bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein-carbohydrate supplements improve muscle protein balance in muscular dystrophy patients after endurance exercise: a placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Andersen Grete , Ørngreen Mette C. , Preisler Nicolai , Jeppesen Tina D. , Krag Thomas O. , Hauerslev Simon , van Hall Gerrit , Vissing John
Published: November 2014

In healthy individuals, postexercise protein supplementation increases muscle protein anabolism. In patients with muscular dystrophies, aerobic exercise improves muscle function, but the effect of exercise on muscle protein balance is unknown. Therefore, we investigated 1) muscle protein balance before, during, and after exercise and 2) the effect of postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation on muscle protein balance in patients with muscular dystrophies. In 17 patients [7 women and 10 men, aged 33 ± 11 yr (18–52), body mass index: 22 ± 3 kg/m2(16–26)] and 8 healthy matched controls [3 women and 5 men, age 33 ± 13 years (19–54), body mass index: 23 ± 3 kg/m2(19–27)], muscle protein synthesis, breakdown, and fractional synthesis rates (FSR) were measured across the leg using tracer dilution methodology on two occasions, with and without oral postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation. In patients, muscle protein breakdown increased in the recovery period (11 ± 1 μmol phenylalanine/min) vs. rest (8 ± 1 μmol phenylalanine/min, P = 0.02), enhancing net muscle protein loss. In contrast, postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation reduced protein breakdown, abolished net muscle protein loss, and increased the muscle FSR in patients (0.04 to 0.06%/h; P = 0.03). In conclusion, postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation reduces skeletal mixed-muscle protein breakdown, enhances FSR, resulting in a reduced net muscle loss in patients with muscular dystrophies. The findings suggest that postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation could be an important add-on to exercise training therapy in muscular dystrophies, and long-term studies of postexercise protein-carbohydrate supplementation are warranted in these conditions.
Glomerular endothelial cell injury and cross talk in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Fu Jia , Lee Kyung , Chuang Peter Y. , Liu Zhihong , He John Cijiang
Published: November 2014

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains a leading cause of new-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and yet, at present, the treatment is still very limited. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of DKD is therefore necessary to develop more effective therapies. Increasing evidence suggests that glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) injury plays a major role in the development and progression of DKD. Alteration of the glomerular endothelial cell surface layer, including its major component, glycocalyx, is a leading cause of microalbuminuria observed in early DKD. Many studies suggest a presence of cross talk between glomerular cells, such as between GEC and mesangial cells or GEC and podocytes. PDGFB/PDGFRβ is a major mediator for GEC and mesangial cell cross talk, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, and endothelin-1 are the major mediators for GEC and podocyte communication. In DKD, GEC injury may lead to podocyte damage, while podocyte loss further exacerbates GEC injury, forming a vicious cycle. Therefore, GEC injury may predispose to albuminuria in diabetes either directly or indirectly by communication with neighboring podocytes and mesangial cells via secreted mediators. Identification of novel mediators of glomerular cell cross talk, such as microRNAs, will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of DKD. Targeting these mediators may be a novel approach to develop more effective therapy for DKD.
Severity grading of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the confounding effect of phenotype and thoracic gas compression
Authors: Pellegrino Riccardo , Crimi Emanuele , Gobbi Alessandro , Torchio Roberto , Antonelli Andrea , Gulotta Carlo , Baroffio Michele , Papa Giuseppe Francesco Sferrazza , Dellacà Raffaele , Brusasco Vito
Published: November 2014

Current guidelines recommend severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease be graded by using forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). But this measurement is biased by thoracic gas compression depending on lung volume and airflow resistance. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the effect of thoracic gas compression on FEV1 is greater in emphysema than chronic bronchitis because of larger lung volumes, and this influences severity classification and prognosis. FEV1 was simultaneously measured by spirometry and body plethysmography (FEV1-pl) in 47 subjects with dominant emphysema and 51 with dominant chronic bronchitis. Subjects with dominant emphysema had larger lung volumes, lower diffusion capacity, and lower FEV1 than those with dominant chronic bronchitis. However, FEV1-pl, patient-centered variables (dyspnea, quality of life, exercise tolerance, exacerbation frequency), arterial blood gases, and respiratory impedance were not significantly different between groups. Using FEV1-pl instead of FEV1 shifted severity distribution toward less severe classes in dominant emphysema more than chronic bronchitis. The body mass, obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise (BODE) index was significantly higher in dominant emphysema than chronic bronchitis, but this difference significantly decreased when FEV1-pl was substituted for FEV1. In conclusion, the FEV1 is biased by thoracic gas compression more in subjects with dominant emphysema than in those with chronic bronchitis. This variably and significantly affects the severity grading systems currently recommended.
Maintained cerebral oxygenation during maximal self-paced exercise in elite Kenyan runners
Authors: Santos-Concejero J. , Billaut F. , Grobler L. , Oliván J. , Noakes T. D. , Tucker R.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cerebral oxygenation response to maximal self-paced and incremental exercise in elite Kenyan runners from the Kalenjin tribe. On two separate occasions, 15 elite Kenyan distance runners completed a 5-km time trial (TT) and a peak treadmill speed test (PTS). Changes in cerebral oxygenation were monitored via near-infrared spectroscopy through concentration changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin (Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[HHb]), tissue oxygenation index (TOI), and total hemoglobin index (nTHI). During the 5-km TT (15.2 ± 0.2 min), cerebral oxygenation increased over the first half (increased Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[HHb]) and, thereafter, Δ[O2Hb] remained constant (effect size, ES = 0.33, small effect), whereas Δ[HHb] increased until the end of the trial ( P < 0.05, ES = 3.13, large effect). In contrast, during the PTS, from the speed corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold, Δ[O2Hb] decreased ( P < 0.05, ES = 1.51, large effect), whereas Δ[HHb] continued to increase progressively until exhaustion ( P < 0.05, ES = 1.22, large effect). Last, the TOI was higher during the PTS than during the 5-km TT ( P < 0.001, ES = 3.08; very large effect), whereas nTHI values were lower ( P < 0.001, ES = 2.36, large effect). This study shows that Kenyan runners from the Kalenjin tribe are able to maintain their cerebral oxygenation within a stable range during a self-paced maximal 5-km time trial, but not during an incremental maximal test. This may contribute to their long-distance running success.
Biosonar navigation above water II: exploiting mirror images
Authors: Genzel Daria , Hoffmann Susanne , Prosch Selina , Firzlaff Uwe , Wiegrebe Lutz
Published: November 2014

As in vision, acoustic signals can be reflected by a smooth surface creating an acoustic mirror image. Water bodies represent the only naturally occurring horizontal and acoustically smooth surfaces. Echolocating bats flying over smooth water bodies encounter echo-acoustic mirror images of objects above the surface. Here, we combined an electrophysiological approach with a behavioral experimental paradigm to investigate whether bats can exploit echo-acoustic mirror images for navigation and how these mirrorlike echo-acoustic cues are encoded in their auditory cortex. In an obstacle-avoidance task where the obstacles could only be detected via their echo-acoustic mirror images, most bats spontaneously exploited these cues for navigation. Sonar ensonifications along the bats' flight path revealed conspicuous changes of the reflection patterns with slightly increased target strengths at relatively long echo delays corresponding to the longer acoustic paths from the mirrored obstacles. Recordings of cortical spatiotemporal response maps (STRMs) describe the tuning of a unit across the dimensions of elevation and time. The majority of cortical single and multiunits showed a special spatiotemporal pattern of excitatory areas in their STRM indicating a preference for echoes with (relative to the setup dimensions) long delays and, interestingly, from low elevations. This neural preference could effectively encode a reflection pattern as it would be perceived by an echolocating bat detecting an object mirrored from below. The current study provides both behavioral and neurophysiological evidence that echo-acoustic mirror images can be exploited by bats for obstacle avoidance. This capability effectively supports echo-acoustic navigation in highly cluttered natural habitats.
Motor neuronal activity varies least among individuals when it matters most for behavior
Authors: Cullins Miranda J. , Shaw Kendrick M. , Gill Jeffrey P. , Chiel Hillel J.
Published: November 2014

How does motor neuronal variability affect behavior? To explore this question, we quantified activity of multiple individual identified motor neurons mediating biting and swallowing in intact, behaving Aplysia californica by recording from the protractor muscle and the three nerves containing the majority of motor neurons controlling the feeding musculature. We measured multiple motor components: duration of the activity of identified motor neurons as well as their relative timing. At the same time, we measured behavioral efficacy: amplitude of grasping movement during biting and amplitude of net inward food movement during swallowing. We observed that the total duration of the behaviors varied: Within animals, biting duration shortened from the first to the second and third bites; between animals, biting and swallowing durations varied. To study other sources of variation, motor components were divided by behavior duration (i.e., normalized). Even after normalization, distributions of motor component durations could distinguish animals as unique individuals. However, the degree to which a motor component varied among individuals depended on the role of that motor component in a behavior. Motor neuronal activity that was essential for the expression of biting or swallowing was similar among animals, whereas motor neuronal activity that was not essential for that behavior varied more from individual to individual. These results suggest that motor neuronal activity that matters most for the expression of a particular behavior may vary least from individual to individual. Shaping individual variability to ensure behavioral efficacy may be a general principle for the operation of motor systems.
Dissociating contributions of ventral and dorsal striatum to reward learning
Authors: Chen Chong , Omiya Yuki , Yang Si
Published: November 2014

Reward learning plays a central role in decision making and adaptation. Accumulating evidence suggests that the striatum contributes enormously to reward learning but that its subregions may have distinct functions. A recent article by Tricomi and Lempert ( J Neurophysiol. First published 22 October 2014, doi:10.1152/jn.00086.2014.) found that ventral striatum tracks reward value, whereas dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum track the trialwise reward probability. In this Neuro Forum we reinterpret their findings and provide additional insights.
Hydrogen Supplementation of Preservation Solution Improves Viability of Osteochondral Grafts
Authors: Yamada Takuya , Uchida Kentaro , Onuma Kenji , Kuzuno Jun , Ujihira Masanobu , Inoue Gen , Sato Bunpei , Kurokawa Ryosuke , Sakai Rina , Takaso Masashi
Published: November 2014

Allogenic osteochondral tissue (OCT) is used for the treatment of large cartilage defects. Typically, OCTs collected during the disease-screening period are preserved at 4°C; however, the gradual reduction in cell viability during cold preservation adversely affects transplantation outcomes. Therefore, improved storage methods that maintain the cell viability of OCTs are needed to increase the availability of high-quality OCTs and improve treatment outcomes. Here, we evaluated whether long-term hydrogen delivery to preservation solution improved the viability of rat OCTs during cold preservation. Hydrogen-supplemented Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) and University of Wisconsin (UW) solution both significantly improved the cell viability of OCTs during preservation at 4°C for 21 days compared to nonsupplemented media. However, the long-term cold preservation of OCTs in DMEM containing hydrogen was associated with the most optimal maintenance of chondrocytes with respect to viability and morphology. Our findings demonstrate that OCTs preserved in DMEM supplemented with hydrogen are a promising material for the repair of large cartilage defects in the clinical setting.
Comparison on the Effects and Safety of Tualang Honey and Tribestan in Sperm Parameters, Erectile Function, and Hormonal Profiles among Oligospermic Males
Authors: Ismail Shaiful Bahari , Bakar Mohd. Bustamanizan , Nik Hussain Nik Hazlina , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Jaafar Hasnan , Draman Samsul , Ramli Roszaman , Wan Yusoff Wan Zahanim
Published: November 2014

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tualang honey on sperm parameters, erectile function, and hormonal and safety profiles. Methodology. A randomized control trial was done using Tualang honey (20 grams) and Tribestan (750 mg) over a period of 12 weeks. Sperm parameters including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were analyzed and erectile function was assessed using IIEF‐5 questionnaire. Hormonal profiles of testosterone, FSH, and LH were studied. The volunteers were randomized into two groups and the outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Results. A total of 66 participants were involved. A significant increment of mean sperm concentration (P < 0.001), motility (P = 0.015) and morphology (P = 0.008) was seen in Tualang honey group. In Tribestan group, a significant increment of mean sperm concentration (P = 0.007), and morphology (P = 0.009) was seen. No significant differences of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were seen between Tualang honey and Tribestan group and similar results were also seen in erectile function and hormonal profile. All safety profiles were normal and no adverse event was reported. Conclusion. Tualang honey effect among oligospermic males was comparable with Tribestan in improving sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. The usage of Tualang honey was also safe with no reported adverse event.
Diversity of Bacterial Photosymbionts in Lubomirskiidae Sponges from Lake Baikal
Authors: Kulakova Nina V. , Denikina Natalia N. , Belikov Sergei I.
Published: November 2014

Sponges are permanent benthos residents which establish complex associations with a variety of microorganisms that raise interest in the nature of sponge-symbionts interactions. A molecular approach, based on the identification of the 16S rRNA and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit genes, was applied to investigate diversity and phylogeny of bacterial phototrophs associated with four species of Lubomirskiidae in Lake Baikal. The phylogeny inferred from both genes showed three main clusters of Synechococcus associated with Baikalian sponges. One of the clusters belonged to the cosmopolitan Synechococcus rubescens group and the two other were not related to any of the assigned phylogenetic groups but placed as sister clusters to S. rubescens. These results expanded the understanding of freshwater sponge-associated photoautotroph diversity and suggested that the three phylogenetic groups of Synechococcus are common photosynthetic symbionts in Lubomirskiidae sponges.
Aeromonas hydrophilaSepsis Associated with Consumption of Raw Oysters
Authors: Nikiforov Ivan , Goldman John , Cheriyath Pramil , Vyas Anix , Nookala Vinod
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Aeromonas hydrophilais a gram negative bacillus that is native to aquatic environments that is increasingly reported in humans. This case is remarkable forA. hydrophilawith an initial presentation of acute pancreatitis.Case Presentation.A 61-year-old male presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain for two days. His past medical history was significant for alcohol abuse. Initial laboratory examination showed an elevated white blood cell count, elevated lipase, and elevated liver function tests (LFT). Computer tomography (CT) showed peripancreatic inflammatory changes and retroperitoneal free fluid, suggestive of acute pancreatitis. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) fluids and IV meropenem. After two days, the patient developed sepsis and respiratory failure and was intubated. Blood cultures were positive forAeromonas hydrophilasensitive to ciprofloxacin which was added to his treatment. Additionally, it was discovered that this patient had recently vacationed in Florida where he consumed raw oysters. He was discharged home on the eighth day of the hospital admission.Conclusion.This is a rare case ofA. hydrophilasepsis in an elderly patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of consumption of raw oysters. This case suggests thatA. hydrophilacan cause disseminated infection in immunocompetent individuals.
Management ofVaricellaGangrenosa: A Life-Threatening Condition from Chickenpox
Authors: Schots Judith P. M. , Moons Peter , Stoot Jan H. M. B.
Published: November 2014

Varicellagangrenosa, in which gangrenous ulceration of the skin and/or deeper tissues is seen, is a rare but alarming complication ofVaricellainfection. An early surgical intervention is generally advised, especially in case of sepsis and/or the presence of large necrotic lesions. We describe a case of a previously healthy 12-month-old boy presenting with sepsis due toVaricellagangrenosa. He presented with moderate lesions of moist gangrene. We treated our patient initially with antibiotics (ceftriaxone and metronidazole) and later on flucloxacillin and antiviral therapy (acyclovir) whereupon his condition rapidly improved and all skin lesions healed entirely. This report highlights the possibility of conservative treatment and emphasizes the significance of acyclovir in the management of chickenpox complicated by moist gangrene due to bacterial superinfection.
Factors Influencing Cecal Intubation Time during Retrograde Approach Single-Balloon Enteroscopy
Authors: Ou Tzu-Ming , Chen Peng-Jen , Shih Yu-Lueng , Wang Meng-Ting , Huang Hsin-Hung , Chang Wei-Kuo , Hsieh Tsai-Yuan , Huang Tien-Yu
Published: November 2014

Background and Aim. The predisposing factors for prolonged cecal intubation time (CIT) during colonoscopy have been well identified. However, the factors influencing CIT during retrograde SBE have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing CIT during retrograde SBE.Methods. We investigated patients who underwent retrograde SBE at a medical center from January 2011 to March 2014. The medical charts and SBE reports were reviewed. The patients’ characteristics and procedure-associated data were recorded. These data were analyzed with univariate analysis as well as multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the possible predisposing factors.Results. We enrolled 66 patients into this study. The median CIT was 17.4 minutes. With univariate analysis, there was no statistical difference in age, sex, BMI, or history of abdominal surgery, except for bowel preparation(P=0.021). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that inadequate bowel preparation (odds ratio 30.2, 95% confidence interval 4.63–196.54;P<0.001) was the independent predisposing factors for prolonged CIT during retrograde SBE.Conclusions. For experienced endoscopist, inadequate bowel preparation was the independent predisposing factor for prolonged CIT during retrograde SBE.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Passive Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger under Natural Convection Condition in Tank
Authors: Men Qiming , Wang Xuesheng , Zhou Xiang , Meng Xiangyu
Published: November 2014

Aiming at the heat transfer calculation of the Passive Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchanger (PRHR HX), experiments on the heat transfer of C-shaped tube immerged in a water tank were performed. Comparisons of different correlation in literatures with the experimental data were carried out. It can be concluded that the Dittus-Boelter correlation provides a best-estimate fit with the experimental results. The average error is about 0.35%. For the tube outside, the McAdams correlations for both horizontal and vertical regions are best-estimated. The average errors are about 0.55% for horizontal region and about 3.28% for vertical region. The tank mixing characteristics were also investigated in present work. It can be concluded that the tank fluid rose gradually which leads to a thermal stratification phenomenon.
Effect Mechanism of Penstock on Stability and Regulation Quality of Turbine Regulating System
Authors: Guo Wencheng , Yang Jiandong , Chen Jieping , Teng Yi
Published: November 2014

This paper studies the effect mechanism of water inertia and head loss of penstock on stability and regulation quality of turbine regulating system with surge tank or not and proposes the construction method of equivalent model of regulating system. Firstly, the complete linear mathematical model of regulating system is established. Then, the free oscillation equation and time response of the frequency that describe stability and regulation quality, respectively, are obtained. Finally, the effects of penstock are analysed by using stability region and response curves. The results indicate that the stability and regulation quality of system without surge tank are determined by time response of frequency which only depends on water hammer wave in penstock, while, for system with surge tank, the time response of frequency depending on water hammer wave in penstock and water‐level fluctuation in surge tank jointly determines the stability and regulation quality. Water inertia of penstock mainly affects the stability and time response of frequency of system without surge tank as well as the stability and head wave of time response of frequency with surge tank. Head loss of penstock mainly affects the stability and tail wave of time response of frequency with surge tank.
Transvaginal Appendectomy in Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Yagci Mehmet Ali , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Ates Mustafa
Published: November 2014

Introduction.Laparoscopic appendectomy has significant benefits in obese patients. However, morbid obesity can be accepted as an exclusion criterion for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Here, we present a transvaginal appendectomy in a 66-year-old morbidly obese (BMI 36 kg/m2, ASA III) patient.Case and Technique.Acute appendicitis was suspected based on history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and ultrasound findings. During laparoscopic surgery, a 5 mm trocar was inserted through the umbilicus and a 5 mm telescope was placed. A 12 mm trocar and a 5 mm grasper were inserted separately through the posterior fornix of the vagina under laparoscopic guidance. The appendix was divided with an endoscopic stapler through the transvaginal 12 mm trocar and removed from the same trocar. The operating time was 75 minutes with minimal blood loss (<10 mL). The patient was discharged 16 hours after surgery uneventfully and she did not require any analgesic administration.Conclusion.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical case that focuses on the transvaginal appendectomy at morbid obesity. We can say that morbid obesity does not constitute an obstacle for treatment of acute appendicitis by transvaginal endoscopic surgery.
Liver Fibrosis and Protection Mechanisms Action of Medicinal Plants Targeting Apoptosis of Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Duval Florent , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge E. , González-Garza Maria Teresa , Rodríguez-Montalvo Carlos , Cruz-Vega Delia Elva
Published: November 2014

Following chronic liver injury, hepatocytes undergo apoptosis leading to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Consequently, activated HSC proliferate and produce excessive extracellular matrix, responsible for the scar formation. The pandemic trend of obesity, combined with the high incidence of alcohol intake and viral hepatitis infections, highlights the urgent need to find accessible antifibrotic therapies. Treatment strategies should take into account the versatility of its pathogenesis and act on all the cell lines involved to reduce liver fibrosis. Medicinal plants are achieving popularity as antifibrotic agents, supported by their safety, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. This review will describe the role of hepatocytes and HSC in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and detail the mechanisms of modulation of apoptosis of both cell lines by twelve known hepatoprotective plants in order to reduce liver fibrosis.
Predictors of Salivary Fistulas in Patients Undergoing Salvage Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Bearelly Shethal , Wang Steven J.
Published: November 2014

Background. Salivary fistula is a common complication after salvage total laryngectomy. Previous studies have not considered the number of layers of pharyngeal closure and have not classified fistulas according to severity. Our objective was to analyze our institutional experience with salvage total laryngectomy, categorize salivary fistulas based on severity, and study the effect of various pharyngeal closure techniques on fistula incidence. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 48 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy, comparing pharyngeal closure technique and use of a pectoralis major flap with regard to salivary fistula rate. Fistulas were categorized into major and minor fistulas based on whether operative intervention was required. Results. The major fistula rate was 18.8% (9/48) and the minor fistula rate was 29.2% (14/48). The overall (major plus minor) fistula rate was 47.9%. The overall fistula and major fistula rates decreased with increasing the number of closure layers and with use of a pectoralis major flap; however, these correlations did not reach statistical significance. Other than age, there were no clinicopathologic variables associated with salivary fistulas. Conclusion. For salvage total laryngectomies, increasing the number of closure layers or use of a pectoralis major flap may reduce the risk of salivary fistula.
Successful Management of Insulin Allergy and Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 4 with Desensitization Therapy and Glucocorticoid Treatment: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rojas Joselyn , Villalobos Marjorie , Martínez María Sofía , Chávez-Castillo Mervin , Torres Wheeler , Mejías José Carlos , Miquilena Edgar , Bermúdez Valmore
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Insulin allergy is a rare complication of insulin therapy, especially in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Key manifestations are hypersensitivity-related symptoms and poor metabolic control. T1DM, as well as insulin allergy, may develop in the context of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS), further complicating management.Case Report. A 17-year-old male patient, diagnosed with T1DM, was treated with various insulin therapy schemes over several months, which resulted in recurrent anaphylactoid reactions and poor glycemic control, after which he was referred to our Endocrinology and Immunology Department. A prick test was carried out for all commercially available insulin presentations and another insulin scheme was designed but proved unsuccessful. A desensitization protocol was started with Glargine alongside administration of Prednisone, which successfully induced tolerance. Observation of skin lesions typical of vitiligo prompted laboratory workup for other autoimmune disorders, which returned positive for autoimmune gastritis/pernicious anemia. These findings are compatible with APS type 4.Discussion. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of insulin allergy in type 4 APS, as well as this particular combination in APS. Etiopathogenic components shared by insulin allergy and APS beg for further research in immunogenetics to further comprehend pathophysiologic aspects of these diseases.
Design of Highly Isolated Compact Antenna Array for MIMO Applications
Authors: Huang Tiancong , Yu Yantao , Yi Lijun
Published: November 2014

In order to achieve very high data rates in both the uplink and downlink channels, the multiple antenna systems are used within the mobile terminal as well as the base station of the future generation of mobile networks. When implemented in a size limited platform, the multiple antenna arrays suffer from strong mutual coupling between closely spaced array elements. In this paper, a rigorous procedure for the design of a 4-port compact planar antenna array with high port isolation is presented. The proposed design involves a decoupling network consisting of reactive elements, whose values can be obtained by the method of eigenmode analysis. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed design approach in improving the port isolation of a compact four-element planar array.
Caries Distribution, Prevalence, and Treatment Needs among 12–15-Year-Old Secondary School Students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Braimoh Omoigberai Bashiru , Umanah Ayamma Udo , Ilochonwu Nzube Anthony
Published: November 2014

Objective. There is a change in the trends and distribution of dental caries in established and nonestablished market economies. The aim of this study was to describe caries distribution, prevalence, and treatment needs among school children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. The study was a cross-sectional survey of students between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical oral examination. Analysis of data was done using statistical package for social science version 20.0. Association between variables was tested using chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Results. The study population consisted of 195 school children of mean age 13.21±1.09 years. The prevalence of dental caries was 15.4% (n=30). The mean DMFT score for the entire group was 0.25±0.66. Dental caries occurred more significantly (P<0.005) on the mandible (66.7%) than on the maxilla (33.3%) and was significantly (P<0.005) more prevalent on the first molars (66.7%) than on the second molars (26.6%). Conclusion. The number of untreated dental caries was high and the restorative index was low among the students. The overall caries prevalence and mean DMFT were low even when compared to other studies in similar populations in Nigeria.
Vitreous Hemorrhage in Pediatric Age Group
Authors: AlHarkan Dora H. , Kahtani Eman S. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Abu El-Asrar Ahmed M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose.To identify and study causes of vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in pediatric age group and to investigate factors predicting visual and anatomical outcomes.Procedure.A retrospective review of patients aged 16 years or less with the diagnosis of vitreous hemorrhage from January 2005 until December 2010.Results.A total number of 230 patients (240 eyes) were identified. Traumatic vitreous hemorrhage accounted for 82.5%. In cases of accidental trauma, final visual acuity of 20/200 was significantly associated with visual acuity of ≥20/200 at presentation and the absence of retinal detachment at last follow-up. Patients with nontraumatic vitreous hemorrhage were significantly younger with higher rates of enucleation/evisceration/exenteration and retinal detachment at last follow-up compared to traumatic cases.Conclusion.Trauma is the most common cause of VH in pediatric age group. In this group, initial visual acuity was the most important predictor for visual outcome, and the presence of retinal detachment is a negative predictor for final good visual outcome. The outcome is significantly worse in nontraumatic cases compared to traumatic cases.
Design and Investigation of Disk Patch Antenna with Quad C-Slots for Multiband Operations
Authors: Ansari J. A. , Verma Sapna , Singh Ashish
Published: November 2014

An investigation into the design and fabrication of multiband disk patch antenna with symmetrically quad C-slots is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna shows multiband resonance frequencies which highly depend on substrate thickness, dielectric constant, and radius of the disk patch. By incorporating two pairs of C-slots in optimum geometry on the radiating patch, the proposed antenna operates between 2 and 12 GHz at different frequency bands centered at 2.27, 7.505, 9.34, 10.33, and 11.61 GHz. The other antenna parameters are studied like gain, antenna efficiency, and radiation pattern. The proposed antenna may find applications in S-, C-, and X-band. The results are carried out with the aid of HFSS and MOM-based IE3D simulator. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement with each other.
A Flexible Monopole Antenna with Dual-Notched Band Function for Ultrawideband Applications
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Guohao
Published: November 2014

We present a flexible ultrawideband (UWB) planar monopole antenna with dual-notched band characteristic printed on a polyimide substrate. The antenna is fed by a step coplanar waveguide (CPW) that provides smooth transitional impedance for improved matching. It operates from 2.76 to 10.6 GHz with return loss greater than 10 dB except for the notch band to reduce the interference with existing 3.5 GHz WiMAX band and 5.5 GHz WLAN band. With a combination of rectangular and circle patches in which the U-shaped slot is carved, the overall size of antenna is 30 mm × 20 mm. Moreover, a pair of arc-shaped stubs located at both sides of the feed line is utilized to create the notch band for WiMAX band. The results also show that the antenna has omnidirectional radiation pattern and smooth gain over the entire operational band.
CR TKA UHMWPE Wear Tested after Artificial Aging of the Vitamin E Treated Gliding Component by Simulating Daily Patient Activities
Authors: Schwiesau Jens , Fritz Bernhard , Kutzner Ines , Bergmann Georg , Grupp Thomas M.
Published: November 2014

The wear behaviour of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is dominated by two wear mechanisms: the abrasive wear and the delamination of the gliding components, where the second is strongly linked to aging processes and stress concentration in the material. The addition of vitamin E to the bulk material is a potential way to reduce the aging processes. This study evaluates the wear behaviour and delamination susceptibility of the gliding components of a vitamin E blended, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) cruciate retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty. Daily activities such as level walking, ascending and descending stairs, bending of the knee, and sitting and rising from a chair were simulated with a data set received from an instrumented knee prosthesis. After 5 million test cycles no structural failure of the gliding components was observed. The wear rate was with5.62±0.53 mg/million cycles falling within the limit of previous reports for established wear test methods.
Effects of High Phosphorus Diet on Bone Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Young and Aged Mice
Authors: Katsumata Shinichi , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Katsumata-Tsuboi Rie , Uehara Mariko , Suzuki Kazuharu
Published: November 2014

In this study, the effects of high phosphorus (P) diet on bone metabolism-related gene expression were investigated in young and aged mice. Twelve- and 80-week-old ddY male mice were divided into two groups, respectively, and fed a control diet containing 0.3% P or a high P diet containing 1.2% P. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was significantly higher in the high P groups than in the control groups in both young and aged mice and was significantly higher in aged mice than in young mice fed the high P diet. High P diet significantly increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA in the femur of both young and aged mice and significantly increased the RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA ratio only in aged mice. High P diet significantly increased mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 6, calbindin-D9k, and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 1b in the duodenum of both young and aged mice. These results suggest that high P diet increased RANKL mRNA expression in the femur and calcium absorption-related gene expression in the duodenum regardless of age. Furthermore, the high P diet-induced increase in PTH secretion might increase the RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio in aged mice.
CQFB and PBP in Diagnosis of Local Gear Fault
Authors: Cui Lingli , Wu Na , Mo Daiyi , Wang Huaqing , Chen Peng
Published: November 2014

The vibration signal of local gear fault is mainly composed of two components. One is the resonant signal and noise signal and the other one is the transient impulse signal including fault information. The quality factors corresponding to the two components are different. Hence, a method to diagnose local gear fault based on composite quality factor basis and parallel basis pursuit is proposed. First, two different quality factors bases are established using wavelet transform of variable quality factors to obtain the decomposition coefficient. Next, the parallel basis pursuit is adopted for the optimization of the decomposition coefficient. With the derived optimal decomposition coefficient, the resonant components with different quality factors can be reconstructed. By discussing the sparsity of signals treated with different quality factors bases, the suitable composite quality factor basis is selected to perform sparse decomposition on the signal. Besides, the obtained resonant component with low quality factor is subject to demodulation analysis, so as to derive the fault information. The feasibility and validity of the algorithm are shown by the results from simulation signal and practical application of local gear faults.
Jordan Higher Derivable Mappings on Rings
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad , Parveen Nazia
Published: November 2014

Let R be a ring. We say that a family of maps D={dn}n∈N is a Jordan higher derivable map (without assumption of additivity) on R if d0=IR (the identity map on R) and dn(ab+ba)=∑p+q=n‍dp(a)dq(b)+∑p+q=n‍dp(b)dq(a) hold for all a,b∈R and for each n∈N. In this paper, we show that every Jordan higher derivable map on a ring under certain assumptions becomes a higher derivation. As its application, we get that every Jordan higher derivable map on Banach algebra is an additive higher derivation.
Protective Effects of Gelam Honey against Oxidative Damage in Young and Aged Rats
Authors: Sahhugi Zulaikha , Hasenan Siti Maisarah , Jubri Zakiah
Published: November 2014

Aging is characterized by progressive decline in physiological and body function due to increase in oxidative damage. Gelam honey has been accounted to have high phenolic and nonphenolic content to attenuate oxidative damage. This study was to determine the effect of local gelam honey on oxidative damage of aged rats. Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into young (2 months) and aged (19 months) groups. Each group was further divided into control (fed with plain water) and supplemented with 2.5 mg/kg body weight of gelam honey for 8 months. DNA damage level was determined by comet assay and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The activity of blood and cardiac antioxidant enzymes was determined by spectrophotometer. The DNA damage and MDA level were reduced in both gelam honey supplemented groups. Gelam honey increases erythrocytes CAT and cardiac SOD activities in young and cardiac CAT activity in young and aged groups. The DNA damage was increased in the aged group compared to young group, but reduced at the end of the study. The decline of oxidative damage in rats supplemented with gelam honey might be through the modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities.
Pien Tze Huang Overcomes Multidrug Resistance and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells via Suppression of TGF‐β Pathway
Authors: Shen Aling , Chen Hongwei , Chen Youqin , Lin Jiumao , Lin Wei , Liu Liya , Sferra Thomas J. , Peng Jun
Published: November 2014

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Pien Tze Huang (PZH) has long been used as a folk remedy for cancer. To elucidate the mode of action of PZH against cancer, in the present study we used a 5‐FU resistant human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT‐8/5‐FU) to evaluate the effects of PZH on multidrug resistance (MDR) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the activation of TGF‐β pathway. We found that PZH dose‐dependently inhibited the viability of HCT‐8/5‐FU cells which were insensitive to treatment of 5‐FU and ADM, demonstrating the ability of PZH to overcome chemoresistance. Furthermore, PZH increased the intercellular accumulation of Rhodamine‐123 and downregulated the expression of ABCG2 in HCT‐8/5‐FU cells. In addition, drug resistance induced the process of EMT in HCT‐8 cells as evidenced by EMT‐related morphological changes and alteration in the expression of EMT‐regulatory factors, which however was neutralized by PZH treatment. Moreover, PZH inhibited MDR/EMT‐enhanced migration and invasion capabilities of HCT‐8 cells in a dose‐dependent manner and suppressed MDR‐induced activation of TGF‐β signaling in HCT‐8/5‐FU cells. Taken together, our study suggests that PZH can effectively overcome MDR and inhibit EMT in human colorectal carcinoma cells via suppression of the TGF‐β pathway.
Virtual Visits in Home Health Care for Older Adults
Authors: Husebø Anne Marie Lunde , Storm Marianne
Published: November 2014

Background. This review identifies the content of virtual visits in community nursing services to older adults and explores the manner in which service users and the nurses use virtual visits.Design. An integrative literature review.Method. Data collection comprised a literature search in three databases: Cinahl, Medline, and PubMed. In addition, a manual search of reference lists and expert consultation were performed. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. The articles were reviewed in terms of study characteristics, service content and utilization, and patient and health care provider experience.Results. Our review shows that in most studies the service is delivered on a daily basis and in combination with in-person visits. The findings suggest that older home-dwelling patients can benefit from virtual visits in terms of enhanced social inclusion and medication compliance. Service users and their nurses found virtual visits satisfactory and suitable for care delivery in home care to the elderly. Evidence for cost-saving benefits of virtual visits was not found.Conclusions. The findings can inform the planning of virtual visits in home health care as a complementary service to in-person visits, in order to meet the increasingly complex needs of older adults living at home.
A Novel Compound Control Method for Hydraulically Driven Shearer Drum Lifting
Authors: Si Lei , Wang Zhongbin , Liu Xinhua , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2014

In order to adjust shearer drum swiftly and precisely to adapt to the changes of coal seam, a compound control approach based on cerebellar model articulation control and fractional order PID controller was proposed. As the movement precision and response speed of hydraulic system were determined mainly by the control precision of valve-controlled asymmetrical hydraulic cylinder, its working principle and characteristics were analyzed in this paper, with particular focusing on the asymmetry problem. Furthermore, RBF neural network was applied to obtaining reasonable tuning parameters and a control algorithm of proposed controller was designed. Finally, laboratory experiments were developed to verify the validity and effectiveness of proposed compound control method. The testing results, compared with those for other controllers, proved that the proposed compound control method can acquire high movement precision and respond speed in the system of hydraulically driven shearer drum lifting with different control conditions.
Nasal Involvement in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Michels Daniel de Sousa , Rodrigues Amanda da Mota Silveira , Nakanishi Márcio , Sampaio André Luiz Lopes , Venosa Alessandra Ramos
Published: November 2014

Numerous studies have reported an association between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the precise nature of this relationship remains to be clarified. This paper aimed to summarize data and theories on the role of the nose in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea as well as to discuss the benefits of surgical and medical nasal treatments. A number of pathophysiological mechanisms can potentially explain the role of nasal pathology in OSAS. These include the Starling resistor model, the unstable oral airway, the nasal ventilatory reflex, and the role of nitric oxide (NO). Pharmacological treatment presents some beneficial effects on the frequency of respiratory events and sleep architecture. Nonetheless, objective data assessing snoring and daytime sleepiness are still necessary. Nasal surgery can improve the quality of life and snoring in a select group of patients with mild OSAS and septal deviation but is not an effective treatment for OSA as such. Despite the conflicting results in the literature, it is important that patients who are not perfectly adapted to CPAP are evaluated in detail, in order to identify whether there are obstructive factors that could be surgically corrected.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Isoxazole Tethered Quinone-Amino Acid Hybrids
Authors: Ravi Kumar P. , Behera Manoranjan , Sambaiah M. , Kandula Venu , Payili Nagaraju , Jaya Shree A. , Yennam Satyanarayana
Published: November 2014

A new series of isoxazole tethered quinone-amino acid hybrids has been designed and synthesized involving 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction followed by an oxidation reaction using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN). Using this method, for the first time various isoxazole tethered quinone-phenyl alanine and quinone-alanine hybrids were synthesized from simple commercially available 4-bromobenzyl bromide, propargyl bromide, and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde in good yield.