bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diseases of Pulmonary Surfactant Homeostasis
Authors: Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Wert Susan E. , Weaver Timothy E.
Published: January 2015

Advances in physiology and biochemistry have provided fundamental insights into the role of pulmonary surfactant in the pathogenesis and treatment of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Identification of the surfactant proteins, lipid transporters, and transcriptional networks regulating their expression has provided the tools and insights needed to discern the molecular and cellular processes regulating the production and function of pulmonary surfactant prior to and after birth. Mutations in genes regulating surfactant homeostasis have been associated with severe lung disease in neonates and older infants. Biophysical and transgenic mouse models have provided insight into the mechanisms underlying surfactant protein and alveolar homeostasis. These studies have provided the framework for understanding the structure and function of pulmonary surfactant, which has informed understanding of the pathogenesis of diverse pulmonary disorders previously considered idiopathic. This review considers the pulmonary surfactant system and the genetic causes of acute and chronic lung disease caused by disruption of alveolar homeostasis.
Constitutional Courts in Comparative Perspective: A Theoretical Assessment
Authors: Vanberg Georg
Published: January 2015

In many democratic polities, constitutional courts significantly shape the political landscape. Yet, how they are able to do so is a puzzle: With limited resources at their disposal, and no direct powers of enforcement, judges must rely on the willingness of executives and legislators to comply with their decisions and to respect judicial authority. This essay surveys recent literature that has explored the conditions that sustain judicial authority. I contrast explanations that highlight the benefits that independent courts can provide to other policy makers (“endogenous explanations”) with explanations that emphasize the constraints that keep executives and legislators from undermining the judiciary (“exogenous explanations”). I conclude by exploring the role of strategic judicial behavior in maintaining and expanding judicial power.
Multiset Statistics for Gene Set Analysis
Authors: Newton Michael A. , Wang Zhishi
Published: January 2015

An important data analysis task in statistical genomics involves the integration of genome-wide gene-level measurements with preexisting data on the same genes. A wide variety of statistical methodologies and computational tools have been developed for this general task. We emphasize one particular distinction among methodologies, namely whether they process gene sets one at a time (uniset) or simultaneously via some multiset technique. Owing to the complexity of collections of gene sets, the multiset approach offers some advantages, as it naturally accommodates set-size variations and among-set overlaps. However, this approach presents both computational and inferential challenges. After reviewing some statistical issues that arise in uniset analysis, we examine two model-based multiset methods for gene list data.
Central Giant Cell Granuloma of Posterior Maxilla: First Expression of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Gulati Deepanshu , Bansal Vishal , Dubey Prajesh , Pandey Sanjay , Agrawal Abhinav
Published: January 2015

A case of 19-year-old male patient reported with the chief complaint of slowly growing diffuse painless swelling over the right part of the face from last 6 months. Intraoral examination revealed a swelling on right side of palate in relation to molar region with buccal cortical plate expansion. Radiographic examination (orthopantograph and 3DCT) showed large multilocular radiolucency in right maxilla with generalized loss of lamina dura. Incisional biopsy was done and specimen was sent for histopathological examination which showed multinucleated giant cells containing 15–30 nuclei. Based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings provisional diagnosis of central giant cell granuloma was made. Blood tests after histopathology demonstrated elevated serum calcium level and alkaline phosphatase level. Immunoassay of parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was found to be highly elevated. Radiographic examination of long bones like humerus and femur, mandible, and skull was also done which showed osteoclastic lesions. Considering the clinical, radiographic, histopathological, and blood investigation findings, final diagnosis of brown tumour of maxilla was made. The patient underwent partial parathyroidectomy under general anaesthesia to control primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgical removal of the bony lesion was done by curettage. The patient has been followed up for 1 year with no postoperative complications and the lesion healed uneventfully.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography: The Test of Choice in Diagnosing Intestinal “Zebras”
Authors: Kumar Anjali S. , Coralic Jasna , Vegeler Reid , Kolli Kirthi , Liang John , Estep Allison , Chudzinski Allen P. , McFadden James D.
Published: January 2015

Small bowel tumors and other rare intestinal disorders are often exceedingly difficult to identify. Even cutting-edge technologies, such as push enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy, can fail to determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms. At our institution magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become an increasingly reliable tool in the difficult-to-diagnose or difficult-to-monitor patient. In this retrospective case series, we discuss four patients with four rare intestinal disorders that were successfully diagnosed using MRE after failing to be diagnosed using more routine technologies, such as CT scans and flexible sigmoidoscopies. With the discussion of these four cases we demonstrate that MRE is a useful diagnostic modality in patients whose surveillance is difficult or to diagnose rare colorectal disease phenomena, colloquially referred to as “zebras.”
A Survey on the Permanence of Finnish Students’ Arithmetical Skills and the Role of Motivation
Authors: Tossavainen Timo , Väisänen Pertti , Merikoski Jorma K. , Lukin Tuija , Suomalainen Hannele
Published: January 2015

This study concerns the permanence of the basic arithmetical skills of Finnish students by investigating how a group (N=463) of the eighth and eleventh year students and the university students of humanities perform in problems that are slightly modified versions of certain PISA 2003 mathematics test items. The investigation also aimed at finding out what the impact of motivation-related constructs, for example, students’ achievement goal orientations, is and what their perceived competence beliefs and task value on their performance in mathematics are. According to our findings, the younger students’ arithmetical skills have declined through the course of ten years but the older students’ skills have become generic to a greater extent. Further, three motivational clusters could be identified accounting for 7.5 per cent of students’ performance in the given assignments. These results are compatible with the outcomes of the recent assessments of the Finnish students’ mathematical skills and support the previous research on the benefits of learning orientation combined with the high expectation of success and the valuing of mathematics learning.
Clinicopathological Risk Factors and Biochemical Predictors of Safe Discharge after Total Thyroidectomy and Central Compartment Node Dissection for Thyroid Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lee Yu-mi , Cho Ja Young , Sung Tae-Yon , Kim Tae Yong , Chung Ki-Wook , Hong Suck Joon , Yoon Jong Ho
Published: January 2015

To determine the clinicopathological risk factors and reliable biochemical predictors of the development of hypocalcemic symptoms after total thyroidectomy on the basis of serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels measured 1 hour after surgery, a prospective study was performed on 817 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy with central compartment node dissection (CCND) due to well-differentiated thyroid cancer. We evaluated the correlations between hypocalcemic symptom development and clinicopathological factors. And the predictability for hypocalcemic symptom development of intact PTH cut-offs (<10 pg/mL and <20 pg/mL, resp.) according to serum calcium level subgroup was analyzed. Female gender (P<0.001) was the only independent risk factor for hypocalcemic symptom development in multivariate regression analysis. The negative predictive value (NPV) of intact PTH, signifying nondevelopment of hypocalcemic symptoms, was higher than the positive predictive value (PPV) which signified development of hypocalcemic symptoms. In addition, when we applied the different adoption of the intact PTH cut-off according to serum calcium level, we could obtain more increased NPVs. A female gender and the application of more specific cut-offs for intact PTH according to the serum calcium levels measured 1 hour after surgery may help the patients to be more safely discharged.
Bone Regeneration of Hydroxyapatite/Alumina Bilayered Scaffold with 3 mm Passage-Like Medullary Canal in Canine Tibia Model
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Son Jun Sik , Kang Seong Soo , Kim Gonhyung , Choi Seok Hwa
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone regeneration of hydroxyapatite (HA)/alumina bilayered scaffold with a 3 mm passage-like medullary canal in a beagle tibia model. A porous HA/alumina scaffold was fabricated using a polymeric template-coating technique. HA/alumina scaffold dimensions were 10 mm in outer diameter, 20 mm in length, and with either a 3 mm passage or no passage. A 20 mm segmental defect was induced using an oscillating saw through the diaphysis of the beagle tibia. The defects of six beagles were filled with HA/alumina bilayered scaffolds with a 3 mm passage or without. The segmental defect was fixated using one bone plate and six screws. Bone regeneration within the HA/alumina scaffolds was observed at eight weeks after implantation. The evaluation of bone regeneration within the scaffolds after implantation in a beagle tibia was performed using radiography, computerized tomography (CT), micro-CT, and fluorescence microscopy. New bone successfully formed in the tibia defects treated with 3 mm passage HA/alumina scaffolds compared to without-passage HA/alumina scaffolds. It was concluded that the HA/alumina bilayered scaffold with 3 mm passage-like medullary canal was instrumental in inducing host-scaffold engraftment of the defect as well as distributing the newly formed bone throughout the scaffold at 8 weeks after implantation.
Torsion of Undescended Third Testis, as Rare Cause of Painful Inguinal Mass
Authors: Artul Suheil , Artoul Faozi , Fahoum Basel , Nseir William , Nasrallah Najib , Habib George
Published: January 2015

Twenty years old young was referred to our department due to painful inguinal mass. The mass was diagnosed as torsion of third testis which was treated by orchiectomy. Polyorchidism is a rare entity with increased risk for malignancy and torsion.
Surgical Treatment of Primary Intracardiac Myxoma: 20‐Year Experience in “Shahid Modarres Hospital”—A Tertiary University Hospital—Tehran, Iran
Authors: Ansari Aval Zahra , Ghaderi Hamid , Tatari Hassan , Foroughi Mahnoosh , Mirjafari Seyedeh Adeleh , Forozeshfard Mohammad , Fani Kamal , Khaheshi Isa
Published: January 2015

Although cardiac tumors are not common they may vary in terms of race and surgical approach in different countries. Method. Patients data of 20 years was collected and evaluated in the “Shahid Modarres Hospital”—a tertiary university hospital—Tehran, Iran. Results. 42 patients with cardiac myxoma (all cases in 20 years) were included in study, 17 males and 25 females, age difference: 13 to 76 years (mean 50.6). Most of patients were in functional classes I, II. 35 patients complained of dyspnea and 3 patients had embolic events. 97.6% of tumors were primary (41 patients) and one tumor was recurrent (2.4%), 85.7% of tumors (36 cases) were located in LA, and 88.1% of tumors (37 cases) were pediculated. 40 patients (95%) had one tumor. In 22 patients (52.3%) after tumor resection septal defects were repaired primarily while in 18 patients (42.8%) the defects were repaired with pericardial patch and In one patient, tumor resected without any septal defect. Mean tumor size was about 5.22 cm (range of 2.2 to 8.2 cm). Postoperatively, 33 patients discharged from hospital without any complication. Discussion. The research reveals that patients’ age and gender were similar to that of other studies in other countries while tumor’s incidence seems to be higher. 3 patients were diagnosed after remote embolic event and one patient was diagnosed after MI reflecting relatively high tumor complications and late diagnosis. Conclusion. In our study mean time from diagnosis to operation was too long. The patients had more preoperative embolic events and complication. However, size of myxoma and location of that was as same as its rate in the other literature. As recommendation we suggested that in all patients with vague chest pain or remote embolic events cardiac myxomas should be ruled out.
Analysis of Disturbing Influence of Traffic Load on Soil Body
Authors: Musayev Janat , Zhauyt Algazy
Published: January 2015

Stress waves propagate in soil in case of earthquake and man-made effects (traffic flow, buried explosions, shield-driven pipes and tunnels, etc.). The wave point-sources are those located at the distances equal to more than two waves lengths, which significantly simplifies solving of a problem of these waves’ strength evaluation. Distribution of stress and displacement by the stress waves propagation in elastic medium is a complex pattern. The stress distribution in propagating waves depends on the type and form of source, conditions of the source contact with medium, and properties of mediums in the vicinity of the source. The point-sources and their combinations are selected in such a way to model an influence of machines and processes on soil body in case of shield-driven pipes (tunnels).
Food Safety Training Is Associated with Improved Knowledge and Behaviours among Foodservice Establishments’ Workers
Authors: Adesokan Hezekiah Kehinde , Akinseye Victor Oluwatoyin , Adesokan Grace Abiodun
Published: January 2015

Though several studies have evaluated the association between food safety training and behavior, little has investigated different training components in association with food handlers’ performance. Foodservice workers (N=211) with at least two years’ experience were willing to participate and were selected from major foodservice establishments in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, and completed a survey to evaluate the association between training, training area, duration, and refresher training and food safety knowledge and practices. We observed an association between training and knowledge (P=0.000) as well as practices (P=0.05) of food safety while different training areas contributed similarly to food handlers’ knowledge (P=0.17) and practices (P=0.08). However, there was a significant decline in knowledge (P=0.01) and practices (P=0.001) with an increase in training duration. Furthermore, foodservice employees with refresher training demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (P=0.000) and practice (P=0.003) levels than those without, being about 45 and 14 times more likely to, respectively, improve their knowledge (OR = 45; 95% CI: 3.47–584.34) and practice (OR = 13.5; 95% CI: 2.01–90.69). Researchers should always consider varying training components before making assertions regarding effectiveness of training on foodservice workers’ behaviour.
Early Results of Slanted Recession of the Lateral Rectus Muscle for Intermittent Exotropia with Convergence Insufficiency
Authors: Chun Bo Young , Kang Kyung Min
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of slanted recession of the lateral rectus muscle for intermittent exotropia with convergence insufficiency. This prospective study included 31 patients who underwent slanted lateral rectus recession for intermittent exotropia with convergence insufficiency between June 2010 and June 2012. Following parameters were recorded and analyzed: patient sex, age, preoperative and postoperative near and distance ocular alignment, and changes in stereopsis. The mean age of the patients was 9.2 years. The preoperative mean deviation angle was 32.4 PD at distance and 43.4 PD at near. After 6 months, slanted lateral rectus recession reduced the deviation angles to 2 PD at distance and 3.4 PD at near. In addition, the mean difference between distance and near deviation angles was significantly reduced from 11 PD to 1.4 PD at 6 months postoperatively. Slanted lateral rectus recession for intermittent exotropia with convergence insufficiency in children successfully reduced the distance and near exodeviations and the near-distance difference without increasing the risk of long-term postoperative esotropia or diplopia.
TLR4/NF-κB-Responsive MicroRNAs and Their Potential Target Genes: A Mouse Model of Skeletal Muscle Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yang Johnson Chia-Shen , Wu Shao-Chun , Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Chen Yi-Chun , Lu Tsu-Hsiang , Wu Yi-Chan , Tzeng Siou-Ling , Wu Chia-Jung , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: January 2015

Background. The aim of this study was to profile TLR4/NF-κB-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) and their potential target genes in the skeletal muscles of mice following ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods. Thigh skeletal muscles of C57BL/6,Tlr4−/−, andNF-κB−/−mice isolated based on femoral artery perfusion were subjected to ischemia for 2 h and reperfusion for 0 h, 4 h, 1 d, and 7 d. The muscle specimens were analyzed with miRNA arrays. Immunoprecipitation with an argonaute 2- (Ago2-) specific monoclonal antibody followed by whole genome microarray was performed to identify mRNA associated with the RNA-silencing machinery. The potential targets of each upregulated miRNA were identified by combined analysis involving the bioinformatics algorithm miRanda and whole genome expression.Results. Three TLR4/NF-κB-responsive miRNAs (miR-15a, miR-744, and miR-1196) were significantly upregulated in the muscles following ischemia-reperfusion injury. The combined in silico and whole genome microarray approaches identified 5, 4, and 20 potential target genes for miR-15a, miR-744, and miR-1196, respectively. Among the 3 genes (Zbed4, Lrsam1,andDdx21) regulated by at least 2 of the 3 upregulated miRNAs,Lrsam1andDdx21are known to be associated with the innate immunity pathway.Conclusions. This study profiled TLR4/NF-κB-responsive miRNAs and their potential target genes in mouse skeletal muscle subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury.
A Simplified Approach for Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tear with Dermal Patch Augmentation
Authors: Levenda Anthony C. , Sanders Natalie R.
Published: January 2015

Here, we describe an arthroscopic method specifically developed to augment rotator cuff repair using a flexible acellular dermal patch (ADP). In this method, an apparently complex technique is simplified by utilizing specific steps to augment a rotator cuff repair. In this method, using a revised arthroscopic technique, rotator cuff repair was performed. This technique allowed easy passage of the graft, excellent visualization, minimal soft tissue trauma, and full four-corner fixation of an ADP. Twelve patients underwent rotator cuff repair with augmentation using the combination of this method and ADP. Due to the technique and biomechanical characteristics of the material, the repairs have been stable and with high patient satisfaction.
Pose Self-Measurement of Noncooperative Spacecraft Based on Solar Panel Triangle Structure
Authors: Song Jingzhou , Cao Caixiu
Published: January 2015

Aiming at the recognition and location of noncooperative spacecraft, this paper presents a monocular vision pose measurement method based on solar triangle structure. First of all, an autonomous recognition algorithm of feature structure based on sliding window Hough transformation (SWHT) and inscribed circle of a triangle is proposed, and the image coordinates of feature points on the triangle can be obtained relying on this algorithm, combined with the P4P algorithm and the structure of spacecraft, calculating the relative pose of target expressed by rotation and translation matrix. The whole algorithm can be loaded into the prewritten onboard program, which will get the autocomplete feature structure extraction and relative pose measurement without human intervention, and this method does not need to mount any markers on the target. Then compare the measured values with the accurate value of the laser tracker, so that a conclusion can be drawn that the maximum position error is lower than 5% and the rotation error is lower than 4%, which meets the requirements of noncooperative spacecraft’s pose measurement for observations, tracking, and docking in the final rendezvous phase.
The Newsvendor Problem with Different Delivery Time, Resalable Returns, and an Additional Order
Authors: Zeng Fue , Chi Yunjia , Zheng Jinhui
Published: January 2015

In a B2C scenario, the retailer is confronted with two kinds of demand. One requires an immediate delivery after placing an order, while the other prefers a delayed shipment due to some personal reasons. Considering demands for different delivery time, we explore a newsvendor model with resalable returns and an additional order to optimize the procurement decision under a stochastic demand distribution. The impact of the proportion of the instant delivery needs and the return rate on the order quantity and the expected profit is illustrated through numerical tests. It is shown that the expected profit decreases as the ratios of immediate delivery needs and returned products increase. Besides, if the sum of the percentage of the instant delivery needs and the return rate is less than 1, the expected profit is always greater than the result if the sum of them is equal to or greater than 1. Management implications are also discussed.
Hepatoprotective Effect ofTerminalia chebulaagainstt-BHP-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57/BL6 Mice
Authors: Choi Min-Kyung , Kim Hyeong-Geug , Han Jong-Min , Lee Jin-Seok , Lee Jong Suk , Chung Sun Ho , Son Chang-Gue
Published: January 2015

We aimed to identify the hepatoprotective effects ofTerminalia chebulawater extract (TCW) and its corresponding pharmacological actions using C57/BL6 mice model oftert-butylhydroperoxide-(t-BHP-) induced acute liver injury. Mice were orally administered with TCW (0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or gallic acid (100 mg/kg) for 5 days beforet-BHP (2.5 mM/kg) injection. Liver enzymes, histopathology, oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant components, and inflammatory cytokines were examined 18 h aftert-BHP injection.t-BHP injection caused dramatic elevation of serum AST, ALT, and LDH level, while TCW pretreatment notably attenuated these elevations. Inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were notably increased in hepatic tissues, and then these were efficiently attenuated by TCW pretreatment.t-BHP injection notably increased malondialdehyde, total reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide in the liver tissue, while it markedly dropped the antioxidant activities including total antioxidant capacity, total glutathione contents, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. TCW pretreatment remarkably ameliorated these alterations, and these effects were relevant to gene expressions. Histopathological examinations supported the above findings. Collectively, these findings well prove that TCW beneficially prevents acute and severe liver injury and clarify its corresponding mechanisms involved in the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
General Analytical Procedure for Determination of Acidity Parameters of Weak Acids and Bases
Authors: Pilarski Bogusław , Kaliszan Roman , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Młodzianowski Janusz , Balińska Agata
Published: January 2015

The paper presents a new convenient, inexpensive, and reagent-saving general methodology for the determination ofpKavalues for components of the mixture of diverse chemical classes weak organic acids and bases in water solution, without the need to separate individual analytes. The data obtained from simple pH-metric microtitrations are numerically processed into reliablepKavalues for each component of the mixture. Excellent agreement has been obtained between the determinedpKavalues and the reference literature data for compounds studied.
Minimising Unnecessary Mastectomies in a Predominantly Chinese Community
Authors: Tan Mona P. , Sitoh Nadya Y. , Sitoh Yih Y.
Published: January 2015

Background. Recent data shows that the use of breast conservation treatment (BCT) for breast cancer may result in superior outcomes when compared with mastectomy. However, reported rates of BCT in predominantly Chinese populations are significantly lower than those reported in Western countries. Low BCT rates may now be a concern as they may translate into suboptimal outcomes. A study was undertaken to evaluate BCT rates in a cohort of predominantly Chinese women.Methods. All patients who underwent surgery on the breast at the authors’ healthcare facility between October 2008 and December 2011 were included in the study and outcomes of treatment were evaluated.Results. A total of 171 patients were analysed. Two-thirds of the patients were of Chinese ethnicity. One hundred and fifty-six (85.9%) underwent BCT. Ninety-eight of 114 Chinese women (86%) underwent BCT. There was no difference in the proportion of women undergoing BCT based on ethnicity. After a median of 49 months of follow-up, three patients (1.8%) had local recurrence and 5 patients (2.9%) suffered distant metastasis. Four patients (2.3%) have died from their disease.Conclusion. BCT rates exceeding 80% in a predominantly Chinese population are possible with acceptable local and distant control rates, thereby minimising unnecessary mastectomies.
An Efficient and Improved Methodology for the Screening of Industrially Valuable Xylano-Pectino-Cellulolytic Microbes
Authors: Singh Avtar , Kaur Amanjot , Dua Anita , Mahajan Ritu
Published: January 2015

Xylano-pectino-cellulolytic enzymes are valuable enzymes of the industrial sector. In our earlier study, we have reported a novel and cost effective methodology for the qualitative screening of cellulase-free xylano-pectinolytic microorganisms by replacing the commercial, highly expensive substrates with agricultural residues, but the microorganisms with xylanolytic, pectinolytic, cellulolytic, xylano-pectinolytic, xylano-cellulolytic, pectino-cellulolytic, and xylano-pectino-cellulolytic potential were obtained. The probability of getting the desired combination was low, so efforts were made to further improve this cost effective methodology for obtaining the high yield of the microbes capable of producing desired combination of enzymes. By inclusion of multiple enrichment steps in sequence, using only practically low cost substrates and without any nutrient media till primary screening stage, this improved novel protocol for screening gave only the desired microorganisms with xylano-pectino-cellulolytic activity. Using this rapid, efficient, cost effective, and improved methodology, microbes with required combination of enzymes can be obtained and the probability of getting the desired microorganisms is cent percent. This is the first report presenting the methodology for the isolation of xylano-pectino-cellulolytic positive microorganisms at low cost and consuming less time.
Regularities of Anthocyanins Retention in RP HPLC for “Water–Acetonitrile–Phosphoric Acid” Mobile Phases
Authors: Deineka V. I. , Deineka L. A. , Saenko I. I.
Published: January 2015

The influence of exchange of HCOOH (System 2) by phosphoric acid (System 1) for acidification of the “acetonitrile–water” mobile phases for reversed-phase HPLC of anthocyanins was investigated in the framework of relative retention analysis. The differences and similarities of anthocyanins separation were revealed. It has been shown that some common features of the quantitative relationships may be used for preliminary anthocyanins structure differentiation, according to the number of OH-groups in anthocyanidin backbone as well as to a number of saccharide molecules in glycoside radicals in position 3 of the anthocyanin without MS detection.
Colonization and Diversity of AM Fungi by Morphological Analysis on Medicinal Plants in Southeast China
Authors: Wang Mingyuan , Jiang Pan
Published: January 2015

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal distributions in the rhizosphere of 20 medicinal plants species in Zhangzhou, southeast China, were studied. The results showed 66 species of 8 genera of AM fungi were identified, of which 38 belonged to Glomus, 12 to Acaulospora, 9 to Scutellospora, 2 to Gigaspora, 2 to Funneliformis, 1 to Septoglomus, 1 to Rhizophagus, and 1 to Archaeospora. Glomus was the dominant genera and G. melanosporum, Acaulospora scrobiculata, G. etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae, and G. rubiforme were the prevalent species. The highest colonization (100%) was recorded in Desmodium pulchellum (L.) Benth. while the lowest (8.0%) was in Acorus tatarinowii Schott. The AM fungi spore density ranged from 270 to 2860 per 100 g soil (average 1005), and the species richness ranged from 3 to 14 (average 9.7) per soil sample. Shannon‐Wiener index ranged from 0.52 to 2 (average 1.45). In the present study, the colonization had a highly negative correlation with available K and electrical conductivity. Species richness correlated positively with electrical conductivity and organic matter. Shannon‐Wiener index had a highly significant negative correlation with pH. This study provides a valuable germplasm and theoretical basis for AM fungal biotechnology on medicinal standardization planting.
Comparison between the Traditional and a Rapid Screening Test for Cryoimmunoglobulins Detection
Authors: Romitelli Federica , Pucillo Leopoldo Paolo , Basile Umberto , Di Stasio Enrico
Published: January 2015

Objectives. A new rapid, automatic, and sensitive screening test useful to detect cryoglobulins in serum samples is proposed.Design and Methods. The increase of turbidity during the cryoglobulin aggregation was monitored spectrophotometrically in sera from 400 patients with clinical evidence of cryoglobulinemia related disorders and 100 controls. Results were correlated to those obtained by the traditional method.Results. Kinetics of the aggregation curves were described by their maximum turbidity increase, lag time, and slope. Despite a partial correspondence between the traditional and the rapid test, patients with symptomatic cryoglobulinemia showed turbidity values significantly higher than the determined cutoff. Moreover, a functional classification of cryoglobulins is proposed.Conclusions. Due to its high reproducibility, operator independence, low cost, and results obtained within 2 hours, the rapid test can be used as a “real time” monitoring of cryoglobulinemia related diseases and for the evaluation of plasmapheresis efficacy.
Eigenvalues of Vectorial Sturm-Liouville Problems with Parameter Dependent Boundary Conditions
Authors: Chanane Bilal
Published: January 2015

We generalize theregularized sampling methodintroduced in 2005 by the author to compute the eigenvalues of scalar Sturm-Liouville problems (SLPs) to the case of vectorial SLP with parameter dependent boundary conditions. A few problems are worked out to illustrate the effectiveness of the method and show by the same token that we have indeed a general method capable of handling with ease very broad classes of SLPs, whether scalar or vectorial.
A Framework for the Selection of Binarization Techniques on Palm Leaf Manuscripts Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Chamchong Rapeeporn , Fung Chun Che
Published: January 2015

Challenges for text processing in ancient document images are mainly due to the high degree of variations in foreground and background. Image binarization is an image segmentation technique used to separate the image into text and background components. Although several techniques for binarizing text documents have been proposed, the performance of these techniques varies and depends on the image characteristics. Therefore, selecting binarization techniques can be a key idea to achieve improved results. This paper proposes a framework for selecting binarizing techniques of palm leaf manuscripts using Support Vector Machines (SVMs). The overall process is divided into three steps: (i) feature extraction: feature patterns are extracted from grayscale images based on global intensity, local contrast, and intensity; (ii) treatment of imbalanced data: imbalanced dataset is balanced by using Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique as to improve the performance of prediction; and (iii) selection: SVM is applied in order to select the appropriate binarization techniques. The proposed framework has been evaluated with palm leaf manuscript images and benchmarking dataset from DIBCO series and compared the performance of prediction between imbalanced and balanced datasets. Experimental results showed that the proposed framework can be used as an integral part of an automatic selection process.
Correlation of Grain Size, Stacking Fault Energy, and Texture in Cu-Al Alloys Deformed under Simulated Rolling Conditions
Authors: El-Danaf Ehab A. , Soliman Mahmoud S. , Al-Mutlaq Ayman A.
Published: January 2015

The effect of grain size and stacking fault energy (SFE) on the strain hardening rate behavior under plane strain compression (PSC) is investigated for pure Cu and binary Cu-Al alloys containing 1, 2, 4.7, and 7 wt. % Al. The alloys studied have a wide range of SFE from a low SFE of 4.5 mJm−2for Cu-7Al to a medium SFE of 78 mJm−2for pure Cu. A series of PSC tests have been conducted on these alloys for three average grain sizes of ~15, 70, and 250 μm. Strain hardening rate curves were obtained and a criterion relating twinning stress to grain size is established. It is concluded that the stress required for twinning initiation decreases with increasing grain size. Low values of SFE have an indirect influence on twinning stress by increasing the strain hardening rate which is reflected in building up the critical dislocation density needed to initiate mechanical twinning. A study on the effect of grain size on the intensity of the brass texture component for the low SFE alloys has revealed the reduction of the orientation density of that component with increasing grain size.
Potential Risk Factors for the Onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pons Tracey , Shipton Edward A. , Williman Jonathan , Mulder Roger T.
Published: January 2015

Anaesthetists in the acute and chronic pain teams are often involved in treating Complex Regional Pain Syndromes. Current literature about the risk factors for the onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1) remains sparse. This syndrome has a low prevalence, a highly variable presentation, and no gold standard for diagnosis. In the research setting, the pathogenesis of the syndrome continues to be elusive. There is a growing body of literature that addresses efficacy of a wide range of interventions as well as the likely mechanisms that contribute to the onset of CRPS 1. The objective for this systematic search of the literature focuses on determining the potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1. Eligible articles were analysed, dated 1996 to April 2014, and potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1 were identified from 10 prospective and 6 retrospective studies. Potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1 were found to include being female, particularly postmenopausal female, ankle dislocation or intra-articular fracture, immobilisation, and a report of higher than usual levels of pain in the early phases of trauma. It is not possible to draw definite conclusions as this evidence is heterogeneous and of mixed quality, relevance, and weighting strength against bias and has not been confirmed across multiple trials or in homogenous studies.
Direct and Inverse Scattering Problems for Domains with Multiple Corners
Authors: Hou Songming , Jiang Yihong , Cheng Yuan
Published: January 2015

We proposed numerical methods for solving the direct and inverse
scattering problems for domains with multiple corners. Both the near
field and far field cases are considered. For the forward problem, the
challenges of logarithmic singularity from Green’s functions and corner
singularity are both taken care of. For the inverse problem, an efficient
and robust direct imaging method is proposed. Multiple frequency data
are combined to capture details while not losing robustness.
Fast-Growing Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient Treated with Vismodegib
Authors: Poulalhon Nicolas , Dalle Stéphane , Balme Brigitte , Thomas Luc
Published: January 2015

Background: Vismodegib therapy achieves a breakthrough in patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Yet, long-term safety of hedgehog pathway inhibitors remains to be established, while drug resistance is becoming a new challenging issue. Case Report: We report the case of a 90-year-old male initially referred for a locally advanced BCC of the nose. He had been previously treated by topical 5-fluorouracil for an adjacent microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with complete clinical response. Afterwards, vismodegib was initiated to treat his BCC. At week 16, both tumor and tumor ulceration obviously progressed. Palliative rhinectomy was performed. Histological examination found a deeply invasive SCC. Conclusion: Although our case must be interpreted with caution, a role of vismodegib as a promoter of cutaneous SCC should be considered, consistently with recently published evidence. Physicians should perform new biopsies whenever in doubt about new and/or progressive skin lesions in patients receiving hedgehog pathway inhibitors.
Factors Affecting Recall of Different Types of Personal Genetic Information about Alzheimer's Disease Risk: The REVEAL Study
Authors: Besser Andria G. , Sanderson Saskia C. , Roberts J. Scott , Chen Clara A. , Christensen Kurt D. , Lautenbach Denise M. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Green Robert C.
Published: January 2015

Methods: Data were obtained through a multisite clinical trial in which different types of genetic risk-related information were disclosed to individuals (n = 246) seeking a risk assessment for Alzheimer's disease. Results: Six weeks after disclosure, 83% of participants correctly recalled the number of risk-increasing APOE alleles they possessed, and 74% correctly recalled their APOE genotype. While 84% of participants recalled their lifetime risk estimate to within 5 percentage points, only 51% correctly recalled their lifetime risk estimate exactly. Correct recall of the number of APOE risk-increasing alleles was independently associated with higher education (p < 0.001), greater numeracy (p < 0.05) and stronger family history of Alzheimer's disease (p < 0.05). Before adjustments for confounding, correct recall of APOE genotype was also associated with higher education, greater numeracy and stronger family history of Alzheimer's disease, as well as with higher comfort with numbers and European American ethnicity (all p < 0.05). Correct recall of the lifetime risk estimate was independently associated only with younger age (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Recall of genotype-specific information is high, but recall of exact risk estimates is lower. Incorrect recall of numeric risk may lead to distortions in understanding risk. Further research is needed to determine how best to communicate different types of genetic risk information to patients, particularly to those with lower educational levels and lower numeracy. Health-care professionals should be aware that each type of genetic risk information may be differentially interpreted and retained by patients and that some patient subgroups may have more problems with recall than others.
Open-Label Nonrandomized Left-Right Comparison of Imiquimod 5% Ointment and Timolol Maleate 0.5% Eye Drops in the Treatment of Proliferating Superficial Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Hu Li , Huang Hui Zhen , Li Xin , Lin Xiao Xi , Li Wei
Published: January 2015

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common childhood tumors. Objective: Our study aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of imiquimod and timolol maleate for the treatment of proliferating superficial IHs. Methods: A total of 54 patients with superficial IHs were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was evenly divided into two parts. One part was treated with 5% imiquimod cream once every other day, and the other part was smeared with 0.5% timolol maleate eye drops thrice daily. After 16 weeks of treatment, the thickness, color and size of each lesion were measured, and the side effects were recorded. Results: The efficacy rates for imiquimod and timolol maleate were 81.4 and 88.9%, respectively, but the difference between treatments was not significant. However, timolol maleate showed better effects for color involution, onset time and side effects than imiquimod. Conclusion: Timolol maleate might be the first choice for the topical treatment of superficial IHs.
Variants in miRNA Regulating Cardiac Growth Are Not a Common Cause of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Curila Karol , Benesova Lucie , Tomasov Pavol , Belsanova Barbora , Widimsky Petr , Minarik Marek , Zemanek David , Veselka Josef , Gregor Pavel
Published: January 2015

Objectives: A substantial proportion of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) do not have causative mutations in the genes for heart sarcomere. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between microRNA (miRNA) sequence variants and HCM. Methods: We performed genetic testing on 56 HCM patients who had previously been found to be negative for mutations in the 4 major genes for sarcomeric proteins. The coding and adjacent regions (120-220 nt) of selected miRNAs were analyzed for the presence of sequence variants. The testing was based on PCR amplification of DNA-encoding miRNAs and subsequent denaturing capillary electrophoresis. Results: A total of 3 different variants were detected in the 11 selected miRNAs. These included polymorphisms rs45489294 in miRNA 208b, rs13136737 in miRNA 367 and rs9989532 in miRNA 1-2. In the patient group, the most frequent polymorphism was in miRNA 208b (10 times) followed by miRNA 367 (7 times). Both polymorphisms were found to occur with similar frequencies in the group of healthy controls. The remaining detected variant was not present in the control group, but was not connected with the HCM phenotype in the children of the probands. Conclusion: Sequence variants in miRNAs of patients with HCM are not frequent and the contribution of these variants to the development of this disease was not demonstrated.
Treatment of Refractory Crohn's Disease and Pyoderma Gangrenosum with a Combination Regimen of Rifaximin, Gentamicin and Metronidazole
Authors: Goldberg Neil D. , Vadlamudi Aravinda , Parrish Nicole
Published: January 2015

The etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) remains controversial. It is hypothesized that CD is the result of an abnormal immune response to the gut flora in genetically susceptible hosts. However, an infectious etiology has not been completely ruled out. Antibiotics have been utilized with some success to modify the course of the disease. Here, we report a patient with CD and pyoderma gangrenosum refractory to standard therapy, including biologics, who achieved remission with a combination of rifaximin, gentamicin and metronidazole.
High Phosphorus Level Leads to Aortic Calcification via β-Catenin in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yao Li , Sun Yi-ting , Sun Wei , Xu Tian-hua , Ren Chuang , Fan Xing , Sun Li , Liu Lin-lin , Feng Jiang-min , Ma Jian-fei , Wang Li-ning
Published: January 2015

Aims: Vascular calcification is a risk factor for causing cardiovascular events and has a high prevalence among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this pathogenic process is still obscure. Methods: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were induced by a concentration of phosphorus (Pi) of 2.5 mM, and were subjected to cell calcification analyses. The effect of high Pi on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was measured using a TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assay. The transcriptional regulation of β-catenin on PIT1 (a type III sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter) was confirmed by promoter reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The 5/6 nephrectomized rat was used as an in vivo model and was fed a high Pi diet to induce aortic calcification. Serum levels of phosphate, calcium, creatine, and blood urea nitrogen were measured, and abdominal aortic calcification was examined. Results: High Pi induced VSMC calcification, downregulated expression levels of VSMC markers, and upregulated levels of osteogenic markers. High Pi activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and β-catenin activity. β-Catenin was involved in the process of high Pi-induced VSMC calcification. Further investigation revealed that β-catenin transcriptionally regulated Pit1, a necessary player in VSMC osteogenic phenotype change and calcification. The in vivo study showed that β-catenin was involved in rat abdominal aortic calcification induced by high Pi. When knockdown expression of β-catenin in the rat model was investigated, we found that aortic calcification was reduced. Conclusion: These results suggest that β-catenin is an important player in high phosphorus level-induced aortic calcification in CKD.
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Infected by Propionibacterium Acnes: A Case Report
Authors: Yamamoto Shusuke , Asahi Takashi , Akioka Naoki , Kashiwazaki Daina , Kuwayama Naoya , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: January 2015

We present a very rare case of a patient with an infected subdural hematoma due to Propionibacterium acnes. A 63-year-old male complained of dizziness and was admitted to our hospital. He had a history of left chronic subdural hematoma due to a traffic accident, which had been conservatively treated. Physical, neurological and laboratory examinations revealed no definite abnormality. Plain CT scan demonstrated a hypodense crescentic fluid collection over the surface of the left cerebral hemisphere. The patient was diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma and underwent burr hole surgery three times and selective embolization of the middle meningeal artery, but the lesion easily recurred. Repeated culture examinations of white sedimentation detected P. acnes. Therefore, he underwent craniotomy surgery followed by intravenous administration of antibiotics. The infected subdural hematoma was covered with a thick, yellowish outer membrane, and the large volume of pus and hematoma was removed. However, the lesion recurred again and a low-density area developed in the left frontal lobe. Craniotomy surgery was performed a second time, and two Penrose drainages were put in both the epidural and subdural spaces. Subsequently, the lesions completely resolved and he was discharged without any neurological deficits. Infected subdural hematoma may be refractory to burr hole surgery or craniotomy alone, in which case aggressive treatment with craniotomy and continuous drainage should be indicated before the brain parenchyma suffers irreversible damage.