bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gut‐Brain Axis in IBD: An Investigator’s Perspective
Authors: Collins Stephen M , Weingarten Harvey P , McHugh Kevin
Published: March 2016

Three clinical observations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prompt an examination of the role of gut‐brain interactions in the pathophysiology of IBD. The first is the recognition that anorexia is among several factors that lead to malnutrition in IBD patients. The second is the suspicion that stressful life events may precipitate exacerbations of IBD. The third is that IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seem to be related. Recent work in animal models has provided insights into these clinical observations. Animal models of colitis exhibit a marked reduction in feeding during the acute phase of inflammation. Interestingly, thirst mechanisms are preserved and meal pattern analysis reveals that meal frequency is unchanged while meal size is reduced. These observations suggest that the anorexia does not reflect a general debility or malaise phenomenon. The anorexia is mediated in part by prostaglandins and interleukin‐10. In another set of experiments, the authors evaluated the effect of stress on colitis induced by trinitrobenzene (TNB) in rats. Mild restraint stress had no effect on the histology or activity of myeloperoxidase in rats that had not previously had colitis. In contrast, stress caused an acute exacerbation of colitis, reflected histologically and by myeloperoxidase activity, in rats with TNB colitis six weeks previously. These results provide new evidence in support of a causal relationship between stress and reactivation of intestinal inflammation. The apparent relationship between IBD and IBS has prompted speculation of a causal relationship between inflammation and gut ‘irritability’. Studies in animal models of colitis and jejunitis have shown that mucosal injury and inflammation are associated with neuromuscular dysfunction and abnormal motility. Neuromuscular dysfunction often persists after the mucosa has healed. More recent studies indicate that cells in the muscularis externa, which includes smooth muscle, are capable of cytokine and other inflammatory mediator production. Thus, one may speculate that the local production of mediators outlasts the mucosal injury and maintains a state of persistent dysfunction in the tissue. This may contribute to postinflammatory irritability in the gut. In summary, recent studies provide a tangible basis for further investigation of the inter‐relationships between behaviour and inflammation in the clinical expression of IBD.
Clinical Aspects of Trace Elements: Zinc in Human Nutrition – Zinc Metabolism
Authors: Pluhator Michelle M , Thomson Alan BR , Fedorak Richard N
Published: March 2016

Although zinc has been the most intensely studied trace element, much remains to be learned about its metabolism. Little is known about the normal mechanisms of absorption and transport across the intestinal tract. In addition, numerous unknowns surround the intricacies of bodily zinc homeostasis. Part two of this five‐part review presents current views on the normal intestinal absorption, intracellular and extracellular metabolism, transport, excretion and homeostasis of zinc in the human body. The alterations in zinc metabolism that occur with age and changing physiological conditions are also discussed.
Laminated Intestinal Calculi – A Rare Complication of Crohn′s Disease
Authors: Freeman Hugh J , Seal Andrew , Li David
Published: March 2016

A 59‐year‐old male with a 36‐year history of Crohn′s disease and repeated resections for small intestinal strictures developed anemia and symptoms of an intermittent partial bowel obstruction. Barium studies showed recurrent small intestinal strictures as well as filling defects in a dilated loop proximal to a stenosed segment. Subsequent abdominal films and a computed tomographic study suggested laminated radiopaque calculi with peripheral calcification in the dilated small intestinal loop. Resection of the strictured segment confirmed the presence of intestinal enterolithiasis.
New IBD Markers: Definition of Disease Heterogeneity
Authors: Targan Stephan R
Published: March 2016

There is emerging evidence that serum and mucosal markers differentiate Crohn′s disease from ulcerative colitis; moreover, subgroups can be defined within each disease. Subgroups have been defined on the basis of genetic, serum and mucosal markers, and are associated with different clinical phenotypes. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) define subgroups of patients with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn′s disease. A new serum marker, 20P‐1, has been found in 60 to 70% of patients with Crohn′s disease, 20% of ulcerative colitis patients and approximately 10% of the normal control population. The 20P‐1 marker further stratifies the subgroups of patients defined by ANCA. In addition to serum markers, genes regulating production of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α have been shown to be different across ulcerative colitis and Crohn′s disease, and within the ulcerative colitis group. Serum markers may reflect differential mucosal inflammatory responses as is best shown by ANCA. B cell clones within the mucosa of 60 to 70% of patients with ulcerative colitis produce ANCA spontaneously. Studies currently underway demonstrate different TNF‐ α production within the mucosa of patients with Crohn′s disease compared with ulcerative colitis patients. Correlation studies with TNF‐α microsatellites (genes) are being performed. These markers are the focus of a trial using molecularly engineered products that are capable of inhibiting TNF‐α to identify patients likely to respond to anti‐TNF therapy. In this constantly evolving climate of understanding and treating inflammatory bowel disease, serum, mucosal and genetic markers as well as genetic associations are being formed to determine clinical phenotypes that may be differentially responsive to very selected treatment modalities. These advances highlight the likelihood that the various markers define different types of mucosal inflammation. The different types of mucosal inflammation will determine the response or resistance to certain types of therapeutic options.
Helicobacter pylori: Primary Susceptibility to Clarithromycin in vitro in Nova Scotia
Authors: Best Linda M , Haldane David JM , Bezanson Gregory S , Veldhuyzen Sander JO
Published: March 2016

Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a major determinant of the efficacy of regimens to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Clarithromycin (CLA) has become one of the most commonly used antibiotics for treatment of H pylori infection. In this study, the rate of primary resistance to CLA in H pylori isolated from patients was determined. One hundred sixty‐two strains were recovered from patients before treatment. Strains were grown and inoculated onto Mueller‐Hinton agar with 7% sheep blood. CLA epsilometer gradient agar diffusion test (E test) strips were used to test for susceptibility. Appropriate control organisms were tested to validate the assay. Plates were incubated at 37°C in a microaerophilic atmosphere for up to five days. E test results were easy to interpret. Strains were considered resistant if the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 2 µg/mL or greater. Three strains were resistant (two strains with MIC 8 µg/mL and one strain with MIC 12 µg/mL), and 159 strains were sensitive (MICs ranged from less than 0.016 to 0.38 µg/mL). Ninety per cent of the strains had MICs of 0.023 µg/mL. Primary resistance was 1.8%. These susceptibility data support the use of CLA for the treatment of H pylori in the Nova Scotia population.
Acute Pancreatitis in Childhood: Research of Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications
Authors: Weizman Zvi
Published: March 2016

Acute pancreatitis in children is more common than has previously been considered. A recent literature analysis has demonstrated significant resulting morbidity and mortality. Clinical awareness has improved dramatically, as demonstrated by the increase in the number of recent publications and etiological considerations. This review describes novel considerations in research related to the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and the arising clinical implications. This relationship is discussed regarding a better understanding of pathogenesis in pediatric disorders; increasing awareness; preventing damage by drugs and toxins; using novel diagnostic markers; and introducing new therapeutic tools.
Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in Collagenous or Lymphocytic Colitis with or without Celiac Disease
Authors: Freeman Hugh James
Published: March 2016

Microscopic forms of colitis, including lymphocytic and collagenous colitis, have been observed in both those with and without celiac disease. Although perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) occur in most patients with ulcerative colitis, investigations in microscopic, particularly lymphocytic, colitis are still needed. In this study atypical p-ANCA was evaluated in 55 patients, including 27 with celiac disease alone, 13 with celiac disease and concomitant lymphocytic colitis, and 15 with microscopic forms of colitis, including lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. Nine patients (16.3%) had atypical p-ANCA, including six with celiac disease and three with a microscopic form of colitis alone. Although five of the six positive celiac disease patients had lymphocytic colitis, all three celiac disease patients with associated primary sclerosing cholangitis - a separate risk factor for a positive assay result - were serologically positive for atypical p-ANCA. These results indicate for the first time that this serological marker may occur in histologically defined celiac disease with or without concomitant lymphocytic colitis. Furthermore, these results suggest that the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis differs from that of lymphocytic colitis and further emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of these newly recognized types of colonic inflammatory mucosal disorders.
A Double‐Blind Randomized Study of Cisapride in the Treatment of Nonulcer Dyspepsia
Authors: Champion MC , MacCannell KL , Thomson ABR , Tanton R , Eberhard S , Sullivan SN , Archambault A , For The Canadian Cisapride Nud Study Group
Published: March 2016

Cisapride is a substituted benzamide with gastrointestinal prokinetic effects presumed to be due to the enhancement of the physiological release of acetylcholine at the myenteric plexus. In a multicentre study, 189 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) received single‐blind placebo treatment for two weeks. A total of 123 patients with no or minimal response to placebo and epigastric pain of at least moderate severity and frequency were randomly assigned to one of three parallel double‐blind treatments for six weeks: cisapride 10 mg tid, cisapride 20 mg tid or placebo. The severity and frequency of individual symptoms (epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, postprandial discomfort, regurgitation, lower abdominal pain, bloating and constipation) were assessed on a four‐ and five‐point categorical scale, respectively, by the investigator at three on‐treatment visits and by patients in a daily diary. Analysis of investigator and patient assessments for differences in symptom severity x frequency composite scores among the three treatment groups showed no statistically significant differences for individual symptoms or symptom clusters. As assessed by the investigator, and compared with baseline, cisapride 20 mg tid significantly (P<0.05) improved epigastric pain, bloating and early satiety as well as improved the total symptom cluster. Investigator evaluation of the five most severe and frequent symptoms for each patient showed statistically significant improvement in each treatment group. For patient diary assessments, statistically significant within‐treatment improvement of the total symptom cluster, the five most severe symptoms cluster, bloating and early satiety was observed for both cisapride 20 mg and placebo, whereas epigastric pain significantly (P<0.05) improved in all three treatment groups. Investigator evaluation of global response (good + excellent) rate at the end of the six‐week treatment period was 38% for cisapride 20 mg, 47% for cisapride 10 mg and 33% for placebo. No statistically significant difference in this parameter among treatments was noted. Cisapride was well tolerated at both doses with a side effect profile comparable with that of placebo. It is concluded that, in this double‐blind multicentre study with a single‐blind two‐week placebo run‐in phase, cisapride 10 mg tid and 20 mg tid were not effective compared with placebo in improving symptoms in NUD patients. This study re‐emphasizes the good prognosis of patients with NUD, with 14% of patients improving in the two‐week placebo run‐in phase and a further 33% improving in the next six weeks while on placebo. Within‐treatment analysis of investigator assessments showed improvement for cisapride 20 mg tid suggesting a trend for efficacy at this dose.
Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulphonate) in Sorbitol Associated with Intestinal Necrosis in Uremic Patients
Authors: Gardiner Geoffrey W
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulphonate) in sorbitol is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia in patients with renal insufficiency. Isolated case reports and one recent large series have documented intestinal necrosis following administration of kayexalate in sorbitol.

METHODS:Two patients with luminal kayexalate crystals associated with intestinal pathology were first identified in the pathology department, and clinicopathological correlation was carried out.

RESULTS:Both patients were seriously ill, had prior cardiac surgery and were in renal failure (uremic). Examination of autopsy and colonic resection showed luminal kayexalate crystals associated with underlying mucosal necrosis, submucosal edema and transmural inflammation.

CONCLUSION:Although occurring in complex clinical settings, the pathological findings provide additional evidence that kayexalate in sorbitol may be associated with intestinal necrosis and inflammation in uremic patients and that this may be a clinically and pathologically under-recognized iatrogenic bowel injury.
Failure of Ketoprofen and Interferon Combination Therapy to Improve Interferon‐Resistant Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Anderson Frank H , Zeng Lecheng , Yoshida Eric M , Rock Natalie R
Published: March 2016

Preliminary reports suggest that patients with interferon (IFN)‐resistant chronic hepatitis C respond better to a combination of IFN‐α and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs than to IFN alone. The efficacy of IFN combined with ketoprofen in the treatment of patients with IFN‐resistant chronic hepatitis C was evaluated. Seventeen patients, nonresponsive after at least six months of treatment with IFN‐α2b and subsequently treated with the combination of IFN‐α2b plus ketoprofen for four months, were studied. Serum aminotransferases (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) and serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA were analyzed before and throughout treatment. No patient normalized serum aminotransferases after combination therapy. There were no significant differences in mean serum ALT and AST levels before and after ketoprofen intervention. Serum HCV RNA became undetectable after treatment in only one patient, but was detectable again three months after treatment cessation. These results provide no convincing evidence that the combination of IFN‐α2b with ketoprofen improves the response to IFN in patients nonresponsive to IFN alone.
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Practice Guideline for Granting of Privileges to Perform Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: MacSween H Miller
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this statement is to provide guidelines to assist hospital credentialling committees in their task of granting privileges to perform gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract has evolved over the past 30 years as a potent tool to assist in the evaluation, diagnosis and therapy of patients with gastrointestinal tract disorders. Although gastrointestinal endoscopy was initially developed as a purely diagnostic tool, the development of therapeutic endoscopic techniques has dramatically expanded the role of gastrointestinal endoscopy, frequently to a therapeutic one. In setting guidelines for training and credentialling one must recognize that, excluding flexible sigmoidoscopy, endoscopists should be well trained in therapeutic endoscopy.
Hypertensive Pancreatic Sphincter
Authors: Lehman Glen A , Sherman Stuart
Published: March 2016

Major papilla pancreatic sphincter dysfunction, a variant of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, causes pancreatitis or pancreatic‐type pain. Endoscopic manometry as performed at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the most commonly used method to identify sphincter dysfunction. Noninvasive testing, such as secretin‐stimulated ultrasound analysis of duct diameter, is less reliable and of relatively low sensitivity. Two‐thirds of patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction have elevated pancreatic basal sphincter pressure. Patients with suspected or documented sphincter of Oddi dysfunction may respond to biliary sphincterotomy alone, but warrant evaluation of their pancreatic sphincter if symptoms persist after therapy. Whether such pancreatic and biliary sphincters should be treated at the first treatment session is controversial. Pancreatic sphincterotomy is associated with a complication rate very similar to that of biliary sphincterotomy except that the pancreatitis rate is two‐ to fourfold higher. Prophylactic pancreatic stenting diminishes such pancreatitis by approximately 50%.
Utility of Serology in Determining Helicobacter pylori Eradication after Therapy
Authors: Fallone Carlo A , Loo Vivian G , Barkun Alan N
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of four serological tests in confirming cure of H pylori infection before the previously reported six‐month post‐treatment delay.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: As part of a prospective, blinded, controlled trial, in which patients with duodenal ulcers were randomized to receive different combinations of antibiotics, serum samples were obtained in 89 patients before treatment, as well as on several occasions after treatment. Antibody titres were determined by ELISA with Bio‐Rad immunoglobulin (Ig) A, Bio‐Rad IgG, Pyloriset EIA‐A for IgA and Pyloriset EIA‐G for IgG. Eradication was confirmed with antral biopsy three months after therapy.

RESULTS: The percentage drop in titre following treatment was significantly larger for the group of patients who were treated successfully with all four kits. Optimal cut‐offs for identifying successful therapy were determined, and accuracy improved as the interval between testing and therapy was prolonged. Six months after therapy, the IgG test from Bio‐Rad achieved 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity, and that from Pyloriset achieved 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity. At three months, however, test performance was quite good, with 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity when using a Pyloriset IgA titre drop of 20% or greater to predict successful eradication.

CONCLUSION: Serology is a simple, easily available, noninvasive method that exhibits good positive predictive value in the confirmation of successful cure ofH pylori infection three or six months after treatment.
Cross Talk Mechanism among EMT, ROS, and Histone Acetylation in Phorbol Ester‐Treated Human Breast Cancer MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Kamiya Tetsuro , Goto Aki , Kurokawa Eri , Hara Hirokazu , Adachi Tetsuo
Published: March 2016

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the progression of cancer, and some transcription factors including Slug and Snail are known to be involved in EMT processes. It has been well established that the excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epigenetics such as DNA methylation and histone modifications participate in carcinogenesis; however, the cross talk mechanism among EMT, ROS, and epigenetics remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that the treatment of human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells with phorbol ester (TPA), a protein kinase C activator, significantly induced cell proliferation and migration, and these were accompanied by the significant induction of Slug expression. Moreover, the TPA‐elicited induction of Slug expression was regulated by histone H3 acetylation and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2‐derived ROS signaling, indicating that ROS and histone acetylation are involved in TPA‐elicited EMT processes. We herein determined the cross talk mechanism among EMT, ROS, and histone acetylation, and our results provide an insight into the progression of cancer metastasis.
tDCS and Robotics on Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation: Effect Modification by Stroke Duration and Type of Stroke
Authors: Straudi Sofia , Fregni Felipe , Martinuzzi Carlotta , Pavarelli Claudia , Salvioli Stefano , Basaglia Nino
Published: March 2016

Objective. The aim of this exploratory pilot study is to test the effects of bilateral tDCS combined with upper extremity robot-assisted therapy (RAT) on stroke survivors.Methods. We enrolled 23 subjects who were allocated to 2 groups: RAT + real tDCS and RAT + sham-tDCS. Each patient underwent 10 sessions (5 sessions/week) over two weeks. Outcome measures were collected before and after treatment: (i) Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), (ii) Box and Block Test (BBT), and (iii) Motor Activity Log (MAL).Results. Both groups reported a significant improvement in FMA-UE score after treatment (p<0.01). No significant between-groups differences were found in motor function. However, when the analysis was adjusted for stroke type and duration, a significant interaction effect (p<0.05) was detected, showing that stroke duration (acute versus chronic) and type (cortical versus subcortical) modify the effect of tDCS and robotics on motor function. Patients with chronic and subcortical stroke benefited more from the treatments than patients with acute and cortical stroke, who presented very small changes.Conclusion. The additional use of bilateral tDCS to RAT seems to have a significant beneficial effect depending on the duration and type of stroke. These results should be verified by additional confirmatory studies.
Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.) under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Vijendra Poornima D. , Huchappa Kavitha M. , Lingappa Roopa , Basappa Giridhara , Jayanna Sathisha G. , Kumar Vadlapudi
Published: March 2016

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.), a drought resistant legume, possesses high nutritional value. Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential and the most toxic heavy metal in plants. The present study was to test the hypothesis of whether moth bean being a drought resistant legume can withstand the cadmium stress. Ten-day-old moth bean seedlings were subjected to cadmium stress and investigated for a period of 15 days every 3-day intervals. Cadmium quantification in moth bean tissues suggests root accumulation and translocation to aerial parts in a concentration dependent manner. Results of physiological and biochemical studies revealed that cadmium has affected the growth parameters like shoot and root lengths and tissue dry weights. Significant alternations in relative water content and cell membrane stability were observed in stressed seedlings. Similarly superoxide radical, lipoxygenase activity, membrane lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyls, and reduced glutathione and nonprotein thiols were found increased in stressed seedlings compared to controls. However, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid levels were not altered significantly in both stressed and control seedlings. Cadmium translocation ability from roots to aerial parts and elevated levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants in stressed seedlings suggest the cadmium stress withstanding ability of moth bean.
Antioxidant Effects of Sheep Whey Protein on Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kerasioti Efthalia , Stagos Dimitrios , Georgatzi Vasiliki , Bregou Erinda , Priftis Alexandros , Kafantaris Ioannis , Kouretas Dimitrios
Published: March 2016

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may cause endothelial dysfunction and consequently vascular disease. In the present study, the possible protective effects of sheep whey protein (SWP) from tert‐butyl hydroperoxide‐ (tBHP‐) induced oxidative stress in endothelial cells (EA.hy926) were assessed using oxidative stress biomarkers. These oxidative stress biomarkers were glutathione (GSH) and ROS levels determined by flow cytometry. Moreover, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (CARB), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were determined spectrophotometrically. The results showed that SWP at 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, and 6.24 mg of protein mL−1 increased GSH up to 141%, while it decreased GSSG to 46.7%, ROS to 58.5%, TBARS to 52.5%, and CARB to 49.0%. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that SWP protected endothelial cells from oxidative stress. Thus, SWP may be used for developing food supplements or biofunctional foods to attenuate vascular disturbances associated with oxidative stress.
Systematic Reduction of the Detailed Kinetic Mechanism for the Combustion ofn-Butane
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Zuo Zhengxing , Feng Huihua
Published: March 2016

A systematic approach for mechanism reduction was demonstrated to generate a skeletal and reduced mechanism for the oxidation ofn-butane. First, a skeletal mechanism, including 89 species and 440 elementary reactions, was derived from a 230-species detailed mechanism using path flux analysis (PFA). Then, the unimportant reactions were eliminated using the importance index defined in computational singular perturbation (CSP), resulting in a skeletal mechanism consisting of 89 species and 298 elementary reactions. Finally, 20 global quasi-steady-state species were identified using a CSP-based time-scale analysis, leading to a 69-species reduced mechanism. Validation of the 89-species skeletal and 69-species reduced mechanisms showed good agreement with the detailed mechanism for both the ignition delay time and the distribution of species concentration over a wide range of simulation conditions.
Design of Infusion Schemes for Neuroreceptor Imaging: Application to [11C]Flumazenil-PET Steady-State Study
Authors: Feng Ling , Svarer Claus , Madsen Karine , Ziebell Morten , Dyssegaard Agnete , Ettrup Anders , Hansen Hanne Demant , Lehel Szabolcs , Yndgaard Stig , Paulson Olaf Bjarne , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Pinborg Lars Hageman
Published: March 2016

This study aims at developing a simulation system that predicts the optimal study design for attaining tracer steady-state conditions in brain and blood rapidly. Tracer kinetics was determined from bolus studies and used to construct the system. Subsequently, the system was used to design inputs for bolus infusion (BI) or programmed infusion (PI) experiments. Steady-state quantitative measurements can be made with one short scan and venous blood samples. TheGABAAreceptor ligand [C11]Flumazenil (FMZ) was chosen for this purpose, as it lacks a suitable reference region.Methods. Five bolus [C11]FMZ-PET scans were conducted, based on which population-based PI and BI schemes were designed and tested in five additional healthy subjects. The design of a PI was assisted by an offline feedback controller.Results. The system could reproduce the measurements in blood and brain. With PI, [C11]FMZ steady state was attained within 40 min, which was 8 min earlier than the optimal BI (B/I ratio = 55 min).Conclusions. The system can design both BI and PI schemes to attain steady state rapidly. For example, subjects can be [C11]FMZ-PET scanned after 40 min of tracer infusion for 40 min with venous sampling and a straight-forward quantification. This simulation toolbox is available for other PET-tracers.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Intranodal Palisaded Myofibroblastoma of the Inguinal Lymph Node
Authors: Xie Jianwu , Pu Cufeng , Silverman Jan F.
Published: March 2016

Background: Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma (IPM) is a rare, lymph node mesenchymal neoplasm; the cytologic features are limited in the literature. Case: The patient was a 51-year-old female who had a firm, palpable mass in the right inguinal region. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed. The smears revealed large, 3-dimensional clusters of cohesive spindle cells, densely surrounding a central, orange-colored, acellular matrix core. These cells had a single, elongated nucleus and an inconspicuous nucleolus. Also seen were spindle cells in short fascicles with dense cytoplasm. The spindle cells were loosely arranged in a single-cell pattern. In addition to the spindle cells and matrix, hemosiderin granules were scattered in the background. A few lymphocytes were identified. Conclusion: A diagnosis of IPM should be considered when FNA smears of lymph node show bland spindle cells in various patterns including single cells, short fascicles, large cohesive clusters with core amianthoid fibers and background hemosiderin granules.
Study of BGP Convergence Time
Authors: Devikar Rohit Nilkanth , Patil D. V. , Chandraprakash V.
Published: March 2016

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a path vector routing protocol, is a widespread exterior gateway protocol (EGP) in the internet. Extensive deployment of the new technologies in internet, protocols need to have continuous improvements in its behavior and operations. New routing technologies conserve a top level of service availability. Hence, due to topological changes, BGP needs to achieve a fast network convergence. Now a days size of the network growing very rapidly. To maintain the high scalability in the network BGP needs to avoid instability. The instability and failures may cause the network into an unstable state, which significantly increases the network convergence time. This paper summarizes the various approaches like BGP policies, instability, and fault detection etc. to improve the convergence time of BGP.
Analysis of Legacy System in Software Application Development: A Comparative Survey
Authors: Srinivas M. , Ramakrishna G. , Rao K. Rajasekhara , Babu E. Suresh
Published: March 2016

Software evolution is one of the challenging issues in today’s business environment. It is necessary for the organizations, which make use of Information, and Communication Technologies will have to align their business processes to compete with global business. The existing large software systems (“legacy” systems) have never been built to cope with the current business requirement for their poor coding, design structures, logic and documentation. Moreover, Legacy applications have various problems such as lack of up to-date documentation, skilled man power, resources of the Legacy applications, and high maintenance costs. Even though the Legacy system is obsolete, it contains detailed business rules and in continuous use, because it satisfies the users' needs and forms the backbone of the information flow of organization. One of the possible solutions is to refactor or modernize those systems into a new platform. It is necessary to analyse the existing legacy system for better understanding the business logic and its functionalities. This paper analyses various techniques proposed for understanding Legacy systems in existence.
Modelling and Design of Inverter Threshold Quantization based Current Comparator using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Bhatia Veepsa , Pandey Neeta , Bhattacharyya Asok
Published: March 2016

Performance of a MOS based circuit is highly influenced by the transistor dimensions chosen for that circuit. Thus, proper dimensioning of the transistors plays a key role in determining its overall performance.  While choosing the dimension is critical, it is equally difficult, primarily due to complex mathematical formulations that come into play when moving into the submicron level. The drain current is the most affected parameter which in turn affects all other parameters. Thus, there is a constant quest to come up with techniques and procedure to simplify the dimensioning process while still keeping the parameters under check. This study presents one such novel technique to estimate the transistor dimensions for a current comparator structure, using the artificial neural networks approach. The approach uses Multilayer perceptrons as the artificial neural network architectures. The technique involves a two step process. In the first step, training and test data are obtained by doing SPICE simulations of modelled circuit using 0.18μm TSMC CMOS technology parameters. In the second step, this training and test data is applied to the developed neural network architecture using MATLAB R2007b.
Proposed Potential Security Infrastructure in VANETS using Tamper Registered Hardware
Authors: Jani Shaik Mahaboob , Umar Syed
Published: March 2016

All over the world many road accidents are occurred due to lack of knowledge of vehicle`s distance and speed. But this issue will be solved by using VANETS through which we can well know about the speed of the vehicle and how much distance it is from other vehicles in all sides. So the VANETS will play a very crucial role in the safety and mostly avoidance of accidents like reacting immediately in dangerous situations. In order to prevent the abuse of VANETS a potential security infrastructure is needed to maintain confidential requirements like message integrity & availability. To achieve this we have proposed a concept called A seperate Potential security infrastructure facilitated with symmetric & Asymmetric cryptography with TRH. Our proposed theory will give very high efficient in terms of Computational Needs for the VANETS users.
High Power Density Multi-Mosfet-Based Series Resonant Inverter for Induction Heating Applications
Authors: Saravanan M. , Babu A. Ramesh
Published: March 2016

Induction heating application uses uniquely high frequency series resonant inverter for achieving high conversion efficiency. The proposed work focus on improving the practical constraints in requiring the cooling arrangements necessary for switching devices used in resonant inverter due to higher switching and conduction losses. By introducing high frequency Multi- MOSFET based series resonant inverter for the application of induction heating with the following merits such as minimum switching and conduction losses using low voltage grade  of automotive MOSFET’s and higher conversion efficiency with high frequency operation. By adding series combination of low voltage ratedMulti MOSFET switches, temperature variation according to the on-state resistance issues can be avoided by sharing the voltage across the switches depends on number switches connected in the bridge circuit without comprising existing system performance parameter such as THD, power factor, output power. Simulation results also presents to verify that the proposed system achieve higher converter efficiency.
Laboratory-Scale Single Axis Solar Tracking System: Design and Implementation
Authors: Chan Roong Allan Soon , Chong Shin-Horng
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the design and development of a laboratory-scale single axis solar tracking system. The chronological method was implemented into the system because it has high accuracy and can save more energy as compared to other types of solar tracking system. The laboratory-scale single axis solar tracking system can be used to identify the suitable and safe workspace for the installation of the actual solar tracking system plant. Besides, the validity of the laboratory-scale single axis solar tracking system was examined experimentally. The angle of rotation, per hour is preferable to be implemented into the designed laboratory-scale single axis sun tracking system due to the high performance ratio which is 0.83 and can save the energy up to 25% during sunny days.
Systematic Review of Defibrillation Threshold Testing at De Novo Implantation
Authors: Phan Kevin , Ha Hakeem , Kabunga Peter , Kilborn Michael J. , Toal Edward , Sy Raymond W.
Published: March 2016

Background—

Recent results from the largest multicenter randomized trial (Shockless IMPLant Evaluation [SIMPLE]) on defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing suggest that while shock testing seems safe, it does not reduce the risk of failed shocks or prolong survival. A contemporary systematic review of DFT versus no-DFT testing at the time of implantable cardioverter–defibrillator implantation was performed to evaluate the current evidence and to assess the impact of the SIMPLE study.

Methods and Results—

Electronic searches were performed using 6 databases from their inception to March 2014. Relevant studies investigating implant DFT were identified. Data were extracted and analyzed according to predefined clinical end points. Predefined outcomes for interrogation were all-cause mortality, composite end point of implantable cardioverter–defibrillator efficacy (arrhythmic deaths and ineffective shocks), and composite safety end point (the sum of complications recorded at 30 days). Meta-analysis was performed including 13 studies and 9740 patients. No significant differences between DFT versus no-DFT cohorts were found in terms of all-cause mortality (risk ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.15;
P
=0.41), composite efficacy outcome (risk ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–3.37;
P
=0.51), and 30-day postimplant complications (risk ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.60;
P
=0.29). No significant difference was found in the trends observed when the results of the SIMPLE study were excluded or included.

Conclusions—

This systematic review of contemporary data suggests a modest average effect of DFT, if any, in terms of mortality, shock efficacy, or safety. Therefore, DFT testing should no longer be compulsory during de novo implantation. However, DFT testing may still be clinically relevant in specific patient populations.
Is Growth Differentiation Factor 11 a Realistic Therapeutic for Aging-Dependent Muscle Defects?
Authors: Harper Shavonn C. , Brack Andrew , MacDonnell Scott , Franti Michael , Olwin Bradley B. , Bailey Beth A. , Rudnicki Michael A. , Houser Steven R.
Published: March 2016

This “Controversies in Cardiovascular Research” article evaluates the evidence for and against the hypothesis that the circulating blood level of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) decreases in old age and that restoring normal GDF11 levels in old animals rejuvenates their skeletal muscle and reverses pathological cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. Studies supporting the original GDF11 hypothesis in skeletal and cardiac muscle have not been validated by several independent groups. These new studies have either found no effects of restoring normal GDF11 levels on cardiac structure and function or have shown that increasing GDF11 or its closely related family member growth differentiation factor 8 actually impairs skeletal muscle repair in old animals. One possible explanation for what seems to be mutually exclusive findings is that the original reagent used to measure GDF11 levels also detected many other molecules so that age-dependent changes in GDF11 are still not well known. The more important issue is whether increasing blood [GDF11] repairs old skeletal muscle and reverses age-related cardiac pathologies. There are substantial new and existing data showing that GDF8/11 can exacerbate rather than rejuvenate skeletal muscle injury in old animals. There is also new evidence disputing the idea that there is pathological hypertrophy in old C57bl6 mice and that GDF11 therapy can reverse cardiac pathologies. Finally, high [GDF11] causes reductions in body and heart weight in both young and old animals, suggestive of a cachexia effect. Our conclusion is that elevating blood levels of GDF11 in the aged might cause more harm than good.
A new pygmy grasshopper species (Tetrigidae: Tetriginae) from Central India
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR
Published: March 2016

Ergatettix subtruncatus sp. nov. is described from Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India. The new species is similar to Ergatettix callosus (Hancock, 1915), but differs from the latter by frontal cost bifurcation starts at the level of upper margin of compound eyes; median carina of vertex indistinct; posterior angle of lateral lobes of pronotum not broad, apex subtruncate, narrow; mid femur slender with small white hairs and 3indistinct lobes; dorsal valve of ovipositor less flattened. A distribution map of Ergatettix subtruncatus sp. nov. and a key to known species of the genus Ergatettix Kirby, 1914 from the Indian subcontinent is provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Central Entomological Laboratory (CEL), Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
A note on the biogeographical origin of the brine shrimp Artemia urmiana Günther, 1899 from Urmia Lake, Iran
Authors: EIMANIFAR AMIN , ASEM ALIREZA , DJAMALI MORTEZA , WINK MICHAEL
Published: March 2016

The brine shrimp Artemia urmiana, an abundant inhabitant of the hypersaline Urmia Lake in northwestern Iran, has recently been described from Lake Koyashskoe, also a shallow hypersaline lake that is located on the Black Sea coast of the Crimean Peninsula (Ukraine). This discovery has questioned the endemicity of A. urmiana in Urmia Lake and has also brought into question the biogeographical origin of this species. In the present study, we combined recent genetic divergence data (mtDNA-COI) with palaeoecological evidence to address the biogeographical origin of A. urmiana. Calibration of the molecular clock of the COI region was set by assigning the age of the micro-crustacean Daphnia pulex minimally at 145 Mya. The divergence age of A. urmiana in Urmia Lake dates back to 383,000 years, whereas Ukrainian Artemia reflects a very young populations that diverged about 196,000 years ago. Palaeoecological evidence suggests that the age of the major habitat of A. urmiana i.e. Urmia Lake goes back to the Tertiary Period while the Ukranian habitats of the species are very young, by virtue of geological features of the Holocene age. We conclude that the biogeographical origin of A. urmiana is outside of Europe and the current state of knowledge strongly suggests that Urmia Lake has been the major source of its expansion into its modern habitats in Europe.
New American Lamiinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: GALILEO MARIA HELENA M. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: March 2016

Five new species are described in Lamiinae: Cotycicuiara v-alba (Acanthoderini), from Brazil (Bahia); Dolichestola birai, from Argentina, and D. monnei, from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and Uruguay (Desmiphorini); Blabicentrus lineatus, from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) (Desmiphorini); and Inermestoloides flavus, from Brazil (Pará) (Desmiphorini). A key to species of Cotycicuiara is provided; Blabicentrus lineatus is included in a previous key.
Rapid Mesoscale Environmental Changes Accompanying Genesis of an Unusual Tornado
Authors: Koch Steven E. , Ware Randolph , Jiang Hongli , Xie Yuanfu
Published: March 2016

This study documents a very rapid increase in convective instability, vertical wind shear, and mesoscale forcing for ascent leading to the formation of a highly unusual tornado as detected by a ground-based microwave radiometer and wind profiler, and in 1-km resolution mesoanalyses. Mesoscale forcing for the rapid development of severe convection began with the arrival of a strong upper-level jet streak with pronounced divergence in its left exit region and associated intensification of the low-level flow to the south of a pronounced warm front. The resultant increase in stretching deformation along the front occurred in association with warming immediately to its south as low-level clouds dissipated. This created a narrow ribbon of intense frontogenesis and a rapid increase in convective available potential energy (CAPE) within 75 min of tornadogenesis. The Windsor, Colorado, storm formed at the juncture of this warm frontogenesis zone and a developing dryline. Storm-relative helicity suddenly increased to large values during this pretornadic period as a midtropospheric layer of strong southeasterly winds descended to low levels. The following events also occurred simultaneously within this short period of time: a pronounced decrease in midtropospheric equivalent potential temperature θe accompanying the descending jet, an increase in low-level θe associated with the surface sensible heating, and elimination of the capping inversion and convective inhibition. The simultaneous nature of these rapid changes over such a short period of time, not fully captured in Storm Prediction Center mesoanalyses, was likely critical in generating this unusual tornadic event.
BZP-‘Party pills’, populism and prohibition: Exploring global debates in a New Zealand context
Authors: Hutton Fiona
Published: March 2016

In New Zealand, the debates surrounding legal highs have been developing for approximately a decade. New Zealand’s historical grappling with the problem of legal highs reflects a global problem in addressing the issues related to new psychoactive substances. The focus of this article is the prohibition of BZP-based party pills under the Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Act, 2008 (hereafter the 2008 Act). This article reports on a qualitative study of the banning of BZP-based party pills in New Zealand, using thematic analysis of the discourses contained in the 2007 Parliamentary Bill readings of the 2008 Act. Six key themes were identified from the bill readings: prohibition is not an effective way to deal with drug use; BZP has a ‘gateway effect’; availability and accessibility means young people can access BZP-PPs too readily; young people are at risk; BZP has contributed to establishing a pill popping culture in New Zealand; and BZP has the potential for harm/has a moderate risk of harm. The thematic analysis revealed that evidence was often not fully represented in parliamentary debates, and that many of the concerns raised about BZPPs could have been dealt with through regulation rather than prohibition. A punitive moral populism aimed at drug use and drug users was also identified, driven by fears of drug using groups, and the symbolism associated with drug use.
Infants’ background television exposure during play: Negative relations to the quantity and quality of mothers’ speech and infants’ vocabulary acquisition
Authors: Masur Elise Frank , Flynn Valerie , Olson Janet
Published: March 2016

Research on immediate effects of background television during mother–infant toy play shows that an operating television in the room disrupts maternal communicative behaviors crucial for infants’ vocabulary acquisition. This study is the first to examine associations between frequent background TV/video exposure during mother–infant toy play at home and subsequent maternal speech characteristics and infant vocabularies. Twenty-five mothers completed a survey of background television exposure and a vocabulary measure for infants aged 13 and 17 months. Mothers’ total word production and numbers of different words at each age were calculated from transcripts of play interactions with no television present. Greater exposure to background television during dyadic play negatively predicted infants’ vocabularies and mothers’ speech quantity and lexical diversity at 17 months. Moreover, these maternal speech characteristics fully mediated the association between exposure to background television during dyadic play and infants’ expressive vocabulary acquisition.