best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after final DEX was an improvement of 16 ETDRS letters (p < 0.0001). Forty-nine patients were converted and received a mean of 9.37 ranibizumab injections with a mean improvement in BCVA of 15 ETDRS letters (p < 0.0001) compared with final DEX. Conclusions: This study supports the use of ranibizumab in eyes previously treated with DEX and provides long-term efficacy and safety data for multiple DEX injection.
Could Sublingual Immunotherapy Affect Oral Health in Children with Asthma and/or Allergic Rhinitis Sensitized to House Dust Mite?
Authors: Kiykim Ayca , Mumcu Gonca , Ogulur Ismail , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Direskeneli Haner , Baris Safa , Cagan Hasret , Ozen Ahmet
Published: September 2017

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been successfully employed in IgE-mediated respiratory allergies. However, it is not known whether the modulation of immune responses in the sublingual area during SLIT has any deleterious effect on oral health. We sought to determine the oral health prospectively in children receiving SLIT for house dust mite allergy. Material and Methods: Eighteen children with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis and 31 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were included in an open-labeled trial. Oral health was evaluated by scoring the decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary (dmft) and permanent (DMFT) dentition, and the plaque and gingival indices. Moreover, cariogenic food intake and teeth-brushing habits were also noted at baseline and at 19 months. Results: The mean age of the SLIT participants was 9.5 ± 3.1 years and that of the HC was 9.2 ± 3.7 years. The mean duration of SLIT was 19.13 ± 3.81 months. At baseline, the total dmft and DMFT indices were similar in the SLIT and HC groups (p > 0.05), which demonstrated poor hygiene overall. In the within-group comparisons at the examination at 19 months, the SLIT group had a lower number of carious primary teeth and a higher number of filled primary teeth compared to the count at baseline (p = 0.027 and p = 0.058, respectively). Conclusion: Our study showed no detrimental effect of SLIT on oral health during a period of 19 months of follow-up. Parents should be motivated to use dental health services to prevent new caries formation since our cohort had overall poor oral hygiene at the baseline.
ЩОДО ПИТАННЯ ГЛОБАЛЬНОГО ТЯГАРЯ ХВОРОБ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Dzyuba O. M. , Pazynych L. M. , Sitenko O. R. , Kryvenko Ye. M.
Published: September 2017

Мета роботи – висвітлити питання глобального тягаря хвороб на підставі вивчення літературних джерел.Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні застосовано бібліосемантичний та аналітичний методи. Розглянуто офіційні нормативні документи та статистичні дані щодо висвітлення проблем глобального тягаря хвороб в Україні.Результати. Основними досягненнями у сфері охорони здоров’я  можна вважати: збільшення середньої тривалості життя, подолання багатьох інфекційних хвороб, розвиток профілактичних технологій, появу генної медицини, створення нових поколінь ліків, збільшення частки від ВВП на охорону здоров’я, розвиток сучасних медичних технологій, високий професіоналізм медичного персоналу, підвищення рівня життя в цілому.Висновки. Інвестування в профілактику та більш ефективну боротьбу з неінфекційними захворюваннями дозволить вагомо поліпшити якість життя і підвищити добробут людей і суспільства.
ЛІЖКОВИЙ ФОНД ВІДДІЛЕНЬ СЕРЦЕВО-СУДИННОЇ ТА РЕНТГЕНОЕНДОВАСКУЛЯРНОЇ ХІРУРГІЇ ДЛЯ НАДАННЯ НЕВІДКЛАДНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ПАЦІЄНТАМ З ІНФАРКТОМ МІОКАРДА В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Terenda N. O. , Shulhai A. H.
Published: September 2017

Мета роботи – розрахунок рекомендованої кількості ліжок у відділеннях серцево-судинної та рентгеноендоваскулярної хірургії для проведення СКА з БАП у хворих ІМ.Матеріали і методи. Матеріалом дослідження слугували дані Центру медичної статистики МОЗ України про рівень поширеності ІМ серед населення України та його кількісний склад у 2015 році. У роботі використано епідеміологічний, демографічний, аналітичний, статистичний методи дослідження.Результати. В дослідженні запропоновано адаптовану методику розрахунку рекомендованої кількості ліжок у відділеннях серцево-судинної та рентгеноендоваскулярної хірургії для проведення СКА з БАП у хворих з ІМ залежно від поширеності даної патології та кількісного складу населення. Проведено їх розрахунок для окремих областей та районів України. При розподілі по районах максимальна кількість ліжок необхідна для Південно-Східного району – 30,2 %, Центрального – 21,5 % та Західного – 21,0 % районів.Висновки. Встановлено необхідність включення в багатопрофільні лікарні відділень серцево-судинної та рентгеноендоваскулярної хірургії з рентгеноопераційним блоком для проведення СКА з БАП хворим з ІМ. Рекомендована кількість ліжок для них в Україні становить 205. Запропонована необхідна кількість ліжок по районах дозволить здійснити диференційований підхід у плануванні ліжкового фонду лікувально-профілактичних закладів.
ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ЛІКУВАННЯ ХВОРИХ НА ВПЕРШЕ ДІАГНОСТОВАНИЙ ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗ ЛЕГЕНЬ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД ТОКСИЧНОГО УРАЖЕННЯ ПЕЧІНКИ
Authors: Okusok O. M. , Hryshchuk L. A. , Maliy Y. M.
Published: September 2017

Мета: аналіз ефективності лікування хворих на вперше діагностований туберкульоз легень залежно від токсичного ураження печінки.Матеріали і методи Досліджено 57 випадків стаціонарного лікування хворих з уперше діагностованим туберкульозом легень. Пацієнти були розподілені на дві групи залежно від виникнення токсичних уражень печінки під час лікування. До першої групи увійшли 29 хворих, у яких під час лікування виявлені токсичні ураження печінки, до другої – 28 хворих, у яких не спостерігались токсичні ураження печінки під час лікування.Результати. Встановлено, що максимальна кількість токсичних ускладнень (48,3%) з боку печінки спостерігається на другому місяці стаціонарного лікування. У пацієнтів без токсичного ураження печінки показники ефективності лікування були кращими, ніж у першій групі. Припинення бактеріовиділення відмічалось у 88,0% пацієнтів другої групи та у 75,0% першої, закриття порожнин розпаду – у 77,8% проти 62,5% відповідно.Висновки. Токсичні ураження печінки впливають на ефективність стаціонарного лікування хворих на туберкульоз легень.
A study on the density, population structure and regeneration of Red Sanders Pterocarpus santalinus (Fabales: Fabaceae) in a protected natural habitat - Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Ankalaiah Chenchu , Mastan Thondaladinne , Reddy Mullangi Sridhar
Published: September 2017

Pterocarpus santalinus is a highly valued medium-sized leguminous endemic tree with a restricted range in the southern Eastern Ghats deciduous forests.  The enumeration in four 1ha plots has yielded a total of 878 Red Sanders tree individuals (≥30cm girth at breast height - gbh) with a range of 165–246 individuals per ha and 9–51 individuals per 0.01ha.  The size class structure revealed that the majority of individuals occurred in lower gbh classes with 364 individuals (39.5%) in 30–50 cm gbh class and 420 individuals (45.6%) in 51–70 cm gbh class, while in the higher gbh class (71–90 cm gbh) only 129 individuals (14%) and seven individuals in >90cm gbh class were recorded.  Overall the population structure indicated a low ratio change in lower gbh classes suggesting a stable population.  A higher percentage of life stages in recruitment stage like seedlings and saplings than trees was observed and the feature of re-sprouting from roots after fire damage was also recorded.  A bottleneck progress from regenerating trees to adult trees was noticed, may be due to slow growth of the species.  High stem density and presence of individuals in all the regenerating and reproductive classes suggest that Red Sanders is tolerant to mild disturbance.  But the drastic reduction in the density in higher gbh class reflects the concern for recruitment in future as it may affect the seed output due to loss of reproductively fit mature trees.
First record of Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) from Jammu & Kashmir, India
Authors: Sharma Neeraj
Published: September 2017

Rufous Tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes a southward passage migrant to India, has an extremely large range in Europe, north and south Africa, central Asia (Kazakhstan and China), middle east to northern Pakistan. Of the five sub-species occurring worldwide, C. g. familiaris, the nominate is a rare fall (September-October) southward migrant to north west India (Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat) but has not so far been reported from the state of Jammu and Kashmir and thus a new record for the state.
Spiders of Gujarat: a preliminary checklist
Authors: Yadav Archana , Solanki Reshma , Siliwal Manju , Kumar Dolly
Published: September 2017

This is a very first attempt to compile a checklist of spiders from Gujarat.  It is a result of primary data as well as based on published literature.  The spider diversity of Gujarat consists of 415 species under 169 genera and 40 families.  Out of these, 29 genera and 17 families are endemic to Gujarat.  Overall, high spider diversity was recorded from zone III with 33 families, 132 genera and 278 species.  Whereas, the zone with the least spider records was zone VI with only 16 families, 39 genera and 70 species.  This is an under estimated number and many new records as well as new species are expected as a result of more systematic studies on spiders in this region.
A second record of the Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae: Leptobrachium bompu Sondhi & Ohler, 2011) with a note on its morphological variations and natural history
Authors: Saikia Bhaskar , Sinha Bikramjit , Kharkongor Ilona J.
Published: September 2017

A single male specimen of Leptobrachium bompu was collected from Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh in 2015.  This is the first report of this species after its original description in 2011 based on a male specimen.  The present collection locality is about 200km from the type locality.  Additional notes on morphological variations have added to the much-needed study on the intra-specific variation of the species.
Winter food habits of the Golden Jackal Canis aureus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Khan Khursid A. , Khan Jamal A. , Mohan Narendra
Published: September 2017

Golden Jackal (Canis aurius indicus) survives in a wide range of environment. Its foraging adaptation varies according to quality and abundance of food sources. The food habits also fluctuate according to season and habitat. This study investigated the diet composition of Golden Jackal using scat analysis method collected between November 2012 and April 2013 from Patna Bird Sanctuary (PBS), Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 83 scats of Golden Jackal were collected and analysed. Sixteen food items were identified in Golden Jackal scats. Birds contributed maximum (ca. 38.92%) in Golden Jackal diet followed by rodents (ca. 12.14%), insects (ca. 8.92%), reptile (ca. 8.57%), vegetative matter (ca. 13.56%), rufous-tailed hare (ca. 6.07%), cattle (ca. 2.5%), squirrel (ca.1.42%), nilgai (ca.1.07%) and common palm civet (ca. 0.71 %). However (ca. 6.07 %) of prey items could not identified in Golden Jackal scats. Out of (ca. 38.92%) in bird’s contribution egret alone contributed about (ca.20.35%) in Golden Jackal diet followed by gargeny (ca. 8.93%), greater caucal (ca. 5.71%), babbler (ca.1.07%) and (ca. 2.85%) remains of birds were could not identified as per species level. This study is conducted to find out food habits of Golden Jackal and its impact on bird community structure.
Magnitude and Characteristics of Patients Who Survived an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Wang Tracy Y. , Gurwitz Jerry , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , McManus David , Gore Joel , Peterson Eric , Goldberg Robert J.
Published: September 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe the magnitude and characteristics of patients who did not experience any significant major adverse cardiovascular event early (within 6 weeks) and late (during the first year) after hospital discharge for an acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
).

Methods and Results

Data from 12 243 patients discharged after an
AMI
from 233 sites across the United States in the
TRANSLATE
‐
ACS
(Treatment With
ADP
Receptor Inhibitors: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome) study were analyzed. Multivariable adjusted regression analyses modeled factors associated with 6‐week and 1‐year survivors who did not experience a recurrent
AMI
, stroke, unplanned coronary revascularization, or rehospitalization for unstable angina/chest pain during these time periods. The average age of this study population was 60.0 years, 72.0% were men, and 87.9% were white. In this population, 92.4% were classified as early low‐risk survivors and 76.3% were classified as late low‐risk survivors of an
AMI
. Factors associated with being an early and late postdischarge survivor included being male and having single‐vessel coronary artery disease at the patient's index hospitalization. Patients who were not first seen with any chronic health condition, had an index hospital stay of ≤3 days, and had high baseline quality‐of‐life scores were more likely to be late low‐risk survivors.

Conclusions

Identifying low‐risk survivors of an
AMI
may permit healthcare providers to focus more intensive efforts and interventions on those at higher risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events during the postdischarge transition period.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01088503.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Moderate Exercise Training in Marfan Syndrome: Insights From an Animal Model
Authors: Mas‐Stachurska Aleksandra , Siegert Anna‐Maria , Batlle Monsterrat , Gorbenko del Blanco Darya , Meirelles Thayna , Rubies Cira , Bonorino Fabio , Serra‐Peinado Carla , Bijnens Bart , Baudin Julio , Sitges Marta , Mont Lluís , Guasch Eduard , Egea Gustavo
Published: September 2017

Background

Marfan syndrome (MF) leads to aortic root dilatation and a predisposition to aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, and primary and secondary cardiomyopathy. Overall, regular physical exercise is recommended for a healthy lifestyle, but dynamic sports are strongly discouraged in MF patients. Nonetheless, evidence supporting this recommendation is lacking. Therefore, we studied the role of long‐term dynamic exercise of moderate intensity on the MF cardiovascular phenotype.

Methods and Results

In a transgenic mouse model of MF (
Fbn1
C1039G/+
), 4‐month‐old wild‐type and MF mice were subjected to training on a treadmill for 5 months; sedentary littermates served as controls for each group. Aortic and cardiac remodeling was assessed by echocardiography and histology. The 4‐month‐old MF mice showed aortic root dilatation, elastic lamina rupture, and tunica media fibrosis, as well as cardiac hypertrophy, left ventricular fibrosis, and intramyocardial vessel remodeling. Over the 5‐month experimental period, aortic root dilation rate was significantly greater in the sedentary MF group, compared with the wild‐type group (∆mm, 0.27±0.07 versus 0.13±0.02, respectively). Exercise significantly blunted the aortic root dilation rate in MF mice compared with sedentary MF littermates (∆mm, 0.10±0.04 versus 0.27±0.07, respectively). However, these 2 groups were indistinguishable by aortic root stiffness, tunica media fibrosis, and elastic lamina ruptures. In MF mice, exercise also produced cardiac hypertrophy regression without changes in left ventricular fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our results in a transgenic mouse model of MF indicate that moderate dynamic exercise mitigates the progression of the MF cardiovascular phenotype.
How little do we know about the reproductive mode in the north African salamander, Salamandra algira? Pueriparity in divergent mitochondrial lineages of S. a. tingitana
Authors: Dinis Marco , Velo-Antón Guillermo
Published: September 2017

Salamandra algirais one of the few species of vertebrates that displays intraspecific variation in reproductive strategies, making it a valuable study model in reproductive mode evolution. How pueriparity (viviparity) inS. algiraarose remains unclear mainly due to insufficient information on the distribution of both reproductive modes in the species. This note summarizes what is known about pueriparous reproduction inS. algiraand adds new data on the distribution and geographic limits of both reproductive strategies and mitochondrial lineages withinS. a. tingitanaacross the Western Rif in Morocco, with possible implications for our understanding of the ecological context of pueriparity. The occurrence of pueriparity in two mitochondrial sublineages suggests multiple events of pueriparity evolution inS. algira, or a model of mitochondrial capture through hybridization and introgression across the contact zone.
Home range and habitat use of Beni anacondas (Eunectes beniensis) in Bolivia
Authors: De la Quintana Paola , Rivas Jesús A. , Valdivia Federico , Pacheco Luis F.
Published: September 2017

Understanding of snake ecology has increased over the past two decades, but is still limited for many species. This is particularly true for the recently described Beni anaconda (Eunectes beniensis). We present the results of a radio-telemetry study of nine (3M:6F) adult E. beniensis, including home range, and habitat use. We located the snakes 242 times in wet season, and 255 in dry season. Mean wet season home range (MCP) was 25.81 ha (6.7 to 39.4 ha); while mean dry season home range was 0.29 ha (0.13 to 0.42 ha). We found no relationship between home range size and either snout-vent length, weight, or sex. Beni anacondas seem to prefer swamps, and patujusal, while avoiding forest, and rice fields. However, habitat use by individual snakes seems to vary based on the habitats available within their respective home range. Notably, rice fields were avoided by most snakes, which suggests that this type of habitat is unsuitable for anaconda management.
Diasporic Sociality Online: A Rising ict-dependent Networking Culture and Its Work-life Boundaries (傳播科技與工作/生活界線：離散專業工作者的脈絡)
Authors: Kang (康庭瑜) Tingyu
Published: September 2017

This research examines the role oficts (Information and Communication Technologies) in blurring work-leisure boundaries among a recent wave of Chinese migrants in Britain, identifying a rising mode ofict-mediated diasporic sociality. In particular, it examines an emergingict-sustained after-work culture that extends their labor process into the leisure setting. Based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, the findings demonstrate how the limited human and social capital Chinese migrants possess encourages them to seek help for work and building client relationships within co-ethnic social ties through leisure events in non-working hours. This type of after-hours labor is discursively constructed as leisure and is characterized by itsict-savvy sociality.

本文指出一種由傳播科技中介的新興離散社群社交形式，分析傳播科技如何在新一代的中國移民中模糊他們工作與休閒的界線。透過訪談與參與觀察，本文的研究發現指出中國專業工作者由於其移民的經驗而有較為受限的人力資本和社會資本，這使得他們傾向利用非勞動工時在同族裔的專業工作者之中尋求社會資本。這些下班後的離散社交實踐具有幾種特點，包括：將勞動包裝為休閒並延伸至消費主義式的場景中、傳播科技在這些社交實踐之中的象徵性功能、以及扁平化的資訊傳播結構。 (This article is in English).
Long-distance Filial Piety: Chinese Families in Australasia Caring for Elderly Parents across Borders (長距離的孝道：紐西蘭與澳洲華人家庭的跨國父母照顧)
Authors: Ho (何式怡) Elsie Seckyee , Chiang (姜蘭虹) Lan-hung Nora
Published: September 2017

In this age of transnational migration, family structures and relationships are transformed as a result of family members living in two or more countries. Over the past three decades, the international migration of Chinese from East Asia to Australia and New Zealand is an example of the global phenomenon of transnationalism, where families employ bi- or multi-local strategies to meet the needs of family members at different stages of their life cycle. Despite this growing trend towards transnationalism, the care of older people in transnational settings has received little attention in studies on migration, transnationalism and care. Older members are in need of help and care when their children and other younger relatives change residence to other countries. In the case of older people who have followed their adult children to live in another country, the need for help and care can arise or increase when the health of the older migrants deteriorates, often making it necessary for other overseas family members to go between countries for the care of their elderly relatives.

This paper is based on 80 in-depth interviews with Chinese families in Australia and New Zealand where adult children are providing care to their aged parents living in Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kongsar. The study explores the transnational care-givers’ attitudes towards filial piety, and how filial responsibilities are performed through transnational care-giving. The findings offer insight into the ageing experience of elderly Chinese people in transnational contexts, and stimulates new thinking on broader issues of global human mobility and transnational aged care amongst contemporary Chinese families.

隨著全球化與跨國移民的興起，家庭結構與家庭關係因家庭成員分散在不同國家而改變，東亞華人因為移民紐西蘭與澳洲而影響家庭結構並改變家庭關係就是一個例子。過去三十年東亞華人移民到紐西蘭及澳洲的數量大幅增加，家庭成員運用雙方或多方的在地策略，來滿足他們在不同生命階段中的需求；雖然跨國主義普遍發生於各國，但相關長者照顧的研究並未受到重視。當年輕子女離家後，年長父母隨著健康的惡化，生活協助與健康照顧的需求跟著產生，有些父母會隨著子女移往移民國，有些則留在當地由其他親友或移民子女來回奔波照顧。

本研究透過深入訪談八十位居住澳洲與紐西蘭的台灣、香港及大陸移民，了解他們如何照顧居住在母國的年長父母。研究探索了跨國照顧者對孝道的看法，以及如何透過跨國照顧來盡孝道。研究結果從跨國移民脈絡中爬梳華人長者的老化經驗，擴展當代全球華人移動議題的討論視野並為跨國長者照顧議題注入新的看法。 (This article is in English).