bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a Novel Topical Combination of Fipronil 9.8% and (S)-Methoprene 8.8% against Ticks and Fleas in Naturally Infested Dogs
Authors: Nambi Ayyanampakkam Pandurangan , Rathi Badal , S Kavitha , Dudhatra Ghanshyam , Yamini Hamsa S. , Ali Bhat Abid
Published: April 2016

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 9.8% (w/v) and (S)-methoprene 8.8% (w/v) (Fiprofort® Plus) was tested against ticks and fleas in naturally infested dogs. A total of fifty dogs were allocated in the study with ticks infestation (n=35) and fleas infestation (n=15). On day 0, thirty-five tick and fifteen flea infested dogs received the test formulation, a combination of fipronil 9.8% (w/v) and (S)-methoprene 8.8% (w/v) spot-on solution. Ticks and flea counts were taken on days 0 (pretreatment) and 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after treatment. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of haematological parameters on days 0 (pretreatment) and 7, 21, and 35 after treatment. All the adult ticks and fleas collected were identified asRhipicephalus sanguineusandCtenocephalides felis, respectively. The efficacy of spot-on formulation against ticks was 34.00% (day 3), 53.14% (day 7), 62.71% (day 14), 65.48% (day 21), 59.80% (day 28), and 58.82% (day 35), whereas against fleas it was 38.00% (day 3), 64.34% (day 7), 89.67% (day 14), 95.40% (day 21), 100.00% (day 28), and 100.00% (day 35). Haematological parameters for ticks and fleas infested dogs were statistically nonsignificant as compared to control. The combination of fipronil and (S)-methoprene eliminated the existing ticks and fleas infestation and prevented the dogs from flea and tick infestation for four weeks.
Mood, Disability, and Quality of Life among a Subgroup of Rheumatoid Arthritis Individuals with Experiential Avoidance and Anxiety Sensitivity
Authors: Mehta S. , Rice D. , Janzen S. , Pope J. E. , Harth M. , Shapiro A. P. , Teasell R. W.
Published: April 2016

Objective.The current study aimed to identify and characterize distinct RA subgroups based on their level of EA and AS and compares the difference among the subgroups in mood, disability, and quality of life.Methods.Individuals with chronic pain for at least 3 months were recruited from an academic rheumatoid clinic. Participants were assessed for demographic, psychosocial, and personality measures. A two-step cluster analysis was conducted to identify distinct subgroups of patients. Differences in clinical outcomes were compared using the Multivariate ANOVA based on cluster membership.Results.From a total of 223 participants, three distinct subgroups were formed based on cluster analysis. Cluster 1 (N=78) included those with low levels of both EA and AS. Cluster 2 (N=81) consisted of individuals with moderate levels of EA and low levels AS. Cluster 3 (N=64) included those with moderate levels of EA and high AS. Compared to those in Cluster 1, those in Cluster 3 had significantly higher levels of mood impairment and disability and lower quality of life (p<0.05). Significantly lower levels of mood impairment were seen in Cluster 1 compared to Cluster 2 (p<0.05). However, no significant difference in disability or quality of life was seen between the two groups.Conclusions.The three subgroups differed significantly in levels of impairment in mood, disability, and quality of life. However, levels of EA had a greater impact on disability and quality of life than AS.
Horner’s Syndrome Incidental to Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Excision: Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Mastronikolis Nicholas S. , Spiliopoulou Sofia P. , Zolota Vassiliki , Papadas Theodoros A.
Published: April 2016

Horner’s syndrome is characterized by a combination of ipsilateral miosis, blepharoptosis, enophthalmos, facial anhidrosis, and iris heterochromia in existence of congenital lesions. The syndrome results from a disruption of the ipsilateral sympathetic innervation of the eye and ocular adnexa at different levels. Though rare, thyroid and neck surgery could be considered as possible causes of this clinical entity. We present a case of Horner’s syndrome in a patient after total thyroidectomy and neck dissection for medullary thyroid cancer with neck nodal disease and attempt a brief review of the relevant literature.
High Response Performance of a Tuned-Mass Damper for Vibration Suppression of Offshore Platform under Earthquake Loads
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhao Xilu , Zheng Rencheng , Minagawa Keisuke
Published: April 2016

Currently, tuned-mass dampers (TMDs) are widely applied to maintain the stability of offshore platforms in hostile environments; however, the stability system of offshore platforms faces considerable challenges under critical earthquake loads of the initial period. Therefore, this study concentrated on the high response performance of a simple passive TMD system, and numerical and experimental investigations were performed using a 1 : 200-scale prototype. The obtained results indicated that the displacement, acceleration, and their power spectral density all decreased significantly for the offshore platform with the TMD system. By further analyses of its high response characteristics, it was validated that the TMD reactions can commence within the first 3 s of earthquake excitation, while the fundamental natural frequency was consistently tuned for the TMD system dependent on the dynamic magnification factor. The evaluation indices also confirmed that this method is effective in reducing the overall vibration level and the maximum peak values of the offshore platform exposed to earthquake excitations, mainly because of its high response characteristics.
The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Hospital Stay and Morbidity due to Various Diseases in Infants under 6 Months of Age: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kaur Amarpreet , Singh Karnail , Pannu M. S. , Singh Palwinder , Sehgal Neeraj , Kaur Rupinderjeet
Published: April 2016

Background. Mother’s milk is the best for the babies. Protective and preventive role of breast milk was evaluated in this study by assessing the relation of type of feeding and duration of hospital stay or morbidity.Methods. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital and 232 infants in the age group of 14 weeks to 6 months formed the sample. There are two groups of infants, that is, one for breastfed and one for top fed infants. Statistical analysis was done and results were calculated up to 95% to 99% level of significance to find effect of feeding pattern on hospital stay due to various diseases and morbidity.Results. Prolonged hospital stay, that is, >7 days, was lesser in breastfed infants and results were statistically significant in case of gastroenteritis (pvalue < 0.001), bronchopneumonia (pvalue = 0.0012), bronchiolitis (pvalue = 0.005), otitis media (pvalue = 0.003), and skin diseases (pvalue = 0.047). Lesser morbidity was seen in breastfed infants with gastroenteritis (pvalue 0.0414), bronchopneumonia (pvalue 0.03705), bronchiolitis (pvalue 0.036706), meningitis (pvalue 0.043), and septicemia (pvalue 0.04).Conclusions. Breastfed infants have shorter hospital stay and lesser morbidity in regard to various diseases as compared to top fed infants.
The Nonsequential Fusion Method for Localization from Unscented Kalman Filter by Multistation Array Buoys
Authors: Yanni Gou , Qi Wang
Published: April 2016

Based on special features of array buoy and the research field of location and tracking of underwater target, the research combines the highly adaptive nonlinear filtering algorithm unscented Kalman filter with the nonlinear programming of multistation array buoy positioning system. In accordance with the model of nonsequential target location, the research utilizes Unscented Transformation to update the measuring error and covariance matrix of state error, aiming at estimating the filtering of state variable and acquiring the object’s current state of motion. The research analyzes the positioning performance of algorithm, pursuit path, astringency, and other performance indexes of target-relevant parameter through numerical simulation experiment. From the result, the conclusion that multistation array buoy can complete the task of tracing target track very well can be reached, which provides theoretical foundation for putting the algorithm into engineering practice.
Preoperative Quantitative MR Tractography Compared with Visual Tract Evaluation in Patients with Neuropathologically Confirmed Gliomas Grades II and III: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Delgado Anna F. , Nilsson Markus , Latini Francesco , Mårtensson Johanna , Zetterling Maria , Berntsson Shala G. , Alafuzoff Irina , Lätt Jimmy , Larsson Elna-Marie
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose.Low-grade gliomas show infiltrative growth in white matter tracts. Diffusion tensor tractography can noninvasively assess white matter tracts. The aim was to preoperatively assess tumor growth in white matter tracts using quantitative MR tractography (3T). The hypothesis was that suspected infiltrated tracts would have altered diffusional properties in infiltrated tract segments compared to noninfiltrated tracts.Materials and Methods.Forty-eight patients with suspected low-grade glioma were included after written informed consent and underwent preoperative diffusion tensor imaging in this prospective review-board approved study. Major white matter tracts in both hemispheres were tracked, segmented, and visually assessed for tumor involvement in thirty-four patients with gliomas grade II or III (astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas) on postoperative neuropathological evaluation. Relative fractional anisotropy (rFA) and mean diffusivity (rMD) in tract segments were calculated and compared with visual evaluation and neuropathological diagnosis.Results.Tract segment infiltration on visual evaluation was associated with a lower rFA and high rMD in a majority of evaluated tract segments (89% and 78%, resp.). Grade II and grade III gliomas had similar infiltrating behavior.Conclusion.Quantitative MR tractography corresponds to visual evaluation of suspected tract infiltration. It may be useful for an objective preoperative evaluation of tract segment involvement.
At the Crossroad with Morbidity and Mortality Conferences: Lessons Learned through a Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: Xiong Xin , Johnson Teela , Jayaraman Dev , McDonald Emily G. , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan N.
Published: April 2016

Objective. To determine the process and structure of Morbidity and Mortality Conference (MMC) and to provide guidelines for conducting MMC.Methods. Using a narrative systematic review methodology, literature search was performed from January 1, 1950, to October 2, 2012. Original articles in adult population were included. MMC process and structure, as well as baseline study demographics, main results, and conclusions, were collected.Results. 38 articles were included. 10/38 (26%) pertained to medical subspecialties and 25/38 (66%) to surgical subspecialties. 15/38 (40%) were prospective, 14/38 (37%) retrospective, 7/38 (18%) interventional, and 2/38 (5%) cross-sectional. The goals were quality improvement and education. Of the 10 medical articles, MMC were conducted monthly 60% of the time. Cases discussed included complications (60%), deaths (30%), educational values (30%), and system issues (40%). Recommendations for improvements were made frequently (90%). Of the 25 articles in surgery, MMCs were weekly (60% of the time). Cases covered mainly complications (72%) and death (52%), with fewer cases dedicated to education (12%). System issues and recommendations were less commonly reported.Conclusion. Fundamental differences existed in medical versus surgical departments in conducting MMC, although the goals remained similar. We provide a schematic guideline for MMC through a summary of existing literature.
Profound Autonomic Instability Complicated by Multiple Episodes of Cardiac Asystole and Refractory Bradycardia in a Patient with Anti-NMDA Encephalitis
Authors: Mehr Stephanie R. , Neeley Roy C. , Wiley Melissa , Kumar Avinash B.
Published: April 2016

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) is autoimmune encephalitis primarily affecting young adults and children. First described about a decade ago, it frequently manifests as a syndrome that includes progressive behavioral changes, psychosis, central hypoventilation, seizures, and autonomic instability. Although cardiac arrhythmias often accompany anti-NMDARE, the need for long-term electrophysiological support is rare. We describe the case of NMDARE whose ICU course was complicated by progressively worsening episodes of tachyarrhythmia-bradyarrhythmia and episodes of asystole from which she was successfully resuscitated. Her life-threatening episodes of autonomic instability were successfully controlled only after the placement of a permanent pacemaker during her ICU stay. She made a clinical recovery and was discharged to a skilled nursing facility after a protracted hospital course.
The Comparison of Lichtenstein Procedure with and without Mesh-Fixation for Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Ersoz Feyzullah , Culcu Serdar , Duzkoylu Yigit , Bektas Hasan , Sari Serkan , Arikan Soykan , Deniz Mehmet Mehdi
Published: April 2016

Aim.Although inguinal hernia repair is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world, the best repair method has not gained acceptance yet. The ideal repair must be safe, simple, and easy to perform and require minimal dissection which provides enough exploration, maintain patient’s comfort in the early stage, and also be cost-effective, reducing operation costs, labor loss, hospital stay, and recurrence.Materials and Methods.There were eighty-five patients between the ages of 18 and 75, diagnosed with inguinal hernia in our clinic. Lichtenstein procedure for hernia repair was performed under spinal anesthesia in all patients. Forty-two patients had the standard procedure and, in 43 patients, the polypropylene mesh was used without fixation. All patients were examined and questioned on the 7th day of the operation in terms of pain, scrotal edema, and the presence of seroma and later on in the 6th postoperative month in terms of paresthesia, neuropraxia, and recurrence by a single physician.Results. Operative time and pain scores in the nonfixation group were significantly lower, without any increase in rates of recurrence.Conclusion.Based on these findings, in Lichtenstein hernia repair method, nonfixation technique can be used safely with better results.
Multifocal Aeromonas Osteomyelitis in a Child with Leukemia
Authors: Doganis Dimitrios , Baka Margarita , Tsolia Maria , Pourtsidis Apostolos , Lebessi Evangelia , Varvoutsi Maria , Bouhoutsou Despina , Kosmidis Helen
Published: April 2016

Aeromonas hydrophilais a Gram negative organism causing both intestinal and extraintestinal disease. The case of a 14-year-old girl with underlying immunodeficiency and leukemia who developed systemicA. hydrophilainfection is described in this report. While in deep bone marrow aplasia she developed fever, severe pain in the lower extremities, and swelling of the left femur. Blood culture showedEscherichia coliandA. hydrophilawhereas pus culture from the soft tissue swelling showed the presence ofA. hydrophila. Imaging studies showed diffuse osteolytic lesions. Patient received 5 months of intravenous and oral antibiotics and she improved clinically whereas the radiology findings persisted.
Implementation of True IoT Vision: Survey on Enabling Protocols and Hands-On Experience
Authors: Masek Pavel , Hosek Jiri , Zeman Krystof , Stusek Martin , Kovac Dominik , Cika Petr , Masek Jan , Andreev Sergey , Kröpfl Franz
Published: April 2016

Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to become a driver in an emerging era of interconnected world through the advanced connectivity of smart devices, systems, and services. IoT goes beyond a broad range of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication technologies and covers a wide variety of networking protocols. There exist solutions like MQTT or SIP collecting data from sensors, CoAP for constrained devices and networks, or XMPP for interconnecting devices and people. Also there is a plethora of standards and frameworks (OSGi, AllJoyn) bringing closer the paradigm of IoT vision. However, the main constraint of most existing platforms is their limited mutual interoperability. To this end, we provide a comprehensive description of protocols suitable to support the IoT vision. Further, we advocate an alternative approach to already known principles and employ the SIP protocol as a container for M2M data. We provide description of data structures and practical implementation principles of the proposed structures (JSON and Protocol Buffers are discussed in detail) transmitted by SIP as a promising enabler for efficient M2M communication in the IoT world. Our reported findings are based on extensive hands-on experience collected after the development of advanced M2M smart home gateway in cooperation with the operator Telekom Austria Group.
Composition Analysis and Inhibitory Effect of Sterculia lychnophora against Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yang Yang , Park Bok-Im , Hwang Eun-Hee , You Yong-Ouk
Published: April 2016

Pangdahai is a traditional Chinese drug, specifically described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the seeds of Sterculia lychnophora Hance. Here, we separated S. lychnophora husk and kernel, analyzed the nutrient contents, and investigated the inhibitory effects of S. lychnophora ethanol extracts on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, important bacteria in dental caries and plaque formation. Ethanol extracts of S. lychnophora showed dose‐dependent antibacterial activity against S. mutans with significant inhibition at concentrations higher than 0.01 mg/mL compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, biofilm formation was decreased by S. lychnophora at concentrations > 0.03 mg/mL, while bacterial viability was decreased dose‐dependently at high concentrations (0.04, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 mg/mL). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract revealed a strong presence of alkaloid, phenolics, glycosides, and peptides while the presence of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and organic acids was low. The S. lychnophora husk had higher moisture and ash content than the kernel, while the protein and fat content of the husk were lower (p < 0.05) than those of the kernel. These results indicate that S. lychnophora may have antibacterial effects against S. mutans, which are likely related to the alkaloid, phenolics, glycosides, and peptides, the major components of S. lychnophora.
Design of Asymmetrical Relay Resonators for Maximum Efficiency of Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Choi Bo-Hee , Lee Jeong-Hae
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a new design method of asymmetrical relay resonators for maximum wireless power transfer. A new design method for relay resonators is demanded because maximum power transfer efficiency (PTE) is not obtained at the resonant frequency of unit resonator. The maximum PTE for relay resonators is obtained at the different resonances of unit resonator. The optimum design of asymmetrical relay is conducted by both the optimum placement and the optimum capacitance of resonators. The optimum placement is found by scanning the positions of the relays and optimum capacitance can be found by using genetic algorithm (GA). The PTEs are enhanced when capacitance is optimally designed by GA according to the position of relays, respectively, and then maximum efficiency is obtained at the optimum placement of relays. The capacitance of the second resonator tonth resonator and the load resistance should be determined for maximum efficiency while the capacitance of the first resonator and the source resistance are obtained for the impedance matching. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement.
A Characterization of Symmetric Stable Distributions
Authors: Ejsmont Wiktor
Published: April 2016

Characterization problems in probability are studied here. Using the characteristic function of an additive convolution we generalize some known characterizations of the normal distribution to stable distributions. More precisely, if a distribution of a linear form depends only on the sum of powers of the certain parameters, then we obtain symmetric stable distributions.
A Method of Calculating the Interaction Energy between Particles in Minerals Flotation
Authors: Yao J. , Han H. , Hou Y. , Gong E. , Yin W.
Published: April 2016

Extended-DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory is applied to calculating the interaction energy between particles in flotation process in the paper. This study investigates and compares the floatability of magnesite, dolomite, serpentine, and quartz in single mineral flotation and artificial mixture flotation with DDA as collector. The results showed that when the pH, dissolved ions, and competitive adsorption had a minor influence on their floatability, fine magnesite and dolomite largely decreased the recovery of quartz. SEM analysis on the flotation products demonstrated severe masking of fine particles on the surface of quartz. The Extended-DLVO theory was applied to calculate the interaction energy between the minerals, and the results showed that the interaction forces between magnesite and quartz, serpentine and quartz, and dolomite and quartz were attractive; therefore, fine magnesite, serpentine, and dolomite particles are easily masked on the surface of quartz. The calculation results agree with the experiment results and explain the mechanism of particles interaction and the reasons for the inconsistency in single mineral flotation and actual ore flotation. The particles interaction behavior is important in flotation process, and the interaction energy calculation is helpful for evaluating this behavior.
Highly Accelerated Aging Method for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Film Using Xenon Lamp with Heating System
Authors: Funabashi Masahiro , Ninomiya Fumi , Oishi Akihiro , Ouchi Akihiko , Hagihara Hideaki , Suda Hiroyuki , Kunioka Masao
Published: April 2016

PET films were degraded at temperature higher than 100°C with steam and xenon light by using the newly developed system. Degradation products obtained using the proposed and conventional systems were essentially the same, as indicated by the similar increase in the intensity of the carbonyl peak near 1685 cm−1 in the FT-IR spectra of irradiated specimens and spectrum of original PET film. Elastic moduli derived from the stress-strain (SS) curves obtained in tensile tests were almost the same in the case of the proposed and conventional systems and were independent of the heating temperature, light intensity, and irradiation time. Tensile strength of degraded PET films decreases with increasing heating temperature. Tensile strengths of PET films degraded at same temperature decrease linearly with increasing intensity of xenon light. The lifetime at 90% strength of PET films was calculated. Attempts were made to express this lifetime as functions of the light intensity and the reciprocal of the absolute temperature by using the Eyring model. Estimated lifetime 15.9 h of tensile test using Eyring model for PET film agreed with the lifetime 22.7 h derived from data measured using the xenon weather meter.
Urticarial Vasculitis-Associated Intestinal Ischemia
Authors: Wong Uni , Yfantis Harris , Xie Guofeng
Published: April 2016

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a rare small vessel vasculitis. UV is often idiopathic but can also present in the context of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, drug reactions, infections, or a paraneoplastic syndrome. Extracutaneous complications include intestinal ischemic injuries, in UV patients with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. Prompt recognition and treatment can minimize morbidity and mortality. This paper describes a case of urticarial vasculitis-associated intestinal ischemia.
Distribution of Hepatitis C Risk Factors and HCV Treatment Outcomes among Central Canadian Aboriginal
Authors: Parmar Parmvir , Corsi Daniel J. , Cooper Curtis
Published: April 2016

Background.Aboriginal Canadians face many lifestyle risk factors for hepatitis C exposure.Methods.An analysis of Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic (Ottawa, Canada) patients between January 2000 and August 2013 was performed. HCV infection risk factors and HCV treatment outcomes were assessed. Socioeconomic status markers were based on area-level indicators linked to postal codes using administrative databases.Results.55 (2.8%) Aboriginal and 1923 (97.2%) non-Aboriginal patients were evaluated. Aboriginals were younger (45.6 versus 49.6 years,p<0.01). The distribution of gender (63.6% versus 68.3% male), HIV coinfection (9.1% versus 8.1%), advanced fibrosis stage (29.2% versus 28.0%), and SVR (56.3% versus 58.9%) was similar between groups. Aboriginals had a higher number of HCV risk factors, (mean 4.2 versus 3.1,p<0.001) with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–4.4) for having 4+ risk factors. This was not explained after adjustment for income, social deprivation, and poor housing. Aboriginal status was not related to SVR. Aboriginals interrupted therapy more often due to loss to follow-up, poor adherence, and substance abuse (25.0% versus 4.6%).Conclusion. Aboriginal Canadians have higher levels of HCV risk factors, even when adjusting for socioeconomic markers. Despite facing greater barriers to care, SVR rates were comparable with non-Aboriginals.
Structural Exploration and Conformational Transitions in MDM2 upon DHFR Interaction fromHomo sapiens: A Computational Outlook for Malignancy via Epigenetic Disruption
Authors: Banerjee Arundhati , Ray Sujay
Published: April 2016

Structural basis for exploration into MDM2 and MDM2-DHFR interaction plays a vital role in analyzing the obstruction in folate metabolism, nonsynthesis of purines, and further epigenetic regulation inHomo sapiens. Therefore, it leads to suppression of normal cellular behavior and malignancy. This has been earlier documented via yeast two-hybrid assays. So, with a novel outlook, this study explores the molecular level demonstration of the best satisfactory MDM2 model selection after performing manifold modeling techniques.Z-scores and other stereochemical features were estimated for comparison. Further, protein-protein docking was executed with MDM2 and the experimentally validated X-ray crystallographic DHFR. Residual disclosure from the best suited simulated protein complex disclosed 18 side chain and 3 ionic interactions to strongly accommodate MDM2 protein into the pocket-like zone in DHFR due to the positive environment by charged residues. Lysine residues from MDM2 played a predominant role. Moreover, evaluation from varied energy calculations, folding rate, and net area for solvent accessibility implied the active participation of MDM2 with DHFR. Fascinatingly, conformational transitions from coils to helices andβ-sheets after interaction with DHFR affirm the conformational strength and firmer interaction of human MDM2-DHFR. Therefore, this probe instigates near-future clinical research and interactive computational investigations with mutations.
MUC1 Immunohistochemical Expression as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Tong , Kong Fan-Biao , Mai Wei , Li Lei , Pang Li-Ming
Published: April 2016

MUC1, a member of the mucin family, is expressed in tumors of various human organs and may function as an antiadhesion molecule that inhibits cell-to-cell adhesion, inducing tumor metastasis, and served as a potential biomarker of tumor progression in early gastric cancer. However, its prognostic significance in gastric cancer is still in dispute. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between MUC1 expression and prognosis of gastric cancer. A total of ten eligible studies with 834 cases and 548 controls were included. MUC1 positive cases were highly positive in intestinal-type carcinomas (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.27–2.44,P=0.0008fixed-effect), higher rate of vascular invasion (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13–2.39,P=0.009fixed-effect), and lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.20–3.67,P=0.01random-effect), as well as lower 5-year survival rate (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11–0.66,P=0.004random-effect). However, the presence of MUC1 was not associated with gender, tumor size, histologic differentiation, and clinical stage. In summary, MUC1 is a prognostic factor in gastric cancer, which acts as a marker of poor outcome in patients with gastric cancer. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the role of MUC1 in clinical practice.
Plantar Purpura as the Initial Presentation of Viridians Streptococcal Shock Syndrome Secondary toStreptococcus gordoniiBacteremia
Authors: Liao Chen-Yi , Su Kuan-Jen , Lin Cheng-Hui , Huang Shu-Fang , Chin Hsien-Kuo , Chang Chin-Wen , Kuo Wu-Hsien , Ben Ren-Jy , Yeh Yen-Cheng
Published: April 2016

Viridians streptococcal shock syndrome is a subtype of toxic shock syndrome. Frequently, the diagnosis is missed initially because the clinical features are nonspecific. However, it is a rapidly progressive disease, manifested by hypotension, rash, palmar desquamation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome within a short period. The disease course is generally fulminant and rarely presents initially as a purpura over the plantar region. We present a case of a 54-year-old female hospital worker diagnosed with viridians streptococcal shock syndrome caused byStreptococcus gordonii. Despite aggressive antibiotic treatment, fluid hydration, and use of inotropes and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient succumbed to the disease. Early diagnosis of the potentially fatal disease followed by a prompt antibiotic regimen and appropriate use of steroids are cornerstones in the management of this disease to reduce the risk of high morbidity and mortality.
Increased Prevalence of Mutant Allele Pfdhps 437G and Pfdhfr Triple Mutation in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from a Rural Area of Gabon, Three Years after the Change of Malaria Treatment Policy
Authors: Ndong Ngomo Jacques-Mari , Mawili-Mboumba Denise Patricia , M’Bondoukwe Noé Patrick , Nikiéma Ndong Ella Rosalie , Bouyou Akotet Marielle Karine
Published: April 2016

In Gabon, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP) and for uncomplicated malaria treatment through ACTs drug. P. falciparum strains resistant to SP are frequent in areas where this drug is highly used and is associated with the occurrence of mutations on Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps) genes. The aim of the study was to compare the proportion of mutations on Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes in isolates collected at Oyem in northern Gabon, in 2005 at the time of IPTp-SP introduction and three years later. Point mutations were analyzed by nested PCR-RFLP method. Among 91 isolates, more than 90% carried Pfdhfr 108N and Pfdhfr 59R alleles. Frequencies of Pfdhfr 51I (98%) and Pfdhps 437G (67.7%) mutant alleles were higher in 2008. Mutations at codons 164, 540, and 581 were not detected. The proportion of the triple Pfdhfr mutation and quadruple mutation including A437G was high: 91.9% in 2008 and 64.8% in 2008, respectively. The present study highlights an elevated frequency of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutant alleles, although quintuple mutations were not found in north Gabon. These data suggest the need of a continuous monitoring of SP resistance in Gabon.
Effect of Treatment Delay, Stroke Type, and Thrombolysis on the Effect of Glyceryl Trinitrate, a Nitric Oxide Donor, on Outcome after Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient from Randomised Trials
Authors: Bath Philip M. , Woodhouse Lisa , Krishnan Kailash , Anderson Craig , Berge Eivind , Ford Gary A. , Robinson Thompson G. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Sprigg Nikola , Wardlaw Joanna M. , in Acute Stroke Collaboration (BASC) Blood pressure
Published: April 2016

Background.Nitric oxide (NO) donors are a candidate treatment for acute stroke and two trials have suggested that they might improve outcome if administered within 4–6 hours of stroke onset. We assessed the safety and efficacy of NO donors using individual patient data (IPD) from completed trials.Methods.Randomised controlled trials of NO donors in patients with acute or subacute stroke were identified and IPD sought from the trialists. The effect of NO donor versus control on functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and death, by time to randomisation. Secondary outcomes included measures of disability, mood, and quality of life.Results.Five trials (4,197 participants) were identified, all involving glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Compared with control, GTN lowered blood pressure by 7.4/3.3 mmHg. At day 90, GTN did not alter any clinical measures. However, in 312 patients randomised within 6 hours of stroke onset, GTN was associated with beneficial shifts in the mRS (odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.78) and reduced death (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.78).Conclusions.NO donors do not alter outcome in patients with recent stroke. However, when administered within 6 hours, NO donors might improve outcomes in both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.
Distinct Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Adipocytes on Normal and Cancer Cell Hierarchy
Authors: Anjanappa Manjushree , Burnett Riesa , Zieger Michael A. , Merfeld-Clauss Stephanie , Wooden William , March Keith , Tholpady Sunil , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: April 2016

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) have received considerable attention in oncology because of the known direct link between obesity and cancer as well as the use of ASCs in reconstructive surgery after tumor ablation. Previous studies have documented how cancer cells commandeer ASCs to support their survival by altering extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, migration, and metastasis. This study focused on delineating the effects of ASCs and adipocytes on the self-renewal of stem/progenitor cells and hierarchy of breast epithelial cells. The immortalized breast epithelial cell line MCF10A, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cell lines MCF10DCIS.com and SUM225, and MCF10A-overexpressing SRC oncogene were examined using a mammosphere assay and flow cytometry for the effects of ASCs on their self-renewal and stem-luminal progenitor-differentiated cell surface marker profiles. Interestingly, ASCs promoted the self-renewal of all cell types except SUM225. ASC coculture or treatment with ASC conditioned media altered the number of CD49fhigh/EpCAMlow basal/stem-like and CD49fmedium/EpCAMmedium luminal progenitor cells. Among multiple factors secreted by ASCs, IFNγ and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) displayed unique actions on epithelial cell hierarchy. IFNγ increased stem/progenitor-like cells while simultaneously reducing the size of mammospheres, whereas HGF increased the size of mammospheres with an accompanying increase in luminal progenitor cells. ASCs expressed higher levels of HGF, whereas adipocytes expressed higher levels of IFNγ. As luminal progenitor cells are believed to be prone for transformation, IFNγ and HGF expression status of ASCs may influence susceptibility for developing breast cancer as well as on outcomes of autologous fat transplantation on residual/dormant tumor cells.

Implications: This study suggests that the ratio of ASCs to adipocytes influences cancer cell hierarchy, which may impact incidence and progression. Mol Cancer Res; 14(7); 660–71. ©2016 AACR.
Comprehensive Immunohistochemistry: Digital, Analytical and Integrated
Authors: Laurinavicius Arvydas , Plancoulaine Benoit , Herlin Paulette , Laurinaviciene Aida
Published: April 2016

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is widely used in contemporary pathology as a diagnostic and, increasingly, as a prognostic and predictive tool. The main value of the method today comes from a sensitive and specific detection of a protein of interest in the context of tissue architecture and cell populations. One of the major limitations of conventional IHC is related to the fact that the results are usually obtained by visual qualitative or semiquantitative evaluation. While this is sufficient for diagnostic purposes, measurement of prognostic and predictive biomarkers requires better accuracy and reproducibility. Also, objective evaluation of the spatial heterogeneity of biomarker expression as well as the development of combined/integrated biomarkers are in great demand. On the other end of the scale, the rapid development of tissue proteomics accounting for 2D spatial aspects has led to a disruptive concept of next-generation IHC, promising high multiplexing and broad dynamic range quantitative/spatial data on tissue protein expression. This ‘evolutionary gap' between conventional and next-generation IHC can be filled by comprehensive IHC based on digital technologies (empowered by quantification and spatial and multiparametric analytics) and integrated into the pathology workflow and information systems. In this paper, we share our perspectives on a comprehensive IHC road map as a multistep development process.
Dual anti-platelet therapy after coronary drug-eluting stent implantation and surgery-associated major adverse events
Authors: Egholm Gro , Thim Troels , Olesen Kevin , Madsen Morten , Sorensen Henrik , Jensen Svend , Jensen Lisette , Botker Hans , Kristensen Steen , Maeng Michael
Published: April 2016

Surgery may necessitate interruption of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) within the first year after coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. We conducted a population-based cohort study to assess the rate of surgery within the first year after DES implantation, surgery-associated major adverse cardiac events (MACE), reoperation for bleeding within 30 days after surgery, and two nested case-control analyses to explore any association between preoperative antiplatelet therapy, MACE, and reoperation for bleeding. In the cohort of 22,654 patients treated with DES, 1,944 patients (8.6 %) underwent moderate- to high-risk surgery within 12 months. Of these, 62 (3.2 %) experienced MACE and 54 (2.8 %) needed reoperation for bleeding within 30 days. In the nested case-control analyses of 458 cases and controls, where 70 % (n=324) had a first generation DES, absence of preoperative antiplatelet therapy was associated with an increased MACE rate (OR 2.36, 95 % CI 1.02–5.48) compared to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) or DAPT. Preoperative SAPT versus DAPT showed no difference in MACE rates (OR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.30–2.40). Surgery within the first month was associated with increased MACE rate (OR 4.67, 95 % CI 2.22–9.83) compared to surgery 2–12 months after DES implantation. Absence of preoperative antiplatelet therapy did not reduce reoperation for bleeding as compared to patients on SAPT or DAPT (OR 1.32, 95 % CI 0.56–3.12). In conclusion, absence of preoperative antiplatelet therapy and surgery within the first month after DES implantation were associated with increased MACE rates.
Work-themed play among young children in foraging and farming communities in Central Africa
Authors: Fouts Hillary N. , Neitzel Carin L. , Bader Lauren R.
Published: April 2016

In small-scale societies children have great access to observing adult roles and this is often reflected in their play, however very few empirical studies of work-themed play have been conducted despite substantial implications that this type of play has for social learning. The current study describes the work-themed play patterns of 1 1/2- to 4-year-old Aka and Bofi foragers and Bofi farmers in Central Africa and examines the extent to which subsistence economy, age, and gender predicted how often children were observed engaging in work-themed play and characteristics of work-themed play. Overall, farmer children engaged in more work-themed play than forager children. Very few gender differences were observed in work-themed play. Age and subsistence economy predicted tendencies for children to be near adults while engaged in work-themed play and to use objects in their work-themed play.
Uzbekness and Islam: A Survey-based Analysis of Identity in Uzbekistan
Authors: Ro’i Yaacov , Wainer Alon
Published: April 2016

The article ascertains orders of preference in Uzbek identity by interviewing just over 200 citizens of Uzbekistan belonging to traditionally Muslim ethnic groupings. While almost everyone considers himself or herself a Muslim, the great majority perceive themselves above all as citizens of Uzbekistan. Moreover, their Islam is not reflected primarily in Islamic practice but rather in a somewhat nebulous Islamic traditionalism. They think, too, that the state should incorporate some minimal Islamic features. In the international arena, they tend to prefer Muslim over non-Muslim peoples and communities, but not necessarily as designations for labor migration. Finally, the focus of their interest is manifestly directed toward other post-Soviet successor states.
Akcentuacja zapożyczonych leksemów czasownikowych w gwarze staroobrzędowców mieszkających w regionie suwalsko-augustowskim
Authors: Paśko-Koneczniak Dorota Angelika
Published: April 2016

Stress patterns in loan verb lexemes in the dialect used by the Old Believers living in the Suwałki-Augustów region The aim of the article is to present the stress pattern phenomenon in loan verb lexemes which function in the Russian dialect of the Old Believers from the Suwałki-Augustów Region. In the last decades, the insular dialect, separated from the general Russian language, has been influenced by the Polish language. Such influence is visible, in particular, in the vocabulary, in the form of loan translations and idiomatic expressions. Stress patterns, along with the root vocabulary and the morphological system, still remains one of the indicators of the Russian essence of the dialect. The native vocabulary of the Old Believers’ dialect maintains Russian accentuation patterns. A similar situation is observed in the case of stress patterns in lexemes borrowed from Polish, which undergo a stress accentuation adaptation; that is, they feature a shift in the place of the stress in relation to the source language. In loan verb morphemes, one can notice the pattern of stress which is not fixed and depends upon the morphological form or, sometimes, the paroxitonic stress, which results from the influence of the Polish language. Akcentuacja zapożyczonych leksemów czasownikowych w gwarze staroobrzędowców mieszkających w regionie suwalsko-augustowskim Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie zjawiska akcentuacji w zapożyczonych leksemach czasownikowych, funkcjonujących w rosyjskiej gwarze staroobrzędowców z regionu suwalsko-augustowskiego. W ciągu ostatnich kilkudziesięciu lat badana gwara wyspowa, odseparowana od rosyjskiego języka ogólnego, podlega znacznemu wpływowi języka polskiego. Wpływ polszczyzny widoczny jest szczególnie w zasobie leksykalnym w postaci zapożyczeń, kalk i w idiomatyce. Akcentuacja obok rdzennego zasobu leksykalnego i systemu morfologicznego nadal pozostaje jednym z wyznaczników rosyjskości gwary. Rodzimy zasób leksykalny badanej gwary staroobrzędowców zachowuje rosyjski system akcentuacyjny. Podobnie rzecz się ma z systemem akcentuacyjnym w leksemach zapożyczonych z języka polskiego, które podlegają adaptacji akcentuacyjnej, czyli następuje w nich przesunięcie miejsca akcentu w stosunku do języka dawcy. W zapożyczonych leksemach czasownikowych mamy do czynienia ze zmiennością akcentu uzależnioną od formy morfologicznej, niekiedy również z akcentem paroksytonicznym, wynikającym z wpływu języka polskiego.
Regional Changes in the Interannual Variability of U.S. Warm Season Precipitation
Authors: Weaver Scott J. , Baxter Stephen , Harnos Kirstin
Published: April 2016

Intensification of regional springtime precipitation variability over the United States and the role of North American low-level jets (NALLJs) are investigated for the 1950–2010 period. The analysis reveals that the primary modes of NALLJ fluctuations are related to the strengthening of AMJ precipitation variability over the northern Great Plains and southeastern United States during the last 60 years. Examination of the epochal change in NALLJ variations shows a stronger connectivity to SST variability during 1980–2010 than in the 1950–79 period. In the context of the first three NALLJ variability modes it appears that the role of decadal SST variations (NALLJ mode 1) and the recent emergence of tropical Pacific connectivity (NALLJ modes 1 and 2) via SST-induced atmospheric heating and large-scale circulation changes may act to strengthen and spatially shift the NALLJ variability modes southward and/or eastward, intensifying regional precipitation variability in the recent epoch. Although notable NALLJ variability also exists in the earlier epoch, the upper-level height field is significantly lacking in meridional gradients, leading to weak upper-level zonal wind anomalies over the United States and diminished NALLJ variability. Conversely, the intensified and spatially shifted upper-level height anomaly in the recent epoch produces enhanced meridional height gradients in all three modes, strengthening NALLJ variability—highlighting that seemingly subtle shifts in hemispheric-scale atmospheric circulation changes can have important impacts on regional climate variability and change.
Potential function-based path-following control of an autonomous underwater vehicle in an obstacle-rich environment
Authors: Sahu Basant Kumar , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the development of simple but powerful path-following and obstacle-avoidance control laws for an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Potential function-based proportional derivative (PFPD) as well as a potential function-based augmented proportional derivative (PFAPD) control laws are developed to govern the motion of the AUV in an obstacle-rich environment. For obstacle avoidance, a mathematical potential function is used, which formulates the repulsive force between the AUV and the solid obstacles intersecting the desired path. Numerical simulations are carried out to study the efficacy of the proposed controllers and the results are observed. To reduce the values of the overshoots and steady-state errors identified due to the application of PFPD controller a PFAPD controller is designed that drives the AUV along the desired trajectory. From the simulation results, it is observed that the proposed controllers are able to drive the AUV to track the desired path, avoiding the obstacles in an obstacle-rich environment. The results are compared and it is observed that the PFAPD outperforms the PFPD to drive the AUV along the desired trajectory. It is also proved that it is not necessary to employ highly complicated controllers for solving obstacle-avoidance and path-following problems of underactuated AUVs. These problems can be solved with the application of PFAPD controllers.