bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C late relapse in patients with directly acting antiviral‐related sustained virological response at week 12
Authors: Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Minichini Carmine , Starace Mario , Caroprese Mara , Macera Margherita , Brancaccio Giuseppina , De Pascalis Stefania , Santonicola Antonella , Galeota Lanza Alfonso , Zampino Rosa , Cotticelli Gaetano , Sagnelli Evangelista , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Coppola Nicola
Published: December 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to identify, among the patients with failure to DAA regimen, those with a late relapse (after the achievement of a sustained virological response at week 12) and to characterize the clinical, epidemiological and virological features of these patients.

Material and methods

A total of 129 HCV patients with non‐response to an IFN‐free regimen were enrolled. Sanger sequencing of NS3, NS5A and NS5B was performed at failure by home‐made protocols.

Results

Of the 129 patients enrolled, 8 (6.2%) experienced a breakthrough, 15 (11.7%) non‐response, 99 (76.7%) a relapse by week 12 after the end of DAA therapy, and 7 (5.4%) a late relapse (after week 12; median 24 weeks, range 24‐72). For two of the seven patients with a late relapse, a serum sample collected before the start of the DAA regimen was available; phylogenetic analysis showed no change in sequences of NS3, NS5A and NS5B regions, suggesting a reactivation of the initial HCV strain; for the remaining five patients, no serum collected before the DAA regimen was available, and thus, a re‐infection cannot be excluded.

Conclusions

Although a late relapse is infrequent, the study suggests a post‐treatment follow‐up of 72 weeks.
Mortality trends of liver diseases from 1981 to 2016 and the projection to 2035 in Taiwan: An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Su Shih‐Yung , Lee Wen‐Chung
Published: December 2018

Background

Projections on liver diseases mortality can provide a basis for evaluating the World Health Organization's “25 by 25” goal and can help healthcare systems design appropriate control strategies. This study evaluated whether the 25 by 25 goal can be achieved in Taiwan and discussed possible future control strategies.

Methods

Age‐period‐cohort models are used to estimate the mortality trends of liver diseases from 1981 to 2016 and project these trends to 2035.

Results

For chronic liver disease and cirrhosis among men, the age‐adjusted mortality rate decreased from 1981 to 1991, increased until 1999, and subsequently decreased again until 2016. For women, the age‐adjusted mortality rate exhibited an increasing but up‐and‐down trend from 1981 to 1998 and a decreasing trend to 2016. For liver cancer among men, the age‐adjusted mortality rate exhibited an increasing trend from 1981 to 2002 and a decreasing trend to 2016. For women, the age‐adjusted mortality rate exhibited an increasing trend from 1981 to 2003 and a decreasing trend to 2016. The age‐adjusted mortality rates of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer for both sexes are projected to decrease by more than 30% from 2016 to 2025 and by more than 55% from 2016 to 2035.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the 25 by 25 goal can be achieved for liver diseases mortality in Taiwan. In addition to viral hepatitis, the following risk factors may become the major causes of liver diseases in Taiwan in the future: alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes and obesity.
Genomic insights into the vulnerability of sympatric whitefish species flocks
Authors: Feulner Philine G. D. , Seehausen Ole
Published: December 2018

The erosion of habitat heterogeneity can reduce species diversity directly but can also lead to the loss of distinctiveness of sympatric species through speciation reversal. We know little about changes in genomic differentiation during the early stages of these processes, which can be mediated by anthropogenic perturbation. Here, we analyse three sympatric whitefish species (Coregonus spp) sampled across two neighbouring and connected Swiss pre‐alpine lakes, which have been differentially affected by anthropogenic eutrophication. Our data set comprises 16,173 loci genotyped across 138 whitefish using restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). Our analysis suggests that in each of the two lakes, the population of a different, but ecologically similar, whitefish species declined following a recent period of eutrophication. Genomic signatures consistent with hybridization are more pronounced in the more severely impacted lake. Comparisons between sympatric pairs of whitefish species with contrasting ecology, where one is shallow benthic and the other one more profundal pelagic, reveal genomic differentiation that is largely correlated along the genome, while differentiation is uncorrelated between pairs of allopatric provenance with similar ecology. We identify four genomic loci that provide evidence of parallel divergent adaptation between the shallow benthic species and the two different more profundal species. Functional annotations available for two of those loci are consistent with divergent ecological adaptation. Our genomic analysis indicates the action of divergent natural selection between sympatric whitefish species in pre‐alpine lakes and reveals the vulnerability of these species to anthropogenic alterations of the environment and associated adaptive landscape.
Advances in understanding obligate biotrophy in rust fungi
Authors: Lorrain Cécile , Gonçalves dos Santos Karen Cristine , Germain Hugo , Hecker Arnaud , Duplessis Sébastien
Published: December 2018

Rust fungi (Pucciniales) are the largest group of plant pathogens and represent one of the most devastating threats to agricultural crops worldwide. Despite the economic importance of these highly specialized pathogens, many aspects of their biology remain obscure, largely because rust fungi are obligate biotrophs. The rise of genomics and advances in high‐throughput sequencing technology have presented new options for identifying candidate effector genes involved in pathogenicity mechanisms of rust fungi. Transcriptome analysis and integrated bioinformatics tools have led to the identification of key genetic determinants of host susceptibility to infection by rusts. Thousands of genes encoding secreted proteins highly expressed during host infection have been reported for different rust species, which represents significant potential towards understanding rust effector function. Recent high‐throughput in planta expression screen approaches (effectoromics) have pushed the field ahead even further towards predicting high‐priority effectors and identifying avirulence genes. These new insights into rust effector biology promise to inform future research and spur the development of effective and sustainable strategies for managing rust diseases.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi possess a CLAVATA3/embryo surrounding region‐related gene that positively regulates symbiosis
Authors: Le Marquer Morgane , Bécard Guillaume , Frei dit Frey Nicolas
Published: December 2018

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a beneficial association established between land plants and the members of a subphylum of fungi, the Glomeromycotina. How the two symbiotic partners regulate their association is still enigmatic. Secreted fungal peptides are candidates for regulating this interaction.

We searched for fungal peptides with similarities with known plant signalling peptides.

We identified CLAVATA (CLV)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)‐RELATED PROTEIN (CLE) genes in phylogenetically distant AM fungi: four Rhizophagus species and one Gigaspora species. These CLE genes encode a signal peptide for secretion and the conserved CLE C‐terminal motif. They seem to be absent in the other fungal clades. Rhizophagus irregularis and Gigaspora rosea CLE genes (RiCLE1 and GrCLE1) are transcriptionally induced in symbiotic vs asymbiotic conditions. Exogenous application of synthetic RiCLE1 peptide on Medicago truncatula affects root architecture, by slowing the apical growth of primary roots and stimulating the formation of lateral roots. In addition, pretreatment of seedlings with RiCLE1 peptide stimulates mycorrhization.

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that in addition to plants and nematodes, AM fungi also possess CLE genes. These results pave the way for deciphering new mechanisms by which AM fungi modulate plant cellular responses during the establishment of AM symbiosis.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome: Clinical Report
Authors: Richter Bertram , Bergman Jeff , Pierre James , Tomycz Nestor D.
Published: December 2018

Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS) is a rare condition characterized by cryptogenic debilitating flank pain and microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. The pathophysiology of LPHS remains poorly understood, and diagnosis is made largely by exclusion of alternate pathology. Management strategies can vary widely and include chronic opioid medication and a variety of invasive procedures, including regional nerve blocks, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, local capsaicin infusion, and surgical renal denervation. Neuromodulation may provide a new paradigm of treatment for LPHS, potentially sparing patients from long‐term complications of opiate therapy and invasive surgery. This report demonstrates the first case of successful symptomatic management of LPHS using spinal cord stimulation.
Prolonged mild disturbance of consciousness and acute encephalopathy
Authors: Kanamori Keita , Terashima Hiroshi , Anzai Mai , Ishiguro Akira , Kubota Masaya
Published: December 2018

Background

Acute encephalopathy (AE) is defined by the Japanese guidelines as the acute disturbance of consciousness (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score ≤11) that persists for >24 h. We have often encountered, however, cases of prolonged mild disturbance of consciousness (PMDC) with GCS score >11, meaning that they do not fit the guideline definition of AE. The reports of these cases have been relatively sparse, and the nosological position, prognosis, and other characteristics remain unknown. To clarify the characteristics of PMDC we compared cases of PMDC with cases of AE.

Methods

This study was a retrospective observational study at a tertiary children's hospital in Japan. We studied children with a diagnosis of AE or PMDC between January 2011 and August 2016.

Results

Thirteen cases of PMDC and 19 cases of AE were identified during the study period. PMDC patients more frequently had hyponatremia (P < 0.01), paradoxical arousal response on electroencephalogram (P = 0.010), normal computed tomography (CT; P = 0.025), and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; P < 0.01) than the AE patients. Sequelae were more frequently observed in AE than in PMDC patients (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

PMDC has different characteristics to AE with regard to hyponatremia, paradoxical arousal response, CT or MRI findings, and prognosis. Despite the differences, PMDC might also be regarded as being a milder member of the wide variety of AE and related diseases.
Profit Allocation, Decision Sequence and Compliance Aspects of Coordinating Contracts: A Retrospect
Authors: Lu Meng , Sethi Suresh , Xie Yangyang , Yan Houmin
Published: December 2018

Coordinating contracts have been extensively researched in supply chain management. In this retrospect, we systematically review the profit allocation, decision sequence, and compliance aspects of these contracts. In addition to the existing concepts in the literature, we propose the notion of sample‐path flexibility in profit allocation. Based on precise mathematical definitions, we develop structural properties and characterize sufficient conditions for flexibility in profit allocation, sequence independence, and voluntary compliance. We also obtain sufficient conditions for coordinating supply chains involving fairness‐preferred or downside‐risk‐averse agents with sample‐path flexible and voluntary compliant contracts. We reveal that sample‐path flexible contracts must have a transaction after uncertainty is realized and that transactions both before and after uncertainty realization adds to their flexibility. With the properties and conditions in hand, we develop a 3 × 3 matrix framework of the coordination aspects within which several well‐studied supply chain contracts can be systematically classified. Furthermore, we provide the steps to design coordinating contracts with sample‐path flexibility and voluntary compliance, along with examples. Our results help in the design, evaluation, and implementation of supply chain coordinating contracts.
Supplier Development and Integration in Competitive Supply Chains
Authors: Jin Yannan , Hu Qiying , Kim Sang Won , Zhou Sean X.
Published: December 2018

Supplier development and supplier integration are two deeply interconnected strategic tools that manufacturers often employ to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of their supply chains. This paper studies the interaction of these two strategic decisions in a competitive environment. Specifically, we consider a duopoly model where two supply chains, each consisting of one manufacturer and one supplier, sell substitutable products in the market. Each manufacturer orders components from its supplier and decides whether to integrate with the supplier and how much to invest to help reduce its cost. We find that, in most cases, a manufacturer invests more on supplier development after it integrates with its supplier; and both manufacturers integrate with their suppliers at equilibrium. However, when the heterogeneity of the manufacturers’ supplier development capabilities is sufficiently high and the more capable manufacturer integrates, the less capable manufacturer would invest less on supplier development after integrating its supplier; and at equilibrium, the less capable manufacturer prefers not to integrate. Furthermore, when considering the suppliers’ incentives to be integrated, we find that the less capable manufacturer is more likely not to integrate with its supplier. We also extend our model to another commonly seen sourcing structure, that is, diversified sourcing, where each manufacturer sources from two common suppliers (but each only considers supplier integration and development for one distinct supplier). In contrast to the previous case (which we call dedicated sourcing), under diversified sourcing, supplier integration of a manufacturer always leads to its more supplier development investment and both manufacturers would integrate at equilibrium. Finally, when each manufacturer could choose whether to source from one or two suppliers, we show that dedicated sourcing is the equilibrium structure.
Quantitative assessment of rill and interrill soil erosion in Romania
Authors: Patriche Cristian Valeriu
Published: December 2018

Soil erosion is an important geomorphological process with potential negative consequences especially on land agricultural potential. Unsuitable agricultural practices may increase soil erosion, leading to rapid loss of soil fertility and decrease of crop production. It is therefore important to correctly quantify soil erosion rates in order to adapt agricultural practices and implement proper conservation measures. This study attempts to assess the rill and interrill erosion in Romania, using the Romanian soil erosion model and GIS techniques. The database includes the digital terrain model, the soil map of Romania, the land use map of Romania and the rainfall erosivity regions. The results show that the high and very high erosion risk classes include 4.1% of the Romanian territory (9,627 km2). Most of this land is present in the hilly and plateau areas (Subcarpathians, Moldavian Plateau, Getic Plateau, Western Hills, Dobrogea Plateau). The model was validated by comparison of its predictions with long‐term erosion measurements from different locations in the country. Comparison with previous non‐GIS assessments of soil erosion at national level shows that the total estimated rill and interrill erosion in our study was very close to previous estimates. Comparison with the RUSLE 2015 model computed for Europe as a whole reveals that the two models assign almost 54% of their shared area to the same erosion class, while for 39% of the territory there is one class difference between the models. The results can be used for evaluations of erosion risk at national and regional scales.
SOG1‐dependent NAC103 modulates the DNA damage response as a transcriptional regulator in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ryu Tae Ho , Go Young Sam , Choi Seung Hee , Kim Jeong‐Il , Chung Byung Yeoup , Kim Jin‐Hong
Published: December 2018

The plant‐specific transcription factor (TF) NAC103 was previously reported to modulate the unfolded protein response in Arabidopsis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Alternatively, we report here that NAC103 is involved in downstream signaling of SOG1, a master regulator for expression of DNA damage response (DDR) genes induced by genotoxic stress. Arabidopsis NAC103 expression was strongly induced by genotoxic stress and nac103 mutants displayed substantial inhibition of DDR gene expression after gamma radiation or radiomimetic zeocin treatment. DDR phenotypes, such as true leaf inhibition, root cell death and root growth inhibition, were also suppressed significantly in the nac103 mutants, but to a lesser extent than in the sog1‐1 mutant. By contrast, overexpression of NAC103 increased DDR gene expression without genotoxic stress and substantially rescued the phenotypic changes in the sog1‐1 mutant after zeocin treatment. The putative promoters of some representative DDR genes, RAD51, PARP1, RPA1E, BRCA1 and At4g22960, were found to partly interact with NAC103. Together with the expected interaction of SOG1 with the promoter of NAC103, our study suggests that NAC103 is a putative SOG1‐dependent transcriptional regulator of plant DDR genes, which are responsible for DDR phenotypes under genotoxic stress.
The Hypothetical Impact of Accelerate Pheno on Time to Effective Therapy and Time to Definitive Therapy for Bloodstream Infections Due to Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Henig Oryan , Kaye Keith S. , Chandramohan Suganya , Cooper Christopher C. , Lephart Paul , Salimnia Hossein , Taylor Maureen , Pogue Jason M.
Published: December 2018

Strategies are needed to improve time to optimal therapy in patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) due to resistant Gram-negative (GN) pathogens. Accelerate Pheno (ACC) can provide antimicrobial susceptibility results within 7 h of a positive culture and may more rapidly optimize therapy.
Fh15 Blocks the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cytokine Storm While Modulating Peritoneal Macrophage Migration and CD38 Expression within Spleen Macrophages in a Mouse Model of Septic Shock
Authors: Ramos-Benitez Marcos J. , Ruiz-Jimenez Caleb , Rosado-Franco Jose J. , Ramos-Pérez Willy D. , Mendez Loyda B. , Osuna Antonio , Espino Ana M.
Published: December 2018

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Sepsis is mostly the consequence of systemic bacterial infections leading to exacerbated activation of immune cells by bacterial products, resulting in enhanced release of inflammatory mediators. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of sepsis, which is sensed by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The scientific community highly pursues the development of antagonists capable of blocking the cytokine storm by blocking TLR4. We report here that a recombinant molecule of 14.5 kDa belonging to theFasciola hepaticafatty acid binding protein (Fh15) is capable of significantly suppressing the LPS-induced cytokine storm in a mouse model of septic shock when administered by the intraperitoneal route 1 h after a lethal LPS injection. These results suggest that Fh15 is an excellent candidate for drug development against endotoxemia.
A near-fatal case of intussusception and ischaemic perforation of stomach in first-trimester pregnancy: eight years after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Bhadra Rajarshi , Somasundaram Meyappan , Nowak Michael M , Ravakhah Keyvan
Published: December 2018

The increasing demand and popularity of bariatric surgery are not only due to the ever-increasing obesity epidemic but to tackle obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. However, bariatric surgery is not free of complications. One rare complication is intussusception, jejuno-jejunal intussusception being the most common. Intussusception has been defined both in pregnant and in non-pregnant women as well as men. We describe the case of a 40-year-old woman in the first trimester of pregnancy came to the hospital with worsening abdominal pain, was found to have intussusception of small bowel involving the jejunum, along with ischaemic perforation and necrosis of the fundus of the stomach. Postsurgery, the patient had a complete recovery and eventually, she successfully delivered an intact, viable fetus.
Late postoperative bleeding after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: management and review of literature
Authors: Gupta Alisha , Shah Mihir M , Kalaskar Sudhir N , Kroh Matthew
Published: December 2018

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a catastrophic complication of gastric bypass. Bleeding can occur during the early or late phase after the operation. Though bleeding after gastric bypass is infrequent, late bleeding is exceedingly rare. We present two patients with late bleeding following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The first patient, a 65-year-old woman, presented with life-threatening upper GI bleeding almost 5 years after laparoscopic RYGB. The second patient, a 62-year-old woman, presented with upper GI bleeding after almost 14 years following RYGB. Both, due to an eroding marginal ulcer. We discuss here the management of a rare and catastrophic complication of late GI bleeding and review the various reports in the literature describing the late bleeding as a complication of gastric bypass. Late GI bleeding after RYGB presents a diagnostic and interventional challenge. High index of suspicion and adequate management strategies may lessen morbidity and mortality.
Use of platelet and erythroid growth factors during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a Jehovah’s Witness
Authors: Arora Nivedita , Gupta Arjun , Li Hsiao C , Sadeghi Navid
Published: December 2018

We present a 21-year-old woman diagnosed with Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-like CD20 positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). She was a Jehovah’s Witness (JW) and declined all blood product transfusion support. She was initiated on the CALGB 10403 chemotherapy protocol for her ALL. She received darbepoetin alfa and romiplostim as supportive therapies for her disease/chemotherapy-associated anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. A complete remission was achieved with negative minimal residual disease and she remains in remission 18 months after diagnosis. This case report describes the successful treatment of an adult JW with Ph-like CD20 +B cell ALL, in the absence of blood product transfusions, using growth factor support.
Case of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the oropharynx successfully treated with image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy (IG-VMAT): pushing the limits of technology to match treatment intent
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Singh Pavel , Bhatt Chandi Prasad , Bashir Irfan
Published: December 2018

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) are a rare subtype of neuroendocrine tumours which have been documented to arise from a multitude of sites and treatment outcomes are disappointing. The most common site involved in the head and neck region is the larynx and the oropharynx as a primary site has been infrequently reported. The patient presented with bilateral neck swelling and an ulcerated lesion was noted in the base of tongue (BOT). A biopsy revealed small cell carcinoma (SCC) and was confirmed with immunohistochemistry. The final diagnosis after workup was SCC of BOT stage IVc. He received induction chemotherapy to which the tumour responded partially, followed by curative intent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient achieved a radiological complete response to treatment and almost all treatment-induced toxicities resolved. An aggressive approach to managing EPSCC is possible with modern radiotherapy techniques, with tolerable treatment-induced toxicities.
Influenza-induced rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Runnstrom Martin , Ebied Alex M , Khoury Adonice Paul , Reddy Raju
Published: December 2018

Rhabdomyolysis is characterised by muscle breakdown with release of damaging proteins that can have devastating consequences. Acute influenza infection is being increasingly recognised as an underlying aetiology. We report an unusual case of severe rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure due to influenza A infection that improved with high-dose oseltamivir and intravenous fluids. In our case, we also noticed a temporal relation between fever spikes and subsequent increase in serum creatine kinase. The precise mechanism between the rise in temperature and creatine kinase is unclear but it could be due to direct viral invasion of myocytes or due to release of new viral progeny following replication in the myocyte.
Bone marrow metastases in salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Asarkar Ameya , Takalkar Amol , Dhawan Manish , Nathan Cherie Ann O
Published: December 2018

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and extremely aggressive salivary gland cancer. An 81-year-old woman with SDC underwent a total parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice and a neck dissection. Following surgery, she was diagnosed with disseminated bone marrow metastases. She underwent chemotherapy and trastuzumab for palliation. We present a case of SDC of the parotid which was diagnosed with disseminated bone marrow metastasis following surgery for the primary. This case also highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion while evaluating highly aggressive tumours like SDC for any atypical findings during workup.
Medullary sponge kidney and Caroli’s disease in a patient with stricture urethra: look for the hidden in presence of the apparent
Authors: Sinha Rahul Janak , Sharma Ashish , Singh Vishwajeet , Pandey Siddharth
Published: December 2018

Caroli’s disease is a rare congenital disorder with incidence rate of approximately 1 in 1 000 000 population. Renal anomalies which may be associated with Caroli’s disease include medullary sponge kidney (MSK), cortical cysts, adult recessive polycystic kidney disease and rarely autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Exact incidence of MSK in patients of Caroli’s disease is not known. There are only a handful of reported cases of this association in literature. We hereby report a case of Caroli’s disease with MSK with nephrocalcinosis. He presented to primary health centre with symptoms of urethral stricture due to lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and was managed with repeated co-axial dilatation but was never evaluated for underlying chronic renal insufficiency due to MSK. The thorough clinical examination and proper evaluation is important in patient of urethral stricture with underlying chronic renal insufficiency to avoid delayed diagnosis, management and related complications.
Brainstem astrocytoma as a neuro-Behçet’s disease mimic
Authors: Manasson Julia , Howard Jonathan , Nowatzky Johannes
Published: December 2018

A 58-year-old man with a history of recurrent aphthous ulcers since childhood was admitted to the hospital with acute neurological decline characterised by loss of motor dexterity, dysarthria, dysphagia and unsteady gait. MRI brain was significant for symmetrical hyperintense T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) in the corticospinal tracts, including parts of the pons and the mesodiencephalic junction. Though initial concern was for neuro-Behçet’s disease, brain biopsy ultimately revealed a diagnosis of astrocytoma. This report demonstrates a mimic of neuro-Behçet’s disease and the importance of confirming the correct diagnosis prior to initiating therapy.
Rifampicin: not always an innocent drug
Authors: Sveroni Dafni , Stefos Aggelos , Rigopoulou Eirini I , Dalekos Georgios N
Published: December 2018

Rifampicin has been widely used due to its broad antibacterial spectrum. Acute haemolysis is a rarely encountered complication of rifampicin. A 58-year-old woman was admitted to our department because of high-grade fever with rigors, accompanied by abdominal and lumbar pain and laboratory evidence of acute haemolysis. She had been treated for brucellosis initially with doxycycline and streptomycin. Due to subsequent appearance of myositis, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin were added for treatment of localised brucellosis. After intravenous administration of rifampicin, the patient deteriorated significantly. After exclusion of other causes of haemolysis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia related to rifampicin was established by strongly positive direct Coombs test. Drug withdrawal in conjunction with intravenous immune globulin and prednisolone resulted in resolution of haemolysis and no relapse in the ensuing 1-year period. Our case highlights the importance of recognising commonly administrative drugs as cause of haemolytic anaemia, that can often be life threatening.
Metastatic adenocarcinoma of mandible: in search of the primary
Authors: Savithri Vindhya , Suresh Rakesh , Janardhanan Mahija , Aravind Thara
Published: December 2018

We present here a case of a 64-year-old female patient who reported with a complaint of pain in the chin region of 3-month duration. The radiographs revealed an irregular radiolucent lesion in the anterior part of the mandible. An incisional biopsy was carried out and the microscopy showed features of adenocarcinoma. Suspecting a metastatic lesion, the patient was then sent for whole body examination which showed a mass in the lungs. A whole body scan also showed metastasis to other organs such as kidney, gallbladder and vertebrae. This case is unusual in that the patient complained only of a vague jaw pain with no other systemic symptoms even in the presence of widespread disease.
Thyroxine-induced periodic paralysis: a rare complication of nutritional supplements
Authors: Cheema Muhammad Arslan , Zain Muhammad Abdullah , Cheema Khadija , Ullah Waqas
Published: December 2018

The consumption of daily nutritional supplements has risen dramatically all over the world. Many people believe that dietary supplements, if not useful, are at least safe to fulfil small dietary gaps. Many nutritional supplements have not been approved by Federal Drug Administration due to their unregulated active ingredients, but they are available as over the counter. One of the active ingredients, exogenous triiodothyronine (T3), has been reported in dietary supplements. We present a case of sudden onset of tetraparesis. Laboratory workup showed hypokalaemia, low thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine (T4) but normal T3 and thyroglobulin levels. The radioiodine uptake scan also showed reduced uptake. After aggressive serum potassium correction and stopping supplements, his condition got improved. So the suspicion of exogenous T3-induced thyrotoxic periodic paralysis was confirmed.
Definition of a Framework for Acquiring and Acquisition Subprocesses in a Collective Knowledge Processing in the Integrated Management Information System
Authors: Hernes Marcin , Nguyen Ngoc Thanh
Published: December 2018

Efficient operation of the integrated management information systems (IMISs), especially multi-agent systems, is related to their ability to automatically process collective knowledge. On the basis of this knowledge the decision-making process is realized in the business organizations. This paper presents issues related to framework for acquiring and acquisition subprocesses in a collective knowledge of business organization processing in IMIS. The main novelty of the developed framework is the coverage of all the areas of operation of an organization. Additionally, the inter-area knowledge for automatic strategic-level decision-making has been taken into consideration. The main improvements of this framework are that it allows for processing of the whole collective knowledge of business organization and it can be directly implemented in IMIS.
Lupinus mutabilis Edible Beans Protect against Bacterial Infection in Uroepithelial Cells
Authors: Kamolvit Witchuda , Nilsén Vera , Zambrana Silvia , Mohanty Soumitra , Gonzales Eduardo , Östenson Claes-Göran , Brauner Annelie
Published: December 2018

Lupinus mutabilis is a South American herb with edible beans, known to reduce serum glucose levels in diabetic patients. Furthermore, L. mutabilis contains phytochemicals known to decrease bacterial load. Based on the increased urinary tract infections experienced among patients with diabetes, we investigated the effect of L. mutabilis on bladder epithelial cells in the protection of E. coli infection during normal and high glucose concentrations. We did not observe any direct antibacterial effect by L. mutabilis extract. Instead we observed an influence on the host cells, with indirect impact on bacteria and their possibility of causing infection. L. mutabilis extract decreased adhesion to bladder epithelial cells of uropathogenic bacteria, including drug‐resistant strains. Moreover, uroplakin1a, involved in adhesion, was downregulated while the antimicrobial peptide RNase 7 was upregulated in L. mutabilis treated cells irrespectively of glucose concentration. This supports an early effect fighting bacteria. Additionally, L. mutabilis prevented bacterial biofilm formation, which is used by bacteria to evade the immune system and antibiotics. In summary, L. mutabilis protects against bacterial infection in uroepithelial cells by preventing adhesion through alteration of the cell surface, increasing antimicrobial peptide expression, and reducing biofilm formation. Together, this promotes bacterial clearance, suggesting that L. mutabilis as extract or as a dietary item can contribute to the prevention of urinary tract infections, which is of importance in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance.
An Indoor and Outdoor Positioning Using a Hybrid of Support Vector Machine and Deep Neural Network Algorithms
Authors: Adege Abebe Belay , Lin Hsin-Piao , Tarekegn Getaneh Berie , Munaye Yirga Yayeh , Yen Lei
Published: December 2018

Indoor and outdoor positioning lets to offer universal location services in industry and academia. Wi-Fi and Global Positioning System (GPS) are the promising technologies for indoor and outdoor positioning, respectively. However, Wi-Fi-based positioning is less accurate due to the vigorous changes of environments and shadowing effects. GPS-based positioning is also characterized by much cost, highly susceptible to the physical layouts of equipment, power-hungry, and sensitive to occlusion. In this paper, we propose a hybrid of support vector machine (SVM) and deep neural network (DNN) to develop scalable and accurate positioning in Wi-Fi-based indoor and outdoor environments. In the positioning processes, we primarily construct real datasets from indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi-based environments. Secondly, we apply linear discriminate analysis (LDA) to construct a projected vector that uses to reduce features without affecting information contents. Thirdly, we construct a model for positioning through the integration of SVM and DNN. Fourthly, we use online datasets from unknown locations and check the missed radio signal strength (RSS) values using the feed-forward neural network (FFNN) algorithm to fill the missed values. Fifthly, we project the online data through an LDA-based projected vector. Finally, we test the positioning accuracies and scalabilities of a model created from a hybrid of SVM and DNN. The whole processes are implemented using Python 3.6 programming language in the TensorFlow framework. The proposed method provides accurate and scalable positioning services in different scenarios. The results also show that our proposed approach can provide scalable positioning, and 100% of the estimation accuracies are with errors less than 1 m and 1.9 m for indoor and outdoor positioning, respectively.
Fn14 Deficiency Ameliorates Anti-dsDNA IgG-Induced Glomerular Damage in SCID Mice
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Min Xiaoyun , Wang Li , Yang Jie , Wang Ping , Liu Xingyin , Xia Yumin
Published: December 2018

Many studies have demonstrated that anti-dsDNA IgG is closely associated with lupus nephritis. Recently, it was found that activation of the fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) signaling pathway damages glomerular filtration barrier in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. However, MRL/lpr mice have high titers of serum autoantibodies other than anti-dsDNA IgG. The aim of this study was to further explore the effect of Fn14 deficiency on anti-dsDNA IgG-induced glomerular damage in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice that have no endogenous IgG. Fn14 deficiency was generated in SCID mice. The murine hybridoma cells producing control IgG or anti-dsDNA IgG were intraperitoneally injected into mice. In two weeks, the urine, serum, and kidney tissue samples were harvested from mice at sacrifice. It showed that the injection of anti-dsDNA IgG, but not control IgG hybridoma cells, induced proteinuria and glomerular damage in SCID mice. Between the wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice injected with anti-dsDNA IgG hybridoma cells, the latter showed a decrease in both proteinuria and glomerular IgG deposition. The histopathological changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine production were also attenuated in the kidneys of the Fn14-KO mice upon anti-dsDNA IgG injection. Therefore, Fn14 deficiency effectively protects SCID mice from anti-dsDNA IgG-induced glomerular damage.
Rapid, Chemical-Free Generation of Optically Scattering Structures in Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Using a CO2 Laser for Lightweight and Flexible Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Hodgson Simon D. , Gillett Alice R.
Published: December 2018

Highly light scattering structures have been generated in a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film using a CO2 laser. The haze, and in some cases the transparency, of the PET films have been improved by varying the processing parameters of the laser (namely, scanning velocity, laser output power, and spacing between processed tracks). When compared with the unprocessed PET, the haze has improved from an average value of 3.26% to a peak of 55.42%, which equates to an absolute improvement of 52.16% or a 17-fold increase. In addition to the optical properties, the surfaces have been characterised using optical microscopy and mapped with an optical profilometer. Key surface parameters that equate to the amount and structure of surface roughness and features have been analysed. The CO2 laser generates microstructures at high speed, without affecting the bulk properties of the material, and is inherently a chemical-free process making it particularly applicable for use in industry, fitting well with the high-throughput, roll to roll processes associated with the production of flexible organic photovoltaic devices.
Harmonic Susceptibility Study of DC Collection Network Based on Frequency Scan and Discrete Time-Domain Modelling Approach
Authors: Imbaquingo Carlos Enrique , Sarrà Eduard , Isernia Nicola , Tonellotto Alberto , Chen Yu-Hsing , Dincan Catalin Gabriel , Kjær Philip , Bak Claus Leth , Wang Xiongfei
Published: December 2018

The equivalent model of offshore DC power collection network for the harmonic susceptibility study is proposed based on the discrete time-domain modelling technique and frequency scan approach in the frequency domain. The proposed methodology for modelling a power converter and a DC collection system in the frequency domain can satisfy harmonic studies of any configuration of wind farm network and thereby find suitable design of power components and array network. The methodology is intended to allow studies on any configuration of the wind power collection, regardless of choice of converter topology, array cable configuration, and control design. To facilitate harmonic susceptibility study, modelling DC collection network includes creating the harmonic model of the DC turbine converter and modelling the array network. The current harmonics within the DC collection network are obtained in the frequency domain to identify the resonance frequency of the array network and potential voltage amplification issues, where the harmonic model of the turbine converter is verified by the comparison of the converter switching model in the PLECS™ circuit simulation tool and laboratory test bench, and show a good agreement.
Gut Microbiota as a Prospective Therapeutic Target for Curcumin: A Review of Mutual Influence
Authors: Zam Wissam
Published: December 2018

Background. Turmeric is a spice that has recently received much interest and has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric products are diarylheptanoids and have been characterized as safe. They are termed as curcuminoids that consists essentially of three major compounds: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenol that has poor systemic bioavailability and suffers from biotransformation by human intestinal microflora to yield different metabolites that are easily conjugated to glucuronides and sulfate O-conjugated derivatives. Recently, an increasing number of studies have indicated that dysbiosis is linked with many metabolic diseases, though gut microbiota could be a novel potential therapeutic target. Scope and Approach. Thus, it is suspected that curcumin and its derivatives exert direct regulative effects on the gut microbiota which could explain the paradox between curcumin’s poor systemic bioavailability and its widely reported pharmacological activities. Key Findings and Conclusions. This article summarizes a range of studies that highlight the interaction between curcumin and gut microbiota and considers opportunities for microbiome-targeting therapies using turmeric extract.
Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Subsequent Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome in the ELIXA: The Importance of Disease Duration
Authors: Seferovic Jelena P. , Bentley-Lewis Rhonda , Claggett Brian , Diaz Rafael , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Køber Lars V. , Lawson Francesca C. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Maggioni Aldo P. , McMurray John J. V. , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Riddle Matthew C. , Solomon Scott D. , Tardif Jean-Claude , Pfeffer Marc A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction. We investigated the association of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy with increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events in 6068 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) enrolled in the Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA). Methods. History of retinopathy and neuropathy as well as duration of T2DM were self-reported at screening. Proportional hazards regression models were used to assess relationships between retinopathy, neuropathy, and recurrent CV events. Results. At screening, retinopathy and neuropathy were reported in 10.7% and 17.5% of patients, respectively, while 5.7% reported both. When adjusted for randomized treatment only, both retinopathy and neuropathy were associated with a primary composite outcome (CV death, nonfatal MI, stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina) (retinopathy: HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19–1.75; neuropathy: HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.12–1.57), CV composite (CV death, nonfatal MI, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure (HF)) (retinopathy: HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.31–1.88; neuropathy: HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.19–1.62), myocardial infarction (retinopathy: HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.76; neuropathy: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.54), HF hospitalization (retinopathy: HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.48–2.78; neuropathy: HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.30–2.27), and all-cause mortality (retinopathy: HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.28–2.12; neuropathy: HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.78). When included in the same model, and adjusted for T2DM duration, there were no independent associations of either with CV outcomes, while T2DM duration remained strongly associated with all outcomes. Addition of demographic characteristics and CV risk factors did not further alter these relationships. Conclusions. In patients with T2DM and recent ACS, a history of retinopathy and/or neuropathy and longer T2DM duration could be considered clinical markers for high risk of recurrent CV events. This trial is registered with the ELIXA (Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome), ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT01147250.
Properties of Ready Mixed Acrylic Paste for Exterior Insulation Using Pozzolanic Materials and Atomizing Slag
Authors: Song Sung-Yong , Ryu Hwa-Sung , Shin Sang-Heon , Kim Deuck-Mo , Park Won-Jun
Published: December 2018

Ready mixed acrylic paste (RMAP) is a material used in exterior insulation systems of buildings; it consists of liquids and aggregates. However, it is considerably difficult to use an admixture to control the physical properties of the RMAP owing to problems associated with strength and workability. Thus, to improve the properties of RMAP, this study evaluates the properties of a mortar produced with RMAP as well as pozzolanic materials and atomizing slag, which is a by‐product from the steelmaking industry. It was observed that if the density difference is large, a liquid RMAP may experience segregation. Through our experiments, we confirm that segregation resistance could be achieved even at 20% atomizing slag, which has a high density, by increasing the viscosity by approximately 1000 cP through the use of 10% fly ash and 3% metakaolin in the RMAP. Despite the increase in viscosity with the addition of the atomizing slag, the flow of the RMAP increased from 160 to 175 mm due to the spherical particle shape of the slag; in addition, the strength and water absorption coefficient also improved. In particular, the adhesion tension increased from 1.8 N/mm2 to 2.4 N/mm2 or higher.
Receding Horizon Unbiased FIR Filters and Their Application to Sea Target Tracking
Authors: Skorohod Boris
Published: December 2018

Finite impulse response (FIR) state estimation algorithms have been much discussed in literature lately. It is well known that they allow overcoming the Kalman filter divergence caused by modeling uncertainties. In this paper, new receding horizon unbiased FIR filters ignoring noise statistics for time-varying discrete state-space models are proposed. They have the following advantages. First, the proposed filters use only known means of state vector components at starting points of sliding windows. This allows us to take into account priory statistical information (on average) about specified movements of the system. Second, the iterative version of the filter has a Kalman-like form. Besides, its initialization does not include a training cycle in a batch form. Such filters may have a wide range of applications. In this paper, position and speed estimation of sea targets using angle measurements in azimuth and elevation is considered as an example.