bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do cholinergic nerves innervating rat mesenteric arteries regulate vascular tone?
Authors: Tangsucharit Panot , Takatori Shingo , Sun Pengyuan , Zamami Yoshito , Goda Mitsuhiro , Pakdeechote Poungrat , Takayama Fusako , Kawasaki Hiromu
Published: October 2012

Vascular blood vessels have various types of cholinergic acetylcholine receptors (AChR), but the source of ACh has not been confirmed. Perivascular adrenergic nerves and nonadrenergic calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing (CGRPergic) nerves innervate rat mesenteric arteries and regulate vascular tone. However, function of cholinergic innervation remains unknown. The present study investigated cholinergic innervation by examining effects of cholinesterase inhibitor (neostigmine), a muscarinic AChR antagonist (atropine), and a nicotinic AChR antagonist (hexamethonium) on adrenergic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction and CGRPergic nerve-mediated vasodilation in rat mesenteric vascular beds without endothelium. In preparations treated with capsaicin (CGRP depletor) or in the presence of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS; 2–12 Hz) evoked a frequency-dependent vasoconstriction. In the same preparations, exogenous norepinephrine induced a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction. Atropine, hexamethonium, and neostigmine had no effect on vasoconstrictor responses to PNS and norepinephrine injections. In denuded preparations, these cholinergic agents did not affect the PNS (12 Hz)-evoked release of norepinephrine in perfusate. In preconstricted preparations without endothelium in the presence of guanethidine (adrenergic neuron blocker), PNS (1–4 Hz) induced a frequency-dependent vasodilation, which was not affected by atropine, hexamethonium, and neostigmine. In denuded preparations treated with capsaicin and guanethidine, PNS did not induce vascular responses, and atropine, neostigmine, and physostigmine had no effect on PNS. Immunohistochemistry study showed choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive fibers, which were resistant to capsaicin and 6-hydroxydopamine (adrenergic toxin). These results suggest that rat mesenteric arteries have cholinergic innervation, which is different from adrenergic and capsaicin-sensitive nerves and not associated with vascular tone regulation.
Component analysis reveals sharp tuning of the local field potential in the guinea pig auditory cortex
Authors: de Cheveigné Alain , Edeline Jean-Marc , Gaucher Quentin , Gourévitch Boris
Published: October 2012

Local field potentials (LFPs) recorded in the auditory cortex of mammals are known to reveal weakly selective and often multimodal spectrotemporal receptive fields in contrast to spiking activity. This may in part reflect the wider “listening sphere” of LFPs relative to spikes due to the greater current spread at low than high frequencies. We recorded LFPs and spikes from auditory cortex of guinea pigs using 16-channel electrode arrays. LFPs were processed by a component analysis technique that produces optimally tuned linear combinations of electrode signals. Linear combinations of LFPs were found to have sharply tuned responses, closer to spike-related tuning. The existence of a sharply tuned component implies that a cortical neuron (or group of neurons) capable of forming a linear combination of its inputs has access to that information. Linear combinations of signals from electrode arrays reveal information latent in the subspace spanned by multichannel LFP recordings and are justified by the fact that the observations themselves are linear combinations of neural sources.
Generalization of unconstrained reaching with hand-weight changes
Authors: Yan Xiang , Wang Qining , Lu Zhengchuan , Stevenson Ian H. , Körding Konrad , Wei Kunlin
Published: October 2012

Studies of motor generalization usually perturb hand reaches by distorting visual feedback with virtual reality or by applying forces with a robotic manipulandum. Whereas such perturbations are useful for studying how the central nervous system adapts and generalizes to novel dynamics, they are rarely encountered in daily life. The most common perturbations that we experience are changes in the weights of objects that we hold. Here, we use a center-out, free-reaching task, in which we can manipulate the weight of a participant's hand to examine adaptation and generalization following naturalistic perturbations. In both trial-by-trial paradigms and block-based paradigms, we find that learning converges rapidly (on a timescale of approximately two trials), and this learning generalizes mostly to movements in nearby directions with a unimodal pattern. However, contrary to studies using more artificial perturbations, we find that the generalization has a strong global component. Furthermore, the generalization is enhanced with repeated exposure of the same perturbation. These results suggest that the familiarity of a perturbation is a major factor in movement generalization and that several theories of the neural control of movement, based on perturbations applied by robots or in virtual reality, may need to be extended by incorporating prior influence that is characterized by the familiarity of the perturbation.
Three-dimensional visuo-motor control of saccades
Authors: Hess Bernhard J. M.
Published: October 2012

Although the motion of the line of sight is a straightforward consequence of a particular rotation of the eye, it is much trickier to predict the rotation underlying a particular motion of the line of sight in accordance with Listing's law. Helmholtz's notion of the direction-circle together with the notion of primary and secondary reference directions in visual space provide an elegant solution to this reverse engineering problem, which the brain is faced with whenever generating a saccade. To test whether these notions indeed apply for saccades, we analyzed three-dimensional eye movements recorded in four rhesus monkeys. We found that on average saccade trajectories closely matched with the associated direction-circles. Torsional, vertical, and horizontal eye position of saccades scattered around the position predicted by the associated direction-circles with standard deviations of 0.5°, 0.3°, and 0.4°, respectively. Comparison of saccade trajectories with the likewise predicted fixed-axis rotations yielded mean coefficients of determinations (±SD) of 0.72 (±0.26) for torsion, 0.97 (±0.10) for vertical, and 0.96 (±0.11) for horizontal eye position. Reverse engineering of three-dimensional saccadic rotations based on visual information suggests that motor control of saccades, compatible with Listing's law, not only uses information on the fixation directions at saccade onset and offset but also relies on the computation of secondary reference positions that vary from saccade to saccade.
Rhinosporidiosis: Intraoperative Cytological Diagnosis in an Unsuspected Lesion
Authors: Bhargava Shruti , Grover Mohnish , Maheshwari Veena
Published: October 2012

Rhinosporidiosis is a disease endemic to South India, Sri Lanka and some areas of the African continent. The nasal lesions can sometimes be confused with nasopharyngeal malignancy. We report here a clinically unsuspected case of rhinosporidiosis, diagnosed correctly by intraoperative FNAC, and later confirmed by histopathological examination.
Update of Assessment of Survival in Head and Neck Cancer after Regional Recurrence
Authors: Amar Ali , Chedid Helma Maria , Rapoport Abrão , Dedivitis Rogério Aparecido , Cernea Claudio Roberto , Brandão Lenine Garcia , Curioni Otavio Alberto
Published: October 2012

Objective. To evaluate site of regional recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract after neck dissection and the results of salvage treatment.Methods. 95 patients with regional recurrence as the first manifestation of relapse were selected between 943 patients who underwent neck dissection. We evaluated level and side of recurrence, as well disease control after salvage treatment.Results. Level II was the most frequent site of recurrence. Salvage treatment was performed in 51% of ipsilateral and in 75% of contralateral (nondissected neck) recurrences. Control of the disease 12 months after salvage surgery was 25% in the ipsilateral and 37% in contralateral recurrences.Conclusions. Cervical recurrences occur predominantly in level II. Relapse in level I is frequent only in oral cavity tumors and relapse in level V is rare. The neck recurrence carries a poor prognosis even among patients who underwent retreatment with curative intent.
Cardiomyopathy Associated with Celiac Disease in Childhood
Authors: Boskovic Aleksandra , Kitic Ivana , Prokic Dragan , Stankovic Ivica
Published: October 2012

Celiac disease is predominantly a disease of the small intestine characterized by chronic malabsorption in genetically susceptible individuals who ingest grains containing gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye. Although previously believed to be uncommon, celiac disease may be present in up to 1% of the adult and children population. Celiac disease is associated frequently with iron-deficiency anemia, dermatitis herpetiformis, selective IgA deficiency, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and various connective tissue disorders but is rarely associated with cardiomyopathy.
SenseWear Armband and Stroke: Validity of Energy Expenditure and Step Count Measurement during Walking
Authors: Manns Patricia J. , Haennel Robert G.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the SenseWear Pro Armband (SWA) for the measurement of energy expenditure (EE) and step count against a criterion in persons with stroke. Twelve participants with chronic stroke (mean age64.2±10.4years; mean gait speed0.67±0.25 m/sec) completed two trials of a six-minute walk test, while wearing a SenseWear Armband (SWA) on each arm and being continuously monitored using a portable metabolic cart. Agreement between estimates of energy expenditure from the SWA and the metabolic cart was fair for the armband on the hemiplegic arm (intraclass correlation cefficient(ICC)=0.586) and good for the armband on the unaffected arm (ICC=0.702). Agreement between the SWA estimate of step count, and step count as measured by the Step Activity Monitor was poor (ICC<0.352), with significant underestimation by the SWA. Our results show that, for these moderately impaired persons with stroke, the SWA should be used with caution for the measurement of energy expenditure and should not be used to measure step count.
Urotensin-II: More Than a Mediator for Kidney
Authors: Balat Ayşe , Büyükçelik Mithat
Published: October 2012

Human urotensin-II (hU-II) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors in mammals. Although both hU-II and its receptor, GPR14, are detected in several tissues, kidney is a major source of U-II in humans. Recent studies suggest that U-II may have a possible autocrine/paracrine functions in kidney and may be an important target molecule in studying renal pathophysiology. It has several effects on tubular transport and probably has active role in renal hemodynamics. Although it is an important peptide in renal physiology, certain diseases, such as hypertension and glomerulonephritis, may alter the expression of U-II. As might be expected, oxidative stress, mediators, and inflammation are like a devil's triangle in kidney diseases, mostly they induce each other. Since there is a complex relationship between U-II and oxidative stress, and other mediators, such as transforming growth factorβ1 and angiotensin II, U-II is more than a mediator in glomerular diseases. Although it is an ancient peptide, known for 31 years, it looks like that U-II will continue to give new messages as well as raising more questions as research on it increases. In this paper, we mainly discuss the possible role of U-II on renal physiology and its effect on kidney diseases.
On an Integral Transform of a Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Verma Sarika , Gupta Sushma , Singh Sukhjit
Published: October 2012

For α, γ ≥ 0 and β < 1, let 𝒲β(α, γ) denote the class of all normalized analytic functions f in the open unit disc E = {z:|z | < 1} such that ℜeiϕ((1 − α + 2γ)(f(z)/z) + (α − 2γ)f′(z)+γzf′′(z) − β) > 0,
z ∈ E for some ϕ ∈ ℝ. It is known (Noshiro (1934) and Warschawski (1935)) that functions in 𝒲β(1,0) are close‐to‐convex and hence univalent for 0 ≤ β < 1. For f ∈ 𝒲β(α, γ), we consider the integral transform , where λ is a nonnegative real‐valued integrable function satisfying the condition . The aim of present paper is, for given δ < 1, to find sharp values of β such that (i) Vλ(f) ∈ 𝒲δ(1,0) whenever f ∈ 𝒲β(α, γ) and (ii) Vλ(f) ∈ 𝒲δ(α, γ) whenever f ∈ 𝒲β(α, γ).
Liesegang-Like Rings in Lactational Changes in the Breast
Authors: Islam Mohd T. , Ou Joyce J. , Hansen Katrine , Simon Rochelle A. , Quddus M. Ruhul
Published: October 2012

Liesagang-like rings (LR) are periodic structures with equally spaced radial striations formed by a process that involves diffusion, nucleation, flocculation or precipitation, and supersaturation. Being more commonin vitro, on rare occasions also reportedin vivoin association with inflammatory or cystic lesions and confused with parasites or calcification on needle aspirates. The current paper documents that LRs may be seen in noncystic and noninflammatory changes of the breast.
The Influence of Endothelial Function and Myocardial Ischemia on Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bacon Simon L. , Sherwood Andrew , Hinderliter Alan , Plourde Annik , Pierson Lee , Blumenthal James A.
Published: October 2012

Impaired endothelial function has been shown to limit exercise in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and has been implicated in myocardial ischemia. However, the association of endothelial function and ischemia on peak exercise oxygen consumption (VO2) has not been previously reported. A total of 116 CAD patients underwent standard exercise stress testing, during which VO2was measured. On a separate day, endothelial-dependent and -independent function were assessed by ultrasound using flow-mediated arterial vasodilation (FMD) and sublingual glyceryl trinitrate administration (GTNMD) of the brachial artery. Patients with exercise-induced myocardial ischemia had lower FMD than nonischemic patients (3.64±0.57versus4.98±0.36,P=.050), but there was no difference in GTNMD (14.11±0.99versus15.47±0.63,P=.249). Analyses revealed that both FMD (P=.006) and GTNMD (P=.019) were related to peak VO2. However, neither the presence of ischemia (P=.860) nor the interaction of ischemia with FMD (P=.382) and GTNMD (P=.151) was related to peak VO2. These data suggest that poor endothelial function, potentially via impaired NO production and smooth muscle dysfunction, may be an important determinant of exercise capacity in patients with CAD, independent of myocardial ischemia.
The Effects of Spectral Pretreatments on Chemometric Analyses of Soil Profiles Using Laboratory Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Buddenbaum Henning , Steffens Markus
Published: October 2012

Laboratory imaging spectroscopy can be used to explore physical and chemical variations in soil profiles on a submillimetre scale. We used a hyperspectral scanner in the 400 to 1000 nm spectral range mounted in a laboratory frame to record images of two soil cores. Samples from these cores were chemically analyzed, and spectra of the sampled regions were used to train chemometric PLS regression models. With these models detailed maps of the elemental concentrations in the soil cores could be produced. Eight different spectral pretreatments were applied to the sample spectra and to the resulting images in order to explore the influence of these pre-treatments on the estimation of elemental concentrations. We found that spectral preprocessing has a minor influence on chemometry results when powerful regression algorithms like PLSR are used.
A Nonparametric Scheme for Monitoring a Process Output with a Block Effect
Authors: Bakir Saad T.
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a distribution-free (or nonparametric) control scheme to monitor a process output that contains two special causes of variation called “block or batch” effects and “treatment or position” effects. The scheme properties (control limits, false alarm rate, and in-control average run length) stay the same under any assumed continuous probability distribution. For moderate sample sizes, these properties can be computed exactly from available tables without the need to estimate the mean or variance of the process. The proposed monitoring scheme requires ranking the observations within blocks and using the method of analysis of means by ranks. The paper includes an illustrative example concerning the grinding process of silicon wafers used in integrated circuits production.
Evaluation of ENA-6 Profile by ELISA Immunoassay in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematodes
Authors: Aganovic-Musinovic Izeta , Karamehic Jasenko , Zecevic Lamija , Gavrankapetanovic Faris , Avdagic Nesina , Zaciragic Asija , Jukic Tomislav , Grcic Nerima , Svrakic Suvada
Published: October 2012

Autoimmune diseases occur in 3−5% of the population. Study included 30 patients with clinically diagnosed SLE and 30 healthy controls (American college of Rheumatology, 1997). SLE was diagnosed according to criteria issued in 1997 by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The aim of this study was to evaluate concentration values of each antigen of ENA-6 profile in SLE, to investigate possible correlation between the concentration of Sm antibodies and CIC, and to test their use as possible immunobiological markers in SLE. Furthermore, the aim of our study was to determine whether there is a correlation between Sm antibodies and CIC and SLE activity. The results revealed that all of these ENA-6 and Sm antibodies as biomarkers complement diagnoses of active SLE but their use as solo markers does not allow classifying patients with SLE. Our study has shown that based on calculations from ROC curves, Sm/RNP was clearly a very important marker for diagnosis of SLE (cut off ≥ 9.56 EU, AUC 0,942). The high incidence of Scl-70 (10%) reactivity suggests that ELISA monitoring of this antibody produces more false positive results than other multiplex assay. An important conclusion that can be drawn from the results of our study is that laboratory tests are no more effective than clinical examination for detecting disease relapse, but are helpful in the confirmation of SLE activity.
Excess Transport Properties of Binary Mixtures of Quinoline with Xylenes at Different Temperatures
Authors: Fakruddin Sk. , Srinivasu Ch. , Venkateswara Rao B. R. , Narendra K.
Published: October 2012

The ultrasonic velocity and density of binary liquid mixtures of quinoline with o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene have been measured over the entire range of composition at = 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15 K. Using these data, various parameters like adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free length (), and acoustic impedance () and some excess parameters like excess adiabatic compressibility (), excess intermolecular free length (), excess acoustic impedance (), and excess ultrasonic velocity () have been calculated for all the three mixtures. The calculated deviations and excess functions have been fitted to Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The observed deviations have been explained on the basis of the intermolecular interactions present in these mixtures.
Role of Inhaled Steroids in Vascular Airway Remodelling in Asthma and COPD
Authors: Chetta Alfredo , Olivieri Dario
Published: October 2012

In chronic obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), changes in bronchial microvasculature are present in response to inflammatory stimuli. Vascular changes may significantly contribute to airway wall remodelling. Angiogenesis and vascular leakage are prevalent in asthma, while vasodilation and vascular leakage dominate in COPD. An endothelial dysfunction may be present both in asthma and in COPD. Vascular changes may occur simultaneously with the thickening of the airway wall and the narrowing of the bronchial lumen. Consequently, pharmacological control of bronchial vascular remodelling may be crucial for symptom control in asthma and COPD. In asthmatic airways, inhaled steroids can downregulate vascular remodelling by acting on proangiogenic factors. Additionally, studies on combination therapy with long-actingβ2-agonists and inhaled steroids have provided evidence of a possible synergistic action on components of vascular remodelling in asthma. In COPD, there is less experimental evidence on the effect of inhaled steroids on airway microvascular changes. Importantly, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most specific growth factor for vascular endothelium, is crucially involved in the pathophysiology of airway vascular remodelling, both in asthma and COPD. The inhibition of VEGF and its receptor may be useful in the treatment of the vascular changes in the airway wall.
On the Definitions of Nabla Fractional Operators
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Atici Ferhan M.
Published: October 2012

We show that two recent definitions of discrete nabla fractional sum operators are related. Obtaining such a relation between two operators allows one to prove basic
properties of the one operator by using the known properties of the other. We illustrate this idea with proving power rule and commutative property of discrete fractional sum operators. We also introduce and prove summation by parts formulas for the right and left fractional sum and difference operators, where we employ the Riemann‐Liouville definition of the fractional difference. We formalize initial value problems for nonlinear fractional difference equations as an application of our findings. An alternative definition for the nabla right fractional difference operator is also introduced.
Study on the Train Operation Optimization of Passenger Dedicated Lines Based on Satisfaction
Authors: Huang Zhipeng , Niu Huimin
Published: October 2012

The passenger transport demands at a given junction station fluctuate obviously in different time periods, which makes the rail departments unable to establish an even train operation schedule. This paper considers an optimization problem for train operations at the junction station in passenger dedicated lines. A satisfaction function of passengers is constructed by means of analyzing the satisfaction characteristics and correlative influencing factors. Through discussing the passengers’ travel choice behavior, we formulate an optimization model based on maximum passenger satisfaction for the junction and then design a heuristic algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the application of the method proposed in this paper.
Rehabilitation of Executive Functions in a Real-Life Setting: Goal Management Training Applied to a Person with Schizophrenia
Authors: Levaux M.-N. , Larøi F. , Malmedier M. , Offerlin-Meyer I. , Danion J.-M. , Van der Linden M.
Published: October 2012

The aim was to assess the efficacy of a modified version of Goal Management Training (GMT) in a person with schizophrenia who had difficulties in attaining the final goal for new and multitasking daily-life situations. GMT is designed to improve abilities in establishing goal-directed plans and carrying them out effectively. Beneficial effects of GMT were measured for several clinical questionnaires, laboratory tasks, and three real-life situations: meal preparation (trained, familiar); washing (nontrained, familiar); meeting preparation (nontrained, unfamiliar). The results revealed improvement in planning and on trained laboratory and meal preparation tasks and a generalization of GMT effects on nontrained laboratory and everyday tasks. Self-esteem also improved. Finally, a two-year followup indicated the durability of the beneficial effects.
Fault Severity Estimation of Rotating Machinery Based on Residual Signals
Authors: Jiang Fan , Li Wei , Wang Zhongqiu , Zhu Zhencai
Published: October 2012

Fault severity estimation is an important part of a condition-based maintenance system, which can monitor the performance of an operation machine and enhance its level of safety. In this paper, a novel method based on statistical property and residual signals is developed for estimating the fault severity of rotating machinery. The fast Fourier transformation (FFT) is applied to extract the so-called multifrequency-band energy (MFBE) from the vibration signals of rotating machinery with different fault severity levels in the first stage. Usually these features of the working conditions with different fault sensitivities are different. Therefore a sensitive features-selecting algorithm is defined to construct the feature matrix and calculate the statistic parameter (mean) in the second stage. In the last stage, the residual signals computed by the zero space vector are used to estimate the fault severity. Simulation and experimental results reveal that the proposed method based on statistics and residual signals is effective and feasible for estimating the severity of a rotating machine fault.
Suppression of Aldosterone Synthesis and Secretion by Channel Antagonists
Authors: Ikeda Keiichi , Isaka Tsuyoshi , Fujioka Kouki , Manome Yoshinobu , Tojo Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2012

Aldosterone, a specific mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) agonist and a key player in the development of hypertension, is synthesized as a final product of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Hypertension can be generally treated by negating the effects of angiotensin II through the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs). However, the efficacy of angiotensin II blockade by such drugs is sometimes diminished by the so-called “aldosterone breakthrough” effect, by which ACE-Is or ARBs (renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors) gradually lose their effectiveness against hypertension due to the overproduction of aldosterone, known as primary aldosteronism. Although MR antagonists are used to antagonize the effects of aldosterone, these drugs may, however, give rise to life-threatening adverse actions, such as hyperkalemia, particularly when used in conjunction with RAS inhibitors. Recently, several groups have reported that some dihydropyridine Ca2+channel blockers (CCBs) have inhibitory actions on aldosterone production inin vitroand in the clinical setting. Therefore, the use of such dihydropyridine CCBs to treat aldosterone-related hypertension may prove beneficial to circumvent such therapeutic problems. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of action of CCBs on aldosterone production and clinical perspectives for CCB use to inhibit MR activity in hypertensive patients.
Evaluation of the Effect of Laser Acupuncture and Cupping with Ryodoraku and Visual Analog Scale on Low Back Pain
Authors: Lin Mu-Lien , Wu Hung-Chien , Hsieh Ya-Hui , Su Chuan-Tsung , Shih Yong-Sheng , Lin Chii-Wann , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of laser acupuncture (LA) and soft cupping on low back pain. In this study, the subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: active group (real LA and soft cupping) and placebo group (sham laser and soft cupping). Visual analog scale (VAS) and Ryodoraku were used to evaluate the effect of treatment on low back pain in this trial. Laser, 40 mW, wavelength 808 nm, pulse rate 20 Hz, was used to irradiate Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints for 10 minutes. And the Ryodoraku values were measured 2 times, that is, before and 15 minutes after treatment. The results show that there were significant difference between the first day baseline and the fifth day treatment in VAS in the two groups. Therefore, LA combined with soft cupping or only soft cupping was effective on low back pain. However, the Ryodoraku values of Bladder Meridian of the placebo group have been decreased apparently, and didn’t come back to their original values. It means that “cupping” plays the role of “leak or purge” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). On the other hand, the Ryodoraku values of Bladder Meridian of the active group have been turned back to almost their original values; “mend or reinforcing” effect is attributed to the laser radiation.
Spinal Anaesthesia for Emergency Caesarean Section in a Morbid Obese Woman with Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Longinus Ebirim N. , Benjamin Lagiri , Omiepirisa Buowari Yvonne
Published: October 2012

Background. Morbid obesity in a pregnancy is a great challenge to medical practice especially when the patient requires caesarean section.Case Summary. A 38-year-old unbooked gravida 3 Para 2+0weight 195 kg, height 1.7 m with a blood pressure of 210/160 mmhg had spinal anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section which was technically difficult for severe preeclampsia at 32-week gestation. She had poor wound healing and spent 18 days postoperatively on hospital admission.Conclusion. Morbid obesity is a challenge to both obstetric and anaesthetic practice. Antenatal care is necessary in reducing both maternal morbidity and mortality.
Preconception and Contraceptive Care for Women Living with HIV
Authors: Hoyt Mary Jo , Storm Deborah S. , Aaron Erika , Anderson Jean
Published: October 2012

Women living with HIV have fertility desires and intentions that are similar to those of uninfected women, and with advances in treatment most women can realistically plan to have and raise children to adulthood. Although HIV may have adverse effects on fertility, recent studies suggest that antiretroviral therapy may increase or restore fertility. Data indicate the increasing numbers of women living with HIV who are becoming pregnant, and that many pregnancies are unintended and contraception is underutilized, reflecting an unmet need for preconception care (PCC). In addition to the PCC appropriate for all women of reproductive age, women living with HIV require comprehensive, specialized care that addresses their unique needs. The goals of PCC for women living with HIV are to prevent unintended pregnancy, optimize maternal health prior to pregnancy, improve maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy, prevent perinatal HIV transmission, and prevent HIV transmission to an HIV-uninfected sexual partner when trying to conceive. This paper discusses the rationale for preconception counseling and care in the setting of HIV and reviews current literature relevant to the content and considerations in providing PCC for women living with HIV, with a primary focus on well-resourced settings.
Systemic Mastocytosis: A Rare Case of Increased Liver Stiffness
Authors: Adolf Stefanie , Millonig Gunda , Seitz Helmut Karl , Reiter Andreas , Schirmacher Peter , Longerich Thomas , Mueller Sebastian
Published: October 2012

Assessment of liver stiffness (LS) by transient elastography (Fibroscan) has significantly improved the noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis. We here report on a 55-year-old patient with drastically increased LS due to previously unknown systemic mastocytosis. The patient initially presented with increased weight loss, nocturnal pruritus, increased transaminases, bilirubinemia, and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal ultrasound showed ascites, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. In addition, LS was 75 kPa (IQR 0 kPa) clearly exceeding the cut-off value for F4 cirrhosis of 12.5 kPa. However, histological analysis of the liver specimen indicated liver involvement by systemic mastocytosis and excluded liver cirrhosis. An additional CT scan detected disseminated bone lesions. After three months of treatment with Midostaurin, LS slightly decreased down to 31.9 kPa (IQR 8.3 kPa). This case illustrates that diffused sinusoidal neoplastic infiltrates are a pitfall in the non-invasive diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. In conclusion, refined clinical algorithms for increased LS should also include mastocytosis in addition to inflammation, congestion, and biliary obstruction.
Potential of Peptides as Inhibitors and Mimotopes: Selection of Carbohydrate-Mimetic Peptides from Phage Display Libraries
Authors: Matsubara Teruhiko
Published: October 2012

Glycoconjugates play various roles in biological processes. In particular, oligosaccharides on the surface of animal cells are involved in virus infection and cell-cell communication. Inhibitors of carbohydrate-protein interactions are potential antiviral drugs. Several anti-influenza drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamivir are derivatives of sialic acid, which inhibits neuraminidase. However, it is very difficult to prepare a diverse range of sugar derivatives by chemical synthesis or by the isolation of natural products. In addition, the pathogenic capsular polysaccharides of bacteria are carbohydrate antigens, for which a safe and efficacious method of vaccination is required. Phage-display technology has been improved to enable the identification of peptides that bind to carbohydrate-binding proteins, such as lectins and antibodies, from a large repertoire of peptide sequences. These peptides are known as “carbohydrate-mimetic peptides (CMPs)” because they mimic carbohydrate structures. Compared to carbohydrate derivatives, it is easy to prepare mono- and multivalent peptides and then to modify them to create various derivatives. Such mimetic peptides are available as peptide inhibitors of carbohydrate-protein interactions and peptide mimotopes that are conjugated with adjuvant for vaccination.
Analysis of Void Fraction Distribution and Departure from Nucleate Boiling in Single Subchannel and Bundle Geometries Using Subchannel, System, and Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes
Authors: Kim Taewan , Petrov Victor , Manera Annalisa , Lo Simon
Published: October 2012

In order to assess the accuracy and validity of subchannel, system, and computational fluid dynamics codes, the Paul Scherrer Institut has participated in the OECD/NRC PSBT benchmark with the thermal-hydraulic system code TRACE5.0 developed by US NRC, the subchannel code FLICA4 developed by CEA, and the computational fluid dynamic code STAR-CD developed by CD-adapco. The PSBT benchmark consists of a series of void distribution exercises and departure from nucleate boiling exercises. The results reveal that the prediction by the subchannel code FLICA4 agrees with the experimental data reasonably well in both steady-state and transient conditions. The analyses of single-subchannel experiments by means of the computational fluid dynamic code STAR-CD with the CD-adapco boiling model indicate that the prediction of the void fraction has no significant discrepancy from the experiments. The analyses with TRACE point out the necessity to perform additional assessment of the subcooled boiling model and bulk condensation model of TRACE.
Foreign Body Aspiration of a Dental Bridge in the Left Main Stem Bronchus
Authors: Mahmoud Monay , Imam Syed , Patel Hetalben , King Matthew
Published: October 2012

Aspiration of tracheobronchial foreign bodies is a life-threatening event that occurs mainly in children. Occurrence in adults is rare and usually has a subtle presentation as most adults are unaware of aspiration of any foreign material. Decreased levels of consciousness, sedation, and neuromuscular diseases are major risk factors for foreign body aspiration in adults. Prompt diagnosis and intervention through foreign body retrieval are critical to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Retrieval procedure is risky, and sudden decompensation of the patient can occur anytime. We are presenting an adult who accidentally aspirated his dental prosthesis during sleep and underwent successful retrieval of the dental bridge using flexible bronchoscopy.
Performance Evaluation of AI2O3/Water Nanofluid as Coolant in a Double-Tube Heat Exchanger Flowing under a Turbulent Flow Regime
Authors: Bozorgan Navid , Mafi Mostafa , Bozorgan Nariman
Published: October 2012

Nanofluids are expected to be a promising coolant candidate in chemical processes for water waste remediation and heat transfer system size reduction. This paper focuses on the potential mass flowrate reduction in exchanger with a given heat exchange capacity using nanofluids. Al2O3 nanoparticles with diameters of 7 nm dispersed in water with volume concentrations up to 2% are selected as a coolant, and their performance in a horizontal double-tube counterflow heat exchanger under turbulent flow conditions is numerically studied. The results show that the flowrate of nanofluid coolant decreases with the increase of concentration of nanoparticles in the exchanger with a given heat exchange capacity. The mass flowrate of the nanofluid at a volume concentration of 2 vol.% is approximately 24.5% lower than that of pure water (base fluid) for given conditions. For the pressure drop, the results show that the pressure drop of nanofluid is slightly higher than water and increases with increase of volume concentrations. In addition, the reduction of wall temperature and heat transfer area is estimated.
Sensitive HPV Genotyping Based on the Flow-Through Hybridization and Gene Chip
Authors: Tao Pingping , Zheng Weiping , Wang Yungen , Bian Mei-lu
Published: October 2012

Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been recognized as the direct cause of cervical carcinoma. Therefore, detection and genotyping of HPV are important to cervical-cancer screening. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of flow-through hybridization and gene chip (HybriMax) on HPV genotyping through comparison of the results with Hybrid Capture II (HC-II) andin situhybridization (ISH). 591 women were classified into 6 groups according to their histological diagnoses. The overall accordance rate on 13 types of HPV genotypes between HybriMax and HC-II were 92.5% and 100% in the cancer group. The overall accordance was excellent with the Kappa index (KI) of 0.814. The value of KI in each group was 0.750 (normal cytological diagnosis), 0.781 (chronic cervicitis), 0.80 (condyloma acuminatum), 0.755 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I), 0.723 (CIN II), and 0.547 (CIN III) (0.75>KI>0.4, good;KI≥0.75, excellent). The 10 most common HPV subtype detected by HybriMax were 16, 52/58, 18, 33, 31, 81, 53, 68, and 66 in patients, and 16, 68, 18, 52, 58, 11, 53, 31/39, and 33 in normal controls. In conclusion, HybriMax is an efficient method for HPV genotyping and more suitable for clinical use.
Robust Stability of Switched Delay Systems with Average Dwell Time under Asynchronous Switching
Authors: Cheng Jun , Zhu Hong , Zhong Shouming , Zhang Yuping
Published: October 2012

The problem of robust stability of switched delay systems with average dwell time under asynchronous switching is investigated. By taking advantage of the average dwell‐time method and an
integral inequality, two sufficient conditions are developed to guarantee the global exponential stability of the considered switched system. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed techniques.
Tractable Approximation to Robust Nonlinear Production Frontier Problem
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Xing , Huang Nan-jing
Published: October 2012

Robust optimization is a rapidly developing methodology for handling optimization problems affected by the uncertain‐but‐bounded data perturbations. In this paper, we consider the nonlinear production frontier problem where the traditional expected linear cost minimization objective is replaced by one that explicitly addresses cost variability. We propose a robust counterpart for the nonlinear production frontier problem that preserves the computational tractability of the nominal problem. We also provide a guarantee on the probability that the robust solution is feasible when the uncertain coefficients obey independent and identically distributed normal distributions.
Paroxysmal Autonomic Instability with Dystonia after Pneumococcal Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Safadieh Layal , Sharara-Chami Rana , Dabbagh Omar
Published: October 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a common cause of bacterial meningitis, frequently resulting in severe neurological impairment. A seven-month-old child presenting withStreptococcus pneumoniaemeningoencephalitis developed right basal ganglia and hypothalamic infarctions. Daily episodes of agitation, hypertension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, hyperthermia, and decerebrate posturing were observed. The diagnosis ofparoxysmal autonomic instability with dystoniawas established. The patient responded to clonidine, baclofen, and benzodiazepines. Although this entity has been reported in association with traumatic brain injury, and as a sequel to some nervous system infections, this is the first case, to our knowledge, associated with pneumococcal meningoencephalitis.
A Facile One‐Pot Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 1,2‐Dihydro‐1‐arylnaphtho[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazine‐3‐ones Catalyzed by Wet Cyanuric Chloride
Authors: Nemati Firouzeh , Beyzai Azam
Published: October 2012

A novel one‐pot synthesis of 1,2‐dihydro‐1‐arylnaphtho[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazine‐3‐ones by condensation of a variety of aldehydes with β‐naphthol and urea or thiourea in the presence of wet cyanuric chloride under solvent‐free condition has been described. High yields, simple procedure, easy workup, short reaction times, and avoiding the use of organic solvent are the advantages of this green methodology.
Ultrasonication‐Induced Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some Multifluorinated Pyrazolone Derivatives
Authors: Gadhave Anil , Kuchekar Shashikant , Karale Bhausaheb
Published: October 2012

A series of novel fluorine containing pyrazole‐pyrazolone (4a–j) and chromone‐pyrazolone (5a–i) was synthesized from multifluorinated pyrazolone by the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. All compounds were synthesized by conventional heating as well as ultrasound irradiation technique. It was found that ultrasonication method was more efficient than conventional heating method. The newly synthesized compounds were subjected for in vitro antimicrobial screening against four bacterial pathogens, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three fungal pathogens Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus clavatus, using broth microdilution (MIC) method (CLSI guidelines). Among them, some compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activity against the tested strains. All synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, mass, and elemental analysis.
Infrared fluorescence for vascular barrier breach in vivo – A novel method for quantitation of albumin efflux
Authors: Furlan-Freguia Christian , Mosnier Laurent , Yegneswaran Subramanian , Ruf Wolfram , Griffin John , von Drygalski Annette
Published: October 2012

Vascular hyperpermeability contributes to morbidity in inflammation. Current methodologies for in vivo assessment of permeability based on extravasation of Evans Blue (EB)-bound albumin are cumbersome and often lack sensitivity. We developed a novel infrared fluorescence (IRF) methodology for measurement of EB-albumin extravasation to quantify vascular permeability in murine models. Vascular permeability induced by endotoxaemia was examined for all solid organs, brain, skin and peritoneum by IRF and the traditional absorbance-based measurement of EB in tissue extracts. Organ IRF increased linearly with increasing concentrations of intravenous EB (2.5–25 mg/kg). Tissue IRF was more sensitive for EB accumulation compared to the absorbance-based method. Accordingly, differences in vascular permeability and organ EB accumulation between lipopolysaccharide-treated and saline-treated mice were often significant when analysed by IRF-based detection but not by absorbance-based detection. EB was detected in all 353 organs analysed with IRF but only in 67% (239/353) of organs analysed by absorbance-based methodology, demonstrating improved sensitivity of EB detection in organs with IRF. In contrast, EB in plasma after EB administration was readily measured by both methods with high correlation between the two methods (n=116, r2=0.86). Quantitation of organ-specific EB-IRF differences due to endotoxin was optimal when IRF was compared between mice matched for weight, gender, and age, and with appropriate corrections for organ weight and EB plasma concentrations. Notably, EB-IRF methodology leaves organs intact for subsequent histopathology. In summary, EB-IRF is a novel, highly sensitive, rapid, and convenient method for the relative quantification of EB in intact organs of treatment versus control mice.
Factor XIII expression within aortic valves and its plasma activity in patients with aortic stenosis: association with severity of disease
Authors: Kapusta Przemyslaw , Wypasek Ewa , Natorska Joanna , Grudzien Grzegorz , Sobczyk Dorota , Sadowski Jerzy , Undas Anetta
Published: October 2012

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) shares several similarities with atherosclerosis. Factor XIII (FXIII) has been detected within atherosclerotic plaques and may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis via multiple mechanisms. In the current study, we sought to investigate FXIII expression within human stenotic aortic valves and its association with severity of the disease. We prospectively enrolled 91 consecutive patients with AS scheduled for isolated valve replacement. Valvular FXIII subunit A (FXIII-A), fibrin and macrophages expression was evaluated by immunostaining. FXIII-A subunit transcripts and FXIII-A Val34Leu polymorphism was determined by real-time PCR. Plasma FXIII (pFXIII) activity was measured. We demonstrated that the valvular FXIII-A was predominantly expressed on the aortic side of leaflets, colocalized with alternatively activated macrophages (AAM). Areas stained for FXIII-A showed positive correlations with valvular fibrin presence, degree of calcification, pFXIII activity and the severity of AS, reflected by mean and maximum transvalvular gradients (all, p<0.001). The FXIII-A mRNA in the stenotic leaflets was significantly elevated compared to control leaflets. Interestingly, pFXIII activity was also positively correlated with mean (p<0.001) and maximum (p=0.001) transvalvular gradient. The FXIII-A Val34Leu polymorphism did not affect FXIII-A and fibrin expression in AS valves. In conclusion, the study is the first to show abundant expression of FXIII-A at the mRNA and protein levels within human stenotic aortic valves, which is associated with the severity of AS. Our findings might suggest that FXIII in the stenotic valves is presented in AAM and may be involved in the AS progression.
Oral anticoagulation continuation compared with heparin bridging therapy among high risk patients undergoing implantation of cardiac rhythm devices
Authors: Feng Lei , Li Yang , Li Jian , Yu Bo
Published: October 2012

It was the objective of this study to systematically compare the effects of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with heparin bridging therapy among patients at high risk for thromboembolism undergoing implantation of cardiac rhythm devices. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid and Elsevier, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Six trials that met our inclusion criteria were identified and included in the present study. The endpoints of this meta-analysis included pocket haematoma, severe haematoma requiring drainage/revision, thromboembolic events, and length of hospital stay. Data were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). There was a statistically significant reduction of pocket haematoma (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.49, p<0.00001) and haematoma drainage/revision (OR 0.15, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.54, p=0.004), respectively, in the OAC continuation group versus the heparin bridging group. We did not detect any statistically sig- nificant differences of thromboembolic events (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.07 to 3.54, p=0.48) in the two groups. There was a trend that patients in bridging group had longer hospital stays. In conclusion, OAC continu- ation had a better risk-beneficial ratio and shorter length of hospital stay, and was more convenient to implement compared with heparin bridging therapy among patients at high risk for thromboembolism undergoing implantation of cardiac rhythm devices.